Feb

Top Ten Reasons to Visit Fairfield this Spring

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Take a Break to Tour, Taste & Learn by Fred Sater

Photos by Barbara L. Steinberg

Days are getting longer, temperatures are warming up and there is a hint of spring in the air. If you’re suffering from cabin fever, don’t despair, your tonic is only a few miles away in good natured Fairfield!

Fairfield Suisun Valley Gordon Valley Road Credit Barbara Steinberg

Conveniently located along Interstate 80 between San Francisco and Sacramento, Fairfield is the ideal destination to enjoy a springtime escape. Visitors can expect an array of lodging choices and packages, wineries to discover, delicious dining options, unique attractions, and plenty of special events and activities to chase away the wintertime blues.

So, put away your umbrella and overcoat and check out this list of ten popular things to do and see this spring.

1. Brunch with the Bunnies at Jelly Belly. Bring your children to the Jelly Belly Factory in Fairfield on Saturday, April 3 between 10:30 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. for a special brunch with Wendell & Wendy Bunnies and Mr. Jelly Belly. In addition to a delicious meal, there will be entertainment and goody bags for the kids. The brunch takes place in the Grand Bean Room on the second floor of the Jelly Belly Visitor Center. Don’t forget to take a FREE factory tour and sample some of the more than 5o flavors from Cream Soda and Root Beer to Mango and Marshmallow, and new this year, Honey Bean flavor. Price for Brunch: $21.98 per person and FREE for children 2 & under. For reservations, visit www.JellyBelly.com. Be sure to bring your camera!

2. What’s New Cupcake at Jelly Belly. Cupcake book authors Karen Tack and Alan Richardson will be teaching a hands-on cupcake decorating class at Jelly Belly celebrating their newly released book – What’s New Cupcake. The workshop takes place at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 13 in the Grand Bean Room at the Jelly Belly Center. The authors’ first cupcake book was a national hit and New York Times best seller. Cost: $29.99 per person (children 5 and up). A book signing follows at 3:00 p.m. For reservations, visit www.JellyBelly.com.

3. Scenic Limited Wildflower Excursions at the Western Railway Museum. The Western Railway Museum at Rio Vista Junction will be running special Scenic Limited trains every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday in April at 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 2 p.m. to view wildflowers, such as poppies, goldfields, brass buttons, vetch, and sheep’s sorrel. The Scenic Limited takes visitors five miles down the old Sacramento Northern Railway, south from Highway 12. During the hour long train ride, passengers will have an opportunity to view impressive displays of native wildflowers that cover the hillsides and fields. Fares: $10 for Adults; $9 for Seniors (65 years and older); and $7 for Children (ages 2 – 14). First Class service is $5 extra. (707) 374-2978. www.WRM.org.

Fairfield Suisun Valley Ag Wayfarer Signs Credit Barbara Ste

4. Taste Award-Winning Wines at Suisun Valley Wine Passport Event. Tour the Suisun Valley wine country on Sunday, April 18 and visit participating wineries – the Suisun Valley Wine Cooperative, featuring wines from five distinctively different family-owned wineries – Bask Cellars, Blacksmith Cellars, King Andrews Vineyards, Sunset Cellars, and WinterHawk Winery; Blue Victorian Vineyards; Ledgewood Creek Winery and Vineyards; Wooden Valley Winery and Vineyards; and Vezér Family Vineyard – for wine tasting and food pairing. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Ticket Price: $25 for passport or $15 for designated driver. www.SuisunValley.com.

5. Experience Rush Ranch During Their 20th Annual Open House. Enjoy a celebration of nature, art, music, dancing, and traditional crafts at Rush Ranch, a Solano Land Trust property on Grizzly Island, on Saturday, April 24 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Activities include guided walks to Suisun Marsh, horse drawn wagon rides by Access Adventure, live music, square dancing, weaving and spinning, wood carving, flint knapping, local Native American culture, horseshoeing, blacksmithing, bats, falconry, farm animals, raffle, and art show. New this year is a Ranch Life Children’s Interactive Art Station. Admission is FREE. (707) 422-4491 or (707) 432-0150, ext. 200. www.RushRanch.net or www.SolanoLandTrust.org.

Access Adventure Rush Ranch Open Space Credit Bill Becher 2009

6. Take a carriage ride with Access Adventure. Rush Ranch serves as the headquarters for Access Adventure, which offers programs of recreational carriage driving for individuals and groups of people living with mobility challenges, their caregivers, friends, family and supporters. Access Adventure can accommodate up to six wheelchair riders at a time in their Thornlea carriages that have solar powered, battery operated wheelchair lifts. The carriage is usually pulled by two black Percheron draft horses. Not limited to wheelchair users, the Access Adventure carriage rides are offered from late April through October. Michael Muir, the great-grandson of conservationist John Muir, founded Access Adventure in 2005 and serves as the program’s director today. (707) 432-0152. www.Access-Adventure.org.

7. Tee it Up at a Fairfield Golf Course. Fairfield is home to the top two 18-hole golf courses in Solano County – Paradise Valley and Rancho Solano. Paradise Valley, praised as being the number one golf course in Solano County and best value in the North Bay area, has a spectacular layout that is enhanced by oak studded fairways and meandering creeks. It’s a favorite for golfers who enjoy a walking round of golf and is playable for golfers of all abilities. Rancho Solano, known for having a beautiful country-club-like setting, has an alluring layout with hilly terrain and undulated greens that add character to the golf course. Scenic lakes, elevated tees and well placed bunkers provide interesting features that contribute to the excitement of playing this course. Several other challenging courses are an easy drive from Fairfield.

8. Go Behind the Scenes on an Anheuser-Busch Beermaster Tour. The Beermaster Tour takes a look at the brewing of Budweiser and includes a visit to the Brew House, Finishing Cellar, Lager Cellar, and packaging facility. The two-hour tour concludes in the Hospitality Room with a product flight demonstration and product sampling. Participants will receive a variety of gifts compliments of Anheuser-Busch. Cost: $25 for adults and $10 for youth ages 13 to 20. Guests 13 to 20 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. For reservations, call (707) 429-7595 or e-mail fairfieldbrewerytour@budweisertours.com.

Fairfield Favelos Fusion Fresh Squeezed Lime for Margaritas

9. Savor some Delicious Dining Options. The Hilton Garden Inn provides a 4-star experience at Ahi Seafood & Chops, featuring unforgettable delights using the freshest ingredients. Enjoy fine Italian cooking at Vintage Caffe at Mankas Corner. Relax in comfortable surroundings and enjoy homemade favorites. Fantastic artwork isn't the only enjoyment at Favela’s Fusion, a favorite for Mexican cuisine. Stocked with 43 different tequilas and noted that the margaritas use traditional agave syrup instead of Triple Sec. Chinese-Asian fusion dining and a hip bar scene provide unexpected culinary delights at the Sticky Rice Chinese Bistro & Bar. Outdoor seating is a nice option on a mild spring evening. If you’re planning a picnic, stop by Canepa’s Deli, an old-world-style Italian deli in downtown Fairfield for sandwiches, salads and pre-made foods to go. Bon Appetit!

Fairfield Art Explosion Texas Street Credit Barbara Steinber

10. Art is in the Eye of the Beholder. Now through March 27, experience more than 100 works of art at the 47th Annual Regional Juried Art Show produced by the Fairfield Visual Arts Association. Some 400 artists, nationwide, submit entries representing all medium – oil, watercolor, ceramic, fiber, textile, photography, and more. Entries are judged and displayed at the Fairfield Center Gallery at the Fairfield Center for Creative Arts at 1035 Texas Street in downtown Fairfield. The exhibit is open Thursday through Saturday from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is FREE. www.FairfieldVisualArts.org.

Take your time exploring what Fairfield and the surrounding area has to offer and stay in one of the city’s 18 hotels that offer affordable and comfortable overnight accommodations. Stay and play, or tour the region – either way, Fairfield is the perfect base camp for a spring escape.

To help plan a visit to Good Natured Fairfield, call the Fairfield Tourism Association at (707) 399-2445 or visit www.Fairfield4Fun.com

Barbara L. Steinberg is a member of:

Categories : Attractions, Barbara's Bites, Events, Fine Hotels, Places, Sports, Travel, Wildlife

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Feb

Facebook the ultimate social network

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The following article was originally published in the Sacramento News & Review, January 21, 2010. This episode in my life still has me wondering. There are still no answers. Dale would probably tell me to stop asking questions.

Connection with Dale

An encounter on Facebook made one writer look at social networking in a new light

By Barbara L Steinberg More stories by this author...

The word of the day is reconnected.

“I just reconnected with so-and-so!” It’s the latest thing, thanks to the magic of Facebook and the great pastime called “social networking.” Honestly, I never understood the phenomenon, or the fascination with spending hours and hours recounting pointless bits of information. Was this really reconnecting?

But a recent Facebook encounter has me looking at social networking in a whole new light. It also has me asking some big questions of the universe.

Recently I decided to attempt a modern-day, Facebook reconnect with a friend from the past named Dale H. The two of us met in 1986, dated briefly and then went our separate ways.

Thursday, December 3: Just a few keystrokes and poof! Simple! I located Dale on Facebook and sent him a message.

Friday, December 4: Dale responded. He was happy to hear from me and provided a phone number. We made voice contact. He was living in Los Angeles but spending time in Sacramento caring for his elderly parents.

Saturday, December 5: We are supposed to get together, but missed the opportunity. He had things going on.

Sunday, December 6: We spoke again and say we’ll hook up sometime in the next week or two. Maybe breakfast at the Fox & Goose where we met 23 years ago?

Wednesday, December 9: My cell phone rang. “This is Barbara,” I said.

A woman’s voice asks, “Do you know Dale H.?” I said yes.

“This is his daughter,” the voice told me. “I wanted to let you know my dad died this morning.”

Needless to say, I was stunned. Dale was a young man, just 51 years old.

I was left to wonder, “Why? Why now? Why Facebook?” Was this another case of “Be careful what you wish for”? Or was there some other ultimate social-networking lesson to be learned?

Esoterically, a friend told me, “Somehow, he reached out to you to find him.” And I liked that explanation and that idea that, somehow, the phenomenon of social networking brought us back together, even if just for a moment. His family didn’t know who to call and found my number on his cell phone. I had a few people I could reach to let them know what had happened to Dale—some, strangely enough, through his Facebook account.

I have told this story of my ultimate social-networking experience repeatedly to family, friends and strangers. Thanks to Dale, I now say to everyone: If there’s someone out there you’re missing … someone you have wanted to find—reach out and reconnect. Don’t wait!

Here's the rest of the Facebook story....

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Categories : Fine Hotels, People, Personal

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Feb

More social networking from California: A Letter

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Seeking Dana Smith by Barbara L. Steinberg

February 26, 2010

Dear Mrs. Smith –

May I call you Dana? Now that I am nearly 54 years old it seems appropriate.

I don’t know if you will remember me…though I believe you will. You were my English teacher (freshman and senior years [1970-1971 & 1973-1974]) at W. T. Woodson High School. This is not the first letter I have written you. I wrote to you after I graduated from high school and thanked you for coming into my life! Here I am again.

You and I bumped heads that first year, 1970. Diagramming sentences and all those English technicalities drove me crazy; I was so bored. You may have suffered some of the same boredom.

My senior year (1973-1974) with you included media/marketing and writing courses. What an eye-opener for me! Those experiences would eventually figure into my professional life in so many ways. In my senior yearbook you wrote, “I expect to be buying your books soon,” Good Luck, D. Smith. That was the most powerful and memorable thing anyone had ever said to me.

After graduating, I told you all of this in a letter. After moving to California, I stopped by to say ‘hello’ and let you know what was going on in my life. You told me that you and your husband (whom I never met) were moving to Kentucky. I believe you said he was a photographer and planned to open a studio. Again, this is what I think was said. I don’t remember if you said where in Kentucky or (specifically) when you were going.

I don’t recall if we spoke again, but I have thought of you often.

I have been looking for you for a long time. I stopped by and called WTW – the English department, the principal – no one responded. I contacted the teachers association. Each time I explained, but no one seemed interested. I have looked online. Searched through www.WhitePages.com, Google searches, and people-finder websites. Someone from my graduating class knows someone who is currently on staff in the English Department. They were going to do some asking on my behalf, but then I never heard anything more.

I posted the following on Facebook believing that this ‘six degrees of separation’ Mecca would find someone out there who recognized you. Or maybe even find you!

Barbara Steinberg I am still hoping to find Dana Smith who taught English at W.T. Woodson back in the '70s. She was still in Fairfax the last time I saw her but she said planning to move to Kentucky. Her husband was a photographer (I think this is what I remember). December 13, 2009 at 8:38pm

Why is it so important that I find you? Because I want to thank you…again! Thank you for seeing something in me when I was only 17-years-old. Something no one else had noticed or nurtured. My life took many paths; all of them leading to my life as a writer and editor. Though I have been writing my whole life, I wasn't professionally published until my mid 30s. For 16 years I was the director of publications for California Tourism. For three years (2006-2009) I was self-employed doing freelance writing and a little PR/Marketing on the side. Most of my work has dealt with marketing California as a travel destination and I still do that work today.

I have often talked about what you taught me about the power of marketing. And, ironically, one of the first places I visited in California was the Hearst Castle…all because you had us watch Citizen Kane. That’s true! And from time-to-time, I take out my yearbook just to re-read your message. There are a couple of books I want to write, but finding the time is a major stumbling block. Your words of support may bring that to fruition someday.

I hope this letter reaches you! I want you to know that after 36 years I still remember and thank you from the bottom of my heart. In the meantime, others will know about the power of few well-placed words. Years later I still remember.

Love- Barbara

PS – Just before my senior year I visited a friend in the UK. Her mother, Joan, was a travel writer. When she explained this concept to me I said, “That’s a job?! I want that job.” I was just 17 years old and was just getting ready to begin my senior year in your class. The Universe, and D. Smith, saw the writing on the wall.

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February 26, 2010

Dear Mrs. Smith –

May I call you Dana? Now that I am nearly 54 years old it seems appropriate.

You and I bumped heads that first year, 1970. Diagramming sentences and all those English technicalities drove me crazy; I was so bored. You may have suffered some of the same boredom.

My senior year (1973-1974) with you included media/marketing and writing courses. What an eye-opener for me! These experiences would eventually figure into my professional life in so many ways. In my senior yearbook you wrote, “I expect to be buying your books soon,” Good Luck, D. Smith. That was the most powerful and memorable thing anyone had ever said to me.

After graduating, I told you all this in a letter. After moving to California, I stopped by to say ‘hello’ and let you know what was going on in my life. You told me that you and your husband (whom I never met) were moving to Kentucky. I believe you said he was a photographer and planned to open a studio. Again, this is what I think was said. I don’t remember if you said where in Kentucky or (specifically) when you were going.

I don’t recall if we spoke again, but I have thought of you often.

I posted the following on Facebook believing that this ‘six degrees of separation’ Mecca would find someone out there who recognized you. Or maybe even find you!

Why is it so important that I find you? Because I want to thank you…again! Thank you for seeing something in me when I was only 17-years-old. Something no one else had noticed or nurtured. My life took many paths; all of them leading to my life as a writer and editor. I published my first feature travel article in my mid 30s and have been writing professionally ever since. For three years (2006-2009) I was self-employed doing freelance writing and a little PR/Marketing on the side. Most of my work deals with marketing California as a travel destination and I still do that work today.

I have often talked about what you taught me about the power of marketing. And, ironically, one of the first places I visited in California was the Hearst Castle…all because you had us watch Citizen Kane. That’s true! And from time-to-time I take out my yearbook just to re-read your message. There are a couple of books I want to write, but finding the time is a major stumbling block. Your words of support may bring that to fruition someday.

I hope this letter reaches you! I want you to know that after 36 years I still remember and thank you from the bottom of my heart. In the meantime, others will know about the power of few well-placed words. Clearly, 37 years later I still remember.

Love- Barbara

PS – Just before my senior year I visited an friend in the UK. Her mother, Joan, was a travel writer. When she explained this concept to me I said, “That’s a job?! I want that job.” I was just 17 years old. The Universe, and D. Smith, saw the writing on the wall.

www.CaliforniaTravelInsider.com

Categories : Fine Hotels, People, Personal

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Feb

Desert wildflower tours at Ocotillo Wells

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Ocotillo Wells: Free Wildflower Tours Start Thursday, February 25, 2010

Ocotillo Buds Courtesy of Ca State Parks

Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area anticipates a tremendous wildflower bloom this year due to the recent rains. Such plants as the Sand Verbena, Spanish Needles, Orcutt’s Aster, Ocotillo, Desert Sunflower, and Evening Primrose are all expected to be showing off their beautiful colors. (Photos available upon request or visit the park link below

Daily wildflower exhibits and interpretive staff are available in the district office.

For those that prefer solitude, self guided tours will be available at the Native Plant Garden and the Nature Loop Trail. Laminated signs will be placed throughout these trails to assist all visitors with their wildflower experience.

The popular Wildflower Program guide is returning for its second year of publication. The free, eight-page guide features full color photos of the flowers you’ll mostly likely find in the park. Each photo is accompanied by the flower’s common name, scientific name, how common the flower is, and where it is likely to be found.

After seeing the flowers, visitors can learn about some of the park’s unique qualities by visiting such places as Shell Reef and Gas Domes. The park also has many interpretive geocaches. Camping is also available throughout the park.

Free wildflower trading cards are offered at the various interpretive features as a memento to help bring back memories of your visit. The more you see, the more cards you can collect. Remember that the flowers need to stay in the park so that they can be enjoyed next year, so no picking please.

For three weeks only, wildflowers permitting, Ocotillo Wells SVRA will host a variety of wildflower tours and programs starting on Thursday: • Twice-daily walking tours start at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. lasting two hours. The last wildflower walking tour for the season will be held on March 14. • Twice-weekly off-road driving tours will be held Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9 a.m., lasting about four hours. The last seasonal wildflower driving tour will be on March 11. • Weekend Junior Ranger activities for children, ages 7-12, are available between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., lasting 30-40 minutes for each activity. The last wildflower-related Junior Ranger activity will be held through March 14 • A digital photography workshop will be held March 3, 10, and 13 at 9 a.m. The six-hour workshop will focus on the best way to take great wildflower photos. For detailed information on all programs please call 760-767-5393.

Ocotillo Wells SVRA is located off of Highway 78 in both San Diego and Imperial counties . The park provides 85,000 acres of off-highway motor vehicle recreation in the Southern California desert. It is open to the public 24-hours a day, seven days a week.

For additional information park please contact the Ocotillo Wells SVRA District Office at 760-767-5391 or visit the website at www.ohv.parks.ca.gov.

Discover Spring Wildflowers in other California State Parks

Categories : Attractions, Calfiornia desert, Events, Fine Hotels, Places, Travel, desert, state parks, wildflower season, wildflowers

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Feb

Down Under Cover is Made in California

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Born in the USA...Right Here in California! by Barbara L. Steinberg

It's amazing that anyone thinks to start a business today. Any business. And more shocking still to find that not only have they created a product utilizing good old fashioned American ingenuity but one that's made right here on American soil. Good grief. Manufacturing! What will they think of next?

Thanks to holiday infomercials you've all seen too much of the "Snuggie" and, sadly, many of you know it firsthand. A blanket with sleeves...who invents this stuff? Honestly, I have no idea what or where Snuggie came from. Or what it's made from. The ads say "fleece". Well Snuggie beware...The Down Under Cover has arrived!

The Down Under Cover doesn't have sleeves. I don't know about you, but my hands have never been "trapped" by any blanket. The Down Under Cover is soft and warm and great for just lying around the house. BUT the All Weather Warmer is all that and more...and is perfect for the great outdoors. water- and slip-resistant! The outer covering is made from rip stop nylon DWR that has a durable water resistant coating and is windproof. The interior is lined with the famous Polartec® Classic 300™ Double Velour that is soft and very warm. That sounds good and far more information then you'll find on the "snug" site. Better still, it's made right here in San Francisco, California. Gosh darn US of A and says so right on the label...right on the ad...right on the website. Not only do I know where it was made...I know who made it. I met Doug Snyder at the San Francisco Bay Flyway Festival on Mare Island in Vallejo, California. No infomercial in sight!

I hate to tell you that you can't get two Down Under Covers for the unbelievable price of $19.99 plus shipping and handling. And you won't get two "FREE" book lights as a bonus just for ordering right now! What you will get is a quality product that's made here in California, by a Californian. And if you want to spend time outdoors -- on your boat fishing or in some field waiting for that perfect photo -- the All Weather Warmer won't fail you. But I'm thinking that Snuggie will!

I wish Doug and his DUC a Made in California success story! You can make it so.

Categories : California Homegrown, Fine Hotels, Shop Shop Shop

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Feb

Darrell Mansfield Blues and Valentine’s Red

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Winterhawk Winery in Fairfield California Features

Reds, Whites, & Blues Valentine's Day Weekend

Winterhawk Winery hosts their weekly

Wine By the Glass

Just in Time for Valentine's Day

February 13, 2010, 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.

4537 Abernathy Road

Fairfield, California

Featuring the mellow sounds of Darrell Mansfield along with the Used Blues Band. Enjoy great wine, dancing, homemade pizza, and the best of life in the country. All for $5 per person.

Just in time for Valentine's Day...come for the weekend and enjoy the beautiful Suisun Valley wineries. Spend a romantic day and night in Fairfield. Nearby hotels adjacent to Suisun Valley are the perfect end to a perfect day. Wake-up on Valentine's Day and head back to the Valley for wine tasting and beautiful views at other Suisun Valley wineries.

Categories : Attractions, Events, Fine Hotels, Food and Drink, Parties, Travel

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Jan

Yosemite’s Badger Pass Ski Area at 75 Years

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California's Badger Pass Ski Area Celebrates with Weekend Festivities

    75th Anniversary Weekend Schedule of Events - Ski Like its 1935

     Ski Races, Torch Light Parade & Live Music Highlight Historic Events

     Celebrating First Ski Area in the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range

Yosemite National Park's Badger Pass Ski Area will roll out the "white" carpet (of snow) to commemorate its 75th anniversary of outdoor family fun at the Sierra Nevada's first ski area. During the weekend of Saturday, January 23 and Sunday, January 24, unique activities celebrating the history of skiing at Badger Pass will delight all winter enthusiasts in attendance.

The festivities begin at 9:00am on January 23 when Delaware North Companies will offer free lift tickets to anyone showing up at Badger Pass over the anniversary weekend dressed in a 1930s-period ski outfit:

Saturday, January 23, 2010

* 9:30am - Guided Cross Country Ski Tours down the Chinquapin Trail, used prior to the existence of Badger Pass in the early 1930s to access Old Badger Summit for downhill skiing

* 10:00am, 1:30pm & 4:30pm - Historic Badger Pass film (three showings),               accumulated over the decades.

* 11:00am to 4:00pm - Trivia Contest based the history of Badger Pass. Visitors to     the ski area will be able to review interpretive story board exhibits to obtain clues to questions, and the person with the most correct answers will win a prize.

* 12:00pm - Band: Akoustik 2 will perform contemporary covers of popular tunes at     the Badger Pass Day Lodge.

* 1:00pm - Slalom Ski Race: a NASTAR-style open slalom race will take place on the Chipmunk Run. There will be different age brackets for skiing, snowboarding and telemark skiing competitions.

* 1:00pm - Nic Fiore Impressions & Yodeling: come see locals muster up their best impressions of the     former Ambassador of Badger Pass, Nic Fiore, at the Day Lodge.

* 4:00pm - Cake cutting ceremony celebrating the 75th anniversary at the Badger Pass Day Lodge.

* 5:45pm - Torch Light Parade commences from the top of the Eagle run, consisting of skiers making their way down the hill in a serpentine fashion carrying torches of fire.

* 6:30pm - Late Badger Pass shuttle service departs to Yosemite Valley

Sunday, January 24, 2010

* 9:30am - Guided Cross Country Ski Tours down the Chinquapin Trail

* 11:00am to 4:00pm - Trivia Contest

* 12:00pm - Band - Akoustik 2

* All Day - Historic Badger Pass film looping on Badger Pass closed circuit TV

For more information about the weekend's activities, visit www.BadgerPass.com, or call 209.372.8430.

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Categories : Attractions, Events, Fine Hotels, Travel

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Jan

New dining Shabu in Midtown Sacramento

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Well Really, Shabu Shabu by Barbara L. Steinberg

Finally! At last! OMG! Sacramento has something new to cheer about in the food realm. It's not another sushi bar. Nope, not Mexican. Not Thai. Not just expensive libations. Though I love all of those. It is...drum roll please...shabu shabu. The owner of Shabu, John Voong, simplifies for some (myself included) and calls it Japanese fondue. The only similarity is that you cook your meats and veggies in a bubbling cauldron of amazing broth. (I chose spicy miso.) But that's where the similarities end. I don't want to begin to try and explain Shabu. Just go and experience this for yourself. This isn't a Japanese steak house where food and sharp objects somersault through the air.

I have longed for something new in Sacramento's ever-expanding dining scene. And I was positively giddy after dining at Shabu for the first time. In fact, you couldn't knock the smile off my face. I had to tell someone...so I called my friend Judith. She's traveled the world...she loves good food...she lives in Midtown...I knew I had to share the good news with someone who would care. Someone who would get why this was so exciting.

The Rest of the Story......

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Categories : Barbara's Bites, Fine Hotels, Food and Drink

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Jan

California Dept of Fish & Game, CAPS Mourn Loss of Colleagues

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Set Up Fund for Victims’ Families

The California Department of Fish and Game (DFG) and California Association of Professional Scientists (CAPS) remembers and honors their fallen colleagues.

January 5, 2010, Clu Cotter, DFG Associate Biologist, 48 years old, Kevin O'Connor, DFG Senior Biologist Supervisor, 40 years old, and Tom Stolberg, DFG Scientific Aide, 31 years old, all of Fresno, lost their lives in a helicopter crash. Helicopter pilot Dennis (Mike) Donovan of Landells Aviation, also lost his life. They were on a routine aerial deer survey when the crash occurred in a remote section of Madera County. An investigation is under way into the cause of the crash.

Governor Schwarzenegger announced that State Capitol flags will be flown at half staff. DFG Director John McCamman also ordered flags to be flown at half staff across the state at all DFG buildings in honor of the fallen scientists.

McCamman immediately instituted critical incident counseling teams to work with DFG staff to help them deal with the loss of their coworkers. DFG is also working with the victims’ families to offer support.

“Fish and Game employees are very much like a big family and this is a tremendous loss to our team,” said Director McCamman. “We will continue to do everything we can to help the victims’ families and our employees during this difficult time.”

DFG annually conducts helicopter surveys to track trends in California deer populations. Surveys are conducted from the air because of cost-effectiveness compared to ground surveys, access to remote

locations and to reduce bias compared to road-based observation. DFG has grounded all helicopter surveys and captures until further notice.

CAPS has established a memorial fund for the three biologists and helicopter pilot killed in the crash in Madera County. CAPS welcomes donations to this account which will benefit the families of Department of Fish & Game employees Clu Cotter, Kevin O'Connor, and Tom Stolberg, and helicopter pilot Dennis Donovan.

"State scientists are a very tight-knit group," said CAPS President Patty Velez, a state Environmental Scientist at the Department of Fish & Game's Monterey office. "We want to make sure we do everything we can to help the families during this time of tragedy."

CAPS is soliciting contributions from the general public and from its own members. CAPS appreciates the assistance and cooperation provided by the Department of Fish and Game for this effort.

CAPS is also working to ensure that its member's beneficiaries receive the benefit of every insurance and related program to which they are entitled. This includes a special provision in the CAPS Memorandum of Understanding, Section 5.11, which provides a $50,000 air travel benefit to DFG scientists killed while flying during the course of their work. CAPS negotiated this provision years ago in part due to a DFG helicopter crash which proved fatal to two biologists in 1992.

Checks made out to the "State Biologists' Memorial Fund" can be sent to:

State Biologists' Memorial Fund

c/o CAPS

455 Capitol Mall, Suite 500

Sacramento, CA 95814

Unfortunately, contributions are not tax deductible.

Thanks for your support!!

Memorial services have been arranged for Clu Cotter, Kevin Connor and Tom Stolberg. They will be held Thursday, January 14, 2010, at 1 PM at the Northside Christian Church.

Northside Christian Church

2709 E. Nees Ave.

Clovis CA 93611

559.323.9675

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Categories : Fine Hotels, People, Personal

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Jan

California: Nature is Our Heritage – Chico, California

By California Travel Insider · Comments Comments Off

Did you know that Wildlife Tourism is one of the fastest growing segments of the travel market? A 2006 U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service study shows that California has the highest number of wildlife watchers in the country, with 6.2 million participants and over $4.6 billion dollars in expenditures on wildlife watching activities in California. Communities who have tapped into this market have found that wildlife tourism can preserve or improve quality of life and natural resources while providing jobs and increased local revenues, and enhancing community cohesion and pride.

Following the 6th Annual Cultural and Heritage Symposium, hosted in historic Chico, the Watchable Wildlife Project will host its “California: Nature is our Heritage” program.

The California Watchable Wildlife Project (CWWP) celebrates California’s wildlife and diverse habitats by acknowledging and elevating the value of wildlife viewing to benefit individuals, families, communities, and industries while fostering awareness and support for conservation and protection of wildlife and habitats. We encourage you to stay for the weekend and enjoy the 11th Annual Snow Goose Festival.

California: Nature is Our Heritage Sponsored by:

January 29, 2010

1:30 PM - 4:30 PM

Bell Memorial Auditorium - CSU, Chico

W. Second & Chestnut streets

Chico, CA 95929

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Register online or by fax. Click here for the registration form

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Categories : Events, Fine Hotels, Travel, Wildlife

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California: Nature is Our Heritage – Chico, California