May 11th, Happy Mother’s Day
Hi Friends!
Here are a few things we thought might be of interest to you.
Enjoy your read!
Be Well! Stay Safe!
Mark & Patti
1
When I was in college and needed to get away for a few days to refresh my brain, I would look for places that time had forgotten—where there wasn’t a hoard of hikers or campers to deal with.
I think you’re getting the picture. I wanted a place to myself for as long as I needed to clear my brain of stuff. When I did find those places in the woods of New Hampshire, I never bragged about them to other hikers. It was my personal space.
Now, there’s a place locally where you can do the same if you hike.
Only a few thousand hikers a year ever find this coastal Calif. park
by Eric Brooks, SF Gate
2
Were you a fan of the movie E.T.? Did you put yourself in the place of Elliot or the actor (Peter Coyote) searching for E.T. after E.T. visited him years ago?
As for me, I was Peter Coyote searching for a long-lost friend who returned to remind me of what life should or could be like.
In Los Angeles, there is a failed maker for aliens to know where they have landed. Of course, it’s failed since no alien that we know of has landed in Los Angeles. It doesn’t mean they won’t one day, but this structure will help them find their way. Then again, what if it never happens?
The failed colossus that was supposed to connect California to aliens
by Paula Mejia, SF Gate - Los Angeles
3
Are you a fine dining connoisseur, or do you have the attitude that wherever I hang my hat, that’s the spot to dine?
I grew up in the restaurant industry, and for my Uncle, it was essential to get at least one of his restaurants titled a Michelin Star restaurant. That happened after years and years of making Italian gourmet food at his restaurants.
I don’t know if it was worth the effort since business didn’t improve. That restaurant always had a fantastic clientele, and more and more people found it each year.
But I know it meant a great deal to him when he was awarded the Michelin Stars.
All it meant for the workers was we had to ensure we didn’t goof up.
Now, five restaurants in Southern California have made the grade. Are you daring enough to try them?
5 Southern California Restaurants Just Got Added to the Michelin Guide
by Mathew Kang, la.eater.com
4
Years ago, Kim Basinger bought an entire town in Georgia. It helps to have the money to do that, but it made me think about owning a whole town for years.
I had some friends who teamed up one year to buy a town in New England that was for sale. They asked me to jump in, but I thought long and hard. I had read about issues Ms. Bassinger had with her town, so I backed off.
They still own the town and are doing well. I could be mayor by now, but I don’t regret my decision at the time.
Now, a town in California is for sale. Are you up to the task of not only buying it but also running it?
Here’s the low down on Campo.
An entire California town is for sale — again. This time for $6.6M
by Phillip Molnar, San Diego Tribune
5
Last week, I mentioned my adopted hometown of Fresno/Clovis. I have lived in Clovis off and on for most of the 17 years I’ve been in California, except for a few years living in Fresno.
For those that don’t know, Clovis and Fresno are connected, and many things happen in Fresno happen in Clovis and vice versa. Of course, Fresno, being the larger of the two, seems to have more going on weekly. Clovis is catching up, but it is still a long way from Fresno.
Right now, in Fresno, you can get to Bike with Mayor Jerry Dyer, which might be great fun, especially since he’s the former police chief of Fresno, and we may be able to get him to agree to change the way bike riders ride on the street.
I always liked riding into the traffic to see what I was against. Riding with my back to the traffic isn’t my idea of a fun bike ride.
Are you hearing me, Mayor?
Bike with Mayor Jerry Dyer
by The Team at FRESYES
6
I enjoy reading about others from outside California's idea of touring our State. It gives me some great ideas for us as a family to consider and share with you.
As a newer resident of California (going on 18 years), I still haven't done things I want to do, but I haven't found the time, although that time is hopefully coming soon.
The one thing I can do is share an outsider's view of a road trip on Highway 1 for everyone to enjoy.
Here's a New Zealander's take on that road trip.
Road trip itinerary for California’s Coastal Highway 1
by Joel Porter, The New Zealand Herald
Something New is Coming
I’m always looking for new ways to cover stories for Fresno, Clovis, and Fresno County.
So, I decided to start another newsletter titled FRES FRESH!
It’ll be a newsletter about fresh food from local vendors throughout Fresno County.
Hopefully, with the help of readers, we will search for the freshest foods served at restaurants, including street vendors and others, and share them with everyone.
Here’s the link explaining what’s happening. Our first story is coming soon. I’m in the process of interviewing the owner of a new spot in Clovis.
There will also be videos of all interviews and a podcast.