2021 Mother’s Day Gift Guide
Mother’s Day is on Sunday, May 9th, so it’s time to start looking for a thoughtful gift to show your mom or other mother figure in your life how much you care. Co-parents – don’t forget your kids’ mom needs some love on Sunday, too. If you’re in need of inspiration, check out our 2021 […]
The Story of the Armenian Van Cat
By Rachel Melikian Cats are one of mankind’s best friends, and many cultures have stories about how cats came to be so revered. Armenian lore says that the Van cat came down to the Armenian Highland on Noah’s Ark. Grandma Armenia’s cat is beautiful. They are one of the most unique cats, with white fur, […]
How About Some Spring Greening to Energize Your Flower Power?
By Jon Bogart Beautiful, fragrant, spirit-lifting… flowers make any occasion a special occasion. Flowers can convey a rainbow of emotions, from love to congratulations, appreciation to sympathy. They are the “centerpiece” of songs, from The Rose by Bette Midler to Sunflower by Lenny Kravitz. Their benefits are universal, and their meaningfulness for all seasons. Likewise, […]
Visit Visalia Celebrates National Parks Week with Activities for Families
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks Highlight America’s Treasures April 17-25, 2021 Visit Visalia is excited to celebrate National Parks Week April 17-25, 2021, in conjunction with the National Parks Service event held annually to highlight America’s treasures. The visitors bureau has created several events and activities for anyone looking to learn more about the […]
Women’s History Month Started in Santa Rosa, California
How a grassroots group of Sonoma County educators launched National Women’s History Month By J.C. Thomas For more than 40 years, March has been recognized in the United States as Women’s History Month. Throughout March, schools, cultural institutions and communities nationwide recognize and honor the achievements of women in history. As recently as the 1970s, […]
See a Gutenberg Bible – the Printed Book that Changed the World – at The Huntington Library
Gutenberg Bible No. 36 was printed in Mainz, Germany, circa 1455 on Europe’s first moveable metal type printing press. Today it’s on public display at The Huntington in San Marino, California. By J.C. Thomas Historians estimate that on this day in 1455, Johannes Gutenberg printed his first Bible – the first book ever produced using […]
Here are 10 Virtual Exhibitions Celebrating Black History Month in 2021
Museums and cultural institutions play a vital role in Black History Month by connecting individuals and communities with educational, informative and celebratory programs. With most physical venues in California currently closed due to the pandemic, Black History Month exhibits for 2021 have gone virtual. Here are 10 remarkable virtual exhibits, tours, discussions and other presentations […]
Island Packers Seasonal Whale Watching & Excursions to the Channel Islands Now Open
Island Packers, the official boat concessionaire to the Channel Islands National Park, with daily departures to the Channel Islands from Ventura Harbor Village, has now re-opened! The family-owned company founded in 1968 is once again offering daily trips to the Channel Islands National Park as well as winter whale watching excursions. Winter Whale Watching A winter whale watch […]
2021 Valentine’s Day Gift Guide
Whether your love is brand new or you’ve been together for decades, celebrating Valentine’s Day during a global pandemic is a new experience for everyone. The pressure’s off to plan a romantic night out, but a cozy night in is definitely on the cards. So is a thoughtful gift – ideally one that makes this […]
RIP Kobe – A Tribute to a Legend
By Rachel Melikian Dedicated on the first anniversary of the death of Kobe Bryant, are my thoughts from 2020. “RIP KOBE” flash LA Metro buses’ destination signs, including the buses still parked at the depot, and then one after another, they resume their routes with the same message. This gives a remarkable impression of a […]
This Best-in-Show Ginger Elixir Will Awaken Your Taste Buds
Introducing an award-winning ginger-extract cocktail mix that’s delicious in cocktails, mocktails, many tasty dishes and desserts By Jon Bogart The changing landscape of the dining and drinking experience that characterizes life in 2020 has people searching for something different to drink. Perhaps even a magical potion to add some spice to their lives – and […]
It’s Dungeness Crab Season in California
Dungeness crab season in California is officially underway. The season usually begins in December, but 2020 saw a delay to protect migrating whales and some drawn-out negotiations over wholesale prices. An industry agreement earlier this month brought the official start of the Dungeness crab season. Crabbing boats are hauling in these delicious crustaceans from Fisherman’s […]