Lifestyle Magazine January 2026

Inspiring Life In Our Community

January 2026

Get that 2026 con dence BOOST

Invest in your glow today!

A steady hand through life’s most tender moments.

When a loved one passes, navigating probate or trust administration can feel overwhelming. With experience, patience, and a personal touch, we guide families through the process with dignity and care. Clear answers. Responsible solutions. Peace of mind. Trusted counsel for the road ahead.

Here for life’s hard moments.

A Word From The Editor

Afterthe busyness of the holidays and the final push to reach Q4 goals, this time of year always feels like the fresh restart I actually need. The dust from 2025 has settled, the Christmas lights are slowly coming down around the neighborhood, and the morning fog creates a slower, quieter pace for our day-to-day.

But then, the pressure creeps in from your social feed. You see the resolutions and the "New Year, New Me" posts and you start thinking, Dang, I’m already behind, there’s only 51 weeks left in the year.

We’ve all been there. But this year? I’m doing it differently.

You won't find a well-thought-out list of SMART goals taped to my bathroom mirror. Instead, I’m making my intentions known to the only One who reads my thoughts. I’m minimizing my list of plans and taking a 30,000-foot perspective to simply say, “Thank God” for what 2025 was.

I realized that what I want for 2026 is actually... more of what I had in 2025.

Don’t get me wrong, we had big milestones last year, we welcomed a third child (our baby boy!) and took business risks that paid off. But I’m not chasing the milestones. I’m cherishing the everyday life that happened in between them. The days without an Instagram recap or a "blockbuster" moment. I want more of the simple, content, peaceful days I lived this past year.

I want to approach each morning with the excitement that good things are on their way, and the confidence that challenges can be overcome. I want to lay my head down at night with the kind of rest that only a heart full of peace can give.

Of course, 2026 will hold big things. For me, for my family, for our agency, and for this publication. And yes, good stewards make good plans. But plans change. And in my experience, my own plans are sometimes too small, or honestly, just plain wrong.

So instead, I’m asking you to join me in a shared goal: to keep a positive perspective, knowing that God’s plans for us are already ordered, and we just get the privilege of walking them out. Let’s plan for big things, but let's find our joy in the fullness of the simple, slow days.

I hope this year is your best one yet. I have a feeling it will be mine.

SAM JUSTICE Co-founder | Root Creative Marketing

Creative Editor | Lifestyle Magazine

Contributors

April January20252026

Stephanie Steelman EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Daniel Borgatto GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Joel Mariano PHOTOGRAPHER

Alexis Cuevas CONTRIBUTOR

Marissa Carpenter CONTENT EDITOR

Scan here to read more about our monthly contributors, see a list of rack locations, or to sign up for a monthly subscription.

Scan here to read more about our monthly contributors, see a list of rack locations, or to sign up for a monthly subscription.

Sarah Gonzalez ACCOUNT MANAGER

William Yamauti GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Ellie Koleen PHOTOGRAPHER

Major Rogers CONTRIBUTOR

Terry Ommen HISTORIAN

We're excited to announce our inaugural Reader’s Choice Award recognizing the Best of the South Valley. It’s our way of celebrating the things that make our Valley great. Know someone that has an exceptional business, service, or experience? Start nominating today!

How to Get Involved:

How do I get my business on the ballot?

Best of the South Valley opens with a write-in nomination round. You, your friends, customers, and supporters go to the online ballot and enter your name for the appropriate categories—Best Sweet Treat or Best Kids Activity or Best Brunch Spot (and plenty more). We make it easy to share a direct link to the appropriate category via email, text, or social media. After nominations close, we take a week to count the number of nominations for each entrant. Top nominations advance to the final round.

How do the winners get selected?

Readers vote between finalists in each category. You may vote up to one time per day in each category. When the finals close on February 28th, we start counting the winners, which are announced on March 17th.

How can I win?

The best way to win is to campaign. Most nominees will need to muster their loyal customers, friends, family (and maybe even their kooky aunts) to support them. Basically, this is a great platform to get the word out and garner some grassroots support for your business.

We have Best of the South Valley campaign assets ready for you to drop in your own images and use on social media, flyers, posters, and more. That's all the help we can give you. Good luck out there!

When does this all happen?

Nominations are open Friday, January 9th through Saturday, January 31st. Finals: Finalists voting in each category opens Monday, February 2nd through Friday, February 27th. Winners: Winners will be announced on Friday, March 13th and published in our April issue!

Be sure to follow us on social media for updates!

visalialifestyle

Lifestyle Magazine

Categories:

• Brewery/Tap Room

• Local Coffee Shop

• Cocktail Lounge

• Brunch/Breakfast

• Sweet Treat

• “Good For You” Food

• Boutique Shop

• Food Truck

• Event Venue

• Pedicure/Manicure

• Aesthetics

• Fitness

• Artist/Artisan

• Kids’ Activity Spot

• Photographer

Nominations for the Best of the South Valley - Reader's Choice Award are open from January 9th through January 31st.

visalialifestyle.com/2026bestofthesouthvalley

Nestled in the heart of the

a true local legacy

This family’s story is rooted in hard work and persistent dedication to growing some of the world's finest citrus.

A Legacy Planted in Lemon Cove

When 13-year-old Oleah Wilson left eighth grade in 1922, he had no idea that his family's journey in citrus farming was about to begin. Oleah began working for Sam Finkle, the original owner of Sequoia Citrus Association. Sam, who had no children of his own, eventually offered half of the company to Oleah. And later, upon Marvin Wilson's (Oleah's son) graduation from University of Nevada, Reno, Marvin purchased the remaining half from Sam.

The packing house was originally located in Lemon Cove, and the family has stayed in the San Joaquin Valley ever since. As the business grew, they purchased another packing house in Exeter (where their office remains) and later, one in Terra Bella, which is their only remaining packing house today. In the early 70s, the Wilson family welcomed another family, the Pescosolidos, into the fold, with Carl (“Skip”) becoming a partner. For over 50 years, the Wilson and Pescosolido families have run and managed the company.

The Core of the Grove: Family and Consistency

The core philosophy at Sequoia Orange Company is simple: family comes first. This third-generation family business makes a commitment to treating everyone who works under the Sequoia umbrella well, evident in employees who have worked there for over 40 years.

They also have a commitment to providing the most consistent box of citrus. Their guiding philosophy is “We Only Sell What We Grow!” This motto is a clear commitment to quality achieved by controlling every single step of the process. They own their own orchards, employ their own pest control advisors (PCAs), run their own farming company (Badger Farming), pack their own fruit, and manage their own sales department. Owning their own orchards allows them to farm and maintain them consistently over the years.

Every piece of citrus is a testament to our dedication. Every piece of citrus is a testament to our dedication.

From the Grove to Your Table

The San Joaquin Valley offers some of the best conditions in the world to grow fresh citrus, making this location vital to the quality of their product. Once the fruit is ready, it is harvested and transported to the Terra Bella packing house. There, it is washed, waxed, and packed into boxes by size and grade before being stored in a cooler until shipped to customers all over the world.

Sequoia Orange Company grows a variety of citrus, including:

• Navel and Valencia oranges

• Minneola tangelos

• Melogold grapefruit (hybrid)

• Cara Cara oranges

• Page mandarins

When comparing their signature oranges, it's about the season: Navel oranges are a winter fruit, and Valencia oranges are a summer fruit.

While the head of the company admits he doesn't eat many oranges anymore (his mother made him pick them every night for dinner while growing up!), his personal favorite is the Minneola tangelo.

The company's commitment to growing, packing, and shipping their own fruit means every piece of citrus is a taste of and testament to their dedication to quality, family, and community.

To learn more about the Wilson and Pescosolido families’ legacy and the specialty varieties they grow, visit their website: sequoiaorange.com

Sequoia Orange Company 150 West Pine Street Exeter, CA 93221 (559) 592-9455

Words by Alyssa Justice

Aswe say goodbye to one year and hello to the next, most of us are thinking about our New Year’s resolutions and how we’ll make this next year count. Nutrition and health are a big part of this conversation and I’d like to encourage you today to take a different approach than most: start small. Have you ever set a big goal for yourself in the New Year only to find that you’ve already quit by February? That’s because our approach to goal setting must be realistic and attainable. As a Registered Dietitian, the only way I can get my clients to eat healthier is by helping them set realistic goals for themselves. For example, if my client isn’t currently eating any vegetables in their day-to-day diet and all of a sudden they want to eat a plant-based diet, they most likely will fail. However, if we take the approach of adding one new vegetable to their diet per week, we may see some success and build confidence in their ability to achieve a healthier way of eating.

start small this year

small & win big year

If you’re looking to add some nutrition packed goals into your New Year’s resolutions, let me help you get started! It’s important to first think about the overarching goal you’d like to achieve. Is it weight loss? Is it a healthier way of eating? Once you can answer this question, you can then start small and make your first goal. Make sure your goal is S.M.A.R.T. (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Time-bound). For example, eat 2 cups of dark leafy greens, 3 times per week. This is way, way more effective than saying, "Eat more vegetables." I know what you’re thinking: This sounds quite boring! It may not have the fancy ring to it that “start a plant-based diet” does, but it works. 2026 may be the year you actually stick to your goals if you go this route.

If you’re wanting some assistance in achieving your nutrition goals this year, reach out to me at alyssa@welnourished.com or check out my website welnourished.com.

Capturing

Why embroidery is winter's perfect hobby.

Whenthe world outside turns frosty, our natural inclination is to seek warmth and comfort indoors. While cozying up with a mug of tea is a winter ritual, those long months can sometimes feel a bit stifling. This is where the magic of embroidery steps in. It's the ultimate winter pastime, transforming that restless feeling of “cabin fever” into productive, calming “cozy craft time.”

Embroidery isn't some dusty relic; it’s a craft that’s enjoying a vibrant modern revival. At its core, it’s about using a simple needle and thread to create art on fabric, and its accessibility is a huge part of its appeal. You don't need a sprawling workshop or a massive budget. A basic hoop, a few skeins of colorful thread, a needle, and some fabric are enough to get started. It’s a project you can easily tuck into a basket and carry from your favorite armchair to the kitchen table.

Whether you’re embroidering a cheerful message onto a tote bag, adding detail to a pillow, or framing a whimsical piece of hoop art, like this little fish, the end result is a tangible source of pride.

Embroidery perfectly complements the winter lifestyle. It’s an activity that pairs wonderfully with a warm blanket, soft lighting, and a holiday movie marathon. It encourages us to be present, creative, and most importantly, cozy. So, this winter, skip the endless scrolling. Pick up a needle, choose a vibrant thread, and turn those quiet indoor hours into a beautiful, handcrafted season.

Where New Beginnings Feel Like Home.

With deep roots in the Central Valle y, our advisors are committed to helping you work toward your family wealth goals.

Just as the ancient sequoias stand strong through the seasons, the Gateway Family Wealth team brings steadfast commitment and thoughtful guidance to your multi-generational wealth planning needs.

We understand that family wealth is more than assets—it’s your values, your legacy, and your vision for the future. Our team develops comprehensive family wealth strategies designed to help address preservation while exploring opportunities aligned with your goals.

while working to identify pathways to new possibilities for your family’s future. Begin your family’s journey

TIMELESS CHOICES FOR THE YEAR AHEAD

Sanctuaire Interiors

“Designing a home is ultimately about creating a sense of renewal — spaces that feel considered, calm, and ready to hold the next chapter of everyday life.”

- Kelsey Ormonde, Principal Designer of Sanctuaire Interiors

CHATEAU NOIR

Our project, Château Noir, is nestled within a charming, established neighborhood in Tulare, California—an existing home with good bones and the promise of something more. Our goal was to design a space that felt timeless and elevated, yet deeply personal to our clients. In partnership with Payton Construction, we were able to thoughtfully reimagine the home from the ground up, translating their vision into a layered, livable reality.

From custom millwork to hand-painted walls, every detail was considered with intention. Each moment throughout the home reflects a balance of craftsmanship, character, and quiet luxury— resulting in a space that feels both enduring and entirely their own.

AN ELEVATED RESET: STARTING THE YEAR AT HOME

Color as a Catalyst: Redefining Your Space

One of the most powerful ways to refresh a home is through color. At Château Noir, a moody pantry tucked behind a custom white oak arched pocket door became one of our favorite moments—a space that, when revealed, feels unexpected yet perfectly reflective of our clients’ personality. It’s a small moment that transforms the everyday, showing how paint can elevate even the most overlooked spaces.

For the new year, consider the possibilities paint offers beyond a single accent wall. Draping an entire room in color, painting cabinetry, or even a powder room vanity can completely shift the mood and energy of a space. Thoughtful applications of paint bring layers, depth, and character to your interiors—turning familiar rooms into spaces that feel fully renewed and intentional. Embrace color as a tool for transformation. It’s one of the simplest, most immediate ways to start the year fresh, making your home a reflection of who you are and setting the tone for the year ahead.

"Resetting your space is less about trends, and more about alignment”

- Kelsey Ormonde,

LAYERED TEXTILES FOR A FRESH PERSPECTIVE

One of the easiest ways to refresh a space is through textiles. Swapping in a new rug, layering a few soft throws, or adding a handful of pillows can completely shift the mood of a room. Window treatments— whether airy linen drapes or tailored shades—can soften light and add warmth. These simple touches bring texture, color, and personality to a space, making it feel cozy, curated, and ready for a fresh start.

CURATE ART AND ACCESSORIES

Rearranging, swapping, or introducing new art, mirrors, or decorative objects is a subtle but powerful way to reset a space. A well-chosen object or collection can act as a focal point, spark conversation, and reflect your personality, giving your home an elevated, intentional feel.

THE POWER OF UNEXPECTED DETAILS

When refreshing your home for the new year, don’t overlook the tiny details that tie it all together. Whether it’s a striking door, a textured wall, or a thoughtfully curated feature, these moments add personality and depth. They transform everyday spaces into ones that feel intentional, layered, and uniquely yours— little surprises that make a home truly memorable.

NEW YEAR, RENEWED SPACES

Sponsored content by Sanctuaire Interiors

Interior Design: Kelsey Ormonde, Sanctuaire Interiors

Construction: Payton Construction

Photography: Ellie Koleen

Planes, Trains, and

Proposals

Words by Major Rogers

Acouple months prior, I had decided it was time to propose to Casandra, and commissioned a custom ring for her. I wasn’t sure where I would “pop the question,” though I had ideas. It needed to be a beautiful, meaningful destination. As it happens, I’d booked us a sleeping cabin on Amtrak to head to Seattle for a long weekend, and as the trip approached, it became clear: the city would make a great proposal backdrop.

There is something dreamlike to waking at different parts of the late night to the train whistle blowing...

We boarded the train in Hanford, and a few hours later, we transferred to our sleeper car in Martinez, California. I had the ring in its box, in my zipped jacket pocket. The plan was to get a warm buzz at the local dive bar during the layover and then set some mood music and lighting in the sleeper cabin, and propose as the train cut through the night. However, when we boarded, the steward had made up the beds, and a level of exhaustion overtook us both. Soon after, the rail rocked us into a peaceful sleep.

There is something very dreamlike to waking at different parts of the late night to the train whistle blowing as one speeds through little sleeping mountain towns of northern California. Or to see a full orange moon through the passing pine tree silhouettes. Or rolling over in your cot to see a pink and purple early sunrise horizon interrupted by the base of Mount Shasta’s snowy slopes less than a mile away. With train travel, you think, Man, we are going to be on this ride for over 24 hours? And then suddenly, time no longer registers. By the time we pulled into Seattle Central Station, we realized we could have happily rode for several more hours.

We booked the historic rock-and-roll hotel Edgewater. The property is actually built out over the water of the Port of Seattle. The who’s who of rock royalty have routinely stayed here, including The Rolling Stones and Led Zeppelin. The latter was banned from the hotel after a 1969 stay: They fished out of their window, and left all evidence of the stunt in their room, including the carcass of a mud shark. Plus, there’s a suite named after The Beatles—who famously stayed in the room at the height of Beatlemania.

The hotel is chic in design, and decorated like a large woodsy cabin retreat, with a significant selection of rock memorabilia proving its position as a top off-stage spot for Seattle's biggest acts. Our room, complete with a balcony and gas fireplace, sat over the water with an unbelievable view of the sunset sky to the west, and a postcard view of the city and Mount Rainier in the south.

Like most large cities, Seattle has its own personality for visitors to discover. For me, it feels safe and clean, and open to explore. We hit up Pike Place Market, a waterfront area and epicenter of culinary experiences. If you’re a foodie, this is the spot. Fresh seafood, some of the “World’s Best” mac and cheese (at the original Beecher’s Cheese) or experiencing a cup of coffee from the original Starbucks, are among a long list of options. You can also do a gastropub crawl, and pair your meals with some incredible local ales.

Explore Uptown for the 605-foot tall observatory, the Space Needle, or the south side’s historic Pioneer Square district. There you can have a drink and listen to live music at one of several places, like The Central Saloon, where Nirvana kicked off the grunge scene of the 90s. In this area of town, you can go to a pro football, baseball, or soccer game, as well.

The plan was to... propose as the train cut through the night.

Our last evening, we sat on our balcony, watching the harbor activity and sharing a bottle of wine. But I wasn’t through with the night yet: I reserved a private cabin on the waterfront attraction, the Seattle Great Wheel. A behemoth of a Ferris wheel located on the wharf, with the city as a backdrop. The “VIP Experience” allowed just the two of us in a four person cabin, with bottle service and Bluetooth control of the music. Our ride took place at sunset, on a surprisingly clear Seattle evening. As we started our rotating ascension into the sky, I gave my proposal. I texted Casandra a song lyric from my favorite band, The Red Hot Chili Peppers: “Marry me girl, be my fairy to the world, be my very own constellation.” She glanced at her phone, confused why she received a text from me, but a few seconds later she looked up to find me down on one knee with a ring, as I asked her properly…and she said, “Yes.”

The rest of the evening we continued to explore the nightlife of the city. It was filled with a romantic surrealism that comes with such moments of life. It was clear as we boarded the plane for the quick ride home, Seattle will be a city we will return to, to relive it all again.

Words by Lifestyle Staff

Forget the resolution rut! The start of the year is your time for a fresh canvas. A vision board takes those “crazy ideas”—like seeing yourself on your own boat next summer—and transforms them into tangible, inspiring visuals you can work toward every day.

What is a Vision Board?

A vision board is a collage of images, quotes, and words that visually represent your goals, dreams, and aspirations. Instead of a simple list, it’s a daily reminder of the life you are actively working to create, covering everything from career advancement and financial well-being to travel, personal development, and relationships.

The Value of a Vision Board

Beyond crafted collages and color palettes, a vision board is a tool rooted in psychological principles:

1. Clarity and Focus: The act of choosing and cutting out images forces you to clarify what you truly want. It transforms vague wishes into concrete objectives.

2. Daily Motivation: When your board is displayed prominently, it activates your reticular activating system (RAS)—a filter in your brain that helps you notice things related to your goals. You start seeing opportunities that you might have otherwise missed.

3. Positive Priming: Looking at images of success, happiness, or relaxation primes your brain to think positively and maintain a growth mindset.

Create Your Own, Easily

You don't need to be an artist to make an impactful vision board. This simple, relaxing, and fun activity is perfect for a cozy January afternoon.

Supplies Needed:

• A piece of foam core, poster board, or corkboard

• Old magazines, newspapers, or printed images

• Scissors

• Glue stick or thumbtacks

• Markers or pens (for writing quotes or affirmations)

The Process:

1. Set Your Intention (10 Minutes): Before you cut, decide on the key areas of your life you want to focus on: Health, Career, Travel, Home, Relationships, or Skills.

2. Gather Your Fuel (30+ Minutes): Flip through magazines and boldly cut out images and words that evoke feeling. Don't censor yourself—if it makes you feel inspired, cut it out!

3. Assemble and Arrange (20 Minutes): Organize your cutouts. Group related items, place your most important goals in the center, and use glue or thumbtacks to affix everything to the board.

4. Display and Engage: Place your finished board where you will see it every day—near your coffee maker, on your desk, or next to your mirror. This is your personal roadmap for the year ahead.

Starting the year with a vision board is a powerful way to set the trajectory for success. It’s an easy, rewarding craft that makes sure your dreams are always visible.

50 YEARS OF HEART:

FAMILY HEALTHCARE NETWORK’S ENDURING COMMITMENT TO COMMUNITY

From its humble beginnings in 1976 as a single clinic operating out of a converted gas station, Family HealthCare Network has grown into a vital regional force with 50 locations serving the Central Valley

For five decades, Family HealthCare Network (FHCN) has been an unparalleled source of strength and wellness in Central California. As they proudly mark their 50th anniversary, they are not just looking back on history but celebrating a half-century of profound community impact. Since its founding in 1976, Family HealthCare Network has become a monumental force, providing care that truly goes beyond the walls of their health centers and expanding its reach to 50 locations across Fresno, Kern, Kings, and Tulare County.

This commitment is evident in the sheer scale of their work. Family HealthCare Network serves over 25,000 patients weekly, providing a full spectrum of services from Medical and Dental to Behavioral Health and Optometry. This Network relies on nearly 3,000 dedicated team members, making them a crucial stabilizing force in the local economy and health ecosystem. Their mission is simple yet profound: to ensure that quality health care is a right, not a privilege, available to every individual regardless of their financial situation.

Decades of Distinguished Quality and Growth

Family HealthCare Network’s long history is backed by decades of external recognition that affirm their status as a national leader in health care quality. They have been repeatedly awarded The Joint Commission Gold Seal of Approval since 1997, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to patient safety. Their dedication to patient-centered care has also earned them consistent recognition as a Level 3 Patient-Centered Medical Home from the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA).

Their impact in the region is undeniable. Family HealthCare Network has earned multiple HRSA quality awards, including the Health Center Quality Leader designation. The organization’s growth continues to meet community needs, including the launch of its first mobile health center for medical services in 2017, followed by a second unit for dental services in 2018.

Transforming Health Beyond the Clinic

Family HealthCare Network's commitment extends far beyond traditional medical services to tackle the social challenges facing the Central Valley. Care coordinators, for example, assist an average of 440 community members per month who face significant challenges like homelessness or severe mental health issues, tailoring care plans to their unique circumstances. To combat food insecurity, their programs, including new Food Pantries in Hanford and Terra Bella, distribute healthy food to thousands of households.

Recognizing that the Central Valley faces some of the lowest literacy rates in the nation, FHCN has made literacy a core part of its mission. Through programs like Reach Out and Read, the Network has distributed nearly 95,000 books to children. This commitment culminated in the opening of their local bookstore, The BookNook in 2022.

As the Network celebrates 50 years of service, its dedication to providing quality health care for all continues to define its work. This dedication is realized through programs like the Medical Mobile Unit, a specialized team that brings healthcare directly to underserved rural areas, meeting patients where they are. Additionally, community health representatives are specially trained to assist patients with Medi-Cal enrollment and renewals, ensuring they receive the benefits they need to manage their health.

This year's 50th anniversary is a moment to recognize the countless lives Family HealthCare Network has touched. They have built a legacy far greater than health care—a legacy of hope and opportunity. As Family HealthCare Network proudly embarks on its next half-century, its enduring commitment remains clear: they are a trusted partner focused on building stronger communities, driven by the belief that comprehensive, compassionate care is the foundation for a better life for all.

To learn more, visit fhcn.org or call 877-960-3426.

Take $3 off each ticket purchased with code LIFESTYLE26

HISTORY

THE MAGICAL POWER OF SNOW!

Visalia is known for many things—friendly people, great restaurants, and huge Valley oak trees, among others. But snow is never mentioned as one of them. Since Visalia is situated on the southern San Joaquin Valley floor at an elevation of only about 330 feet, no one should expect snow here. But just because the town is not known as a winter wonderland, doesn’t mean those tiny ice crystals have never dropped from the sky to pay us a visit.

Granted, it’s rare when snow falls in Visalia, yet we have had more than a few of those unforgettable moments—maybe even a couple of dozen over the town’s 173-year existence.

Although the historical record of snowfall in Visalia is sketchy at best, it appears snow fell for the first time in about 1870. The report came from the Sacramento Record Union newspaper of January 29, 1880, but unfortunately few details were included in the story. It was in that issue it reported Visalia had received 3 inches of snow on January 28th. In the same small article they noted that the snowfall was the town’s first in 10 years, which places the earliest recorded storm at probably about 1870.

However, M.S. Featherstone, a Visalia resident and diarist, noted in his records that Visalia’s first snow was in 1880 and he claimed 2 inches accumulated on the ground. The Weekly Delta newspaper of February 6th confirmed the event, commenting on the special day saying that “It is very rarely that a view can be obtained in this valley when the ground is carpeted with snow…” The newspaper publicly thanked Visalia professional photographer Stephen W. Watrous for the photos he took of the courthouse yard and Masonic Hall covered in the white stuff.

Featherstone’s diary again mentioned snow falling on February 9, 1883—an event confirmed by the Delta. It commented on the beautiful “tone” the snow gave to the branches of bushes and trees. But the Delta noted that the beauty was lost on the boys of town, who had other ideas: snowball fights! The battles raged everywhere, and they noted, “Every boy, from five years old to 40 took part, with the utmost ardor, and not a few of the girls shared the genial enthusiasm.”

In the same issue, the newspaper commented on the severity of that winter’s weather and asked readers, “Is the climate of California changing?” The paper went on to respond to its own question, predicting, “We may yet see the day when sleighriding…will be as common here as in the New England states.”

EVEN THOUGH THERE WAS NO

According to Goldie Garnet-Wallace, an amateur Visalia weather watcher, the winter of 1931-32 was one of Visalia’s most unusual weather seasons. In January, rain, hail, snow, sleet, and fog all came to Visalia within a 24-hour period. In that storm on January 13th, 2 inches of snow dropped from the sky. It stayed on the ground for at least two days thanks to the temperatures that had fallen to 27 degrees. The storm brought out many who enjoyed “frolicking in the snow,” and the newspaper noted snowmen decorating plenty of yards.

Five years later, on January 5, 1937, heavy snow began falling at about 9:00 am and continued for the next two hours. Building snowmen and throwing snowballs was popular, especially with the children, but they had to work fast as snow melted by noon.

The winter of 1961-62 brought more snow. It started in the Sierra, then moved to Visalia in the afternoon of January 19th and continued into the next day. It started as rain, but when the temperature dropped to 28 degrees, the sound of rainfall hitting the ground became silent as raindrops turned to snowflakes. Estimates set the snow depth at 1-2 inches.

The Visalia Times-Delta had a field day reporting on the snow. It created a special newspaper section in the January 22, 1962 paper that carried the headline “Snow! Visalia Blanketed” and it featured a large photograph of the sisters of George McCann Catholic school engaged in a fun-loving snowball fight. The paper called the scene a “Christmas Card World.” Schools were closed and the snowy landscape created a “holiday atmosphere.”

Children were out early making snowballs and snowmen. Setting safety aside, automobiles and pickups pulled “youngsters on sleds and pieces of sheet tin…” Adults stood in long lines at stores, purchasing forgotten camera film to document the rare snow before it disappeared.

But the snow storm in Visalia to get the most media attention was clearly in the winter of 1998-99. In the Tuesday, January 26th edition of the Visalia Times-Delta the headline read “Snow! City Awakens to Biggest Snowfall on Record.” It began falling on January 25th from a storm moving from south to north. Bakersfield received about 6 inches and Visalia got about 2½, but some parts of Visalia unofficially logged 4.

The Delta called the Tuesday newspaper issue its “Souvenir Edition—The Snow of ’99.” In it they included several photographs showing how Visalians enjoyed the day. Some made snow angels, others engaged in snowball fights or built snowmen, and many took pictures. Tim McGlasson, a Visalia schoolteacher, even broke out his cross country skis and skied along Mooney Blvd.

Clearly snowfall in Visalia is a rare occurrence, no question about it. But history reveals that when it does happen, it’s transformational. Both adults and children seem to change emotionally. Big smiles appear on faces as snowballs are launched, and snowmen take shape as the landscape turns white. Visalia snow seems to contain a kind of medicine that can transform the most serious and hardened attitude into one of joy and laughter. Let’s see what this winter has in store for us!

January Agenda

JANUARY 1-31

Thursday-Saturday

IllumiNature

When: 5-9pm

Where: Fresno Chaffee Zoo

Hosted by: Fresno Chaffee Zoo fcz.org/experience-illuminature @fresnochaffeezoo

JANUARY 19

National Parks Free Entrance Day

When: All day

Where: Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks

Hosted by: National Parks Service nps.gov | @nationalparkservice

JANUARY 6-7

Indoor Golf Camp

When: 9-11am

Where: Mulligans Sports Bar & Golf Club

Hosted by: City of Visalia http://tiny.cc/nejw001 | @cityofvisalia

JANUARY 30

Home & Patio Springfest

When: 10am-6pm

Where: Visalia Convention Center

Hosted by: Showcase Events Inc. visaliahomeshows.com

JANUARY 17-18

Saturday-Sunday

2026 Gemboree

When: 10am-5pm

Where: Exeter Veterans Memorial Building

Hosted by: Tule Gem & Mineral Society tulegem.com

JANUARY 31

Saturday

Romeo and Juliet

When: 7:30pm

Where: Visalia Fox Theatre

Hosted by: Sequoia Symphony sequoiasymphonyorchestra.com @sequoiasymphony

The Timeless Issue

Executive Editor Stephanie Steelman

Creative Editor Sam Justice

Account Manager Sarah Gonzalez

Content Editor Marissa Carpenter

Designers Daniel Borgatto, William Yamauti

Photographer & Sales Dakota Jacobi-Stephenson

Advertising and General Inquiries lifestyle@root.marketing

Sales Office 111 W Main Street, Visalia CA 93291 559.702.1383 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, Exeter, Three Rivers and Kingsburg. Distribution is subject to change. Views expressed in articles and on advertisements are those of the writer and advertiser and not necessarily those of Lifestyle Magazine or Root. Every effort is made to avoid errors, misspellings, and omissions. If an error is found, please accept our sincere apologies and notify us of the mistake.