Are You That Woman

Fair Oaks Chicken Festival Celebrates Local Clucks

September 17, 2022, 12-6 p.m.

11549 Fair Oaks Blvd., Fair Oaks, CA 95628
Free, forpd.org

Join the Fair Oaks Recreation & Park District for the Annual Fair Oaks Chicken Festival. This year’s event will span over the course of the day with pop-up events in the Village of Fair Oaks & at the Fair Oaks / Orangevale Grange. The main festival will take place at Fair Oaks Park.

• Chicken Stock (live music)
• Rocky’s Roost (kids' park)
• Feed Court (food trucks) presented by SactoMoFo
• Watering Hole (beer & wine sales) presented by Fair Oaks Rotary Foundation
• Craft and Community Vendor Booths
• Cornhole Tournament presented by Fair Oaks Chamber of Commerce & Orangevale Cornhole CCA
• Cluck n' Crow Contest presented by Kiwanis Club Orangevale - Fair Oaks
• GREAT Chicken Decorating Contest
• Community Spirit, and much more!

Here's the original story from the very first Chicken Festival!

By: Barbara Steinberg

Fair Oaks, CA--Why DID the chickens cross the road? Evidently to get out of the way of the Fair Oaks Chicken Festival. Yes, Fair Oaks Village! Where chickens and roosters, like queens and kings, are treated as honored dignitaries! These feathery fowl were reason to rejoice at this first-time event which paid homage to our chicken brethren. Colonel Sanders would be proud.

For decades this feral poultry has wandered the main streets and back roads of historic and tranquil downtown Fair Oaks. Annoying to some residents beware of poultry poop but beloved by most. I remember my own first encounter at the Slocum House, dining in elegance as a rooster and his harem clucked and strutted their way across the patio. A string of chicks in tow.

On a poultry-perfect September day locals came out to dance, dine, and drink in the center of town. The poultry clucked as the vendors hocked everything chicken from hand-crafted quilts and stained glass to chicken paintings and tiles. And no one went hungry: The chickens scratched while the human force chowed-down on hot ‘dawgs', ice cream, BBQ beef brisket, and, yes, irreverently, chicken. For anyone willing to get-up with the chickens, the festival breakfast was something to crow about: Scrambled eggs (ouch!), biscuits and gravy, ham, pancakes, and coffee, OJ or milk…all for the paltry price of $5. Needless to say, it was well-worth the wait.

There seemed to be something for everyone, with no complaints from the chickens. A flock of kid activities were organized in Village Park. Face painting, gold panning, games, bug-petting zoo, and potting plants kept the young chicks smiling. Many, along with their parents, could be seen kicking up dirt at the Festival Stage serenaded by local bands including ‘fave' Mumbo Gumbo and their raucous "Everybody Loves Barbeque." Cooking demonstrations and wine pairings were held at Veteran's Memorial Amphitheater while a beer garden of microbrews could be found on the other side of town.

The festival also included a barbeque competition hosted by the local Oak Hardware and the Big Green Egg which claims to be the "world's best smoker & grill." The ceramic Big Green Egg is a versatile and effective outdoor cooker designed for smoking, grilling, roasting, baking and barbequing all kinds of foods. Ten competitors were given instructions on how to fire-up and control this mother of all eggs. There were special sauces and dry rub; chicken, fish, and kabobs; and special techniques which included cans of beer and cast-iron skillets. "Judging is based on appearance, taste, and tenderness," said Darry Smith, one of the judges and a seasoned professional in the world of BBQ competitions. Truthfully for hours I was thinking Dr. Seuss. Then, brushing the feathers from my eyes, "Oh, I get it…big egg!"

I had to dash off before the final judging. Based on the determined looks, perspiration, and smoke in the air each chef was resolute to be rulin' the BBQ-roost by day's end. With any luck, this event may someday answer the unanswerable of which came first…the chicken or the (Big Green) egg?

The wonderfulness of this event is its old-time appeal. The Fair Oaks Village, thankfully, maintains its small town charm while surrounded by fast-moving freeways and the ever-changing modern world. For more information the festival visit FairOaksChickenFestival.com or other happenings in the Village fairoakschamber.com.

Events are not guaranteed. It is your responsibility to confirm before going.

Chan Pheng's Mandarin Cuisine

For more than 25 years in the same location. They must be doing something right.

A welcoming, "Howdy!" was the start of another 5-star Wednesday dining experience. Thank you to Maxine and May for an entertaining evening. We were laughing and smiling from the moment we sat down. And the rest of the regulars who were clearly having a good time. The coming and going of DoorDash and Grubhub pick-ups a clear indication of the popularity of Chan Pheng's Mandarin Cuisine. The staff was on a first-name basis with many of the takeaway customers. And as soon as we introduced ourselves, they were talking to us in the same way. We loved the window into the kitchen watching the fast-paced cooking  of this two-person team Cindy and Chan. Exhausting!!!

Huge menu made the decisions difficult. An order of pan-fried pot stickers were rushed to the kitchen because they take time to prepare. Then an order of Mu Shu Pork and Chicken Chow Mein. Already knowing it was going to be too much food, we couldn't resist and had plenty for another meal. And then before our food arrived, Maxine brought us both a complimentary bowl of Egg Flower Soup. It was fantastic! Even on this incredibly hot day we slurped it right down.

Everything was so fresh. And thrilled to know they shop the Chico Farmers Market. We strongly support all things local and happy to put Chan Pheng's Mandarin Cuisine on our star-studded list of local deliciousness. We will definitely be back and have already shared this outing with other Chico friends.

 

Basque Norte Restaurant 5-star local favorite Butte County and beyond

 

 

Yes, we just added our names to that list of Basque Norte Restaurant fans. Our friend Jamie nudged us to find our way there. Didn't require too much nudging and so glad we took her advice. Family-owned and operated since 1975 it's clearly doing something very right.

Many of the reviews refer to this traditional Basque-style dining as a "steak restaurant"! While they do have a great selection of steaks, this so much more than that.

I'll get to the food. What I want to talk about is the amazing service. The owner, Susie, happily greeted us eyes smiling above her COVID mask. We had a reservation and were quickly seated in the main dining room. A Wednesday night, the place was bustling. Many families and larger groups - we were just a twosome. Our server, Tracy Hord, was quickly at the table. She was scrambling - as were all the other servers. All women! At least that night. They were carrying loaded plates of food and busing their own table. Tracy said she'd be with us quickly - she had hot food waiting to be delivered. We smiled and said we could wait.

Our first time at Basque Norte. The prices are reasonable considering the volume of food. Like everyone else, we left with more than one container of leftovers - two be to be exact. Many tables had three or four. Yes, your eyes are bigger.... Our leftovers lasted for two more dinners. In the future, we'd likely share an entrée. But we also want to try the tapas menu in the bar. The extensive menu of steaks, seafood, lamb, pork, and pasta. You couldn't possibly leave hungry.

Back to our server Tracy who has worked at Basque Norte for more than 15 years. In between her sprints to get to tables and food, she shared some of the history of the restaurant and other places to dine in Chico. We also shared some of our other local and regional favorites. Her service was definitely 5-star plus!

My husband ordered a 1/2-rack of ribs. The meat was moist - just falling off the bone. I had the marinated, grilled chicken breast. Enormous. It was a little dry, but the flavor was great! We really loved the Basque-style red beans - a little spice was just perfect. And the side-order of spaghettini was DELISH - just the right amount of garlic. Really had to resist eating too many of the side dishes that are included with the family dinners.

This locally-owned and locally-loved restaurant is worth a visit. We will definitely be back. Great food. Incredible service. Warm hospitality. Thank you Tracy!

California's Redwood Coast: Now I lay me down to sleep at Inn at 2nd & C

 

Road trip! The beginning of this extended journey we headed out for Eureka, California. It had been many years since my last visit and was excited to retrace my steps and road warrior miles. 

The Inn at 2nd & C was a wonderful start to our 17-day road trip. So glad we landed here our first night on the road. Thank you to manager Geoffrey, and greeter dog Max whom we loved. Good news: The hotel is dog-friendly on the first three floors! Great location to walk to good food, art, and retail. Lunch at Vista del Mar just a few blocks away we shared fish & chips and cold beers. Definitely a locals place. That night, we drove over to Jetty Samoa for drinks alfresco and then dinner at Café  Marina and Woodley's Bar - revisiting all my haunts from years ago. Everything close to or at the water's edge. And an easy walk or drive from the Inn.  The next morning we gleefully found our way to Los Bagels another longtime local in the region. Let me just say - BEST BAGELS ever. And organic!!! The Inn does provide a wonderful continental breakfast in the lobby area.

Our king suite at the Inn was so comfy and quiet. Wonderful linens and towels make such a big difference. Big windows and lots of light. No coffeemakers in the rooms but an easy trip to the lobby first thing in the morning to bring our caffeine brew to our room. Also, met one of the housekeeping staff - forgive me forgetting her name - she was just incredible. The restaurant was closed the night we stayed. Hope to enjoy that on our return. Public spaces on every floor were so welcoming. Books, board games, and puzzles - plenty to keep friends and families occupied day and night.

The Humboldt County Visitors Bureau has just relocated down the street. If you need any guidance for places to go in the region - check them out at 422 1st St, Eureka, CA 95501.

Next time more than one night in Eureka!

PS - Was bothered to see that some reviewers dinged the Inn because of social issues in the area - saying it was dangerous or unsafe.  We never felt unsafe!

Kirshner Wildlife Sanctuary is deplorable - zero stars

I have been exploring and writing about California for more than 30 years. I also administer a wildlife and nature tourism program. You can trust I am credible and have no axe to grind. While they are sometimes listed as a Foundation, their website and other social media clearly list them as the Barry Kirshner Wildlife Sanctuary. Nothing could be further from the truth. We visited as a group of four adults and all of us were horrified by what we saw.

The Cambridge Dictionary describes sanctuary (noun sanc·​tu·​ary | \ saŋ(k)-ch-wer-ē) "a place where birds or animals can live and be protected, especially from being hunted or dangerous conditions: a wildlife/bird sanctuary".

While you may find stories online painting this roadside zoo in a positive light, you only have to visit to see why there's nothing positive going on here. Most of the animals live in small, tarp-covered enclosures. I can't imagine the heat during our long hot summers. Or what they've endured during the many years of intense fires. They have few if any amenities to keep them occupied or water features other then small plastic pools. Animals are overweight either from lack of exercise or poor diets.

I have spent uncounted hours contacting local, state and federal agencies about this facility. Asking why it's still in business. The state California Department of Fish and Wildlife says that the "zoo" meets the minimum required by law. Those state regulations are decades old and those minimums are seriously lacking. When we asked about the enclosures (more like prison cells) and the lack of amenities to keep the wildlife active, even the Kirshner staff said that they "exceed the minimum required" for what they provide. Yes, the bare minimum. This complex is not rated by the zoological society or the American Sanctuary Association. They are listed as a non-profit but aren't rated by Charity Navigator or similar organizations. I filed a complaint with USDA through their APHIS (Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service) and despite the fact that other complaints have been filed by other organizations they are still legally permitted. And they have been cited multiple times by the USDA. As a non-profit they are also supposed to file a Form 990 with IRS. I couldn't find anything to indicate that they are current with this filing.

I have contacted Performing Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), PETA, Butte County Animal Welfare, Butte County Board of Supervisors, and others - I can't even remember. I'm providing all of this to let you know that's how upsetting it was to me and the need to let others know. Trying to find away to shut this place down and get these poor creatures to a safe and loving environment.

The owner, Roberta Kirshner, has endless explanations about how and why none of what I am (others are) saying isn't true. You only have to visit to see the truth. I would never visit this place again or suggest that anyone go there for any reason except to see the deplorable conditions and try to help shut them down. I will continue to pursue this matter.

Some facts:

November 1, 2021: The USDA cited Kirshner for failing to provide the attending veterinarian with timely and accurate information about animal health and behavior problems. The licensee failed to notify the veterinarian of a coati’s increasing hair loss on the tail, a wound on the animal’s left back leg, and a wolf who was continuously pacing around the enclosure in a stereotypic pattern, wearing a deep track into the ground. Kirshner was also cited for failing to have accurate and complete records available for review and failing to maintain the required effective height of the perimeter fence surrounding the larger carnivores. Several items were adjacent to or leaning up against the fence, decreasing the effective height of the fence.

August 13, 2021: Cal/OSHA issued Kirshner a citation for a serious violation of workplace safety regulations after a clouded leopard attacked a volunteer. A Cal/OSHA narrative summary of the attack explained that the leopard had jumped on the volunteer after she fell down and started biting her around the neck, which caused injuries that required hospitalization. Kirshner was ultimately required to pay a penalty of $1,800.

Here are links to some other stories:

https://911animalabuse.com/barry-r-kirshner-wildlife-foundation/
https://www.peta.org/action/action-alerts/barry-r-kirshner-wildlife-foundation/
https://krcrtv.com/news/local/volunteer-hospitalized-after-leopard-attack
https://www.peta.org/media/news-releases/feds-cite-kirshner-after-leopard-attack-tip-from-peta/

Biru Water Reopens on Stockton Boulevard

Biru Water Store – 5880 Stockton Boulevard
Founded in Surabaya, Indonesia in 2002, Biru (Indonesian for blue) opened their first American store on Stockton Boulevard in 2018 completely renovating a three-unit strip mall. Dispensing both alkaline and reverse osmosis waters, the store is state-of-the-art. 

“This location has high-visibility,” said project manager, Amy Wongso. “Good traffic and nearby Asian and Latino communities–our target market—made this a good investment.”

With more than 300 stores, Biru has grown to be the leading refill water company in Indonesia and has received multiple awards such as WORLDCOB’s “The Bizz 2017” Business Award and Asia Pacific Entrepreneurship Award 2013. “We focus on what we do best, Water is the business!”

Biru has been closed since 2020 due to Covid. So happy to see them open and serving the community.

 

Tin Box Memories

Memories from my Tin Box of Poetry & Prose. I continue to find the stories scribbled ink on paper. These will be with me always.

An adventure in every way. Traveling to new places, meeting new people, taking part in a piece of Americana - a cattle drive. What else? 

The drive to Bridgeport was fantastic. I had never been beyond Lake Tahoe. Venturing into Nevada and driving through open valleys lined with tumbleweed, surrounded by omnipotent Sierra mountains capped with snow and shrouded by dark clouds. The aspens were a shade of yellow that only unseen powers could create. After passing Lake Tahoe, we dropped down into the Carson Valley - flat and wide-open. The sun was shining on a few chosen spaces. Farther along was Topaz Lake. Just beyond, we crossed back into California. The land was mostly scrub and brush with jagged hills on either side. A small stream, a lovely cascade of water and rocks, shadowed the road. The sky was still cloudy with breaks of sunlight.

The people on the cattle drive have been amazing and made me feel a part of this longstanding gathering. CJ Hadley, a British writer living in Washoe Valley, dressed me out in her suede chaps and her Australian outback coat. Terry Sullivan, a classic cowboy, tied his flowery neckerchief around my neck. With CJ's hat resting on my head, I was transformed into the complete cowgirl. The ultimate show of generosity was CJ letting me ride her horse, Gibson. And so, on our second day on the trail, I rode into Sweetwater Ranch with an extraordinary family of cowboys: Terry Sullivan, David Roundtree, Glenn Allaback, John Ascuaga, and Richard Houle, Chef gone cowboy for a day. We rode on through a majestic valley ringed on all sides by the Sierra Nevada with 900 head of cattle keeping pace.

The next day started with another of Richard's heartfelt meals - steak and eggs, home fries, toast, coffee, and a smile. The world was icy; nighttime temperatures had dipped to a chilly 15 degrees. Bridled and saddled, the horses' tails, manes, whiskers, and eyelashes were tipped in a frosty white. One restless pony pranced feverishly in the corral. Certainly she would not be left out of the day's journey. And she wasn't.

 

 

 

 

 

Mickey Abbey, Artist, Custom GlassWorks is Holy, Holy, Holy

Mickey Abbey, a Sacramento native, and Midtown dweller started his stained glass art business more than 45 years ago at 18th and L streets. Next door to Mario’s Italian Cellar, now Crepeville, Custom GlassWorks By Mickey survived changing times, while other familiar Sacramento haunts faded away. Mickey’s Wonder Woman (circa 1982) which graced the Crocker Museum and the glass canopy over Kupro’s Craft House are Midtown landmarks.

In his own words:  "I took a painting class at San Francisco State and discovered my art DNA. After four years working in Macy’s Union Square display department, I returned to my Sacramento roots. You come home because it’s comfortable.  Back in the day, Midtown was happening. We were just a group of guys doing a craft shop – Beginning – with woodwork, metal, sculpture, and stained glass.  There was nothing else down here at that time. 

I have come full circle doing today what I did in the '70s. Work and live in my studio, the doors open, impromptu music. It hasn‘t changed much. There weren't so many people living down here and everyone gathered at a handful of places – most no longer exist. Now, the choices are unlimited."

Never one to be idle, Mickey continues to create and share his art. Now more than ever. A recent commission of 12 stained-glass windows at St. Perpetua Church in Lafayette, California, pays witness to his incredible talents. Thousands of pieces of glass - cut by hand - were painstakingly assembled into this Biblical display. Each panel is 2 feet by 6 feet and stacked to make six total windows 2 feet by 12 feet. All about creation and the people of the Earth. Months of worrying - something Mickey never does - were finally installed in time for Easter Sunday, April 17, 2022. St. Perpetua's Reverend John Kasper who commissioned Mickey, we heard, wept when first viewing windows fully installed.

With more projects waiting in the wings, this is certainly not Mickey's swan song but it will be hard to top and guarantees he won't have to wait at the Pearly Gates. Saint Peter will be there ready to let him in.

He was emotionally involved and his head has swelled a size or two.

 

 

If my Subaru can't get me there, that's a good reason not to go!

Wild Rivers Coast: There’s a reason why

The sun was barely breaking through when fog began rolling in across the mouth of the Smith River. Where river and ocean unite – feels holy. Harbor seals, almost ghostly, gaze out across the shallow. A community of cormorants Zen(ly) attempt drying their wings. Brown pelicans and American oystercatchers share the spit. A lone angler casts again and again. He confides it’s been rumored salmon are running better on the Rogue and Klamath rivers. Still, he’s content. I watch with quiet respect and retreat once my camera is satiated.

Some 30 miles away, we walk a considerable sandspit separating the Klamath River from the Pacific Ocean. One more peaceful world, the lone inhabitants strolling or sitting quietly, we reverently contemplate this sacred space. The tide is returning and waves crash to the shore. A swift undertow – the cold water just licks my naked feet as I scramble away.  The Klamath has journeyed far – 263 miles from Southern Oregon – to wed itself to the churning ocean.

 

Morro Bay: Nature Sublime

Inhale. Watch the sun set behind Morro Rock, bark at sea lions, call to a night heron, and walk in silence beside a forest of pygmy oaks.  At every turn, open spaces and environmentally sensitive biomes of extraordinary splendor await.  Miles and miles of nature preserves, state parks, state beaches, and magical places with names like The Elfin Forest elevate Morro Bay’s allure.  From a waterfront perch at the Inn at Morro Bay, only one question emerges, “What next?” Mother Nature worked overtime to create this canvas.  It deserves all your attention.

Turn right out of the Inn’s parking lot. Head for Montaña de Oro State Park toward shoreline and estuary views.  In just a few miles, the road narrows; the “real” world drops away.  Some days are sunny.  Today, fog drapes the hillsides but without diminishing the heightened anticipation to reach Sandspit Beach – a four-mile “ecologically diverse” sand dune area separating Morro Bay from the Pacific Ocean.

One vehicle in the parking lot alludes to a park ranger, nowhere to be seen.  Out of your own four-wheeler, the world is quiet. You zigzag along with the boardwalk, along sensitive dunes dotted with sand verbena and lupine.  A slight rise in the dune and –  suddenly – stillness to crashing waves! A view that thrills you to the bone.

Breathe. One seriously long, deep breath of the fog, the mist, the ocean air.

See. Open your eyes, wide! Really, really wide to an abundance of sand, shore birds, ocean debris, wildflowers, pounding surf. Incredibly, you are the sole inhabitant on this expanse of beach inside Montaña de Oro State Park.  Imagine the coastal Chumash who once called this home.

Step. Follow the footprints – some four-footed – the comings and goings of previous visitors. The tide rushes up and laps at your feet, washing away remnants of your passing and those before you.

Gaze. Scan for signs of life. A troop of curlews hurries in and out of the surf chasing an elusive breakfast.  A band of brown pelicans rises and falls with the light as if on some unseen carnival ride.  Bashful snowy plovers sneak – left, right, left right – over dunes to  protected nesting ground.  A gang of turkey vultures nibble on the carcass of a dolphin, its mouth agape in a petrified smile.  Heartbreaking, still, it is the nature of things and now part of this memory.

Sun and fog debate which will prevail over today’s weather. Fog appears to be winning.  Though a distance away, you linger in hopes that Morro Rock will reappear through the mist. Not to be on this adventure. After a mile on the spit, it’s time to turn back.

A ghostly surfer slips the top of a wave, a solitary figure, as you depart. Exhale.