At the time, only 34 stars appeared on the United States flag. Abraham Lincoln and his family were the newest occupants of the White House. And the nation was painfully divided on the issues of states' rights and slavery, so much so that 11 states would secede from the union, thrusting the country into a war that lasted four long and bitter years.
MERCED A family-friendly art event that showcases local artists, music and entertainment is about to take over the streets of downtown Merced. The Art Hop, which started five years ago, will be held from 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday. The event will feature the work of 50 to 300 artists, organizers said.
MERCED The band Pablo Cruise will be featured at the Merced County Fair on June 13, organizers announced Wednesday. Cruise will perform on EECU Kids' Day at the fair, where children ages 12 and under get free admission.
LOS BANOS Flora, fauna, and fun. About 60 people made the trip up to Pacheco State Park to enjoy a morning filled with education, picnics, interpretive exhibits and a nature hike led by retired state park Ranger David Milam during the Wildflower Day Celebration near Dinosaur Point.
FRESNO Ask the average person how to get to the San Joaquin River, and you'll probably get a quizzical look.
Brides and grooms in the Fresno area can say "I do" in front of sea lions or take a ski lift to a ceremony site halfway up a mountain.
Water shortages, public amenities, and a maniacal supervisor collide in comedic satire this weekend as "Urinetown: The Musical" opens at Playhouse Merced.
The second annual Mr. Miss and Ms. Gay Merced Pageant is coming to town, and organizers say, it will be an unforgettable evening for all.
DLM Live's ongoing house show series is preparing for another Friday at a home on 26th Street in Merced. It's taking the music outdoors.
The unsung heroes who work behind the scenes to keep churches running smoothly get their musical due in Sierra Repertory Theatre's uproarious staging of "Church Basement Ladies."
LOS BANOS A run that's earned about $6,000 for scholarships, cancer research and other causes will be resurrected after a year off, according to an organizer. The Dustin Hobbs Memorial Run started after the teacher for which it's named died of leukemia at age 33. The sixth run is set for the top of Pacheco Pass at Pacheco State Park at 8 a.m. April 21.
A few months ago, I wrote that we should all drink more champagne. Why not? We could designate one day a week as a "special occasion" and celebrate with a bottle of bubbly. I suggested we put a little pop and fizz into blue Mondays. The editor agreed. So we popped the cork on 12 different sparkling wines from Jan. 7 to March 25.
With the publication of “Pati’s Mexican Table: The Secrets of Real Mexican Home Cooking,” the circle is complete. Former bookworm policy analyst turned cooking instructor, food blogger, chef and public television culinary host Pati Jinich directs her research, experience, love of country and personal journey onto the printed page.
MERCED I suggested we put a little pop and fizz into blue Mondays. The editor agreed. So we popped the cork on 12 different sparkling wines from Jan. 7 to March 25.
LOS ANGELES Jon Hamm is luxuriating on a bed in a hotel room located somewhere in the vast spread of Los Angeles. We know this because he says so, while the vague cushiony sound of a mattress that carries over a phone line from 3,000 miles away confirms both posture and bed.
