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Showing posts with label CA wildfires 2025. Show all posts
Showing posts with label CA wildfires 2025. Show all posts

Saturday, September 6, 2025

SHABBAT SHALOM 2025; Coalinga-CA

wildfires

Another evacuation notice for the Salt-14-2 Wildfire flashed across my laptop taskbar about 8 AM this morning; so, I checked it out.

Parkfield-CA
Parkfield-CA
(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parkfield,_California)

Parkfield-CA is 1 hour away from Coalinga-CA: so, the main threat to our area is smoke haze - which, to people who have lung issues, is a real threat when the atmosphere is seriously murky.

Parkfield-CA is a small, remote, community of about 18 people, most of whom are ranchers and farmers; it sits directly on the San Andreas Fault and is famously known as the "Earthquake Capital of the World" due to seismic research and monitoring. It looks like a nice place to visit … too bad the wildfire will destroy much of it 😔

Escape to Quaint Parkfield: California's Tiny Slice of Country Life: 
https://www.discover-central-california.com/parkfield-california/#:~:text=What%20is%20this%3F,bit%20of%20tourism%20thrown%20in.

Parkfield Coalinga Road – A rustic back road drive over the mountains: 
https://www.discover-central-california.com/parkfield-coalinga-road/

While I was looking at internet pictures of Parkfield, Holland decided to take a drive around the immediate area to scope things out; he did ask me if I wanted to go with him, but I declined. My lounging PJ's are comfy 😉 … and unless we are going to be out-of-house longer than 15 or 20 minutes, I'd rather not go through all the hassle of wiggling myself into clothing that will fight being yanked every inch over a perspiration-soaked body 😒

So, I stayed home … and tackled a project that needed tackled.

I went upstairs to make the bed, and decided to first replace the ratty, worn out, foam buffers along the bed platform edges; wanting to surprise Holland when he got back. He arrived sooner than anticipated - but it was a nice surprise anyway 😘

He's been doing so much already, in this hellish heatwave temperature.

And I am a capable wife 👍

These worn-out foam buffers need to be trashed, & the bed platform's rough edges need to be softened.
I will use the Pool Noodles - bought in Coalinga, a couple days ago. I Sliced a noodle open with a box cutter …
I used 1 full-length & 1 12-inch length, cut at an angle along one end …
The angled edges lined up to dovetail.
I laid the pieces out in placement; & taped them to the platform with White Duct Tape.
Protection against scraped legs; the improvised foam buffers make it safe to walk around the bed frame.
No taped-down-foam showing …
No taped-down-foam showing; not even from a downstairs viewing.

While I was finishing up the bedroom tasks, Holland called his cousin Brenda to let her know we're in the general vicinity - and a Cousin Day has been tentatively planned: it's a definite [do], and when the dove-tailing has been worked out, we'll point Betsy's nose in that direction.

During the convo, Holland had asked about fruit & produce stands & Brenda said she'd check to see what's still available.

She texted back almost immediately, saying she had managed to grab a box of peaches for us from a lady she gets her fresh stuff from 🤗 The gesture is greatly appreciated - and we are thankfully anticipating the peaches ❤️


Then, on a hunch, I went online to see if there were any Farmer's Markets closer to our location: there was … and it is operating later this afternoon, at 4 PM. So, I will be wiggling myself into clothing that will grudgingly protest being yanked every inch over a perspiration-soaked body, after all 😂🤣


Leaving the Park to drive to Huron, Holland took me around the backside of our street to show me a miniature pony corralled in the end space 🤔 It was cute, but I am still wondering where do they stash it, as well as the cyclone fencing, when they are on the move? They arrived 2 days ago (that's when Holland first saw it). Surely they don't put it in the RV; and I don't think it will fit in their vehicle - even if it did, the fencing won't.


A miniature Horse! At our RV Park.

We found the Farmer's Market in Huron-CA, & came home with some pretty good eats 👏 I even tried a Prickly Pear fruit that I saw laid out on one table … the man selling them showed me how to split the skin with a fingernail, and push the pulp out to enjoy: it was so sweet! I bought some. I have been curious about this "food" ever since I read that the prickly cactus, so prevalent in the Southren States, has edibles fruits as well as edible pads - I didn't see any pads for sale, but when I do, I'll but some and find out how to prepare them for a food source.

Coalinga-CA Farmer's Market, in Huron-CA; 12 min (8.1 mi) via W Jayne Ave and CA-269 N Lassen Ave
Coalinga FM3; Veg & Fruits Stands - Huron-CA
Our Farmer's Market Bounty; peppers, avocado, cactus fruit, oranges, onions, tomatoes, zucchini, papaya, & jicama roots.
Prickly Cactus fruits & pads.
3 Health Benefits of Prickly Pear
(https://www.health.com/prickly-pear-benefits-7642893)

I like trying new things.

I like ethnic foods.

I think Holland will like 🤞 these tasty things, too, when he tries one 😉

It was so hot, we bought Supper up the street, to eat at home; my Shrimp Quesadilla was yummy 😁; and so were the oranges we enjoyed, following our meal - I shredded the peel, and it should dry for storage quickly in this heat.

Shrimp Quesadillas. YUM!
Shredded Orange Peel will add a nice flavor to Winter dishes.

On his way upstairs, Holland was shutting the screen door and called me over to see the pretty moon - so full, so bright:

A very full and bright moon

While he slept, I did my body toning exercises, & watched an old Robby Benson movie. It's still too hot for me to attempt getting restful sleep.



I like working my body, & I like using weights: I've been doing both for decades. I do not exercise, or use weights to build muscle … but rather, to gently shape, & tone muscle. Looking like a female Hulk does not appeal to me (or to my husband - either one; I am a remarried widow).

Beginners: Seniors who are new to strength training might start with lighter weights, such as 1 to 5 pounds.

Intermediate: Those with some experience might use dumbbells in the range of 5 to 10 pounds.

Split Lunges primarily work the glutes, quadriceps, and hamstrings, with additional engagement of the core muscles (like the abs and spinal erectors) for stability, the adductors and abductors (inner and outer thigh) to stabilize the hips, and the calves for ankle movement; while they also help improve leg strength, balance, and stability.

Split Lunge // TriDot Strength Drill Series: 
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GRD3DcZcP_E&t=29s)

Split lunges are an excellent exercise for senior women when performed with proper form and modifications. They offer significant benefits for strength, balance, and overall functional movement, which are all crucial for aging adults. However, the exercise should be approached carefully, with modifications made based on individual fitness levels and joint health.

Glutes Muscles
Core muscles; abs and spinal erectors.

Dumbbell Deadlifts are a compound exercise that work many muscles, primarily targeting the posterior chain, which includes the glutes, hamstrings, lower back (erector spinae), and traps. The exercise also engages quadriceps, core (abs and obliques), latissimus dorsi (lats), and forearms for grip strength, making it a full-body movement.

External Abdominal Oblique Muscles
Traps Muscles


Dumbbell deadlifts are good for senior women because they are functional, build strength in major muscle groups, and help maintain bone density and balance, which can reduce the risk of falls. To avoid injury, it's crucial for senior women to learn proper form from a qualified instructor, use appropriate weights, and focus on consistent, safe training rather than heavy lifting. 

Two sets of deadlifts will be enough if your goal is to maintain strength, focus on form, or you are a beginner, especially if those sets are challenging and are done with good technique.

Forearm muscles are essential for everyday activities, such as grasping objects, writing, using a computer, and performing sports movements. Strengthening these muscles can improve grip strength, enhance wrist mobility, and reduce the risk of injuries related to the upper extremities. 

The biceps muscle's main functions are to bend the elbow (flexion) and to rotate the forearm so the palm faces upward. It also contributes to stabilizing the shoulder joint. These actions allow us to lift objects, carry things, and turn doorknobs or keys.


The primary function of the triceps is to extend the elbow, which is necessary for activities such as pushing, pulling, and throwing. The triceps also assist in stabilizing the shoulder joint. The muscle is connected to the humerus (upper arm bone) at the elbow and inserts into the scapula (shoulder blade).

Triceps Muscles

The extensor carpi ulnaris (ECU) is a muscle located in the back end compartment of the forearm. Its main function is to stretch out and bend the wrist joint.

Forearm Muscles

The extensor carpi ulnaris muscle serves two primary functions: it extends the wrist (bends the hand upward) and adducts the wrist (bends the hand toward the pinky side of the arm). It also plays a role in stabilizing the ulnar (inner) side of the wrist, especially during activities like clenching a fist or performing sports actions that involve swinging - like in golf.

The purpose of the extensor digitorum muscle is to extend the joints of each finger, it helps control hand movements and provides stability during grip movements, & it assists in lifting the wrist upwards, which is a straightening action that increases the angle between body parts, as seen when opening your hand or waving. It is a crucial muscle for many daily activities and plays a key role in maintaining hand dexterity during fine motor tasks.

The primary actions of the extensor carpi radialis muscles (both the longus and brevis) are wrist extension (bending the hand backward) and radial deviation (moving the hand toward the thumb side of the wrist). These muscles also assist in flexing the elbow and are involved in activities requiring a strong grip.

The Bridge exercise is one of the best glute exercises for older adults. But this simple bodyweight move actually works your entire backside, including your hips, hamstrings, and lower back. The result: You'll improve your balance and power, making it easier to bend, walk, and climb stairs.


Holland has trouble sleeping, so when he winds down enough to go to bed, I don't like to disturb him: he needs to sleep when he can 🛌😴: I don't want to be up there tossing and turning - so, I'll go upstairs after the movie plays out:

The Chosen~1981 Movie - 'The Chosen' 1981: 
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CZk_YoIuRJw)

From start to finish, Sabbath shalom carried the Day 👩‍❤️‍💋‍👨🕊️

Thursday, September 4, 2025

COALINGA-CA~History of Coal, Oil & Bandit

This morning we drove into the main part of Coalinga-CA, to check out the local stores - we located two & shopped one, and we came home with KFC for Supper.

But, first, I checked out the wildfires status' …

… and engaged in some self-care exercises: it's really too hot here to do any strenuous exercises, but I want to keep to my goal. These exercises are low-key, but they pay out real nice benefits over time 😊👌

A duration of 10 seconds can be approximated by counting "one-one thousand, two-one thousand, three-one thousand … ending ten-one thousand": this sequence is repeated for the allotted exercise count time.

The March Step exercise challenges your single-leg stability, which helps improve your overall balance; it also targets the hip flexors, glutes, quadriceps, hamstrings, calves, and core muscles for the lower body, while also engaging the shoulders and back for balance and stability. Despite its simple appearance, marching can act as a full-body workout by engaging numerous muscle groups, helps improve balance, and increases lower body strength; making it a fundamental movement for many fitness levels.

Hip Flexor muscles: these muscles are responsible for lifting the leg, as seen in the "marching" motion.

Hip Flexor muscles.

Glutes Muscles: The glutes provide stability to the pelvis and help extend the leg.

Glutes Muscles

Quads Muscles: The large muscles at the front of the thigh are engaged to extend the leg and absorb impact.

Hamstrings Muscles: Located at the back of the thigh, the hamstrings work to flex the knee and stabilize the hip.

Calves: The muscles in the lower leg also play a role in stabilizing the foot and ankle. 

Core Muscles (lower body): The abdominal muscles (rectus abdominis) and other core muscles work to stabilize the torso and prevent swaying, particularly in standing marches.

Shoulders and Back Muscles: The shoulders and upper back muscles used in marching include the deltoids, trapezius, and latissimus dorsi (lats), which help stabilize the upper body, maintain good posture, and provide stability assist with arm movements.

Shoulder & Back Muscles

The Slow Butt Kicks exercise primarily targets and strengthens your hamstrings and glutes (buttocks), while also engaging your quadriceps and hip flexors to build strength and endurance in your legs & glutes. Performing butt kicks improves your balance and coordination due to the single-leg stability required.

Butt Kicks Exercise

Man - pungent heat wave!

As soon as we walked out the front door, our noses were assaulted by pungent wildfire smoke drift: the air today is thick with wildfire smoke - it smells like we are standing next to a bonfire.

I was glad to jump into Betsy's cab and shut the door tight. I didn't get fancy - freshly washed hair pulled back with a hair clip & lipstick was all the frou-frou that was indulged. My hair would be limp and lack-luster before the hour was played out … and my lipstick was softening in it's tube.

The cooler days predicted ahead are greatly anticipated, for several reasons 🙏

Driving into town …
Cheap Bling works for me; I'm more redneck girl than a Barbie wannabe 😉

I was not glad Holland kept hopping out of Betsy's cab every 5 minutes 😒🙄: dump garbage, top fuel tank off, run into the mini mart for a red Bull. None of that was pressing needs; it's basically just habit. By the time he was finished dinking aroundBetsy's cab was filled with smoke odor and I was hitting the inhaler. I zipped my lip so we weren't catapulted into fight  mode 😬; the environment was already smokey hot enough.

Leaving the area, I snapped this picture of the Park we're currently hunkered down in; it's actually a very nice place. It's clean. The people are friendly. The atmosphere is peaceful & quiet … and those small trees in the background are almond tree orchards = which is what the Park is named after. The murky haze hanging over the tree tops, is the wildfire smoke drift.

Snapshot of the Almond Tree Oasis RV Park~Coalinga-CA

Coalinga-CA is about ten miles west of I-5 in Pleasant Valley, along the edge of California's Coast Range Mountains.

It is about sixty miles from Fresno.

The store we chose today; it was okay. Expensive. Best for spice selections & Holland's preferred brand of bottled water.

Leaving Coalinga and heading back home, Holland took a different road spur out of curiosity.

I like curiosity driven drives 😁

Smoke haze in the horizon …
A 'Single Drilling Rig'; Holland says it's the smallest he's ever seen - and he has worked on oil rigs for major companies in the USA, as well as in Canada.
We watched this little pumping Jack go up & down; Holland tells me these things can pump 2 or 3 40-gal. barrels a day, at $75 a barrel.
A newer little drilling rig, a little bit up the highway; these are for working shallow oil wells.
Coalinga Oil Fields-CA
Coalinga Oil Fields
(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coalinga_Oil_Field)
Historical Marker along Hwy #33-CA

When we got back home, I delved into a history search on Coalinga - there really wasn't much:

Online research …

Coalinga is one of the mining boom towns, but unlike many of these flash-in-the-pan places, Coalinga survived. The community is 119 years old, this year; & it is the only incorporated city in Fresno County. Though oil helped the community to prosper, it was really coal that helped to name the city back in 1891.

It is said that there were three coaling stations called A,B, and C. The city name was made from combining coaling with Station A. Even the Native Americans of the region used natural tar from seeps for various purposes, including basket lining - making the industry a long established one. It also became a large trade item among the early settlers. By 1867, drilling began in the area. A post office was established here in 1889. In 1891, the Southern Pacific Railroad purchased a homestead of 160 acres from M.I. Curtis and the town site of Coalinga was laid out. Coalinga became the third largest California shipping point in the state by 1910. The citizenry pushed for incorporation successfully in April 1906 helping the city to move from oil boom town status to an established growing and successful community.

Though oil was abundant, potable water was not. Drinking water had to be brought in to Coalinga under 1972 when water from the San Luis Canal began to arrive. In fact, most homes had three kitchen faucets, one cold, one hot and one drinking water.

On 2 May 1983, a large 6.7 earthquake shook Coalinga, leveling a major portion of the downtown area - and by the looks of it, it has not fully recovered even if the locals cleaned up and started to rebuild after the disaster.

I found this article online: and I added some internet pictures - it appears to me, that Coalinga-CA was once a happening place with some pretty cool buildings. We did not see anything like those buildings when we explored the town twice already. Those buildings were destroyed during the earthquake, and most of what is left looks kinda neglected and worn down.

There are some modern businesses dotting Coalinga's landscape here and there, but the areas we have driven through look pretty shabby.

{{History Of Coalinga: The ‘Boom Town’ That Lived

~A Brief History of Coalinga by Bill Howell: https://www.coalingachamber.com/history-of-coalinga

Located in Fresno County, Coalinga is one of the few cities that began as a mining town, and survived. Oil provided the community with over 100 years of relative prosperity, but it was the discovery of coal that inspired the name, Coalinga, when laid out by Southern Pacific Railroad engineers in 1891.  Legend has it during those days; there were three coaling stations: “A”, “B” and “C”.  The name Coalinga is derived from mixing “Coaling” with Station “A”, with the “A” meaning to arrive.

Close up of Southern Pacific Depot; Coalinga-CA

In 1889 the Coalinga Post Office was established and in 1891, the Southern Pacific Railroad purchased 160 acres of homestead owned by M.L. Curtis establishing the present site of Coalinga. By 1910, Coalinga was the third largest shipping point for the railroad in California, with nearly all the tonnage connected to oil production.

A handful of local citizens began the process of incorporation, which was completed in April of 1906 and in 1909, the Coalinga Chamber of Commerce was organized. April 16, 1910, there was plenty to “crow” about as the Coalinga oil field was reported as the largest in California because earlier in September 1909, the Silver Tip well, just one-half mile from the city limits. It blew as the greatest gusher known in California at that time.  

This caused enough excitement that the Los Angeles Stock Exchange closed, so that its members could come to Coalinga on a special excursion.

Coalinga’s oil field produced men and companies who were to become some of the giants of the industry, one being R.C. Baker, the founder of Baker Oil Tools.  His original buildings are now the home of the R.C. Baker Memorial Museum located at 297 W. Elm. It is one of the outstanding small museums in the state, focusing on oil, the geology of the area and all phases of pioneer life.

Shell Camp; Coalinga, CA~Circa 1917

Grammar schools came with the earliest settlers in the area and the first high school was built in 1910. The first graduation class, was held in 1912 with three members.  In 1913, the women of Coalinga promoted a library district receiving a Carnegie grant valued at $14,000. The building was erected in 1916. In 1918, Coalinga veterans of the “World War” began organizing a local veteran’s organization.  This idea spread until it reached statewide interest.  When veterans met in 1919 to establish the American Legion, Coalinga was designated Post number 2 in California.  Post-number 1 in San Francisco gave their support to later designate Coalinga as “Mother Post” of California.  This patriotic spirit has never faded.  From World War I through the latest military involvements, Coalinga men and women have served their country honorably.

Coalinga before paved streets.
Coalinga Main Street~1941

Coalinga College was established in 1932. Later renamed West Hills Community College District serving students from Coalinga, Mendota, Firebaugh, Lemoore, Avenal and Huron.

In 1933, the Junior Chamber of Commerce hosted an impromptu racing of various wild reptiles later known as the “annual running of the “Horned Toads”. It later became known as the Annual Horned Toad Derby. The only years missed since 1933 of the racing of the toads: were the war years, 1942-1945 and 1983, due to the Coalinga earthquake.

Horned Toad

The Horned Toad was adopted by the High School as its mascot in 1938.

Horned Toad School Mascot; Coalinga-CA

The biggest test for the existence of the city came on May 2, 1983, when Coalinga experienced the 6.7 earthquake that leveled a significant portion of the business district. Residents realized that the oil was not going to last forever and the  earthquake was the catalyst that inspired the City to look for new economic opportunities.

Coalinga Quake

It was successful having the State Department of Corrections locate a major prison facility in the Pleasant Valley in 1991, Coalinga State Hospital in 2006, a 40-acre industrial park adjacent to the city.

In addition, there is an $8 million airport facility and in 1998, the residents approved a bond issue for a new $14 million hospital, the Coalinga Regional Medical Center, with the latest in medical technology.

Since 1983, the Coalinga Huron Parks and Recreation District has expanded its facilities, constructing a community center, fitness center and a senior citizen’s center. Also in cooperation with the City of Coalinga a new skate park has been built, and several parks promoting soccer, basketball, walking trails and even an outdoor amphitheater have emerged. City Streets and sidewalks, and new businesses continue to add to the independent spirit of this, mid-state city along the I-5 corridor.}}

I also ran down some information on that Historical Marker I spotted along Hwy #33:

Online research …

Historical Marker along  Hwy #33-CA
Joaquin Murrieta
(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joaquin_Murrieta)

And out of the peripheral vision of my right eye … I caught sight of an [Alert] popping up on my taskbar -

Air Quality Alert; Coalinga-CA
WE are located in the 'Alert' region~Coalinga-CA