Jenny Toste's Blog

Weekend & Travel Forecast

2010-03-12T16:50:00Z

Happy Friday! Here's your weekend update!

We have a storm moving in today, for afternoon & evening rain and snow. There's a Winter Storm Warning for the Sierra and a Winter Weather Advisory for the Tulare Co. Mtns 4pm to 6am tomorrow. Snow will be around 6000ft today, dropping down to 4000ft overnight.

(Basically, that just means watch out for dangerous to impossible driving in the snow! The storm will clear out by Saturday, so it might be a good idea to wait until then to go check out the fresh snowfall. Could see 16" around Yosemite, and 10" in Tulare. Kern Co could get a few inches, but above the pass level.)

Saturday & Sunday
Valley--Windy & Cooler, back into the high 50s before 70s next week
(West Valley Wind Advisory Saturday with gusts to 45mph)
Foothills--Mostly Sunny & Cooler, low 50s
Mtns--Snow ending in the early morning hours Saturday, low 40s

Northern California--Sunny & high 50s
Central Coast--Sunny & high 50s
Southern California--Sunny & mid 60s
(30% chance showers San Diego Saturday)
Fresh snow in Tahoe (mid 30s) and clouds in Vegas

Have a great weekend!

Seems like Daylight Savings is earlier this year?

2010-03-12T16:41:00Z

This is the weekend you "Spring Forward" to begin Daylight Savings!

You LOSE an hour a sleep.. and will probably end up waking up in the dark next week (7:15am Sunrise).. but Sunset won't be till 7pm (yay!).

If you think it's coming early this year, the law WAS changed a few years ago--switching the time change from April-October, to March-November.

Click here to learn more about Daylight Saving & the new law

Also--don't forget to change your Smoke Alarm Batteries at the same time!

Mike Scott's also got a reminder for you

More info on Deadly Baby Slings (MUST-SEE VIDEO!)

2010-03-12T15:50:00Z

A 7-DAY-old baby suffocated while his mother shopped at Costco! Yes, she was carrying him in an infant sling, and had no idea the store-bought item could kill her newborn baby.

She shared her story on the Early Show this morning, and my heart was just breaking for her--the horror!

Apparently babies don't even have to roll their faces into anything to suffocate--they can die just from the shape of the sling rolling their heads forward & cutting off the air flow!

I told you earlier this week about the government's coming warning about the danger of infant slings. The CPSC will release more information today when it formally issues the warning.

Click here to learn more from the CBS Early Show & the mother who had no idea a store-bought item would kill her newborn baby.

Will Tiger Woods play the Masters?

2010-03-12T15:30:00Z

AP: Woods Likely to Return at Masters

Woods Has Been Practicing Near Orlando Home; Now Targeting April Major, Sources Say, Despite Reports of Even Sooner Return

I hope so!

Personal issues aside, I love watching him golf. Competition just isn't the same without Tiger there. (I'd imagine other golfers would want him there too. Otherwise it'd be, "Yeah, I won the Masters.. Yeah, the year Tiger wasn't there...")

2 sources say he's gonna play! (Click here for the AP story)

I LOVE the Masters! I watch every day. (For those of you who think golf is boring, try watching it! The back stories on the players, comparing how they do on each hole each day, the beautiful setting of the Masters--it can't be beat, and it's right here on CBS!)

I was really upset by the revelations of Tiger's cheating. I've been a fan of his ever since a high school Spring Break trip to Tahoe for which I was sick & spent the entire trip in my room. My TV only got ESPN & CSPAN, and they showed all of Tiger's Amateur championships leading up to his first Masters.

But I actually thought his apology sounded sincere, and I wish the best to him & his family.

NJ Dad accused of raping 5 daughters, impregnating 3

2010-03-12T15:20:00Z

PATERSON, N.J., March 11, 2010

NJ Dad Accused of Raping 5 Daughters

Police Allege Man Impregnated Teen Daughters, Beat Children, Moved to Avoid Welfare Investigation

This story is so horrific!

The father is accused of raping his 5 daughters while having apocalyptic visions. His wife said he stated the world was ending, he was the only one chosen to survive, and he had to create pure bloodlines through his daughters.

(And another example of authorities who were investigating child endangerment, and yet the rapes continued!)

Click here to read the whole story

Don't miss "Young and the Restless" Friday! (It's gettin' good!)

2010-03-11T21:00:00Z

I had to do a Y&R update this week because Friday's too good to miss!

They've been building up the whole story of Adam & Ashley/Sharon's baby.

Basically, Ashley had a miscarriage (that Adam caused by scaring her), so to cover his tracks, he called in a doctor, whom he blackmailed. He made Ashley believe she was still pregnant (with Victor's baby), when she really wasn't.

Sharon was pregnant at the same time (with Nick's baby, who's married to Phyllis). The night they both gave birth, Dr. Taylor (who mysteriously died) told Sharon her baby died, then gave the baby to Ashley.

So, yes, Ashley is raising Nick & Sharon's baby, who they think is dead!

And EVERYONE has ganged up against Adam, have him locked in the Abbott cabin, and tomorrow THE TRUTH COMES OUT! (I'm so excited!)

Another twist--Phyllis has already found out that the baby is Nick & Sharon's. (Nick tried to leave her when he found out about the baby.) She doesn't want to lose him again, so she burned the note, which Dr. Taylor had dictated as he was dying.

How will Ashley react when she finds out she has no daughter? What will Nick & Sharon do when they find out they have a baby? What will Victor do when he realizes the girl isn't his daughter, but his granddaughter? What will happen to Phyllis? And Adam?

Again, I'm so excited! Don't forget to watch Y&R Friday at 11am, followed by CBS 47 News at Noon.

Congrats to our Winning Couple! (Check out what they won!)

2010-03-11T16:41:00Z

In case you missed it.. we announced the winner of our "Race to the Altar" contest on CBS47 This Morning.

Mike Scott was live at 6am to surprise Steve Navarro & Justine Garner of Fresno! They were so excited--it was fun to watch! (Click here to watch the video) Thanks to everyone who voted--it was a close race.

We'll continue to follow the couple as they prepare for their wedding, which will be May 14th, LIVE on CBS47 at Noon!

They won some GREAT things! click here to check out the wedding package (Also great if you're planning your own wedding!)

"Baby Slings" can cause death!

2010-03-10T17:12:00Z

Baby Slings & Wraps have become very popular in recent years, but some babies have DIED from them.

The Associated Press reports the Consumer Product Safety Commission is getting ready to issue a warning about the risk of suffocation. If you have one, use it carefully!

(I had one & rarely used it with my son for this reason when he was too young to control his head. It pressed his head too close to my chest, and while I tried to keep him turned to the side, sometimes he went nose-first into my chest, and I didn't want to risk it. There are ways to use them to minimize the risk, especially when they are older.)

Click here to read the whole article

Have fun & help save a dog!

2010-03-10T16:31:00Z

Fresno Bully Rescue is working to end the myths about "Pit Bulls" (American Pit Bull Terriers) and other Bully breeds, and find good homes for these great dogs.

(One of the myths--that these dogs are more aggressive than other breeds. Not true! I have a pit bull mix, and he is the sweetest, most loyal dog in the world, and puts up with all of our 2-year-old's mistreatment! (which we try to limit, of course))

The Benefit Concert for "Fresno Bully Rescue" is this Saturday, March 13th.

Enjoy great music, play some pool, have a drink, or just hang out, all while helping raise money for a non-profit, no-kill dog shelter.

Starting at 2pm and going all day & night, there will a full line up of bands of every style. From reggae to acoustic, DJ to rock.

Location:
Babylon Club in Tower District
1064 North Fulton Street (south of Olive)
559-495-0852

$5 cover at the door; donations greatly appreciated
21+ up

Mission Statement of Fresno Bully Rescue:
FBR's job is to provide a healthy and loving temporary home while we look for forever homes for our bullies. In addition, FBR is commited to promoting responsible ownership of bully breeds, fighting against breed discrimination, spaying and neutering pets, reporting dog fighting, and demonstrating to the community that bully breeds are loyal, loving, and wonderful forever companions.

Click here to learn more about the Fresno Bully Rescue

Save the Date and JOIN ME for the NAMI Walk 2010!

2010-03-09T15:36:00Z

Chances are you know someone living with mental illness--whether it's you, someone in your family, or a friend.

And if you don't know anyone, it might be because they're too scared to mention it because of what others might think.

JOIN ME on Saturday, May 1st for a walk to help END THE STIGMA of mental illness.

6th Annual
NAMI Walk

Roeding Park

Saturday

May 1, 2010

I was surprised last year by what a GREAT event this is! It really is a morning of FUN for the whole family! FREE breakfast, FREE lunch, a nice stroll around the park--and all donations go to a great cause.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) offers FREE education & support to those living with mental illness, as well as those who love them. They're working to end the stigma, and get the word out that mental illness is a medical illness like any other medical condition.

We'll have more information coming up on CBS 47. Stay tuned! Hope to see you out there! (Call NAMI Fresno Office for more info: 559-224-2469)

Wasn't Sunday "nice"? My back yard adventure...

2010-03-08T17:20:00Z

My fourth grade teacher would be yelling at me right now--"'Nice' is a garbage word!"--but I happen to like the word "nice." It exudes a sense of calm to me, as in everything's at peace, and you can really enjoy yourself--a head-nodding, well satisfied "Nice.. ahhhh."

Yesterday my son & I headed outdoors to enjoy the beautiful weather. The sun was shining, it wasn't too windy, and our back yard was a wonderland!

We found four of our little lizards on the back wall of the house, hiding behind the bushes (this excites both my son AND dog!). Heath grabbed his little net (still outside from when I rinsed it after sending "fishy" to swim to heaven) and, with all the love in his little heart, started swatting at the lizards.

I reminded him, "Heath, treat them NICE," to which he responded with tears (any type of correction, and he falls to pieces!), swatting even harder, with a grunt. I told him we didn't want to hurt them, since they're our friends. (But he still remembers the one we trapped in our house Christmas morning, hiding in the rug by the fireplace, and was eager to scoop up another.)

Another world of opportunity for him? The faucet! He's figured out how to turn on the water, so after the fun of watching it drip wore off, he grabbed the hose nozzle and went to town--shooting the house, the pool, the dog, the rocks (oops--and Daddy's barbecue!). I had to remind him, "Not on the patio!" (more tears).

After the faucet lost its sparkle, he had the bigger joy of MUD to play in! He threw in all his balls (squealing when it splashed all over him), and used his stacking cup to pour it where it wouldn't splash. Ah, the thrill of mud for a little boy might be endless...

Except all that work in the mud works up a thirst! Heath took his same little cup, trotted back over to the faucet, and used the drip as his personal water fountain, perched on the cement stoop like a happy little lark (muddy cup not withstanding).

Where was I in all this? Enjoying some rare moments alone, hardly afforded a young mother. Yes, I had to watch him constantly, with a pool in the back yard, but I also got to spend some time trimming up the trees (or "thrashing" them, as my husband would say).

It felt so nice to just be out in nature, among the trees, taking their weight off. I literally felt like I could hear the trees thanking me for relieving them of their extra baggage--the diseased branches, the ones growing straight up or down, crossing the others, or getting too big for their own good.

I developed a strange sense of satisfaction as I'd look at a tree, see a spot that was too cluttered, and, upon further inspection, discover, sure enough, a branch that needed to be cut.

All while my little boy was having the time of his life...

Until my husband came out & looked at the trees... Oops!

While I had been on my new "life-giving" campaign for the trees, I had forgotten about our overall goal of keeping the back yard "natural" and cozy. Suddenly our sequoias that we'd waited 5 years to grow in.. which were finally getting full and big.. weren't.

Yes, my trees will be healthier in the long run, but in the short run, they just look butchered.

I guess that's why pruning is a two-person job!

"Jenny's A-List: CHAMPAGNE BRUNCHES!" (For Easter & Mother's Day)

2010-03-05T16:48:00Z

Easter & Mother's Day are right around the corner. What better way to celebrate than with a special champagne brunch?

Don't forget to make your reservations--Easter is the first weekend of April, and Mother's Day is early May!

CBS47 is On Your Side with "Jenny's A-list" of three great options for a special Sunday Brunch: Click here to see the A-List video

COPPER RIVER COUNTRY CLUB - Holiday Version of Sunday Brunch Buffet

Copper River offers a special version of its popular Sunday champagne brunch for holidays (Easter, Mother's Day, Father's Day, and Christmas).

Enjoy a wide variety of top-quality food, including an assortment of fresh seafood, such as crab legs and oysters on the half shell, an omelet station, meat carving station, and a number of breakfast and lunch favorites (even Bananas Foster!).

The outstanding service will make you feel like family, and the location is like no other in the valley--located near the foothills with breathtaking views. They promise you'll love your experience.

(You do not have to be a member to enjoy brunch. $25.95 Holidays, $22.95 Sundays, $12.95 Children 4-10 years)

11500 North Friant Road

North Fresno (Copper River Ranch)

Reservations: (559) 434-8956

FRESNO RADISSON HOTEL & CONFERENCE CENTER - Holiday Brunch Buffets

The Radisson has been doing its holiday buffets for 25 years, so they've got it down, and you get it all--from wine and champagne, to live jazz.

Hors d'ouevres, spreads, and antipasti, meats like leg of lamb, beef, smoked salmon, and seafood from shrimp and crab legs, to mussels and caviar, are all set up around the hotel's waterfall.

Get an omelet or Belgium waffle made to order, and finish with desserts from pies and cakes, to parfaits and petit fors. 1,000 people returning each holiday can't be wrong.

(Holiday Brunch Buffets for Easter, Mother's Day, Father's Day, Thanksgiving; $26.95 adults, $22.95 seniors, $13.95 children).

2233 Ventura Street

Downtown Fresno (by Convention Center)

Reservations: (559) 268-1000

ERNA'S ELDERBERRY HOUSE - Holiday Version of its Sunday Brunch

Reward yourself with a trip to Europe, without leaving Central California!

The short drive into the foothills will lead you to a 9-acre European country-estate and the highly acclaimed Erna's Elderberry House Restaurant.

After exploring the grounds and gardens of Chateau du Sureau, enjoy a 4-course Sunday brunch of seasonal items, starting with a refreshing Seasonal Frappe, followed by a delectable Fruit & Pastry course (a crepe with sausage, for example), then a Poached Egg & Vegetable course, and a choice of entree (such as lamb).

Served with a glass of French champagne, croissant, brioche jams, and coffee for $46, Sunday brunch is a best value at Erna's. You can also add dessert ($9), or spend the weekend at the hotel and relax at the spa.

* Check out the special Easter Brunch menu below ($58)

48688 Victoria Lane
Oakhurst (Off of Hwy 41)
Reservations: (559) 683-6800

GRAND EASTER SUNDAY BRUNCH

served from 10:30am-8:00pm

Sunday, April 4^th, 2010

MENU CARTE

Executive Chef Karsten Hart

CHAMPAGNE-GREEN APPLE FRAPPE

Cinnamon Crème Fraiche

CORN CREPE (served until 3:00pm)*

filled with whipped Eggs,

Woodland Mushrooms, Corn and Easter Ham,

Pecorino Romano Emulsion

CLASSIC FRENCH ONION SOUP(served 3:00pm-8:00pm)

‘COQ AU VIN’

Organic Chicken simmered in Red Wine,

Sweet California Olives

Semolina Noodles and Seasonal Vegetables

MAROCCAN BRAISED SPRING LAMB IN PHYLLO

Baked with Currants, Feta and Mint,

Herbed Tomato Sauce,

Brown Rice with Toasted Pine Nuts and Merguez,

Spinach, Red Peppers and Yellow Squash

GRILLED COBIA FILLET

on a bed of Apples and Leeks,

Myer Lemon Juice,

Roasted Fingerling Potatoes,

Basil Essence

GINGER CRÈME BRULEE

STRAWBERRY BISQUIT ROULADE

and CHOCOLATE NOUGAT ICE CREAM

Brunch served with a glass of Sparkling Wine,

Croissant, Brioche, Jams and Coffee

Fifty-eight dollars

* Check out Fresno Magazine for more information on these three locations!

Love that Bull Riding! (PBR Coupon)

2010-03-04T19:27:00Z

On CBS47 This Morning, we gave away tickets to the upcoming PBR (Professional Bull Riders) Event at the Save Mart Center March 19-20th.

In case you didn't win tickets, here's a coupon for $5 off.

And, I started thinking about the bull riding at the Clovis Rodeo, which is coming up the weekend of April 22nd, with rising Country Superstar Jake Owen!

It's like real life "Frogger" (Splat!)

2010-03-04T17:17:00Z

It's that time of year again--frog time! Or, as we like to call it our house, the Annual Toste Family "Save the Frogs" Campaign.

We live near a ponding basin out in the country, and for a few weeks each March, we get frogs EVERYWHERE! They come out of the mud to mate, and you can't walk two feet without stepping on one.

Each night we take a walk as a family--mainly because the dog's been inside all day, and to get some of our little toddler's energy out! He's so cute when we walk past the pond, because he loves to look for birds ("caw-caws" from the crow's sound) and ducks ("quack quacks").

Whenever he hears something he always stops, stares at you in amazement, slaps his ear, and points (especially for trains, planes, and garbage trucks!).

Last night, he heard the frogs going "ribbit" and stared at the pond, listening to all the different frog calls.

Then we looked ahead--frogs EVERYWHERE! Time to get saving!

When they jump in the road, they can't get back out because of the high gutters. Our street literally becomes a life-size version of the video game "Frogger," but no matter how you try to dodge them, you hear the inevitable, "Splat!"

So we use our junk mail to scoop them all up out of the road and back into the grapevines or the water, bouncing here & there to save all the frogs. With the four of us running from frog to frog, it must be quite a sight! (The neighbors must think we're crazy!)

Now I'm getting ready for Phase II--"Save the Frogs in the Pool" Campaign!

Pretty soon they'll be hanging from the vacuum hose.. or floating in the filter. (If you're too late--the bottom!) I have to make a note to check every day. We've even tried to build "frog bridges," so they can climb out!

And apparently they love their partners.

One year I literally walked outside & heard the frogs CRYING! I looked in the pool, scooped up three frogs, gave them back to their mates waiting on the side of the water, and everyone was happy :-)

Frogs have feelings too...!

Cleaner air during this year's "Check Before You Burn" season?

2010-03-03T18:30:00Z

Seventh wood-burning season ends

Winter air quality continues to improve

The annual "Check Before You Burn" wood-burning season ended Feb. 28 with continued improvement in the Valley’s winter air quality.

This year, there was a 57% decrease in the number of "Unhealthy" days versus last year.

The number of days that exceeded the Federal Health Standard for fine-particulate pollution also went down 41% compared to last year.

This is on top of major improvements we saw last year, too, one of the cleanest winters on record.

The "Check Before You Burn" program runs November through February and restricts the use of residential wood-burning devices when air quality deteriorates, so that dangerous fine-particulate matter doesn't build up in the air.

The Air District estimates that this program brings about more reductions in winter time pollution than all other regulations imposed on Valley businesses.

The number of wood-burning curtailments and Notices of Violation (fines) by county for the 2009-10 Check Before You Burn season:

County	Wood-burning prohibitions 2000-10 season	Notices of Violation (NOVs)
San Joaquin	21	65
Stanislaus	25	69
Merced	15	49
Madera	20	51
Fresno	33	158
Kings	36	20
Tulare	17	21
Kern (Valley air basin)	41	64