26-5 • KernHealth

Cheap Eats Returns!

Dining For Under $10 VOL. 26 NO. 5

Bakersfield’s Great Ice War

New Feature!

Stuff We Like

YOUR CITY. YOUR LIFE. YOUR MAGAZINE.

Feeling Stressed?

Here’s How to Cope HEALTH 2009

3.50

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Kern Health The Exclusive 2009 Report on the State of Healthcare in Bakersfield

Plus...

Best Docs Picked by their Peers

We’re everywhere you are.

BakersfieldMagazine.net Proudly Presented by

www.bakersfieldmagazine.net - Health 2009

Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield

www.bakersfieldmagazine.net - Health 2009

v

HEALTH 2009

Contents

f e at u r e s

Ice was hot in 1912 and someone got burned

The Great Ice War........................30 2009

KERN HEALTH

Feature Section focusing on t h e s t a t e o f h e a l t h c a re i n Bakersfield and Kern County

Ranked nationally and practicing locally

Best Docs.........................41 Breakthroughs in ‘09 mean a healthy 2010

Your Christmas Home Decor Headquarters

Hospital Update.................45

Our annual guide for the frugal foodie

Cheap Eats

95

How Kern is stopping cancer in its tracks

Gaining Ground

Bobbi’s Hallmark Shop

8200 Stockdale Highway Ste. F3 Bakersfield, CA 661-834-7467

49

Paging Dr. Hilarity to the Emergency Room

Small citizens need the biggest advocates

Could you be neglecting your mental health?

Remember, people live when people give

The ER Follies

53

Talk Your Way to a Healthier You..59

Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield

Meeting Needs

117

Nonprofit Spotlight.............120

www.bakersfieldmagazine.net - Health 2009

v

HEALTH 2009

Contents

D E P ART M E N TS

661-366-6291

300 Morning Drive Bakersfield, CA

You could be infected and not even know it!

Letter from the Editor..........13

WhiteForestNursery.com

Create unique outdoor living spaces

Little things that make our county go ‘round

Ker n Facts...................15 We pick the trends so you know where to spend

Stuff We Like......................21 Blend trendy and timeless for a classy look

The Bakersfield Look........27

Gifts of Distinction

Buck-inspired taste that’s truly twangy

Bottoms Up

106

Who knew great wine came from oranges?

Life is a Cabernet.............107 Actor, writer, director, Mouseketeer mentor?

Create your Paradise FRUSTRATED? Want your yard & garden to look great?

Citizen Kern

29

A man who turned concrete into contracts

Risktakers........................33

Understand your office healthcare options

Human Resources.............121 Special waste deserves a special place

Going Green...................122 Welcome 2010 with a fresh garden look

Gardening with Mrs. P.........125

Helpful hints to keep that pesky resolution

Find out just how to ‘treat’ that window

Looking Good, Feelin’ Good.....91

Home & Garden.................127

A savor y tomato soup made with love

Quick Bites........................94

f

Do it Yoursel • 99% Organic • Saves Water Hav or e it D o n e • Reduces Alkali • Improves Soil Drainage • Healthy Lawns, Lush Flower Beds Follow Santa to these holiday hot-spots

Sing your way to a great country dinner

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Call for FREE ESTIMATES

GreenAsItGets.com

Whats Cookin’

101

Great Getaways

129

If there was a happening, we were a snapping

Party Chatter...................135

Can’t decide: breakfast or lunch? Go Brunch!

Heralding in a time of community spirit

Entertaining the Bakersfield Way...103

Bakersfield’s Sound..........138

Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield

www.bakersfieldmagazine.net - Health 2009

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTIONS KernHealth 2009

Achievers Series

your doctors, your neighbors

Meet the doctors and other health care professionals that help keep Bakersfield healthy. A great medical resource guide!

Achievers Series..................65

Kern Health Resource Guide...82

Looking Good, Feelin’ Good....91

The Dining Guide The Dining Guide..................109

community partners Community Partners.............115

Green

Pages

Green Pages....................122

home & Garden resources

Home & Garden..................127

Religious Schools & Worship Services Directory Worship Directory...............131

Shoppers Bazaar................132

everafters...

Weddings............................134

v

10 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield

F Fe IND b O 20 r u a U T 10 r y

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remembering

Donna Louise Corum founder . visionary . friend

Vol. 26 No. 5

S

Health 2009

Publisher Les Corum

Executive Editor Mike Corum Assistant Editor Anika Henrikson Garden Editor Lynn Pitts

Historical Editor George Gilbert Lynch

Wine & Food Editor Mike Stepanovich

East Kern Editor Donna McCrohan Rosenthal Creative Director Chuck Barnes Graphic Artist Laura Turner

Systems/Production Ryan Turner

Sales & Marketing Lisa Crowley, Cheryl Rydia Douglas “Dale” Heflin

Photography/Editorial Assistant Isabel Alvarez

Contributing Writers Holly Culhane, Abderrahman Ejebli Tracie Grimes, Loron Hodge, Matthew Martz Jason Gutierrez, Miles Johnson, Allison Aubin Administrative Assistant Melissa Galvan Distribution/Circulation Brigit Ayers Cover Photo Yuri Arcurs

Bakersfield Magazine, Inc. 1601 New Stine Road, Suite 200 Bakersfield, CA 93309 Office (661) 834-4126 Fax (661) 834-5495 Email: marketing@bakersfieldmagazine.net website: bakersfieldmagazine.net Bakersfield Magazine is published bi-monthly by Bakersfield Magazine, Inc. All rights reserved. ©Copyright 2009 by Bakersfield Magazine, Inc. Reproduction in whole or in part of any text, photograph or illustration without written permission from the publisher of Bakersfield Magazine is strictly prohibited. Bakersfield Magazine, Inc. is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, artwork or photographs, even if accompanied by a self-addressed stamped envelope. The opinions expressed in Bakersfield Magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of Bakersfield Magazine management or owner. Bakersfield Magazine, Inc. assumes no responsibility or liability for claims made by advertisers. Subscription rate is $12 for 1 year, $18 for 2 years.

Located in the luxurious 801 Truxtun Avenue

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bakersfieldmarriott.com 12 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield

Subscribe now at bakersfieldmagazine.net

Letter from the Editor

I’m not a doctor! ...and I don’t play one on TV (but maybe I should reconsider) Being on the wrong end of 40, I’ve been getting really concerned lately about my health. You hear things...people talk.

On any given night I find out that— according to all those TV ads featuring smiling, overly-primped, deeply-concerned, non-qualified spokespersons dressed to look like real medical professionals— I could potentially have at least four kinds of depression, three debilitating diseases, several conditions, at least one syndrome, an affliction, stage two of something, chronic symptoms of some other, and, God forbid, one especially friendly spokesperson said I may be in need of “the lil’ blue pill.”

This is all before 11 p.m. The late night offerings are even worse (colon cleansing anyone?), making me question in a great valetudinarian fashion every single cough, sniffle, creak, or crack my body produces.

For the most part, what they are touting may have some merit—it’s true, I could actually be suffering from restless leg syndrome or chronic sinusitis, but it’s all so confusing and there are literally hundreds of different medical issues that have similar symptoms (and commercials). What is one to do except drift off to sleep in a hypochondriacal state of “Oh my God! What was that?

I stopped breathing for a minute...no, it’s OK, I was just pandiculating.” It’s a wonder I can function at all!

I’ve always considered myself to be in pretty good health. Sure, I should eat healthier and exercise more, and my sleeping habits rival that of a teenager at times... but help me! I’ve fallen and I can’t get up!

These “TV docs” are stressing me out!

And that, dear readers, is one of the reasons we started publishing our annual KernHealth issue: to help alleviate some of the confusion, stress, and fear when it comes to your healthcare. We’re not trying to diagnose here—only inform. Because with information comes power—the power to make better decisions about the healthcare choices you, our readers, have locally.

There is some truly amazing progress happening in our local healthcare community and we are proud to, once again, share it with you. Our goal was to be the single greatest local source of healthcare information in Kern County, and, collectively, over the past 12 years of publishing this special issue, I think we have achieved

DRE Lic.00818981

just that. KernHealth starts on page 37.

We’re also excited to present another annual favorite: Cheap Eats! Do you know there are over 700 restaurants in Kern County? We do (now). It was a daunting task, but we’ve whittled down a list to just under 50 places that serve a great meal for under $10. See if you agree...the “cheapness” begins on 95.

In our quest to be ever-evolving, we have again added a new feature! Stuff We Like is a collection of new (and sometimes old) things that caught the eyes of our editors as they were shopping around town. Not a paid ad or promo, this is an eclectic offering based on nothing more than “we saw—we liked—we thought you’d like, too!” And the best part? For being featured, each local merchant gave us a $25 gift certificate to give away to our readers—so take a look at Stuff We Like on page 21 to get the details on how you can win!

As always, we have our great regular features like the Community Partners Section on page 114 and Gardening with Mrs. P on page 125.

It’s turned out to be another great issue and we hope you enjoy it.

As for playing a doctor on TV, I think I’ll pass...fake blood makes me squeamish.

So on behalf of the staff of Bakersfield Magazine, I’d like to wish you and your family a safe and happy holiday season.

My inbox is always open,

Mike Corum comments@bakersfieldmagazine.net

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www.bakersfieldmagazine.net - Health 2009 13

14 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield

Kern Facts

People • Places • Events

He’s the CEO for Herbert P. Sears Company and she’s a Realtor with Coldwell Banker. Yet even with their busy careers, this couple always finds the time to take a walk in the park.

What was the first thing you thought when you met your future spouse for the first time?

Terri: Ha! Who knows? All the circumstances leading up to our first meeting read like a Seinfeld episode, and it was hilarious. He was on a double date, so I pretty much gave him a bad time the whole time.

Patrick: She was cute and professional—somebody I wanted to get to know a lot better!

her place. It looked like the aftermath of a neutron bomb in the main bedroom/ closet—shoes, purses, etc. were everywhere!

What is the craziest thing your spouse has ever done for you?

Terri: He bought me this hand wand blender thing for Christmas one year.

I was like, “What?” But that thing became my favorite possession. I’m actually in mourning because it broke two weeks ago.

What is the funniest thing that happened while you two were dating?

Terri: Actually, it was probably only funny to me. Here was this guy who was putting out this “fast,” So-Cal sophisticate, James Bond-in-a-tuxedo kind of aura, and he invited me to drive up to Oregon with him to meet his college fraternity brothers. He pulls up to pick me up in the biggest Lincoln Town Car “pimp-mobile” that he had rented for the trip, and I laughed myself silly. I guess you had to be there.

Patrick: After dating for a while, it was pretty funny the first time I saw

Patrick: There have been a bunch!

But one included a surprise visit—her showing up at my office in a really hot, red miniskirt, ensconced in a limo, with champagne, etc., to take me to a concert in So-Cal.

in step with:

Patrick & Terri Collins

What’s your spouse’s biggest phobia?

Terri: Blood and needles. His big discipline in life is making himself donate regularly at Houchin.

Patrick: This story for the magazine!

Who’s the first one to admit when they’re wrong?

Terri: It must be me, because Pat is never wrong.

Patrick: My wife! I’m Irish and stubborn so “admitting” I’m wrong just doesn’t happen.

What is your favorite thing to do in Bakersfield?

Terri: Taking our dog, Sadie, to the bike path. We just love being out there, and it’s such a blast watching her dart around, sniffing all the scents she seems to find delightful.

Patrick: Prepare and enjoy great meals and wine with family and friends.

Do you prefer a vacation at the beach or up in the mountains?

Terri: We are beach people. Must be our sun signs: Cancer and Pisces. We were born loving the beach. It’s lazy and refreshing there.

Patrick: Beach! Sun, surf, and sand equals the very best relaxation and entertainment. And the kids will always join us.

What is your least favorite thing about your spouse (a pet peeve if you will) and most favorite thing?

Terri: I don’t like the way he soaks a dish. I like to soak a dish in the sink, where it doesn’t show. He fills it up, and puts it on the counter next to the sink.

(Surprise, Sweetster!) I’ve never told him this... but it’s not that big of a deal. My favorite thing is his darling heart. He has the sweetest heart; it’s precious.

Patrick: Her leaving the toilet seat down! (Just kidding honey!) Actually, her backseat driver instinct even when she’s in the front seat. My favorite thing is her love, support, and faith through thick and thin, 25 years of marriage, kids, and pets. May as well throw in the kitchen sink and backedup plumbing, too.

www.bakersfieldmagazine.net - Health 2009 15

Kern Facts

The Farmers’ Market: A Place in American History

By Loron Hodge uce to Some farmers took sellin’ prod of n the days before the turn the next level. had k-yourthe century, most farmers One of the best examples of a “pic gh enou ch.

Ran sell only one thing on their mind: to grow Bus Al the was own” operation was anythere if and ly fami his way. feed to High e food just west of Bakersfield, on Stockdal town and his family, thing left over, he might take it into Operated for many years by Al and just to of having n sell it to the local general store. Or even tatio repu the had h the Bussell Ranc to onset of nectarand s, anyone passing by. This was before plum hes, peac ious delic t mos the co-ops, . Peostate the the supermarkets, produce brokers, in ines grown anywhere nd arou s mile and contract farming. The words “farm from e com ld ple wou fresh” became synonymous with bring their entire family to and “During the fruits and vegetables brought in get a taste of farm life and to fill . , directly from the farm son sea in’ their bags and baskets with the pick Today that piece of Amerifreshest fruit available anyyou will find happy cana still lives on with where. It wasn’t uncommon to farmers’ markets operating farmers bringing in see four or five charter buses throughout the summer seaed on the facility on any park their produce to son in various places around given day. The Bussell Ranch sell directly to town. Huge markets are was a magnet that brought a located in Los Angeles positive image to Kern County. the townsfolk.” and in San Luis Obispo, With the death of Al Bussell, but Kern County takes the the ranch was sold and faded into cake. On any given Saturday, and the history of Kern’s agricultural past. in’ Vicki even on weekdays during the pick However, 14 years ago, Steve and bringing in ers farm y happ find will s loyou on, Farm seas Murray started Murray Family sfolk. d, Roa e Beal their produce to sell directly to the town eral Gen cated at Highway 58 and s and d hase purc Truly, there is no better quality fruit They eld. ersfi Bak just east of most dethe tion men to not nd, t, arou s frui table vege 360 acres and offer cherries, tree and picked crops. licious. Because it is locally-grown grapes, brambles, and truck best that umcons to fresh daily, the consumer gets the very ctly dire eting They began mark ng for the tral Cen the can be offered. Plus, you’re not payi and ia forn Cali hern Sout ers in that comes ite on-s first packaging, shipping, and displaying their Coast. In 2001, they opened ping. hand-in-hand with supermarket shop

I

Where, oh where...

H

ere’s one that will really have you scratching your head. We went all out to make this Pop Quiz more challenging...and more deathdefying (our photographer almost sank getting this shot). But we digress. All you have to do is tell us what this is a picture of and where it was taken and you’ll win a $30 gift certificate to Barnes & Noble! It’s the perfect prize for those of us with finicky people on our gift list, or those of us who just want a new book all to ourselves. Go ahead...we won’t tell.

But before you head down to the bookstore, email us at comments@bakersfieldmagazine.net with your guess.

If you win, it’ll make paying for that book a lot easier.

16 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield

ing yet. fruit stand and haven’t stopped grow l apples derfu won the et forg not us let lly, Fina year, each of fall the we buy from Tehachapi. In sold g bein es appl ted rves ly-ha you can find fresh town by of le midd the in and s stand side in road in growing apple growers who have taken pride ties. varie ious delic t the sweetest and mos fruits and fresh for ing look are you Yes, if market. ers’ vegetables, take a look at a farm of our roots al ultur agric It is a connection to the farmthe to age hom ng payi are county, and you emRem ers who helped feed our growing city. you et, mark ers’ farm ber, when you buy from a too. ry, histo rican Ame are helping save

Congratulations A

round of applause is in order for Patricia Henson, our newest A-List Contest winner, who earned herself a $100 gift certificate to Sorella’s.

You might be wondering how Patricia scored such a sweet deal. And you’re probably asking yourself what hoops we made her jump through before we doled out the goods.

We’ll let you in on a secret: the only thing you have to do is join the A-List. Your name will automatically be in the running for great prizes like this one. Just keep your eyes peeled for cool email contests and open your copy of Bakersfield Magazine the second you get the new issue. If you spot your name under the A-List contest, be the first one to email us (like Patricia) and you’ve got yourself a gift certificate to a great area restaurant. And did we mention it’s free to join? We didn’t? Oops.

In & Around B•Town

name that town the origins of Whiskey flat

ne day in 1860, it is related, the mule of “L ovely” Rogers, a Keysville min er, wandered away and “Lo being a true prospector, vely,” when he had picked up the trail and found that it led off up the river, tucked his pic k under his arm and followed. Whether he recovered the mule or not is a matter only to be presumed. Wh at is more important, he brought back a piece of rock from the place where the Big Blu e mine is now located. That was the beginning of Kernville , first known as Whiskey Flat.

Rogers’ sample assayed we ll, and he returned to the pla ce where his wandering mule had led him and began to unc over the ledge.

Shortly after, he sold his mine to J. W. Sumner.

Sumner moved to the new camp, follow ed by many others, among the first being Adam Hamilton, who stood two barrels of wh iskey on end, laid a plank across the top , and began to dispense the stimulant necessary to the proper development of a new min ing camp. But Hamilton’s bar was in too close proximity to the res idences of Sumner and Caldwell, and he was ordered to move his whiskey down on the flat, a mile bel ow, a circumstance which may or may not have suggested the nam e for the new town.

Hamilton opened a store as well as a bar. Kittridge & Company were among the early me rchants in Whiskey Flat, and Lewis Clark was another of the pionee r saloon keepers. The Sum ner Mine, also the property of J. W. Sum ner; the Jeff Davis; the Be auregard; the Nellie Dent, named for the wife of General Gra nt by William Ferguson, its owner; the Lady Belle; and Sarah Jan e were among the early Kernville mines, and most of them were on the same ledge with the Big Blue and we re later consolidated und er that name by Senator John P. Jone s, the bonanza king, and E. R. Burke.

In 1867 Kern [C]ounty wa s considered the most imp ortant of the mining counties in the sou thern part of the state, and Kernville was the most important mining town in the county. There were upw ard of a dozen important quartz mines within a length of a couple of miles, and several extens ive mills were in operation.

At that time, the entire cou nty contained some [17] qua rtz mills, and about 1,200 people engaged in mining.

Source: Morgan, Wallace M. History of Kern County California. Historic Record Company. Los Angeles, CA. 1914.

©istockphoto.com/ntrash/pederk/spanic

O

www.bakersfieldmagazine.net - Health 2009 17

Kern Facts

Local

expressions

By Abderrahman Ejebli

N

o question, the epicenter of Bakersfield’s art scene is located downtown. Surface Gallery, which recently celebrated its one-year anniversary with an exhibit interpreting the number one, is finding itself a major player.

Yvonne Cavanagh and Vikki Cruz, artists and own-

Gallery opened its doors to the public with one goal: to support and promote artists in Bakersfield.

One year strong and eight exhibits later, Surface Gallery has become a cornerstone of the art scene in this city as evidenced by the large number of visitors on the opening night of the recent anniversary show.

such as painting, drawing, and ceramics; or to draw attention to lesser-known art forms such as bookmaking and block printing.

Each discipline is taught by artists who donate their time to share their expertise.

The owners of Surface Gallery have also stimulated creativity by

ceived cash prizes for their entries.

Further evidence of the owners’ commitment to support their local art community is Surface Gallery’s participation in downtown’s First Fridays, where visitors can discover or rediscover Bakersfield’s local venues in a new light. It is also on First Fri-

the buzz: Surface Gallery features our local artists who would not normally enjoy such widespread exposure. Kudos!

On the Surface ers of the gallery, collaborated to bring this mutual dream to the “surface.”

After talking shop one day with Cruz, Cavanagh said she went home and discussed the idea further with her husband.

“It’s something I felt I had to do,” she said. So that year, the two artists started an adventure together.

In September 2008, after a summer under construction, Surface

Sure, the main purpose of opening a gallery is to display the talent of artists in Bakersfield, but Cavanagh and Cruz go farther, striving to be active in the cultural life of the city.

Every Saturday, workshops are held for adults and high school students to learn, improve their skills, and to express themselves through a plethora of art forms, including classical art expressions

18 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield

hosting, for the first time earlier this year, an art-competition.

“We would like to organize a competition every year,” explained Cavanagh. The competition, called ReInvent, was the occasion for 20 artists from Bakersfield to showcase their work before a jury of their peers. Each contestant was able to present up to three pieces. Not only were all competitors able to showcase their talent, but winners re-

days that a new exhibition is presented to the public at Surface Gallery, usually every two months. On those occasions, the gallery shows off the newest exhibit on a freshly painted back wall to welcome the artists and their works.

In only one year, Surface Gallery has become an establishment that cannot be ignored in the Bakersfield art district. Because first and foremost the gallery promotes artists and art culture. However, this gallery is made uncharacteristic by the willingness of its owners to also go the extra mile and feature local artists who would not normally enjoy such widespread exposure.

“We’re hoping to do more,” Cruz elaborated. “Because we couldn’t have asked for a better reception from the community.”

Together, Cavanagh and Cruz are committed to offer an outlet for aspiring artists, for those who would like to hone their skills through workshops and events such as First Friday and ReInvent, and by arranging a setting for those in need of an atypical artists’ haven.

5,200

©istockphoto.com/a330pilot

By the Numbers

©istockphoto.com/yuriarcurs

The number of available hotel rooms in Bakersfield

12

8

The number of shows put on at Stars Theater in 2009

27

©istockphoto.com/pixdeluxe

The number of years the Bakersfield Police Department has put on their Memorial Run

Photo provided by the bakersfield police department

The number of Dept. of Public Health Clinics in Kern County

153 400,000

©istockphoto.com/m1975

The number of elementary schools in Kern County

The number of visitors who attended the Kern County Fair this year

Sources: bakersfieldcity.us, co.kern.ca.us/health, kern.org

www.bakersfieldmagazine.net - Health 2009 19

Kern Facts

OK,

we know we’re supposed to share with everyone and all...but it’s just so darn easy to want to give everything to our fantastic A-Listers. So your best bet is to become one. That way, we won’t have to feel guilty anymore!

When you join, you’ll automatically be in the running for great prizes, tickets, and other goodies. Like a $100 gift certificate to Frugatti’s!

That’s the prize at stake for the A-List members listed below. The first one to spot their name and email us at alist@bakersfieldmagazine.net will win!* It’s easy as pie!

Hmm...maybe the next giveaway will include pie!

Caron Anderson Jason Newton Corrine Coats Emilie Ortiz

Come in for all of your charm needs!

Victoria’s in the Marketplace

David Piuger Nancy Looxens Spencer Schluter Su Yi

Eric Sill Pam Blacklock David Jauregui Toni Quinonez

*contest eligibility for A-List members only who have not won a prize in the past three months.

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Did You Know?

n 1887, Simon Wible planted the first peach ty. orchard in Kern Coun

I

onology of Kern County Source: The Historic Chr

Joe Montoya

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he Executive Director of the Bakersfield American Heart Association tells us the five things that get his heart pumping...

I love the feel of water and sand in your toes as you are walking on the beach.

I love good times with great friends.

2 4

I love a nice glass of wine while watching the sun set on the horizon.

I love working with developmentally disabled students (my former life before the AHA).

Coaching my club teams with the Central California Blues and seeing the look on a player’s face when they “get it” and all the things you have worked on in training come together.

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g at ff We Like” blo Read our “Stu t ge azine.net to bakersfieldmag n on how you ca all the details e cates to th win gift certifi featured. places we’ve

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www.bakersfieldmagazine.net - Health 2009 21

Kern Facts

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h, the perks of being an A-List member. You get to hear about great events, you have the chance to win tickets to those events, and you can even get your picture taken for the magazine. That’s three benefits. One more and we’d have to charge you. Nah, we’re just kidding. This issue is jam-packed with winners, however, so let’s hear a round of applause for ‘em. And then let’s gawk at their picture! So if you see these folks around town, congratulate them for winning...maybe even get tips on how you can be one of our next ticket winners!

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22 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield

135

On November 11, 1918, an estimated 20,000 people celebrated on Bakersfield streets after the armistice was signed, ending World War I. Kern Source: The Historic Chronology of

County

People • Places • Events

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February

January

By Donna McCrohan Rosenthal

January, February, and March rate big red circles on the calendar. The Audubon Kern River Preserve has announced the 19th annual South Fork Valley CBC (Christmas Bird Count) for Saturday, January 2 (760-378-4278) and 32nd annual Kern River Valley CBC for Sunday, January 3 (760-378-2029). kern.audubon.org.

The 23rd annual Indian Wells Valley Economic Outlook Conference and business expo takes place Thursday, February 11. The City of Ridgecrest co-sponsors this always well-attended and invariably timely half-day business expo. Exhibitors will have booths in the main hall and adjoining public areas (ridgecrestchamber.com; 760-375-8331).

February also brings one of Southern California’s most popular festivals, the Kern River Valley’s annual Whiskey Flat Days. From February 12-15 (Presidents’ Day Weekend), the Lake Isabella recreation area and town of Kernville return to the rip-roaring past with a parade, rodeo, Wild West encampment, contests, gold panning, gunfighter skits, melodramas, food, and all-around family fun (kernvillechamber.org; 760-376-2629 and 866-KERNVILLE).

In the world of music, the Indian Wells Valley Concert Association presents the Brazilian Guitar Quartet, a dream team of top guitarists, on Monday, January 25; harmony, humor, and vaudeville reminiscent of the Ink Spots and the Pied Pipers, with the Perfect Gentlemen novelty vocal quartet on Wednesday, February 10; and the Dave Bennett Septet jazz band with a swing classics “Tribute to Benny Goodman” on Tuesday, March 16. Concerts start at 7:30 p.m. in the Burroughs Parker Performing Arts Center Auditorium (iwvca.tripod.com; 760-375-5600).

In the literary arena, Ridge Writers, the East Sierra Branch of the California Writers Club, continues with new ideas developed in 2009 when the CWC celebrated its 100th anniversary. The CWC began as an informal gathering among Jack London and his friends in 1909, and has branches in Ridgecrest, Bakersfield, and 16 others cities throughout the state. Last October, Ridge Writers partnered with Bakersfield’s Writers of Kern on challenging the public to “Write on Kern.” In 2010, the two branches invite people to submit predictions on the future of print media for a time capsule to be opened in 2035 on the occasion of Mark Twain’s bicentennial. The CWC will receive submissions through August 25, 2010.

Anyone interested in participating should mail his or her essay to California Writers Club, P.O. Box 484, Ridgecrest, CA 93556 (calwriters.org).

Pilot International, a community service club with districts in several countries including the United States and Japan, has plans to launch its newest chapter in early 2010. “PI” members pursue their own projects locally while, both in their towns and on the international level, support initiatives for people with brainrelated disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, autism, and stroke. The organizers expect to call the chapter the Pilot Club of the Eastern Sierra, and its early focuses will include bike safety helmets and a program about the importance of sleep (pilotinternational.org; 478-477-1208, ext. 301).

Feel-good story of the month: On Saturday, February 27, the Rotary Club of China Lake’s Dollars for Scholars Auction at the Kerr McGee Center offers its usual impressive assortment of gotta-have-it items. Funds benefit local students.

Speaking of school-age volunteers, the Burroughs High Interactors under the direction of president Jennifer Ewbank sent gifts to our soldiers in Iraq. They started with a list of things that the men and women might need, then filled 40 boxes with “good things from home” and letters from the group (chinalakerotary.org).

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24 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield

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e couldn’t fool Heidi Carter Escudero! She quickly identified our last Pop Quiz picture as the historic Haberfelde building downtown and shot us an email with her answer. Heidi won a $30 gift certificate to our favorite bookstore, which she plans on using to get her twin daughters some gifts this holiday season.

If you want to be a winner, make sure you’re up to snuff on Bakersfield trivia and then check out this issue’s Pop Quiz. But remember, email us your answer right away— the first one with the correct answer wins.

And soon, you could be perusing the shelves at local bookstores, too.

Skilled Hands

There’s a reason we send robots, like the one below, into the blast zone.

photo by J. Fred Tunnicliffe

Under Pressure

By Matthew Martz

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e’ve seen them portrayed in movies and on television, but real life bomb technicians actually live the drama you only see in Hollywood. Highly skilled and, by their very nature, experts under pressure, these individuals take their lives in their hands on a daily basis. It’s a life spent on the knife-edge, and when there’s a bomb threat, these men and women come to the rescue.

Lieutenant Scott Tunnicliffe, a 21-year veteran of the Bakersfield Police Department, has been working as a certified bomb technician for nearly two decades; a career aspiration that most—including fellow officers— consider crazy.

A bomb tech is nothing without his equipment and Tunnicliffe is proud of the Bakersfield Police Department’s brand new bomb squad response vehicle. It’s fully loaded with high-tech gadgets to disarm most explosives.

“When I started, all we had was a mini-van with all of our gear inside,” he explained. “We made our own devices—modified pliers; pieces of sprinkler pipe. We built our own charges. There was a lot of improvising, everything

we did was literally done by hand.”

Designed to deflect blast overpressure—a shockwave that can literally turn your water-based cells into jelly—as well as a 4,000-degree thermal blast, is the 125-pound DOD 9 bomb suit. Appearing like something used for walking the barren landscape on Mars, this is the only thing that separates Tunnicliffe from the explosive device he is just inches away from.

“There have been so many advances in personal protection and technology,” Tunnicliffe added, “but just a mere four ounces of explosives can still penetrate any suit.”

Even with advancements in robotics designed to decrease a technician’s “time on target,” eventually there must be some human interaction. This is where the bomb technician earns his stripes and where intense training pays off.

“You’re aware at all times that whatever you are working on can kill you,” Tunnicliffe mused. “For me it’s mentally challenging as well as physically challenging. Between the weight of the equipment and pressure when you’re down range, there is nothing like it.”

Tunnicliffe depicts the deadliness of these devices by explaining that two ounces of water can tear apart a metal box using controlled counter explosives. This is a method referred to as render-safe bomb disabling.

“Explosives don’t care if you’re a good guy or a bad guy, when the right set of circumstances hap-

“ Explosives don’t care if you’re a good guy or a bad guy, when the right set of circumstances happen and it’s time for them to blow up, they blow up.”

—Lt. Scott Tunnicliffe pen and it’s time for them to blow up—they blow up,” Tunnicliffe said. “There is always the danger of sustaining life threatening injuries, or the loss of limbs.”

Not everything Tunnicliffe does is in the line of fire. Post-blast work is the tedious process where technicians comb the blast site by hand, one-piece at a time, separating and bagging all the pieces from a blast.

“Evidence can be found no matter how big of an explosion,” Tunnicliffe expained. “I have spent days picking up tiny fragments, some as far away from the blast site as 1,100 feet.”

This evidence is able to provide prosecutors with details of

an explosion such as: what type of device, where it was, and how it functioned.

Tunnicliffe was adamant that his career as a bomb squad technician is the result of Sergeant Danny Shrider, who Tunnicliffe regards as the founder of the Bakersfield Bomb Squad in the early 1970s.

“I was lucky enough to work with him for a long time before his retirement,” he said, smiling. “I learned a lot from him.”

And this Lieutenant plans on playing with things that go boom for a long time. With a grin on his face, and confidence in his voice, he said, “I will do this until I retire.”

www.bakersfieldmagazine.net - Health 2009 25

26 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield

Crystal Mann, 24 Occupation: Administrative Coordinator/MBA Student Are you a Bakersfield Native?

No, I grew up in Shaver Lake. I made the decision to move to Bakersfield in 2003 to attend CSUB.

Is there a beauty product that you absolutely can’t live without?

Does perfume count? I absolutely love Christian Dior Addict! True to its name, the smell is addicting.

Do you think Bakersfield has a style?

Bakersfield is interesting. We have so many different styles! We are a product of our location I think—we have the country style (thank you, Merle!), we have a very trendy style that drifted north from L.A., and we have a very relaxed, casual style, too.

Describe your personal style.

My style is street-chic. It’s all about being comfortable and feeling confident.

How long does it usually take you to get ready in the morning?

That depends—if I’m running behind, I can get ready in as little as 20 minutes, but usually it takes me about 45 minutes, with my hair taking up the majority of that time.

Is there a celebrity or person in your life you get your style from?

Rachel Zoe has amazing style and taste!

Pretty much anyone she dresses looks amazing. There are bits and pieces from different celebrities that I like.

What are you wearing?

The sweater, tank top, and belt are from bebe. The leggings are from a little boutique in San Diego. The boots are from one of my favorites, Jessica Simpson. Her shoes are great if you’re not afraid of super high heels! The sunglasses are Gucci (not shown), the bag is Marc Jacobs, and the ring came from Bellissima (the morning this picture was taken!).

Does your style change when you are not at work?

Whether at work or out and about, I want to feel comfortable and confident. However, when I’m not at work I get to have more fun with my clothes. I’m a little less reserved and more on the edgy side.

How do you personalize your “business” look?

It’s all about accessories! Right now I’m a huge fan of big, chunky jewelry—big rings especially. Changing up shoes, purses, jewelry, or adding a scarf can completely change an outfit. Not only does it personalize my look, but it also keeps the same clothes from feeling boring.

What are your favorite places to shop in Bakersfield?

As far as boutiques go, Bellissima is my favorite hands down. They always have an excellent selection and their staff is really personable.

What is your favorite item of clothing?

I am a sunglasses and shoe fanatic...I own way too many pairs of both! If I had to pick one item out of my closet though, it would be a pair of True Religion jeans I bought a while back; they fit great and they are incredibly comfortable.

What is the biggest fashion mistake you have made?

I have an incredibly busy schedule right now and I am completely guilty of walking around with chipped nail polish.

It looks so shabby, it drives me crazy!

Are you a bargain hound?

Definitely not. However, I do try to mix affordable, basic pieces into my wardrobe. I try to avoid pricey, trendy items that go out of style too quickly, but timeless pieces are worth the price.

What mistakes do you think men make when they dress?

Men need to be well-groomed! If they’re not well-groomed it doesn’t matter what they are wearing.

FASHION TIP: Timeless pieces are well worth the price. www.bakersfieldmagazine.net - Health 2009 27

28 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield

CITIZEN KERN

Personal Stats: Name: Ron Bastone Age: 69 Birthplace: The Bronx, New York City, NY Title: Writer; Director; Actor; Marital

and Family Counselor

Jack-of-all-trades who calls Mickey a friend!

How he got started: After seeing Annie Get Your Gun as a youngster, Bastone caught the theater bug. At 16, he began taking acting classes and by 18, he had done summer stock theater with Groucho Marx and started his own theater group.

He opened a theater on the second floor of a Brooklyn library the following year, before going to broadcasting school, becoming a program director and DJ in Vermont, and doing a little community theater. He soon found his way to Hollywood.

Career highlights: In 1971, a friend recommended Bastone for a radio gig for KIIS FM in Los Angeles, where he would write and perform mini-dramas with the likes of Johnny Mathis, Bette Midler, and Vincent Price. In ‘77, he opened the Hollywood Actors Theater and directed and produced 45 shows before moving to Northern California and opening a second theater.

meet

Ron Bastone

‘‘

‘‘

His favorite part of the industry: Bastone was hired to be a writer for the New Mickey Mouse Club Show and for Kids, Incorporated. During that time, he got to write for and help young actors and actresses (including a young Stacy Ferguson...you know her as Fergie) develop their talents on the Disney lot, which he says was great fun. And as a fellow actor (he had a small role in the cult classic Scream Bloody Murder) and a degreed marital and family counselor, he loves analyzing the psychoses behind a character.

photos courtesy of Robin Wong (fergie), 20th century fox (julie newmar), Ron Bastone (Vincent Price)

!

Whether writing, directing, acting, or counseling, I love to analyze the psychoses behind a character.

His heroes: Writer, director, and best friend Marc Ray became a surrogate father, brother, and mentor for Bastone early in his life. Ray was a long-time TV writer, having penned scripts for The Ann Margaret Show among others. Additionally, Bastone has looked up to DeNiro, Hoffman, and Pacino as fellow actors.

What he’d still like to accomplish: The Hollywood Actors Theater, the stage where he directed The Boom Boom Room with Julie Newmar (TV’s original Catwoman), burned down in ‘91. But Bastone, who worked with various local theaters after moving here in the ‘80s, said he’d love to open another theater of his own and is currently looking to develop theater groups for both teens and seniors in our area.

www.bakersfieldmagazine.net - Health 2009 29

photo courtesy kern county museum

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any bitter skirmishes over the Kern County oil patch leases led to violence and bloodshed. This story is about another war that was the talk of Bakersfield in 1912...

John Martin Hughes was born near Stockton in 1859, but he and his family moved to Bakersfield following the 1900 oil boom in the Kern River Oil Field. He decided to become a businessman rather than work the oil fields and built a small tavern. A mover and shaker in the 1910 settlement of Waits (later named Oildale), Hughes became known as the “Mayor of Waits,” due to his leadership in establishing the first businesses in this little town across the bridge from Bakersfield.

This was mainly due to the fact that his popular Hughes Tavern was a favorite watering hole for the thirsty workers of the Kern River Oil Fields.

His tavern was also a depot

ICE was a Hot Topic in 1912 for stage coaches traveling the Valley roads and featured a big watering trough at the front door. The industrious Hughes then built a general store, blacksmith shop, butcher shop, and a bakery. Naturally, this led to the construction of several homes surrounding the development.

Hughes also graded the roads, put in a water system, and an electric generating plant for the new little town.

As business boomed in the fields, so did John Hughes’ business center. His small bakery spawned the Hughes Oil Field Delivery Service.

Hundreds of homes were situated on the remote oil leases and the families were delighted to have Hughes deliver groceries, milk, beer, meats, and especially ice to them. He utilized a pair of two-horse wagons which were needed to make the daily deliveries.

The extent of Hughes’ delivery business can be illustrated by the daily output of 2,000

30 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield

loaves of bread by his oil field bakery to satisfy the demands of the sprawling oil field community. Beer and liquor were delivered along with the other commodities, but block ice was

The Union Ice Company, at the time located at 33rd and Chester Avenue, had delivered ice in horse-drawn wagons for years until they obtained a new Reliant Delivery Truck in 1911.

photo courtesy george gilbert lynch

by George Gilbert Lynch

Hughes Tavern was a popular watering hole and source for ice in early Oildale.

This Reliant carriage delivered the ice to many residents in the Valley.

the item of necessity. Every customer needed ice for their ice boxes because home refrigerators weren’t around in 1910.

War Clouds Gathering i This ice war began between John Hughes and the Union Ice Company, the only other source of wholesale ice in Kern County. The Union Ice Company was one of a chain of ice producers statewide, owned mostly by the Kern County Land Company, which also owned almost every public utility in the county.

With the new, faster, gasolinepowered truck, deliveries could now easily be made to outlying communities such as the Kern River Oil Fields. With two competing companies, a conflict was imminent.

The feud seems to have begun on April 11, 1911, after a fire was started behind the Hughes Tavern. The fire was contained just before it reached the tavern, but the delivery and hay wagons in the shed behind the tavern were destroyed. The fire was traced to a match thrown

photo courtesy beale memorial library

BAKERSFIELD WAS NOT TOO COOL WHEN TALKING ICE BACK IN 1912

By George Gilbert Lynch Many bitter skirmishes over Kern County oil patch leases led to violence and bloodshed. This story is about another war that was the talk of Bakersfield in 1912...

John Martin Hughes was born near Stockton in 1859, but The Union Ice Co., 1912 he and his family moved to Bakersfield following the 1900 oil boom in the Kern River Oil Field. He decided to become a businessman rather than work the oil fields and built a small tavern. A mover and shaker in the 1910 settlement of Waits (later named Oildale), Hughes became known as the “Mayor of Waits,” due to his leadership in establishing the first businesses in this little town across the bridge from Bakersfield.

This was mainly due to the fact that his popular Hughes The Tavern First Skirmish was a i favorite watering hole for the thirsty workers Toofservice hisRiver oil field cus- His tavern was also a depot for the Kern Oil Fields. tomers, Hughes had been stage coaches travelingpurthe Valley roads and featured a big chasing and trough reselling ice front fromdoor. The industrious Hughes then watering at the the built ice dock of thestore, Unionblacksmith Ice a general shop, butcher shop, and a Company plant for years.

It was bakery. Naturally, this led to the construction of several homes taken for granted wagons Hughes also graded the roads, surrounding thehis development. would be at the ice dock sun-an electric generating plant for the put in a water system,atand rise new every day.

On August 13, little town.

1912 As Hughes’ employees had business boomed in the fields, so did John Hughes’ paidbusiness for and loaded two tons center.

His small bakery spawned the of ice onto their wagon and Hughes Oil Field Delivery Service. Hundreds of uponhomes attempting leave, the were tosituated on the remote oil leases and ice the company manager, F. families were H.delighted to have Hughes Allardt, arrived and ordered deliver groceries, milk, beer, meats, and especially his ice mentotothem. unload ice.

He the utilized a pair of two-horse wagons After the cussing and fightwhich were needed to make the daily deliveries. ing hadThe ended,extent the ice was of Hughes’ delivery business unloaded. sent can beAllardt illustrated by the daily output of 2,000 word to Hughes: loaves of bread by his oil field bakery “I have restrictto satisfy the demands of the sprawling ed the sale of oil field community. Beer and liquor ice were to anyone delivered along with the other whoc plans o m tomodities, but block ice was resell in the the item of necessity. Every cusKernt oRiver mer needed ice for their ice Oil bField, oxes because home refrigerators as I see fit, weren’t around in 1910. regardless War Clouds Gathering of any past This ice war began beimplied t w econen John Hughes and the Union tracts.” >> Ice Company, the only other source

...and some would get BURNED given to an undercover saloon.

A blind pig operated in this manner: a customer entered Hughes’ store and paid John $1 to see his blind pig. While he was waiting to see the pig, he was served a photo courtesy beale memorial library

into the hay stack at the rear of Hughes’ property. Two months later, at about 3 a.m. on June 9, Hughes’ butcher shop burned to the ground. The cause of the fire was undetermined. Rumors

Big Field Bakery was one of the first businesses to appear in what later became Oildale.

circulated that someone wanted John Hughes out of business.

Of course, the obvious suspect was the Union Ice Company. They wanted the lucrative ice delivery business in the Kern River Oil Fields and, it seemed, they were going to use their monopoly and power to accomplish the task.

On March 20, 1912, special officer A. E. Cook of the district attorney’s office arrested John Hughes on four charges of “running a blind pig establishment.”

A “blind pig” was the name

free cocktail thereby circumventing the law in “dry” counties where liquor was not to be sold.

Because this patron wasn’t buying the booze...he was paying to see the pig!

Some states used the ruse of a two-headed chicken or threelegged calf to legally provide drinks to their patrons. Kern County had just passed antisaloon laws and Hughes Tavern was singled out from dozens operating locally. He was fined and put out of the saloon business.

cube©istockphoto.com/nico-blue

www.bakersfieldmagazine.net - Health 2009 31

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Ice War Allardt used an excuse. “We have had complaints of poor service to customers,” he claimed.

Hughes’ attorney responded with, “the ice company is using discrimination and favoritism in an effort to create a monopoly to control sale of ice in my client’s territory.”

Hughes attempted to purchase ice at the ice company’s other storage houses but was unsuccessful and even a couple of independent producers refused to sell.

Without a source of ice, Hughes’ delivery business was washed up.

to be arrested and the fight started. During the fight, 4 of the 10 “ice house gang” ran away and Allardt agreed he would submit to arrest if his lawyer, W. W. Kaye, could accompany the group to Famoso to be tried before the judge there. The whole bunch boarded a passenger train and rode north.

Appearing before Judge Kitchen, Constable Pyle swore out warrants against the 10 ice thugs, Allardt, and his lawyer W. W. Kaye for: assault and battery upon a peace officer and resisting arrest. He proclaimed Kaye assisted his clients in resisting arrest. The judge accepted $200 bail on each of the defendants and ordered they appear in superior court in Bakersfield the next week. photo courtesy beale memorial library

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War is Declared i At midnight the following Monday, Hughes, his three sons, and a group of his employees arrived Spoils of War i at the Union Ice ComAfter moderate fines pany’s dock armed with were paid in court, the two hay wagons, three war continued on paper. covered wagons, one exLawsuits and counter suits press wagon, and a buggy. finally ended this historic They slept in the wagons ice war. John Hughes was until the company’s dedenied purchase of ice at Union Ice Company manager, H. F. Allardt. livery wagons arrived to wholesale prices from the get their daily supply. But the company only ice company in Kern County, so his wagons couldn’t get to the dock because ice business came to an end. Fed up with Hughes’ forces occupied that area. Hughes fighting a constant, losing battle in Kern demanded he be sold ice and Allardt again County, he sold his real estate holdings in refused....so the brawl began. As the bloody Oildale (Waits) and Bakersfield. fight escalated, and the Hughes troops beIn 1913, Hughes, his wife, daughter, and gan to overcome the ice house gang, Allardt three sons moved to Long Beach where he pulled a flanker movement and had his men went into the oil business in the Signal Hill go onto the roof and blast the Hughes men Oil Fields. At midnight, October 21, 1913, with fire hoses. Battered, soaked, and cold a massive fire broke out at the Union Ice from the high pressure barrage, the Hughes Company’s Chester Avenue plant in Babattalion retreated back to Waits. kersfield. It originated on the roof and conHughes had lost that battle but the war sumed about half of the ice plant. Manager was not yet lost. Within hours he and his Allardt declared the fire had to be arson lawyer, J. R. Dorsey, were 16 miles north, because it started on the roof, away from in Famoso, having constable Charles Kitch- any wires. The night watchman stated he en issue warrants for the arrest of Allardt had heard footsteps on the roof earlier that and his 10 troops for assault and battery. He night. No suspects were ever apprehended, would have sworn the warrants in Bakers- but whispers of the old ice feuds circulated. field except he knew the local constable The ice plant had to be rebuilt at great cost and his deputy were on the enemy’s side. and nearly a year passed before it could again produce ice.

The Union Ice Company produced ice Battle Lines Drawn i Constable Bino Pyle served the warrants for many years thereafter before the buildon the Union Ice Company at 9 a.m. the next ing became a restaurant. morning. He arrested 10 employees and All that remains from this legendary batAllardt. Hughes accompanied the officer tle is a little street in Oildale named Hughes to the ice dock. The employees and man- Avenue. v ager told the arresting officer they refused Copyright by George Gilbert Lynch

32 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield

Getting into the home building business with new methods would be risky for some, but not all.

R I S K T A K E R S

an idea set in stone

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By Tracie Grimes

hen Brent Dezember decided to sell the company he and his wife Anna founded in 1986, Golden Empire Concrete, and take a European vacation in 2000, he wasn’t expecting to be so moved by the architecture on “the continent” that he would come back to Bakersfield ready to plant his feet in a whole new world of cement.

But as he and his family took in the ancient ruins, magnificent castles, cobbled streets, and beautiful country sides, Dezember couldn’t help but look past the cathedrals and museums to notice the beauty and detail of modern European homes. And it got him thinking.

“As we traveled through France and Italy, I really started to take a look at the houses. I knew that most of the housing and well over 75 percent of commercial construction is completed with precast concrete and that because Europeans, unlike Americans, tend to pass their homes down to family members for generations, the homes had to be extremely durable. And I thought, ‘This is something I could do with StructureCast.’ ” StructureCast, he went on to explain, was a company originally named Bakersfield Precast which Dezember had purchased back in 1996, primarily to use the leftover materials from Golden Empire Concrete.

“We used the excess concrete to cast precast products for the housing and oilfield markets in and around Bakersfield,” he explains.

But after seeing what was being done in Europe, Dezember decided to “tweak” Bakersfield Precast a bit by renaming it StructureCast, and changing the direction the company was going in the precast market.

“Even though there is a great deal of customization in the U.S., making precast a bit more difficult to adapt to, I felt that these new methods would be adapted in the U.S. for a larger percentage of the market.”

After all, thought Dezember, Europeans had been using it for the past 20-plus years, so why wouldn’t building a new foundation on the precast niche make StructureCast a rock-solid venture?

The concept behind using precast concrete, he explains, is to do 95 percent of the actual construction of the walls, fences, etc., in a concrete plant so that they leave the plant complete with embedded steel reinforcing, electrical wiring, openings (for doors, windows, etc., as directed by the builder/architect), >>

”

“ Even though there is a great deal of customization in the U.S., I felt that new precast methods would be adapted for a larger percentage of the market.”

—Brent Dezember

www.bakersfieldmagazine.net - Health 2009 33

Risktakers­

StructureCast is poised and ready to solidify in the field of commercial and residential precast concrete.

and insulation. Trucks carry the panels to the construction site where they are lifted into position and connected to the foundation.

It was this change in the company’s direction that he sees as the biggest chance he took on the future of StructureCast.

“Looking back, I’d say the biggest risk we took wasn’t in purchasing the company; the biggest risk was in changing what we were doing with precast concrete market and adding an architectural component,” Dezember says, explaining that an ‘architectural’ precast concrete piece is one that is not only complete with the reinforcement and any needed wiring, openings, etc., but one that leaves StructureCast fully textured and colored, so that when the pieces arrive at the worksite the crew just has to connect (either by welding or bolting) the pieces to the foundation.

A pretty good deal for the client in search of a “one-of-a-kind” edifice, but an approach that means a new structural “template” must be created for each job.

“Since our clients have decided on architectural precast concrete because of its uniqueness, each job requires a mold that is completely different. We don’t use ‘cookie-cutter’ molds that we can just pull out of a warehouse; the job is one that we’ve worked together with the builder/architect on, each one distinctive from the last and each one requiring many pieces that have to leave our plant complete and ready to fit together at the construction site with no margin for error.”

Placing each piece of precast concrete is a lot like putting together a jigsaw puzzle, he says, “and just like when you’re working on a puzzle, if one piece is off even a little bit, the whole puzzle looks wrong.”

One of StructureCast’s most memorable jobs was the “jigsaw puzzle” they put together recently in San Clemente.

“We were working for Amtrak, and had 35 hours to erect a pedestrian walkway that went up and over the tracks. We prepared 11 precast architectural pieces here at the plant, then transported them on trucks down to San Clemente. Knowing that the way they were built in the yard was the way they were going to look at the site, most of the 35 hours we were given [for the trains to be off the track] was spent preparing the construction site. The hole had to be excavated very carefully because the pipe that looked like a plain, ol’ sprinkler pipe was actually the housing for the fiber optics for most of California’s phone system, and

maintenance, Dezember had only two-week windows to perform the work so as to not interrupt canal use across the Valley.

Although precast walls for commercial buildings are a big part of StructureCast’s projects (with 60 percent of that being in the public works industry and in schools), they aren’t the only items in the StructureCast product line. Concrete fence systems, portable buildings and shelters, and storm water and utility vaults are also part of the StructureCast menu.

Noteworthy is StructureCast’s recently completed concrete vaulting system product line for Los Angeles International Airport, in which they built and installed a water vault system.

“The LAX job was interesting not only because we were installing the water vault system directly in the flight path, but because we did it in one day.”

Although half of StructureCast’s precast concrete jobs are commercial and done in Los Angeles, San Francisco, or Phoenix, the residential market is another market Dezember would like to grow.

“I know getting into the housing market is a risky venture these days, given the current residential construction climate, but I’d like to see us develop a manufacturing approach to home building, like they do in Europe.

In Europe, precast concrete companies built wall panels by producing, for example, 100 units of panel ‘X’ or 100 units of panel ‘Y’ per day, always having the panels in inventory and ready to ship out to a builder. It’s a completely different approach to home

Chancy though it may be to attempt to break into the residential market, Dezember looks at risk as a way of life when it comes to running a business in this day and age. if we’d have damaged that in any way, it would have been bad!

“Once the site was prepared, we started putting together the walkway, with each piece fitting together perfectly. It was really a beautiful sight!”

Dezember’s pride in this job and his crew’s on-the-mark assembly of this giant “puzzle” in the time allotted is well-founded; StructureCast won a national award for this project and Amtrak has given StructureCast another contract. But the company has also completed more difficult local jobs, including the concrete work for the canal in Central Park as part of the Mill Creek Linear Park Project. Because the canal is closed only two weeks each year for regular

34 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield

construction here in the U.S. where builders are used to building homes the way they always have. It’s hard to break into the housing market, but it’s a risk we are willing to take on.”

Chancy though it may be to attempt to break into the residential market, Dezember looks at risk as a way of life when it comes to running a business in this day and age.

“The risks are getting bigger no matter what kind of business you’re in these days. We took a chance when we made this change in our business direction back in 2001 because using precast concrete in residential and commercial buildings was—and still is—a relatively new concept,” Dezember says. “But I think we are up for the chal-

lenge because of our ‘hands-on’ marketing strategies and strong sales team [which Dezember’s wife, Anna, heads up], and our commitment to building strong relationships with our clients.”

Relationships have always been the cornerstone of StructureCast’s business, but with the construction landscape continuing to evolve and even the most stalwart names in building struggling through this recession, links with clients have become an even higher priority, Dezember emphasizes.

“We start building our relationship early on—even as we’re just starting negotiations on a project. We work closely with the builders and architects even during the design process, and bring them to the plant so they can see and feel our product.”

So with the old adage of “seeing is believing” behind StructureCast’s marketing strategies, clients are invited to the plant on McCutchen Road to see the beauty in StructureCast’s administration building’s design, with its unique precast walls and the modern styling of the concrete floors.

“This goes a long way in dispelling preconceived notions that concrete is ugly and doesn’t perform well,” Dezember points out.

But aesthetics aren’t the only thing clients are concerned with, he adds. Credibility is a big concern.

“There are some pretty big risks in building these days, especially in California with all the regulations and seismic standards, and contractors and architects have to be prudent when they’re addressing safety issues in their structures. StructureCast has passed rigorous examinations of our entire manufacturing process,” he says, ticking off certifications from industry entities such as the National Precast Concrete Association, ICC (International Code Council) Certification, as well as certification from the State of California and several city certifications.

So backed by solid credibility, a reliable reputation, a variety of precast concrete product offerings, and firm relationships, StructureCast’s operations have come a long way from their “scrappy” upstart. No longer in business just to take care of cement castoffs, StructureCast is poised and ready to solidify in the field of commercial and residential precast concrete. And, as Dezember points out, “It’s hard to break into the housing market, but you never know when you’re going to get that one big chance.”

After all Rome wasn’t built in a day— but perhaps it would have been if the Romans had used precast concrete. v

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KERN HEALTH Here’s to your health...

We live in an age of interactive medicine. We’re no longer content being bystanders in our own healthcare; we’re seeking information and aiming for prevention.

And that attitude has us talking with our doctors more often, researching treatment options, and monitoring the pulse of our local medical community.

That’s why Bakersfield Magazine is proud to present our 12th annual exclusive KernHealth issue. Inside, you’ll find in-depth stories focusing on the state of healthcare in Bakersfield and Kern County.

It’s the preventative power you need to stay healthy and happy.

Proudly Presented by

www.bakersfieldmagazine.net - Health 2009 37

38 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield

2009 KernHealth Presenter

Caring For Our Community ...it’s what we do

And even though over the years many things have changed, that commitment has not. We are proud to be a part of the medical community devoted to ser ving Bakersfield. For 100 years we have dedicated ourselves to tending to the health of the families that call Bakersfield home; whether in our hospital or in their homes.

The options for those seeking medical treatment in Bakersfield continue to grow. We are honored to be among those that strive to make needed ser vices available so that patients can receive the care they need right here in Bakersfield, close to home and the people that are an important part of their journey toward wellness.

Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield is proud to bring you Bakersfield Magazine’s KernHealth issue again this year.

Healthcare is a subject that gets a lot of attention on a national scale, but it is important to have knowledge of what’s happening in the world of healthcare right here at home. That local snapshot is in your hand with this KernHealth edition.

We hope you find the issue helpful and informative.

And thank you again for the continued opportunity to ser ve your healthcare needs.

www.bakersfieldmagazine.net - Health 2009 39

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Best Docs

By Tracie Grimes

KERN HEALTH

A

doctor is more important than a refrigerator. Obvious, right? Yet somehow, we spend more time researching a high-priced refrigerator, even a new stereo, than we do a physician.

More often than not, we rely on wordof-mouth for our health care needs. It may be alright for some, but when we need a specialist, we shouldn’t have to rely on a friend-of-a-friend’s aunt’s opinion.

That’s why Bakersfield Magazine has once again teamed up with Best Doctors® to help Kern County residents find the physicians who are ranked highest in their field.

Best Doctors* has done the leg work in collecting the data** on the most recommended physicians in America, including first-rate physicians practicing here in Bakersfield.

Best Doctors asked fellow physicians, “If you or a loved one needs a doctor in your specialty, who would you recommend?”

These are the physicians in our area.

Susan Luu, MD “I am honored and very surprised by this,” begins Dr. Luu shyly, as she learns about being named one of Bakersfield’s Best Doctors.

Dr. Luu began her dermatology practice in Bakersfield in 1984 when her husband, a radiologist, decided to join the staff at San Joaquin Community Hospital. At the time, they lived in Minneapolis where Dr. Luu had just completed three years training in pathology and three years training in dermatology at the University of Minneapolis.

“He was looking for someplace to practice, saw the ad for a radiologist, and then we came here,” Dr. Luu recalls, laughing at how a chance newspaper ad sealed their future.

She felt like part of the community from the start, and when her husband died sud-

SUSAN LUU, MD denly at the age of 41, she saw just how friendly the town really was.

“My three children [two daughters and a son] and I were devastated, but we were a part of the town, people here were so friendly and helpful; we were able to keep on going. This was our home and we didn’t want to leave.”

Dr. Luu had already left one home, South Vietnam, where she had completed her medical training and gone into the field of dermatology at the urging of her uncle (who was chief of dermatology at a Vietnamese hospital), and the thought of digging up roots to start again did not appeal to her.

So the Luus forged on and Dr. Luu’s practice continued to grow.

‘‘

If you or a loved one needs a doctor in your specialty, who would you recommend ?

“My patients have become part of my family,” Dr. Luu smiles, recalling that a recent count of her charts came up with a total of over 30,000 patients which she’s followed over the years.

“I have to have close ties with my patients because I have to be informed about what’s going on in their lives in order to treat them most effectively. I feel like I’ve really established strong relationships with my patients and their families over the years.”

With her own family grown and living their own lives, work has become Dr. Luu’s life.

“I keep working so I don’t have to leave the office and, have no plans to retire. As one physician who retired and then went back to work after a couple of years told me, ‘there’s only so much golf you can play’,” she laughs.

John B. Schlaerth, MD When Dr. Schlaerth, an OB/GYN (obstetrics and gynecology) with specialized training in gynecologic oncology, decided to relocate from the Los Angeles area to Bakersfield in 2007, he found himself walking into a community that welcomed him with open arms.

“The acceptance of gynecologic oncology has proven to be most successful >>

www.bakersfieldmagazine.net - Health 2009 41

42 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield

Best Docs

in communities such as Bakersfield where a considerable degree of medical expertise and sub-specialization already exist,” Dr. Schlaerth notes. “The warm reception we received and acceptance from our medical colleagues have made for a very positive experience,” adding that less traffic congestion, a more relaxed lifestyle, and friendly people have also made his transition easier.

But Dr. Schlaerth was no stranger to the Golden Empire when he decided to make the move. His group, Women’s Cancer Center, has been a part of the Bakersfield medical scene since 1999 when they contracted with Kern Medical Center to train medical students and residents, teaching them in the sub-specialty of gynecologic oncology.

And teaching has been a big part of Dr. Schlaerth’s focus. After finishing his training at the University at Buffalo (SUNY) School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (where he received his medical degree), and LAC University of Southern California Medical Center (where he completed his residencies and fellowships), he became a faculty member at the University of Southern California School of Medicine. For 17 years, he practiced gynecological oncology, did clinical research, and taught obstetrical and gynecological residents and post-residency fellows in gynecologic oncology.

But specialized care in gynecological oncology was mostly provided to patients in cancer hospitals, so the thought of expanding his expertise appealed to Dr. Schlaerth.

“I resigned my professorship and joined two other gynecologic oncologists in forming a large sub-specialty group focused on bringing our specialty into non-academic centers and community hospitals. This concept of providing our sub-specialty outside of medical schools has proven to be very popular and successful to patients, primary care providers, and obstetricians/gynecologists.”

Martin Berry, MD Martin Berry, MD, was also named a Bakersfield Best Doctor, and specializes in rheumatology. After completing medical school at the State University of New York Downstate Medical Center, he went on to complete his internship and residency at St. Vincent’s Hospital in New York City. He furthered his training by completing a fellowship at UCLA Medical Center and is board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine.

KERN HEALTH

John B. Schlaerth, MD

Jemi Olak, MD

Royce Harwood Johnson, MD

Jemi Olak, MD A surgeon specializing in general thoracic surgery (lungs, esophagus, and mediastinum, excluding the heart) at Kern Medical Center and Bakersfield Memorial Hospital, Dr. Olak came to Bakersfield from the University of Chicago and Lutheran General in 2006 because she saw an opportunity to “grow thoracic surgery into something really great here.” Her topnotch credentials, including a medical degree from McGill University in Montreal, a master’s degree in Public Health from McMaster University, top-quality training in general surgery at McGill University, and thoracic surgery at the University of Toronto and Frenchay Hospital in England, helped her hit the ground running when she arrived in Bakersfield.

“We’re using some of the most innovative procedures and approaches to surgical care here in Bakersfield, and it’s been exciting to be a part of these ‘cutting-edge’ advances,” Dr. Olak, making her third appearance on the Best Doctors list, says enthusiastically.

One of the most intriguing changes Dr. Olak has added to her practice is VATS (Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery) lobectomy.

“A VATS lobectomy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure we use for select lung cancer patients,” Dr. Olak begins. “In a VATS lobectomy, the lobe of a lung is removed with the aid of a fiberoptic thoracoscope. The scope has a camera attached which allows us to remove the lobe by using strategically-placed incisions. The muscles of the chest wall aren’t divided and the ribs aren’t spread, so the surgery isn’t nearly as traumatic for the patients.”

But Dr. Olak isn’t just concerned with helping a patient medically. She’s also interested in helping the patient steer through the medical system.

“One thing that I’m really trying to make happen is something that Dr. Harold Freeman developed in East Harlem, a ‘patient navigator’ program. The patient navigator helps under-insured and uninsured cancer patients navigate through the medical system so that staging tests, treatment, and follow-up are obtained in a timely fashion.”

Royce Harwood Johnson, MD With H1N1 (swine flu), West Nile virus, MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus bacteria), avian (bird) flu, and seasonal flus, the world of >> www.bakersfieldmagazine.net - Health 2009 43

Best Docs

infectious diseases is hopping these days.

Royce Johnson, MD, is no stranger to hard work. And as Chief of Infectious Disease at Kern Medical Center since 1975 (and a Best Doctor three years running), he finds his days both full and fulfilling.

Dr. Johnson received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Analytical Biology from the University of California, Santa Barbara. He earned his medical degree from the University of California, Irvine and completed his internship at Los Angeles County/University of Southern California Medical Center. He did his residency in internal medicine and clinical and research fellowship in infectious disease at the University of California, Irvine, and came to Bakersfield in the late 1970s after completing his training at UC Irvine because he saw a promising future at KMC. He jumped right in, joining KMC’s department of Infectious Disease while it was just being developed and was the first to be named chief of the division.

Dr. Johnson still serves as Chief of Infectious Disease, is currently Chief of the Department of Medicine at KMC, and is Vice Chair and a Professor of Medicine

Best Doctors®

KERN HEALTH at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. He is also a part of the Kern Faculty Medical Group and past president of The Infectious Disease Association of California.

“The patients at KMC are lovely and so appreciative and their need for care is so great,” Dr. Johnson says, adding that there’s not a hospital in the country that treats a wider range of infectious diseases.

“At other hospitals I’ve worked in, I kind of felt like a ‘fifth wheel’—like I wasn’t really needed. But here [at KMC] there’s a very obvious need.”

It’s this feeling of being “needed,” coupled with the fascination of the field of infectious diseases that keeps Dr. Johnson engaged as he treats Kern County residents.

“I view myself as the person with the shield and the spear—going after the disease to make the diagnosis, then killing the disease through a treatment plan,” Dr. Johnson concludes. KERNHEALTH

Andy Barkate CRPS, CCPS

Helping Kern County retire for over 25 years.

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*Copyright 2009 by Best Doctors®, Inc. All rights re-

served. This list, or parts thereof, must not be reproduced in

any form without permission. No commercial use of the in-

formation in this list may be made without permission of Best Doctors®, Inc. No fees may be charged, directly or indirectly, for the use of the information in this list without permission.

“Best Doctors,” “The Best Doctors in America,” and

the Best Doctors star-in-cross logo are registered trademarks of Best Doctors, Inc. in the U.S. and other countries, and are used under license.

**These lists are excerpted from The Best Doctors

in America® 2009-2010 database, which includes over 45,000 doctors in more than 40 medical specialties. The

publication has chosen only selected specialties for the article per their editorial focus.

The Best Doctors in America® database is compiled

and maintained by Best Doctors, Inc. For more information, visit bestdoctors.com, or contact Best Doctors

by telephone at 800-675-1199 or by e-mail at research@ bestdoctors.com. Please note that lists of doctors are not available on the Best Doctors web site.

Disclaimer: Best Doctors, Inc., has used its best efforts

in assembling material for this list, but does not warrant that the information contained herein is complete or accu-

rate, and does not assume, and hereby disclaims, any liabil-

ity to any person for any loss or damage caused by errors or omissions herein, whether such errors or omissions result from negligence, accident, or any other cause.

Hospital Update

photos courtesy of mercy hospital

KERN HEALTH

mercy southwest hospital mercy hospital

H

ospitals are more than a refuge for the sick; they’re structural representations of the health of a community. The well-being of a city can be reflected in the level of care it’s provided, which is why hospitals continually seek the most skilled physicians, newest medical technology, and helpful ways to encourage healthful living.

Locally, that desire for outstanding healthcare has lead to the development of many one-of-a-kind programs and the utilization of several important medical breakthroughs at the seven hospitals in our area. Each of Bakersfield’s hospitals have made noteworthy advances in 2009 and are looking forward to progress in the coming year.

Mercy & Mercy Southwest A 100th anniversary is certainly reason to celebrate, and Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield will be filling the coming year with events and programs for the community. “We’re pleased to announce the open-

ing of many different clinics and programs earlier this year to better aid Bakersfield and the surrounding areas,” began Vice President of Business Development Scott Thygerson.

In April of 2009, the 7,500 square-foot Orthopedic Hand Center officially opened at the Mercy Southwest Campus. Under the direction and expertise of Dr. Matthew Malerich, the creator of the renowned Malerich Procedure, doctors are performing surgeries and treating diseases and injuries of the bones, muscles, tendons, nerves,

‘‘

A hospital is more than a refuge for the sick; it’s a structural representation of the health of a community.

and ligaments. The Center has allowed patients to seek care under one roof for arthritis, orthopedic injuries, and various joint ailments.

Mercy Southwest has also seen the development of a Pediatric Cardiology Department and, with the arrival of Dr. David Hair to the campus earlier this year, new procedures to cure blindness. Dr. Hair, born and raised in Bakersfield, came back earlier this year to begin performing ocular surface transplants, using donor tissue to give patients improved sight.

“All of these services are under the umbrella of Mercy’s message. It’s all about taking care of patients,” Thygerson added.

While 2009 saw expansion in a multitude of their existing programs, including their Lactation Center at the Mercy Southwest Campus, and their Hospice Services, it was also a banner year for recognition.

Mercy Southwest again won the Consumer Choice Award for their quality of service and Mercy Hospitals was >>

www.bakersfieldmagazine.net - Health 2009 45

San joaquin community hospital awarded the Gold Seal of Approval from the Joint Commission for meeting performance standards.

“We’ll continue expanding our orthopedic and women’s services in the coming fiscal year,” Thygerson said.

In addition, Thygerson explained that because Mercy Hospitals are a part of the CHW network, both Mercy and Mercy Southwest will see the integration of a new health system better aimed at patient satisfaction.

“GEMCare Health Plan and Managed Care Systems, LP are forming GEMCare Mercy Memorial Health System (GMMHS). The plan will see access to care increase in a cost-effective way. It will also see a closer alignment between physicians and hospitals.” Which will, in turn, allow for better patient care—the mission of Mercy Hospitals. The new organization will provide coordinated and integrated care to patients and purchasers of medical services in Kern County.

San Joaquin Community Hospital Also celebrating 100 years of service to the community is San Joaquin Community Hospital (SJCH).

The entire hospital seems to be excited, not only for the coming year, but in looking at 2009’s accomplishments.

“This year we received our Chest Pain Center Accreditation,” said Vice President Jarrod McNaughton. “Currently, we are the only hospital from Los Angeles to San Francisco to have both the Chest Pain Center Accreditation and the Stroke Center Accreditation.”

The Grossman Burn Center opened on the SJCH Campus this year and it has al-

ready proven to be a major boon for the community.

“We just saw our 130th case,” McNaughton added, “and we were originally expecting to see 70 a year. That tells us that there was a definite need in this community for burn care, and it feels wonderful to be providing that care.”

SJCH also saw the opening of their Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) this year.

“We were blown away. We opened with nine beds and within a month they were all full. So there is still room for growth in that area,” he explained.

“Additionally, we opened a Step Down Unit. It’s for patients who are not yet ready to be transferred to a regular bed, but are ready to leave the Intensive Care Unit. We found that we were at capacity so often in those cases because patients were staying in the ICU.” With this unit, the hospital is able to better treat patients during their recovery in a way that is both beneficial to the hospital and the patient.

Also this year, SJCH received the HealthGrades® Award for excellence in maternity care for the sixth year in a row.

Finally, McNaughton said that two of the hospital’s three catheterization labs, where physicians insert thin plastic catheters into an artery or vein to open a blockage, will see state-of-the-art improvements in the coming year, so that when the third quarter of 2010 rolls around, each “cath” lab will be completely modernized. Combined that with their Chest Pain and Stroke centers, and SJCH is looking forward to a great new year.

Bakersfield Memorial Hospital With the completion of the new patient tower in January, Bakersfield Memorial Hospital had a stellar year. Gary Frazier, the hospital’s Vice President of Business Development, explained that with the addition came an increased capacity (123 new beds) and significantly less wait times for those seeking treatment.

The Ronald McDonald House on the Memorial Campus opened in June and is just one of the ways the hospital is looking to expand their children’s services.

“We’ll be adding more beds to the pediatric unit as well as developing a more extensive children’s program. Within two years, we’ll be going from 12 pediatric

photo courtesy bakersfield memorial hospital

photo courtesy san joaquin community hospital

Hospital Update

‘‘

Each of Bakersfield’s hospitals have made noteworthy advances in 2009.

46 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield

’’

Bakersfield Memorial hospital acute beds to over 20. We’re seeing that need and so we’re responding.”

All of those services are under the umbrella of their Children’s Medical Center Initiative.

“We’re training nurses, technicians, and recruiting specialists. And by August 2010, the hospital will have opened a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU).”

At that time, Memorial will be the only hospital with a PICU—a much needed resource for families in our area.

Since Memorial is also a CHW hospital, it will see an impact from the GEMCare Health System, which Frazier said is a positive step in the future of health care in our community.

“In the future, we want to encourage healthy lifestyles so we have several initiatives in place and outreach programs that will aid the community,” he added.

“We teamed up with Terrio Fitness for the One-Ton Challenge and we’d like to see that spread farther into the community. We want to promote the attitude that we’re not just here when you’re sick; we’re here to promote your health.”

Along 34th Street, drivers can see banners proclaiming the realization of the Memorial Medical Corridor, a wonderful long-term development.

“Over the last year, we have acquired most of the land surrounding the hospital and over the next 5-10 years we plan to put in additional medical offices and ambulatory and surgery services. It will be a medical-mixed use area for outpatient care. And through this setup, physicians will be closer to the hospital, which benefits patients greatly.”

Kern Medical Center Last year, Kern Medical Center (KMC), was in the middle of a fiscal turnaround.

This year, CEO Paul Hensler is happy to announce that the hospital is in the black.

“We’ve seen a refinement of our operations here,” Hensler began. “It’s all in order to increase the productivity of our management and to ensure we are keeping up with national standards.”

KMC’s Physical Plant will have its complete seismic upgrade by the end of summer in 2010.

In the technology realm, there are tremendous strides being taken.

“Over the next year, information technology will be the focus,” Hensler said. “We

Kern medical center will be instituting an electronic prescribing system, which reduces the chance for error. And about this time next year, we will be fully operational with our electronic record system.”

As Hensler explained, this system will reduce turnaround time from three hours to twenty minutes for all pharmacy orders, which is particularly beneficial in a teaching hospital, like KMC. Additionally, Hensler estimates that the hospital will

KERN HEALTH save over $1 million in paper a year once this system is in place.

“We will be able to read records from all over the hospital and see the outcomes of tests rapidly. It allows for a better outcome for the patient but at a low cost for us.”

This type of advancement is possible because the hospital had a $40 million turnaround last year.

“We were losing $30 million a year,” Hensler elaborated, “but we made over $10 million this fiscal year.”

The money will be used to procure new equipment and to put an additional emphasis on patient satisfaction and safety.

Any new equipment will complement last year’s addition of a 64-Slice CT Scanner, which Hensler said has been a great benefit this year.

“We haven’t had to divert any patients since we now have two scanners.”

Currently, the hospital is in the process of recruiting a trauma director and developing several new surgical sub-specialties to back up the hospital’s trauma center.

This year has seen positive growth for KMC, with the graduation of 40 new physicians in six different programs, and Hensler is quick to add that it’s a trend they’ll continue to see.

HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital HealthSouth, Bakersfield’s 60-bed acute medical rehabilitation hospital, saw phenomenal growth during 2009’s fiscal year and is looking forward to even more development in the near future.

“We have been steadily growing,” said Director of Marketing Operations Tara deMontmorency.

“We grew 28 percent over the last year, in overall profit and volume. Which, during this rough economic time, is very exciting. What that tells us is that there is a great need for rehabilitation services in Bakersfield and the surrounding communities.” deMontmorency explained that the growth HealthSouth saw this year is part of the plan instated two years ago when the rehabilitation hospital came under new leadership.

“We made the entire admissions process simpler for physicians and patients.”

And treating patients is really what it’s all about.

HealthSouth’s therapeutic technologies are state-of-the-art. These technologies include the AutoAmbulatorTM, which is a treadmill device that uses body weight-supported ambulation and robotics to help patients with gait dis-

healthsouth rehabilitation center orders. It is one of only a few in the entire state of California. Additionally, they have VitalStim® which electrically stimulates the swallowing function for patients who have suffered brain trauma or stroke.

“We want people to understand that we are not a skilled nursing facility or a nursing home in any way. Our hospital has physicians called physiatrists, who specialize in movement and neurological rehabilitation. Each patient has a team of doctors, nurses, therapists, a case manager, and various specialists.”

This approach has proven effective in treating patients who have suffered traumatic accidents, strokes, and have other neurological disorders.

“Our goal is that our patients return home at a higher level of functioning and currently, 88 percent of our patients do so,” deMontmorency explained.

In the coming year, HealthSouth will be expanding their Multiple Sclerosis, Brain Injury, and Pulmonology programs.

“And because there is currently no existing Parkinson’s disease program in the area, we will be further developing one to be completed next year.” deMontmorency explained that the >> www.bakersfieldmagazine.net - Health 2009 47

photo courtesy bakersfield heart hospital

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(661) 323-4222 • Toll-Free: 1-877-364-5844 48 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield

Bakersfield heart hospital hospital has submitted plans to add 20 additional beds to the facility.

“Not only did we undergo a $1.25 million renovation in the past year, but these new beds will ensure we continue to grow with the community.”

Bakersfield Heart Hospital This year has seen great strides for Bakersfield Heart Hospital (BHH). Currently in its 10th year, the facility is boasting a new ER group, formally introduced in July of 2009 and under the new direction of Dr. Dennis Martinez.

“We’ve created a refocused group of new physicians aiming for higher efficiency and more dedicated care,” explained President Randy Rolfe. “And the volume in the Emergency Room is up 25 percent.” The reason for which may be due to recent national recognition.

“We were the recipient of the HealthGrades® Coronary Intervention Excellence Award,” Rolfe said. “We are in the top five percent of hospitals in the country for successfully treating heart attack.”

And their “door to balloon” time is, on average, 60 minutes, compared to 90 minutes nationally.

On the expansion front, Rolfe said that plans to build additions to the hospital have slowed.

“While we are still continuing to upgrade equipment, we want to make sure all physical additions are necessary,” he added.

“Healthcare reform and the economy have caused us to pause to determine what we need to do for the community before we proceed. We will have a better understanding next year and will be reassessing that expansion.”

The hospital recently acquired its first MRI machine. Previously, they worked with other medical imaging facilities in town, but now BHH can conduct those tests in-house, which is more convenient for the patients and the physicians.

Recent public data indicated that BHH was ranked highest in patient satisfaction for cardiac care and Rolfe explained that the hospital was the first to have their Chest Pain Accreditation in Kern County this year. To complement this, they plan to expand other areas.

“We’re recruiting additional physicians, especially in neurology.

We’ve begun to perform neurological surgeries as well as gynecological surgeries. Our Peripheral Vascular services will be expanding as well within the next six months. We’ll be adding wound care and hyperbaric therapies to round out our care for Peripheral Vascular Disease patients. We want to broaden our service offerings and we, of course, aim to achieve that same level of performance in those areas that we do in cardiology.” KERNHEALTH

Cancer Update:

Gaining Ground

T

he first reaction is usually fear. Fear of pain; fear of financial burden; fear of death. All typical responses from someone diagnosed with cancer. It’s the only six-letter word that can do considerable emotional damage to even people with the most cavalier of attitudes toward illness.

While cancer certainly isn’t the foe it once was, when medical technology was in its infancy, it is perhaps the fear of the unknown surrounding cancer that continually leaves people ill at ease. The undetermined outcomes from treatments, the unanswerable questions about lasting effects; they’re present in the mind of a cancer patient as well as in the minds of his or her family.

Just a few short years ago, certain cancers had oncologists and researchers playing the guessing game. There was still so much to learn about our bodies’ cells without the added strain of cancer. Patients were told to have hope while physicians were running to catch up.

Today, however, cancer doesn’t have nearly the head-start it once did. Doctors, armed with more knowledge and more treatment options for patients, are gaining ground. As science continues to delve into the depths of cancer cells, more people are surviving aggressive forms of the disease that were once considered incurable.

And fortunately for people living in Bakersfield, many of these advances are in arm’s reach in part because of the Comprehensive Blood and Cancer Center (CBCC) and the progressive research done within this integrated cancer facility.

According to Dr. Ravi Patel, CBCC’s founding physician, this coming year will see even more research into the inner workings of cancer cells—something that

KERN HEALTH

CBCC founder Ravi Patel, M.D. displays some of the new drugs used to treat cancer today.

will greatly help scientists and oncologists when developing treatment plans for cancer patients.

“We have been working closely with UCLA on some exciting new research,” Dr. Patel explained. “They have discovered several newer molecules that are being used for cancer treatment. At this point, however, the molecules are just at a ‘code name’ stage.”

This microscopic research is being done

‘‘

More people are surviving aggressive forms of the disease that were once considered incurable.

to accompany a new trend in cancer care: personalized medicine.

“These molecules are targeted toward specific genes in a cell. So what happens,” he elaborated, “is that we can test the genetic makeup of the tumor for a particular gene. Once we have identified that gene, we know that we can use a certain molecule developed to treat that cancer; that this molecule will be successful in treating the cancer.”

As Dr. Patel explained, this will make treatments much more bearable for patients. It will be so much more refined and geared toward that particular cancer patient’s genetic material. Broad-range treatments like chemotherapy and radiation, which are still highly successful today, will not need to be used in all cases.

Treatment can be much less invasive.

“We know that by using this particular molecule in a patient with a particular gene, they will have a 60 to 70 percent >>

www.bakersfieldmagazine.net - Health 2009 49

Gaining Ground chance of survival in aggressive forms of cancer.”

These molecules have been developed over the past year. However, CBCC helped pioneer another type of cancer treatment—MammoSite.

“MammoSite treatments began here roughly six years ago, at which point we were the first to utilize MammoSite in Kern County. It is absolutely precise radiation for breast cancer,” Dr. Patel continued.

“We introduce a small balloon of radiation directly into the tumor for treatment.

This procedure reduces radiation time from six weeks all the way down to five to seven days. And it’s all outpatient.”

The benefit to the patient is enormous.

Along these lines, CBCC will be introducing another less-invasive, high-tech way of treating other forms of isolated tumors. It’s called HDR brachytherapy. The HDR stands for high-dose rate. Similar to

Caring staff members help patients during CT procedures.

MammoSite, this treatment will administer radiation therapy to a precise location within the body through the use of a small balloon. Dissimilar to traditional radiation, HDR minimizes the discomfort caused by skin irritation. It can be used for prostate, pancreatic, and lung cancers.

“This type of treatment has never been available before in the community and we will begin doing procedures in the next few months,” he said.

Last year, CBCC was gearing up for the arrival of the CyberKnife, a robotic radiosurgery system which can target a tumor from 180 different directions for ultimate precision.

“We can provide a much more targeted treatment,” Dr. Patel explained of the equipment.

Many tumors will shift during treat-

KERN HEALTH ment delivery. Using advanced robotic technology and continual image guidance, the CyberKnife System delivers unprecedented targeting accuracy with the unique ability to automatically correct for intra-fraction target motion— without interrupting the treatment or having to reposition the patient. It does this without the limitations of conventional respiratory gating and breath-holding techniques. It delivers beams that move precisely with tumor motion throughout the respiratory cycle and through this process provides unparalleled healthy tissue preservation.

Already, CBCC has treated over 100 patients with the CyberKnife at their facility, one of only 150 in the entire world.

“Over the past year we have seen tremendous success with this machine.

The precision is submillimeter, so we’re able to perform treatment on patients with types of tumors that are unreachable by conventional surgeries or radiation therapies,” Dr. Patel explained.

Technology and medical science are a big part of the innovation taking place within the walls of CBCC, but Dr. Patel insists that’s not all this freestanding cancer facility has been developing over the past year.

“We take a team approach for cancer care,” he said. “The emotional trauma is significant during treatment, so we have created several options for patients.”

Namely, CBCC created a Mind and Body Program which runs throughout the year and is free for all patients.

“We teach them a variety of relaxation techniques through yoga or meditation.

We use music therapy and laughter therapy. We’ve called in speakers to help encourage patients to laugh. Additionally, we teach them breathing techniques and how to create a life plan.

“Sometimes when you are given an unpleasant prognosis, the only thing you think of is death. We will help these patients create a daily plan, which can include going

50 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield

High-tech mammography is another way oncologists are diagnosing breast cancer today.

out to be in your garden, going for a walk, and other fulfilling activities.”

This type of guidance can be very beneficial to cancer patients who feel a loss of control in their life.

Interestingly, much of the research Dr. Patel and colleagues are focused on currently is the correlation between the mind and the body.

“This coming year, we’ll be conducting a study on how the use of mind-body techniques, like relaxation, can bring about genetic transformation of cells.”

A telomere is a part of your DNA, located at the end of a chromosome, which protects that particular chromosome from destruction. The telomere in a cancer cell causes that particular cell to age slower so that the cancer can continue to grow and spread.

“We want to discover if we can change the size of the telomere through mindbody techniques. If so, the telomere would make the cell age faster or slower.

This discovery could potentially cure certain illnesses.”

In relation to cancer, the mind and body techniques would be used to change the size of the telomere in a cancer cell, causing the cell to age much faster, and giving the cancer less chance to grow.

This would ultimately give doctors and the patient more time to fight.

So whether it be research on the genetic level or helping patients cope mentally with the emotional impact and fear of the diagnosis, all of the new procedures being brought to Kern County have two overarching goals: to stop cancer in its tracks and to remove fear of the unknown. KERNHEALTH

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52 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield

KERN HEALTH

The ER Follies

By Allison Aubin

T

he ER can be a good place to find people who have had a “Bad Idea” and then committed it. Maybe it was a science experiment that should have remained on paper or that “what if” scenario that should have remained a wistful thought. From the funny to the cute, to the downright odd, here are some stories that popped up in emergency rooms around Bakersfield.

had been following him around. They said “about three weeks now.”

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“Honest Doc... They

Dr. Kevin Schmidt, DO, with San Joaquin Community Hospital, has seen a lot of odd ER stories end the same way: with a visit to the psych ward.

Men In Black A man came in very panicked and said he was being followed. He asked if anyone knew the men in dark suits and sunglasses, so I said, “like the men in black?” He jumped on that. The men in black! He said they had been following him for about three weeks. They were at the mall, in the grocery store, in a car outside his house. We got him checked into the psych ward.

A few hours later, a couple of men in dark suits came in and showed us a picture of the guy. They asked if we had seen him. It turned out they were from the Secret Service and he had been making threats, so they were watching him closely. I asked how long they

‘‘

Animal Welfare I had a guy call the ER once, sounding very out of breath.

He said he couldn’t breathe, gasping all the while. I asked if he used supplemental oxygen and he said “yes, two liters per dog.” I couldn’t quite understand, so I told him to call 911. The paramedare everywhere!!!” ics came into the ER later, laughing. One of them told me that the guy had locked himself in the basement and when they finally got the door open, there was a mass of oxygen tanks on the ground. The air saturation was about 100 percent oxygen and the guy was gasping because he was hyperventilating (he had too much oxygen).

That wasn’t the strangest part.

The strangest part was that he decided that since he couldn’t breathe, his dog must be in trouble, too. The paramedics found the dog on the floor with its paws taped together and an oxygen tube taped to its nose. The canister feeding the oxygen to the dog was two liters.

Paramedics found the dog on the floor with its paws taped together and an oxygen tube taped to its nose.

Dr. Rick McPheeters, chairman of emergency medicine at Kern Medical Center, has collected more than one funny story in his 15 years at the hospital.

Resident With a Good Heart Some years ago, a kid in his late teens was brought in with a snake bite. >> www.bakersfieldmagazine.net - Health 2009 53

The ER Follies

they would be leaving soon so he didn’t say anything about hospital policy and cats, but when he returned a second time with the test results, the bag had tipped over and there were now four little kittens running around the room. He asked the couple what was going on and the man said, “We saw these kittens outside with no mother and we thought we would take them home, to practice raising these babies before we had one of our own.”

Anita Patel, RN, with Mercy Hospital on Truxtun, knows creative thinking can help keep a patient safe, even if it means going to some lengths to construct a fantasy.

“This wasn’t the best idea I’ve ever had.”

His friends thought it was a rattlesnake and caught the snake to be properly identified. It was a small rattler and was kept in a box until animal control could pick it up. One of the residents couldn’t stand the thought of the snake being put down and put the box in his car with the intention of releasing the animal into the hills after his shift. He got off shift and went out to his car. That’s when he noticed the box was open, and the snake was nowhere to be found.

Rather than slide into a car with a potentially dangerous and disgruntled animal, he searched for two hours before giving up and driving home. The next day he drove all the way to L.A. with a little rattlesnake somewhere in his car. He never did find the snake.

Practice Babies One day, a couple of teenagers came in; both were 18 and had just been married. I forget what the complaint was, but they found out in the course of lab tests that she was pregnant. So while the lab ran more tests related to their complaint, the couple waited in a small room. The resident went to check on the results of the tests and when he came back to speak to them he noticed a shopping bag with eyes peering out of the top. He thought

‘‘

The ‘Cigarettes’ We had a patient who was highly intoxicated with alcohol, and weighed maybe 100 pounds, soaking wet. Unfortunately, he kept getting out of bed and coming by the nurses’ station because he wanted to go outside and smoke a cigarette. He had a very unsteady gait and we were afraid he would fall and hurt himself, but I didn’t want to tie him to his bed. To keep him in bed, I cut a drinking straw in half and took a pulse monitor—a small device with an infrared light on one end— and attached it to a sticky bandaid-like patch. Then I attached that to his finger.

I told him, “There’s your cigarette,” pointing to the straw in one hand, “and there’s your lighter,” pointing to the light attached to his finger. I gave him a plastic cup for an ashtray and he was perfectly content to stay in bed for the rest of the day, provided I replaced his “cigarettes.”

Dr. Dan Erickson, also with San Joaquin Community Hospital, has seen some interesting x-rays in his five years as an ER physician. More interesting than the x-rays can be the stories some people come up with to explain them.

You Hid What Where?

We had an inmate brought in by the cops for foreign body removal but I didn’t do an x-ray right away. As I performed the exam, I felt something hard and sharp poke me. I took my hand out right away and then we took the x-ray. The object turned out to be a large syringe! Luckily it was still capped. It turned out that when the inmate had heard the police coming, he decided to hide his drug paraphernalia in his rear end. We got it out with no problem.

More interesting than the x-rays can be the stories some people come up with to explain them.

54 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield

Sherry Stone, RN, a supervisor with Mercy Hospital Southwest said that life in the ER is very stressful and jokes they occasionally play on one another “help relieve the stress in the department.”

The Heart ‘Patient’ We had a day when we weren’t too busy and decided to do some stress relief.

We had an ambulance stationed outside

KERN HEALTH the hospital in case of emergency so we told the driver to turn on the siren like they were bringing in a patient with a heart problem. We had one of the nurses hop up on a gurney and we put a blanket over her and began doing CPR. When one of the doctors came in to take over, she sat up! The prank scared the doctors and definitely relieved several nurses’ stress.

Jennifer Cook, RN, MSN, has been a nurse for 12 years and works with Bakersfield Memorial Hospital. She said, “The ER is very much life or death,” so the nurses need to decompress.

FrankenNurse After a particularly difficult patient death, the nurse assigned to the room entered to prepare it for the next patient, working around the body bag on the bed. Unbeknownst to her, the other nurses had already removed the body, had placed a new body bag on the bed, and helped one of their co-workers climb inside. The nurse assigned to the room approached the body bag and began to unzip it—when the nurse inside sat up!

The first nurse went flying out of the room and Cook says though the prank happened years ago, they still tell the story today when they need a good laugh.

After reading those stories, hopefully we’ve all had one.

KERNHEALTH

“AAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!” www.bakersfieldmagazine.net - Health 2009 55

CBCC

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First PET/CT in the Community Radiation Oncology Ajay Desai, MD Giridhar Gorla, MD Owen Kim, MD

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56 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield

CHANGING CANCER CARE for the Community

The Visionary Team

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UCLA Affiliated • www.cbccusa.com www.bakersfieldmagazine.net • 322-2206 - Health 2009 57

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KERN HEALTH

Talk Your Way to a Healthier You

N

o one is immune to crummy days; those days when nothing seems to go your way—you’re behind on a work deadline, realize you forgot to pay the cable bill, spill coffee on your new shirt. It’s easy to feel stressed.

These are the days we complain about to others, as a way of venting. They’re also the days that are easily forgotten the moment things start to look up. But when you combine a few crummy days in a row with a family tragedy, or maybe when that one bad day turns into a bad month, it’s harder for us to bounce back.

Daily stressors are a part of life...it’s how we handle them that really matters. That’s because stress greatly affects our mental well-being, and national studies have shown that our mental states significantly impact our physical health, both positively and negatively. Medical tests have even shown that if we’re in a good state-of-mind, we heal from injury faster.

So why is it that so many people who are focused on their overall health, consistently overlook their mental well-being? They go to the gym, they eat right, they see a physician regularly. That’s not all there is to think about. Even if they’re feeling blue, they tell themselves that feeling will pass on its own.

“There is a stigma surrounding mental health conditions,” explained James Waterman, PhD. Waterman is the director for the Kern County Mental Health Department. He’s held that post for a little over a year and a half and was quick to point out that the stigma is not only attached to serious mental illnesses like

schizophrenia and bi-polar disorders, but also with something as common as depression.

“Mental health has a huge impact on our lives and depression is the most pervasive mental health issue in Kern County. People shouldn’t be afraid to talk about it.”

Depression affects everyone from children

to the elderly and the range can be mild to severe. And because the range is so broad, some people don’t recognize they, themselves, are suffering from depression, or that someone in their life is currently depressed.

“Some people will struggle with depression and they can pull themselves out of >>

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Talk Your Way to a Healthier You

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it, but there is a point where depression snowballs and it takes on a life of its own,” Waterman explained.

It’s the point where those daily stressors aren’t so easily brushed aside and those bad days aren’t easily shrugged off.

“People will isolate themselves,” he said. “They’ll sleep a great deal more and they’ll have a change in appetite, whether it be overeating or not eating at all.”

That’s when it’s time to find help.

The important thing to realize is that admitting you need help does not mean you’re weak; it’s not a character flaw. We’re not living in a

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Utopian society—our lives are filled with mortgage payments, long days at the office, active children, and extended family dramas. That adds up to a lot of stress.

So just what can you do to ensure you’re taking positive steps in your mental health and dealing with the stresses of your daily life in a healthy way?

“Believe it or not, sometimes we just need to vocalize the problem,” said Sandy Sierra, Chair of the Bakersfield College Counseling Department.

“There are so many outside stressors in this day and age,” she explained. “Being a single parent, working more than one job, keeping up with the home, and going to school; these can all affect our stress level in a negative way. If we don’t have someone to talk to, just to get our thoughts out, they can build up.”

That’s exactly why counseling centers exist.

“It’s important to find that person who you can share your feelings with, especially if you don’t have that person at home,” Sierra explained.

“It’s an especially stressful time in life when you’re going to school,” said Janet Millar, LMFT, and counselor at Cal State Bakersfield (CSUB). “Many mental health issues spring up during that time.”

And because now is a very pivotal time, not just for our national economy, but our local economy as well, more and more students are feeling the pressure.”

“We’re seeing an increase in the utilization of counseling centers [at universities] across the nation,” elaborated Gia Marks, LMFT. Marks is also a counselor with CSUB and was adamant that there is no shame in admitting you need help because everyone feels pressures at different times in our lives, and some of us handle that stress in different ways.

Just know that no matter what brings you down in life, or the course of treatment you wind up on, there is no shame in admitting you need a little help to get back in a good frame of mind. Paying attention to your mental health is just as important as making sure you get enough exercise, or sacrificing those French fries for a salad. It adds up to a happier, healthier you, so next time a crummy day comes along, you know what steps to take to keep from getting hung up on the crumbs...you know exactly where you put the Dustbuster. KERNHEALTH

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A D V E RTO R I A L

You can’t do that in the hospital An interview of Les Corum, Publisher of Bakersfield Magazine (Back L-R) Vicky Garcia-Davis, LVN, Ken Burnett, Chaplain, Les Corum, Bakersfield Magazine Publisher, Barbara Jones, MSW Social Worker (Front L-R) Sheilla Apostol, RN, Lori Smith, CHHA Aide

By Mr. Doug Clary, CEO of Optimal Hospice Care Recently, Misters Clary and Corum had the opportunity to discuss the Corum family experience with Optimal Hospice Care while caring for Donna.

Below is a recounting of that visit.

Clary: We had the privilege to care for Donna but didn’t hear the entire story that led to Optimal Hospice caring for her. What would you like to share with us?

Corum: Donna had pulmonary fibrosis resulting from receiving radiation therapy following breast cancer.

This led to increased difficulty in her breathing that ultimately led to her death. We had specialists involved that were very helpful but by January of 2009, one of Donna’s doctors suggested we pursue a discussion about hospice care.

Clary: Making the decision to seek treatment for comfort and relief rather

than cure can be a difficult one. Did you have difficulty in choosing hospice?

Corum: It was difficult at first. When I was very young, I watched a grandfather die of cancer in horrific pain. It was a frightening experience. I wanted to be certain Donna was as comfortable as possible for as long as possible.

We were assured that hospice would monitor her symptoms and would use medications to control them. I was also fearful that I wouldn’t be equipped to help Donna because my health is not always great and I didn’t want her to suffer or be afraid. The nurses were great teachers in showing me how to help Donna when they weren’t there.

Clary: When you needed help, did you and Donna get the help you needed?

Corum: Whenever Donna’s symptoms got worse, the nurses would stay

for as long as needed until she was stable. Sometimes that was for hours.

When they weren’t here, they were always amazingly fast at responding when I called. The night Donna died, I was with her, holding her hand. When I called Optimal Hospice, I couldn’t believe how quickly they arrived to care for all of us.

Clary: Tell me more about the hospice experience for you both?

Corum: Communication by medical professionals to the sick and frail sometimes seems condescending.

Despite some initial difficulties in communication, the Optimal Hospice staff continued to ask questions to better understand and help us define the goals of Donna and our family. As we figured out goals together, Optimal Hospice had a care plan specific for what was important to Donna and the family. >> www.bakersfieldmagazine.net - Health 2009 63

You can’t do that in the hospital Clary: It is common for families to delay starting hospice until the last few days of a person’s life. That was not the case for Donna. How important was it for Donna and you to start hospice earlier rather than delay the decision?

Corum: Starting hospice sooner allowed time to build a trusting relationship with the nurses, social workers, and spiritual leaders that resulted in very open dialog. This open dialog was invaluable when it came to the last few weeks as Donna’s condition declined. The trusting relationship with the different disciplines and support staff was invaluable. Optimal was helpful in bringing the various family members together to focus on what Donna needed, a very coordinated approach that we had not experienced in a hospital setting.

Clary: Do you have any advice for other families faced with deciding how to care for someone who has a terminal illness?

Corum: Home is always better. A phone call gets you help immediately rather than pressing a call light and needing to wait for an over-extended staff. With hospice you can be at home with people you love, getting the comfort and symptom relief you want, when you want it. If you’re not sure about starting hospice, remember it is better to start sooner than later. At home, you are home! It is your environment. It is where you want to be, especially when you are sick. I remember one of the last days with Donna, she had been sleeping a lot. She awoke bright-eyed and said, “I want lobster.” Having lived on the East Coast, it was her favorite and she hadn’t had any in a while. We got it for her that night and enjoyed the dinner together. That is the kind of experience you can have with hospice.

You can’t do that in the hospital.

Clary: Is there anything else you would like to share?

Corum: Donna died on April 23, 2009 with me at her side. Because of excellent symptom management, Donna continued to be active with her family, friends, and Bakersfield Magazine late into her illness including the development of the final cover that came out immediately after she died. We are proud of her. We love and miss her and thank Optimal Hospice for the special time we had with her to the end. n

64 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield

4700 Stockdale Hwy, Suite 120 Bakersfield (661)716-4000

Dr. James Tsai

Good Samaritan Hospital

Dr. Charles Fritch

Central Cardiology Medical Clinic

Dr. Ronald L. Morton

Comprehensive Cardiovascular

Dr. Sakrepatna Manohara

Julianne Williams

Dr. Armi Lynn Walker Dr. Cary Shakespeare

your doctors, your neighbors

This special Achievers Series presentation features excellence in the Bakersfield health care community. The “Your Doctors, Your Neighbors” advertorial section gives local medical professionals the opportunity to open up about their chosen specialty, their training, and their professionalism in serving your medical needs. They also share a personal look into their family life, leisure time interests, and involvement in community projects. These profiles can be a valuable introduction to many of the area’s most reputable medical professionals and their practices.

Medical Profiles the Achievers Series SPECIAL ADVERTORIAL SECTION

www.bakersfieldmagazine.net - Health 2009 65

SAN DIMAS MEDICAL CENTER Les Corum, Owner For over 36 years, San Dimas Medical Group has con-

to seasonal flu shots and the H1N1 vaccine, which are very

tinuously raised the bar for Obstetrics and Gynecology

important inoculations for pregnant women, they also offer

practices in Bakersfield. Not only does this comprehensive

Gardasil, a vaccine to help prevent cervical cancer, and

group of highly-trained physicians aim to educate their

Tdap, to prevent tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis.

patients on a wide variety of women’s health issues, but

San Dimas Medical Group also boasts an American Reg-

they seek to bring in the latest technologies and proce-

istry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) Certified

dures to better treat them.

ultrasonographer—the only one in the immediate area—

“The emphasis has really been to shift procedures to the

who is trained to perform a highly specialized ultrasound to

office rather than the hospital,” Dr.

screen for chromosomal abnormalities

James Tsai explained. The reason be-

in the first trimester of pregnancy.

ing the length of recovery time for the

“We offer complete comprehensive

patient. So many of these procedures

women’s care,” said Gregory R. Klis,

can be done as out-patient surgery

M.D., “which includes infertility, hor-

and women can get back to their nor-

mone replacement therapy, the latest

mal lives much quicker.

in pelvic reconstructive surgeries and

“These in-office procedures evaluate

the treatment of bladder problems.”

and treat heavy periods and abnormal

“With so many advances happen-

pap smears and include the latest non-

ing in the field of obstetrics and gyne-

surgical sterilization procedures,” said

cology, our ten-physician group pride

Dr. Tsai. “The advantage is the patient

ourselves in staying abreast with the

is awake, comfortable and able to re-

current trends and technology and

sume their normal, daily activities in a

being able to pass that on to our pa-

day or so.”

tients,” Dr. Tsai added.

In addition, the practice specializes in virtually every as-

Additionally, the practice has access to other specialists

pect of cutting-edge prenatal and postnatal care, includ-

in the community including endocrinology, oncology, radi-

ing infertility, high-risk obstetrics, 4-D and gender check

ology, and surgery, so if one of their patients needs outside

ultrasounds, and a Diabetes Care Program with nutrition

care, they can receive it quickly.

counseling that is second to none in Bakersfield.

“Diabetes can cause serious problems for pregnancy,” Dr. Jigisha Upadhyaya explained. “That’s why we have two staff members solely dedicated to care for our pregnant diabetic patients.”

“Our ultimate goal is to be a one-stop practice,” Dr. Upadhyaya elaborated. “We want to offer every possible resource to our patients.”

San Dimas strives to deliver the highest level of personalized care while ensuring patient safety. This complete and com-

A comprehensive approach to care is what drives San Di-

prehensive healthcare approach has resulted in over 36 years

mas to offer so many vaccines for their patients. In addition

of highly satisfied patients and a reputation second to none.

300 Old River Road, Suite 200 x Bakersfield x 661.663.4800 www.sandimasmedical.com

your doctors, your neighbors the

Achievers Series

66 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield

Back Row (l-r) Jigisha Upadhyaya, M.D., James Tsai, M.D., Dana Edwards, M.D., David Lewis, M.D., Jacqueline Ava Williams-Olango, M.D. Front Row (l-r) Wendy Crenshaw, M.D., Tillai Kannappan, M.D., Noel G. Del Mundo, M.D., Marietta Tan, M.D., Gregory Klis, M.D.

www.bakersfieldmagazine.net - Health 2009 67

FRITCH EYE CARE Dr. Charles Fritch, Owner When it comes to providing excellent care, Dr. Charles

100 top VISX surgeons in the United States. Dr. Fritch is board

Fritch makes it look easy. When one walks into the lobby,

certified in ophthalmology and is a fellow of the American

beautiful leather-back chairs are the backdrop of the

College of Surgeons.

smiling faces of the reception staff. This Marketplace

Dr. Fritch and his wife, Judy, have also founded the Fritch

doctor’s office houses state-of-the-art equipment. Dr.

Family Foundation, which is a non-profit foundation for

Fritch earned his M.D. degree from the University of

educational and medical vision research. Dr. Fritch has

Nebraska School of Medicine and served in the U.S. Army

enjoyed seeing his practice grow over the years, and gives

as a flight surgeon. Dr. Fritch completed his residency in

credit to the people of Bakersfield. “My family and I love

ophthalmology through the UCLA/

the Bakersfield community. Bakersfield

KMC affiliated program in Bakersfield.

has welcomed us with open arms.

Eye care has seen many techno-

The diversity of Bakersfield still has the

logical

Dr.

mid-west attitude that is similar to our

Fritch’s career and he is thankful to

breakthroughs

during

Iowa/Nebraska background. There’s

have participated in these advances.

a strong attitude of volunteerism

Cataract, glaucoma, and refraction

in Bakersfield, which is hard to find

surgery are a major portion of the Fritch

anywhere

Eye Care comprehensive eye program.

the only city receiving his expertise;

“We consider ourselves a full-service

Dr. Fritch and Judy have been on

eye care center.” Dr. Fritch serves as a

mission trips to India where he helped

volunteer faculty member at UCLA Jules

train doctors in modern eye-care

Stein, USC Doheny Eye Institute, and UC

techniques. While in Calcutta, Judy

Irvine Department of Ophthalmology.

had the privilege of meeting the late

He served as co-chairman of the UC

Mother Teresa. Jillian Fritch-Stump,

else.”

Bakersfield

isn’t

Irvine Corneal Phaco-Refractive Fellowship program for

his daughter, started the “One Book, One Bakersfield”

nearly six years. Dr. Fritch also participated in Lasik workshops

reading and literacy group. Dr. Fritch’s son, John, has

at the Rinn Eye Institute located in Shanghai, China and

his MBA from the University of Indiana and manages

was medical director for several FDA study sites regarding

Business Quest, a successful M.I.S. and consulting firm in

Lasik refractive surgery for hyperopia, myopia, and lasik

Bakersfield. Dr. Fritch and his family have also had the

following radial keratomy. Dr. Fritch has authored numerous

privilege of being members of St. Johns Lutheran Church

articles on Cataract and Refractive surgery as well as co-

for many years. “Looking back, I couldn’t have asked

authored a book on Cataract and Implant Surgery. He has

for a more satisfying quality of life for myself and my

been a guest lecturer and surgeon in Canada, Germany,

family than Bakersfield. I’ve been very blessed to be an

Switzerland, Ireland, Japan, Korea, and China. Dr. Fritch is

ophthalmologist and be allowed to help improve the

a member of the VISX star program, which now consists of

quality of life for so many patients.”

9000 Ming Avenue, Suite L-2 x Bakersfield x 661.665.2020 www.fritcheyecare.com

your doctors, your neighbors the

Achievers Series

68 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield

www.bakersfieldmagazine.net - Health 2009 69

CENTRAL CARDIOLOGY MEDICAL CLINIC Les Corum, Owner Founded in the mid-seventies, Central Cardiology’s mis-

tional atherectomy, carotid stenting, innovative peripheral

sion has always been to provide comprehensive, compas-

interventions, electrophysiologic studies, and pacemaker

sionate, and state-of-the-art medical care. Over the years,

and ICD implantations.

they have been fortunate to recruit physicians from out-

While diagnoses and treatments are the cornerstones

standing institutions all over the country and at the present

of the group, Central Cardiology also puts focus on

time, they have seven cardiovascular physicians who are

cardiovascular research.

all board certified.

The group has been active in both pharmacologic

“We employ the most advanced technologies available

research and device development. Recently, they have

in the field of cardiovascular medicine

been participating in a number of

under one roof. This allows us to service

studies pertaining to the development

patients’ needs in the most expeditious

of carotid stenting in an effort to prevent

and comprehensive manner,” said Dr. Brij

strokes and they have one of the largest

Bhambi, one of the group’s physicians.

experiences in this field in the state of

At their facility, Central Cardiology

California, with results that compare

has a 64-slice CT scan, state-of-the-art

favorably to the national results.

nuclear cameras, echocardiography

At the end of the day, the physi-

equipment, transesophageal echocar-

cians at this prestigious clinic are still

diography, pacemaker and ICD clinic,

treating people.

a vascular lab supervised by a physi-

“When we are able to intervene and

cian who is board certified in vascular

prevent a heart attack, extend a life,

medicine, a fully functional chem lab,

add quality to lives, enable somebody

and Coumadin Clinic, among other

to walk better by correcting peripheral

high-tech medical equipment.

arterial disease, or restore rhythm to

In their effort to provide patients with the important health

a wavering heart with appropriate electrophysiological

care they need at their convenience, Central Cardiology

intervention, it does provide us with instantaneous

has satellite clinics in all the major towns in Kern County.

gratification. This work keeps your inner child alive,” Dr.

These include clinics all the way from Taft to Ridgecrest and

Bhambi explained. “It keeps us motivated to continue our

from Frazier Park to Delano.

endeavor in service to our fellow humans.”

“At Central Cardiology, we strive to stay abreast of all

Central Cardiology takes prides in its commitment to

the emerging advances in cardiovascular medicine and, in

cardiovascular health and in caring in a compassionate

fact, we were the first group to introduce many of these new

manner.

technologies to our community,” Dr. Bhambi continued.

Some of these technologies and procedures include directional atherectomy, Excimer laser angioplasty, rota-

“Care, compassion, service, and excellence never go out of fashion, and we remind ourselves of these commitments continually.”

2901 Sillect Avenue, Suite 100 x Bakersfield x 661.323.8384 www.heart24.com

your doctors, your neighbors the

Achievers Series

70 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield

Back Row (l-r) Sanjiv Sharma, M.D., Kirit Desai, M.D., Mallik Thatipelli, M.D. Front Row (l-r) Peter Nalos, M.D., Tetsuo Ishimori, M.D., Brij Bhambi, M.D., William Nyitray, M.D. www.bakersfieldmagazine.net - Health 2009 71

GOLDEN STATE EYE Dr. Ronald L. Morton Since 1979, Golden State Eye has been making a differ-

Dr. Vance specializes in low vision exams for patients with

ence in the way people see. Founded by Dr. Ronald Mor-

retinal diseases including macular degeneration, as well as

ton, a highly-skilled ophthalmologist and an American Col-

specialty contact lenses.

lege of Surgeons Fellow, the practice has grown immensely

Dr. Yang, who also received his degree from Southern

to serve the needs and wants of the Bakersfield population.

California College of Optometry in 2006, specializes in the

After receiving his B.A. and M.D. from UCLA, Dr. Morton

evaluation and management of ocular conditions and

completed his medical residency in ophthalmology at Kern

pathologies, contact lens fittings, as well as the co-man-

Medical Center. But this physician has done more than fit

agement of cataract, glaucoma, and refractive surgeries.

people for glasses and contacts for

“We really work as a team here,” he

the past 30 years. He has painstakingly

said. “It’s a family atmosphere among

researched and performed the very

the staff and the patients. These new

best procedures for his patients—

procedures help us see things we can’t

surgeries that have helped improve the

see with the naked eye to better treat

quality of life for many in our city.

our patients, which they appreciate.”

That mission includes bringing state-

Together, these three physicians

of-the-art equipment to the practice

offer the highest level of care.

for accurately testing eyesight and

“We like to say patients are receiv-

diagnosing optical disorders.

ing special care from caring people,”

One such procedure is the Optomap®

Dr. Morton explained of the practice’s

Retinal Exam which is performed to aid

motto.

the doctor in identifying abnormalities

“And that means we are serving

that could indicate the onset of a

the needs of the community,” Ingrid

number of diseases that often present

Morton, R.N., explained. In addition

first in the retina.

to being Dr. Morton’s wife, she also performs many of the

Another is Optical Coherance Tomography (OCT), which gives doctors a more in-depth look at the soft tissue of the eye

plastics procedures, and pre- and post-op skin care, at the practice.

to detect any additional abnormalities including glaucoma.

“We will serve as the need becomes apparent,” Dr.

These tests are also being utilized by the practice’s two

Morton elaborated. “Which is why much of our care is

optometrists, Drs. Janae Vance and Stan Yang. Dr. Vance re-

dedicated toward prevention.”

ceived her degree from Southern California College of Optom-

Yet as the practice grows to accommodate new

etry in 2006 and has worked for Golden State Eye since then.

patients and offer new services, they are still aware that

“We are able to address and treat most patients that come through our doors because of this new technology,” she explained. “It’s an all-encompassing practice.”

they are treating people.

That is why Bakersfield continues to trust its eyes to Golden State Eye.

1001 Tower Way, Suite 150 x Bakersfield x 661.327.4499 www.goldenstateeye.com

your doctors, your neighbors the

Achievers Series

72 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield

Dr. Stan Yang, Dr. Janae Vance, Dan Soria

www.bakersfieldmagazine.net - Health 2009 73

TRUXTUN PSYCHIATRIC GROUP Dr. Manohara, President There was no other career path for Dr. Sakrepatna

chiatry, addiction psychiatry, and forensic examination),

Manohara to take. With his father being a general

knew that by opening up a larger practice he would be

practitioner, Dr. Manohara spent his youth in clinics,

able to help so many more patients.

watching his father work—and it truly shaped the way he saw the world.

So in 1984, Dr. Manohara founded Truxtun Psychiatric Medical Group.

“I wanted to change peoples’ lives for the better,” he explained.

“We work closely with each other,” he said. “As a group we can manage and treat any patient we see.”

That’s why, as soon as he was old enough, Dr. Mano-

And for Dr. Manohara, that’s a very important part

hara began his medical training. He

of the practice because they see

attended Kasturba Medical Col-

patients from all over the Central

lege in India before completing his

Valley.

internship and graduating with his

“It’s very challenging and every

M.D. in 1973.

day is different, but that is what keeps

Psychiatry held a special interest

work interesting,” he said, smiling.

for him. “I’ve always been interested

Under the guidance of Dr. Mano-

in the brain and the mind and I

hara, the group has also participat-

knew that as a psychiatrist, I could

ed in important clinical research.

combine that interest with my love

“Psychopharmacology has revo-

of medicine.”

lutionized treatment in the field of

In 1975, Dr. Manohara relocated

psychiatry,” he explained. Addi-

to Boston to begin a series of medi-

tionally, Truxtun Psychiatric Medical

cal careers, including House Officer

Group is the only practice to have

for Worcestor Country Hospital. In

a Transcranial Magnetic Stimulator,

1977, he began a residency and fellowship program in psychiatry at Wes Ros Park Mental Health and Boston State Hospital.

a device used to help treat psychiatric disorders.

You’d think that would keep his days full, but Dr. Manohara still finds time to study ancient books and

Afterward, Dr. Manohara realized he wanted to be

music in his free time, which he says centers him and

some place warm—so he heard the call of the West

allows him to bring peace and calmness to his patients.

Coast.

And if that’s not all, he’s writing a book.

He began his private practice in Kern County in 1981

“It’s about the mind and a new theory about the way

and between 1982 and 1985, was the Medical Staff

the brain works which will hopefully lead to new ways to

President for Kern View Psychiatric Hospital.

research and treat psychiatric patients.”

But this doctor, who holds Board Certifications in four fields (general and neurology psychiatry, geriatric psy-

Still, Dr. Manohara considers all this to be part of a good day’s work.

6001 Truxtun Avenue, Suite 160 x Bakersfield x 661.323.6410 www.truxtunpsych.com

your doctors, your neighbors the

Achievers Series

74 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield

www.bakersfieldmagazine.net - Health 2009 75

GOOD SAMARITAN HOSPITAL Noel Cabezzas, COO With a focus on quality patient care, safety, satisfaction, and positive outcomes, the Good Samaritan hospitals in Bakersfield are serving an important need.

service Kern County patients, but many of the surrounding counties refer patients as well.

Good Samaritan works closely with local mental health

While Good Samaritan Hospital on Olive Drive has been a part of our community for some time, many people don’t

agencies to support the community’s ability to access quality mental health services.

know that Good Samaritan has a facility on White Lane

“Good Samaritan Hospital’s mental healthcare services

for psychiatric care and drug and alcohol detoxification,

are the best kept healthcare secret in Kern County,”

that has been helping the community and surrounding

Cabezzas stated.

areas since 1992.

While progress is being made at the

“Psychiatry is a niche market for a

White Lane facility, Cabezzas is also

hospital, but we feel it’s necessary for

proud of the advances being made

our hospital to provide that service,”

at the Olive Drive location.

Noel Cabezzas, COO, explained.

“The Southwest and North facilities

Cabezzas began working with Good

are fully accredited by the Joint

Samaritan in 2005 after Dr. Sakrepatna

Commission just like every other

Manohara became the Hospitals’

hospital in the area. The North Facility

president and quickly determined

has 43 general acute care beds

that there needed to be a change in

and 4 dedicated ICU beds with

the direction the Hospital was going.

new ventilators. Additionally there

“While we have different programs

are full inpatient and outpatient

within the Hospital, it’s important to

surgical services available with new

understand that the field of psychiatry

orthopedic surgical equipment, as

is different,” he said. “For that reason,

well as a GI suite.”

we offer many unique programs for patients, including

That’s not all. Cabezzas explained that Good Samaritan

an Intensive Outpatient Program and a medical-

pioneered the Wound Care and Hyperbaric services in

detoxification program,” Cabezzas elaborated. “As a

Kern County.

111-bed, 24-hour, seven day a week facility, we handle

“We have a strong desire to provide quality service

all types of psychiatric treatment, both voluntary and

to residents in Kern County and surrounding areas and

involuntary. In addition, we are the largest private

we are committed to making sure that happens. Our

psychiatric hospital in Southern California.”

employees are really what set us apart in the community.

So, Cabezzas has been utilizing Good Samaritan’s facility to help surrounding counties. Not only do they

Their commitment and focus on customer service is an aspect of our services that we truly appreciate.”

Psychiatric Facility x 5201 White Lane x Bakersfield x 661.398.1800 Medical Surgical Facility x 901 Olive Drive x Bakersfield x 661.215.7500 Wound Care Facility x 5400 Aldrin Court x Bakersfield x 661.835.6921 www.bakersfieldmagazine.net

your doctors, your neighbors the

Achievers Series

76 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield

www.bakersfieldmagazine.net - Health 2009 77

COMPREHENSIVE CARDIOVASCULAR Proper Name, Owner Comprehensive Cardiovascular Medical Group is leading the

can make better decisions about their health care much quicker

fight against heart disease through early diagnosis, treatment,

and reduce the human error in prescribing,” Dr. Mehta stated.

and prevention. What began in 1995 as a solo practice in a

“The practice also has a commitment to research and edu-

single office with three employees, has grown into a full-service

cation,” he continued. “All our physicians hold affiliation with

cardiology facility with five full-

UCLA Medical Center and we

time cardiologists and 30 em-

are active in clinical research

ployees offering a full array of

trials for new medications and

services including patient con-

devices. We get a preview of

sultations, diagnostic testing,

what is next in the field of cardi-

heart health education, and

ology and we can bring those

patient centered clinical re-

advances to our patients.” And

search trials. In addition, their

while technological advances

cardiologists routinely perform

are wonderful, Dr. Mehta is ada-

cardiac interventions and pro-

mant that they should not get in

cedures at all of the major Ba-

the way of physician-patient re-

kersfield hospitals.

lationships. “These services allow

“It is our vision to remain on

us to spend time with patients.

the leading edge of technol-

Technology

ogy and information,” Dr. Viral

in the way of our relationships;

Mehta explained. That vision

there should be no barriers.”

has

driven

Comprehensive

Cardiovascular to bring cutting-edge

procedures

into

Atul Aggarwal, M.D., Jared Salvo, D.O.,M.S., Nasser Khan, M.D., Viral Mehta, M.D., Supratim Banerjee, M.D.

our community that were not

shouldn’t

Comprehensive vascular

has

five

come

Cardiofellow-

ship-trained, board-certified cardiologists on staff includ-

previously available to patients. “We can perform high-resolu-

ing a cardiac electrophysiologist who specializes in radio-

tion CT angiography,” he elaborated. This type of angiogram

frequency ablation to correct rhythm disorders of the heart.

is non-invasive, unlike the traditional angiogram which involves

All of the cardiologists are Fellows in the American College

the insertion of a catheter into a blood vessel, and can help

of Cardiology, the national governing body for cardiologists.

physicians determine if further testing is needed, reducing the

As health care continues to change, one thing will remain

need for any immediate, unnecessary procedures.

constant and that is Comprehensive Cardiovascular’s commit-

As part of their commitment to technology, Comprehensive

ment to providing high quality cardiac care to Bakersfield and

Cardiovascular has been using electronic medical records and

the surrounding communities now and well into the future. Trust

E-Prescribing since 2007. “This technology gives our physicians

Comprehensive Cardiovascular and their trained staff to care

better access to a patient’s medical history and as a result, we

for your heart.

5945 Truxtun Avenue x Bakersfield x 661.323.4278 www.ccvmg.com

your doctors, your neighbors the

Achievers Series

78 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield

GOLDEN LIVING CENTER Experience the Golden Difference Golden Living Centers is changing the

build for stronger, faster and longer lasting

face of skilled nursing. What was once

outcomes following surgery or accident.

known before as “Convalescent Hospital,”

Shorter stays and faster outcomes have

“Nursing Home,” or yes, even “Old Folks

become the new staple in our living centers.

Home,” has changed over the years. There

“We are changing the way people view

are now a number of choices available for

skilled care,” says Julianne Williams, Division

the active senior. Golden Living Center is

President for Golden Living. “The patients

one company making changes to accom-

we once treated are not the same that we

modate those needs, offering as the name

are caring for today. Today’s patients want

suggests, LIVING CENTERS, with full-service

more choices and options and at Golden

meals, activities throughout the day and

Living Centers, we are delivering those

most with state-of-the-art therapy programs,

services to the community.”

with the latest in rehabilitation equipment.

With two living centers within Kern County

Options include 24-hour skilled nursing for

to accommodate you, we are confident

those in need of short and long term care

we have the care you need. We invite you

and Alzheimer’s Care. Patients are now

to visit one of our living centers for a tour.

able to rehab in one of the living centers

You can choose a Nursing Home, or you

and receive one-on-one therapy that helps

the

can choose a Golden Living Center.

Achievers Series

Golden Living Centers 3601 San Dimas St. Bakersfield, CA 93301 661-323-2894

140 East Tulare Ave. Shafter, CA 93263 661-746-3912

your doctors, your neighbors

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Dr. Walker graduated from Loma Linda Westchester area of downtown Bakersfield.

University Medical School and even There, they have created a warm and attended the same residency in Obstetrics inviting atmosphere where patients will and Gynecology. Having worked together feel special and very comfortable being for many years, they have not only grown treated by Dr. Shakespeare and Dr. Walker, to know each other’s strengths, allowing who have worked hard to ensure that them to make the best medical team their patients receive the utmost respect Dr. Armi Lynn Walker Dr. Cary Shakespeare

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80 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield

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86 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield

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90 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield

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A Guide to Health & Beauty Ah, 2010. We welcome you with open arms.

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new approach to living healthy both physically and mentally

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and stick to it? According to WebMD, there are numerous

It doesn’t take much time and your body will thank you.

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•• Add Fish & Omega-3 To Your Diet ••

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you’re not as easily tempted to hit the fast food places.

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QUICK BITES WITH LOCAL FLAVOR

grandma good!

In chilly weather, everyone is looking to make a day out of curling up in front of the fireplace with a blanket and a cup of cocoa. But when the tummy starts rumbling, the first thing we look for is a bowl of Grandma’s soup.

Well, when we decided to share an enticing recipe with our readers this time around, we thought of no other place than the Guild House Restaurant.

Located in the historic Barlow home, the Guild House, which seeks to organize volunteers for fund-raising activities to support the Henrietta Weill Memorial Child Guidance Clinic, has been serving up delicious homemade food from classic recipes since 1966 and their soups are no exception. They were happy to create a savory soup just for Bakersfield Magazine made with fresh, local ingredients. It’s as good as Grandma’s!

B Soup b

l Bisque si a B to a m o T ed st a Ro

(Serves 4-6)

Cream • 1 Cup heavy Whipping Red Pepper flakes ch Pin • h nis • Fresh Basil to gar • 1 Onion, finely chopped Olive Oil • d nce • Kosher Salt • 1 Garlic Clove, mi tter Bu • Pepper to taste es ato Stock • Fresh Ground en • 2 lbs. fresh Roma Tom ick Ch m diu -so low s • 3 Cup , chopped • 1 cup fresh Basil Leaves e down on a cookie sheet. out seeds, and place flat sid op sco f, hal in es ato tom s. Slice prepare your onions and Preheat oven to 400 degree ile tomatoes are roasting, Wh s. ute min 40 30for st of butter. Sauté onions and pepper. Roa ng with two tablespoons Drizzle with olive oil, salt, alo pot p sou a into oil e one minute. Add tablespoons of oliv Add garlic, sauté for about s). ute garlic. Drizzle about three min 10 out (ab nt combine. tly browned and transluce and half of the stock. Stir to on medium heat until ligh d roasted tomatoes, basil, Ad . low on Stir n simmer . the per l, pep boi t, and and bring to a more red pepper flakes, sal nky). Add remaining stock chu bit a be l stil d oul boi (sh to puree until hot. Do not l!

Use an immersion blender ipping cream and simmer wh vy hea ed rm wa the dually add on low. Close to serving, gra Garnish with fresh basil. a little more chicken stock. add to If too thick, feel free

Robin Starr (L) and Mary Fahsbender ladle out the love at the Guild House.

The Guild House has been serving up delicious homemade food from classic recipes since 1966.

After preparing this soup for yourself, try the other items on the Guild House menu by dining in this historic home. You’ll be helping the nonprofit reach their goal of raising at least $40,000 each year for the Clinic, which provides outpatient mental health care for children and families in our area. n

94 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield

Cuisine: curl right up

There’s no reason to take out a loan to treat yourself or your family to a good meal.

Cue Bakersfield Magazine’s 6th annual guide to all things cheap that you can eat (hey, that’s got a nice ring to it). Included are places that don’t require more than a Hamilton to fill up on great grub; some you’ll recognize as local favorites, some are new, and some you’ve never heard of (hole-in-the-wall, anyone?).

This guide is bigger and better...and compiled by our food-lovin’ editors just so you can chow down without going broke. We’ve even selected some of our favorite items for you to choose from. Boy, we’ve done all the work. All that’s left to do is turn the page and get rocketed into foodie heaven. Fork and napkins not included.

A good meal for a steal. Right on!

www.bakersfieldmagazine.net - Health 2009 95

Bonnie’s Best Café

Blue Elephant Thai Cuisine 8200 Stockdale Hwy. Get all “Thai”-ed up at the Blue Elephant. You can enjoy the best of old Siam without having to set your calendar ahead 543 years (it’s the year 2552 in Thailand).

A lunch Hot Pot of Tom Yum or Tom Kah will only set you back eight and a half bones while a savory Red Curry with Chicken is only $9.95. But our favorites are

Don Perico Mexican Grill & Bar 9919 Hageman Rd. Kern County boasts a culturally diverse community. So it’s no wonder Bakersfield has the number of excellent Mexican restaurants it does. Don Perico certainly fits the bill with an assortment of Burritos or Fajitas (served with the obligatory rice and beans) all for under $10, or you can try a variety of something new with their Combination Plates, most at $9.25 or less. Best of all is their nod to the vegetarian diner with items like the

Blue Elephant Thai Cuisine the Box Dinners To Go, many under $10 like Thai BBQ Beef and Pab Prik Pork Loin; all of which come with rice, crisp salad, and a spring roll. Now we really know why Anna hung out with the king.

Uricchio’s Trattoria • 1400 17th St. Lunch at this downtown dependable won’t break the bank at $4.95 for a steaming bowl of homemade Ministrone or the Broiled Italian Sausage Panini ($8.95). And if your Italian craving is for something a little more green then you’re in luck!

A classic Iceberg Lettuce Wedge with a home-made Gorgonzola Vinaigrette will provide all the flavor you could possible want at only $8.95.

Narducci’s Café • 622 E. 21st St. For breakfast or lunch, Narducci’s has got it plated up and ready to serve. Most of the breakfast items come in at $9 or less, like Ham & Eggs ($8.50) or a build-your-own-omelette with a choice of three delectable ingredients for only $9. And for lunch, if good old-fashioned spaghetti is your thing, then the Daily Pasta Lunch Special ($7) or Dinner Pasta a la Carte ($10) is the way to go. Both include pipinghot garlic bread so you’re sure to get your fill with enough change left over to splurge on a decadent slice of Cheese Cake ($3).

Enchiladas Vegetarianas ($9.45) or Vegetarian Quesadilla at just $8.95.

Milt’s Coffee Shop • 6112 Knudsen Dr. With a savory Deep Pit Beef Omelette, comprised of Milt’s own deep pit beef and fresh green onions and cheddar cheese for only $8.50, you’ve got to drop by. Or take a break from the chain (restaurant) gang and enjoy a hearty 8 oz. Tri-Tip Steak Sandwich with fries for under $9. With a name like Milt’s, you know they’re not joking around when it comes to their entrées. Take their Pan-Fried Trout. For only $9.75, you’re served delicately seasoned and breaded Idaho trout. Not to mention the huge selection of dinner sides. After 5 p.m., it’s your choice of mashed or baked potatoes plus fresh vegetables. But don’t forget that buttered roll!

Thai Kitchen • 9901 Hageman Rd. #200 Offering a selection of Thai-style Sushi Rolls (most less than $9.95) and traditional Curry dishes (Green Curry with Pork is only $9.95), Thai Kitchen raises (or rather lowers) the bar in price by giving up their entire selection of fresh-made Stir Fried entrées for $9.95. Top it all off with an Iced Thai Coffee (a magazine favorite at only $2.50) and you’ll need a palanquin just to get back to your car.

96 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield

Tina Marie’s • 2000 Chester Ave. Smack dab in the heart of downtown Bakersfield sits the quintessential urban-chic café known affectionately as Tina Marie’s. Offering the denizens of downtown their fill of breakfast omelettes (all for $8.89 or less) or even a hearty 8 oz. Rib Eye Steak and Eggs bonanza ($9.99), Tina Marie’s takes care of their lunch crowd, too. So if their Ultimate Sourdough Burger (served with choice of fries, potato salad, soup, or salad for $8.49) doesn’t fill you up then perhaps their signature Tina Marie’s Salad (half-order at $6.99, full order at just $8.49) made with Albacore tuna and everything but the kitchen sink will do the trick.

Quick One Chinese Cuisine 9440 Hageman Rd. I’m only Hunan (and Sechuan to boot). While we couldn’t help but try and bring back the Human League, one Oriental restaurant keeps people coming back for more. Every one of their mouth-watering Chicken, Beef, Pork, Vegetable, and even Seafood entrées fall well short of our $10 cut-off. And with a Lunch Special at just $5.55 (try the spicy Kung Pao

Shrimp with Pork Fried Rice and a refreshing soda) you’d be hard-pressed to find a better deal.

Kento’s Mandarin B.B.Q. 7850 White Ln. & 4550 Coffee Rd. There is something special about Mandarin cooking as it really does represent the best flavors of all the Chinese regions of cooking (and there are five to be precise). Offering the deliciously deceptive meal-ina-bowl, you can have your choice of Teriyaki Beef ($3.69), Shrimp ($4.69), or Sweet & Sour Chicken ($3.49) with vegetables. Add on Fried Rice for only 25 cents and your meal is complete! And if you’re feeding friends or family, take a look at the Family Pack: It can feed up to six people (that’s only $4.98 per person!) and includes all your favorites like Orange Chicken, Egg Rolls, Chow Mein, and Fried Rice.

Spencer’s • 10437 Rosedale Hwy. Scour Spencer’s menu like we did and you’ll find but a handful of items over $10. A hearty, arteryclogging Meatlover’s Skillet (that comes with every meat under the sun!) complete with country potatoes, two eggs any style, and toast or biscuit and gravy for only $8.99 will amply fill the morning void. So will a stack of buttermilk pancakes topped

China Bistro

Don Perico Mexican Grill & Bar

Big taste • SMALL PRICE the Country Boy Drive-In has value in the bag. For under $6 (sorry, Carl’s Junior) the zesty Teriyaki Paul Bunyan with a half-pound patty will assuage any craving for beef one might have. For a quick dinneron-the-go you can’t beat a full 3-piece down-home Chicken Dinner with crinkle-cut fries, toast, and a crispy, green salad for only $6.22.

RJ’s Bar & Grill with strawberries and whipped cream ($7.99). And if you’re dropping by for lunch or dinner, a downhome Pot Roast Sandwich (comes with fruit on the side so you don’t feel too guilty for $8.99) will definitely hit the spot. And the ever-popular Chicken Strips (with 4 sides for only $9.99) will stave off any craving you could possibly muster.

Las Salsas • 10818 Rosedale Hwy. Taking another dip into the Latino culinary pool, we suggest Las Salsas for all things South of the Border (and south of $10). With everything under the Southwest Sun like Enchiladas de Camaron (Shrimp Enchiladas with a rich-n-creamy garlic sauce for $8.50) and perennial favorites like Enchilada Suizas (Chicken Enchiladas topped with a savory chile verde for $7.50) we know you’ll be saying olé! If you’re not faint-hearted, tango your way to a Chorizo Burrito smothered in zesty red chile sauce (“wet”) for only $5.

China Bistro 9000 Ming Ave. & 4000 Coffee Rd. The folks at China Bistro don’t rely on smarmy talking pandas to peddle their food. They rely on fresh ingredients and reasonable prices. In fact, nothing

on their menu (except for the Party Platters) is over $9.49! Their Combo Plate Specials are a real steal.

For only $4.59 you get a steaming bowl of fried rice, chow mein, and your choice of entrée (we went with Pineapple Chicken). Each additional entrée you add is only $1 more. Kick things up a notch with a spicy selection of Kung Pao Chicken (2-quart size served with steam rice for $6.49) or Tofu with Spicy Garlic Sauce (also $6.49).

RJ’s Bar & Grill • 9440 Hageman Rd. RJ’s has got everything wrapped up...figuratively as well as literally; providing the casual diner with a Classic Club ($8.99, side dish included) and a fine selection of hot sandwiches—perfect for cooler weather—including a stout Open Faced Hot Sicilian smothered with melty provolone cheese on a soft hoagie-style roll ($8.99, side also included). But we love the Build-Your-Own 1/2-pound (that’s 8 oz., folks) Burger (starting at $6.99) where adding fresh sautéed garlic and crumbled blue cheese puts you back only $9.73 (and, you guessed it—it comes with your choice of fries, onion rings, or another tempting side).

Country Boy Drive-In • 10211 Rosedale Hwy. Kickin’ the pants off of any fast-food chain in town,

Country Boy Drive-in

The Q Rib Shack

The Q Rib Shack 9425 Rosedale Hwy. OK, it’s really a shack. But there’s plenty of outdoor seating with a nice view, so enjoying a smoky dinner of Tri-Tip (half-pound with chili beans, garlic bread, and a salad at $9.99) can be very entertaining. Of

garlic bread for only $9) there’s a chance your meal will score you a better return on investment than hitting on 20.

Grandview Asian Cuisine • 2217 Ashe Rd. Grand certainly describes both the ambiance and the delicious selection of dishes. While you listen to the soft trickling sounds of falling water you can enjoy a wonderful Kung Pao Beef ($6.95) or Shrimp in Lobster Sauce ($7.95) served with your choice of steamed or fried rice and Egg Flower or Hot & Sour soup. Of course their wide variety of vegetable (try the Spicy Braised String Beans for $7.95), noodle (Shrimp Low Mein at $9.95), fried rice or Hong

Golden West Casino course they have a nice selection of sandwiches for the lighter appetite (Chicken, Pulled Pork, or Tri-Tip starting at $5.99) and classic backyard bar-b-que sides such as macaroni salad and coleslaw (both $1.95).

Saigon Restaurant • 3113 Chester Ln. Like a song played on a solo saxophone (yup another musical reference), Saigon has all the sophisticated flavor you’d come to expect over-seas without the passport. Lunch specials like the succulent Shrimp Kabob with steamed or fried rice, soup and salad (Com Tom Nuong Voi Rau Cai for $7.89), and sandwiches (Paté with Pork Meat Loaf for $4.29) are inexpensive enough that you could add a Chicken Bok Choy Soup or zesty Chicken Salad ($1.99 each) and still not break the bank. Of course the hearty Vietnamese Beef Stew (Hu Tiu Bo Kho: $6.50 for a small, $7.50 for a large) is a crowd favorite.

Golden West Casino • 1001 S. Union Ave. When eating out, one shouldn’t have to roll the dice for a good deal. That’s why Golden West Casino makes sure everyone can beat the house. Offering up juicy burgers with all the amenities (from $5 to $7) and dinner entrées (like the scintillating Lemon Pepper Chicken served with a choice of rice or potatoes, fresh vegetables, soup or salad, and toasty

Kong pan fried noodle dishes (Shredded Pork Fried Noodle at $8.95) will satisfy any appetite craving a taste of the Far East.

Bonnie’s Best Café • 1900 21st St. If Mom had a restaurant, it would be Bonnie’s Best Café. They offer fresh, daily selections like the everpopular Chinese Chicken Salad ($7.50) or one of the many made-to-order sandwiches (we suggest The Brummer, piled with salami, ham, jack cheese, and olive tapenade at only $6.95). By adding chips and a drink ($2.15) you can still tip the scales without emptying your wallet. And faithful customers of Bonnie’s wait all week ‘til Friday for their Grilled Cuban sandwich (a steal at $6.75) with ham, lean pork roast, swiss cheese, pickles, mayo, and mustard.

The Happy Rooster • 3220 Stine Rd. Latin-inspired food can be as varied and complex as the numerous dialects of the Spanish language itself. Peruvian cuisine is no exception though perhaps a rudimentary class in the Spanish language might help when ordering. Still, once the Bistek Apanado (tender rib-eye lightly breaded then pan-fried for $9.50) hits the table you’ll feel right at home. But a sudden infusion of Asian influence will take a diner still further abroad with entrées like >>

www.bakersfieldmagazine.net - Health 2009 97

Kam Lu Wonton ($10) and delicately seasoned Roast Pork Fried Rice ($8.50).

Javi’s Tortas • 6300 White Ln. Because we have opposable thumbs, eating with our hands is a right and privilege only those on the top-most of the food chain can enjoy. Thus the Torta was created! Starting at just $5.75, Javi’s Tortas are a

only $7.95, can’t be beat (even with a night stick).

It’s two scrambled eggs with cheese, chopped bacon, diced ham, and crumbled sausage, served with country potatoes and biscuits and gravy. For dinner, they’ve got just the thing to counteract that breakfast! The El Rancho Salad is a Southwestern treat for $9.95. Served in a crispy taco shell with charbroiled chicken on a bed of fresh garden lettuce, it’s topped with cheddar cheese, red beans, and tomatoes. Then they drizzle on their special dressing: it’s creamy ranch mixed with savory salsa.

The Crest Bar & Grill • 5025 Wible Rd. There are still a number of hidden treasures in Ba-

Javi’s Tortas

pollical-dependant’s delight (such as the Uruguay, with chicken, bacon, and cheese or the Hawaiian, with ham, pineapple, and cheese). With over thirty variations to choose from and a host of accoutrements, Javi’s Tortas aren’t your average hoagies.

Fred’s Barbecue Factory 4208 Rosedale Hwy. If you’ve been around foodie-types long enough, you learn that eating is really just another form of conversation and food is the language that the cook (or chef) is speaking in. How do you think the term, “made with love” came about? And we definitely feel the love with Fred’s Barbecue Boats heaped with meat, beans, cheese, onions, and lots of other stuff for under $7.95. Full meals (including chili beans, crisp salad, and a dinner roll) can be had for as little as $6.50 for a quarter chicken.

The Junction Restaurant 2620 Buck Owens Blvd.

When you’re frequented by off-duty law enforcement, you better have a hearty breakfast menu.

Thankfully, The Junction does. The BPD Special, at

kersfield and we here at Bakersfield Magazine endeavor to “out” every one of them. The Crest Bar & Grill (located at the Bakersfield R.V. Resort) is a gem nestled amongst a hive of motor coaches. But don’t let the swank, up-scale appearance fool you; breakfasts top out at $8.95 for a fluffy made-to-order omelette and a classic French Dip runs only $7.95.

Health-conscious diners will love the Fresh Garden Pita Pocket stuffed with a bounty of fresh veggies ($6.95) and from the Light Bites Dinner Menu, the freshly-grilled hamburger is a steal at $8.95.

Pappy’s Down South BBQ • 4725 Panama Ln. Blink and you might miss this one, so keep you eyes peeled! Cracking the ranks of Great Taste and Super Deals, Pappy’s brings it home with a smoky selection of fire-roasted meats, sidedishes, and home-made cornbread (starting at $8.45 for a complete meal with one meat item).

A pulled Pork Sandwich and Sweet Potato Fries will only set you back $6.95 and a crisp, green salad topped with grilled chicken and sourdough bread won’t break the bank at only $6.45.

98 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield

The Crest Bar & Grill

Spotlight Café • 1622 19th St. Located in the heart of the downtown “arts district,” the Spotlight Café has grown from a tiny espresso nook to a full-service breakfast, lunch, and latenight, after-the-show snack destination. On any given day you can see plate after heaping plate of their signature 6th Row Salad (half at $5.59, whole at $8.29) being devoured by eager guests. On cooler days one can enjoy a hearty Dominic Panini ($5.59 for a half) layered with bacon, provolone, spinach, and a fantastic red-pepper pesto on crusty focaccia bread. Add a cup of their made-from-scratch soups (only $3.59) and you’ll need your own intermission before the next course.

Sandrini’s • 1918 Eye St. A favorite for Bakersfield diners and for so many good reasons. The staff is friendly, the location is quaint, and the food is excellent. And such a great deal! Grab a Spicy Trio Pizza (with capicolla, pepperoni, and salami for $9) or a Lamb Sandwich smothered with provolone, caramelized onions, and a rich lamb gravy (also $9). For dinner you can feast on Linguini & Meatballs (served complete with soup or salad) for just $10.

Jake’s Original Tex-Mex Café • 1710 Oak St. Comfort food has a name and that name is “Jake.”

Smothering a heaping plate of Fritos with chili beans, your choice of meat, cheese, salsa, guacamole (taking a breath), sour cream, and onions is our idea of curled-up-on-the-couch goodness ($8.99).

Jake’s also offers standard Tex-Mex fare (the Works Burrito for $8.49) and piping-hot bowls of homemade chili (Super Bowl with Chili and Beans for only $5.99) with a respectable kids menu (nothing over $3.99). Just don’t forget to put the cell-phone on “vibrate” before ordering.

Vallarta Grill • 1011 Columbus St. If you want a little of everything from American to Mexican and even Salvadorian, then Vallarta’s is the place for you. A different lunch spe-

cial for each day of the week (such as a sizzling skillet of Chicken or Beef Fajitas) will delight at only $9.95.

If you have seafood on the brain, then the Dorada ($9.95) will keep you happy and a poultried-variation of a classic Ecuadorian Soup (Pollo Encebellado for $8.95) is a favored meal amongst Bakersfield locals.

The Orchid • 9500 Brimhall Rd. It’s classy, it’s up-scale, and it’s affordable! Lunch at the revered Orchid won’t cost you an arm and a leg, just a Hamilton or less. Tofu in an Emerald Curry (green curry with coconut milk, bamboo shoots, and basil), served with a choice of white or brown rice is only $8. Chicken Stir Fry in a spicy ginger and garlic sauce—the same, $8. Of course we have a favorite soup—the Tom Kah Lobster Bisque (can you say “delicious”?). And it’s only, yep, you guessed it: $8.

Wool Growers Restaurant • 620 E. 19th St. They don’t call it Bakersfield’s most popular Basque restaurant for nothing. With lunch menu items inspired from the romantic regions of France and Spain, there is something for everyone to fall in love with. Customer favorites include the hearty Basque stew of the Day ($9) or the Pickled Tongue Sandwich, served with salad and fries, for only $7. Before you know it, you’ll

Spotlight Café

Big taste • SMALL PRICE

Maui Pho Fusion BBQ Grill be feeling the need to herd some sheep with the rest of ‘em just to get a taste of that savory Basque flavor.

Maui Pho Fusion BBQ Grill • 4001 Ming Ave. With a little surfing action on the Bakersfield turf, Maui Pho blends the best of Hawaiian and Asian cuisine into sumptuous meals. The largest Pho (a Vietnamese Noodle Soup that can be prepared with beef, chicken, or even fish meatballs) will only set you back $6.99 and won’t leave you wanting for more. We’re also told that the Walnut Shrimp ($9.99) is “to die for” but we’re hoping to live a little bit longer to enjoy more Pho on the go.

Mauricio’s Grill & Cantina 10700 Rosedale Hwy. & 6401 White Ln. You can hardly flip through the local channels without hearing diners shouting the praises of “Mauricio’s!” And for good reason. A generous selection of lunch and dinner items won’t require a government bailout and you’ll fill up just the same. Combination plates start at just $6.95 and are served complete with rice and beans. The Quesadillas are a complete meal in themselves stuffed with cheeses, choice of meats, and dollops of sour cream, home-made guacamole, and pico-de gallo (starting at $9.75).

Benji’s French Basque

Luigi’s Restaurant & Delicatessen 725 E. 19th St. Tasting as if everything came from a rustic cucina, Luigi’s brings Italy to our doorstep with their generations-old recipes. On just about every tray leaving the kitchen is Giovanna’s Gourmet Salad with candied pecans and walnuts, blue cheese, and a positively sinful Balsamic Vinaigrette over baby greens (large is $8.50) and Barbecued Beef Sandwich (Wednesday and Thursday only for $7.25). It will satisfy both ends of the culinary spectrum. Of course one couldn’t go wrong with the Pasta Bolognese with Spicy Italian Sausage (small is $9.25) but you might haveta ask for extra Pyrenees bread to scoop up the delicious, Italian goodness.

Bill Lee’s Bamboo Chopsticks • 1203 18th St. It’s no secret that Bill Lee’s has a long and rich history in Bakersfield. Richer still is their commitment to affordable and quality food. Lunch Specials are served complete with pork fried rice, pan fried or crispy noodles, and a delightful selection of main dishes including Orange Chicken or Sweet & Sour Spareribs ($7.75). Of course one could always savor one of their Dinner Combination plates such as Pineapple Chicken Sticks ($9.75) or the Hawaiian Won Ton Dinner ($9.95). Each are served with pork fried rice and pork chow mein so you’re sure not to leave hungry.

Hourglass Kitchen & Bar • 1120 Calloway Dr. Located on the scenic corner of Brimhall and Calloway, Hourglass is hard to miss, and harder to pass up for their delightful array of lunch nibbles. A Half Chinese Chicken Salad will only set you back $7, and so will the Half Chicken Cobb or the Half Southwest Chicken Salad. Add on a Paradise Iced Tea for $2.25 and you’re still under the $10 cap. For something a little more fun and filling try the Blue Cheese & Onion Sliders with Sweet Potato Fries for $10.

24th St. Café • 1415 24th St. It seems unbelievable, but everything on the menu

here is under a 10-spot, including the items on their all-day breakfast menu. So, you can fill up on downhome cookin’ until your belt has to be loosened.

Sink your teeth into a Grilled Hot Link Sandwich with sizzling hot links, green bell peppers, onions, and melted American cheese on toasty sourdough bread for only $8.25. Or if you’re dreaming of ocean fare, try the Solid White Tuna Sandwich on toasted cracked wheat. It’s piled high with Albacore tuna salad, dill pickles, sweet pickles, onions, celery, sliced tomatoes, and crunchy lettuce. And at $8.50, that’s a lunch that can’t be beat—especially because all their sandwiches come with your choice

Café Med • 4809 Stockdale Hwy. If you like a side of great food with your ambiance then Café Med is the place for you. Belly up to the bar or grab a seat al fresco and you’re ready to be transported to a balmy island resort. And while you’re there you could enjoy the sensational (and very popular) Strawberry Vinaigrette Salad topped with fresh strawberries, Gorgonzola cheese, and candied pecans ($7.95) or the Meadow Salad ($9.95) with field greens, chévre, and crushed almonds, ladled over with a preserved lemon vinaigrette.

Need more than just a salad? Chow down on the Falafel in a Pita ($9.95) with Greek Salad and Tehini.

Frugatti’s Italian Eatery of soup, salad, fries, macaroni salad, potato salad, potato chips, fresh fruit, or cottage cheese.

Frugatti’s Italian Eatery • 600 Coffee Rd. Although the parking lot could use its own overpass, Frugatti’s is worth the trip. Lunch sandwiches such as the Frugatti’s Special piled with ham, salami, pepperoni, and provolone ($7.99) or the Baked Chicken Sandwich ($9.59) are served complete with crisp, green salads. You might also enjoy a Daily Lunch Special (like the #9: a Personal Pizza with melty cheese or pepperoni served with a frosty beverage for only $9.59).

Hungry Hunter • 3580 Rosedale Hwy. Whether you live in Bakersfield or are simply passing through, you’ve no doubt dined at the Hungry Hunter. If you haven’t (for shame!) then you ought to try the Smoked Turkey Reuben (it comes on grilled rye with choice of fries or coleslaw) for $8.59. Heartier appetites will love the half-pound Angus Sirloin Burger with all the trimmings ($7.99). Personally, we like to add blue cheese and red onion (only $0.59 each) for a truly custom taste.

La Costa Marisocs • 716 21st St. It seems that in Bakersfield everywhere you turn there’s an opportunity to go South of the Border and sample yourself some authentic Mexican food.

That couldn’t be more true than when you dine at La Costa Mariscos. On any weekday you can enjoy a Lunch Special like a cup of their hearty, home-made soup and two Shredded Beef Tacos for only $6.95 or the sea-faring Enchilada Del Mar, a bargain at $7.95.

Of course La Costa hasn’t forgotten the vegetarian patron who will definitely enjoy the grilled Veggie and Rice Burrito with sides of rice, beans, and salad.

Benji’s French Basque • 4001 Rosedale Hwy. Benji’s is on your way to anywhere in Bakersfield.

One stop and you’re sure to find yourself “in the neighborhood” time and again. Lunch specials during the week change from day to day but at $8.50, they are a bargain and are sure to satisfy even the heartiest appetite. Of course the grilled Chicken Breast Caesar Salad ($8.75) with all the typical Basque accoutrements will be on your list of faves and the juicy Beef Dip with melted cheese is a bargain at $8.75. >>

www.bakersfieldmagazine.net - Health 2009 99

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Que Pasa 2701 Ming Ave. & 9000 Ming Ave. With two locations to serve you there is no reason you shouldn’t get your fill of excellent Mexican food no matter what time of day it is. Lunch Combos start at a mere $5.95 for a single item with beans, rice, and great service or $7.95 for two items when you’re particularly hungry. For only $7 you can feast to your

vegetarian-friendly Burritos Azteca smothered in creamy, white sauce and melted cheese is only $8.95 and the Caldo De Camaron (shrimp) is sure to please at just $9.95.

Sushi Kato • 3631 Rosedale Hwy. If you feel like taking a trip to the Orient but only have an hour for lunch then your best bet is to stop

by Sushi Kato on Rosedale. Their Lunch Box Specials will tantalize for not a lot of coin. Starting at only $9.25 the Chicken Yakitori & Tempura comes overflowing with miso soup, shrimp and vegetable tempura, rice, and salad. And if sushi gets your taste buds dancing then the 5-piece Sushi Express combo with miso soup is your first-class ticket to

Big Popy’s Deli

661.835.1400 140 South Montclair St., Suite A

Thanks Bakersfield for 20 Years...

Sushi Kato heart’s content on the Enchilada Especiales Tradicional. And for the more adventurous, they have an amazing Cabo Ahi-Tuna Salad ($10) with seared Ahi tuna over mixed greens, corn relish, and all the flavor you can heap onto a single plate.

Alternative Care wishes to thank all of the clients and families for your trust and confidence in allowing Alternative Care to provide quality care for your loved ones for the past 20 years!

We also thank our wonderful caregivers--past and present--who have been so dedicated in providing care! You have been the reason for our succcess and great reputation in Kern County!

We sincerely thank all of you and look forward to our next 20 years of providing quality home-care in Kern County

631-2036

2029 21st St. Bakersfield Jeanne Schamblin, Owner

100 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield

Asia Market/Teriyaki Bowl 3699 Ming Ave. Ordering by the numbers has never been easier or more tasty! Grab a #1 with Szechuan Beef or Spicy Chicken over white rice, an egg roll, and a frosty beverage for only $3.99. Hungry for more? The #3 Deluxe Combo ($4.99) comes with potstickers, a beverage, and two different entrée items like the Japanese-inspired Cognac Pepper Chicken and the House Special Shrimp.

El Portal 1100 Calloway Dr. & 6641 Ming Ave. No matter what side of town you’re on, El Portal has got your back with affordable and tasty meals.

Lunch Specials like the popular Enchilada Suizas or Asada Chimi start at only $6.95 and are served with beans and rice. But wait, there’s more. The

enjoyment. As an added bonus, Sushi Kato offers a delightful “Happy Hour” (from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.) with 50 percent off the sushi menu (like the wonderfully spicy Bear Mountain Special Roll—normally $11.75 but only $5.88 which makes for a very happy hour and a half).

Big Popy’s Deli • 1927 20th St. Big Popy’s is serving up lunch in a big way. Milehigh piled sandwiches like the Grilled Chicken Panini ($7.50 for juicy grilled chicken breast, avocado, melted provolone, Chipotle aioli, tomato, and red onion on a baguette) will only make you think you died and went to foodie heaven. A crusty Bread Bowl of home-made clam chowder (served on Fridays only—so get there early!) will warm you up and the Louie’s Crab Salad ($7.25) is quickly becoming essential Bakersfield eating. n

Bakersfield Magazine is not responsible for changes in menu or pricing. Any prices listed are current with establishment’s menu at the time of publication.

Prices and promotions are subject to change at any time and without notice.

WHAT’S COOKIN’

singing with supper

‘‘The Hornet’’Rocks

Tomi’s Cowgirl Café

By Mike Stepanovich

It was the steaks that got me, kept me sitting right there next to the karaoke operators in Tomi’s Cowgirl Café until i wound up doing something I’ve sworn I’d never do... yep, there I was doing karaoke.

And that Tomi Harmon—she’s the one who’s selling those rib eyes for a song...OK, $11.99 for a grilled 12-ounce gem of a steak, big baked spud, and a side of fried okra. And that Samantha Bryant. These two gals are so darn nice and make you feel so at home that you don’t want to leave—it’s their fault!

How the heck did this happen? And the darndest thing was...I had no idea karaoke was so much fun! My pal Scott Allen and I were warbling

He’s no Hoot Gibson, but Mike Stepanovich knows how to sing for his dinner!

away, butchering Garth Brooks’ classic, “Friends in Low Places,” and the next thing you know a fauxElvis had joined us. Then a bunch of cowgirls— they must have been, this being a cowgirl hang-

phones! (Hmmm, maybe that was

out—started taking pictures of us with their cell

a clue they weren’t real cowgirls!)

Good thing my wife, Carol, still had the fluorescent-green sunglasses she’d gotten at a Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce mixer. I slipped those on in a lame attempt at going incognito. But the cowgirls dubbed me the Green Hornet! And “Elvis” invited Delicious rib eyes and all the fixin’s can be had “for a song.”

us to another karaoke place where he hangs out. Unbelievable! A week or so later we were back, and Barbara Johnson, who with her husband, Chester, runs the karaoke operation, asked if we were going to sing that night. Figuring I’d made a fool of myself once already, I said “no, we’d be gone by then.”

But who knows? Scott and I may reprise our duet sometime in the future.

If it weren’t for that Chamber mixer, we might never have found this place, at 1440 Weedpatch Highway, a half-mile south of Freeway 58 on the west side of the road. It was at that mixer that we ran into Tomi and Sam, as she’s known. I’ve known Tomi for some time; she’s helped me with events at Seven Oaks Country Club and The Petroleum Club. She said she’d always dreamed of opening her own country restaurant where people could come for good food and a good time. And now her dream has come true. >>

Cuisine: kick up your heels!

www.bakersfieldmagazine.net - Health 2009 101

Cuisine: kick up your heels!

Her restaurant experience might have been uptown, but her heart’s in the country, and it’s evident at Tomi’s. Red-and-

soft, not over-cooked interior. They were a great complement to my steak.

white checkered tablecloths cover the tables, and pictures of

Before we enjoyed our entrées, however, we tried a few

old cowboy stars from early Westerns (Hoot Gibson, Hopalong

appetizers—fried zucchini sticks, jalapeño poppers, and fried

Cassidy, John Wayne, Buster Crabbe, and Tom Mix, to name

mushrooms. All were breaded, and had clearly come from

a few) adorn the south wall. A cow skull stares blankly out

a food supplier, but the trick is in the preparation. The oil in

on the crowd, and from the east wall, a saucy painting of a

which they were fried was just the right temperature, so none The Green Hornet with Tomi Harmon (left) and Sam Bryant.

about 7 a.m. when the next breakfast rush starts. The lunch crowd starts coming in around 11 a.m., then it slows down after about 1:30 p.m. until dinner.

I had an early morning meeting recently, so stopped in for breakfast, and enjoyed some sausage and eggs with some crisp hash browns ($6.99). You can also find grits on the menu, along with chorizo and eggs—three eggs scrambled with chorizo and your choice of side—and machaca and eggs. The steak and eggs is just $9.99, and Yee-haw! Chicken fried steak cooked to perfection.

Slice of pie before you hit the road? You betcha.

cowgirl in a mini-skirt, boots, and a come-hither look sug-

of the appetizers were greasy or overcooked. All were perfect-

gests this is a place that doesn’t take itself too seriously. Lace

ly done, and were complemented by ranch dip. Carol’s not a

curtains add to the rural feel. Need the restrooms? Look for

zucchini fan, but she loved the sticks, as did I; we’d order them

the “outhouse” sign.

again. Likewise the jalapeño poppers, stuffed with cream

Key to the good time is the good food, and Tomi’s steaks

biscuits and gravy is a staple.

cheese that had melted during the frying, were addictive.

are the real deal. On our first visit—the infamous karaoke

The entrée includes soup or salad and two sides. Melissa

night—Tomi told us she had just gotten some T-bone steaks

said the clam chowder was one of her favorites, so I tried it.

from Harris Ranch, and that we should try them. These were

It was thick and creamy with pieces of bacon and chunks of

full 16-ounce steaks, and for the price, how could we miss?

potato. A good choice.

You might think that in a place charging only 12 bucks

I asked Sam what her favorite menu item was, and she

for a steak, perhaps “medium” is the best you can expect. We

said she loved the shrimp fettuccini Alfredo ($10.99). So I

needn’t have worried, because here’s where Tomi’s long expe-

asked for a sample. Tomi’s influence was evident again, be-

rience with fine dining comes into play: treat your customers

cause what arrived was a delicate, beautifully presented dish

Tomi’s also has a good cheeseburger. It’s a half-pounder,

like royalty and they’ll be back. Carol is particular about her

with al dente fettuccini in a light, creamy Parmesan sauce, and

with melted cheese, lettuce, onion, tomato, and dill pick-

steaks; she doesn’t just want them rare, she wants very rare.

perfectly cooked shrimp. I understood why Sam constantly

les. You choose your own condiments—mustard, mayo,

I like medium rare. That’s exactly what we got! Thick, savory

orders it; it was splendid.

ketchup—so you can have it your favorite way. On one of my

Whet your appetite with some crispy appetizers.

steaks done to our individual liking. We thoroughly enjoyed

Tomi and Sam work hard, and it’s clear they enjoy their

lunch stops, I opted for the potato salad instead of fries, and

them. Our second visit, we tried the rib eyes. Same thing: per-

work. They’re friendly and take time to visit with their custom-

that’s a great choice! The salad has dill weed mixed in, and

fectly done with great flavor.

ers, getting to know them. You feel appreciated.

it’s delicious!

Steak and fries is a particular favorite of mine, but I’m a

That’s particularly noticeable at breakfast and lunch.

Tomi’s Cowgirl Café is open all day 5 a.m. to 8 p.m.

stickler for fresh-cut potatoes for the fries. I asked our server,

Sam opens the place at 5 a.m.—she must sleep on a cot

Monday through Saturday, and Sunday 5 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Melissa Watson, whether the fries were frozen or fresh. She

in the back—and if she’s just a few minutes late a crowd is

Major credit cards accepted. For reservations or information,

said normally they’re frozen, but if I wanted fresh all I had

waiting when she arrives. Workers at the Kern Oil Refinery

please call (661) 363-5102. Oh, and stick around Thursdays

to do was ask for them. So I did, and was I rewarded. The

just down the road and farm workers are there to get their

and Fridays for karaoke. As 78-year-old Barbara told me,

fries were expertly done—nicely browned exterior, but

day started. Once the early rush clears out, it’s quiet until

“Karaoke is for all ages.” Just ask the Green Hornet. n

102 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield

Entertaining the Bakersfield Way

Brunch is one of those quirky meals that require a lot of attention right before serving, so any preparation or cooking that can be done ahead will free up more of your time for your family and friends.

bring back brunch!

Preparing the beverages, sweet breads, pecan syrup, or even white chocolate cream cheese spread in advance of your event will allow plenty of time to visit with guests. (So visit our website to get these plus additional sweet bread recipes!) Even cracking the eggs the night before can help alleviate the stress of entertaining while still maintaining the fresh objective of doing it yourself.

How to start off the morning? Caffeine! Anyone can brew a passable pot o’ Joe but I urge you to challenge the taste-buds with sugar, spice, and everything nice...including caffeine.

As of late, teas of all hues and flavors have pummeled their way into the marketplace with a fervor not seen before the advent of bottled water. Fortunately this probably means that the brewed beverage section of your favorite grocer has grown exponentially. Taking a fresh approach to the brunch beverage of choice, I’ve become quite taken with the crisp, light taste of green tea. Mixed with your favorite freshly-squeezed juice and a splash of club soda, the revival of Sunday Brunch has never tasted better!

During this relatively chilly time of year I like to make loaves of my favorite sweet breads: pumpkin, zucchini, banana, and cranberry. Due to their high sugar and moisture content, they lend themselves to freezing quite well for a couple months at a time. When thawed, they retain their moist nature and the flavors meld deliciously into each other. That is why I urge the homecook to make these simple breads well ahead of time and remove from the freezer just before prepping for your Sunday Brunch Soirée.

By Miles Johnson

Bakersfield Sweet Tea 1 Cup fresh-brewed green tea for each guest/serving (about two servings per guest) 1/4 Cup freshly-squeezed fruit juice of choice • Honey to taste 1 oz. vodka (optional) • Splash of club soda • Ice cubes Thinly sliced fruit garnish and mint leaves if desired Fill a tumbler or iced tea glass to the rim with ice cubes. Add green tea, fruit juice, and vodka (if desired). Fill the rest of the glass with club soda, garnish with fresh fruit or a sprig of mint, and serve! I like to keep a small pot of honey or raw sugar readily available for the sweet-tooths.

Banana Pecan Bread 2 Cups all-purpose flour • 1 Tsp. baking soda 1/4 Tsp. ginger • 1/4 Tsp. nutmeg • 1/2 Tsp. cinnamon 1/4 Tsp. salt • 1/2 Cup butter-flavored Crisco • 3/4 Cup brown sugar 1 Tsp. vanilla extract • 2 eggs, beaten 2 1/3 Cups mashed, overripe bananas • 1/2 Cup pecan pieces Put all the dry ingredients into a large bowl and whisk thoroughly. >>

CUISINE : rise & shine (& eat!)

www.bakersfieldmagazine.net - Health 2009 103

CUISINE : rise & shine (& eat!)

Place Crisco and brown sugar in a mixing bowl and blend (preferably using a cake paddle) until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract, then on low speed add the eggs and mashed bananas in slowly ensuring an even mix. Spoon in the dry mixture until the flour just barely disappears—over blending will cause the bread to be heavy and dry, so watch carefully and stop the mixer just before you think it’s fully mixed.

Grease a regular bread loaf pan. Pour in the dough and gently even the top surface with the back of a spoon. Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees for about 55-65 minutes (as oven temperatures can vary).

Ingredients for the Frittata can be readied before your guests arrive.

Chèvre, Basil, Tomato and Garlic Frittata 2 large eggs • 1 Tsp. fresh minced garlic • 2 basil leaves, thinly julienned Chèvre cheese • 1/2 tomato, diced • Salt and pepper to taste Crack the eggs into a mixing bowl and fork-whip until combined thoroughly. Add in the garlic, salt and pepper, and the garlic. Lightly coat your baking pan with a non-stick spray and gently pour in the egg mixture. The mixture should be no more than 1/2-inch deep so use a larger pan or more than one if you have to. Sprinkle the top of the egg mixture with the tomatoes and small chunks of chèvre. Place in an oven at 350 degrees, preferably in a rack just under the hash you already put in. Proceed to making your Sweet Bread French Toast.

Piping hot Banana-Pecan Bread is surprisingly easily to make ahead of time.

Once these loaves have baked through (a cake tester or bamboo skewer should come out nearly clean) remove from the oven and allow to cool for just a few minutes. The next part may be a bit hard on the hands but well worth the risk: lay out plastic wrap on your counter in a size suitable to completely wrap each loaf individually. Loosen and turn out the loaves onto the plastic wrap and then immediately wrap to seal in the evaporating moisture. Place in freezer immediately. By wrapping the still-hot loaves you will be trapping the moisture in the bread ensuring a moist and delicious treat later on.

Chorizo and Potato Hash 1 Bag frozen hash browns • 1/2 Cup ground chorizo per person • 1 yellow onion Now, as much as I like using the freshest ingredients, some recipes do just as well—even better—with a frozen product like potatoes. For this recipe I use the small cubed breakfast potatoes, about 1 cup per guest with a little more for seconds. Give a baking sheet the onceover with a light coating of non-stick spray and set aside. Remove the casings from a package of chorizo links and break the meat up with your fingers (unless your chorizo came ground already). Dice up your onion and place in a large mixing bowl, followed by the potatoes, sausage meat, and a touch of salt and pepper to taste. Combine by hand and layer evenly over the baking sheet. Don’t fuss over spreading the hash too evenly as it will tend to stick.

A baking sheet with enough hash for four should take about 20-25 minutes to bake so this should be the first thing in the oven (at 350 degrees) the morning of your brunch.

The simplest way to prepare eggs for a group is to do ‘em up in the oven while you work on other things. I think a single 8-inch square baking dish can serve two guests but use what you have: even a shallow cookie sheet can work so long as it has raised edges to retain the eggs.

104 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield

The morning of your brunch, you should pull out your choice of sweet breads from the freezer. The frozen loaves will take a bit more muscle to cut through so I suggest getting a strong arm to help out in the kitchen for a few minutes. Create an egg dip of three to four large eggs, a teaspoon of vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Combine with a fork until smooth.

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. While the skillet warms up, dip four slices (about one-inch thick) into your egg wash and allow to soak in a bit. If the bread is still frozen in the middle, that’s OK. If using a non-stick pan gently place your bread on the hot surface and allow to brown on one side (about three minutes) before flipping over (the other side will only take about two thirds as long). Otherwise give your skillet a light coat of non-stick spray for each round of French toast you cook. Remove toasted bread from skillet and place on a paper towel or clean, dry towel. Place another over the top to help retain some of the heat while you prepare another skillet-full. Two slices should be more than adequate per guest.

With luck (or perhaps an oven timer) you should be able to make it through two or more portions of French Toast before removing the frittata from the oven. Being oh-so very careful, tilt the baking dish away from you and begin to gently loosen the eggs from the pan with the back of a metal or silicone spatula. As the egg begins to turn downward encourage it to roll up as you move it from the top part of the pan down to the lower edge.

Allow the egg frittata to roll out onto a cutting board and slice in half (or any size appropriate for your guests). You can also simply serve it up whole onto a platter and allow your guests to serve themselves either at the table or in a buffet-type arrangement.

The best way to ensure that the food is piping hot when it reaches the table is to remove items in the order in which they cool the slowest beginning with the potatoes, followed by the eggs, and finally the French toast. If much of the slicing, dicing, and egg-cracking has been done the day before then your time in the kitchen should be minimized by simply heating and plating up! n

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Please call 661.654.1600 and ask to speak with one of our Certified Fine Homes Specialists or visit us at: 1620 Mill Rock Way, Ste. 100 Bakersfield, CA 93311 www.bakersfieldmagazine.net - Health 2009 105

bottoms up!

By Jason Gutierrez

red, white & good Bakersfield has a well-defined telecaster sound, made famous

by Buck himself, but did you know that sound had a taste too?

If you’ve set foot inside The Crystal Palace, chances are you’ve had a little taste of Bakersfield and Owens’ legendary telecaster. Mmm, twangy!

Buck’s Tele, one of the most sought-after drinks at The Crystal Palace is a splash

Crystal Palace Quick Facts

Year Established: 1996 Address: 2800 Buck Owens Blvd.

of taste-bud bliss and Bakersfield culture. A cold, sweet, and slightly addicting treat,

So why’s this called Buck’s Tele? Well, pardner, it’s simple really. The white, red,

Buck’s Tele is a frozen, blended mixture of Strawberry Daiquiri and Piña Colada (and

and blue colors are iconic to Buck’s signature Telecaster guitar! Pretty neat, right?

the accompanying rum), topped with whipped cream that’s been drizzled with Blue

There’s a mellow charm to The Crystal Palace. No pressure, just the

Curacao. Oh, and don’t forget the cherry on top. Bar Manager Jason Ament says al-

heart-tales of country music. But be careful before you wash down

though this drink could be considered a “girly drink,” because of its appearance, it’s

too many Buck’s Teles...they may be sweet, but they’ll have you wob-

still mighty tasty. Drink up men. Ladies, just don’t outdrink them (or their pride)!

bling in your boots sooner than you think.

You don’t want this tiger to catch you by the tail, or you’ll find yourself walking the “Streets of Bakersfield.”

Trivia Time: Who was the last country musician to receive a signature guitar from Buck? Any guesses?

Dierks Bentley. While it wasn’t given to him directly from Buck, Brad Paisley gave it to him during his last stop here in Bakersfield. Paisley said it was one of Buck’s last wishes. n

Buck’s Tele Blend this to fix it “yerself ”

1 ½ shots of Rum (roughly 2 ounces)

4 oz. Piña Colada Mix 4 oz. Strawberry Puree • Ice Top it off with

Dollop of Whipped Cream 1 tsp. Blue Curacao

106 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield

drink: foot stompin’ sips

LIFE IS A CABERNET

big surprise in the grove

By Mike Stepanovich

Two adventurers are living their dream in the middle of an orange grove...running their own winery. If that sounds contradictory, perhaps it is. But who cares? John and Marti Woodmansee have a delightful country winery only an hour north of Bakersfield, about three miles east of Terra Bella, and they couldn’t be happier.

There’s an old saying in the wine business that harmony in the winery means

The reason he likes buying grapes from a particular Guadalupe Valley vintner

harmony in the bottle, and La Belle Winery is a great example of that. The Wood-

is because “he flies in cuttings from all over the world—tempranillo from Rioja

mansees’ winery features flavorful wines made from grapes they purchased in

(Spain), malbec from Argentina, sangiovese from Tuscany. So the fruit is top quality.”

Mexico’s Guadalupe Valley and Paso Robles. They’ll also be picking their own fruit

The Mexican winegrower has so many different varieties that John couldn’t

in a few years: part of their orange grove is making way for a vineyard.

restrain his enthusiasm: between 2005 and 2008 he picked nearly two dozen

This two-person operation—John makes the wine, Marti sells it—is starting

different varietals from which he has made small lots of wine. But that many wines

to make a name for itself, as John continually hones his winemaking skills, and

going at once is a lot of work, and this year John has scaled back to four varietals. “I

Marti tirelessly markets their wine. She makes regular trips down Highway 65 to

enjoy playing with all this different stuff for our wine club, but I killed myself making

Bakersfield, meeting with restaurant and shop owners, working for placement on

all these little wines,”he said. “I forgot how hard it is to make a 10-gallon batch.”

wine lists and store shelves. I first met her at a local restaurant, and was impressed not only by La Belle’s wines but also by her persistence at promoting them.

This year he’ll get most of his grapes from Paso Robles. The recession has left growers around the state trying to find homes for their grapes, and John said his

La Belle’s wines are unique—at least for the moment; I don’t know of

phone “has been ringing off the hook” with calls from growers trying to sell him

any other winery that buys fruit in Mexico and makes the wine here. Perhaps

fruit. So he’ll have no problem producing the 1,200 cases a year he normally does.

there are some, but if so they’re rare. And if there are others, their number

“This year a lot of small wineries are going to get some great fruit,” he said.

will decline by one: John decided to forgo Guadalupe Valley fruit this year be-

He also wants to source fruit closer to home.

cause of the dangers associated with the drug wars in Mexico. “We’ll go again

A Terra Bella neighbor has an experimental

when things settle down, but it’s not worth risking your life over,” he said.

plot with some two >>

Could this be Tuscany?

Well no, but La Belle Winery is making exciting new wines in an unlikely place!

Photos courtesy la belle winery

wine: in other places www.bakersfieldmagazine.net - Health 2009 107

wine: in other places La Belle Winery will be picking their own fruit in a few years: part of their orange grove is making way for a vineyard.

Serving the finest seafood available, in a most casual style.

751 Price Street, Pismo Beach, CA 93449 805-773-CRAB (2722) www.crackedcrab.com

dozen different varietals to see what does best in the eastern foothills, and La Belle’s vineyard will begin to produce grapes in a few years—the land has been cleared and vines will be planted in the spring.

John also has his eye on a 12-year-old vineyard near Battle Mountain, north of Springville in eastern Tulare County. “The Battle Mountain cabernet sauvignon is going to be our flagship wine,” he said. “The fruit from that vineyard is fantastic.”

How John and Marti came to be running a small winery with a gorgeous view of the Sierra Nevada is a tale of a couple embracing life. It starts with John: “I grew up here, in Porterville.” After high school he joined the military and was stationed in Germany where he earned a degree from the University of Maryland. After leaving the service, he worked in Germany for Apple Computer before moving to Southern California.

Meanwhile, Marti grew up in rural Ohio before her family moved to Southern California where she finished high school. The two of them met in Newport Beach while both were working for CMS Enhancements Inc., an Irvine-based computer products distributor. They moved to Florida where they lived on a boat and hatched a couple of kids before moving back to California. “We were there three years,” Marti said of their Florida sojourn. “We quit our jobs and cruised—just sailed on a sailboat for a year. But after our kids were born, we moved back to California to be closer to our families.”

After years away, the call of John’s hometown lured the couple to the Sierra foothills where they found a 23-acre parcel with about 20 acres of 100-year-old Valencia oranges.

“The property was for sale, and we liked the location,” John said.

“I was excited to move here,” Marti said. “I grew up in the country, so I was excited to be able to have our kids grow up here.”

Their move was necessitated when the wine bug bit John in 1998. They were in Southern California, “and someone was talking about making wine. I said, ‘You can do that?’ So I got some grapes, and made wine, and people liked it.” He was hooked. He took all the winemaking classes he could on the weekends, and in 2004 he crushed their first vintage.

Continued on page 113 >>

108 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield

T.L. Maxwell’s Restaurant & Bar

Every city and town in America has a classic restaurant. A restaurant that combines ambiance, great food, tradition and history. T.L. Maxwell’s Restaurant & Bar is that restaurant for Bakersfield. It is part of the Haberfelde complex, located in the oldest building in downtown Bakersfield. T.L. Maxwell’s has an award-winning wine list that matches the traditional full menu and the creative specials that are offered for lunch and dinner. Owners Terry and Paula Maxwell are both locals. So go where the locals go (and lots of out-of-towners): T.L. Maxwell’s Restaurant & Bar. Banquet facility available. Most major credit cards accepted. Hours: Tue-Fri 11:30am-1:30pm and 5:30-8:30pm, Saturday 5:30-9:30pm. Closed Sun-Mon. 1421 17th Place (between 17th and 18th streets) on the east side of Chester. (661)323-6889

El Portal West

We invite you to enjoy our newest Mexican Grill and Cantina, El Portal West. We offer a great selection of appetizers, soups & salads, seafood, and our specialties are chicken, steak and shrimp fajitas. Our full service bar features the best margaritas in town! Happy Hour Mon-Fri 3-7pm (bar only), Lunch specials everyday, 11am-2pm. Fabulous Sunday Brunch, 10am-3pm, reservations accepted. 1100 Calloway Drive. (661)829-2737

The Orchid

If you’re looking for the perfect blend of traditional Thai flavors and modern twists, The Orchid is the place to try. With mouthwatering specialty dishes like Red Curry Rib-Eye Steak and our Lamb Chop with Spicy Mango Sauce, we dare you to find a restaurant offering more pow for your buck. We offer take-out and catering services, but our elegant dining room is perfect for a lunch meeting or an intimate night out—and you should get there early to find a seat by the soothing waterfall!

Daily lunch specials include many classic Thai entrées like Panang Curry and Crunchy Cashew stir fry, a sweet and spicy dish made with onions, bell peppers, water chestnuts, and roasted cashews. Join us Mon-Thu from 11am-10pm or Fri & Sat from 11am-11pm. 9500 Brimhall Road. (661)587-8900

Sandrini’s

Looking for a restaurant with quality food and service with a bar that has a Cheers-like atmosphere in downtown Bakersfield? Walk down our stairs and that’s what you’ll find.

Come for lunch or dinner and choose from an assortment of delectable Italian and Basque dishes, all prepared in house with the freshest ingredients. Come for drinks and find an excellent wine list with an exceptional selection of more than 110 beers and 80 premium whiskeys to satisfy your palate. Live entertainment every night. Family style dinners every Sunday. Hours: Lunch Mon-Fri 11am-2pm, Dinner Mon-Sat 5-9pm, Bar Mon-Fri 11am-close, Sat-Sun 5pm-close. Reservations Accepted. All major credit cards accepted. 1918 Eye St. (661)322-8900

www.bakersfieldmagazine.net - Health 2009 109

The Dining Guide

Uricchio’s Trattoria

Nestled in the heart of Downtown in the historical Haberfelde Building. Steaks, chops, seafood, and classic Italian dishes, complemented by an extensive wine list, have made Uricchio’s a mainstay for over a decade. Uricchio’s San Francisco style setting is family owned and operated, and the perfect spot for a business lunch, or a romantic dining experience. After your meal save room for the fabulous desserts from LaMousse of Beverly Hills. Hours: Lunch Mon-Fri 11am-2pm, Dinner MonThu 5-9pm, Friday & Saturday 5-10pm. Reservations recommended, lunch reservations for large groups only. www.uricchios-trattoria.com. 1400 17th St. Downtown. (661)326-8870

The Nines Restaurant at the Marriott

Located inside the Bakersfield Marriott at the Convention Center, The Nines is a chic, trendy place to dine serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner seven days a week for all your culinary desires. Come in and enjoy the delectable flavors from our Executive Chef, from our beautiful Sunday brunch complete with carving stations to our daily lunch specials including Blackened Salmon Caesar Salad for only $10. Nightly dinner specials featuring Prime Rib Tuesdays and Seafood creations on Fridays.

Reservations recommended but not required. Hours are Mon-Sun 6:30am-2pm and 5-10pm. 801 Truxtun Ave. (661)323-1900

Benji’s French Basque

The Dining Guide

Benji’s offers something a little different from Bakersfield’s Basque fare. In addition to traditional Basque entrées of lamb, chicken, veal and beef, Benji’s has pan-fried frog legs with garlic lemon sauce, lobster tail, roasted duck, escargots and calf liver.

And the beef isn’t just tri-tip; Benji’s serves a scrumptious filet mignon and New York steak with pepper cognac sauce. All dinners are served with the customary Basque family style set-up. Don’t forget Benji’s specialty soufflés flavored with Grand Marnier, raspberry, chocolate or lemon. Basque family owned and operated for 20 years.

Banquet facilities available. Conveniently located 2 blocks west of Highway 99 at 4001 Rosedale Hwy. Open daily 11:30am-2pm and 5:30-9:30pm except Tuesdays.

Lounge opens 11am. (661)328-0400

Café Med

For a cozy, intimate setting and fine dining with a unique atmosphere, Café Med is the place to go. Choose a selection from our extensive menu and your taste buds will surely be satisfied. Start off with an appetizer-perhaps you might try our Grilled Shrimp Cocktail or Hummus with Lamb Meat-a house specialty. Then choose from a variety of entrées including Mediterranean salads, steaks or even pasta. An excellent dish to try is our Fisherman’s Pasta-a mix of shrimp, scallops, mussels, clams & the catch of the day sautéed in a tomato, basil and mushroom cream sauce. Come by Café Med today for a delicious variety and friendly service. Open 7 days a week 11am-close. Live music on Friday & Saturday nights. Reservations accepted.

Visa, MC, AE, DC. 4809 Stockdale Hwy. cafemedrestaurant.com. (661)834-4433

Big Popy’s Deli

Nothing beats a Big Popy’s pastrami on rye! Unless, of course, you select one of the other wonderful sandwiches prepared fresh at this classic deli. With a cornucopia of fresh ingredients to choose from, you’re bound to find what you’re craving, whether it’s a Turkey Avo-Bacon Melt with fresh turkey, avocado, bacon, dried tomato-garlic aioli, and melted cheddar grilled to perfection on Squaw bread, or the delectably chic Prosciutto sandwich made with thinly-sliced, aged Prosciutto, grilled pears, and Brie cheese. But for the carb-watchers, Big Popy’s boasts tantalizingly rich salads made with salmon, crab, chicken, or tri-tip. Dine in and enjoy the ambiance and an old-time soda in the bottle! Open Mon-Fri 10am-3pm, 1927 20th Street (661)327-3354; and Mon-Fri 7am-7pm, Saturday 8am-6pm, 1660 Pine Street (661)869-2506

Hourglass Kitchen & Bar

Hourglass Kitchen & Bar offers a wide variety of choices to satisfy everyone’s tastebuds. Our popular appetizer, yellow tail tuna tartar served with avocado salsa, is just one of the many favorites. Indulge in gourmet sandwiches and salads, and seafood, pasta, and entrées straight off the grill. All steaks and hamburgers are made with Harris Ranch Beef. Located at the corner of Calloway & Brimhall. Open MonSat 11am-10pm for dining and open for late night cocktails. Also available for large parties & catering. Closed Sundays. (661)679-1977

Frugatti’s Italian Wood-Fired Oven

Real Italian by Real Italians! Whether dining in or al fresco on our new patio, come in and enjoy our new menu that’s bursting with flavor for lunch, dinner or just dessert. You’ll love our steaks.

We use only the highest quality Certified Angus Brand® Beef. You’ll also love our chicken, seafood and pizzas cooked in our imported Italian wood-burning oven. We also offer a wide selection of pasta dishes and other Italian favorites. For dessert try our homemade New York cheesecakes or Tiramisu. Come experience our friendly atmosphere. Hours: Mon-Thu 11am-9:30pm, Friday 11am-10pm, Saturday 11:30am-10pm, Sunday 11:30am-9pm. All major credit cards accepted. 600 Coffee Rd., corner of Truxtun and Coffee. frugattis.com (661)836-2000

110 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield

Hungry Hunter

Yes, we have the best prime rib in town, but we’re so much more than a great steakhouse. Come in for lunch and enjoy our fresh ground 1/2lb. Angus Burgers or a homemade infused salmon burger. We’ve got soups and salads as well to complement our many entrées. Our dinner menu is just as varied with Australian lobster tails and fettuccine alfredo. Our delicious steaks are hand cut to ensure the freshest steak possible, so wrap your mouth around our black & bleu ribeye, or a tender filet mignon. We offer a great wine list that is sure to pair with any meal.

Locally owned and operated. Happy hour: Mon-Fri, 2-6pm, Hours: Mon-Fri, Lunch 11:30am-3pm, Dinner 3-10pm, Saturdays 4:30-10pm, Sundays 12-9pm.

3580 Rosedale Hwy. hungryhuntersteakhouse.com (661)328-0580

Asia Market -Teriyaki Bowl

Asia Market & Teriyaki Bowl carries a wide selection of all Asian foods, including Chinese and Japanese favorites! The best part about our store is that after you have chosen your favorite item, you can either take it home and prepare a meal for yourself, or you can come into our restaurant and have us prepare a delicious meal for you using your selection! We have a full-service store and restaurant, so you can come in for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Join us today for excellent food provided by a friendly staff in a great atmosphere! Hours: 9am-9pm daily. 7701 White Lane. (661)837-0982

Valentien Restaurant and Wine Bar

Valentien...French cuisine with California fusion. The atmosphere at Valentien is unique; both laid back and elegant. Every dining experience is different with our ever-changing menu. Valentien offers something for everyone’s palate, from seafood, poultry, beef and exotic game to vegetarian options. Showcasing seasonal fresh and local produce, we utilize the bountiful agriculture that Kern County farms are known for. As often as possible our chefs use organic ingredients. We are constantly seeking out the freshest products available. For example, we often will have our fish flown in from Hawaii. No matter the origin, we always strive for a less than 24 hour sea to plate turnaround. Valentien also serves only the highest grade beef and premium meats and poultry. We feature an extensive wine list primarily focusing on boutique and artisan wines. Call for more information about our frequent wine tastings and other upcoming events. Valentien…a dining experience like no other in Bakersfield. Hours: Lunch Tue-Fri 11:30am-2pm Dinner Tue-Sat 5-9:30pm. Wine bar open until midnight on Friday & Saturday. All major credit cards accepted. Reservations recommended but not required. 3310 Truxtun Ave., Suite 160 (661)864-0397

www.bakersfieldmagazine.net - Health 2009 111

The Dining Guide

Milt’s Coffee Shop

We’re celebrating our 45th anniversary! Join us for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and you won’t be disappointed. Everything on our menu is made from scratch giving a meal at Milt’s that fresh, homemade taste you can’t find anywhere else.

Plus, all our deli sandwiches are served with your choice of soup, salad, fries, potato salad, chips, fresh fruit, or cottage cheese, making the perfect lunch. And the variety doesn’t stop there. Try the Texas Chile Size—a burger loaded with chili and topped with cheese and onions. Dinner is a belt-busting affair with steaks, trout, pork loin, and honey stung fried chicken on the menu. We’ve also got fare for the calorie-conscious. “We are a happy place for hungry people.” Open seven days a week from 6am-10:30pm. 6112 Knudsen Dr. (661)399-4975

Caesar’s Italian Delicatessen

It’s holiday season! Treat your family and guests to one of our delicious Party Trays. They’re made to order. Choose from a wide variety of cold meats and cheeses arranged especially for you. We also carry pastas and salads, including our famous pickled tongue. A Bakersfield tradition, Caesar’s has been serving fine Italian foods to our area since 1971. We are consistently voted “Best Deli” by the Bakersfield Californian’s Readers’ Poll. Come in and pick up a tray to take home. Catering is also available for your next event, from small office parties to large events or weddings, and includes Party Trays, pastas, sandwiches, tri-tip, deep pit beef, chicken, or just appetizers. Ask for a catering menu! 2828 Niles Street, (661)873-0207; 9500 Brimhall Road #304, (661)588-7004

Jake’s Tex-Mex Cafe

The Dining Guide

Celebrating its 23rd anniversary, this fast casual restaurant sets the standard for Tex-Mex in Bakersfield. “Cowboy Grub” is the description for slow roasted pit beef, mesquite smoked tri-tip, garlic chicken, multiple salads including the most popular taco salad. Chocolate cake nobody leaves without. “This ain’t no refried bean kinda joint.” Hours Mon-Sat 11am to 8pm. Closed Sundays. 1710 Oak St. www.jakestexmex.com (661)322-6380

Luigi’s Restaurant & Italian Delicatessen

Enjoy an old world Italian delicatessen since 1910 with over 200 wines to complement your lunch. From sandwiches to Pasta Bolognese, you’re sure to find flavorful choices to make everyone happy! Don’t forget to shop the gourmet delicatessen for unique gift ideas, wine and authentic foods. Restaurant Hours: Tue-Sat 11am2:30pm, Deli Hours: Tue-Sat 8am-4pm. 725 East 19th Street. shopluigis.com (661)322-0926

Izumo Japanese Restaurant & Sushi

Variety and style is what you can expect at Izumos. Experience our casual atmosphere where you have your choice of dining experiences. Visit us to enjoy the teppan-yaki, sample the sushi bar, or our more conventional order-off-the-menu setting. The teppan-yaki comes one dish at a time as the chef prepares it in front of you - they will amaze and impress with their skill and expertise. Our relaxed dining gives customers a chance to really enjoy our food and friendly service. Hours: Mon-Fri 11:30am-2:30pm, Mon-Sun 5-10pm. Reservations accepted. Visa, MC, AE. 4412 Ming Ave. (661)398-0608

La Costa Mariscos

Serving the best of the best for over 15 years, La Costa Mariscos offers a wide variety of quality, freshly-prepared Mexican and seafood dishes in a cozy, unique atmosphere. We are a family-oriented restaurant with a fast and friendly attitude.

Come in and enjoy our many delicious entrées made from traditional recipes. Our enchiladas are savory and delicately seasoned and our salads are crisp and light.

Or, if you’re looking to entertain guests, we can bring the food to you; serve La Costa Mariscos from the comfort of your own home as we are available for catering.

We’re ready to satisfy your taste buds daily from 11am-9pm. 716 21st Street.

(661)322-2655

Wool Growers Restaurant

Come to Wool Growers downtown in Old Kern for a dining experience you won’t forget! We serve delicious Basque cuisine and also have an excellent wine list.

Much more than a culinary experience, within the walls of this restaurant, you are our family and you’ll be served delicious & abundant food in a warm, inviting and relaxing atmosphere. Hours: Mon-Sat 11:30am-2pm, 6-9:30pm. Closed Sunday.

620 E. 19th Street. Reservations are accepted by fax, (661)327-4440, and phone, (661)327-9584

Que Pasa

Enjoy the famous Que Pasa Party Platter. Great for any occasion and it feeds up to 10 people. When dining in, explore our menu of traditional Mexican favorites infused with fresh flavors and try the flavorful grilled Angus steak fajitas. And nothing quenches your thirst like a classic, hand-made margarita.

To ensure the “perfect margarita,” we use only the highest quality ingredients, like 100 percent agave tequilas and our special agave nectar. Valley Plaza Location, 2701 Ming Ave # 219, 832-5011. Hours: Mon-Thu 10:30am-10pm; Fri-Sat 10:30am-11pm; Sunday 10:30am-9pm. Marketplace Location, 9000 Ming Ave # F4, 664-1400. Hours: Sun-Thu 11am-10pm; Fri-Sat 11am-11pm

112 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield

wine: in other places

Continued from page 108

After an extensive permitting process, the couple broke ground on their new winery and tasting room in May 2006, and in November 2007 they opened in a building they “designed to blend into the agriculture community, and give the appearance of always being part of the landscape.” It has five-point, three-dimensional stars decorating both the exterior and interior, a sort of logo, if you will. “The stars are from Ohio,”John said. “That’s where Marti grew up, in Amish country. Stars are on the barns there.”

Mauricio’s Grill & Cantina

Enjoy all the flavors of Mexico at Mauricio’s Grill & Cantina. Select from our large selection of seafood and vegetarian specialties, or choose your favorite classic south-of-the-border dish. Whether you’re in the mood for fajitas, carnitas or just a couple of tacos, Mauricio’s Old World ambiance offers a relaxed atmosphere for lunch, dinner or Sunday brunch (Rosedale restaurant). Join us for Happy Hour in our full bar, 3-7pm, daily. We also offer outdoor patio dining and a banquet room for large groups. All major credit cards accepted. Hours: Mon-Thu 11am-9:30pm, Friday & Saturday 11am-10:30pm, Sundays 10am-9:30pm. Two locations to serve you: 10700 Rosedale Hwy. (661)589-5292 and 6401 White Lane (661)837-9570

The stars are sort of Marti’s thumb print on John’s dream. “He drug me into this,” she said with a wink and a smile.

“It’s the only dream of mine she’s gone along with,” John said, grinning.

He works for JP Morgan Chase & Co., out of the couple’s home near the winery (“My bosses are in New York.”) Meanwhile, Marti said her job is “mom, housekeeper, and winery owner.” She laughed as she headed out to pick up the kids from school.

La Belle’s wines are flavorful and harmonious. “I like balanced wines,” John said. “I have no weird philosophy.” His winemaking mantra is “don’t over-think things.”

Grandview Asian Cuisine

Take a trip to the Far East in this amazing restaurant located on the corner of Ming and Ashe. Try Grandview’s for a delicious variety of Asian cuisine and a relaxing atmosphere. Dine on some of the best Dim Sum Bakersfield has to offer while listening to the gentle splash of a waterfall. Whether you have a craving for fine Asian dining, or desire a place to unwind after work, Grandview Asian Cuisine provides the perfect place to get away. Hours: 10am-9pm daily. Visa, MC, AE, DC. 2217 Ashe Road, Bakersfield. (661)832-2288

While La Belle has a number of good wines, I found these particularly attractive: 2006 Molto Bello ($28)—a blend of 54 percent barbera and 46 percent petite sirah— “Marti’s blend.” It’s balanced and harmonious with forward fruit flavors. Its crispness comes from the barbera, and its depth from the petite sirah.

2006 Paso Robles Zinfandel, San Marcos Creek Vineyard ($22)—Jammy, ripe fruit flavors with a touch of classic Paso black pepper, and sweet French-oak notes.

2006 Valle de Guadalupe Zinfandel ($24)—A nice contrast to the Paso zin, with bright raspberry fruit flavors. Aged in American oak.

2006 Valle de Guadalupe Nebbiolo ($26)—A Piedmont, Italy, clone that provides a soft texture with intense fruit flavors. Beautifully balanced.

The winery is only open Saturdays 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., but visitors are always welcome, and appointments are encouraged. Call (559) 719-7821. n

Bon appétit Bakersfield Magazine Dining Guide

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Mike Stepanovich is an award-winning journalist who has been writing his Life is a Cabernet wine column since 1985, and reviewing restaurants for Bakersfield Magazine since 1997. Stepanovich has taught wine and food pairing classes for many years, and teaches a wine appreciation and history class for California State University, Bakersfield. He began judging wines in 1987, and now judges at major international wine competitions throughout the United States.

A home winemaker, Stepanovich resides with his wife, Carol, in Bakersfield. www.bakersfieldmagazine.net - Health 2009 113

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Chefs, Restaurants & Vintners Robert Alimirzaie, Lead Chef Petroleum Club of Bakersfield

community partners

Pat Coyle & Suzanne Davis Bakersfield College Culinary Arts Program

2009

Ben Cude Bakersfield Marriott Paul Hurd Hourglass Kitchen & Bar

“San Joaquin Community Hospital was proud to be the presenting sponsor for the 2009 March of Dimes Signature Chefs Auction. I would like to thank all those at the March of Dimes who contributed to the tremendous success of this year’s event. Although progress has been made, it’s my hope that we continue to work together as a community in support of Kern County’s premature babies and their families.” -Robert J. Beehler, SJCH President and CEO.

John McFee III Bell Tower Club Bill Rea Harvinder Singh Desi Café Ryan Steed Valentien Restaurant & Wine Bar Tracy Thompson Elaine’s Café Richard Yoshimura & Jessica Pounds Moo Creamery Rutherford Wine Company

On behalf of our littlest clients, we extend our warm thanks and deepest respect to all our supporters of the 2nd Annual March of Dimes Signature Chefs Auction. With your amazing dedication to making a difference, we hope that one day all babies will be born healthy.

With heartfelt gratitude, March of Dimes, Central California Division

4-STAR Sponsors

3-STAR Sponsor

CoolQuencher Margarita Tasting Silkwood Wines

Bhogal, Klupsteen & Patel, MDs

Imbibe Wine & Spirits Merchant v

Event Committee

Domonique Hensler ~ Event Chair Silvia Benavides

Jeff Hayward

Andrea Moore

Beckie Diltz

Anika Henrikson

Jimmy Phillips

Katie Harlan

Sophia Kercher

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Whether it’s with an outstretched hand or an open heart, Bakersfield loves to support the nonprofit organizations in our community. And Bakersfield Magazine is no exception. We are proud to be a part of or support each of the worthy charities you discover in the following pages.

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It’s time to find out about the heart of a woman.

N Go Red for Women current major sponsors include: Bakersfield Memorial Hospital Comprehensive Cardiovascular Medical Group Media Partners are: Bakersfield Magazine Buckley Broadcasting Clear Channel KGET/17 AGM

6th Annual Ladies in Red Edition February 2010 presented by

February is National Heart Month, and the American Heart Association urges women and men to show their support for women and the fight against heart disease and Go Red for Women. This year, Go Red for Women

will be held February 9, 2010 at the Bakersfield Marriott, beginning at 9:00 a.m. Tickets for the event are $150 each. Tables are available as well as sponsorships at a variety of levels and sponsor benefits.

For Luncheon Ticket Information or Sponsorship Opportunities call: 661-327-1173 FIELD MAG RS

Go Red and Go Red for Women are trademarks of AHA. Red Dress Design is a trademark of U.S. DHHS

116 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield

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CASA Resource Management Director Teresa Fahsbender (left) and CASA Executive Director Colleen McGauley

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“For starters, a CASA becomes an expert on a particular case. They are noticing things the system can’t see when they spend time with the child outside of a courtroom and therefore are able to convey so much more to a judge on that case, which greatly benefits the child, and our community, in the long run,” she elaborated.

And while helping a child is certainly the goal of CASA, the program itself is also more cost-efficient for the county.

“It costs over $57,000 to keep a child in a level 12 group home for one year but it only costs $1,802 to give a child a CASA for one year,” McGauley said of the local statistics.

In fact, over the past two years, over 95 CASA Volunteer Veronica Green

percent of the cases that our CASA closed resulted in children getting out of foster care and into a permanent home, and during that same time, the documented housing cost savings to the Kern County budget exceeded $3.1 million dollars.

And over the past 15 years, CASA of Kern County has recruited and trained over 650 advocates which have helped over 1,700 children find a “forever family.”

Teresa Fahsbender, CASA of Kern County’s resource management director, explained that becoming a CASA is easier than one might think.

“Over 80 percent of our CASAs are working, so the commitment isn’t so big that you can’t volunteer if you’ve got a job,” she said.

The training sessions are available at different times, even Saturdays. There are a few requirements of a CASA, and those consist of committing to at least 18 months of service, attending roughly 36 hours of training and monthly in-service/ continuing education meetings, attending a court tour during training, speaking to his or her child weekly, and completing monthly reports on the status of the case, among others.

Doesn’t seem too hard, does it?

It sure didn’t for Veronica Green.

Though she has been a teacher for almost 40 years, Green didn’t hesitate to add “CASA” to her resume. >> www.bakersfieldmagazine.net - Health 2009 117

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they are the result of collective consensus and public investment. We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in our society, a life free of violence and fear.”

While Mandela’s quote is universal, there is one organization that seems to embody everything the famed activist was saying. That organization is CASA. CASA, a national nonprofit started in 1977, stands for Court Appointed Special Advocates. The organization began operation in Kern County in 1994, and since then has given a voice to the abused, neglected, and abandoned children living in protective care in our community. These are children who are taken from their homes and placed into temporary foster care, and as imagined, must traverse a tangled web of legal matters and court dates while seeking permanent placement with a loving family.

The volunteer advocates, naturally called CASAs, serve as guides along the way— ensuring the child’s best interests are being met. The ultimate goal is to place the child in a safe and permanent home, and until that day comes, a CASA is appointed by a Juvenile Court Judge to serve as the eyes and the ears for the court and serve as a voice for the child.

“Our mission is to recruit, screen, and train volunteers to serve as advocates in child protection proceedings,” explained Colleen McGauley, executive director of CASA of Kern County.

McGauley has a long relationship with CASA: she was in the first graduating class of CASAs in Kern. Her passion for the work has never faltered these many years primarily because she continues to see the need in our community.

“There is a huge need for individuals right now. The [legal] system itself is so bombarded with cases and there isn’t enough money to keep up with the cases they do have, let alone any new ones.”

McGauley is adamant that if people fully understood the benefits of the CASA program, more would be willing to get involved.

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“I heard about CASA from my daughter three or four years ago and was immediately interested,” she said.

“I knew it would be a great organization to volunteer with and I also knew I could do some good as an African American woman since there are a lot of African American children in the court system.”

Green knew she could become a role model for some of these kids, so she completed all the training and was totally amazed at some of the things CASAs do. “[During training] I took a tour at the Jamison Children’s Center at the Department of Human Services and witnessed the process these kids go through when they’re taken from their family.

The judges are very interested in what the CASAs have to say since they deal directly with the child. I was very impressed by the incredible opportunity given to these volunteers to truly impact a child’s life.”

So Green was hooked. She is now the CASA for a boy in fifth grade, but Green has been with him since he was six years old, ensuring his needs are met as the court seeks a permanent family for him.

“I consider it my primary job to stay connected not only with him while he is with his foster family but to connect with the case manager as well.

“I’m totally amazed at what CASA does for children. It’s a great feeling to know you are helping someone else’s life. And to know that the judges really do listen to what we have to say makes it all the more rewarding. The compensation truly comes from seeing a happy child.”

Once retired, Green plans on taking on more cases to help even more children find homes.

“I keep asking myself ‘What happens to the children who have no voice?’ and it only makes me want to do more. Volunteering with CASA has been such an eye-opening experience for me.”

The feeling is mutual for Craig Carranco.

“It was a gradual process for me,” he said of becoming involved with CASA. “I heard a radio ad here and there, wondered what the program is all about, found out someone I know is a CASA volunteer, asked a few questions, and so on. As I learned more, I became convinced it is a great program serving a real need.”

Carranco attended a CASA training meeting to find out more

“You get involved because you want to give back. In time, you discover you’re personally getting out of it much more than you could ever give.”

—Craig Carranco, CASA volunteer

Pre-K through 8th

Monsignor Craig F. Harrison, V.F., Pastor Cynthia Meek, Principal

St. Francis Parish School 2516 Palm Street 326-7955

118 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield

and was immediately struck by the good this nonprofit was doing.

“Today, my ‘CASA kid’ is a teenage boy who, like many others in foster care, undeservedly had a very rough childhood. For the past two years I’ve watched as he’s steadily built anger management skills, an outgoing and engaging personality, study skills, an appreciation for honesty and integrity, and more. I’ve had the honor and privilege of playing a small part in his growth and successes.”

Those are the types of success stories that are so important to revel in because it is a sobering fact to realize that tens of thou-

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sands of cases of child abuse and neglect are reported each year in our county and thousands of Kern kids are living in foster care.

That’s why CASA’s mission deserves a spotlight—and why these victories are so important.

“Now that I’m helping, even in a small way, the facts are not nearly as depressing,” Carranco elaborated. “I feel more empowered, rather than helpless. Being involved has given me a healthier perspective on a very real challenge.”

And even though he’s got a full-time career, Carranco insists the time he gives to CASA is minimal and emotionally and spiritually fulfilling.

“You get involved in something worthwhile because you want to give back,” he explained. “In time, you discover you’re personally getting out of it much more than you could ever give. I give a little to my CASA kid each week and I do feel good about it. However, he has given me much more in return. He doesn’t know it, but he is making me a better friend, a better father, a better brother, a better son. He’s making me a better me.”

So Mr. Mandela may have hit the nail on the head with his remark, but CASA of Kern County has the hammer now. n

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The Best of Life & Business in Kern County

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can help save a life, they’re more willing to donate themselves. As their supply grows, Houchin can also help large cities in our area should a disaster arise. By doing that, Houchin would be reimbursed financially for their help, which will help further stabilize the blood bank that has been saving lives in Kern County for over 50 years.

It seems simple enough, but Gallion said people still need to be reminded that blood donation is important. There are so many medical procedures that require blood; it’s availability is vital to the overall health of our county.

“Donating takes only 45 minutes. Each time you donate, you can save the lives of three people.”

And if you’re worried that you are unable to donate for various medical reasons, Gallion said that isn’t the case anymore.

“Diabetics can donate, people on certain medications can still donate, and cancer survivors can donate. We can help you decide if you can donate, but please don’t assume you can’t.”

Houchin aims to be the blood bank in Kern County’s future and first and foremost meet the needs of our community.

They do this through blood drives and continued support from a select group of people who continue to donate every eight weeks, year after year.

And you can help, too, by requesting Houchin’s mobile blood drive to come to your office and encouraging all your coworkers to donate. Or, if you are the recipient of a blood donation, spread the word on the importance of blood donation. n

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are few instances where it’s a good thing to have a low number. A golf game for one. A cholesterol test for another.

But it’s another thing entirely when the percentage of people who donate blood can be rounded up in a number less than three.

Unfortunately, that is the current predicament at Houchin Blood Bank.

“I just have to ask myself every day how I can get more than 2.7 percent of the [local] population to donate blood,” Greg Gallion, Houchin’s CEO, said. Because those 2.7 percent are currently supplying the blood for every hospital in Kern County, as well as cancer and blood disease treatment centers, home-health agencies, and dialysis centers.

Yet even with the rough road in front of them, Gallion keeps a grin on his face.

“We’re helping every hospital sustain life,” he elaborated. Every medical facility needs what Houchin provides, but it’s not just blood. Houchin collects platelets and plasma from that blood which then aids people with blood clotting disorders, among other diseases. And recently, Houchin introduced a new donation opportunity called the Trima Automated Blood Collection System which is capable of collecting 15 different component configurations of platelets, plasma, and red cells from one donor in one donation.

“A donor’s stats are programmed in and the system tells us what each donor can give during each donation,” he said.

Technology sure has come a long way since Houchin first opened its doors in 1952 and began saving lives. Currently, the facility performs 12 different tests on the blood after it’s donated and before it’s given to a hospital. And those tests aren’t cheap. But solving the problem of funding is cyclical.

First they need more donors. The more donors they have, the more their supply grows, and the more they can help the community.

And once people see how donating blood

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Greg Gallion, Houchin Blood Bank’s CEO, is helping to sustain life in Kern County.

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HUMAN RESOURCES ❖

Health Care Options — What’s Best For You Remember balloon boy? Of one of the organization’s human course you do! It wasn’t that long resources (HR) professionals can ago that we were all glued to our help define the possibilities and computer screens, televisions, or clear up confusion. Depending on other media to watch the drama the type and extent of additional unfold. Unfortunately, it all coverage needed, the HR person turned out to be just one big pubcan outline various options and licity stunt by a wannabe actor discuss details of each, as well as craving his own reality show. Alproviding information/forms for though the entire world is happy implementing such coverage. that the youngster was safe and Local insurance and benefits planner, Paul Sheldon, Jr., CLU, sound at home throughout the ordeal, it is sad that someone would ChFC, confirms many options go to those lengths to ensure their are available when it comes to “15 minutes of fame.”

By Holly Culhane, SPHR choosing a plan that is right for So what do we learn from this? you, including, “Health Savings Well, it’s said you should carefully consider every Accounts (HSAs), Health Reimbursement Aroption available and the possible consequences rangements (HRAs), Flexible Spending Accounts before choosing a course of action, especially (FSAs), and Medical Expense Reimbursement when dealing with significant issues.

Plans (MERPS).” Although not every employer Health care is one of those significant issues offers every one of these choices, these are a which we all face—and it is vital that each person sampling of what may be available to you. consider all available options and tailor the covMost importantly, each individual needs to erage to suit his/her individual needs. Definitely, feel comfortable with the health coverage they one size does not fit all. Think about it—every choose. Not surprisingly, what you perceive as person, his/her family, and their situation is “adequate” health care can positively impact unique, so why would you pick the first generic your “peace of mind.” This fact, as documented health care coverage off the shelf and automati- in the HR News article “Why Employee Wellcally assume it’s what you need? Most people Being Matters to Your Bottom Line,” by Amy are covered by an employer-sponsored health Neftzger and Shannon Walker, is significant as plan, and this will most likely remain the norm. studies continue to reinforce the notion that our In fact, earlier this year, a SHRM Health Care mental attitudes directly correlate with our actual Reform publication (www.shrm.org/Advocacy/ physical well-being, which in turn affects our Issues/HealthCare) reported that investigations performance on the job. revealed “despite several years of significant cost This intensive study revealed presenteeism increases, the majority of employers continue (employees physically present on the job who to offer health coverage to their workforce for experience reduced productivity due to external recruitment and retention purposes.” factors, such as poor health) often reported health Additionally, according to a September article issues for their poor performance. However, the in HR News titled “Health Care Reform—A report uncovered a number of additional factors Threat to Employer Health Plans?” by George contributing to the actual reported health issues, Pantos, evidence shows that “employers have such as job overload, financial stress, personal been at the forefront of adopting market-based problems, depression/anxiety, issues with supercost-saving innovations, such as programs for visors/co-workers, care-giving responsibilities, wellness, disease management, and pharmacy technology issues, etc. These factors simply management.” By engaging employees in their reinforce the idea that an employee’s total wellown health care, these programs “can address being is crucial to his/her physical, mental, and the nation’s growing ‘disease burdens’ (obesity, emotional health. And while this may seem insmoking, etc.), which add billions of dollars to trusive for the workplace, it does, in fact, directly health care costs.” impact productivity and is an important factor in This information confirms that health care employer-employee relations. is a dynamic system—constantly changing to So, what can you do about this sometimes reflect current trends, attitudes, and employee seemingly overwhelming issue? First and foreneeds. Although you may feel “locked in” by most—stay informed. Pay careful attention to your employer-sponsored plan, options are information being issued from your company’s always available, either through your employer human resources office. If you’re unsure of or through external vendors. Companies need something, ask questions! And above all, to regularly update employees on upcoming consider all the options, as well as the conse“open-enrollment” periods for such things as quences, and then make solid, informed decicafeteria plans, short- and/or long-term dis- sions based on your research and what is best for ability insurance, cancer insurance, etc. These you and your family. Remember—peace of mind are optional plans that employees may wish to is an intrinsic part of your overall health, so utilize in order to supplement their health care don’t forget to take a deep breath and enjoy life! coverage. If a person has concerns on which is the most desirable coverage for their own Contact Holly Culhane of PAS Associates for unique personal situation, an appointment with your human resource needs, (661) 631-2165.

“In the last six years, we really started tapping into the Chamber, which created a wealth of opportunities for us. The Chamber provides a direct conduit, putting businesses in touch with each other as well as with local, state, and federal issues and decisionmakers - people with whom you might not otherwise have such close contact.”

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122 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield

GOING

GREEN When the garbage man comes, prepping is easy. You stick all your trash in the brown bin and place it on the curb. When the recycling man comes, things are just as simple. You get your paper, plastic, and glass properly cleaned and sorted.

Heck, you’ve even got your old computer monitor in the backseat, ready for a trip to the e-cycling center. You’re doing your part for the environment and properly disposing of everything that can be recycled or reused. Or are you?

So many common household items are actually toxic to our environment and need to be recycled or disposed of properly, yet many people aren’t aware of that fact.

Leftover paint thinner? Old bug killer?

These aren’t products that belong in the Automotive normal trash heap. liquids are not According to the Kern County Recybiodegradable cling Guide, a majority of the products we purchase, whether they be household and will poison items or cleaning products should be wildlife. taken to a proper special waste facility, and it just so happens Think before we have two in Kern County. tossing them Here are some of the items they accept.

Automotive Products You might in the can! know that used motor oil needs to be properly disposed of, but what about other automotive liquids like antifreeze or transmission fluid? Dumping any of these fluids into your trashcan will lead to further pollution of the earth—they’re not biodegradable and can poison wildlife. In addition, used fuel filters should be properly disposed of to reduce the amount of pollution in water. Here’s a tip for proper filter disposal: Turn the filter upside down to drain the gasoline. Once empty, allow the filter to dry out for two days before disposing it in your regular trash. Take the gas in an airtight container rated to hold fuel to a household hazardous waste facility for disposal. If the filter cannot be drained and contains gas, place it in an airtight container before taking it to a waste facility.

Batteries All types of batteries, whether they’re lead acid, alkaline, rechargeable, or button (like the ones found in watches and hearing aids) contain toxic materials that are hazardous to human and environmental health, so you better believe they don’t belong in the regular garbage.

Because we use batteries for so many products, and you don’t want to be making constant trips out to the special waste recycling facility, create a container for used batteries and make one trip every so often.

Cleaning Products Anything with ammonia or chlorine bleach should be disposed of properly. Not to mention oven cleaner, drain cleaning products, and even furniture polishes. Think about what these

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bad & ugly products do to the surface they’re intended to clean. Then think about what they could do to our natural environment. If something is toxic enough to strip rust off metal, just imagine what it can do to our ecosystem.

Fluorescent Bulbs Not only is it unsafe for our garbage men when we put broken or non-working light bulbs in the trash (for the injury factor), but fluorescent bulbs and tubes contain elemental mercury mixed with powder. Crushing tubes creates mercury vapor which is difficult to contain and horrible for animals to inhale.

Home Generated Sharps If you’ve ever had to give yourself or a family member injections for an extended period of time, both the used and leftover needles and syringes need to be disposed of properly. This biomedical waste can cause injury to other human beings not only through needle pricks, but through contamination. Sharps containers can be obtained from any medical supply store and once full, you can take them to the same facility you take your other hazardous waste products.

Mercury Thermometers It’s a nobrainer, but mercury should not be released into our environment, so your thermometers or thermostats containing mercury need to be properly disposed of so as not to cause illness to humans, wildlife, and plants.

Paint and Paint Products (Includes Spray Paint). While lead-based paints aren’t used today (most are latex-based and are considered safe for regular disposal), some older paints may still have lead in them, and lead can cause serious health issues. Oil paints and spray paints have vapors and are flammable.

But just as toxic are the thinners and other solvents we used to strip old paint. These products are very harmful to the environment, not to mention being highly flammable, so be sure to take them to one of the special waste facilities here in the county.

Pesticides and Weed Killers You’ve

seen the warning labels on that can of roach spray—pesticides can cause serious health issues when not used properly. Heck, even when you think you’re using them properly you can be harmed. They cause just as much destruction if they’re not disposed of properly.

Any bug killer or weed killer can drastically affect the environment if thrown away in the garbage. Not only are the fumes hazardous to anyone who breathes them, but the chemicals themselves will destroy plants and wildlife, so put these products on the list for the special waste facility, as well.

Expired Medication Those old pills aren’t doing you any good up in your medicine cabinet. But they’re not suitable to stick in the garbage can, either. It’s recommended that you put each prescription bottle in a clear, zip-lock bag and take it to one of our special waste facilities. You don’t want anyone, especially children, getting their hands on those pills, so be sure to dispose of them properly.

Pool Chemicals Anything that can kill the bacteria floating in your pool isn’t safe to put in the ol’ trashcan. Think about this: how bad do your eyes hurt after you open them under water in a heavily-chlorinated pool?

And that’s just a little chlorine. These types of chemicals should be taken to a waste facility to be disposed of properly. Were these products to get into freshwater streams or seep into a lake, it would be disastrous for wildlife.

There are a lot of additional products that are harmful to the environment, including nail polish, hair color, and even glue! So be conscious before you start tossing things in the trash and realize that properly disposing of potentially hazardous household items is important if we want to keep our planet green.

Editor’s Note: Our Kern County Special Waste Facilities do have a transport limit. Do not transport more than 15 gallons or 125 pounds of waste per trip.

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GARDENING WITH MRS. P

Out with the old, in with the new

extreme gardening

By Lynn Pitts

Well, it’s almost over...

The year 2009, that is...I’m having a hard time letting go—I’m already feeling a little nostalgic as I look back on the year. However, Mrs. P is not one to go whole-hog on the current trendy yearnings to return to mid-century styles. Oh sure, it began innocently enough with retro-clothes (pedal pushers and sweater sets) and home furnishings (lava lamps). In small doses, it’s probably harmless. In fact, I recently purchased a red leather sofa from IKEA in the 1960s Knoll style and while it’s a bit low to the floor for my aging joints, it’s a fun piece of furniture. When this wistfulness for the old days progresses to gardening, it’s time for a reality check.

Most Bakersfield gardeners don’t re-

Who can say they enjoy pruning pyracantha, unless they have an unnatural obsession with needle-like thorns? member how heavily promoted certain groups of landscape plants were in the ‘50s through the ‘70s. Mrs. P does and most were (and remain) simply awful. It seemed as if each house had the same assortment of pyracantha, bottlebrush, ice plant, coyote bush (yuck city), and that old standby, Europs daisy. Throw in ungainly junipers and you’ve got the picture. It’s my opinion that we should look forward and aim for a 21st century appearance in our gardens.

Mrs. P defies anyone today who can say they enjoy pruning pyracantha, unless they have an unnatural obsession with needle-like thorns. Its common name is Firethorn, did you know?

This is an understatement. Pyracantha’s ripe berries contribute to public drunkenness by birds (as the berries ferment into booze in their tiny stomachs). In addition, pyracantha is susceptible to fire blight, scale insects, woolly aphids, and red spider mites. Gross.

Next, comes bottlebrush. California nurseries must have thought they hit the Mother Lode with this Australian native.

Millions of these small trees and shrubs were planted in both home gardens and public spaces. The kindest description of bottlebrush is that it is “generous.” It generously scatters its mess 12 months of the year. Bottlebrush has a special fondness for swimming pools. Even if planted at a distance, its blood-red stamens will find a way to drop in for a dip ‘n stain.

Ice plant is best left planted along freeways and steep hillsides. They add little visually to a Bakersfield garden. For that nano-second of garishly fluorescent bloom, ice plant gives off a Las Vegas Strip look to the landscape. The rest of the year, it looks as if it has lost its way on the route to the Arvin dump.

Many new homeowners in the early 1970s found billowy light green shrubs in their “landscape packages.” Ah, that would be coyote brush. Forming 2-foot tall mats of dense foliage, coyote brush was touted for its toughness. >>

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So is shoe leather, but one wouldn’t want to eat it! No one mentioned the cottony seed clusters that blew around in the wind.

No one told you that coyote brush requires hands of steel to prune it. Oh yes, coyote brush requires annual pruning. Not that anyone ever did this chore. Let’s face it; coyote brush is the ugly stepsister in the evergreen shrub family. You can do so much better.

Finally, we come to Europs daisy and juniper. Vastly over-planted in the ‘50s,

Viburnum Sargentii ‘60s, and ‘70s, it’s only now that many gardeners are realizing their nuisance level. These are not shrubs that mellow with age. They become woody after 10 years and extremely difficult to remove without a backhoe. I’ve seen people use chain saws to shear them into manageable shapes. The resulting bare stumps resemble a scene from Chernobyl.

Is this what we want to see in our 21st century gardens? Senile shrubs? Of course not! With “Two-Oh-One-Oh” on the horizon it’s time for our gardens to get ahead of the curve and get out of that retro look.

Visit local nurseries for an eye-popping display of the new plant introductions.

When I say new, I mean new. Seventy-five percent of the plants I’ve recently purchased are not even listed in my pre-Y2K

garden books. Fortunately, these new plant varieties come with excellent instructions for their care. This is another 21st century innovation; large, laminated, well-written plant tags that list necessary information such as exposure, bloom time, hardiness, size, and watering requirements. Ornamental grasses, sedges, and rushes keep evolving. Found in widely varying textures and colors, they add enormous excitement to any yard. New perennials seem to be

Euphorbia Characias

PHOTO BY hans hillewaert

Gardening with Mrs. P

introduced every day. Use this lull time of winter to visit your nurseries and plant centers; ask questions about what’s coming in that’s different. That’s how I found out about a hip plant, Korean Rock Fern (Polystichum tsus-simense). Not listed in any of my reference books, I’m simply delighted with this lovely-looking fern.

The young fronds are a dark purple. I’ve planted it in a fat, round, glazed pot next to the Japanese painted ferns (Athyrium niponicum var. Pictum). I started growing the Japanese painted ferns several years ago in a lightly shaded area with good results. Their fronds are a metallic silvergray with hints of red and blue.

There’s no excuse in today’s world to be tethered to plants that either don’t work or are labor-intensive. Yank out the pyracantha, bottlebrush, ice plant, coyote brush, juniper, and Europs daisies, should you be so unfortunate to still have them growing in your garden. Replace those dingy yellowflowered Europs daisies with lime green Euphorbia characias. Substitute a handsome Viburnum sargentii for pyracantha.

Plant any one of the numerous varieties of Manzanita instead of bottlebrush. Banish ice plant! Clumping gazanias are a marvelous ground cover and the new hybrids offer a wide range of paint box colors, even stripes. Blue oat grass will look a thousand percent better than coyote brush.

126 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield

Manzanita

Korean Rock Fern When I listed junipers under hasbeens, I was speaking of the Phitzer junipers. They can reach 6-feet tall and 12-feet wide over time. Few of today’s gardens can contain such a sharp-needled shrub. There are other varieties of juniper that will stay small and compact.

Read the label! If it says “to 10 feet,” believe it. Personally, there are other reasons I’m not fond of junipers. Wasps enjoy making nests in them and spiders are always weaving giant hair nets over them. If your heart is still set on a lowgrowing evergreen with needles, why not plant a dwarf Mugo pine, a dwarf ‘Nana’ balsam fir, or a ‘Little Gem’ Norway spruce. None grow over 3-feet tall and all have that pleasing Northwood’s look in miniature.

The French writer, Marcel Proust, wrote in Remembrance of Things Past, something that I think applies to garden styles. “We do not succeed in changing things according to our desire, but gradually our desire changes.” In other words, think outside the hula hoop. v Lynn Pitts, better known as Mrs. P., is a native Californian, master gardener in four counties including Kern, a garden writer, and professional botanical artist. She has been featured on “The Art of Gardening,” on PBS, and has conducted flower workshops throughout California for botanical gardens and arboretums.

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128 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield

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GREAT

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The Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade is always a memory-maker.

(Did you notice the lead dolphin?)

It’s Holiday Time

By Donna McCrohan Rosenthal

Santas andGrinches and Lights. Oh my!

The leaves turn to scarlet and gold, then disappear. Winter arrives, and with it, hot cider and jingle bells. Nature dictates one set of changes. Custom determines the other. Together they add up to pageants and parties around California not only this year but every year. So pack your suitcase right now, or simply start a mental wish list and plan ahead.

By Rail and By Sea

The Fillmore & Western Railroad Company’s popular Christmas Tree Holiday Train runs Saturdays and Sundays, taking riders to the Christmas Tree Farm to choose and cut their ideal trees. Santa, who joins them on-board, also holds court on the Dinner with Santa trains on selected Friday and Sunday nights in December. On New Year’s Eve, the five-hour vintage rail cars serve up an elegant dinner attended by actors appearing as famous Hollywood personalities, plus dancing in the social car and champagne at midnight (fwry.com; 800-773-8724).

San Diego’s Yuletide begins with Balboa Park December Nights in early December—sparkling lights, theatrical and musical entertainment, exotic food, and free admission to the park’s participating museums on both evenings (balboapark.org/decembernights; 619239-0512). Neighborhoods around town enhance the dazzle, notably

the spectacular Christmas Circle in Chula Vista between First and Second Avenues, south of H and I streets. The San Diego Bay Parade of Lights carries the splendor onto the water with fireworks followed by over 100 stunningly illuminated boats covering a 7.5-mile route. Shelter Island, Seaport Village, Harbor Island, Ferry Landing on Coronado, and the Embarcadero offer the best vantage points for watching from the shore (sdparadeoflights.org, 619-224-2240).

As December draws to a close, the Pacific Holiday Bowl Parade— America’s largest balloon parade, accompanied by bands and drill teams—leads up to the main event, the Pacific Life Holiday Bowl at Qualcomm Stadium (sandiego.org; 619-232-3101).

Another marvel of wizardry on the waves, Ventura’s Parade of Lights and Festival embellishes the harbor with an armada strung with Christmas lights, and a fireworks finale (venturaharborvillage.com, 877-89HARBOR).

Both a tradition and a cause for awe, the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade has entered its second century. Yachts, boats, kayaks, and canoes, some with animated Christmas scenes, travel 14 miles around the harbor on five consecutive nights in mid-December, leaving from and ending off Bay Island each evening. The annual Ring of Lights competition for houses and businesses surrounding the harbor heightens the mood of utter exhilaration. The New York Times called >> PHOTo by john l. blom custom photography

A dash of pageant. A pinch of parade. A roadmap and maybe warm mittens.

With so many festive possibilities, you can hardly go wrong!

www.bakersfieldmagazine.net - Health 2009 129

Great Getaways

Mission Inn Hotel and Spa Festival of Lights decked out in twinkling Yuletide majesty.

this “one of the top ten holiday happenings in the nation” (christmasboatparade.com; 949-729-4400).

Fantasies and Footlights

December means heartwarming performances of The Nutcracker by ballet companies all over the state, among them the Riverside Ballet Theatre Company (crballet.org; 951-787-7850) and the Sacramento Ballet (sacballet.org; 916-552-5800).

In San Diego, the Old Globe Theater’s annual How the Grinch Stole Christmas tells Dr. Seuss’ classic story with wonderful sets originally bestowed by Dr. Seuss’ widow, Audrey Geisel (theoldglobe.org; 619-234-5623).

In Palm Springs, the Fabulous Palm Springs Follies puts on an amazing show of songs and dances of the ‘40s, ‘50s, and ‘60s, with Broadway-caliber numbers and celebrated headliners from the Good Old Days. The troupe of “Long-legged Lovelies and Dapper Dans” includes a 15-minute holiday segment from its October opening through New Year’s Eve that always ends with “White Christmas” and an on-stage snowfall (psfollies.com; 760-327-0225).

From Summits to Sand Dunes

By December, California’s peaks could inspire the ultimate Christmas card. Billows of fluffy whiteness cascade over rocks, evergreens, and streams to create picture-perfect vignettes. Little critters leave delicate tracks.

Nature did this all by herself.

Nonetheless, human intervention lends a certain merriment, for instance in the Yosemite Valley’s AAA Four-Diamond Ahwahnee hotel. The Bracebridge Dinner—eight lavish Christmas feasts on several mid-December weekday and weekend nights—combine an Old English theme, regal figures, singers, and ornate costumes with an elaborate seven-course meal. In 2006, The Wall Street Journal proclaimed it “the country’s, if not the world’s, premier Christmas dinner.”

On Christmas morning, Santa passes out wrapped gifts to children – rumor has it that their parents provide the presents in advance (yosemitepark.com/bracebridge).

Continued on page 133 >>

PHOTo courtesy of palm springs follies

From California City to Solvang, San Francisco’s Ghirardelli Square to Oakland’s Jack London Square, malls do them, theme parks do them, even the governor does them, with many occurring the Friday after Thanksgiving and the first Friday in December. Disneyland and Knott’s Berry Farm have multiple trees. Legoland fashions its tree from Lego bricks. In Sacramento, the California State Capitol Tree Lighting Ceremony features thousands upon thousands of LED lights powered by a one-kilowatt fuel cell to reduce the carbon footprint, and over a thousand ornaments crafted by adults and children with developmental disabilities.

In late November, Riverside embraces the season with the Mistletoe Magic Gala that kicks off the Festival of Trees, the Riverside County Regional Medical Center Foundation’s annual fund-raiser, during Thanksgiving week (rcrmc.org; 951-4864213) and the Mission Inn Hotel and Spa’s free Festival of Lights, when more than two million twinkling lights grace the property, along with a magnificent tree, Dickens carolers, horse-drawn carriages, and more than 400 animated characters dressed in 17th century finery (festivaloflightsca.com; 951784-0300).

Meanwhile, communities step back into the past. Riverside’s revelry continues into December with music, entertainment, refreshments, gifts, and tours at the Heritage House’s Christmas Open House (riversideca. gov; 951-826-5273). Tehachapi’s Old Tyme Christmas on Main Street pairs with the Downtown Shopping Holiday Extravaganza to cast a spell (mainstreettehachapi.org; 661822-6519). Ventura’s Pierpont Inn transports guests to an Edwardian Christmas Fairytale with carolers, and docents in 1910 attire, on post-Thanksgiving Fridays and Saturdays (pierpontinn.com; 805-643-6144). In Ventura, a candlelight Christmas at the 1847 Olivas Adobe Hacienda of Rancho San Miguel approaches the holidays as Californians experienced them during the Mexican Rancho era (olivasadobe.org; 805-658-4728). In San Francisco, the Embarcadero Center Hyatt Regency undergoes a transformation-in-miniature with its beloved Snow Village of over 10,000 handcrafted ceramic pieces (sanfranciscoregency.hyatt.com; 415-788-1234).

PHOTo courtesy of mission inn

Lightings and Transformations

130 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield

The Fabulous Palm Springs Follies puts on an amazing show of songs and dances.

Our Lady Of Perpetual Help Parish Christmas 2009 Masses Christmas Eve, Thursday, December 24th 3:00pm................Mass with Children’s Pageant 5:00pm...........Mass with Christmas Presentation 10:00pm........................Mass with Parish Choir

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Rev. Msgr. Craig F. Harrison, VF, Pastor Rev. Kris Sorensen, Associate Pastor Fr. Ralph Belluomini, Fr. Denis Ssekannyo, Deacon Scotty Bourne, Deacon Richard Lambert, Deacon Clyde Davis We would like to take this opportunity to wish the readers of Bakersfield Magazine a blessed holiday season, and every good wish for a prosperous new year filled with joy, hope, love and the peace of Christ Jesus.

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www.bakersfieldmagazine.net - Health 2009 131

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Continued from page 130

The Ahwahnee greets New Year’s Eve with another impressive celebration, then combats post-New Year’s Eve doldrums with its annual Chef’s Holidays series of culinary receptions, classes, and candlelight gala dinners in January (yosemitepark.com/ chefs). One more thing. The Ahwahnee has Yosemite – home to the first ski resort in the entire Sierra Nevada – with an outdoor ice rink and plenty of winter activities (yosemitepark.com; 801-559-4949).

Or, for a very different sort of stillness, Furnace Creek Inn & Ranch Resort in Death Valley luxuriates in the stark, remote, glorious majesty of the desert, while decorated inside and out with lights and beautiful trees. Christmas Eve brings an upscale dinner buffet, as does New Year’s Eve, with favors, a flute player, a six-course dinner, music, balloon drop, and champagne toast (furnacecreekresort.com; 760-786-3385).

temple bell from Japan’s Tajima province.

According to honored tradition, a large custom-hewn log strikes it 108 times to curb the 108 bonno (mortal desires) that torment our lives. A blessing completes the observance.

Tickets are issued on a first-come, firstserved basis (asianart.org; 415-581-3500).

Ahwahnee Hotel offers holiday elegance on a grand scale.

PHOTo courtesy of ahwahnee hotel

Great Getaways

Ring in the NewYear

Literally. In San Francisco, the annual Japanese New Year Bell Ringing Ceremony at the Asian Art Museum, Chong-Moon Lee Center for Asian Art and Culture, invites people to ring the 2,100-pound, 16th century bronze

Recipe for Special Memories

A dash of pageant. A pinch of parade. A roadmap and maybe mittens. With so many possibilities, you can hardly go wrong! v

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www.bakersfieldmagazine.net - Health 2009 133

everafters...

Linda Hamilton

Mr. & Mrs. Christopher Charatsaris (Brenna Fowler) November 28th, 2008 p St. Francis of Assisi Jessica Frey Photography

Mr. & Mrs. Blake Wise (Lupe Patino) October 10th, 2009

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Mr. & Mrs. Jon Majors (Maycee Scott) July 11th, 2009

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Mr. & Mrs. Justin Hill (Samantha Stolting) September 5th, 2009

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Mr. & Mrs. David Gordon (Rebecca Brand) September 26th, 2009

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Mr. & Mrs. Nathan Hobbs (Cassandra Prescott) June 20th, 2009

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E-mail your wedding photography and information to: comments@bakersfieldmagazine.net

134 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield

BAKERSFIELD MAGAZINE

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You’ll never look at chalk the same way again! Bakersfield Museum of Art’s annual outdoor event was a total success as folks gathered at The Marketplace to watch art in the making. Inspired by Italian street fairs, local artists hunkered down to put pen to...well, asphalt and make their mark as attendees enjoyed sunny days, live music, and good food.

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Heart Walk

Hundreds of Bakersfieldians laced up their sneakers at the American Heart Association’s annual charity walk. Teams, as well as single walkers, gathered to support loved ones who have been affected by heart disease and stroke. All attendees were treated to a healthy breakfast and lunch as well as great heart-health information and hopeful stories from survivors.

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Sumptuous hors d’oeuvres greeted guests the moment they arrived at this second annual March of Dimes event. Favorite chefs from around Bakersfield dished out special creations while folks sampled wine and readied their bids for the wonderful silent and live auctions. The proceeds will fund research to help prevent premature births in our area.

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Artfest

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Hooray for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Kern County! Their annual art-inspired event was a rousing success as members of the community arrived to sample savory food, participate in a wine tasting, and bid on excellent works of art created by the children of our local Clubs. All the proceeds from this event will benefit Boys and Girls Clubs programs in our area.

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136 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield

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Bernardo Barrientos & Alessandra Posada

Jaynna Miller & Kacy Omalley

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Artini

With martini-inspired art decorating the Petroleum Club, eager guests arrived to this second annual Arts Council of Kern event ready to sample what local bartenders were serving up, bid on great auction items, and vote for the signature Bakersfield martini. While one contestant was crowned victorious, the real winners are local children since proceeds go toward music education in our schools.

Jennifer Kiser & Danielle Felix

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Patti Taylor & Brenda Horwedel

Diane Nieblas & Sylvia Cottrell

Katie & Ryan Watkins

Lori Williams, Brandi Patterson, Sharlyn Patterson, Ed Patterson, Eddie Patterson & Steve Williams

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Rachel Fowler, Daniel Chang & Denise Toy

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This wonderful annual charity event was put on to benefit the Bakersfield Ronald McDonald House and the Kennemer Center. Held at the Petroleum Club, guests enjoyed delicious hors d’oeuvres and champagne while bidding on silent auction items. They later enjoyed a mouth-watering dinner overlooking the city’s night lights before 12 decorated Christmas trees (+1) were raffled off.

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d

Photo courtesy of kern county museum

bakersfield’s sound

etween the welcomed gluttony of Thanksgiving and the first kiss of a new year, there is a month of unrivaled merriment for our city. After all, Bakersfield takes its holidays seriously. We always have.

Back in 1947, and just two years after the end of World War II, Bakersfield was in full Yuletide mode, boasting a Christmas parade and spreading seasonal community spirit to bystanders on Chester Avenue. There was simply no time to wallow in the misfortunes of a post-war country. We had halls to deck and trees to light. We dealt with trouble every other day of the year; this was a time of celebration.

The Radio Drama Club of the Bakersfield Youth Center broadcast a rousing version of A Christmas Carol and rallying around the community became priority number one. Local fight impresario Steve Strelich staged his annual amateur boxing card benefit for the children of local hospitals on December 22. The Y.M.C.A. gave 200 food baskets to those less fortunate and the American Legion threw a party to gather gifts for children at Kern General Hospital.

In the 62 years since, our spirit has never diminished and our focus on community has grown steadily. Think about it: we’re a town that refers to one of our main drags (Truxtun Avenue) as “Christmas Lane” every December.

So while the parade heralds in a time in each our lives that symbolizes hope, love, and goodwill, the entire season is made up of charitable people wanting to bring a little holiday cheer to those around them.

But does someone have a number for the Druids? They’ve been MIA for the past few parade meetings and those lolly-pops aren’t going to hand themselves out.

the story of bakersfield is all around us, you just have to look — and listen.

138 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield

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