Picked By Their Peers 2010 Best Docs VOL. 27 NO. 5
Tailgating: Bakersfield Style
It’s ‘‘Wow Time’’ With Mrs. P
YOUR CITY. YOUR LIFE. YOUR MAGAZINE.
HEALTH 2010
Great Dining For Under $10
Cheap Eats Plus...
Sweet Treats!
Satisfy Your Cravings With These Local Favorites
Kern Health
13th Annual Exclusive Presentation
BakersfieldMagazine.net
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Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield
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www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Health 2010
v
Try The Nines Restaurant for lunch. Over 20 items to choose from for under $10.00
HEALTH 2010
Contents
f e at u r e s
Which local stores are stocking the goods?
Stuff We Like.........................16 Mosquitoes and rabbits: strange bedfellows
Rabbit Roundup..................29
KERN HEALTH
Local doctors picked by their peers
Best Docs........................51 An overview of 2010 and what’s to come
Hospital Update................53 Translating those 28-letter medical words
Doctor Speak.....................57
Why Be Happy for Just One Hour? Enjoy your favorite drinks, signature cocktails and tasty appetizers all day long in the m.i. greatroom. Happy Hour specials are $3 Drafts and $5 Well and Wine drinks.
Critical care transport has come to Kern
When the puck hits the ice, the heat is on
WHAT’S IT Like to be a condor?
31
ICU GOES MOBILE
59
Pills aren’t the only way to treat pains
Mind-Body Health...........61
Cheap Eats No one is calling “action” in these ERs
OH, REALLY NOW: docs talk tv
Bakersfield Marriott
63
A group putting an end to child trafficking.
When only the best will do!
Big Taste • Small Price
Window of Life...................121
661.565.9319
It’s back! Grab a “spork” and a “tenner”
Nonprofit Spotlight.......124
801 Truxtun Ave., Bakersfield, CA bakersfieldmarriott.com
CHEAP eats & sweet treats
Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield
37
“Outfitting” local kids with opportunities Give blood today—it only takes an hour
The Ultimate Gift................125
“Our Commitment, Your Sight for Life”
FRITCH EYE CARE Medical Center
• Certified American Board of Ophthalmology • Fellow American College of Surgeons • Diplomate American Academy/Ophthalmology • Free LASIK Consultations • CustomVuetm LASIK • Cataract & Refractive Surgery • Full Optical & Contact Lens Service
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Charles D. Fritch M.D., F.A.C.S.
www.fritcheyecare.com
At The Marketplace • 9000 Ming Avenue, Suite L-2
www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Health 2010
v
HEALTH 2010
Contents
D E P ART M E N TS Giving you delicious “not have to” gifts
Letter from the Editor..............11 Small snippets of local people and places
Kern Facts........................13 Use a bit of color to jazz up winter fashion
The Bakersfield Look.......25 Roy Rogers’ goddaughter pens a novel
Citizen Kern...............27
“Dress for Life’s Special Occasions at Snead’s”
This business started with a bit of muscle
Risktakers..................35 Will healthcare reform affect your business?
Human Resources............86
Turn that inherited clutter into treasure
HOME & GARDEN
97
Low-cal or low-carb: try-it before you diet
Looking Good, Feelin’ Good....99
How to care for the “plant of the season”
Staff Sergeant Miles Price US Army with his son, Deegan Price
GARDENING WITH MRS. P
87
Oh hybrid car, how does your engine go?
Going Green.................91
You’ll be in heaven with this harvest hummus
QUICK BITES
102
Education and excellent cuisine combine!
What’s Cookin’.............103 Turn a tailgate into the perfect tablescape
Entertaining the Bakersfield Way..105 Old-school winemaking in Cucamonga Valley
Life is a Cabernet..........109 It’s always Margarita season at this place
B o t t o m s U p. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 1 3
8200 Stockdale Hwy. Ste D7
832-4270
www.sneadsformen.com
Don’t worry, we photoshopped that stray hair It’s time to “venture” to this Costal hotspot
Great GETAWAYS
Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield
93
P a r t y C h a t t e r. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 3 2 The holidays started with a drive on Elm Street
Bakersfield’s Sound......138
www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Health 2010
remembering
Donna Louise Corum founder . visionary . friend
Vol. 27 No. 5
S
Health 2010
Publisher Les Corum
Executive Editor Mike Corum Assistant Editor Anika Henrikson Garden Editor Lynn Pitts
Historical Editor Chris Livingston
Wine & Food Editor Mike Stepanovich Creative Director Chuck Barnes Graphic Artist Laura Turner
Systems/Production Ryan Turner
Director of Sales/Marketing Mark Corum
Sales & Marketing Douglas “Dale” Heflin, Lisa Corum Mike Broida, Greg Johnson Photography/Editorial Assistant Isabel Alvarez
Contributing Writers Charlie Durgin, Greg Gallion, Tracie Grimes Jason Gutierrez, Matthew Martz, Naomi Moss Robin Paggi, Donna McCrohan Rosenthal Tom Xavier Accounting/Human Resources Melissa Galvan Distribution/Circulation Brigit Ayers Cover Art Kate Monakhova
Bakersfield Magazine, Inc. 1601 New Stine Road, Suite 200 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 2010 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.
Secure PayPal Gift Subscriptions BakersfieldMagazine.net 10 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield
Letter from the Editor
One of my favorite family things growing up was “not have to” presents—a gift that was given for no particular reason. No holiday or birthday; not because of some accomplishment or award—it was a thoughtful gift, sometimes big, sometimes small, and always “just because.” Whether giving or receiving, they always had the most meaning. Freshly out of high school and newly “rich” from working full time, I came across an ad, in Hot Rod magazine of all places, for a “pair of genuine diamond stud earrings.” It was a beautiful layout with top-notch photography that made the earrings jump off the page and sparkle like the chrome on a Barris custom (in other words...very sparkly). The price was too good to be true, but according to the ad these were from a newly discovered diamond mine in Africa (the biggest ever!) and soon the market would be flooded with these diamonds, so they were able to offer this incredible deal to the general public. Made sense to me, seeing as I had recently graduated with a diploma as a know-it-all of nothing... Now, being the “listener” that I am, I knew my mom had always wanted a pair of diamond stud earrings. I also knew this was my opportunity to give the most memorable “not have to” gift ever. Reading the ad further, I found out if I “acted now,” they’d throw in a second pair for free! Imagine my good fortune! After withdrawing the entire doubledigits that made up my savings account and mailing my order off, it was time to smugly sit back and wait. And wait. And still I waited (Heinz 57 had nothing on these guys). Finally, my parcel arrived. I quickly ran to my room and began to inspect the contents: bill of sale, check...official certificate of authenticity included at no additional charge, check...earrings...umm. Earrings? Frantically I tore through the packaging. How could they have forgotten to put in the earrings? And that’s when I noticed something taped to the back of the C.O.A. No way! These things were so small, I had to take them out in the sun
©istockphoto.com/imagedepotpro
What Can I Say, I’m a Giver...
to fully embrace their measly existence. Talk about gullible. That night, I presented a gift box to my mom as I told my story; the “aww” factor was overwhelming and then the proverbial gasp as she opened the box... followed by hysterical laughter! I was right. This was the most memorable “not have to” ever—we teased and laughed about it for years. The moral of the story? If something seems too cheap to be good, it probably is. That’s why we’ve spent the last two months researching the more than 700 restaurants in Kern County to find the best Cheap Eats in town: nearly 50 restaurants serving satisfying meals for under $10. Plus, being the gluttons for punishment that we are, we’ve added an extra twist—nearly 20 local places to find scrumptious Sweet Treats for $5 or less. We did the hard part, now all you have to do is peruse the list, pick your .. favorites, and enjoy! A smorgasbord of tasty savings—it’s our “not have to” gift to you. Cheap Eats starts on page 37. This is also our 13th Annual presentation of KernHealth and one of our most varied, with a wide range of stories to help keep you informed of the choices available to you in local healthcare, as well as a couple humorous takes on the world of medicine. KernHealth starts on page 47. We’ve also added a few more surprises, as well as all of our great regular features. It’s another fantastic issue— enjoy. Safe and Happy Holidays to you and yours!
Mike Corum comments@bakersfieldmagazine.net
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Signature Properties, Signature Service! www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Health 2010 11
12 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield
Kern Facts
People • Places • Events
He’s an AWT Production Technologist and she’s the VP of Sales and Marketing for Castle & Cooke...but this adorable couple met so long ago, they can’t even tell you when!
HIS
& Hers
Be honest—what was the first thing you thought when you met your future spouse for the first time? Darlene: We have been together so long that I honestly cannot recall the first time I saw him. I tease that we were in playpens together and I threw my rattle at him! Harold: Really now, I cannot tell you the truth—this is Bakersfield’s first class magazine. I always knew I was going to marry her. I also thought she was rich. Well, one out of two is not bad. What is the funniest thing that happened while you two were dating? Darlene: We have been together since junior high school—can you believe it? And after 39 years, it still feels great. I am not sure we ever dated, we have just always been “Harold & Darlene.” Harold: A mayonnaise fight at a lake was pretty funny and down right disgusting. What is the craziest thing your spouse has ever done for you? Darlene: Crazy? Are you kidding? Did I happen to mention we are both boring? I am talking “snoring” boring. Harold: My wife is always doing special crazy things like hidden notes... but the craziest recent thing involved a new red convertible Corvette. What is your spouse’s biggest phobia? Darlene: Becoming obese! The man weighs the same as he did when I first met him, plays golf at least four times a week, softball once a week, and runs after the grandkids. Pretty scary considering who he is married to! Harold: Darlene hates heights and frogs. I pretended to throw a frog at
her, which was really a leaf, and she froze in fright. Who’s the first one to admit when they’re wrong? Darlene: Of course me! I am always the one screwing things up and the one with the best intentions. Harold: Me! It is always me. Now, if you had asked who is always right, I would have definitely said me, as well. What is your spouse most passionate about? Darlene: Honesty, integrity, and his family. He is generous to a fault and will willingly help anyone who needs it. Harold: Her family, her dog Gus, her career, God, and the Bakersfield Homeless Center. What’s your favorite thing to do in Bakersfield? Darlene: Hang out with my friends as I have been so blessed with loving, caring people who surround me both personally and professionally. A weekend is not complete without hugs from the grandkids. Harold: A good round of golf at Seven Oaks Country Club with my friends. Spending the day with my grandkids, horseback riding, and playing softball. What is your least favorite thing about your spouse (a pet peeve if you will) and most favorite thing? Darlene: My least favorite thing about Harold is that he is perfect and after almost 40 years it is very hard to take this quality about him. Being perfect has a price to pay though as he is way too serious in all of this perfection and I just prefer to take it easy and enjoy the ride. My favorite thing about Har-
in step with:
Darlene & Harold Mohlke
old is that he is an honorable, quiet man and we are both very comfortable being together in peace. Harold: My least favorite thing about Darlene is cluttered drawers and closets. She keeps a perfect house, but hides my stuff all over the place. I cannot lay anything down because
five minutes later, it is gone, not to be found! My most favorite thing about her is she never sees fault in anyone. I see everything black and white and she can take any situation and make it better.
www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Health 2010 13
Kern Facts
©istockphotos.com/ carrollphoto
People • Places • Events
• Hourly & Live-in Care • Dementia Care • Homemaker Services • End-of-life Care Meals, Light Housekeeping, • Hospital Personal Attendant Laundry, Transportation • Employees Screened, • Personal Care Bonded and Insured Bathing, Medication Assistance
Did You Know?
The Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce was organized on December 31, 1920 under the name Bakersfield Civil Commercial Association. The new name was adopted February 10, 1933. Source: Historic Chronology of Kern County
NEWS FLASH...WINNING
I 24 hours 7 days per week
IS GREAT!
t’s no secret that we love to give stuff away. We’ve got a growing list of A-listers who’ve all come in to claim tickets, gift certificates, and other prizes throughout the years, but this issue’s haul is unprecedented! Not only have we given away tickets to some of the best charity events in town, but we’ve also had another great run with our Stuff We Like winners. Not to mention some amazing gift baskets. So if you want to be a Bakersfield Magazine winner, sign up for our A-List today to start receiving our contest emails. Then you can be one step closer to seeing your name below with other winners! Visit bakersfieldmagazine.net for FOR YOUR CHANCE! Signature Chefs Event Don Parrish Marco Barba Janelle Capra Dan McGuire Signature Chefs Basket Jim Braun Eddie Money Concert Kelly Kennedy Kaufman A-List Magazine Winner Corrine Coats Pop Quiz Winner Cori Kitchen
Kelly Kennedy Kaufman
Enchanted Forest Patricia Henson Connie Seaton Kathy Thomas Tisha Fuentes Wine Fest Linda Luevano Renee Candelaria Stuff We Like Winners Country Apple Melody Popel Apricot Lane Joseph Reza Stuff We Like Vault #1 Robert Olea
Tisha Fuentes
Marco Barba
14 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield
In & Around B•Town
By the Numbers 9.1 23 48 103 1,440 450,000
Miles of railroad constructed for the Red Rock Railroad in 1909 Zip codes in Bakersfield Height you must be (in inches) to ride slides at McMurtrey Aquatic Center Age to which John Housley, the county’s last Spanish-American War veteran, lived Smith’s smiley-face cookies baked each day
Cost of building Hotel El Tejon in 1926
Sources: Historic Chronology of Kern County; www.co.kern.ca.us; Smith Family Bakery; www.bakersfieldswim.us
E M I T Z I U Q P O P ying up
stud must have been lright, folks. You pop because our last e tim no quiz took you to solve. e It’s time to mak t this little contes a bit harder.
A
Take a gander at this picture. ur It’s time to test yo rsfield ke Ba knowledge of ink you’ve th u landmarks. If yo ail us at got it pegged, em rsfieldcomments@bake your magazine.net with d win a $30 guess. You coul o’s. gift card to Russ Good luck!
We Goofed... The rights for the photos in the Haggard Longboards story, which ran in the Fall 2010 issue of Bakersfield Magazine, belong to Holly Carlyle Photography, and were mistakenly run without the owner’s permission. Bakersfield Magazine regrets the error.
www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Health 2010 15
Kern Facts Record Purse, $45 Curl Up & Dye Salon & Boutique 1416 18th St. (661) 324-6989
Benjamin Adams, “Charlize” heels, $369 Ladies & Gents Bridal 124 Oak St. (661) 325-7911
stuff we like
Desigual Lucillia Sweater, $179 Tatyana’s Spa Fusion 3615 Coffee Rd. (661) 829-5926
Nambé Morphik Cheese & Crackers Bowl, $260 Hampton Place Interiors 4901 Stockdale Hwy. (661) 834-9444
Swarovski Rose & Bee Bracelet, $75 La ti Da Salon & Boutique 2025 18th St. (661) 631-1112
Cool
New Contest!
Read our “Stuff W e Like” blog at bakersfieldmagaz ine.net to get all the details on how you can win $50 Gift Cert ificates to the places we’ ve featured.
Vintage Lacquered Chair, $600 (pair) Roger Upton Design 1221 18th St. (661) 327-2902 16 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield
Napco Garden Angel, $60 Log Cabin 800 19th St. (661) 327-8646
©istockphoto.com/lisegagne
People • Places • Events
Shebang! B
ack when Gidget was on the big screen and the conflict in Vietnam was heating up, rock music was spreading like wildfire and giving everyone a reason to do the twist. American Bandstand was a huge hit—allowing teenagers the chance to dance uninhibited to the latest rock music. Naturally, other musical variety shows would crop up over the next decade, including one filmed right here in Bakersfield... Like American Bandstand, this show, appropriately called Shebang, was produced by Dick Clark, who wanted to recreate the success of AB on the West Coast. Two things stood in his way of filming in Los Angeles: cost and size. Clark and crew would need a large enough studio to accommodate swarms of dancing teens (who would be bussed in from around the state) and the musical acts scheduled to appear. And they needed to do it on the cheap. So, sometime in the early ‘60s, KERO was contacted and agreed to host the show. “We had the largest floor space in our studio outside of the major net-
works on the West Coast,” said Larry Edwards, who served as cameraman and video editor for KERO at the time (he would later go on to become production manager). “We built what looked like a large record out of steel and that’s what the kids would dance on.” Around 80 episodes were filmed during the mid’60s, always on Saturdays, when teens and host Kasey Kasem would flood the studio. Cameramen shot footage all day long of dancers and performers, and when they wanted footage of the teens’ feet while they danced, they set the cameras on cola cans. The night of filming, Edwards would stay up editing the footage together. Once it was ready, it would be broadcast on KTLA. It seems like tedious work, but Edwards said it was a hoot to be a part of, even though some guests, like Sonny and Cher (in one of their first performances) weren’t his cup of tea. Clark ultimately wanted to film in color, and, at the time, KERO shot only in black and white, so Shebang filming was moved to another city. “Working in TV in the old days was a kick. It was the golden days of television.”
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www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Health 2010 17
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Kern Facts
All Aboard
W
e kept trying to come up with ingenious ways to begin this Kern Fact about our local Amtrak route without making the “chugga-chugga-choo-choo” sound, but, alas, there was no avoiding it. That little introduction was so we could make sure that you knew the San Joaquin route, which connects Bakersfield to Sacramento and Oakland, is the fifth busiest in the nation. That’s right, the nation. That means a whole heck-of-a-lot of people are taking the train, either for business or leisure, in our neck of the woods. Even more good news is on the horizon for our local route. Since we have one of the busiest routes, the Federal Railroad Administration has given grants to CalTrans so that some state lines, including the San Joaquin, will be renovated (with a new locomotive and new rail cars)! Additionally, we are happy to announce that complimentary copies of Bakersfield Magazine are now available on the passenger cars for riders’ reading pleasure. So be prepared for a more luxurious ride. And if you’ve never experienced the feeling of riding the rails, it’s high time you did. Source: Central Valley Business Times
Source: Central Valley Business Times Kugel Ball Fountain at Bakersfield’s Amtrak Station.
18 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield
©istockphoto.com/natsmith/pkazmercyk
THE
Going Cuckoo? I
f you’ve ever wondered why you hear birds chirping when you’re stopped at certain intersections around town, rest assured, you’re not cuckoo. You are hearing a cuckoo, though. There are several intersections around town that have audible beaconing crosswalks set up for those who are visually impaired. For most of us, when that glowing “walk” sign lights up, we know it’s safe to cross. But for someone who is blind, there is no way of knowing. Thankfully, audible beaconing was created for just that purpose—to allow those who are visually impaired to cross safely and retain their independence. So, at these special intersections, an electronicallyproduced cuckoo’s chirp is timed to
G A L L E R Y
SAN JOAQUIN COMMUNITY HOSPITAL
‘Tis the Season for Christmas Shopping
sound out while the “walk” sign is on and indicates which side of the road is safe to cross. Naturally, they’re at the busier intersections including California and Stockdale; Gosford and White; and Coffee and Hagemen; with the latter two intersections being the most recent additions. Still, the next time you’re sitting at a red light, you’ll know why you’re hearing birds but not seeing them.
At some intersections, electronically-produced cuckoo chirps sound out while the “walk” sign is on!
Did you win? W
e know that the first thing you do when you get your magazine is check for the A-List Contest. You want to see if your name has been selected to appear below, because that means you have a chance to win a $100 gift certificate to a great local restaurant. That is, if you email us at Alesha Hixon Claudia Casagrande Alysia Wilson Amberly Haney
alist@bakersfieldmagazine.net and tell us you’ve spotted your name. This time, we’re offering up a gift certificate to Valentien so be sure to search the list of A-List names below for yours. And if you aren’t an A-Lister, what have you been waiting for? Sign up at bakersfieldmagazine.net today.
Brian Conner Richard Kuhn Dennis Duffy Dianna Gambill
Greg May Hatasu Tankersley Timothy Powers Bernie Flores
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www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Health 2010 19
Kern Facts
Local
expressions
M
aking a sculpture out of aluminum foil might seem unconventional, but for a nine-year-old from Quebec, it was a window into the world of art. At least that’s how it was for Juliana Bernier Dooley. “I was very limited with what I could work with, but I just knew I needed to [create],” she said, sitting casually in her Bakersfield art studio, which also functions as a gallery for local artists and a classroom for those who want to learn new art forms. “I worked with whatever I could get my hands on.” This persistence and love of creating has never left her. As Dooley grew as an artist, and traveled to the United States, she began experimenting with other mediums including glass and bronze. By the 1970s, she was working in stained glass, but always made sure to include something unique and three-dimensional in her work...like the lid of a crystal candy bowl. “I then went from threedimensional glass pieces back to sculpture,” Dooley explained of her work’s transition. “Hot glass is, by far, my favorite medium to work with [when I sculpt].” Throughout the ‘80s and ‘90s, she traveled extensively while working with museums, visiting England, Egypt, Panama, and French Polynesia. For an artist with an incredible appreciation for other cultures, these trips were quite inspirational. Between expeditions, she called Texas home. It was there that Dooley continued to sculpt and receive invitations to exhibit her work in renowned galleries and state-wide art shows. Not to mention, she spent five years restoring a 1904 Cotton Gin and turning it into an art center and studio. “I always saw art as an outlet,” Dooley explained. “And it’s surreal. You can bring people outside of their normal limits and blur reality with a sculpture.” It’s this reason why Dooley loves to
work with shards of glass and add them to her sculptures. “The response from people is dramatic. Sometimes they’re baffled...and I love being able to baffle people with art. It forces them to follow the dots and connect with the piece on a level they’re not used to,” she added. “I consider it ‘dangerous art.’ ” ‘Dangerous art’ it certainly is. A sculpture she did of The Madonna (not the singer), included a necklace comprised of shards of glass. “But what I teach in my classes is that there is a certain way to work with glass,” Dooley said. “I take away the fear people have when it comes to glass. It’s wonderful to see the look on a student’s face when they realize they can make art with something we are usually afraid to touch.” That’s another way Dooley gets to the emotions behind works of art. “Making art is highly emotional,” she added. “When I’m sculpting, I want to bring out emotions of the piece. I want students to feel that emotional connection, as well.” It’s one reason she was so adamant to continue running a gallery when she moved to Bakersfield in 2003. “It’s in my soul to encourage everyone who wants to become an artist. And to keep them from feeling blocked by the ‘status quo’ of how people view art,” Dooley said, with fierce passion in her eyes. “I’d love to find a larger studio to accommodate all the work I’d like to do. I have so many sculptures that are whirling around in my head that want to be made.” But Dooley is modest about her work and maintains that she can’t take complete credit for her creations. “I am a highly spiritual person, but I’m always surprised at what comes out of these hands,” she said, holding her palms out in front of her body and smiling.
20 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield
Juliana Bernier Dooley
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Kern Facts • H i s t o ry
t i db i t •
An Apple a Day more...
&
the doctor hey say an apple a day keeps were ready away. Well, according to our history, we ty, California, to test that theory. In History of Kern Coun by Wallace M. Morgan, it is said... vation of “Tehachapi is especially adapted to the culti s fruits of that apples, pears, cherries, and other deciduou a stock and character. Tehachapi’s metamorphosis from began in 1910 grain country to a fruit-growing district well, installed when B. M. Denison sunk a thirteen-inch s [of] Bartlett a pumping plant, and planted forty acre supply and the pears. The evidences of an ample water ed other vengrowth made by the young trees encourag ards about the tures, and, at [that] time, the young orch mountain town [made] an imposing display. ing, it may As this book is designed mainly for future read aisement on be well to leave the future to put its own appr developments the permanent value of the experiments and been the means recounted. Suffice it to say that they have al and hortiof awakening a new interest in the agricultur of raising the cultural development of the county, and also almost immarket value of arid plain and mesa lands from $100 per acre.” perceptible figures to anywhere from $20 to as imposing. The status of fruit-growing in 1913 was just county horti“Figures collected by Kent S. Knowlton, 000 fruit trees in cultural commissioner, show a total of 444, h, 121,500 are the county, in the summer of 1913. Of whic acres of grape bearing and 322,500 are non-bearing. [935 bearing.] vines were also planted, 600 of which were greatly since The acreage in grape vines has fallen off n large numthe early days of the Rosedale colony, whe ill success bers of raisin vineyards were planted. The of low pricof the Rosedale colonists and years of grapes, es for raisins discouraged the raising is in sight and no great extension of this industry ing to the front at present. Oranges and apples are forg apple and pear as the county’s leading fruits...Most of the the bulk of the trees are in the Tehachapi country, and orange trees are around Edison and Delano.”
T
Looks like that grape prediction was slightly off!
PHOTOS COURTESY fir0002/Abhijit Tembhekar
22 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield
by Wallace M. Morgan. Source: History of Kern County, California California, 1914. es, Angl Los , Historic Record Company
Skilled Hands
“ Tossing Twine ” By Matthew Martz
F
elix lopez has more than just a few tricks up his sleeve. Following in the footsteps of his childhood hero, 1950s cowboy roping legend Montie Montana, Lopez’s personality spins as fast as his ropes and cracks as loud as his bullwhips. Outside his job as a lead custodian for the Fruitvale School District, the 40-year old son of Mexican immigrants is also a World Champion fancy trick roper who has wrangled his way into the hearts of thousands, including past presidents, rock stars, movie stars, and foreign dignitaries. Growing up in Los Angeles, Lopez learned roping by studying his father and friends. However, it wasn’t until the age of 21 that this rootin’ tootin’ buckaroo would actually twirl his first twine. “My father used to do a little roping and we would go to the rodeo every Sunday,” said Lopez, bedecked in his black Stetson and handsome gabardine western shirt. “I liked all the events, but somehow rop-
ing just got into me, and as I got older, I knew it was something I wanted to do.” By 1993, he had already won more than a few competitions and awards, including 1993 Rookie of the Year. However, his crowning achievement would not come until 1995 when he would battle with the best in Zacatecas, Mexico, winning 1st place and the esteemed title of World Champion. “God blessed me with that opportunity,” Lopez explained. “I was able to compete with some of the best trick ropers in the world, and winning really got me recognized.” The lasso is a well-known tool of American cowboys, who developed roping to catch animals and then eventually to compete in friendly competitions. Unlike regular rodeo roping, fancy trick roping is a fascinating and unique art in the sense that few have mastered it. “Since trick roping is not a sport you see every day, people get excited when they see it,” Lopez said with a smile. “Especially the children, and immediately, they want to try it.” With an almost effortless and seamless motion of his wrist, he whirls a continuous loop. “It’s all about position and timing,” he instructs. “If you don’t get into the right position to move to the next step, then you blow it. You need to have good physical and mental conditioning and lots of discipline.” Performances vary in length and consist of various maneuvers or “tricks.” Lopez’s seemingly endless repertoire of tricks includes the Texas Skip, where he hops through a swirling lasso, and
the Butterfly, where a vertical loop is passed from one side of the body to the other. “One of the big misconceptions is that you need a trick rope,” says Lopez carefully pulling out one of his unique lassos from its protective case that resembles an insulated pizza delivery jacket. “In the American rodeos, they use a
fundraisers, and many parades. “As a kid I would hear tales about the Wild West, but they were like stories from another world,” Lopez said with a glint in his eye. “I never thought I would ever be a professional cowboy.” These days Lopez performs with his 12-year-old son Moses, and seems more than satisfied teaching would-be trick ropers
“It’s all about position and timing. If you don’t get into the right position to move to the next step, then you blow it.” –Felix Lopez soft or medium polystring rope. This is similar, but stiffer.” Like a master craftsman, Lopez skillfully prepares each one of his ropes by hand, carrying on a tradition that took root in the 1800s. He has also kept that art alive by jumping through loops for television commercials, several Wild West celebrations,
to carry on the art by appearing in the annual Pasadena Rose and Hollywood Christmas Parades as well as other Western events and fundraisers. “No more competitions for me,” Lopez said assuredly. “I’ve competed with the best in the world. Now my job is to teach and demonstrate the beauty of fancy trick roping to others.”
www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Health 2010 23
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24 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield
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1
Erica Perez, 28 Occupation: Financial Advisor/ Jewelery Store Manager Are you a Bakersfield Native? I was born in Arizona. But I moved here when I was eight, so I consider myself a native. Is there a beauty product that you absolutely can’t live without? I’m a girl and you can’t expect me to answer this question with just one product. Black eyeliner, fake eyelashes, mascara, lipgloss is a must, moisturizer, perfume... I can go on but you’d run out of space. Do you think Bakersfield has a style? I think it’s mixed like any other place. Girls tend to put a little more thought and effort into our style than some of the local guys. Describe your personal style. Girly and stylish. I’m definitely a heels girl—it’s rare that I take them off. How long does it usually take you to get ready in the morning? I have a little girl and a husband so that’s three people I have to worry about in the morning. I would say about an hour and a half (and I’m being generous). Is there a celebrity or person in your life you get your style from? No one in particular, but I like to keep my eye on what celebrities and fashion icons are wearing when I’m browsing through magazines. What are you wearing? The shoes are Steve Madden, the pant suit is INC., and the pink shirt is Forever 21. Both the earrings and necklace are Burlington and the ring is from Roco Jewelers. My watch is Dooney and Bourke.
Does your style change when you are not at work? Not much. I still keep my heels, but I will dress it down a little with some jeans. How do you personalize your ‘business’ look? With color and accessories. It’s the simplest way to add a personal touch. What are your favorite places to shop in Bakersfield? Rags & Riches, Marshalls, and House of Talula. What is your favorite item of clothing? Shoes and accessories. I have too many pieces of jewelery to even count. Sometimes I will forget I have a certain necklace or pair of earrings and will end up buying them again. What is the biggest fashion mistake you have made? I think my high school years were a fashion mistake. I was such a tomboy. T-shirts, jeans, and tennis shoes. Are you a bargain hound? I sure am. I’m always looking for a good buy! What mistakes do you think men make when they dress? Dirty shoes and wrinkly clothes. There is no reasonable excuse to be walking around with dirty shoes!
FASHION TIP: Keep an eye on what the celebrities and fashion icons wear.
www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Health 2010 25
26 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield
!
Versatility and talent go hand in hand.
CITIZEN KERN
Personal Stats: Name: Lucinda Sue Crosby Age: She’ll never tell Birthplace: Pasadena, CA
How she got started: When your mother is RKO actress Linda Hayes and your father is Lawrence Welk announcer Lou Crosby, there are quite a few doors opened for you at a young age. Crosby, never one to take anything for granted, tried them all. While she fell in love with the written word at a young age, she took the natural step into acting as a youngster before taking up tennis in school, which turned out to be something at which she excelled and created an avenue for meeting people who would introduce her to new careers.
Her heroes: As an author, she admires Steig Larsson and Fannie Flagg, among many others. The main character of her novel is based on her grandmother, so Crosby maintains her grandmother is a major heroine in her life. But she would be remiss if she didn’t mention the influence her godfather, Roy Rogers, had on her life. “He was a very loving man,” Crosby said.
meet
‘‘
Crosby
[When writing] I get to be God, and introduce the reader to a whole world of people.
Her favorite part of the industry: After meeting Vince Gill and legendary Nashville songwriter Carl Jackson in 1996, Crosby sent a song to Jackson who soon gave her a writing contract. But that love of writing songs became a love of writing stories. That longtime love of books culminated with the publication of her first novel, Francesca of Lost Nation. “[When writing] I get to be God,” Crosby said of creating her characters. “And I get to introduce them to a whole world of people.”
‘‘
Career highlights: While working as an actress in Hollywood, a friend of Crosby’s, who happened to be Arnold Palmer, wanted her to meet director Garry Marshall. Marshall would go on to cast her in seven of his films, including Pretty Woman. Those experiences left their mark on Crosby. Currently, having her first novel (17 years in the making) so critically praised has her on cloud nine.
Lucinda Sue
photos courtesy of Lucinda Sue crosby except cary grant, Public domain
Title: Actress, Songwriter, Author, Environmental Educator
What she’d still like to accomplish: For a woman who met Cary Grant at a young age, you’d think she’d be content to just sit back and relax. But Crosby met Grant as a teenager during her days as a tennis champ, and she hasn’t slowed down. She’s working on a children’s book right now, but would love to continue writing fiction and, ultimately, get to a point where she can lecture up—and—coming writers about the craft.
www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Health 2010 27
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800.314.6243 28 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield
By Chris Livingston
Rabbit Roundup
By Chris Livingston
w PHOTOS COURTESY kern county library
hen I was a grad student, a colleague of mine told me about an interesting theory he had. He believed that as the population of jack rabbits declined during the late 1800s, the incidence of malaria cases in humans increased. He theorized that mosquitoes preferred to feast on rabbits rather than humans, so with the decrease in the rabbit population, more and more people were infected with malaria. My research led me to two interesting observations. First, the decline in the rabbit population can be attributed to a common occurrence in Kern County: the rabbit drive, where people would chase rabbits into a fenced in area and club them to death. The other observation was that within 25 years of the onset of rabbit drives in the area, the people of Kern County found it necessary to establish a mosquito control district.
Kern County's ''Hare-Raising'' Battle rious question in California, Colorado, Idaho, Oregon, and Utah. While the rabbit drive became a necessity for farmers, it was a common practice for Native Americans. Rabbit drives originated with the Mission Indians of California where they perfected the art of capturing large numbers of jack rabbits with nets. They would surround their prey and drive them into a netted enclosure where the rabbits were clubbed to death. In 1839, Townsend’s Narrative of a Journey across the Rocky Mountains described this practice: To do this, some one or two hundred Indians, men, women, and children, collect and inclose [sic] a large space with a slight net, about 5 feet wide, made of hemp; the net is kept in a vertical position by pointed sticks attached to it and driven into the ground. These sticks are placed about 5 or 6 feet apart, and at each one an Indian is stationed with a short club in his hand. After these arrangements are completed, a large number of Indians enter the circle, and beat the bushes in every direction. The frightened hares dart off toward the nets, and, in attempting to pass, are knocked on the head and secured. After the hunt, the rabbits would be used for food and often their skins would be made into clothing. The practice of rabbit drives appears to have been adopted by farmers in the San Joaquin Valley in 1882. Palmer observes that the Tulare County town of Tipton had a rabbit drive that year, however, they were not really popular until late 1887 which coincided with the population boom that brought more eastern settlers into the valley. Indeed, between 1890 and 1900 stories about rabbit drives appeared frequently in the Daily Californian. The practice >>
Rabbit drives were not unique to Kern County. In fact, they were organized in communities all over the western United States. So what exactly is a rabbit drive and what was its purpose? In 1909, Theodore Sherman Palmer, writing for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, noted that: The damage done to crops by rabbits has been illustrated very forcibly during recent years by the losses sustained by farmers and orchardists in the arid regions of the West through the depredations of the large native hares, or jack rabbits. The introduction of irrigation and the cultivation of large tracts of land have favored the increase of rabbits in several states by furnishing a new source of food supply. To such an extent have their depredations increased that the extermination of jack rabbits has become a seŠ
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www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Health 2010 29
Rabbit Roundup
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was probably adopted because it was the most efficient means to control the rabbit population at the time. Here in Kern County, rabbit drives were held from Delano to Weedpatch, and Rosedale to Caliente. In the December 31, 1895 edition of the Daily Californian an announcement read “The pony races, the rabbit drive down in the Weed Patch [sic] and a ball in the evening are the most prominent events for to-morrow [sic].” Most often these drives were held on Saturdays. In 1891, a May event was announced in the Daily Californian inviting everyone to Delano for a rabbit drive and barbecue. Fifteen hundred pounds of beef was cooked. The Tulare Shotgun and Rifle Club made an appearance and a “large crowd from Bakersfield” was in attendance. Over in Rosedale Colony, two weeks later, a three-day rabbit drive was held. The event organizers acknowledged the possible inhuman act of “killing the harmless looking bunnies,” but
Dr. C. A. Morris, the County Health Officer to see to it that a petition was circulated calling for the establishment of a Mosquito Abatement District. Dr. Morris announced in The Bakersfield Californian that it would be necessary to gather signatures of 10 percent of the voters before the petition would be given to the Board of Supervisors. Potential signatories were informed that the district would include forty-eight square miles but may be extended “from the river north of the bluffs west to the Standard Oil tanks on the state highway, thence south to near the Stine school and thence north to the river” (April 14, 1916). At the same time, Dr. Morris, along with George Voll of the Mosquito Abatement District Committee, went to the Bakersfield City Council seeking their participation in the district. The council passed a resolution to join the district and the following month Dr. Morris presented it to the Board of Supervisors. It took Dr. Morris some time to get the re-
Although the damage done to crops by rabbits warranted the “Rabbit Drives,” within 25 years of their onset, Kern County found it necessary to establish a mosquito control district. reminded the people that it “is astonishing how quick pity subsides” when one witnesses the destruction the “bunny” hands down to a young orchard or vineyard. The event was viewed as a success as the death count of jack rabbits was 1,200. At any given rabbit drive, the number of exterminated could be anywhere from 500-1,200 rabbits. So this leaves the question of whether the decline in the rabbit population led to an increase in malaria cases in humans. This is very difficult to determine and I will leave that to the scientists. What I have found, however, is that by 1915, there was a push in Kern County to establish control over the mosquito population. By 1916, The Bakersfield Californian stressed how serious the mosquito problem really was. An editorial that ran in the April 10, 1916 edition noted that since the previous fall there had been a lot of “talk” from officials to cure “the mosquito evil.” It goes on to point out that “now the warm springtime is here, the breeding places of mosquitoes are undisturbed and already the air is alive with the pests.” The citizens of Kern County were tired of waiting. This bureaucratic delay on the part of the County Board of Supervisors compelled
30 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield
quired support for the petition, but on July 17, 1916, he presented 1,110 signatures to the Board of Supervisors. He also presented the resolution the Bakersfield City Council had just adopted. The Supervisors voted to include the city of Bakersfield in the district but the vote on the establishment of a district was put off until the next day. The Bakersfield Californian announced on Tuesday, July 18, that the Board of Supervisors “acted favorably” on establishing a mosquito control district. The Board also decided to name it “The Doctor Morris Mosquito Abatement District” because of his efforts to make the district a reality. While the rabbit drives were successful in controlling the population, they did not totally eradicate them. There are two things particularly noteworthy about these drives. First, they were a practical solution for the time aiding farmers in protecting their crops which were extremely vital to the valley. They were also a vital component in maintaining a tight knit community, a characteristic still visible today. The establishment of the mosquito abatement district reinforces these observations and demonstrates how this community faces problems head on and answers them with practical solutions. v
What’s it like to be a
Condor? By Charlie Durgin Photos by Summit Photography
hockey. It’s a big deal in Bakersfield. Just visit Rabobank Arena on any
given game night, and you’ll realize it gets pretty hot out there on the ice. There are rubber pucks, made rock-hard by time spent in a freezer, scooting across the ice faster than a sports car but slower than a bullet. Although, if one hits you, say on the back of your un-padded legs, you’d swear it was fired from a gun. But the puck isn’t the only hard thing in the game. There are majestic wrecks of bodies, disarmingly called “checks”; fist fights, collisions into the boards, and the requisite injuries that come with that kind of action. There are arduous practices for players often just beginning—or barely hanging on to—a career as professional athletes at a level that isn’t as glamorous or well-paid as the big leagues. Why do some people do it? More importantly, what does it really feel like to play the game? You don’t need to risk your teeth to find out. Bakersfield Magazine captured the words and feelings of the players themselves as they share what its like to fly high—and sometimes low—as a Bakersfield Condor.
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO CRUSH SOMEBODY MID~ICE?
Defenseman Erik Burgdoerfer will strike any opponent with an exposed puck.
Answered by Erik Burgdoerfer “You see a guy exposed with the puck, and [you] just thrive on that. “The first thing in your mind is to separate him from the puck, and the second thing is to make him think twice before he comes around again. “You drop your knees, drop your shoulder, and explode into him as hard as you can. If you can skate through him, great. If not, that’s why you spend summers in the gym.” What’s it like in the tunnel before the game? “It’s mixed emotions, really. Everyone likes to do their own thing. Some chat, some are serious, and there are some guys cracking jokes. “Everyone deals with nerves in their own way, and it’s really about containing the excitement.” >> www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Health 2010 31
condors BEING THE GOALIE IN A GAME~ENDING SHOOTOUT SITUATION
Answered by Josh Tordjman “It’s exciting and fun, but it’s really instinct taking over because it’s something you practice on a daily basis...when you are thinking a lot about things—that’s not very important—you’ve got to let it flow and things will happen by themselves. “Sure, it helps to know the guys taking the shots, and teammates will share tendencies of players. Most guys have two moves they use [to fool the goalie], and when you’re aware of them, it’s a big advantage. We had guys on last year’s team who could call out every guy’s move in the shootout before he did it.” What about if you win it all for the team…or lose it all? “It’s not fun to play the whole game and have it basically come down to a skills competition, but you do everything you can to win. “I say ten minutes. You either enjoy it for ten minutes, or dwell on it for ten minutes. But we have long seasons, so you can’t dwell for too long. You really have to take it one game at a time, and you can’t let yourself get too high or too low, it’s best to be even keeled.”
Goalie Josh Tordjman has a total of 324 saves in the 2010-2011 Condors regular season.
32 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield
Answered by Erick Lizon “My job is protecting the team from cheap hits, dirty play, and over-aggressiveness towards our best players. “After I see something happen, I’ll jump on the ice...sometimes with or without the coach’s direction. I’ll skate over to the guy and let him know that I want to fight, and he’ll either drop the gloves, or he’ll say he doesn’t want to. “Guys will sometimes decline to fight because they just don’t feel like it. It’s a job. And just like you don’t always want to get out of bed and go to work, sometimes guys don’t feel like fighting. “Once it begins, I’m not afraid. The worst thing that can happen is a broken nose. I’ve been in about 100 fights and I’ve won more than I’ve lost. I’ve been knocked down, but never ‘one-punched.’ And every time I’ve fought, I’ve made a point: don’t play dirty, don’t play like an idiot when you are playing against the Condors.”
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Erick Lizon, right wing, isn’t afraid to take a hit to protect his team.
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WHAT’S IT LIKE TO BE ON THE RECEIVING END OF A HUGE HIT?
Answered by Jean-Marc Beaudoin “Oh jeez...it hurts a little bit. But it’s part of the game. It’s a physical game, and, of course, you’ll get injured, and that’s part of the fun and part of the craziness of the game. “The worst is when you are looking back for a pass, and they Jean-Marc Beaudoin get a clean shot at you. “You’ll get a ‘crunch’ of your bones rattling, or sometimes it’s more of a thump, and you get winded. It’s not a good feeling. >> www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Health 2010 33
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Marty Raymond, now in his sixth year as head coach, knows his players put their blood, sweat, and tears on the ice.
“But that’s why you have a tough guy like Lizon looking out for you, because I’m a littler guy.” [Beaudoin, generously listed as 5-10, is 185 pounds.]
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO TELL A PLAYER HE’S DONE?
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Answered by Coach Marty Raymond “It’s a disappointment; it’s the toughest thing to do in life. You have to be honest, and you really hope they understand, and you go right to the heart of the matter, but it’s never easy. “It’s not always the player’s fault. Maybe he’s just not the right fit for the team, and it’ll work out better someplace else. Maybe there isn’t room because the (parent) organization has moved a player onto your roster. “I remember canning a popular player for missing curfew. He was shocked and the rest of the team was shocked, but we won eight games in a row afterward. Was it the right decision? I don’t know...I can’t second guess. “But it’s just like kids, if you don’t follow through with rule enforcements, they start thinking they can do whatever they want. “My wife says I care too much about guys who aren’t even on our team anymore. If I know a guy won’t make it with us, I’ll try to find him another job. “But I like to think if it was my son, someone would be looking out…and these are young guys, and sometimes they have families and kids, and that’s my biggest weakness, by far the toughest part of the job. “There’s nothing simple about letting a human being go...you really gotta think about it.” So, who’s ready to step out on the ice now? v
R I S K T A K E R S
Fresh out of college and ready to make a mark on the world, the bridge to a fulfilling, successful future came in the form of a wing and a prayer.
Crunch Time By Tracie Grimes
im Terrio knew he was taking a pretty big risk as he packed his duffle bag and prepared to hit the road to Bakersfield from his home in Montana. Montana was what he knew; where he’d been born and raised. But Tim was ready to leave his comfort zone and head further west to find what the future held for him as he accepted the position as trainer for the Bakersfield Dodgers. “I lived out of that duffle bag for two years,” Terrio said, pointing to his well-worn Dodger bag, now proudly displayed in a glass shadow box in his office. “I literally carried everything I owned in that bag with me everywhere I went.” Life as a Dodger trainer was like taking a ride on an economical rollercoaster, Terrio recalled. “One day, I’d be living in poverty, envying the people next to me in line at the grocery store because they were able to buy milk, [the next, I was] living ‘the good life’ at a beautiful resort when the team won the championship.” Baseball ended up being very, very good to Terrio, broadening his horizons as he left the big skies of Montana, and bringing him to the place where he’d meet his wife, Nancy, and raise their three kids, Nick, Brooke, and Luke. Working as a trainer for the Dodgers also allowed him to hone his skills as a physical therapist, and opened up some incredible educational and training opportunities. His stint with the Bakersfield Dodgers also gave him a glimpse at what our city had to offer; a warm, family-friendly atmosphere with plenty of potential for an up-and-coming physical therapist. “I left Bakersfield to complete my master’s degree at Indiana State, complete a research fellowship, and [receive] additional training down in Los Angeles, and then Nancy and I decided that we really wanted to come back to Bakersfield. Nick had come along by then and we just couldn’t see raising our family down in L.A. So we came back and I took a position at Novacare (now HealthSouth) as manager of their outpatient therapy department.” After working at Novacare, Terrio spent a couple of years working at Glinn and Giordano. It was through his experiences at both organizations that Terrio Never one to just dip his toe in the water, Tim had really expanded not only on his knowledge of exactly 19 days to get things up and running how to run an outpatient therapy clinic, but how to run a business. So he decided to before he could open Terrio Therapy! take another big risk. Never one to just dip his toe in the water or start out slowly, Terrio signed a lease and had exactly 19 days to do construction, buy the equipment, and get things up and running before he could open Terrio Therapy. The wheels were in motion and there was no going back now, so he and Nancy took another risk by taking out a second mortgage on their home to “get what we could get” with their limited funds. >> www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Health 2010 35
Risktakers
“We did all the labor ourselves with our friends, family, and kids— anyone we could talk into helping us—working to piecemeal everything together. We needed to get those doors open fast so we could start seeing patients.” It was a nerve-wracking time for the Terrios, he admitted, not having a guaranteed monthly salary coming in, taking out money on his home, and putting this enormous effort into something that may or may not work out. But it was a risk Terrio felt he was ready to take. With the paint dried and the equipment in place, Terrio Therapy opened its first clinic location on Olive Drive in January 1998. And they needed to hit the ground running because, as Terrio recalled, if “this thing didn’t start moving quickly, we weren’t going to be in good shape. “We needed at least 100 visits a week just to break even,” he explained. “I remember asking our receptionist (who was a family friend and volunteered for the job, by the way) every time I walked by, ‘any calls today?’ I really needed that phone to start ringing, so I started pounding the pavement, visiting doctors to let them know we were up and running. Most of the doctors in town already knew me because I’d been in town for a while, so referrals started coming in.” And now, almost 13 years later, Terrio Therapy, which started with one location, six employees, and a volunteer receptionist praying for 400 treatments a month, has grown to encompass 12 clinics, and over 180 employees giving 6,700 to 7,000 treatments per month. “It’s weird the way business has been coming to us,” Terrio added, with a note of disbelief in his voice. “First GEMCare asked us to take over all their therapy in 2000, then HealthSouth asked us to take over therapy in Tehachapi, and Memorial asked us to take over their rehabilitation therapy in 2005.” And with each new area of growth came a need for expansion. Terrio Therapy soon grew to encompass five locations. “At that point, I wanted to slow things down for a while and intentionally tried not to grow. It’s a very expensive habit, growing a business,” Terrio said, smiling, “but it was like we had created a monster.” Demand for services didn’t allow Terrio to “slow things down for a while” and it was soon apparent that Terrio Therapy needed more space. “When a clinic starts approaching 80 to 90 percent capacity, it’s time to add another location, so we went where the demand was greatest and opened up clinics in Rosedale, Riverlakes, and on Truxtun. We also opened up The Edge sports facility in Rosedale because our fitness facility at The Marketplace was getting too busy.” Expansion seems to be a way of life at Terrio Therapy, which even through the dark days of recession continues to see a 20 to 25 percent annual growth rate. And this continual climb got Terrio thinking. Again. “In 2009 I started to wonder, ‘Well, what now? Is this it?’ ” Terrio reflected. “I looked at what we had created, the way we’d figured out a way to make a lot of facilities run smoothly, looked at my staff, and said, ‘think you guys could run things without me?’ ” It was time to take another risk and Terrio was prepared to hit the road again, this time with more than just a beat-up, old duffle bag. Fresno was where Tim was headed, opening up The Edge facility, a 24,000 square foot training facility, along with a therapy clinic. And he’s not stopping there. Pulling out a map of Fresno, Terrio points to underserved areas of town and explains he plans to expand Terrio Therapy in these areas. Some of it works, some of it doesn’t, said Terrio, who proclaims himself a “reluctant entrepreneur” who gets to dream and create all day long. “But as long as some of it works, it’s all good. And it sure beats living out of a duffle bag.” v
36 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield
10
$
©istockphoto.com/miflippo
or less
Cheap Eats As any foodie will tell you, a craving for good stir-fry can’t wait until payday. That desire for a steak sandwich isn’t going to go away just because you’re low on funds. So what’s a person to do when they’ve only got a $10 bill but a big appetite? Easy! Keep reading. We’ve scoured the city (and the frying pan) for the best places to grab a bite for a little green. They’re the hotspots to hit with a 10-spot, if you will.
Big Taste • Small Price
Now that’s something you can sink your teeth in to. www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Health 2010 37
Cheap Eats Luigi’s 725 E. 19th St. This place has been around for a century. That might say a thing or two about the food and service at Luigi’s. It’s great. The lunch crowd at this joint is legendary, so there’s usually a wait, but no wait is too long when you know you are about to enjoy the savory Pasta Bolognese. Fresh ingredients make up this rich, Italian flavorful dish that’s served with a side of antipasti (salami, cheese, peperoncini, and marinated carrot) for only $8.95. That’s the large size, too!
Village Grill 2809 F St. The inviting atmosphere at this place is just the start. With a hearty breakfast menu and a tasty lunch selection, there’s lots to sample. However, if you’re looking for something satisfying and succulent, look no further than the scrumptious French Dip Sandwich. You’ll get mounds of tender seasoned tri-tip served on fresh ciabatta bread for only $8.99. But the meal is not complete until you dive into one of their delicious sides, like a fresh salad, fries, soup, macaroni or potato salad, or seasonal fruits.
Chalet Basque Restaurant 200 Oak St. If you’re looking for a good “fill-me-up” place, Chalet Basque is your ticket. For over 43 years, they have been serving up traditional home-cooked Basque meals. Every meal comes with a family style set-up that will whet your appetite so much so that you probably won’t be able to make it to the main course. But trust us, their Lamb Chalet
(lamb!) is a must-try, served on soft sourdough bread with a side of fries and a blue cheese salad for $8.50. Can’t beat that.
Chalet Basque
Saigon 3113 Chester Ln. This quaint, little, family-owned restaurant is almost hidden in the corner of the shopping center on Oak Street and Chester Lane. One taste of their food, though, and you’ll never forget where this place is located again! The rich spices and traditional flavors of Saigon’s menu will tempt you time and time again. For just $7 (includes drink), sink your taste buds into the authentic flavors of a large bowl of Beef Pho. This will surely hit the spot as this dish is a comforting richly-seasoned beef broth ladled over rice noodles and thinly sliced beef.
Goose Loonies 1623 19th St. Goose Loonies is a great place to grab pub grub. The brick walls are a rustic touch while the menu is both varied and traditional. Options include superb sandwiches, tantalizing pizzas, spicy wings, and, of course, the Greek-inspired cuisine. Make the best of your lunch hour with the savory Gyro Sandwich with fries for just $10. The tender lamb and fresh Greek fixin’s will have your mouth watering long after your lunch is gone.
Alfonso’s 7800 White Ln. Add Alfonso’s to your list of fast, filling, and seriously good Mexican restaurants. We’ll cut right to the chase and warn you that although every
item on the menu is worth trying, once you try their tantalizing Super Fries, you’ll never want to order anything else. The fries are topped with fresh guacamole, shredded cheese, your choice of meat (asada, carnitas, or chicken) sour cream, beans, and their kicky salsa. All this savory goodness can be yours for only $7.
Frugatti’s 600 Coffee Rd. This has long been the kind of place that gives you the impression the owner’s Italian grandmother is back in the kitchen preparing the food. Come enjoy their lunch menu and savor the half sandwich (Turkey or Frugatti’s Special) plus cup of soup or salad and a drink for $8.99. Or if you want something with a little bite, order the Sausage Sandwich, a beast of a sandwich filled with Italian sausage, sautéed bell peppers, on-
ions, and topped with their zesty meat sauce and fresh parmesan cheese. It’s served with a green salad on the side for $8.99.
Jake’s Tex-Mex Cafe 1710 Oak St. The cafeteria-style dining allows you to see and select everything that goes on your plate, but the juicy smoked meats will have you holding up the lines as you ogle your choices. Try the roasted pit beef, mesquite smoked tri-tip, or garlic chicken—all mouth-watering. We like to get the Nachos! It’s your choice of tortilla chips or Fritos topped with perfectly-seasoned chili beans, your choice of meat, jack and cheddar cheeses, fresh made salsa, guacamole, and a sour cream and onion mix all for the great price of $8.99. You can also choose to have the Nachos with no meat for just $6.95.
The Grill Hut
Alfonso Restaura ’s nt
38 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield
Flame & Skewer
s
right off the rotisserie, topped with lettuce and tomato. The meal comes with a hefty side of fries or rice and a drink.
traditional item to try is the Soup and Salad Set-up for $7.50. You get a terrine of cabbage soup, beans, tangy salad greens, salsa, bread, and marinated tomatoes.
RedBrick Pizza
RJ’s
9500 Brimhall Rd. #301 Fire-roasted gourmet pizza is the name of the game here (and they’ve got amazing salads and creamy gelato on their menu, too). The crispy, crunchy crust comes courtesy of this place’s 1,000degree brick oven. The pizza is only cooked for three minutes, so you get your food fast (which we love!). Try the Personal Cheese Pizza. It’s only $7.50 and it comes with a regular size drink, to boot.
9440 Hageman Rd. #C It’s a place where everybody knows your name. Located in Northwest Bakersfield, RJ’s is a place for excellent food and a hot nightlife spot. And it’s a local establishment that puts a lot of thought into its dishes. It’s the type of quality you would find at an upscale place but without the upscale prices.They have some great daily lunch specials but we like “BBQ Thursday.” What do you get? Well, for $8.99, you get a basket of tender-cooked ribs (complete with a finger-lickin’ good sauce) and a side of coleslaw and crispy, seasoned fries.
The Garden Spot The Grill Hut 4120 Ming Ave. Located right across from Home Depot, The Grill Hut, even though small and unassuming, is ready to serve up some big flavors. Their food, as well as their prices, are going to totally impress you. For just $5 try a Slider Meal which comes with a drink and includes two perfectly-toasted French rolls and a serving of their juicy tri-tip. Or try the Tri-Tip Sandwich served on toasted Pyrenees bread and a garlic butter spread for just $7.99.
Just Wing It 4725 Panama Ln. #D4 This place has a reputation for flinging out some really delicious wings. Of course, they’re also known for making mouths around Bakersfield catch fire. On Fridays, you can show up and be a part of the Tear-jerker Hot Wing Challenge. The
brave souls who decide to take on the challenge have to finish 10 of their ridiculously-hot wings in under five minutes. But if crying while you eat is not part of the plan, you can always enjoy the Wing Combo. It’s 10 tender chicken wings covered in your choice of their tasty sauces (we like their sweeter sauces) and your choice of chips or fries for $9.99. It’s less than a buck a wing!
Flame & Skewers 5482 California Ave.; 1201 24th St. #C110 The giant shawarma rotisseries of chicken or beef will be the first thing to catch your eye when you visit this place. And you definitely want to visit to get a taste of the exotic flavors and scents of Mediterranean meals. Your taste buds will thank you. They have a great lunch special for only $6.99 that includes any of their shawarma sandwiches. That’s soft Pita bread covered with seasoned meat
3320 Truxtun Ave. #150 This is one of those places you can keep coming back to week after week. Not only because of the relaxing and quiet atmosphere with scenic murals on the walls and plenty of seating, but because of the freshness of all the salad fixin’s that are put out every day...not to mention the warm baked muffins and breads. The Garden Spot offers a heck of a deal: a soup and salad buffet for only $10, which includes a drink. They’ve got tons of traditional and not-so-traditional toppings to choose from for your garden salad, plus savory pasta salads, baked potatoes, pasta, and desserts. Be sure to try the Basque soup!
Red Pepper 2641 Oswell St. #G This place is mentioned a lot when it comes to fine Mexican dining (the extensive wine list helps), but the rich, traditional flavors and spices span the entire menu. There are several great items to try here for under $10, but $7.50 is all you need for a mouth-watering meal of Sope. It’s a small, corn masa cup filled with tender-cooked, seasoned carnitas and topped with shredded lettuce, pico de gallo, guacamole, and sour cream. It’s enough to fill you up without setting you back.
Brookside Riverlakes Market Deli
Fishlips
4700 Coffee Rd. This quaint deli is located inside Brookside Market on Coffee and Hageman and consistently offers high quality meats and breads. But that’s not the only reason we like them. Everything is fresh (and delicious) including all their salads and pastas. Stop by for lunch and with just $6.49, you’ll fill up with one of their specialty sandwiches, like the Brookside Club. It’s a toasted roll with mayo, avocado, lettuce or sprouts, tomato, onion, smoked turkey, and bacon.
1517 18th St. If you are a music lover, this is the place to be, period! But they also serve up some excellent eats which we’ve included in various issues over the years. Their burgers are without peer, but there are over 30 items on their menu under $10. So this is definitely the place to stop by with a 10-spot. For only $8, take a bite out of their Fish & Chips, four pieces of succulent, lightly battered and fried >>
Woolgrowers
The Garden Spot
620 E. 19th St. For those of us who’ve been in Bakersfield a long time, Basque cuisine is a comfort food. For those uninitiated, we hope you can make it to this treasure of a restaurant very soon. They’ve got great lunch specials for under $10, but a great www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Health 2010 39
Cheap Eats cod, a side of coleslaw, fries, and a drink. The Chicken Caesar Salad with fresh greens and grilled chicken is also a great choice for only $8... and that includes a drink!
Uricchio’s 1400 17th St. The romantic setting and that “small-town charm” at Uricchio’s is perfect for a date or a simple lunch gathering with friends. It’s the food that’ll really blow you away. Everything has that old-world authentic flavor...something that lures locals back time and time again. The entire town can be considered “regulars.” And with menu items like the Broiled Italian Sausage Sandwich (fresh panini bread filled with spicy sausage, mozzarella cheese, peppers, tomato sauce, and a soup or salad for only $8.95), it’s easy to see why this place is beloved by all.
Great Castle 410 Union Ave. For many years, Great Castle has been a staple for quality Chinese food in Bakersfield. Why, you ask? It’s because the flavors are traditional and the portions are incredible. After ordering, while you’re waiting for your main course, you can dine on Fried Noodles with a sweet Asian sauce. The menu is packed with delicious options but we suggest the Lemon Chicken and the Buddhist Delight (a light vegetarian dish). With $9.25, you can order their savory and spicy Kung Pow Chicken or Shrimp with fried rice, an egg roll, and soup.
Uricchio Restaura ’s nt Mauricio’s
6410 White Ln.; 10700 Rosedale Hwy. You will find nothing but a good time and good food here. They serve up delicious Mexican dishes for prices everyone will smile about. For $9.95, you’ve just got to try their Tostada. It’s a flour tortilla shaped like a bowl, filled to the brim with refried beans and your choice of ground beef, seasoned chicken, crab meat, or shrimp, and topped with lettuce, shredded cheese, tomato, sour cream, and fresh-made guacamole. It’s enough food to make the buttons pop off your shirt.
Desi Cafe 4837 Panama Ln. #A This is a fantastic place to savor the exotic flavors of the Middle East. And Bakersfield foodies have caught the scent in a big way. Desi Cafe has been open for roughly two years and their buffet has never disappointed. For $8.95 ($5.95 for kids), diners get to sample delicious, freshly-prepared Indian cuisine. Included in the price is a drink, fresh naan, and your choice of vegetarian or meat dishes, savory salads, and traditional desserts. We recommend loading up on the Chicken Tikka Masala.
Cope’s Knotty Pine Cafe 1530 Norris Rd. If your speeding east down Norris, then you might miss this place. That said, the crowd of people outside waiting to be seated might be a hint as to where the Knotty Pine Cafe is located. The food portions are definitely more than enough but every bite is so good, you will want
to keep eating. Just be warned you might walk out of there with a couple extra pounds. The lunch Chicken Fried Steak is a whole lot of food for the small price of $9.95, especially when you find out it comes with mashed potatoes and gravy and a side of either corn or fries.
El Portal 6641 Ming Ave.; 1100 Calloway Dr. #300 There’s no beating the value and the flavor at this local favorite (both locations). No matter when you go, you’ll be treated to great hospitality and a wide variety of Mexican favorites, including the Pollo Asada, any type of fajita, and their great lunch menu. At $6.95, the Chicken Salad is a very popular dish, as well as the Chile Verde Chimichanga, which is topped with a sa-
vory sauce, and garnished with guacamole, pico de gallo, and a heaping dollop of sour cream.
Tina Marie’s Cafe 2000 Chester Ave. It’s no secret that Tina Marie’s is one eyepopping and decorative diner. Driving down Chester you can’t miss the hot pink and black décor. And the Downtown Salad for $8.59 delivers a taste you’ll want to share: your choice of grilled or crispy chicken, fresh salad greens, pecans, berries, Gorgonzola cheese, all tossed in a raspberry vinaigrette.
Hungry Hunter 3580 Rosedale Hwy. In the mood to dine on rich, rustic-type foods? One step into Hungry Hunter and you’re
Great Castle
Desi Cafe 40 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield
House of BBQ 3508 Stine Rd. This place used to be Mr. Tibbs Ribs a few years back, but aside from its history, House of BBQ is serving up some first-class BBQ. The sauces and flavors will bowl you over, but just as impressive is their pricing. At just $6.99 you get to pick a plate full of your your favorite meat: beef, ribs, baby back ribs, BBQ chicken, pork, tri-tip, hot links, pulled pork, or cat fish. Plus, you get a side of fries, salad, mac and cheese, or a baked potato. We’d call that filling!
The Nines
Lie-N Den
immediately digging the “cabin” vibe. This, naturally, puts you in the mood for foods of the “meaty” variety. Luckily, Hungry Hunter has the cure for that craving. If you are in for lunch, try the Smoked Turkey Croissant, a delectable item that includes hickory-smoked turkey, bacon, and monterey jack cheese. This hearty croissant is served with your choice of French fries, coleslaw, or the soup of the day, all for $8.99.
The Nines 801 Truxtun Ave. Located inside the luxurious Bakersfield Marriott, you would think this fancy dining restaurant wouldn’t have much for someone on a budget. But that is simply not the case. This place is brimming with great options for less than a Hamilton. The Trolly Melt is a must try.
This beast of a melt is an 8-ounce burger patty served on Rye bread with cheese and caramelized onions with a side of their house-made chips for just $9.
Lorene’s 6401 Ming Ave.; 1531 23rd St. They are known for their delicious breakfasts, but this eatery has a multitude of items to choose from any time of day. You’ll want to sample some of the savory, home-cooked meals during this time of year, but this longtime Bakersfield favorite also serves up some great lunch items, perfect for someone wanting a classic lunch or supper for a good price. Take their Half Tuna Sandwich, for example. It’s only $7 and for that you’re enjoying a good-size tuna sandwich, piping hot soup, and a bowl of fresh fruit to finish it off.
Hungry Hunter
215 Niles Pl. It’s definitely off the beaten bath, but always worth taking a detour. Don’t let the small look of this place fool you because the food is full of big taste. The burgers are a must try. We usually go for The Ortega Burger. For $8, you sink your teeth into hamburger goodness...that’s two toasty buns hugging a hefty patty topped with an ortega chili, bacon, cheese, lettuce, pickles, tomato, and a side of chips or fries.
24th Street Cafe 1415 24th St. It’s no wonder this place is a Bakersfield staple! This cafe has been serving up great food since 1987, so you can bet they know a thing or two about quality and service. Their food portions are nothing to mess around with, so expect to walk out of there doing the belly rub. By spending $8.50, you can feast on the popular Thunderbird Sandwich. This monstrosity is oven-roasted turkey breast, melted swiss cheese, tomatoes, crisp bacon, mayo, and a smidgen of mustard. All that comes at you on sourdough bread with your choice of homemade sides.
P.F. Chang’s
fried in a flavorful sauce, served over a bed of white or brown steamed rice and your choice of egg or hot and sour soup.
Jacalito Grill 4803 Panama Ln.; 10618 Hageman Rd.; 900 Truxtun Ave. Their new location on Truxtun, across from the Marriott, offers the same great flavors and menu options we all love from their other two restaurants. They’ve got many a delicious dish to choose from including plates packed with flavorful Mexican favorites for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. And all of them are a great value. It’s high-time you try their Beef Tamale, served with rice and beans, for just $7.95. You won’t be able to stop raving about the tender, slowmarinated beef. We guarantee it!
Agave 250 Oak St. Although new to Bakersfield, this place has definitely made its mark on the dining scene. Probably because the food is delicious and the prices are just as appetizing. For $8, try the Perfect Fish Tacos. The meal comes with two corn tortillas filled with butter-grilled tilapia filet, seasoned with lemon pepper. They’re topped with cabbage, pico de gallo, and a zesty lemon-lime vinaigrette and served with a side of black beans and white rice.
Highland Cafe 2201 N. Chester Ave. This place has a Cheers atmosphere so everyone will more than likely remember your name, but all you’ll remember is the great food. For $9.95, Jamie’s Pulled Pork Sandwich is a popular and tasty selection. Wrap your mouth around fresh bread packed with tender pulled pork, smothered in BBQ sauce, swiss cheese, sauteed onions, and pickles. Pair this >>
10700 Stockdale Hwy. With family-style dining and hearty portions, this is a perfect place to select a few items (most under $10) and dig in. Their lunch items are great for those on the run, on a budget, and on an Asian-inspired dining kick. Costing only $8.50, the lunch bowls are a perfect meal. If you had to pick one to try first, we suggest the Crispy Honey Chicken bowl. Lightly-battered pieces of juicy chicken that have been quickwww.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Health 2010 41
Cheap Eats meaty treat with a side of sweet potato chips (or one of the eight other sides they offer)!
Sakura Buffet 3632 Ming Ave. For only $6.59, you can feast till you can’t feast any more! At this buffet-style eatery, you can take a bite out of any of the 26 items on their lunch menu. Like the Garlic Shrimp, Sweet and Sour Chicken, Buffalo Wings, Mongolian BBQ, and their expansive sushi bar. But the list goes on and on as items are rotated daily. You just have to make a stop at this hidden gem and taste for yourself.
Philliedog 3621 California Ave. Hot dogs, anyone? We ask because it seems everyone is talking about this new local restaurant that’s adding a twist to everyone’s impression of a hot dog. Forget your basic weenie in a bun, this place is taking hot dogs to the next level with bacon wrapped or veggie dogs. For $3 (and a bit of change), you can choose from over half of the hot dogs on their menu, including the popular Chicago Dog. For those of you with a big appetite, drop $8.99 and sample The Jerry. This mondo dog comes wrapped in bacon and topped with all the toppings you might be craving. That’s right, we said “all.”
Bobby Jacks 2900 Calloway Dr. Get transported down south without having to travel more than just a couple of miles. The colors, the decorations, and the food make this
Philliedo
g
place a unique dining experience in Bakersfield. Now, don’t shy away from this place just because some of their menu options include Gator Bites and Frog Legs. Because even if “adventure eating” is not your thing, they still have plenty of Cajun meals for any palate. By ordering the Louisiana Po’ Boy, you’ll feast on your choice of catfish or shrimp, piled on a freshly-baked bun with tangy coleslaw in a creamy remoulade dressing...all for just $7.99.
Mac & Cheeza 1818 L St. It’s a new place with a great concept! After all, everyone likes cheese right? It’s probably that childhood love of macaroni and cheese that has so many people flocking to this place. The price doesn’t hurt, either. The diner picks their meal size, which starts at $5. There’s the Baby Mac, Momma Mac, Daddy Mac, or, hold your breath, The Mac Daddy. To give this place an adult feel, patrons get to add vegetable and meat toppings to go with their mac and cheese. Check this place out...please-a.
Benji’s 4001 Rosedale Hwy. As so many of you already know, this is the place to dine on Basque food done right. As with any traditional Basque restaurant, you’ll enjoy their family-style set up. But they’ve got a few items under $10 that will have you holding off on the soup and beans to save room. The Grilled Chicken Breast Caesar Salad is only $8.75, as is their Beef Dip Sandwich which is piled high with juicy beef and smothered in melty cheeses.
The Orchid 9500 Brimhall Rd. #501 It’s hard not to love Thai-fusion. The flavors can be subtle or strong, sweet or spicy. It’s the best of Thai with a little extra kick. But it’s always good! The Orchid offers upscale dining excellence and tremendous lunch deals, like the California Chicken Curry for just $8 ($10 if you get it with shrimp). This dish is comprised of perfectlycooked chicken, soaking in a mild yellow curry in coconut milk with potatoes and carrots.
Asian Market & Teriyaki Bowl 3699 Ming Ave. #H Located inside the Asian Market, Teriyaki Bowl serves up a variety of items for those of us wanting a taste of the Far East. And the prices are so low, it’s downright silly to discover you’ve never been here! A wallet with $4.59 inside will get you fried or steamed rice and chow mein, with your choice of two items. There are plenty of tantalizing dishes to try, but we have a soft
spot for the the light, crispy Orange Chicken and the slightly spicy Kung Pow Chicken.
Caesar’s Italian Delicatessen 9500 Brimhall Rd. #304 Caesar’s has a great Northwest location on Brimhall, making it easy to stop by and indulge in a savory sandwich whenever you’re in that neck of the woods. Their low prices are even more of a reason for you to start lunching at this place. A favorite among diners is the Caesar’s Special. This dish will put you back just $4.99 and comes with two kinds of salami, ham, mortadella, peppercheese, lettuce, mild peppers, and a savory sauce. Who can beat that?
Tacos de Huicho (Taco Truck) 9910 Rosedale Hwy., Ste. D On-the-go Mexican food is really an art-form, but if you’re looking for some authentic South-ofthe-Border flavors, try the catering truck on the corner of Rosedale and Calloway. Tacos de Huicho
Mac & Cheeza
Bobby Jacks
42 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield
Teriyaki Bowl
has delicious and traditionally-spiced tacos for only $1.25 each. Still, a lot of patrons line up for one of their filling tortas as this is not your typical sandwich! This meaty treat consists of two pieces of soft bread (telera) stuffed with beans, asada (or your choice of meat), cheese, onion, lettuce, and tomato. And you really can’t beat the bargain price of $5.99.
Sugar Mill 2523 N. Chester Ave. The countless delicious menu options at the Sugar Mill will keep you coming back for more, day after day. Because, for only $7.99, you can fill up with a tasty Avocado Chicken sandwich. Wondering what you get for that? Charbroiled chicken breast, swiss cheese, avocado, tender tomato, and crispy bacon, all sandwiched between two slices of fresh sourdough bread.
Bull Shed 300 Camino Del Rio Fun times, great atmosphere, and amaz-
ing food is what you’ll get when you visit Bull Shed Bar & Grill. With only one item over $10 on their menu, and the opportunity to ride “Dolly” the mechanical bull, you’ll find a reason to come back often to select some of their savory options. We’ve got our eye on the scrumptious Tri-Tip Sandwich which is a “local favorite” that comes with marinated tri-tip, onions, and mayo all on a cowboy roll. And the cost for this beast? Only $8.99!
Lil B’s Sweet Tooth
Cataldo’s 4200 Stine Rd. We all love a slice of pizza pie, right? If you’re like us, you can’t get enough. This Cataldo’s has an amazing assortment of pizzas, salads, wings, and more...for great prices. But we’re most impressed with their lunch special. For only $3.99, you’ll find yourself gorging on a huge slice of their cheesy, saucy delectable Pepperoni Pizza and a good-sized drink. There’s no matching that.
It’s not always about sandwiches, soups, and pizzas. Sometimes, we’ve got a craving that can only be sated by ingesting copious amounts of sugar. We sneak a spoonful of canned frosting; we eat half a bag of marshmallows. But, folks, you don’t have to hide your sugar love! We at the magazine decided to expand our Cheap Eats section with...drumroll please...Sweet Treats! It required searching for the places that serve heavenly eats...but don’t charge more than $5 for their creations! It was tough work, but somebody had to do it.
Tacos de Huicho
Rosemary’s
Lil B’s Sweet Tooth
2733 F St. For over 25 years, Rosemary’s has been a sweet-tooth’s satisfying sanctuary. Their baked goods and ice cream creations bring out the child in all of us. That’s why we like the old-fashioned Peppermint Milkshake. At $4.95, it’s a treat that will hit the spot no matter what the occasion. But they’ve got tons of other flavors to choose from, so the world’s your oyster...er, shake.
9000 Ming Ave. # H4 Chocolates, cookies, and candies! All in one place. Lil B’s offers sweet prices on all their sweets, which includes hard-to-find candies from eras gone by. You’ll want to check this place out, if only for the wall devoted entirely to M&Ms. There’re over 20 colors! Or the wall with 24 flavors of jelly beans. Spend just $2.50, and you can pick up a box of Creamy Chocolate sure to please. >>
www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Health 2010 43
Gables Residential Care Sometimes bigger isn’t better...
903 Spirit Lake
RCFE-155801279
The Gables
2400 Spruce Street
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10702 Four Bears Drive
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The Meadows
• Elegant homes with spacious, landscaped yards and winding walkways • 3 shifts a day to provide personal assistance and care • Caring, dedicated and trained staff provide loving, supportive care • Delicious home cooked meals and snacks; special diets as required • Licensed for non-ambulatory care with rails and ramps • Daily activities, exercise programs, music therapy, arts and crafts • Monitored alarm system • Dementia & hospice waivers • Scheduling of transportation to appointments
Smith’s Bakeries 2808 Union Ave.; 2213 Brundage Ln.; 258 Bernard St. If those yellow Smiley-Face Cookies don’t ring a bell, then you’ve been missing out on one of Bakersfield’s best places for yummy desserts (champagne cake!), including their famous freshly-baked cookies. The cookies start at just $1.35 (for the smiley-face variety) so you can turn the smile on that cookie into a smile on your face. Sure, that was a cheesy line, but it’s Smith’s for cryin’ out loud!
your bowl with scrumptious fruit and candy; We’re still dreaming of the Coconut Gelato: sweet and creamy with sprinkled coconut on top. It’ll only set you back $2.95 for a single or $3.95 for a double!
Bagels & Blenderz 8200 Stockdale Hwy. # K1 We’re big on family-run businesses in Bako and this place is no exception. “B and B,” as we call it, is a place packed with soft, warm bagels, but they’ve also got donuts and
Corporate Office
2029 21st St, Bakersfield Jeanne Schamblin (661) 631-2036 Smith’s Bakeries
Dewar’s 1120 Eye St.; 9530 Hageman Rd. # K You’d be hard-pressed to find someone in Bakersfield who’s never eaten a Dewar’s Chew or tasted a George’s Special because this place has been a local staple for over 100 years. That’s why it’s great to stick with tradition—tradition in the form of a tasty Small Sundae. For $3.75, you get two small scoops of their famous ice cream, one topping of your choice, and chopped almonds or walnuts.
Daddy O’s Frozen Yogurt 9500 Brimhall Rd.; 4725 Panama Ln. Once you pick your dish at this sweet shop, you are free to go “toppings crazy.” Daddy O’s, as the name implies, has a laissez-faire attitude when it comes to toppings so you can outfit
44 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield
smoothies for your morning, afternoon, and evening munchie cravings. Bagels are only $0.95, but it’s the choice of spreads that sets this place apart. But make sure you get one with their peanut butter spread for only $0.75 more. It’s quite possibly the best thing since sliced...bagels.
Flores Ice Cream 2722 Ming Ave.; 3201 F St. They have it all here! Fruit bowls, ice cream, smoothies, fresh fruit waters, and many other concoctions just waiting for your taste buds. You simply must savor the flavor of their mango watermelon fruit bowl for only $3. It comes with mango and watermelon, obviously, but also includes pineapple, grapes, and cantaloupe.
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Gimme Some Sugar
Gimme Some Sugar 2100 19th St. # D Sure this place makes great cakes and cupcakes...it’s a given. But their other goods are second to none. You’ve got to sample their delectable Lemon Bar ($3). This thing will melt in your mouth—and talk about comfort food. After one bite, you wonder how it is you’ve gone so long without tasting their sweet perfection...no matter how long it’s been since you’ve sampled their goods.
The Chilling Berry 9612 Flushing Quail Rd. You’ll find the menu so packed with sweet treats, that you might end up shoving cool
creations into your mouth so fast, your brain will freeze over. But it’ll be worth it. We highly recommend sampling their delicious fruit-infused teas. The Acai Green Tea (with bits of fresh mango and blackberries included) is only $3.25 and will be a refreshing sip for the entire family.
Bakersfield Magazine • PG & E • San Joaquin Hospital • Subway® Restaurants Dewar’s Fine Candy • Cookies Couture
Moo Creamery 4885 Truxtun Ave. # B Their burgers are renowned far and wide, but that’s not the only thing Moo knows how to whip up. Their ice cream is freshly made and their baked items are so good, you might actually “moo” after eating one of them. Treat >>
The Chilling Berry
www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Health 2010 45
yourself to a tasty Butterscotch Brownie for only $2.50. We did and we’ve been Jonesin’ ever since.
Sweet Surrender 6439 Ming Ave. # B Talk about a hidden gem! Sweet Surrender is tucked away behind OSH on Ming Avenue. But this bakery/candy store/boutique is creating such triumphant treats, you’ll have no trouble finding them. Their Cupcakes ($2.50 a piece), are the reason people flock to the store. They will call out like a beacon once you’ve tasted them. But there are so many cupcakes to try, we suggest pitching a tent in the store until you’ve tried them all.
Burberry Frozen Yogurt 514 18th St. Burberry serves good ol’ tart yogurt like nobody’s business. There is a flavor of the day, so even if you go in every afternoon, you’ll always be trying something different. They use real fruit toppings at this place (with a decidedly modern aesthetic). A small cup is $3, but don’t let the size fool you!
Zingo’s 3201 Buck Owens Blvd. It’s not just a greasy spoon intended for highway travelers. This place serves up some of the most delectable, freshly-baked pies in town. Whether you’re looking for a latenight snack or an (unhealthy) breakfast, a piece of Zingo’s pie will totally meet your body’s cravings. They’re open 24 hours a day, too. So you can have that slice of Chocolate Cream Pie ($3.95) any time you want.
Ivy’s Yogurt and Ice Cream 8200 Stockdale Hwy. # M2 Old-fashioned ice cream: is there anything better? Well, at Ivy’s you can get your fill of their creamy, homemade ice cream for a steal. They’ve got 16 flavors to choose from, but you’ll want to try a scoop of their Black Cherry Ice Cream at just $2.70! It’s sweet, but not too sweet, with just the right amount of fruity goodness.
46 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield
Sweet r Surrende
The Gourmet Shoppe
Frosting Ink
4801 Stockdale Hwy. They have a great deli, and the store is filled with quirky knick-knacks and wines, but let’s not forget about the bakery. It’s like a delicious version of The Wizard of Oz. You’ll keep saying to yourself, “Cookies, scones, muffins, oh my!” They’ll tempt you with one of their Florentine Cookies for only 50¢ a piece!
1818 G St. There’s no way you can leave this place without finding yourself in a sugar-induced coma... but that’s just the way Frosting Ink likes it. And, come on, so do you. Take a bite out of their Chocolate Dipped Banana for a unique treat! It’s just like it sounds—a freshly frozen banana, dipped in creamy, decadent chocolate for only $2.50. v
KERN HEALTH
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We’ve spent the last 12 years exploring the ins and outs of our local medical community for stories. After all, we want you to have the best information possible when it comes to healthcare in Bakersfield and Kern County. Year after year, we speak with physicians, nurses, hospital CEOs, and the people who are bringing specialty treatments to town because we want you to be able to make educated decisions about your family’s care. And this year is no exception. Once again, we are pleased to present our 13th annual KernHealth Issue, your yearly dose of medical knowledge.
Proudly Presented by
www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Health 2010 47
48 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield
Šistockphoto.com/Cimmerian
2010 KernHealth Presenter
Caring For Our Community ...for over 100 years
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.
The options for those seeking medical treatment in Bakersfield continue to grow. We are honored to be among those that strive to make needed services 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. And even though over the years many things have changed, our commitment to doing just that has not. We are proud to be a par t of the medical community devoted to serving 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. We hope you find the issue helpful and informative. And thank you again for the continued opportunity to serve your healthcare needs.
www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Health 2010 49
50 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield
©istockphoto.com/thomasd007
PICKED BY THEIR PEERS
best docs
“If you or a loved one needs a doctor in your specialty, who would you recommend?”
b
akersfield 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 firstrate 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: John B. Schlaerth, MD 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. 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. 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.
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. Her topnotch credentials include 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. Royce Harwood Johnson, MD
Dr. Johnson earned his medical degree from the University of California, Irvine and completed his internship at Los Angeles County/University of Southern California Medical Center. Dr. Johnson 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. He 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 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. >>
KERN
HEALTH
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best docs Gary K. Zerlin, MD This otolaryngologist, who moved to Bakersfield immediately after finishing his training at White Memorial Medical Center in Glendale, quickly set up a practice specializing in the treatment of the ear, nose,
and throat. Dr. Zerlin is a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics and he regularly completes more than the 25 Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits required to maintain a license each year so that he can continue growing his practice. Best Doctors® *Copyright 2010, Best Doctors, Inc. Used under license, all rights reserved. This list, or any parts thereof, must not be reproduced in any form without written permission from Best Doctors, Inc. No commercial use of the information in this list may be made without the 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® 2011-2012 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 www.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 accurate, and does not assume, and hereby disclaims, any liability 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.
52 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield
p
hysical growth for Bakersfield hospitals was the big push for 2008. And while 2009 was the year of program development, it seems 2010 was the year of accreditation. Each of our area hospitals took major strides in the level of patient care they provide as more than one achieved the highest possible certifications and awards. Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield In celebration of their 100th anniversary, Mercy and Mercy Southwest hosted a slew of events this year, from a gala event in May to mass at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. As part of their plan to continue offering the best care possible, Mercy has been working on programs and policies in anticipation of healthcare reform. As a member of the Catholic Healthcare West hospital system, Mercy Hospitals of
hospital update
Bakersfield will be partnering in a new type of health plan in the community. “On December 31 of last year, our agreement with GEMCare was finalized,” said Scott Thygerson, Vice President of Business Development. “There will be alignment between a health plan, local physicians, and area hospitals, and we’re proud to be a part of that. Doctors and hospitals will be working closer together to treat patients while appropriately managing the utilization and costs of that care. It’s the right care in the right settings.” Proof of that motto is Mercy’s Orthopedic Clinic, where skilled orthopedic surgeons see patients in one convenient location. It opened last year and is busy and successful, Thygerson explained. “And the Neurosurgical Clinic we recently opened on Stockdale Highway will enhance access to those who are suffering with neurological conditions which require surgical procedures. The group of physicians is already estab-
lished, but neurosurgeons here will be added to the group as 2011 progresses.”
San Joaquin Community Hospital Also celebrating a century of care, San Joaquin Community Hospital (SJCH) used 2010 to expand many of their community services and add a few more. “It’s been an amazing year for us,” said Vice President of Marketing and Development Jarrod McNaughton. In 2010, SJCH’s Grossman Burn Center moved into its new home and has already seen over 400 patients this year. “What that number indicated is that the Burn Center was a much-needed service for the area,” McNaughton added. And since they intend to continue searching for and servicing the community’s medical needs, SJCH will be purchasing Quest Imaging sometime this month (December). “We want to be partners with the best medical imaging center in town. Quest has an MRI machine with 3-Tesla (3T) >> mercy southwest hospital
mercy hospital
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hospital update
magnetic strength, which is the only one in this area with that kind of power. The services will continue to take place at Quest’s facility, but the hospital’s presence will be there.” Quest’s employees will add 100 more people to the SJCH workforce, which is very exciting. This year has also seen SJCH receive another Gold Seal from the Joint Commission and the Gold Plus Award for their Stroke Center from the American Heart Association. SJCH also became the first hospital in the community to receive recognition from the Joint Commission for their Diabetes In-patient Program. san Joaquin community hospital
kErn medical center
Photo Courtesy bakersfield memorial hospital
Care Center. We want to help patients ‘save’ the limbs which may otherwise be lost due to infection or diabetes. “Once you’ve built your facility to capacity, you look to the community’s needs and you begin expanding...not of the facility, but of the services you provide,” Frazier said. Kern Medical Center The big news at Kern Medical Center (KMC) in 2011 will be the implementation of their electronic medical records system. “Currently, we are into the inter-operative/testing phase,” explained Paul Hensler, CEO. “This will be a major milestone in patient care. After the holidays, we will begin five weeks of training on the new system so that come February, we are ready to launch.” The benefits will be numerous. First and foremost, the patients will see changes in the amount of time it takes to either receive test results or a prescription. “The average time for a physician to see a patient, prescribe a medication, get that prescription to the pharmacy, and have them fill it can take upwards of four hours,” Hensler elaborated. “With this new system, it’s a 15 minute process. A patient’s treatment can begin much faster.” KMC is also preparing for healthcare reform by partnering with other public hospitals across the county and state. And Hensler explained that KMC will also be furthering its relationship with UCLA Medical Center. “This was our first year of hosting UCLA medical students. We’ll be conducting some joint programs to work with high school students and encourage them to [enter the medical field]. And as part of our partnership with UCLA, we’ll be announcing some additional clinical programs and offering more subspecialties,” Hensler continued.
hospital, but not sick enough to be in ICU, so Memorial has created a middle ground which allows them to care for more of the population. Memorial is also the location of one of only two wound care centers in Bakersfield and they plan to expand those services in 2011. “The center already has a podiatrist, a vascular surgeon, and a plastic surgeon—physicians on hand to help patients dealing with ulcers, infections, and diabetes-related problems, but we’re currently building an Amputation Prevention Center as an extension of the Wound
HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital The year 2010 has been big for HealthSouth. In addition to implementing some much-needed speciality programs for the community, they’ve also been recognized for their efforts. “We received the Gold Seal of Approval from the Joint Commission in May of 2010 for our Stroke Rehabilitation Program,” said Tara deMontmorency, Director of Marketing Operations. “We were also awarded with the National Presidents’ Circle Award for our clinical development. HealthSouth Bakersfield is one of only 12 hospitals in HealthSouth’s network of more than 100 hospitals to receive this prestigious award,” deMontmorency added. They have designed a pulmonary program; a stroke program; and a multiple sclerosis program, which offers support for those newly diagnosed as well as therapy for those where the disease has progressed.
Bakersfield Memorial Hospital As a fellow CHW hospital, Memorial is also a part of the new GEMCare health plan, but as Gary Frazier, Memorial’s Vice President of Business Development, explained, big things are happening all over the hospital. “We are looking to open the doors to our Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) by spring 2011,” Frazier said. “But we are expanding our pediatric services across the board, in additional to the PICU. We have hired five pediatric hospitalists to staff our 12-bed pediatric unit.” As Frazier explained, many children were sick enough to be in the Bakersfield Memorial hospital
54 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield
healthsouth rehabilitation hospital With all these new programs, it makes sense that they’ll need to be able to take on more capacity, so HealthSouth is looking to do a structural expansion soon. While the newly-remodeled courtyard has aesthetic value for the patients, deMontmorency said that the organization is planning on adding 20 additional beds over the course of the next couple of years to allow more patients to be treated.
Bakersfield heart hospital
Photo Courtesy bakersfield HEART hospital
Bakersfield Heart Hospital “It’s been a good year—we’ve stayed very busy,” began Randy Rolfe, President of Bakersfield Heart Hospital. “Our Emergency Room volume is up 18 percent and we finished the fiscal year with a 98 percent occupancy.” Those numbers indicate that Bakersfield Heart Hospital’s focus of putting patient care and satisfaction first has been paying off. Bakersfield Heart Hospital has been receiving other accolades this past year. For the past three years, they have received a 5-Star rating for heart attack treatment by Healthgrades, in addition to being ranked among the top five percent in the nation for Coronary Interventional Procedures in 2010, being ranked among the top 10 hospitals in California for Overall Cardiac Services, and rating in the top 10 percent in the nation for patient safety by CareChex.
Bakersfield Heart Hospital has received numerous patient satisfaction awards, including being listed in the top 10 percent in the nation for patient, emergency department, and out-patient satisfaction. While the hospital is known as a place to receive cardiac care, their emergency department stands ready to care for all patients and because of the short wait time, patients receive faster care. A fact that has been recognized by CareChex when they ranked Bakersfield Heart Hospital in the top 10 percent in the state for Overall Medical Care. >> www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Health 2010 55
hospital update
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Good Samaritan Hospital “We saw a 48 percent growth in services, including growth in our psychiatric services,” said COO Noel Cabezzas. “And we have been recognized as both the largest and the premier provider for psychiatric services for the counties of Central California.” Good Samaritan also did quite a bit of expansion. For starters, they expanded their Chemical Dependency Program at the White Lane facility, which included adding 12 beds and more physicians to supervise patients. Since Good Samaritan has the largest children and adolescent psychiatric program in the Central Valley, 2010 saw them opening a second floor to accommodate those numbers. “At the Olive Drive facility, we upgraded our ICU rooms with state-of-the-art pulmonary equipment so that we are now equipped to accept patients with pulmonary conditions,” Cabezzas elaborated. “Additionally, we’ve upgraded the surgical suites at the Olive Drive facility and our Orthopedic Program so that we can now perform joint replacement surgeries.” Good Samaritan added a Urological Program, and their urologist is one of only four board certified urologists in Kern County. “During all of this growth, we were successful in lowering the average length of stay for our patients and improving their satisfaction,” Cabezzas explained. “All the while, keeping up with healthcare reform.” The coming year will see upgraded imaging equipment including a new QUAD CT for diagnosis and the expansion of a Geriatric Psychiatric Program. All in all, it seems each of our local hospitals are on the right track for another amazing year in 2011.
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means “inflammation.” Which, when put together, means joint swelling. Most medical terms are put together in just this fashion. The name can tell you what organ or body part is being affected and the suffix and prefix modify what’s happening to that body part. Of course, there’s a difference in commonplace words like arthritis; contact dermatitis (dermat•itis) which is an inflammation of the skin; and conjunctivitis (conjunctiv•itis) which is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, or pink eye; and terms like esophagogastroduodenoscopy (esophago•gastro•duodeno•scopy). Sure it seems like nonsensical gibberish, but really take a look at the elements of the word. “Esophago” kinda sounds like esophagus, and you know what that is; “gastro” pertains to your stomach— it’s the reason people who love to study food are studying gastronomy; and “duodeno,” refers to your duodenum—a first part of your small intestine. Put that all together with “scopy,” and, if you’ve ever “scoped” anything out you can guess what that suffix means, you know that esophagogastroduodenoscopy is a procedure that involves using a thin flexible camera on a tube (the scope) to examine the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. It doesn’t sound like a scary word when you break it down, does it? It can also be fun to use the >> KERN HEALTH /L .com kphoto ©istoc
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hink about it. You fill out forms, flash your ID, adopt a new style of dress while there, and the exchange rate for your money changes. It also doesn’t help that your doctor sometimes speaks another language. That’s really what it sounds like when they start using medical terminology, right? Well, on some level, they are speaking different languages: Greek and Latin, to be exact. Many of the words used in the medical field today are the same words used thousands of years ago by the folks who were responsible for most of the modern world. Sure, they were stuffy old guys in robes, but they could name the heck out of your internal organs. Believe it or not, the roots of these words are still a part of the vocabulary you use on a daily basis. Still, unless you’re a linguist or teach elementary school grammar, you’ve probably forgotten a lot of the components that make up any of these words—even if you use them every day. Take this word for example: Autophobia. Just like your teachers asked you to do in school, take a look at the two parts of the word to help figure out the definition. “Auto” and “phobia.” “Auto,” as we all know, is Greek for “self.” And if you didn’t know that, you do now! When you give someone your autograph, you’re giving them your signature. When we drive an automobile, we’re in a machine that (usually) runs on its own...you don’t have to go in there and move the belts and turn the engine while you drive the vehicle. An automatic response is something you do without thinking about why you are. “Phobia” (from the Greek word “phobos”) means “fear.” Well, that’s a fairly easy one. So autophobia is a condition where a person has a fear of oneself, more commonly a fear of being alone or lonely. Makes sense, right? Although, heaven help you if you like the thought of being lonely. This is a technique you can apply to all medical terms once you know some of the root words, suffixes, and prefixes. You can do the same with the word arthritis (arthr•itis). Most people understand that a person with arthritis has swelling and stiffness of their joints. That’s exactly what the name “arthritis” implies—it’s not just a fancy name that doctors use. “Arthro” is Ancient Greek for “joint” and “itis”
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Doctor speak
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58 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield
medical term for a lot of the common disorders and conditions instead of the layperson’s term. If someone is suffering from bad breath—tell them they’ve got halitosis (halit•osis). If you hear someone sniffling and sneezing, they’ve got a case of rhinitis (rhin•itis). Ecchymosis (ecchym•osis) sounds like a bad word, right? The definition is a skin discoloration caused by the escape of blood into the tissues from ruptured blood vessels. Yeah, you know it as a bruise. If you ask us which one we’re going to be using around the office, we’ll answer ecchymosis. It just sounds cooler! Common Root Words Now, that’s not to say that angi(o) = blood vessel sometimes the common name arthr(o) = joint for a condition isn’t just easier nephr(o) = kidney to use (and pronounce!) than hepat(o) = liver its Greek- or Latin-based councardi(o) = heart encephal(o) = brain terpart. Take “otitis” (ot•itis) gastr(o) = stomach for example. It’s the medical hema, hem(o) = blood term for an ear infection. Now, ost(e), oste(o) = bone how many of us want to walk pneum(o) = lungs up to the pharmacists’ counter Common Prefixes at our local drug store and rea-, an = an absence of quest medication for our son’s hyper = extreme otitis? But when you pick up a hyp(o) = below normal box of Pepcid® AC®, know that tachy = fast, irregularly fast the medication name is rooted brady = slow in the Greek word for digesCommon Suffixes tion— “pepsia.” -i-asis = condition Still, medical terminology -ism = condition, disease is good for trivia nights. Just -osis = condition don’t play with someone who’s -itis = inflammation studied Latin and ask them -lepsis, -lepsy = attack, seizure to define onychocryptosis -plasty = surgical repair, (onycho•crypt•osis). They’ll reconstruction probably have no trouble telling -rrhea = flowing, discharge you that’s the medical term for -stomy = creation of an opening an ingrown toenail. We imagine they’d tell you “onycho” means “nail,” “crypt,” is “hidden or buried,” and “-osis” is a suffix that means “condition.” Put those words together and you’ve got an ingrown toenail...and a seemingly unpronounceable word. Quite hilariously, though, someone spoofed the concept of medical terminology by creating a word which does, in fact, reference a condition, but a term that is factitious nonetheless. They coined the word pneumono•ultra•microscopic•silico•volcano•coni•osis, which is not in the dictionary. The meaning of the word is a lung condition caused by the inhalation of microscopic volcanic silica particles. The longest word in Gould’s Medical Dictionary is hepat•ico•chol•angio•chole•cyst•entero•stomies. What, pray tell, is that? It’s a surgical creation of a connection between the gall bladder and a hepatic duct and between the intestine and the gall bladder. And for some reason, the time it takes to say the definition of the word still seems shorter than it does to say the medical term...unless you’re the guy who used to voice the Micro Machine® commercials in the ‘80s. Once you’ve got a handle on the major medical root words, a few of the prefixes, and some suffixes, there’s no reason why you can’t decipher what your doctor is saying. And, thankfully, they won’t be talking as fast as John Mischitta, Jr., even if they are using needlessly long words to describe your stuffy nose.
herculean ambulance
Photos by corum communications
“78”
By Matthew Martz
icu goes mobile
Hall Ambulance has a new, lifesaving tool to transport sick and injured patients throughout the county and beyond: a state-of-the-art, Critical Care Transport Ambulance.
i
n the past, critically ill or injured patients had few options for continuity of care while en route to hospitals and tertiary care facilities. Paramedics were transporting patients with critical medical needs in a setting that wasn’t always accommodating, often resulting in an interruption in the patient’s pharmacological agents, procedures, and interventions necessary to provide critical care during transfer. Another alternative was to utilize the transferring facility’s nurses or respiratory therapists to accompany the patient, reducing the facility’s staff and placing that person in an environment that was not familiar. Today, those challenges are being addressed as more options have become available in ground critical care transport (CCT) with advanced equipment and specialty EMS personnel who are capable of performing those procedures that are necessary to save lives and improve outcome. “What’s commonly been done to this point is you’ve taken a regular ambulance and put a nurse on board and called it a CCT unit,” said Scott Allen, Hall Ambulance’s public information officer. “We took the
opposite approach and took the ICU unit out of the hospital and put it on wheels.” The vehicle, also known simply as “78,” was put into service in December of 2009, and although the idea of transporting critical care patients by ground is not unique to Kern County, this is the first time a com-
Michelle Lawrence, Hall Ambulance R.N. on-board “78.”
prehensive ground CCT program has been made available for Kern County hospitals. The ambulance itself is the largest of its kind on the West Coast and tends to attract a lot of attention everywhere it goes. “When we first started the program, people just saw this really big ambulance and didn’t know what it was,” said Bryan Newton, an EMT for 14 years whose job it is to pilot the behemoth. “The first time we went to San Francisco there were numerous local ambulance crews that were impressed with not only the unit, but also the dynamic of our team.” Designed by Steve Prater, a paramedic field supervisor at Hall, 78 is a custombuilt Lifeline Freight liner, extra-long quad cab ambulance. On the inside, the rig is designed for maximum safety and complete comfort of patients and their families, including a 10-inch flip-down flat-screen monitor with DVD and surround sound for patients to watch during transport, as well as a cushioned air ride system. Beyond the comfort, is a plethora of high-tech equipment and a highly-trained staff that really makes this unit a flagship for critical care transport. >>
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icu goes mobile On-board, the three-person crew is comprised of an emergency medical technician (EMT), paramedic, and registered nurse, all of whom have undergone specialized training in order to provide many of the services offered in a level I trauma center or a tertiary care center. “Having an R.N. expands the scope of practice we can provide,” said Allen. “When our team arrives on scene now, they can take over at that expanded care level and continue the intensity of that care uninterrupted all the way to the next facility.” While aero medical (helicopter) transport is the fastest mode of CCT, the option can be rendered unavailable due to scheduled maintenance, inclement weather, weights and balances, and high demand. “Until now, our rotor-wing program did the majority of our critical care medical transfers, and was already utilizing personnel that possessed the training necessary for
Chris Leone, R.N., Clinical Supervisor, and Jennifer Surface, Paramedic, perform procedures usually only done in the hospital.
unassisted 700-pound capacity auto-lift gurney. The unit is also equipped with an isolette lift for loading and unloading critical care pediatric patients. Once on board, the patient can be managed for treatment from 360-degrees by a crew that is equipped with a its own ventilator; state-of-the-art cardiac monitor that is 12 lead capable; and is able to
This super-sized ambulance provides critical patients uninterrupted care during transport, even if the situation deteriorates en route.
ground transport,” said Myron Smith, Manager of Hall Critical Care Transport. “We developed a more extensive medical program for paramedics and nurses under the direction of a physician, and chose the air division with its background to run the program.” A typical critical care patient may be intubated, mechanically ventilated, and sedated on several drips. The Hall CCT unit is equipped to do the job, as treatment does not have to be discontinued for the ride. With its barrage of flashing lights and familiar reflective orange and white color scheme, 78 may just look like an ambulance on steroids. However, this is no run of the mill transport unit. Besides its massive size, what sets this apparatus apart all begins when the patient is loaded via a rear door activated air system that lowers itself to accommodate the
handle invasive monitoring; defibrillator; triple compact IV pumps that can handle up to six drips; two main oxygen tanks with medical air; as well as a variety of pharmaceuticals not normally carried on a transport unit. “Before the unit was developed, if a patient had to be transferred, we may have to suspend automated ventilation or certain intravenous meds,” explained Cindy Bernard, one of three registered nurses who is assigned to 78. “Not only can we provide the same treatment as most hospitals, but if a patient’s condition should deteriorate during transport, we can perform advanced procedures because of what we carry on-board—something that cannot be done on a regular ambulance.” When transporting a critical care patient, time is an issue and it takes much longer
60 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield
to transport via ground than by air. As a result, ground CCT teams must be able to function autonomously. “Each of us has a job on our team,” added Newton. “We also double-check each other so everything is ready to go quickly and efficiently from the time we arrive.” The team has a multidisciplinary role and functions as a seamless link between the patient and a surgeon, respiratory therapist, attending physician, phlebotomist, anesthesiologist, and other personnel. This new ambulance not only enhances the team’s ability to provide advanced care, but also provides family-centered care from the moment transport begins, with a safer location for parents to ride inside the patient-care compartment with the child, as well as providing comfort to a spouse that has been physically and emotionally drained. “During an emergency response, there is a very limited window of opportunity to have an impact; and then you move onto the next call,” added Ed Bronowicki, a paramedic for 23 years who has also served as a flight paramedic. “This is actually a unique situation because we can run the initial call and then transport that patient to another facility. It allows us to be more interactive and we actually get more response out of the families.” The CCT team’s response can positively impact a patient’s outcome. This is a tremendous responsibility for each team member, and having “78” provides the necessary life-supporting systems to optimize the delivery of care to those who are critically ill or injured in Kern County. “A lot of the facilities still don’t really understand what we can do,” Bronowicki concluded. “We are on a constant education campaign everywhere we go. This program is the next evolution of what EMS personnel will be doing.”
-
mind Body health
Diana Roman
Lac, DAOM
ing on here.’ And unless a person has some unresolved physical issue going on, say, for instance, a protruding disk, there’s no reason they should be experiencing chronic pain.” There’s also no reason a person should be experiencing pain years and years after a trauma or injury to the body, Dr. Roman adds. “That chapter should have come to an end after the trauma was dealt with. If there’s still pain, it means the body is still giving out signals that something’s going on and it’s trying to say ‘do something!’ ” The mind-body connection is an integral part of the healing process because it allows the patient to tap in to the emotional
side of pain they might be feeling, Dr. Roman continues. “A big percentage of physiological pain can stem from emotions. I’ve had many, many patients come to me and tell me that doctors have told them their pain is ‘all in their head,’ to which I say ‘well, yes—it is, so let’s get to the root of the problem and figure out what your body is trying to tell your mind through the pain.’ ” “Pain is the ‘voice’ of your body and you must listen to it,” agrees Nina Manny, CHT (Certified Hypnotherapist). “Find out what the voice is trying to tell you because if you shut it down, you’re going to keep feeling pain.” Acupuncture, a treatment developed by 16th century Chinese physicians, is one therapy Dr. Roman uses to address her patients’ “body voice.” Small, flexible, disposable needles are used to manage pain associated with hundreds of symptoms and conditions, including back pain, fatigue, fibromyalgia, insomnia, and injuries. “Acupuncture stimulates the body’s 14 major meridians (energy-carrying channels) to help restore the normal balance and flow of Chi (the body’s vital force) so >>
photo provided by nina manny
©istockphoto.com/ jhorrocks
A
back that aches so much it wakes you up at 3 a.m. A neck so stiff you can hardly turn your head. A migraine that hits you like a freight train. Coping with pain is a way of life for millions of Americans, and for many, treating chronic pain has become a complex issue. And with conventional medicine sometimes unable to give them the relief they need, thousands of Kern County residents are turning back the pages of medicine to find relief in practices thousands of years old. Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM), a new name for old therapies, is gaining popularity among Bakersfield area residents looking for relief from their aches and pains. Licensed CAM practitioners work with patients using modalities such as acupuncture, guided imagery, chiropractic treatment, yoga, hypnosis, biofeedback, aromatherapy, relaxation, nutrition, herbal remedies, and massage, just to name a few. The main purpose of CAM practices, also known as “natural medicine” or “non-pharmacologic” based therapies, is to bring into focus the mindbody connection to enhance health and control pain, explains Diana Roman, Lac, DAOM (Licensed Acupuncturist & Herbalist, Doctor of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine). Dr. Roman’s approach is to use mindbody treatments that will help the mind’s ability to influence the body’s functions and symptoms. “A person who is experiencing chronic pain is getting a message from their body that there is something wrong. The body is saying, ‘Wake up! There’s something go-
By Tracie Grimes
Nina Manny
CHT
KERN
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www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Health 2010 61
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Mind Body Health the body can resist or overcome illnesses and conditions,” Dr. Roman says, adding that the main objectives of acupuncture are to relieve symptoms; strengthen the immune system; and balance, harmonize, and integrate the functions of the organs with one another. “Acupuncture also decreases pain by increasing the release of endorphins, the body’s natural pain-blocking chemical.” While acupuncture may quell the bodyvoice that’s sending a message of pain, it’s just part of the holistic approach CAM practitioners use to treat their patients. “Acupuncture may be just one of several treatments we use as we treat the ‘whole’ person and work to get to the root of why a patient is experiencing pain,” Dr. Roman stresses. This holistic approach is what attracted Sherry Fanell to CAM a year ago when conventional treatments for her fibromyalgia and lupus weren’t helping her the way she had hoped. “My doctors were just piling on more and more pills for me to take, and since I’ve never been very good about taking pills, I decided to look for another approach to dealing with my illnesses. [This approach] had so much more to offer me.” Fanell admits she wasn’t at all sure about the alternative medical treatments prescribed for her on her first visit. “To be honest, I wasn’t really sure acupuncture was for me and I certainly wasn’t very enthusiastic
Sherry Fanell Holistic Patient
patients. And I think that if you’re going to be so daring as to consider taking strong medication to help your pain, why not try natural methods first? It’s amazing what the body can do once you’ve gotten it to the point it can relax, release toxins, and oxygenate the blood, Brewer adds. “There’s really nothing [pain or illness] that massage therapy can’t help alleviate, but I see a lot of success with patients who come to me with headache disorders or suffer from migraines. Among other types of massages, I perform cranial-sacral massage [a gentle massage focusing on the membranes encasing the central nervous system that moves the fluid surrounding the skull and spine to ease the restrictions of nerve passages] and/or cold stone therapy [stones
It’s amazing what the body can do once you’ve gotten it to the point it can relax, release toxins, and oxygenate the blood. —Chelsea Brewer about massage therapy. But now I can really tell a difference. “ Along with weekly acupuncture and therapeutic massage treatments, Fanell’s doctor tested her for food allergies and had her eliminate the foods she was allergic to from her diet. “It’s an intense regiment, but for me it’s been very good. I feel like the holistic approach to my treatment keeps me from having to take medication. And the level of care is so different, so individualized.” It all boils down to finding a way to balance a person’s body so the body’s systems can work together to restore health, says Chelsea Brewer, LMT (Licensed Massage Therapist). “I’m a firm believer in Eastern medicine because I’ve seen what a difference Eastern modalities have made in our
are placed on different parts of the head and neck to open constricted blood vessels and restore circulation]. Some of my patients notice a difference the next day while it takes others three or four visits before they start noticing a change.” But restoring balance so the body can heal itself starts with the person hearing what the body is trying to tell him. That’s where hypnotherapy comes in, says Manny. “Hypnotherapy can help them find the source of their pain,” says Manny. “It’s the act of relaxing the mind so completely that you’re able to hear the voice of the body. “Hypnotherapy is an extreme form of relaxation, but people aren’t ‘out of it’ so much as they are tuned in to their body. I do very little ‘programming’ because I feel it’s best to get people into a state where they can listen
62 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield
Chelsea Brewer
LMT
to their own body. It’s when you’re in this altered state of meditation and you’re physically relaxed that you’re able to ask yourself questions and find your own answers.” And the answer to the question , “Where is my pain is coming from?” sometimes emanates from a surprising source, Manny adds, remembering a client who came to her asking for help in relieving back pain. “Once I had her relaxed and asked her what her awareness of what her body was trying to tell her was, she suddenly became aware of green tea at Starbucks. After some more work, we discovered that she wasn’t drinking water—only the green tea. Green tea has caffeine in it and caffeine is dehydrating, so I told her to cut out the green tea and drink water. Once she got back on water and was hydrating appropriately, her back spasms went completely away.” Answers are different for every person, Manny continues. “People are very complex. There are no scripts and the answers to people’s problems aren’t cookie-cutter answers because everyone has their own ‘best’ programming. You just have to take the time to find out which software is right for you.” And though hypnosis may seem extreme or even cause concern for people who may be a little afraid of what may come up during the session, more often than not, getting to the root of a problem is nothing more than shifting your perception, Manny says. “And the beauty of tuning in and making changes is that it’s never as traumatic as people think it will be. It’s usually something simple, like drinking water.” The bottom line for people suffering from pain and illnesses is that there are plenty of options to ease their aches and pains. Conventional medicine does offer solutions for many physical problems, but there are alternative approaches out there.
Oh, really now?
Though the story lines might not be the most accurate according to local docs, House does draw in the viewers! ©2010 fox broadcasting co. Cr:Adam Taylor/Fox. used with permission.
“I’m in!” shouts the doctor, as nurses and staff are scrambling around the patient. The camera pans to an angle where you can see a breathing tube neatly inserted and attention is drawn to the handsome doctor giving directions while nurses clamor to chat with “Dr. Cutie,” who saved the patient and the day. “Other than that, most of the terminology is correct.” Not only was it correct wordage in each situation; it was even pronounced correctly. That said, just because a television show gets a few words correct, it doesn’t mean the show was accurate on everything. Do people really come into the emergency room with the odd things de-
picted in each episode? Dr. Josh Tobias said no. “ER was more supernatural than real,” he explained. In real life, “someone is always working, not just once a week.” So during a regular shift, you’re not seeing those exotic diseases. “ER had dramatic cases,” agreed Peterson. “In fact, they were all dramatic. >>
Dr. Todd Peterson
tv image ©2010 American Broadcasting Companies, Inc., used with permission.
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t’s not real life, but it sure does fascinate us—so much so that medical shows almost outnumber any other type of show on TV. Because even though it seems a little surreal, we secretly hope that hour of television bliss is as real as it gets. But is there any truth to these television emergency room dramas? Are long medical words used, let alone thrown across the room, every five minutes? The writers could put in anything and we wouldn’t be able to tell the difference between a common ailment and an exotic diagnosis. Rest assured, dear reader, there are some who live the life that these medical show characters are based on. So we took this opportunity to ask a few real life doctors what they think about medical dramas and their television counterparts. Dr. Todd Peterson laughed when he saw any doctor on ER shout, “I’m in!” “We just don’t do that,” he said. But aside from a simple mistake of shouting to the world a procedure was performed (after all, breathing tubes are inserted in emergency rooms), Peterson maintains that ER was regularly the most accurate in depicting real life.
By Naomi Moss
Grey’s Anatomy usually gets singled out for including the most character romances, but they do happen in real life!
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Oh, Really now? In one episode of ER, we might see those same cases [over the course of] a year!” “Medical TV series, like law TV series, require suspension of disbelief; a physical activity that requires five calories per minute in energy requirement,” said Dr. Edward Nichols. “That is why most of my friends in the field in general don’t watch these.” Just because it can and does happen, doesn’t mean it happens every day. The emergency room can be the dramatic place you see on television; it can also be quiet and routine. A patient may be in a life-threatening situation, but the next person may not. So, television does embellish real life. That’s kind of a given. “Some of the drama is real enough that
And let’s not forget that medicine is a collaborative effort. Every show, including Grey’s Anatomy, does do justice to that aspect. ©2010 American Broadcasting Companies, Inc., used with permission.
it accurately portrays the darker side of the medical business,” Dr. Nichols explained. Shows like Grey’s Anatomy try to depict this aspect. “Working in hospitals and in medicine is a demanding and difficult environment. It requires the ability
“There is not as much drama in an emergency room as there is on the show. And we never sleep when on duty.” —Dr. Josh Tobias
Dr. Josh Tobias
to coexist with innumerable amounts of staff, and sometimes incredible stress.” “There is not as much drama in an emergency room as there is on the show(s). We never sleep when on duty,” Dr. Tobias
explained. “There are always patients and we’re always on the move.” Peterson acknowledged the drama is exaggerated on television, but added, “The ER is dramatic. The show (ER) did portray the camaraderie in the ER pretty well. You have to have camaraderie. It’s a massive team effort.” “ER doctors and nurses get along. They look out for one another,” Dr. Tobias continued. “They form bonds with one another and experience the best and worst with each other.” When doctors, nurses, assistants, and technicians all get together in the emergency room, it’s like a finely-tuned machine. Each part relies on the seamless talent of their neighbor and moves with efficiency to provide top notch care. >>
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Oh, Really now ? Perhaps that is why emergency room shows are so popular. To be able to work 12-hour shifts with the same people, day in and day out, takes patience and understanding. When it runs smoothly, it’s beautiful. With television, you can add underlying drama to make it even more interesting. “The cable show Nurse Jackie reminds me most of what the medical field is like,” Dr. Nichols said. “People with frailties and weak character, helping other people with frailties and weak character. Nurse Jackie is as compassionate about her patients as she is about conning the pharmacist out of his narcotics in exchange for who knows what…Fortunately, in real life those people usually get fired.” So even though the drama is enhanced for your entertainment, Peterson does admit that romance occasionally happens. So Grey’s Anatomy fans can relax. But definitely not to the extent it’s explored on most shows. “It’s not a regular thing, but it does happen,” he said, chuckling. “Dating [in the workplace] is a double edged sword. I don’t recommend it.” Any time people are working in a close knit environment, emotions can and will run high. Not always are those emotions romantic either. There’s the nutty nurse, the gruff doctor, and the high-strung chief of staff. They’re all archetypes
Dr. Edward Nichols Dr. House and his band of ignorant, but well-meaning ‘Watsons’ masquerading as resident physicians. He’s [portrayed] as a modern day Sherlock Holmes. The residents go out of their scope of practice regularly, visiting patient homes to discover the true cause of the illness… which never happens.” But the next time you find yourself or a loved one in the emergency room know that, just as in the shows, you will get the full attention you deserve from doctors, nurses, and staff. The doctor is probably not in a relationship with the nurse, nor is there pent-up sexual de-
“Medical TV series, like law TV series, require suspension of disbelief; a physical activity that requires five calories per minute in energy requirement.” —Dr. Edward Nichols for characters we see on a weekly basis. Indeed, the emergency room television shows all have the one doctor who has horrible bedside manners and cannot get along with anyone else. Perhaps the most famous irritable doctor could be Dr. House on House. “He says stuff doctors want to say!” Peterson said with a smile. But aside from the smart-mouthed, know-it-all, House really doesn’t portray an emergency room at all. “He’s more of a diagnostician. Those are in big care centers, like UCLA,” Peterson added. “House is the most outlandish of all of the shows,” Dr. Nichols said, chuckling. “Rare fascinomas are diagnosed by
66 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield
sires, but most likely he or she is happily married to someone outside of the hospital. The doctor will not take a nap after treating you nor will he yell “I’m in!” after inserting a breathing tube. And remember, not everyone will need a breathing tube. The doctor may banter lightly with nurses, just out of earshot, but he will always be professional with patients. Doctors don’t have the time to create a lot of drama, let alone watch medical dramas on TV. The thing those medical shows got right, however, was that all doctors and nurses are exceedingly good-looking. But hey, that’s at least one thing that’s accurate!
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KernHealth Profiles
This special Achievers Series presentation features excellence in the Bakersfield healthcare community. The KernHealth Profiles advertorial section gives local medical professionals the opportunity to open up about their chosen specialty and their training. These profiles are a valuable introduction to some of the area’s most reputable medical professionals and their offices. UIF
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TRUXTUN PSYCHIATRIC MEDICAL GROUP Dr. Albert Ma Dr. Albert Ma’s decision to spend his life taking care of
of the earliest Asperger’s disorder clinics in the country sev-
others was easy as he comes from a family of physicians.
en years ago in Chicago. He also led the effort in develop-
How he came to specialize in the field of psychiatry is a
ment of an autistic spectrum disorder clinic at University of
whole different story.
California San Diego’s child psychiatry training program.
Dealing with the stresses and anxieties of medical school
Dr. Ma’s scope of practice at Truxtun Psychiatric Medi-
at the University of Illinois, Dr. Ma realized that there is not
cal Group extends well beyond that to include: medica-
a great deal of help offered, so he set his sights on finding
tion management, psychodynamic psychotherapy, cog-
those treatment options as soon as he graduated. Taking one
nitive behavioral therapy, and behavioral modification.
look at his credentials, you’ll realize he’s
He is praised for dedication to re-
done just that in the years since then.
search in the field of psychiatry and
Dr. Ma is dual-certified in child and
has participated in over 30 clinical
adult psychiatry adding to the highly ex-
trials that investigate new psychiatric
perienced medical staff at Truxtun Psy-
treatments for adults and children.
chiatric Medical Group. He has spent
“I am a strong proponent of holis-
years in both an academic setting and
tic medicine,” Dr. Ma explained. “I
in private practice, giving him a very
believe that healthy living style, good
wide scope of experience that he uti-
nutrition, and sensible supplements
lizes when he sees patients referred to
can play a significant role in a per-
the Truxtun Psychiatric Medical Group,
son’s physical and mental health. So I
where he is currently practicing. He is
have been a practitioner and teach-
also the Medical Director of Inpatient
er of Tai Chi and Qi Gong for the last
Services at Good Samaritan Hospital
twenty-five years.”
Southwest and has an appointment as
It is not hard to see why Dr. Ma was
Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at UCLA.
selected as one of America’s Top Psychiatrists by the
Dr. Ma treats patients of all ages but finds working with
Consumer’s Research Council.
children to be a highlight. “I love working with kids,” Dr.
That impressive honor motivates him to continue his re-
Ma explained. “They always have a sense of wonder,
search, especially with regards to Autism and Asperger’s
even when they’re dealing with the most severe mental
disorders.
illnesses. They are resilient.”
“There are very few resources in the private sector for di-
That devotion to children’s psychiatric disorders has led him to do some unprecedented things, like designing an
agnosis, treatment, and special education for these children. We need more collaborative work in the future.”
autism specialty clinic during his fellowship at Rush-Pres-
We should be grateful to Truxtun Psychiatric Medical
byterian-St. Luke’s Medical Center’s Department of Child
Group for retaining a psychiatrist with Dr. Ma’s credentials
and Adolescent Psychiatry. Additionally, he founded one
in child and adult psychiatry to serve our community.
6001 Truxtun Avenue, Suite 160 x Bakersfield x 661.323.6410 www.truxtunpsych.com
KernHealth Profiles UIF
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68 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield
www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Health 2010 69
Purdy Pediatric dentistry Pediatric dentistry with compassion since 2001 Purdy Pediatric dentistry has specialized in meeting your child’s dental needs with a compassionate and caring team since 2001. dr. daniel Purdy and his team of experienced professionals strive to help develop a value for lifelong dental health and the highest quality of care. Our main purpose is the prevention of dental disease, with an emphasis on oral hygiene instruction, dental cleanings, fluoride treatments, fillings, sealants, and extractions. dr. Purdy’s office also provides nitrous oxide, as well as oral conscious sedation. each dentist brings with him extensive experience and training in the field of children’s dentistry. dr. daniel Purdy graduated from the university of Louisville in Kentucky where he received his dental degree. in addition, dr. Purdy completed two years of post-doctorate training at ucLa, where he received his certificate as a Pediatric dental specialist. dr. Purdy has been practicing dentistry in Bakersfield since 2002, where he practiced alongside his father, dr. robert Purdy. dr. Joesph curtin graduated from Ohio state university dental school in 2002. dr. curtin recently joined Purdy Pediatric dentistry after spending years practicing in a private pediatric office in La, as well as teaching at Loma Linda university as a professor in the Pediatric dentistry department. dr. david Martinez is the newest dentist to join the practice after graduating from the university of san Francisco california dental school. dr. Martinez completed his internship at eastmont Wellness center and Oakland’s children Hospital. He has also received advanced training in Pediatric Oral conscious sedation from ucLa school of dentistry. dr. Purdy’s office accepts aetna, ameritas, Blue cross, and cigna PPOs, delta dental Healthy Families, and Medi-cal (for children under five years), among many others. the staff can also accommodate spanish-speaking patients. Please keep Purdy Pediatric dentistry in mind for your child’s next visit. We hope to make it comfortable, exciting, and fun.
(l-r) Joseph curtin, d.d.s.; daniel c. Purdy, d.M.d.; david Martinez, d.d.s.; amie L., r.d.a.; stacy B., Manager; anita M., r.d.a.; alejandra G.; Kristi W., r.d.a.; yolanda n., r.d.a.; Maria O., r.d.a.; Marsha F., r.d.a.
3737 stockdale Highway, suite 100 x Bakersfield x 661.832.5530 www.purdyskids.com
KernHealth Profiles UIF
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70 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield
COMPREHENSIVE CARDIOVASCULAR Leading the Fight Against Heart Disease
(l-r) Dr. Leopoldo Puga, Dr. Supratim Banerjee, Dr. Viral Mehta, Dr. Nasser Khan
Comprehensive Cardiovascular Medical Group is lead-
the need for any immediate, unnecessary procedures.
ing the fight against heart disease. What began in 1995 as
“The practice also has a commitment to research and edu-
a solo practice in a single office with three employees, has
cation,” he continued. “All our physicians hold affiliation with
grown into a full-service cardiology facility with four full-time
UCLA Medical Center and we are active in clinical research
board-certified cardiologists and 30 employees offering a
trials for new medications and devices. We get a preview of
full array of services including patient consultations, diag-
what is next in the field of cardiology and we can bring those
nostic testing, heart health education, and patient cen-
advances to our patients.” And while technological advances
tered clinical research trials.
are wonderful, Dr. Mehta is adamant that they should not get
“It is our vision to remain on the leading edge of technology
in the way of physician-patient relationships. “These services al-
and information,” Dr. Viral Mehta explained. That vision has
low us to spend time with patients. Technology shouldn’t come
driven Comprehensive Cardiovascular to bring cutting-edge
in the way of our relationships; there should be no barriers.”
procedures into our community that were not previously
As health care continues to change, one thing will remain
available to patients. “We can perform high-resolution CT
constant and that is Comprehensive Cardiovascular’s com-
angiography,” he elaborated. This type of angiogram is non-
mitment to providing high quality cardiac care to Bakers-
invasive, unlike the traditional angiogram which involves
field and the surrounding communities now and well into
the insertion of a catheter into a blood vessel, and can help
the future. Trust Comprehensive Cardiovascular and their
physicians determine if further testing is needed, reducing
trained staff to care for your heart.
5945 Truxtun Avenue x Bakersfield x 661.323.4278 www.ccvmg.com
KernHealth Profiles UIF
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www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Health 2010 71
Optimal HOspice care cindy stone, Kids Grief connection
cindy stone (holding child in center) adding to their already impressive number of programs
can be around other children dealing with similar situations.”
designed to address Bakersfield’s end-of-life needs, Optimal
the group sessions are held every tuesday at 6 p.m. at Opti-
Hospice care recently started a children’s grief program that
mal Hospice’s office on stockdale Hwy. the groups are open
has yielded amazing results. called Kid’s Grief connection
to the entire youth community—any child from age 6 to 18.
and co-facilitated by cindy stone and stephanie prince with
children are encouraged to work on art projects which can
support from csUB and UOp interns, the program is designed
help them express what emotions they’re having. Not only
to help children better cope with grief.
do they draw and paint, but they also make ornaments and
“We wanted to provide a safe place for kids to come and be
masks. they’re able to relax and play a board game with
kids,” said stone, the Kid’s Grief connection Facilitator. “children
others. it’s that relaxed, comfortable approach that has
are the forgotten mourners. they aren’t equipped to handle
children willing to open up, even if it is for brief moments.
grief on their own—it’s a modeled behavior. Not to mention, their window for dealing with trauma is different. they may only
“they’ll know they are not alone with what they’re feeling,” stone added.
feel like talking about a death or loss for a few minutes. so, we’re
the goal is to have Kid’s Grief connection groups at dif-
doing a disservice to children when we don’t address proper
ferent times and locations in the coming year. it’s another
ways to handle death and loss or when we try and shield them
way Optimal Hospice care is supporting emotional needs
from the grieving process. this program isn’t intended to pro-
of the patients and families in their care as well as the grief
vide structured therapy—it’s a support group for children who
care needs of the entire community.
4700 stockdale Highway, suite 120 x Bakersfield x 661.716.4000 www.optimalcares.com
KernHealth Profiles UIF
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72 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield
MuhaMMad ashraf-aliM, Md, fCCP, faasM Critical Care Medicine, sleep Medicine, Pulmonary disease dr. Muhammad ashraf-alim, Md, fCCP,
then moved to united states and com-
faasM is utilizing his expertise in pulmo-
pleted a three-year training in the internal
nary and sleep medicine to enable his
Medicine residency Program at Wayne
patients to breath easier. as a member
state university, detroit Medical Center
of the american College of Chest Physi-
in Michigan. There he was awarded
cians and the american academy of
intern of the Year. his dedication would
sleep Medicine, and a diplomat of the
go on to help him reach the position of
american Boards of internal Medicine,
Chief resident in 1994. he completed his
Pulmonary diseases, Critical Care Medi-
fellowship training in Pulmonary, Critical
cine, and sleep Medicine, dr. ashraf-
Care, and sleep disorder of Medicine
alim has the knowledge and training to
at uCla Medical Center in 1998, before
diagnose and treat a number of diseases
selecting Bakersfield as his new home,
and conditions, beyond those of the
and a place for his own practice.
lungs, making him a sought-after name in Bakersfield healthcare.
dr. ashraf-alim recently moved his office to the lung & sleep disorder Center.
dr. ashraf-alim received his medical
he also provides in-patient hospitalist,
degree in 1990 as a valedictorian at dow
pulmonary, and critical care services at
Medical university, Karachi, Pakistan. he
all local hospitals.
UIF
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6401 Truxtun ave., suite 280 Bakersfield, Ca 93301 661-377-0091
KernHealth Profiles
KiNG hEariNG aid CENTErs, iNC. hearing aid solutions That fit all lifestyles
(l-r) Evangeline alcantar, dr. armi lynn Walker Jerry s. anderson, susan hooker, dr. Cary Brian shakespeare handy 2427 h street, #C • 661-836-7842 sW corner 25th & h 3880 Gosford rd., #300 • 661-829-4241 albertson’s shopping Center
King hearing aid Centers is passion-
manage schedules, ensure patients’
ate about hearing health, providing
needs are met, and perform needed
education and resources to those find-
hearing aid cleanings and repairs. for
ing their quality of life lessened due to
clients that can benefit from hearing aid
problems with their hearing. from two
technology, King provides the highest
locations in Bakersfield, one downtown
quality products to fit every lifestyle and
on h street and one on Gosford road
budget.
on the southwest side of town, King
since the staff is small, every patient’s
has served the area for more than 10
experience is personal and intimate.
years. Board certified and licensed
The true reward comes when the King
hearing specialists Jerry anderson (h
team hears that their patients are able
street) and Brian handy (Gosford road)
to listen to their grandchild sing and
perform no-charge comprehensive
hear the birds chirping...things most of
hearing assessments, custom fit hear-
us take for granted.
ing aids to meet individual needs, and
Their goal is simple: to help people
consult with patients. Patient Care Co-
hear better by helping each patient
ordinators susan hooker (h street) and
find the hearing aid solution that fits their
Evangeline alcantar (Gosford road),
listening and lifestyle needs. www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Health 2010 73
GOLDeN LIVING CeNTeR experience the Golden Difference As the Marketing Team of Golden Liv-
for those in need of short and long term
ing, we are changing the way people
care and Alzheimer’s Care. Patients
view skilled care.
are now able to rehab in one of the
What was once known before
living centers and receive one-on-one
as “Convalescent Hospital,” “Nursing
therapy that helps build for stronger,
Home,” or yes, even “Old Folks Home,”
faster and longer lasting outcomes fol-
has changed over the years. There
lowing surgery or accident. Shorter stays
are now a number of choices avail-
and faster outcomes have become the
able for the active senior. Golden
new staple in our living centers.
Living Center is one company making
With two living centers within Kern
changes to accommodate those
County to accommodate you, we are
needs, offering as the name sug-
confident we have the care you need.
gests, LIVING CeNTeRS, with full-service
We invite you to visit one of our living
meals, activities throughout the day
centers for a tour.
and most with state-of-the-art therapy
You can choose a Nursing Home,
programs, with the latest in rehabilita-
or you can choose a Golden Living
tion equipment.
Center, and experience “The Golden
Options include 24-hour skilled nursing
UIF
Difference.”
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(l-r) Juanita Jones, Holly Love-Myers, Cyndy Bock
Golden Living Centers 3601 San Dimas St. Bakersfield, CA 93301 661-323-2894
140 east Tulare Ave. Shafter, CA 93263 661-746-3912
KernHealth Profiles INTeRIM HeALTHCARe
A Traditional Home Care Business Since 1994 Interim HealthCare prides itself as be-
as wellness, specialized medication ad-
ing a unique service to our community.
ministration, paraprofessional vocational
What started as a traditional home care
health, and immunizations, to name
business in January 1994 became an
a few. Realizing the need for nursing
organization specializing in a variety of
services for the medically fragile, many
health-related services. Darlyn Baker, RN
of whom are developmentally disabled,
along with her husband, Chuck, and son,
the Baker family founded a special
Bryon, are visionaries for those in need.
needs day care, Darlyn’s Darlings, in 2003
Their expansion is due, in part, to being
and acquired Caring Corner in 2008,
creative problem solvers. The Baker’s cre-
the same year their specialized service
ativity and desire to provide the highest
expanded to Fresno with the opening of
level of quality service to the community
Loretta’s Little Miracles. Realizing many
results in satisfactory solutions. They seek
loved ones are no longer safe to reside
challenges while advocating for those in
at home, they created Bakersfield Senior
need. Interim remains the only RN Medi-
Placement in 2007. If you are faced with
4801 Truxtun Ave. care, Medi-Cal provider of home health Bakersfield, CA 93301 in Kern County. Darlyn’s expansion over 661-395-1700 www.mybakersfieldhealthcare.com the past 17 years includes programs such 74 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield
a dilemma on how to care for someone,
Darlyn Baker, RN Bryon Baker & Chuck Baker
this is the family to call: the Baker family of Interim HealthCare.
MICHeLLe MARTINez, D.D.S. Providing Quality Dental Care & Improving Self esteem “I want to be the person that helps
In keeping with her goals, two years ago
give my patients healthy teeth for life!”
she received special training in the place-
After more than a decade of practicing
ment of LUMINeeRS®, a high-end type of
dentistry, Dr. Michelle Martinez, DDS is
high-strength thin veneer. In addition, Dr.
just as passionate today about giving
Martinez became a registered LUMINeeR®
people beautiful, healthy smiles as she
dentist and a SNAP-ON-SMILe® provider.
was when she first aspired to become a
She offers LUMISmile ®, an exciting
dentist as a high school senior. In pursuit
digital smile makeover tool that allows
of her dreams, Dr. Martinez attended
patients to see how their smiles look
NYU College of Dentistry, after receiving
with LUMINeeRS ® before treatment.
her Bachelor’s degree from UCLA.
Additionally, the LUMINeeRS® cases she
In their practice, Dr. Martinez, Dr.
places are backed by a limited lifetime
Quyen Pham, and their staff aim to
warranty, which gives the patients
provide the highest quality of dental
confidence after placement. Provid-
services in a friendly, comfortable, and
ing quality dental care and improving
family-oriented environment. In addition
patients’ self esteem is what Dr. Martinez
to general dentistry, Dr. Martinez also
and her team strive to give to every
offers cosmetic dentistry.
person that walks into her practice.
UIF
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3873 Stockdale Hwy., Bakersfield 661-831-8042 103 Adkisson Way, Taft 661-763-5133
KernHealth Profiles
THe WOMeN’S CARe CeNTeR Specializing in Obstetrics, Gynecology, Infertility and Advanced Urinary Incontinence Testing/Treatment
Dr. Armi Lynn Walker Dr. Cary Shakespeare 2021 22nd Street 661-633-BABY (2229)
Doctors Cary Shakespeare and Armi
most caring and compassionate way
Lynn Walker provide special care in
we can. We want the treatment they
all areas of women’s health, includ-
receive to be complete and to be
ing pregnancy. Both Dr. Shakespeare
delivered with our best efforts.”
and Dr. Walker graduated from Loma
The Women’s Care Center is happy to
Linda University Medical School and at-
introduce the Pelleve Wrinkle Reduction
tended the same residency in Obstet-
System, a new innovation in non-invasive
rics and Gynecology. Having worked
skin tightening for the treatment of
together for many years, they have
facial wrinkles. Pelleve makes you look
learned to combine their strengths, al-
and feel refreshed naturally. Call today
lowing them to make the best medical
for information and pricing.
team possible. They have gained the
The office is centrally located in the
experience and expertise necessary
Westchester area of downtown Ba-
to give the patients in this community
kersfield. New patients are welcome
the highest quality of care. “We at The
and most insurance plans are ac-
Women’s Care Center strive to provide
cepted. Open Mon.-Thurs. 8am-5pm,
patients the attention they need in the
Fri. until 2pm.
www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Health 2010 75
BRAIN SURGERY
SPINE SURGERY
N AT I O N A L R E C O G N I T I O N | LO C A L R E P U TAT I O N Mark A. Liker, M.D., F.A.C.S.
NEUROsurgeon
Sherwin E. Hua, M.D., Ph.D. NEUROsurgeon Brian R. Gantwerker, M.D. NEUROsurgeon Lisa J. Mendez, NEUROSURGICAL PA-C Jung Sung, NEUROSURGICAL PA-C
~Patient Testimonial~
“I was suffering for 10 long years. My back had me depressed and nothing helped me; but, thanks to Dr. Hua, I have no more pain. Thanks to God and Dr. Hua, I am living without pain.” —Tesla, Bakersfield
I
t is increasingly difficult to make sense of the treatment now available to chronic back pain sufferers.
The physicians at the Brain & Spine Center of Bakersfield can provide you with compassionate and knowledgeable care for your chronic back pain. Our neurosurgeons and clinicians will use their expertise to recommend the right treatment for you. Ask your physician to refer you, or call to schedule an appointment with one of our experts! Neurosurgical & Spine Conditions Seen
Surgical Techniques Used
• Degenerative disorders of the spine • Neck pain disorders • Back pain disorders • Leg pain disorders • Traumatic disorders of the spine • Head trauma • Brain & spine tumors, malignant & benign • Trigeminal neuralgia & facial pain • Parkinson’s disease • Movement disorders • Revision spine surgery • Spine related arm or leg pain
• Minimally invasive surgery • Complex spinal fusion • Non-fusion spinal surgery • Artificial disc technology • Image guided brain surgery • Stereotactic brain surgery • Deep brain stimulation (DBS) • Spinal cord stimulation • Gamma Knife radiosurgery* *Northridge Hospital Medical Center offers Leksell Gamma Knife by Elekta
Bakersfield 9300 Stockdale Hwy., Suite 300 Bakersfield, CA 93311 (661) 414-9100 Valencia/Santa Clarita 25751 McBean Parkway, Suite 305 Valencia, CA 91355 (661) 799-2542 Northridge 18350 Roscoe Blvd., Suite 318 Northridge, CA 91325 (818) 827-2720 Fax: (661) 253-0248
We proudly accept Medicare and other PPO insurances.
Visit us online: www.brain-spinecenter.com
QUALITY CARE CLOSE TO HOME 76 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield
www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Health 2010 77
78 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield
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80 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield
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82 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield
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84 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield
www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Health 2010 85
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Healthcare reform has begun. automatically enroll employees; What does that mean for employhowever, employees are allowed to ers? According to Brandie Gasper, waive the enrollment. Although the healthcare law attorney at Klein, act is effective on January 1, 2011, DeNatale, Goldner, the ramificathere is a five-year vesting period tions depend upon whether the embefore benefits are provided. ployer keeps substantially the same On March 23, 2012, employers healthcare plan as the employer must begin providing a summary provided prior to the signing of the of benefits to each employee. Patient Protection and Affordable Explanations must be updated Care Act on March 23, 2010. for material modifications within Plans that do not keep 60 days of the change. Failure to “grandfathered status” (those comply can result in $1,000 penalthat were not in place before ty per employee. Additionally, the By Robin Paggi the signing of the Act and those IRS will soon require employers to that are substantially changing) must include: include in each employee’s W-2 form the aggregate -No lifetime limits on essential health benefits cost of employer-sponsored health coverage that (such as hospitalization, ambulatory patient ser- is excludable from the employee’s gross income vices, emergency services, etc.). (originally scheduled to begin for 2011, the IRS re-No “unreasonable” annual limits on essential cently deferred this requirement for one year). health benefits. As of March 1, 2013, employers must begin pro-Coverage for dependent adult children up to age 26. viding notice to employees about exchanges, which -Complete coverage of preventative services, will allow small businesses and individuals to band which means no co-pays for employees. together to get better deals in health insurance -No pre-existing condition exclusions for benefi- plans. The Small Business Health Options Program ciaries under age 19. (“SHOP”) Exchange is designed specifically to -No discrimination in plan eligibility and benefits assist small employers in enrolling employees in between employees with different income levels. health plans. States will set up and administer exPlans that keep their “grandfathered” status are changes no later than 2014. exempt from some of the above requirements. January 1, 2014 will bring with it some signifiRules applicable to grandfathered plans as of Sep- cant changes for employers: tember 23, 2010 include no lifetime limits; depen-No annual limits on essential health benefits. dent coverage of adult children up to age 26, only -Grandfathered health plans providing depenif the dependent cannot enroll in another employer- dent coverage require that coverage be available to sponsored plan; and no preexisting condition exclu- adult children up to age 26 (no exception for “othsions for beneficiaries under 19. Employers should erwise-covered” adult children). check with their health insurance carrier to ensure -No waiting periods that exceed 90 days. these changes have been made in their policies. Ac-Pre-existing condition exclusions are prohibited. cording to HealthReform.gov, “plans will lose their Additionally, employers with more than 50 full‘grandfather’ status if they choose to significantly time employees must offer full-time employees the cut benefits or increase out-of-pocket spending for opportunity to enroll in “minimum essential coverconsumers—and consumers in plans that make such age” or face a penalty. Employers with more than 200 changes will gain new consumer protections.” full-time employees must automatically enroll new What’s next on the reform timeline? According employees in health coverage and inform employees to Gasper: that they may opt out of coverage. Large employers On January 1, 2011, the small business tax must file a report with the Treasury Department on credit goes into effect giving qualified small em- their health insurance coverage. Finally, “offering ployers the option to elect a tax credit for their employers” must provide free choice vouchers to employee healthcare coverage expenses. Qualified “qualified employees.” Vouchers given to employemployers have no more than 25 employees with ees must be in the amount of the monthly premium average compensation levels below $50,000. The the employer pays to the health plan; employees maximum credit in 2010 will be 35 percent of the may use the voucher toward other coverage. employer’s costs of healthcare coverage. Finally, on January 1, 2018, a “Cadillac Tax” Also, cafeteria plan changes take effect, which takes effect which imposes 40 percent tax on annual means that nonprescription medications (excluding premiums in an employer-sponsored health plan to insulin) will no longer be eligible for reimbursement the extent it exceeds $10,200/individual or $27,500/ under a health flexible spending account, health sav- family. The tax is applied to the issuer of the plan, ings account, or health reimbursement account. which for self-insured plans might be the employer. Finally, the Community Living Assistance SerHealthcare reform has begun. Adhering to the vices and Supports Act will take effect, which es- above time-line can help ensure employers don’t tablishes a national voluntary insurance program get left behind. for purchasing community living assistance under Contact Robin Paggi MA, SPHR-CA, CPLP at which employers that choose to participate must KDG HR Solutions. (661) 328-5267
86 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield
GARDENING WITH MRS. P
Go ahead... try to ignore this beauty!
By Lynn Pitts For most of us, Mrs. P included, the answer has always been to toss them into the trash and buy new ones next year. It occurred to me that this wasteful attitude is so “twenty-ten” and wrong on many levels. Oh, say you, who has time to take care of one more thing after year-end festivities? Dumping bulbs may sound like the easy way out, but bringing these plants back into bloom is simpler than one might think. After asking around and hearing various re-plays of “supervised neglect,” an oxymoron with no real instruction, I remembered a friend whose husband spends a lot of time in Holland and nominated him as my amaryllis sleuth. Look, after shelling out good money for fat bulbs, it seems a shame to leave their fate to chance. Here’s what my detective discovered on bringing these bulbs full circle.
kphoto
.co
m/p
ixhoo k
Remove faded flowers As with most bulbous plants, you should remove the flower stalks after the flower fades. This directs the plant’s energy to vegetative growth rather than seed production. Amaryllis are native to South Africa, so give them warm temperatures and strong light at this stage. Continue to grow amaryllis inside in a southfacing window after flowering. Plants can be moved outdoors and placed in direct sun once the nighttime temperatures remain above >>
istoc
are you being dragged into winter? It’s hard to embrace these cooler days but the fact is, these are the important months for Bakersfield gardens...if not Bakersfield gardeners. The moisture and low temps are really good for almost all of our plants. So say “Hello, Jack Frost” as we head into a new year: 2011. I’m wondering if we’ll say “twenty-eleven,” “two-zero-one-one,” or maybe “two-oh-uno-uno?” Each year, there seems to be a “plant of the season” in a fantastic color or shape. This is not an official designation but refers to a plant that you suddenly notice everywhere in Christmas decorations. It used to be masses of pebble-filled containers of sweet-smelling paper white narcissus forced into early indoor bloom. This year, the Royals are the rage. I mean the giant or Royal Dutch amaryllis bulbs (Hippeastrum). There are selections like never before; not just reds, whites, and pinks, but salmon, near-orange, striped, doubleflowered varieties with picotee edges, and even green-colored flowers. When I first saw the fresh, plump bulbs at a nursery, I piously resisted purchasing more than four. I came to rue that decision as I realized what a stunning grouping several additional bulbs would make on my mantle. I went back for more. They were gone and every other place I stopped at had sold out. So whoever bought my amaryllis, I hope you are taking good care of them. I will definitely be first in line next year and will whack anyone who gets in my way with my purse. Of course, I will be disguised as a tall willowy blonde, so you won’t know it’s me. For those who did buy or were gifted with amaryllis bulbs for the holiday season, you’ll understand when I say they’re hard plants not to love. Their plump bulbs shoot up tall stalks topped with gorgeous, colorful blooms, right when we need those the most—during the winter doldrums. After they’re done flowering, however, what do we do with them?
www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Health 2010 87
istockphoto.com/RiverNorthPhotography
Gardening with Mrs. P 50 degrees and the daytime temperatures are consistently warm. You might even set them in your garage if you have a bright window. Remember to water the bulbs when the soil is barely moist to the touch. During the hottest days of summer, potted plants can dry out in a day. Encourage dormancy Amaryllis differ from some other common bulbs in a major way: they do not need a stretch of cold weather in order to trigger flower formation. But like many bulbs, they do need a period of dormancy, or what my friend said was “a ripening period.” For the best flowering, allow the leaves to grow and energize for four to six months before encouraging plants into dormancy. To trigger the process, stop watering your amaryllis and, if outside, tip the container on its side to prevent it from catching the sprinklers. Snip off dead leaves After a few weeks, remove the leaves when they’re completely withered. Put the tipped pot in direct sun to bake, which gives the bulb a needed warming treatment. Unlike many other bulbs, amaryllis do not require dark conditions during dormancy. If the nighttime temperatures fall below 50 degrees, bring the bulb inside. These bulbs need two to three months of dormancy. If the rest period happens to fall when outdoor temperatures are cool, pots can be left to dry and stored in a warm, dry place indoors. Awaken the dormant bulb It’s easy to awaken the bulb from dormancy: simply water once to initiate growth, and keep an eye on the soil. When it dries out, water again but with a light hand, especially until the new growth starts to emerge. If you plan to repot your bulb, here’s how: When you repot your amaryllis, be sure to use well-draining potting soil. Pick the right pot by choosing a container that is one to two inches wider than the bulb and is deep enough to accommodate the bulb’s brittle root system. Use a terra-cotta, ceramic, or other heavy container that will act as a sturdy anchor for the large flower
with less light to prolong the bloom time. You can grow any side bulbs that the main plant produced, but they may take a few years before they put on a good show. Here’s a checklist for you to snip out if you’d like to coax your bulbs into bloom for next year’s holidays. Follow this time line:
R Late June Stop watering, and pla ce the pot on its side so that the bulb does not receive any more water . It is essential that the bu lb goes completely dorm ant by the end of the summ er.
Once the amaryllis is up and growing, place it in the sunniest window you have and enjoy the show.
stalks. Plastic pots don’t have the heft. Don’t plant too deep. Only 2/3 of the bulb should be below the soil surface. The succulent part where the leaves emerge (the neck) is susceptible to rot if left sitting in wet soil. They say amaryllis require no feeding, but many professional growers add a balanced liquid fertilizer at 1/2 strength once the leaves start to grow. A dose of food will promote green growth and the extra nutrients can help bulk up bulbs that noticeably shrink each year, which makes sense to me. Place plant in bright light Once the amaryllis is up and growing, place it in the sunniest window you have. Conversely, I have had good luck growing amaryllis near a lamp that tends to stay on most of the time on dark days. Continue to water moderately to encourage strong growth, but avoid overwatering, which can be lethal to these plants. Once the flower starts to unfurl, move the plants to a spot 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.
88 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield
R Early August When all the foliage ha s withered, cut it off and store the potted bulb in a dry place. R Early October Repot or refresh the so il in the container, then water just enough to ke ep the soil from drying ou t completely. R Late October When the top of the flo wer stalk begins to emerg e, move the pot to a locati on with a southern exposu re and increase watering . Continue watering an d, finally, enjoy the great blooms.
A lovely “uno-uno” idea is to give potted kumquat, tangerine, or orange plants (hopefully laden with fruit) to friends, family, and especially new business owners during the Chinese New Year. This type of gift symbolizes prosperity, wealth, and abundance in the months to come. The Year of the Rabbit in 2011 will fall on February 3rd. Because this sign of the Chinese Zodiac is associated with home and family, it’s not too big a stretch to imagine it will be a warm and fuzzy year ahead. Gung Hay Fat Choy to all! v
www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Health 2010 89
Bakersfield’s “Choice-Read” Magazine Bakersfield Magazine is now available at over 140 newsstand locations throughout Bakersfield & Kern County, including:
So now, keeping up with your city is as easy as picking up a loaf of bread at the grocery store. Advertisers:
Save Green & GoRed! Our February issue features: • Women & Business • GoRed! Ladies in Red • Discover Kern Encyclopedia Adv. Close: January 10, 2011 Publication: February 2011 Discover why Bakersfield Magazine is the smartest ad-buy in a recovering economy.
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We’ve covered a lot of ground in our Going Green stories over the years. A lot of it has involved environmentally-responsible products and green living, but for this one, we literally want to cover a lot of ground. And the only way we’ll be able to do that is by driving. There has been a lot written about hybrid cars...and even more has been said about how they are the wave of the future. They’re environmentally-friendly, they get great gas mileage, and, contrary to what our grandfathers assume, they don’t run on potato skins and grass. It’s possible that there are viable options out there for people who only want to drive solar-power vehicles and/or those who want to drive a car that runs on lawn clippings, but we’re a little more realistic. Plus, we’re firm believers that change happens gradually. Rather than go straight for the electric and solar vehicles that cost a fortune and have major limitations, we thought we’d explore hybrid cars. The hybrid car is, according to CNGCar.org, sometimes called an electric-hybrid “because it uses both an electric motor or generator, and a gas-burning engine...The high-powered battery provides power for the electric motor. This electric motor is continuously being recharged from recaptured energy that would normally be lost when the car is running. This process...is officially known as regenerative braking. Once needed, energy from the fuel engine is diverted to recharge the battery. In effect, a hybrid vehicle has no need for being plugged in.” But there are several different types of hybrid cars and it can be confusing to sort them out if you’re looking to make the move to an environmentally-friendly vehicle. First, there’s the full hybrid. It’s stated on CNGCar.org, “In full hybrid cars with fuel-assisted engines, the integration of the electric motor, gas engine, and the battery is complete. In this arrangement, the electric motor is able to operate on its own, provided that particular conditions while driving are met. Certain hybrids, for their electric motors to operate, need situations where low speed driving is possible. For hybrid cars with this arrangement, the gas engine starts to take over once the vehicle reaches a higher speed level. During acceleration, the gas engine and the electric motor can work simultaneously to produce the needed power.” GoGreenResources.org has information on the other types of hybrid cars: the parallel and the series hybrid. The parallel hybrid car has “a fuel tank that gives gasoline to the engine. During this time, batteries give power to a motor that is electric. The two motors give off energy that works to propel the car forward. >>
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N
“In a series hybrid car a generator is turned on by a fuel engine. And the generator does one of two things. It can either work as a charger for the motor or charge batteries. In turn, these batteries work to give energy to the electric motor that propels the transmission. This means that this type of hybrid car never needs to use the fuel engine to get power, at least not directly.” Now for the benefits. If you’re looking to buy a hybrid car, chances are you’re looking to reduce your carbon footprint. Or, you’re trying to be trendy. Either way, your purchase of a green vehicle could help you with more than just your social status. For instance, hybrid cars save on fuel. It’s not just hearsay—it’s the truth. “When a hybrid car uses electricity more often than gasoline, the driver can expect an absolute savings,” says CNGCar.org. “This is due to the fact that the reduction in gasoline consumption is fixed at a certain amount, but the electricity used by a hybrid motor is self-replenishing. Research shows that hybrid car drivers have reportedly been consuming an average of 54 percent less gasoline. By the same token, this is equivalent to a near absolute savings of 54 percent on fuel costs.” Another great reason to purchase hybrid vehicles is for the tax break. Our government is looking to encourage everyone to reduce their dependency on oil resources, and as such, they’ve granted a number of tax incentives for those in environmentally-friendly cars. It’s mostly reflected in your payable taxes, but there are always new incentives being proposed. Plus, because hybrid cars today are not as rare as they once were, the assumption that they cost a lot in maintenance is simply not true.
92 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield
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Again, CNGCar.org says, “Statistics show that the cost of maintenance required by a hybrid car is about 23 percent less than the average gasoline conventional car. And to top this off, hybrid car electric batteries are on 8-year warranties, which means that if the batteries are faulty any time within the 8 years, a total replacement will ensue.” There’s also discounted insurance packages as reports are being published indicating hybrid cars are less prone to accidents. This might have a lot to do with the types of drivers who own hybrid cars, but it’s still an incentive when you think how much money you spend on car insurance every year. And finally, perhaps the most compelling reason for getting a hybrid car is that you are absolutely, 100 percent, no questions about it, reducing your carbon footprint. Most hybrid cars run on electricity when they drive below 40 miles per hour. And most of our driving is done in an urban setting (i.e. the city), where most speed limits aren’t much above that. So if almost all of your driving is done in the city, you’re using very little gasoline and your car is not producing any fuel emissions. There are several pros to hybrid cars and a few cons (they are pricey). But the benefits outweigh the cost in this scenario. Now it’s up to you to decide if and when a hybrid is right for you. Sources: www.cngcar.org; www.gogreenresources.org/types-of-hybrid-cars
If most of your driving is done in the city, you’re using very little gasoline and your car is not producing fuel emissions.
©istockphoto.com/Dimitris66
Y
GREAT GETAWAYS
Y
Seaside Sensations By Donna McCrohan Rosenthal
ou can really get away on a getaway to Ventura, a little over two hours from Bakersfield. Surf and kayak. Relax on the beach. Explore the Channel Islands, “the Galapagos of the United States.” Hit the wine trail. Shop for art, antiques, and collectibles. Dine casually yet eat superbly. Step into the past in a city that, in many respects, feels like a 1950s seaside village. Ventura began more than 1,500 years ago as a Chumash settlement and takes its name from the Mission San Buenaventura established by Spanish friars in 1782. The ninth and final mission founded by Fr. Junipero Serra, San Buenaventura continues as an active parish, welcoming visitors daily from sunrise to sunset— though the population has spread out somewhat over the centuries.
The Laurel and Front Street vicinity boasts art galleries and studios, music and shopping. The Westside, along the banks of the Ventura Rivera, offers art, shopping, and the Ventura River Trail. Midtown, distinguished by its Spanish-Mediterranean and Tudor architecture, competes with more galleries and shopping. The
Noble Pursuits
©ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/ jjhanestad
—
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Culture and the arts enrich every district, from the Rubicon Theatre’s classic and contemporary repertoire and the Ventura Improv Company to the new WAV (Working Artists Ventura) complex, a living/working space for artists and their families. Gordon Kenneth Grant’s murals painted in 1938 grace the post office and the Tortilla Flats Mural Project honors Ventura’s “first neighborhood.” The Saturday Artist Spotlight Series invites the public to interviews of outstanding artists.
photo by jennifer livia
East End courts the senses with a college, farms, family-oriented activities, the Ventura Community Park aquatics complex, the 132-acre Arroyo Verde Park, and the Camino Real Park where migrating monarch butterflies fill the air in winter. The Albinger Archaeological Museum stands next to the Mission, not far from the 1847 Olivas Adobe house, birthplace
of Ortega green chiles and host of “Music Under the Stars” on summer Saturday nights. Across the street, the renovated and still expanding Ventura County Museum combines exciting rotating exhibits with the extraordinary Smith Gallery of ¼ life-size, impeccably garbed and detailed George Stuart Historical Figures. Fig trees, palms, and a Beaux Arts-style City Hall—with columns, arched windows, and a terra cotta facade—set the tone for Downtown, a fusion of galleries, antique stores, and thrift shops that support vital charities. You can treasure-hunt for days and never enter a chain store, finding bric-a-brac, jewelry, furniture, political campaign buttons, pottery, books, CDs, videotapes, record albums, audiotapes, cowboy memorabilia, and Wizard of Oz, I Love Lucy, Lord of the Rings, Star Trek, and Elvis tie-in merchandise. Recent forays uncovered a 1907 first-edition of L. Frank Baum’s Ozma of Oz, Marquis de Lafayette and President Ronald Reagan dolls, and a James Dean bobble-head. Expect variety everywhere but try not to miss Times Remembered and the Ventura Antique Market for older items; the Attic Trunk for women’s vintage fashions; Trufflehound’s for deluxe chocolates; the library for an impressive ongoing book sale featuring autographed copies; Bank of Books for rare first editions, out-of-print titles, and over one million volumes in >> www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Health 2010 93
photo courtesy ann flower communications
Seaside Sensations
Anacapa Brewing Co. is a “must-do” dining experience.
the vaults; Things from Heaven for angel-related gifts; and Rocket Fizz for unusual and retro candies, and sodas such as Judge Wapner Root Beer. (The label reads, “I sentence you to drink my root beer.”) The Pacific Coast beckons within brief walking distance—the beach with its boardwalk, historic pier, and waves to ride; the harbor, a hub for boat rentals, cruises, whale-watching (check out Island Packer Cruises for transportation), a carousel, Spinnaker Seafood Broiler, and the Greek at the Harbor restaurants; and the gateway to the sea caves, sea cliffs, dolphins, seals, sea lions, sea birds, tiny foxes, snorkeling, diving, and camping on the Channel Islands, starting at the Channel Islands Museum on the Harbor.
94 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield
The five islands of Channel Islands National Park look much as they did when the explorers landed. The Marine Sanctuary is home to more than 2,000 species of plants and animals, 145 unique to the islands. Wildflowers carpet Anacapa Island in March and April. You can get there from the mainland in an hour.
Eat, Drink & Be Sleepy
—
—
Ventura County’s emerging wine area links clusters of wine bars, tasting rooms, and wine makers and enjoys an increasingly stellar reputation. Herzog Wine Cellars in Oxnard operates the county’s most extensive winery plus a five-star restaurant on site; other wine makers produce notably smaller quantities, perhaps 80 cases a year (Old Creek Ranch Winery’s wine club has a waiting list). Different wineries open their doors and tasting rooms on different mid-week and weekend days. For example, Herzog closes for the Friday/Saturday Sabbath but opens Sunday-Thursday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Some stops on the wine trail, like Old Creek Ranch Winery, sit nestled among berry bushes and orchards on winding roads. Casa Barranca, with vegan and certified organic wine, has a tasting room framed by the colonial arches of the Arcade in Ojai and a separate, more secluded estate retreat. Others have less rural locations. The Wine Yard is on a busy street in Thousand Oaks and Wine Lovers, which couples its impressive menu with, Friday-Saturday 5-11 p.m., free pizza when you buy a drink, lies in the heart of Ventura. A trip to the country might also include tours and tastings at Ojai Olive Oil, a family-owned business flanked by olive, orange, and avocado groves, open Tuesday through Sunday (though a savvy traveler might want to call in advance). Motorists can design and drive their own self-guided tours; another option originates at the Ventura Visitors Center, 101 S. California Street in Downtown Ventura, where you can arrange passage on a cozy shuttle bus. For a third possibility, the Oxnard Convention & Visitors Bureau presents Wine, Chocolate & Cheese Tours. Throughout, quirky eateries happily coexist with sophisticated fine dining. The Anacapa Brewing Company, Ventura’s only restaurant/brewery, or “brewpub,” crafts their own root beer, serves a beer tasting sampler, and has a distinctly eclectic California menu (Pretzel Fried Chicken, Black & Blue Chicken Sandwich). The Sidecar, in a gloriously restored rail car, has won a loyal following thanks to renowned Chef Tim Kilcoyne, signature infused vodkas, and “Grilled Cheese and Jazz Nights” with gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches and live entertainment on Tuesdays yearround. Ventura more than satisfies the need when the sandman arrives, with accommodations to suit every taste. The Bella Maggiore Inn downtown has a courtyard cafe, Italian provincial ambiance, and reported sightings of Sylvia, their resident ghost. The Victorian
photo courtesy ann flower communications
A statue commemorating Friar Junipero Serra looks down California Street toward the sea.
Rose B&B retains the stunning high ceilings and stained glass of the building’s former tenant, a church; individual rooms have TVs and gas fireplaces and, communally, guests have free access to the microwave, refrigerator, and snacks all day. Rooms at the Crowne Plaza, right on the beach, have balconies and ocean views. The Gallery at the Crowne transforms the lobby-level corridors into the largest private gallery in the county. The Crowne Plaza’s Top of the Harbor Ballroom commands almost 300 degrees of spectacular panorama, a worthy bonus to sumptuous buffets on Mother’s Day, Easter, and New Year’s Day.
Special Events
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photo by gary w. talbot
Each month brings added enticement, from the Wine & Food Festival, Ojai Music Festival, Ojai Playwrights Conference, Ventura Music Festival, Harvest ArtWalk, and holiday Channel Island Harbor Parade of Lights to the county fair, the 100-plus vendor rain-or-shine Flea Market and Swapmeets, dog shows, and seaside highland games at the Ventura County Fairgrounds by the beach. The annual California Strawberry Festival in Oxnard celebrates its 28th season in 2011. The Fillmore & Western Railroad in Fillmore runs elegant excursion trains and packs the calendar with a Pumpkinliner, Christmas Tree Trains, North Pole Express, Day Out with Thomas, dinner trains, barbecue trains, and murder mystery trains. For further information, contact the Ventura Visitors Center, www.ventura-usa.com/bkmag; 1-800-483-6214. v
Scared, hungry, & alone
They deserve better! Please help us help them.
Alpha Canine Sanctuary A no-kill haven for homeless dogs nestled in the foothills above Bakersfield. Up to 100 dogs live at the 20-acre ranch. Alpha is non-profit, and is supported by tax-deductible donations.
P.O. Box 5517 Bakersfield, CA 93388 AlphaCanine.org San Buenaventura Mission has served the area since 1782.
661-391-8212
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Your Relics
Wondering what to do with Aunt Martha’s dining room chairs? Not sure if your grandmother’s antique silver tea set is even worth cleaning? Even if it is, will it look great displayed in your home? Inherited items can seem like a burden, but there are ways of turning even the most “used” family heirlooms into blessings. Decorating with inherited items adds personality and character to a room while preserving the piece for future generations. And believe it or not, re-purposing inherited items to function in a more modern room isn’t all that time consuming. Little items here and there are tasteful and endearing. For example, if your father loved his pipes and you inherited his collection, take one or two of them and place on a stack of books in your office or den. What if the trinket you’ve inherited is a bit bigger...or perhaps not so easily displayed? Worse, what if it’s dirty after spending a long time being neglected in Great Uncle Neil’s house? TOOTHPASTE ISN’T JUST FOR TEETH
The secrets of silver cleaning using household basics may surprise you, but the techniques are easy! If you have a small job, the best silver polish is white tooth paste. Dab some on your finger, and rub into the tarnish. For bigger pieces, use baking soda and a clean, damp sponge. Make a paste of baking soda and water. Scoop the paste onto the sponge, and rub the paste into the silver. Rinse with hot water and polish dry with a soft, clean cloth. For badly tarnished silver, leave the baking soda paste on the silver for an hour or so before cleaning ©istockphoto.com/ david15(teaset)/wambi(Frame)/diane39(woman)
off with the help of the sponge and hot water. DISPLAY YOUR TREASURES IN A SHADOW BOX A shadow box is a versatile and personal way to display special items, limited only by your imagination. You can purchase a ready-made display case, or re-purpose almost any container that will hold the items collected and hang securely on your wall. >>
It’s not as hard to clean as you may think.
www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Health 2010 97
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tied, wired, or even stapled to the background. A covered styrofoam back may be ideal if you are mounting jewelry items...particularly pins. When using a wooden box for your case, you even have the option of screwing items in place through the wood. A wicker basket can allow the option of wiring your display items through the weave using florist wire. LOVE YOUR Wooden Furniture If you’ve inherited a great old piece of wooden furniture, don’t put it out in the garage—tidy it up and use it as a showpiece. The dings and nicks just add character; however, the water rings do not. No worry, this remedy is a breeze. Place a large amount of mayonnaise onto the water ring and rub it into the stain with a paper towel. Allow the mayonnaise to sit over night and wipe it all away in the morning. Using a little more mayonnaise mixed with cigarette ashes, make a paste and rub it into the stain for at least 20 minutes. With a clean cloth, wipe away the mixture and the stain will be gone. It is important to remember, inherited items are not always practical and sometimes you get an abundance of goods. Don’t feel guilty in donating or hiding most of Old Cousin Simon’s re-
home & Garden Inside and out, we have you covered.
98 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield
cord collection. You can choose the mementos you display. Take a few of his favorite albums and frame them artistically. Remember, while we can’t always control what items we inherit, we can control how we display them. n
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
BakersfieldMagazine’s
A Guide to Health & Beauty
LOSING “IT ”–is there a way that works
We’ve all thought about losing a few pesky pounds from time to
time. Maybe trying to drop a pant size. And heaven knows there are enough
ence between energy use and intake is called a ‘caloric deficit.’ ” But the site also warns that “severe caloric restriction triggers a fasting state that slows your
fad diets out there to keep us trying to
metabolism down, and also causes muscle
weigh less for years and years. The
loss. Moreover, it causes your body to increase
cabbage soup diet (pee-yew), the
the level of ‘fat storing’ enzymes in the body.”
grapefruit diet (also known as the
Most fad diets, if followed closely, will result
diet most likely to melt your teeth),
in weight loss—as a result of caloric restriction and
and, back when Grover Cleveland
water loss. But they are usually too monotonous and
was running the country (both times), the tapeworm diet.
And, yes, it’s just as gross as it sounds. But there are tried and true “diets” that physicians and health professionals will recommend with frequency for those who need to shed some weight. Astonishingly, they don’t require eating a parasite. They mostly rely on eating foods with fewer calories (and eating smaller portions of those foods) and exercising to help effectively process the calories you do eat. According to HussmanFitness.org, “a pound of fat is 3,500 calories. What that means for you is that to burn a pound of fat, you have to metabolize (as energy) 3,500 calories more than you take in. That differ©istockphoto.com/dashek
are sometimes dangerous for long-term use. And while most diets have a sliding scale when it comes to success rates, before you attempt any diet, you should talk to your doctor. They’ll have suggestions on how you can get down to your fighting weight without resorting to drastic diets that can affect your health. Generally, diets fall under the category of low carb or low cal. Here’s what you should know about each: Low Carbohydrate All food is made up of three primary macro nutrients—carbohydrates (or sugars), proteins, and fats. Low carb implies that the percentage of carbohydrate (by calorie) is low. Carbs include breads, grains, and sugars. No pasta, either. However it is common to find that any diet with a less than 50-60 percent carb ratio is called a low carb diet. Depending on one’s sensitivity to carbohydrates, a moderate carb ratio may be better than a high carb ratio. By definition, the lower the carb ratio, the higher the fat and protein ratio. Generally speaking, a low carb diet will also tend to be a high protein >> www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Health 2010 99
where’s the
fun?
diet. Probably the most famous low-carb diet is the Atkins’ diet. Low carbohydrate diets make use of your body’s chemistry. Insulin is your body’s primary mechanism by which fat is escorted into your fat cells. Insulin is released whenever there is sugar in your blood from food sources. Car©istockphoto.com/esolla
bohydrates, especially refined carbohydrates and simple sugars, are the foods most likely to produce large spikes of insulin. According to QuackWatch.org, low-
where to
where’s the
shop?
food? what’s
up?
carbohydrate diets also produce ketosis (a condition characterized by raised levels of
At EveryDiet.org, “a diet based on 1,200
ketone bodies in the body, associated with
calories daily is the recommended minimum
abnormal fat metabolism and diabetes mel-
for safe and healthy weight loss. This is be-
litus), “but if properly designed, they enable
cause 1,200 calories will generally provide
the body’s nutritional needs to be met by di-
an adequate nutritional intake for most indi-
etary protein, dietary fat, stored body fat,
viduals, yet still allows the reduction of calo-
and stored glycogen, so that body muscles
ries to the level that most dieters require in
are spared. As this ‘nutritional ketosis’ be-
order to lose weight.”
gins, there is a diuretic (water loss) effect,
As a result, “many diet plans for weight
leading the dieter to think that significant
loss that are developed by nutritionists and
weight reduction is taking place.”
health professionals are based on 1,200
Low carb diets are very filling as they in-
calories daily. There are no specific foods
volve eating a lot of protein, but weight is eas-
recommended on this plan however dieters
ily regained if old habits are picked up.
are likely to experience a greater degree of success when the diet is based on fresh and
Low Calorie According to CalorieControl.org, even
All food contains calories—or units of en-
substituting a low fat version of a favorite
ergy. Your body has a certain daily require-
not eating just 100 calories a day can add up to 10 pounds a year!
100% Local Features & Editorial Dining Guide • Shoppers Bazaar Health & Beauty • Home & Garden
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BAK ERS FIEL D’S ONLY CIT Y AND REG
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www.bakersfieldmagazine.net
whole grains, legumes and lean proteins.”
cutting just 100 calories per day, “such as
Small changes in intake can result in healthier weights, for example...
BakersfieldMagazine
unprocessed foods including fruit, vegetables,
ment of calories it needs to take in from food sources in order to sustain life. This is known as your basal metabolic rate. Throughout the day, you also perform certain activities that add to the number of calories your body
food or using a low calorie sweetener in
needs. The more active you are, the more cal-
place of sugar, could mean big changes in
ories your body will need in order to have the
a person’s health and waist line. Harvard’s
energy to perform those activities. Low calorie
Dr. George Blackburn said, ‘Those 100
diets are usually easy to follow and a wider
calories add up to 10 pounds a year. Small
variety of foods can be eaten. But, depend-
changes in caloric intake can result in small
ing on your activity level, low cal diets can
but meaningful healthier weights.’ ”
lead to low energy. It’s important to find the
Because, when it comes to weight loss, calories still count! Weight is determined by the
right balance for you, your body, and how much weight you actually need to lose.
number of calories consumed and the number
Again, before you start any diet, talk to
used as energy, as we mentioned before. If
your doctor. And remember, it’s about getting
more calories are consumed than burned, the
healthy...not about wearing a size 0. v
result is weight gain. Pretty simple.
hussmanfitness.org; everydiet.org; caloriecontrol.org
100 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield
food
Switch on the burner, grease up the skillet, or spark up the coals, it’s time to get eating. It’s not hard to eat a meal fit for a king—we’ve done the research for you. Whether you’re searching for juicy new recipes to thrill dinner guests with or looking for a new, exciting place to dine out with family, our Food Section has all the spice and flavor you’ll need.
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We’ve got reviews, recipes, entertaining tips, and more! This is the place to explore local eateries that have good food and good service, find out which ones cater to your budget and your taste buds, and get culinary inspiration to bring back to your own kitchen. Sumptuous, mouth-watering meals await you whatever your mood— grab your apron and peruse these pages for your favorite recipe. Bon Appétit.
www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Health 2010 101
QUICK BITES WITH LOCAL FLAVOR
‘tis the season
Since we’re in the midst of the holiday season, we think it’s high time our dips and appetizers matched the time of year. So say au revoir to French Onion; give an adios to salsa...at least until spring.
Instead, why not savor the tastes of autumn with this delicious recipe from Chef Bill Rea, executive chef of Stockdale Country Club. Chef Rea created this heavenly hummus appetizer using fresh, local ingredients just for the readers of Bakersfield Magazine. There isn’t a chickpea to be found in this hummus, but you will find oodles of harvest flavors. As you’re planning your party menu this season, you won’t be able to find an appetizer more suited for a gathering of family and friends. Mmm...we can smell the mulled cider in the air. n
Sweet Potato Hummus
ake!
easy to m
Executive Chef
Bill Rea
102 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield
1 lb. Sweet Potatoes or Yams 1 tsp. Toasted Cumin Seeds 2 oz. Lemon Juice 1 tsp. Salt • 1 tbsp. Olive Oil ¼ tsp. Cayenne Pepper ¼ tsp. White Pepper 1 Orange Zest and Juice 1 tbsp. Tahini Pita Bread (cut into eighths) Feta Cheese Roasted Pistachio Nuts
This dip couldn’t be easier to make. Start by peeling, dicing, and poaching your sweet potatoes (or yams). Just in case you’re unfamiliar, poaching is cooking a food by completely submerging it in simmering liquid (in this case, water). Once they’re ready, combine the potatoes and all other ingredients except for the feta and the pistachios and mash until smooth. Serve in a decorative dish and garnish with crumbled feta cheese and roasted pistachios! Fry your pita bread slices in Canola or Safflower Oil until brown and surround the dip as a garnish. Happy eating!!
Cuisine: deliciously different
WHAT’S COOKIN’ By Mike Stepanovich
Tequila-lime Chicken Delight
temptations
Once upon a time, the Renegade Room, Bakersfield College’s stellar restaurant, was Bakersfield’s best-kept secret. Not any more. The restaurant, where you get country-club quality at diner prices, has
good bread would have made a hearty meal, but I was just getting started.
become so popular that the other day I had to grovel for reservations for
The German potato salad had Chef Patrick Coyle’s signature on it. He
Thursday night’s buffet. I got them only after I promised to be there right
stopped by our table and grinned at our satisfied “oohs” and “aahs.”
when the restaurant opened at 5:30 p.m., and out of there by 6:30. Jana
“I lived in Germany for four years and learned how to make it,” he said.
Fidler-Wiggers, who oversees the dining room, said she had 85 reservations
It’s remarkably simple—diced cooked potatoes, bacon, parsley, and onions
that night; and that didn’t count the walk-ins.
with a tangy vinaigrette dressing. Delicious!
Small wonder: the Renegade Room was featuring a German buffet that
The entrées were splendid as well. The Wiener schnitzel, Vienna’s own
included Bavarian lentil soup, hot German potato salad, Rohkostsalatter (a vegetable salad), Sauerbraten, Wiener schnitzel with mushrooms, bratwurst and sauerkraut, potato pancakes, braised red cabbage, and apple strudel. It was nothing short of a feast. And feast we did! The buffet has two stations: one on the south side of the room with the soup, salad, and appetizers, and the other on the north side of the room for the entrées and side dishes. I tried the Bavarian lentil soup first. It was loaded with lentils in beef froth with diced carrots, onions, celery, and turnips. A bowl of this and some
Chef Suzanne Davis, Chef Patrick Coyle, and Jana Fidler-Wiggers manage the magic.
dish, had breaded veal medallions topped with mushrooms in a brown sauce. Tender and moist, the veal almost melted in your mouth. And the bratwurst and sauerkraut! Wow! Pork ribs were also in the mix of a steaming and delicious dish. The bratwurst was made fresh by BC culinary arts students, who prepare all the food for the Renegade Room under the watchful eyes of Coyle, the program’s director; faculty member Chef Suzanne Davis; >> Executive Chef Salad
Cuisine: old school mastery
www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Health 2010 103
Cuisine: old school mastery and, when they’re in the dining room, Fidler-Wiggers. The sauerkraut was superb, with a nutty flavor that enhanced the flavors of the sausages and pork ribs. Another Coyle secret: he cooked the kraut in beer. Each dish was delightful. I was compelled to get seconds on a couple of the items, which left me scant room for the apple strudel. But I persevered, and was glad I did, as the strudel was the perfect end to the dinner...except that my wife, Carol, had found a peach and almond tart, and some German chocolate cake. I could only manage a couple bites of each, and wished I had not had seconds on the potato pancakes.The cost for this extravaganza? A mere $10.95 per person. Dinners are served Tuesday from a menu
Pulled Pork Sliders
and Thursday is the buffet, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Lunches at the Renegade Room are also reasonably priced. Lunch is served only on
designation from the American Culinary Federation. He stays current on culinary trends
Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The menu, which changes weekly, features an entrée,
by his involvement with local chefs, including the Arthritis Association’s annual Tastes of
entrée salad, and sandwich of the day (dinners feature two entrée choices).
the Town fundraiser, in which he has participated for more than 20 years. “I try to keep
I recently stopped in for lunch, and couldn’t resist the duck and andouille gumbo offered as the soup of the day ($3.25 á la carte). It was beautifully presented, with a whiterice island surrounded by the hearty gumbo, laden with chunks of duck and the spicy French sausage. Finely chopped chives topped the creation, which was delicious!
our program as up-to-date as possible,” he said. “We want to teach them proper theory and blend that with the practical.” That is evident in the Renegade Room’s fare, prepared by the culinary arts students. That’s also the reason it changes weekly, so students get exposed to different foods and how to prepare them. The restaurant opens four weeks into each semester, which gives Coyle and Davis time to get the new would-be chefs up to speed before the opening. The program also handles catering for special events, such as the Bakersfield Breakfast Rotary Club’s annual Tuscany at Twilight dinner. The Bakersfield College Foundation’s annual Sterling Silver Dinner each January, featuring guest chef William Bloxsom-Carter, executive chef at the Playboy Mansion in Los Angeles, provides an opportunity to students in the program to gain exposure to one of the nation’s most talented and cutting-edge chefs. The students learn all aspects of the restaurant business: “They rotate from the front of the house to the back of the house. They wait tables, do baking, prepare
German Chocolate Cake
dishes—they do it all,” Coyle said. Since the Renegade Room is a teaching restaurant, “crazy things happen,” Coyle said laughing. “The first time I let students do the seasoning for a Cajun-themed menu, it got
Anticipating the week’s menu is part of the Renegade Room’s charm, so I was in-
a little spicy. They really livened it up.”
trigued by the “executive chef salad” during a recent lunch visit. What could that be? Fan-
Fidler-Wiggers laughed at some of the occasional mishaps, like getting orders mixed up,
tastic might be the best word: thinly-sliced grilled steak on a bed of greens with a colorful
or forgetting to put orders in. The loyal clientele understands the purpose of the restaurant
assortment of vegetables. The steak was grilled to perfection, and it was one of those
and is patient with the students, she said. Usually by mid semester, those problems vanish.
dishes you could just sit there and smell until it evaporated. Tequila-lime chicken was the
“A broader audience is finding the Renegade Room,” she said, adding that about
entrée of the day; my lunch companion’s mmm’s and ahhs testified to how flavorful it was.
half a week’s customers are regulars. “Our customers are extremely loyal. A lot of
The Renegade Room, which has been open to the public since it first opened in 1968,
people hear about us by word of mouth.”
is the face of BC’s culinary arts program. And Coyle has been part of the program, except
I’ve long maintained that Coyle and Davis could be executive chefs at any country
for a seven-year hiatus, almost since it’s inception. He was a student in the program from
club they chose, but they chose Bakersfield College because they love teaching. And
1969 to 1972, earning his associate of arts. He then served in the Army from 1972-76,
that’s the real secret of the Renegade Room.
with four of those years spent in Germany, before earning his bachelor’s degree in or-
The Renegade Room is open during the fall and spring semesters and during sum-
ganizational behavior from the University of San Francisco. He returned to Kern County,
mer session. Coyle and Davis plan the menus well in advance. To see what is available
spending two years as the food service director at Taft College before accepting a position
each week, visit the Bakersfield College website, www.bakersfieldcollege.edu/ren-
in 1979 as a chef instructor in the Renegade Room.
egaderoom, and click on the menu. For reservations, call (661) 395-4441. The Ren-
“I’ve been here a long time,” said Coyle, who has earned the Certified Culinary Educator 104 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield
egade Room accepts cash and local checks. n
Entertaining the Bakersfield Way By Tom Xavier
Go Team!
What started out as “a few sandwiches and a couple of beers before the game” in decades past, has evolved into a great American sports tradition—especially among the college football crowd!
I will be the first to admit that I am not a football fan. Please hold your gasps until the end. I’ll watch it if I have to and can even talk intelligently about it to a certain degree, but I am not a “fan.” To me, a football game is just a good excuse for a party—preferably a tailgating party. Actually, concerts and other stadium events are also becoming popular places to host a tailgating party, so even if you’re not a football fan, you still might want to consider hosting one of these some day. For starters, it’s generally perceived as a very casual affair (unless you’re Martha Stewart)—but one that inspires a lot of fun. They’re easy to plan and a blast to throw. And there’s no reason why you can’t host your own tailgating party in your driveway on game day. So why not unhitch your tailgate, grab a few friends, and cook up a game-day feast. It’s nice to think that there is a fine art to a tailgating party, but the truth
Bourbon Fudge Brownies (recipe pg. 107)
is, they’re fairly straightforward. It’s the recipes you choose to prepare that add a unique flavor (no pun intended) to your party. I have seen parties with over a hundred people and huge amounts of food— including a roast pig! But more commonly, you will see smaller groups of people with a packed meal, or else a small grill and a few other dishes. But what to put on your grill? Some popular meats are bratwurst or >>
Cuisine : get your game on
www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Health 2010 105
Cuisine : get your game on Italian sausages, pork chops, steaks, ribs, short ribs, ham, chicken, seafood, game, and, of course, hamburgers and hot dogs. The most common tailgating party dishes are quick to prepare and easy to transport, but there’s no reason why a host should skimp on flavor and style.
Caramelized Shallot and Blue Cheese Dip Dips are wonderful “make-ahead” appetizers. After all, most dips taste better as they sit, not worse. This is the kind of appetizer dip that will have your guests scrambling for the recipe—and the last bit of dip in the bowl. Pretty much anything tastes good with this dip...serve it with crackers, toast points, crudités, and kettle style potato chips. Try giving it to your guests on a little spoon and watch them fight over it.
Caramelized Shallot and Blue Cheese Dip 1 tbsp. olive oil • 1 3/4 cups chopped shallots 3/4 cup mayonnaise 3/4 cup creme fraiche or sour cream 4 oz. blue cheese, room temperature In a skillet, sauté shallots in olive oil over mediumlow heat, covered, until golden and caramelized. This should take about 20 minutes. Let the shallots cool. In a mixing bowl, blend mayonnaise and creme fraiche. Add softened blue cheese. Mash mayo mixture and blue cheese together until smooth. Stir in cooled, caramelized shallots. Add salt and pepper to taste. Then, cover and refrigerate until flavors mix, at least three hours, or up to two days. Best when made one day ahead. Note: It’s best to choose a blue cheese without too much blue veining. If the cheese looks too blue, the dip may develop a grey color. Makes about 2 cups.
Awesome Barbeque Chicken Wings Awesome Barbeque Chicken Wings
Fiesty Fajita Burgers
What tailgating party would be complete without chicken wings, I ask you. This is a full-proof recipe for classic chicken wings that you’ll want to make every Sunday. 1/2 cup finely chopped onion 1/4 cup canola oil 3 tsp. minced garlic • 1 1/2 cups ketchup 1/2 cup cider vinegar • 1/3 cup brown sugar 1/3 cup Worcestershire sauce 2 tsp. chili powder 1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper • 1/2 tsp. ground cumin 1/8 tsp. hot pepper sauce • 1/4 cup cider vinegar 1/4 cup olive oil • 1/8 tsp. salt 1/8 tsp. pepper 30 frozen chicken wingettes, thawed For barbecue sauce, sauté onion in canola oil in a large saucepan until tender. Add garlic and cook one minute longer. Stir in the ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, cayenne, and cumin. Simmer, uncovered, for 8-10 minutes, stirring often. Remove from the heat and stir in pepper sauce. Set aside 2/3 cup for serving. In a large resealable plastic bag, combine the 1/4 cup vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper; add chicken wings in batches and turn to coat. Using long-handled tongs, moisten a paper towel with cooking oil and lightly coat the grill rack. Grill wings, covered, over medium heat (broil four inches from the heat) for 12-16 minutes, turning occasionally. Brush with some of the barbecue sauce. Grill, uncovered, 8-10 minutes longer or until juices run clear, basting and turning several times. Serve with reserved barbecue sauce.
A packet of dry seasoning can add a savory flavor to any burger, as does the fajita mix in this recipe. These burgers are a big hit with the “big eaters” at your tailgating party. The following recipe will make four burgers, so be sure to double up on ingredients according to how many people will be attending! 1.27 oz. packet Lawry’s® Fajita Seasoning 1/4 cup melted butter 1 lb. ground beef 1 brown onion 2 green peppers 1 tbsp. olive oil 4 hamburger buns Combine fajita seasoning and butter until incorporated. Add ground beef into a bowl and incorporate fajita butter until thoroughly mixed. Form four patties and place in an airtight container for transport to the tailgate site (or your driveway). Slice onion and peppers into strips and discard pepper seeds. Sauté in one tablespoon of olive oil, stirring occasionally, until tender and browned. Cool and, if you’ll be moving to a tailgating site before cooking, place in a foil pouch. Reheat by placing pouch on the grill. Grill burgers on a lightly oiled rack over medium-high heat, five minutes on each side for medium-sized patties. Top with reheated onions and peppers and serve on a bun.
106 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield
Grilled Bratwursts Some people swear it’s not a tailgating party without these on the menu. And I tend to agree with them. These brats are simmered in beer, making them extra juicy and filled with lots of flavor. Once grilled, drop
Fiesty Fajita Burgers in a bun, top with whatever you like, and you have a perfect snack for the game. The following recipe is for six bratwursts—if you are making more, double or triple all the ingredients to meet your needs. 6 Bratwursts • 1-12oz. can of beer 1 medium onion, chopped 6 peppercorns • 4 cloves 6 hard rolls In a large pot, combine all ingredients except the rolls. Simmer over a low heat for 20 minutes. Preheat grill. Remove bratwursts from pot and place on grill for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally. Grill until brown. If you sprinkle with water they will form a crispy skin. Serve on rolls with your favorite mustard.
Exotic Five Bean Salad A bean salad is a very durable, tasty, and easy addition to your tailgating menu. Plus, everyone and their dog makes a variation on pasta or potato salad, so why not make something a little more special on game day? 1 cup cooked white beans • 1 cup cooked kidney beans 1 cup cooked yellow beans • 1 cup cooked green beans 1 cup cooked garbanzo beans 1 cup frozen corn, thawed 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced • 1 tsp. mustard seed 1 tsp. celery seed • 1 1/4 cups sugar 1 1/4 cups white vinegar Take white beans, red kidney beans, yellow beans, green beans, garbanzo beans, and corn and place in a large, easy-to-transport salad bowl. To this, add red onion, mustard seed, celery seed, sugar, and white vinegar. For the best flavor, leave this in your refrigerator over night before the game.
Bourbon Fudge Brownies Bourbon and vanilla enhance the rich chocolate flavor of these moist brownies. Plus, anything with bourbon will be a big hit with your tailgating crowd...unless they’re underage (if you don’t want to use bourbon, use hot milk in its place). 1/4 cup bourbon 1/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa 1 tsp. baking powder • 1/2 tsp. salt 1 1/3 cups sugar 6 tbsp. butter, softened 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract 2 large eggs Cooking spray Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Bring bourbon to a boil in a small saucepan; remove from heat. Add chocolate chips, stirring until smooth. Lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups, and level with a knife. Combine the flour, cocoa, baking powder, and salt, stirring with a whisk. Combine sugar and butter in a large bowl; beat with a mixer at medium speed until well combined. Add vanilla and eggs; beat well. Add flour mixture and bourbon mixture to sugar mixture, beating at low speed just until combined. Spread batter into a foil-lined 9inch square baking pan coated with cooking spray. Tip: Your sheet of foil should be long enough to hang over each side so that you can easily lift your brownies out of the pan. Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in the pan on a wire rack. >>
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(661) 871-5787 redpepperrestaurant.net www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Health 2010 107
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Cuisine : get your game on One of the most important things to consider is food safety. Not only do you need to worry about storing food safely before you eat it and cooking it thoroughly, you also need to plan how you will store leftovers. Make sure you have lots of ice and plenty of food-safe storage containers or bags to handle any leftovers. Keep cold items cold, and hot items hot before eating, and make sure to bring a thermometer or two so there is no guessing about the temperature. Don’t leave perishable food out for very long. Because many places will not have soap and water, make sure to bring anti-bacterial wipes and clean everything thoroughly once you get home. If you are planning on grilling or smoking, make sure you can transport your grill or smoker and your fuel safely. Set up your grill away from cars and your seating area, and make sure the surface is level. Have
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water or a fire extinguisher handy in case of emergencies. Never leave the grill unattended, and make sure to dispose of your charcoal safely. A few other things to remember are disposable plates and silverware, napkins, condiments, salt and pepper, bottle and can openers, plenty of ice, chairs or stools, paper towels, folding tables, blankets, and protection from the weather. Oh! And be sure not to forget your tickets! n
LIFE IS A CABERNET By Mike Stepanovich
vintage for the ages still using equipment straight out of history books, Don Galleano’s winery is like a California wine museum. Don Galleano was having a heck of a time with his new cellphone. Don is old school and new technology confounds him. His new phone, complete with all the bells and whistles his son Dominic suggested he needed, was ringing, and Don couldn’t figure out how to answer it. Finally, in frustration, he yelled, “Dominic! How the hell do you answer this damn thing?” The scene is instructive because Don is a man of tradition, for whom the few remaining old vineyards of the Cucamonga Valley are like children. He nurtures them, cajoles them, occasionally even yells at them, but few—if any—people in the wine business are more passionate about their vineyards or their work than Don Galleano. straight out of history books. He hosts visitors in the Craftsman-style bungalow built by his parents in the 1920s and moved to its current location in the 1940s, part of Cantu-Galleano Ranch. It’s the home in which he grew up. His tasting room is small, part of another building, and built in the late 1940s. The original estate vineyard spreads westward from the ranch and winery
photo courtesy galleano winery
His winery is like a California wine museum. He still uses equipment
Domenico 1908
complex. Its vines, zinfandel planted in 1947, look a bit tired. Don just shakes his head. “[This year] was headed for greatness,” he said, “until two days, a week apart, in early fall when the temperatures spiked to 111 degrees. That really hammered the vintage. So much promise...” he let the thought hang. His vineyard is an island now, in the westernmost corner of Riverside County where it converges with San Bernardino and Los Angeles counties, surrounded by massive distribution centers. The dichotomy is startling: glass, concrete, and steel buildings abutting a piece of history. Anyone who loves California wine and its history should visit Galleano Winery, because I know of no other place in California where the past, present, and future converge as they do here. And from Bakersfield, it’s a day trip, >>
Domenico Galleano came to California from Italy in 1913 and was excited to find the sandy, alluvial soil in the valley that would produce his fine wines. grapevine©istockphoto.com/andersphoto
wine: legacy of the grape www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Health 2010 109
wine: legacy of the grape about the same amount of time as it takes to get to Paso Robles’ west side, about two and a half hours. It’s worth the ride. Galleano Winery harkens back to a time when the Los Angeles area—including the Cucamonga Valley—was the state’s biggest wine region, a time when agriculture, not high-rises, was still a major Los Angeles economic component, a time when wine was king. In 1950, Los Angeles County was still the nation’s—yes, the nation’s—number one agricultural county. At the beginning of Prohibition, in 1920, Los Angeles County had 256 wineries and 22,000 acres of vineyard land in production, according to the Los Angeles County Wine History at Cal Poly Pomona. Los Angeles County’s rich wine history includes Joseph “Don Jose” Chapman, a prominent Southern California piovineyard of Mission grapes in 1824, followed a few years later by another vineyard planted by William Wolfskill. In the 1830s, Jean Louis Vignes from Bor-
photos courtesy galleano winery
neer, who planted a commercial
deaux brought French cuttings to Los Angeles and planted them, soon surpassing in quality Chapman’s and Wolfskill’s sturdy Mission wines. This was some two decades before the famed
Entrance to the historic Galleano Winery and complex.
Hungarian count, Agoston Haraszthy, brought European varieties to Northern California and is credited with launching the California wine industry. Today Los Angeles’ wine industry is a shadow of its former self, but it’s there nonetheless. It’s on the periphery, pushed to the fringe. So while most people don’t think of Los Angeles as “wine country,” in fact it once was and still has a remnant of that bygone era. Don Galleano is intent on preserving what’s left of that era. He wages what often seems like a one-man crusade to save Southern California’s vineyards from the developers’ maw. He now controls the historic Collins Ranch and its old Grenache vines, adjacent to the Ontario Airport. Some years back, Collins Ranch was destined for the developer’s bulldozer. So close was it to being pulled out that Hart Winery in Temecula, who had used those grapes to reap an inordinate number of gold medals and best-of-shows at various wine competitions, put on its Grenache Rosé label, “Collins Ranch, Final Harvest.”Then Galleano got involved. Next year, Hart put on his label, “Second Annual Final Harvest.” When it reached “Fifth Annual Final Harvest,” he stopped. Galleano’s wines are impressive. I love to collect zinfandels from different parts of the state, and Galleano’s, from the historic Cucamonga Valley, has its own unique character110 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield
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Nino 1940s istics that differentiate it from zinfandel grown in other parts of the state. In addition to his own vines, he also has access to Lopez Ranch zinfandel, planted in the 1920s in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains. It’s special wine. During a recent visit, Don’s son Domenic grilled some sausages and chicken, while Don sautéed together some beans, tomatoes, and onions with some olive oil and some chili verde he said one of his employees made for a hearty midday repast around his kitchen table. For wine, he walked across the courtyard to the winery and tapped off some 2009 zinfandel in a pitcher. Simple. Delicious. It’s how wine and food should be enjoyed. Don likes to tell his family’s history: It began in 1913 when a young Domenico Galleano came to Southern California from his native Piedmont in Italy. He worked and saved his money looking for the land he visualized. In 1927, he purchased the Cantu Ranch built
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sometime around 1900. He was excited by the sandy, alluvial soil of the valley that had washed down from the San Gabriel Mountains to the north, and knew that it was exactly what he had been looking for. He planted his vineyards in 1927, ready to make his dream a reality, and when Prohibition ended in 1933, he opened the winery. He eventually handed the winery’s reins to his son Nino, who in turn handed them to his son Don. Dominic is now learning the ropes. Galleano is the Cucamonga Valley’s largest producer of wine and largest shipper of wine grapes in Southern California. Galleano Winery’s Zinfandel symbolizes the valley’s history: during Prohibition, heads of households throughout the country were permitted to make 200 gallons of wine for personal use, and Cucamonga Valley supplied Zinfandel grapes by the trainload. However, development still continues to threaten what’s left of the Cucamonga Valley’s once thriving wine industry. Don said another hundred acres from which he used to get grapes has succumbed to developers. That leaves Don with about 300 acres that he controls. A few other growers still farm about 200 acres. One time I asked him how much acreage he had; 400 acres, he said. I asked him how many total were in the valley; 600, he said. The catch in his voice gave him away. No one loves his land or what it represents more than Don Galleano. n 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 Bakersfield College. 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 2010 111
112 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield
bottoms up!
mexicali Year Established: 1939 Quick Facts Locations: • 631 18th St. • 5601 California Ave.
mixin’it up
By Jason Gutierrez
Who can resist a margarita? Certainly not you, once you take a sip of Mexicali’s most famous cocktail. Located in downtown Bakersfield and on the southwest side of town, Mexicali is a local staple for Mexican cuisine and has also become well-known for pouring a mean margarita. So much so that, for some, cocktail hour is code for “Mexicali.” The drink alone is reason enough to patronize this establishment, but the food and ambiance make this place a triple threat and a must-go for dining.
Mexicali’s Heavenly Margarita 1 ½ oz. White Tequila 1 oz. Triple Sec 1 tbsp. Lemon Juice Shake well and ser ve blended or on the rocks.
And don’t forget to salt the rim !
Mexicali was opened by Santos Gamez and his wife, Trinidad, in 1939. But Gamez had been in Bakersfield since 1913, when he began working for the railroad. After saving up his money, Gamez was able to purchase a small piece of property on Baker Street, where he opened a gas station and, later, a tortilla factory. It’s this rich history that is apparent in every Mexicali speciality. That includes the drinks. Ruben Crews, General Manager for Mexicali said the recipe for the margarita has been in the family since the late ‘50s and has been kept as simple as possible. “We don’t use mixers,” he said. “We keep it simple and made to order. We use lemon juice, triple sec, and tequila. You can have it blended, on the rocks, or flavored.” Nothing like a customized margarita! And there’s no “summer stigma” attached to this drink here. “Sometimes people may think of the margarita as a summer drink,” Crews added. “But the margarita is a year-round enjoyment for both men and women.” We know where we’re going for our get-togethers this winter— how about you? n
drink: can you say ‘‘salud?’’
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Caesar’s Italian Delicatessen
The Dining Guide
A Bakersfield tradition since 1970, Caesar’s Italian Delicatessens have been serving fine Italian food for over 35 years. Our family owned Delis serve quality Sandwiches, Soups, and Salads. We are a full service deli and carry a wide variety of cheeses, meats, and specialty items. We have a large variety of Salads including our famous Pickled Tongue. Pastas are prepared in house using sauces from Nonna’s (grandma’s) Old Italian Recipes. Come in and pick up a tray to take home. Catering is also available for your next event, small office parties, large events & weddings, and includes Party Trays, Pastas, Sandwiches, Tri-Tip Deep Pit Beef, Chicken, or just Appetizers. Ask for a catering menu. 2828 Niles St. (East Bakersfield) (661) 873-0270, or 9500 Brimhall Rd. #304 (Rosedale area) (661) 588-7004
RedBrick Fire-Roasted Gourmet Pizza
For the ultimate gourmet pizza, you’ve just got to head over to RedBrick Pizza. Every pizza is fresh, fabulous, and fire-roasted in just three minutes inside a 1,000-degree brick oven...an old-world Italian tradition. Start your epicurean adventure with a Chinese Chicken or Greek Chopped Salad, made with heart-healthy ingredients. Then dive into a speciality pizza. They’ve even got gluten-free crust for those on special diets. In the mood for something different? Wrap your mouth around one of their fire-roasted Fhazanis, a savory Italian sandwich topped with chilled greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and house dressing. And don’t forget a bowl of creamy, rich Gelato before you go. Open Mon-Thu 11am-9pm; Fri & Sat 11am-10pm; Sun 11am-9pm. 9500 Brimhall Road, Ste. 301. (661) 829-1010
Benji’s French Basque
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
The Nines Restaurant
Located inside the Bakersfield Marriott at the Convention Center, The Nines is a great place for business lunches with a brand new lunch menu that features over 20 delicious selections under $10. Our dinner menu offers award-winning short ribs as well as nightly dinner specials, including Tuesday Prime Rib Night and Saturday Date Night Menus. The beautiful Private Dining Room can seat up to 12 and is a great place for that intimate dinner with family, friends or clients. Call ahead and our executive chef is happy to whip up a custom menu just for you. Reservations recommended but not required. Hours are Mon-Sun 6:30am-2pm and 5-10pm. 801 Truxtun Ave. (661) 565-9319
Jacalito Grill
When you’re in the mood for authentic Mexican dining, there’s no better place than Jacalito Grill. With three convenient locations, you’ll always discover a reason to drop by for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Let the traditional flavors wow you with each dining experience, whether it be their savory Huevos Rancheros, Chile Verde, Pork Ribs in Salsa Roja, or Enchiladas de Mole. The menu is extensive, so there’s something for everyone—enchiladas, burritos, chimichangas—and it’s all freshly prepared! But the seafood lover will rejoice at Jacalito Grill where a long list of succulent shrimp and fish dishes await. Everything from Camarones Borrachos (shrimp sauteed in tequila sauce) to their delectable Fish Fajitas. Each of their menu combinations are served with tender rice and beans. And every Sunday come in and try their Menudo! Open Sun-Thu, 11am-9:30pm; Friday and Saturday 11am-11pm. 4803 Panama Lane, (661) 834-5834; 10618 Hageman Road, (661) 679-7920; and 900 Truxtun Avenue, located adjacent to Rabobank Arena and the Amtrak Station, (661) 325-2535
114 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield
Lorene’s Ranch House Coffee Shop
Where Everything’s Homemade! If you’re in the mood for an early morning breakfast, lunch, or a casual evening dinner, stop by Lorene’s for a hearty meal you won’t forget. Our extensive menu includes traditional breakfast skillets, country fresh eggs and omelettes, and a large selection of pancakes and waffles. For lunch or dinner try our South-of-the-Border section or one of our charbroiled burgers. We also serve great steaks and numerous seafood entrées. Stop by today for family-friendly dining. Hours: 6am-9:00pm daily, Visa, MC, AE, DC, accepted. Two locations to serve you: 1531 23rd & Eye St. (661) 322-6887 and 6401 Ming Ave. (661) 831-9250
Jake’s Tex-Mex Cafe
Celebrating its 24th 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
100 YEAR ANNIVERSARY 1910 – 2010 Old World & Authentic Restaurant Hours: Tue-Sat 11am-2:30pm, Deli Hours: Tue-Sat 8am-4pm. 725 East 19th Street. shopluigis.com (661) 322-0926
P.F. Chang’s China Bistro
P.F. Chang’s China Bistro is conveniently located at the Shops at Riverwalk, 10700 Stockdale Hwy. Visit us for food and drink specials during our Happy Hour everyday from 3-6 pm. You can also make a reservation or place a take-out order on-line at pfchangs.com. We serve lunch and dinner from 11am-10pm Sun-Thu, and 11am-11pm Friday and Saturday. We also offer an extensive menu that meets the needs of both vegetarian and gluten-free guests. We look forward to seeing you soon. (661) 663-8689
Café Med
NEW LOWER PRICES! 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. 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
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The Dining Guide
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
Luigi’s Restaurant & Italian Delicatessen
Sakura Buffet
The Dining Guide
There’s always something new to try at Sakura Buffet! With over 150 items rotating daily, you’ll have your pick of fresh sushi and seafood, plus tender chicken, beef, and pork dishes every time you dine with us. And we’ve got fresh salads, soups, and fruits and vegetables to choose from, too. Sakura is the largest and most elegant international buffet in town with Chinese, Japanese, Mexican, and American cuisine! We have been voted one of the top 100 Chinese restaurants in the USA in 2007, 2008, and 2009! If you’re looking to dine on our scrumptious items at home, we offer take-out orders and party trays! Open seven days a week: lunch MonSat 11am-3:45pm; dinner Mon-Thu 3:45-9pm, Fri & Sat 3:45-9:30pm. All day dinner buffet on Sunday from 10:30am-9pm. 3632 Ming Ave. (661) 837-8999
FISHLIPS... Music Cocktails Grill
Fishlips is the perfect setting for your next business meeting, date with your special someone, or enjoying a show with your friends. Fishlips’ stage features live music from Grammy-winning artists to your local favorite bands. Serving Fish & Chips, Clam Chowder, Burgers, Tacos, Salads, Sandwiches, and Tri-Tip for over 10 years downtown. 1517 18th Street. Lunch Mon-Fri 11:30am to 4pm, Dinner MonThu 4-9pm. Fri & Sat 4-11pm. Bar Mon-Sat till closing. Fishlips is a 21 and older venue. Please visit www.fishlips.org for current and upcoming events! Reservations or Ticket Information (661) 324-2557
The Chilling Berry Yogurt & Tea
Refresh, relax, and chill at The Chilling Berry Yogurt & Tea, Bakersfield’s newest sweet-treat eatery! The Chilling Berry is the home of tart yogurt, as well as other satisfying items including fruit-infused iced teas, 53 different types of hot teas, and fresh fruit plates. It’s the perfect place to take the family when you’re looking for a healthy treat and a fun experience because everyone creates their own item—there are over 30 different toppings to choose from, including 15 different freshly-cut fruits. And if you’re looking for something decadent for yourself, stop by during lunch or after work for a great pick-me-up; The Chilling Berry has the perfect cool treat for a long workday. Free Wi-Fi. Open daily 11am-10pm. 9612 Flushing Quail Road, at the corner of Calloway Drive. (661) 587-0250
Brookside Riverlakes Market & Deli
We are your one-stop shop for great, local flavor! Our goal is to offer more grocery items in the market and more variety in the deli for your convenience. From our high-quality meat to our breads, everything is fresh and local. Brookside also prepares our own salads and we have a large selection of wines and local products to choose from including Smith’s Bakery goodies to satisfy your sweet tooth. In addition to our Brookside breakfast and lunch menus, we have a catering menu that will help you celebrate any occasion with ease. Deli hours: Mon-Fri 5am-8pm, Sat 6:30am-8pm, Sun 6:30am-5pm. 4700 Coffee Road. Store: (661) 588-1338, Deli: (661) 588-2329
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
116 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield
Cataldo’s
There’s only one place in town to go for fresh New York-style pizza, savory pastas, and crisp salads: Cataldo’s Pizzeria! Each of their pizzas is hand-tossed and baked in brick ovens to give each bite that “old-fashioned” taste. But these pizzas are worth the wait. Try “The Manhattan,” a pizza covered in pepperoni, sausage, hamburger, black olives, mushrooms, bell peppers, and onions. Or, savor their Antipasti salad made with mozzarella, feta, and pepperoncini, topped with salami, pepperoni, and more! Order for take out, delivery, catering, or dine in and enjoy multiple big screen TVs, a pool table, and game room. Their party room can accommodate up to 60 people! Open Sun-Sat 11am until the last person is gone. 4200 Stine Road. Cataldospizza.com. (661) 397-5000
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
Valentien Restaurant and Wine Bar
A unique dining experience in Bakersfield, offering delicious foods and wines. A welcoming environment in the tradition of the neighborhood bistro. From taking that special someone out for an exquisite dinner, to hosting a staff lunch; Valentien can accommodate you. Seafood, Poultry, Beef, Exotic Game, Vegetarian; French Cuisine Fused with California Freshness. Known for our amazing sauces, and delectable dishes; everything is made from scratch. Including the desserts! With a Sommelier on staff, we feature an extensive wine list, primarily focusing on French and Californian wines. At Valentien Restaurant & Wine Bar, we believe that service is of utmost importance. A knowledgeable staff will guide your dining experience with grace and ease. We look forward to serving you. OPEN for LUNCH FIVE DAYS A WEEK: Mon-Fri 11:30am-2pm. OPEN for DINNER SEVEN NIGHTS A WEEK: Sun-Thur 5pm-9pm Fri & Sat 5pm-10pm. All major credit cards accepted. Reservations recommended but not required. 3310 Truxtun Ave., Suite 160, 93301 (661) 864-0397
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The Dining Guide
Bull Shed Bar & Grill
If you’re looking for a great place to hang out, grab a bite to eat, and have a good time, it’s high time you grabbed the bull by the horns...literally! At the locally-owned and operated Bull Shed Bar & Grill, you’ll be able to dig in to great food at great prices (only one menu item is over $10), while waiting your turn to ride “Dolly,” the mechanical bull! Sink your teeth into their Tri-Tip Sandwich, a cowboy roll stuffed with marinated tri-tip, onions, and mayo or test your stomach with the Big Bad Bull Shed Burger—a burger that weighs in at 2.5 pounds and is served with 2.5 pounds of fries. Eat it all in 45 minutes and get it free...plus a Bull Shed shirt! Open Mon-Thu 12pm-1am; Fri & Sat 12pm-2am; Sun 10-12am. 2300 Camino Del Rio. (661) 327-0681
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
Flame and Skewers
The Dining Guide
Since opening in February 2006, Flame and Skewers has impressed Bakersfield diners with authentic Mediterranean cuisine. When you want fresh, natural, flavorful food, this is the place to be. Mediterranean cuisine is rooted in the use of fresh and healthy ingredients. Every item boasts this philosophy—from the delicious and tender lamb kabob to the Shawerma, which is marinated and spiced slices of Tri-Tip Beef or Chicken grilled against an open fire. Diners have a variety of options including savory sandwiches, which are topped with romaine lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, hommus, and tajini sauce. www.flameandskewers.com. Two locations: 1201 24th St., open Mon-Sat 10:30am-8pm. (661) 325-1500. 5486 California Ave., open Mon-Sat 10:30am-10pm, Sunday 10:30am-7:30pm. (661) 328-0900
The Orchid Fine Dining & Sushi Bar
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. We also offer a private room that accommodates up to 60 people. 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
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
Uricchio’s Trattoria
Now Offering Curb-side To-go Service! 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 Mon-Thu 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
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
Bon Appétit Bakersfield Magazine Dining Guide • 834-4126
118 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield
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120 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield
photos by mike thezier
Global Family, a Bakersfield nonprofit, rescues and cares for abused, oppressed, and abandoned children in India and Nepal. Tragically, the window to find those kids is often less than 96 hours.
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Global Family • (661) 616-0326
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If you were to ask Clark and Jennifer Jensen how many children they have, you’ll get a very straightforward answer. The couple has two children. Jennifer Jensen surrounded by girls saved through the After listening to their story Daughter Project. and learning more about the organization they created, you’ll realize that the Jensens have been parents to hundreds of children in the past few years; they’ve created a family that many children on the other side of the world have desperately needed. The Jensens founded Global Family, a nonprofit that seeks to rescue and subsequently care for abused, oppressed, and abandoned children in India and Nepal. As part of Global Family, they’ve also spearheaded a collaborative effort called The Daughter ProjGirls as young as six can be bought for sex trafficking. Thanks to Global Family, these girls can live a happy life. ect, which aims to educate fami“That was really the start of “ What if it was our lies in Nepal and reduce the number of young girls forced into sex Global Family,” she added. “We trafficking in Indian brothels. It’s a difficult situation to imagine. daughter? We knew that began the organization eight years The reality that these children face is harsh. They are forced we wouldn’t give up trying ago, but it was in February of 2007 into dangerous, exploitative situations on a daily basis because their to find her. We can’t give that we became official here in the families are living in poverty and there is no other way for them up on any of these girls. US as a nonprofit.” to make money. It’s a horrible situation to witness. And witnessing All children are as precious It was around that time that the these situations first-hand prompted the Jensens to take action. to God as our own.” Jensens moved from the Hima“Clark and I were married in Bakersfield,” Jennifer Jensen, who — Jennifer Jensen layas of North India into Nepal. also serves as executive director for the organization, explained. They were aware of the high number of girls being used as sex slaves. “And when our daughter was five and our son was two, we moved “We knew that girls were being trafficked,” Jensen said. “Every counto India for mission work. We had always wanted to go.” try has them; but 80 percent of the girls in Indian brothels are Nepali.” They moved to a small town in the Himalayas and began a new Unfortunately, there are a number of reasons for this. Because of chapter in their life as a family. But after seeing the atrocities being the high number of destitute families in Nepal and the lower value of committed against children, and finding a small boy in a high village women and girls, these families are easily swayed into selling their near the Tibetan border who had been sold by his parents as a slave to daughters to men who promise financial returns. Then, because of the village, Clark and Jennifer knew they had to do something more. the sparse security on the India-Nepal border, men are able to sneak “We were asked, ‘Would you take this boy?’ and we had to say the girls into India where they can make more money by selling them yes. Through the course of figuring out how we could help him and to Indian brothels. Often times, border guards look the other way. other children like him, Clark came up with the concept for Global “We know girls between the ages of nine and sixteen are being Family,” Jensen said. “We weren’t happy with the idea of putting exploited, but we’ve seen girls as young as six and seven,” Jensen these children in institutional care, which was the only option at said, shaking her head. “These children lose their sense of personalthat time. We knew the best would be staying with a family that ity; they lose their soul. You can see the lifeless look in their eyes. was culturally similar to their own.” And their lifespans are shortened due to health problems. There were few options. So the Jensens decided to ELD MAG SFI “Our daughter was 14 when we moved to Nepal and this >> R make options. AR
www.myglobalfamily.org www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Health 2010 121
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Life
Window of
situation was all the more compelling because we knew our daughter was the same age as some of these Nepali girls,” she explained. For those girls who are sold or kidnapped and forced to be sex slaves, there is a brief window of opportunity for someone to find her and remove her from that lifestyle. It’s a short window—only 72-96 hours after they’ve been taken. That’s the time when they are being passed from place to place. “We thought to ourselves, ‘What if it was our daughter?’ We knew that we wouldn’t give up trying to find her. We can’t give up on any of these girls. All children are as precious to God as our own.” So while in South Asia, the Jensens joined with others in a campaign that has since taken hold here in Bakersfield. Their organization has recruited the help of 115 Nepali community groups and churches to visit the Nepali border to prevent people from sneaking girls through; they’ve gone into villages to educate families there on what it really means when they give their daughter away. “Many times, the family is told that their daughter will work at a hotel or a call cen-
ter and send back money, but that is usually not the case,” Jensen explained. “In a place where people are struggling to put food on the table, they are easily won over by the promise of money. Sometimes the girls are sold for as little as $15.” Since 2007, Global Family has set up six shelters in Nepal for the children they rescue, five along the border and one in Kathmandu (the capitol of Nepal). The girls there are counseled by professionals until deemed fit to return to their family or placed in long-term family care. “Sometimes, it’s not safe for a girl to return to her home because she’s in just as much danger of being trafficked again. Sometimes the family won’t accept her back because of the stigma that she’s been abused.” To make sure fewer and fewer girls are being put in those positions, Global Family volunteers educate over 7,000 Nepalis every year on the importance of not letting their daughter be trafficked by entering villages and presenting information on the dangers of sex trafficking. “We have volunteers monitoring the
borders and looking for suspicious activity, but thanks to the education we’re providing, we’re finding that border guards and authorities will bring us girls that they’ve kept from being taken into India,” Jensen said. “It feels phenomenal to know that we’re making a difference.” “It’s truly been a grassroots effort. We’ve seen this cause take off here in the community,” she added. “Sometimes people think that because the problem seems distant and overwhelming that they aren’t able to help, but we’re able to rescue and care for a girl for a full year for only $500. We were able to rescue over 100 girls in 2009 alone.” But after talking with the Jensens, it’s not hard to deduce that they would have started this organization even if they were able to save only one daughter. Knowing that even one girl’s life is better makes the money and effort worth the while. On May 14, 2011, Global Family will be hosting their second annual fundraiser. To find out how you can get involved or help positively affect a girl’s life, visit myglobalfamily.org or call (661) 616-0326. n
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122 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield
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December 4th-23rd Mon-Fri: 6-9pm • Sat-Sun: 5-9pm Admission: Adults $5.00 • Seniors $4.00 Children 6-12 $3.00 • Children 5 & under FREE Call 834-2272 for Ticket Locations
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to-work clothing for adults through Operation Opportunity and has donated more than 5,000 Teddy Bears since 2005 to local hospitals and law enforcement agencies in Operation Hugs program. Additionally, 10 deserving high school seniors have received scholarships from the Assistance League Scholarship Program. “You see the need,” said Sandrini. “And once you see the smile on a child’s face, a child you’ve helped, you want to do more.” In fact, Operation School Bell is such an amazing program that in 1997, it became the National Philanthropic Program for Assistance Leagues across the United States. And every volunteer would agree—there’s nothing better than making a difference in a child’s life. If you’d like more information on Assistance League of Bakersfield or are interested in volunteering, call (661) 323-0838. n
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“Operation Hugs” brings smiles to hospitalized children.
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Founder Ruth Ann Montgomery still volunteers.
Assistance League volunteer and board member Barbara Sandrini. “Teachers, nurses, and counselors would refer children whose parents couldn’t afford to buy them the clothing they needed for school and volunteers would outfit them.” That was in 1956, two years before the Volunteer Service Guild became an official chapter of the National Assistance League. And once the Assistance League® of Bakersfield was chartered, there was no stopping it; and no stopping the growth that the organization would see over the next 50 years. What started with 24 charter members is now a nonprofit with 85 active members and 250 volunteers. And these volunteers have done a lot of good. “Early on, exact numbers weren’t kept, but since 1990, we’ve dressed over 38,000 underprivileged children in new clothing,” Sandrini added. The process is simple. Children who are referred to Operation School Bell enter the Assistance League building on Q Street and are taken around a mock store. Each child gets two complete new outfits (either jeans and polo shirts or school uniforms), a jacket, a hygiene kit, undergarments, socks, school supplies, and a gift card for new shoes. The cost for these necessities? Only $80 per child. Most of those funds come from profits made at the Assistance League’s thrift store, Bargain Box; and from funds raised during their two-day holiday home tour, Chez Noël, held each year in December. Bargain Box opened in 1959 to help
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set out to organize a local nonprofit, she had no way of knowing just how important her idea would be to children and families not only in Bakersfield and Kern County, but across the entire United States. Working as a teacher in Los Angeles, Montgomery realized that there was a growing number of children who came to school in ill-fitting, highlyworn hand-me-down clothing. Worse yet, she discovered that the children of a particular family shared one set of clothing and rotated going to school. She began gathering gently-used clothing from family and friends to give to children so they could attend school regularly. When she moved to Bakersfield in the 1950s, she founded the Volunteer Service Guild and set to work making sure that children in Bakersfield would never miss attending school for lack of decent clothing. “That idea was the groundwork for Operation School Bell®,” explained long-time
UN
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When Ruth Ann Montgomery
School is a lot more fun when you have new clothes.
raise funds for the school children’s clothing. It’s operated solely by volunteer members who sort community-donated goods, price them accordingly, and stock them in the store. Shoppers will find gently-used clothing, housewares, sporting goods, electronics, toys, and books. Bargain Box is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Every time you buy something, the money goes to help Assistance League clothe a child. In addition to your patronage, they also need donations to stock Bargain Box— anything from clothing to furniture is very much appreciated. And those funds also help the organizations other programs. Assistance League also provides back-
BAKE
Outfitting a Smile
photos courtesy assistance league of bakersfield
community partners
SPOTLIGHT
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The Ultimate Gift
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By Greg Gallion
Photo courtesy Houchin Community Blood Bank
FIELD MAG RS
R IT Y PA
The holidays are a time to reflect
Houchin
Community Blood Bank community’s generosity by donating five acres of land in southwest Bakersfield to consolidate Houchin’s services. A capital campaign is underway to raise money to build a complex that will house Houchin’s laboratory, manufacturing, transportation, quality assurance, and administrative offices. The complex also will include a full-service donor drawing site to complement Houchin’s existing one at 5901Truxtun Ave. But the heart and soul of what makes Houchin Community Blood Bank a lifesaving asset to the residents of Bakersfield and Kern County are people. The blood people regularly donate is worth more than any amount of money. For some people, donating blood means overcoming the “eww factor.” But, folks, it doesn’t hurt. It takes very little time. And we promise to give you juice and cookies when you are done. Sure, there are medical conditions that may prevent some people from donating blood. But most people can donate. You must be at least 17 years of age, or 16 with parental permission, and weigh at least 110 pounds. When you show up to donate, you should feel healthy. In other words, you should not have cold or flu symptoms. Whole blood donors can donate every eight weeks. We recommend that people eat a good meal and drink plenty of fluids before they donate blood. By donating blood you are giving the gift of life. And I promise it will make you feel great. Long-time donor George Bakoo said it best: “I feel happy when I donate blood.
I like helping people and hope to save a life one day. I believe very strongly that God gave me something to help others. That is why I have donated for so many years.” And like on the TV sitcom Cheers, if you become a regular at Houchin, we also promise you will always be welcomed and everyone will know your name. n Greg Gallion is the president and chief executive officer of Houchin Community Blood Bank. For more information go online to www.hcbb.com.
Give the Gift of Life
n Before donating, be sure to eat a good meal and drink plenty of fluids. n The entire process, including screening to a snack, only takes 30 to 60 minutes. n Donors are first asked a short series of questions. n Actual blood donation only takes about 10 minutes. n Donors are given a snack afterwards to help replenish fluids. n You must be 17 years or older with a picture ID that shows date of birth (or 16 years old with parent permission slip available online at www.hcbb.com). n You must weigh at least 110 pounds and feel healthy, with no cold or flu symptoms. n Whole blood donors can return every 8 weeks to give blood. n To set up an appointment, call 661323-4222 or toll free 1-877-364-5844 . www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Health 2010 125
community partners
on the year that has passed and “resolve” to do new and better things in 2011. We at Houchin Community Blood Bank hope you will place donating blood on your New Year’s resolutions list. Why? Because your life, or the life of someone you love, could depend on it. Local blood banks, including Houchin, experience shortages of blood, particularly during summer months and holiday seasons, when donors often are on vacation and during which time demand increases. An estimated 60 percent of the U.S. population is eligible to donate blood, but less than 3 percent do so each year. Eighty percent of donors are repeat donors—people who step forward on a regular basis to donate blood. With the “shelf life” for red blood cells being only 42 days, the supply must be continually replenished. Shortages can be averted only by generous people who get into the habit of donating blood. Don’t think it’s the “other guy” who will need blood. That “other guy” could be you. A car wreck or a sudden illness could place anyone on the receiving end of this community’s critical blood supply. Consider some of these average demands for various types of patients: cancer (8 units a week); leukemia (2 units a day); heart bypass surgery (5 units); bleeding ulcer (30 units); hip replacement (5 units); brain surgery (10 units); sickle cell anemia (4 units per treatment); auto accident victim (50 units); and organ transplant (40 units). There have been instances where patients receiving a liver transplant required 100 units of blood. Opening its doors in 1951, the nonprofit Houchin Community Blood Bank has enjoyed tremendous support from this community—in the form of people willing to donate blood and those providing financial support. Local businesses also have been tremendously supportive, sponsoring funding-raising events and encouraging their employees to give blood. This year, Bolthouse Properties, LLC provided a stunning example of this
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126 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield
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For today in the city of David, a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord. Luke 2:11
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 2010 129
everafters...
Lacey’s Photography
Mr. & Mrs. Nicanor Abarca (Kathryn Lucas) August 28th, 2010
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Mr. & Mrs. Cody Russell (Betsy Roig) October 2nd, 2010
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Mr. & Mrs. Jeffery Buentiempo (Gabrielle Galusha) May 22nd, 2010 p Mourning Cloak Ranch, Tehachapi
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Mr. & Mrs. Chris Apple (Tiffany Daniels) July 2nd, 2010
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Mr. & Mrs. Tom Stogden (Kelly Kolvoord) November 6th, 2010
Abby’s Photography
Xpressions by Michelle
Mr. & Mrs. Brian Orr (Karen Johnson) July 4th, 2009
p Eagle Castle Winery - Paso Robles
p Sundale Country Club
Mr. & Mrs. Walter Mendiola (Tina Dimaggo) June 17th, 2010
p Christ The King Catholic Church
E-mail your wedding photography and information to: comments@bakersfieldmagazine.net
130 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield
everafters...
Desi Vega Photography
Mr. & Mrs. Julian Aguinaga (Lisa Rivera) October 2nd, 2010
p St. Phillips Catholic Church
Abby’s Photography
Mr. & Mrs. Jimmy Powers (Lacey Corona) July 29th, 2010
p Woodland Hills Country Club
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Mr. & Mrs. Paul Ranu (Naveen Gill) April 10th, 2010
p Private Residence, Delano/Fresno
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Mr. & Mrs. Matt McCort (Megan McClemore) August 14th, 2010
p Stockdale Country Club Xpressions by Michelle
Mr. & Mrs. Ron Lallo (Valerie Paul) October 3rd, 2009
p Auberge du Soleil, Napa Valley
Artisan Photography
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Mr. & Mrs. Richard Giannelli (Amanda Bagnall) June 26th, 2010
p St. Francis Catholic Church
Mr. & Mrs. John Clerou (Laurie Mahlmann) September 18th, 2010
p Seven Oaks Country Club
E-mail your wedding photography and information to: comments@bakersfieldmagazine.net
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Melissa Winters & Samantha Deanda
Heidi & Jarrod McNaughton
Mrs. Shetal & Dr. Viral Mehta
An Affair of the Heart
To celebrate their 100th anniversary, San Joaquin Community Hospital paired up with the Arts Council of Kern to put on a fantastic evening of art. After taking a peek at wonderful silent auction items and dining on a savory dinner of chicken and steak, guests enjoyed a powerful program during which beautifully-painted hearts were auctioned off.
Kari Hunter & Scott Heilman
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Amy Smith, Jan Fulton & Cathy Butler
Holly Bikakis & Cheryl Miller
Mike & Shari George
Stacy Hooper & Wina Peacock
Larissa Scott & Jan Dovichi
Cheryl & Debra Rae
Hillary & Jim Luff, Jenn Loyd
Jamie Aguilar & Susan Caratan
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Yee-haw! Honorary cowboys and cowgirls filled the Crystal Palace to enjoy a great dinner and a rousing live auction as, once again, local bachelors strutted their stuff for a great cause! All the money raised from the live auction, the silent auction, and the tickets benefits the Bakersfield Homeless Center and their programs.
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132 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield
Amy Girado
Laura & Emily Turner
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Kristin Weirather & Stacey Delcid
Susie Geiger
Jerry & Janeen Tyler
Mary Unruh & Denise Skracic
Artfest
The Boys and Girls Clubs of Kern County hosted their annual art-inspired event to a sold-out crowd. With savory hors d’oeuvres, delightful silent auction items including artwork by the children of the Clubs, and wine from several vintners, those in attendance had a magical time. All the money raised goes to support the Club’s yearly programs.
Mike Rubiy, Alexa & Ricki Foster
Carla & Andrea Rivas
Carole, Don, & Jason Cohen
Rick Williams & Erin Cobb
Mimi & Joe Audelo
Patrice Branscum & Nancy Valverde
Glen & Robin Harmonson
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In celebration of 100 years in the community, Mercy Hospitals hosted a fabulous event for donors, board members, volunteers, physicians, and community leaders. Guests were treated to champagne cocktails and hors d’oeuvres before dinner and a program that featured remarkable stories about families whose lives were touched by the hospital.
57
Mercy Anniversary
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Gilda & Carlos Westendorff
Troy Tarver & Adrian Garza
Via Arte
Drawing crowds from all over California, the Bakersfield Museum of Art’s annual three-day art event was once again a rousing success. With talented professional, amateur, and student artists showing off their skills, those who stopped by The Marketplace were treated with a visual symphony of artwork while enjoying the early fall weather.
Sylvia Garcia & Cindy Lencioni
Dana Yeoman & Tim McNeely
Sherod & Emily Waite
Terri, Jacklyn & Don Stone
Sarah & Chad Louie
Sarah Philips & Brent Eviston
Ken & Doreen Weston, Dawna & Ray Booher
Natalie Valov & Jacqueline Dickson
Melissa Riviere & Alyshia Kizer
Sean Kenny & Katie Harlan
Andrea & Alanna Rolow
James Barajas & Francisco Licea
Belinda Dickson & Teresa Henry
AHA Heart Walk
Jessica Hobbs & Lia Sherman
This annual charity walk, put on by the local chapter of the American Heart Association, had Bakersfield pulling on their sneakers and hitting the track for a good cause. To support the Heart Association’s mission, teams rallied together to raise money and show their commitment to putting an end to heart disease and stroke in our area.
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134 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield
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Celina Sanchez, Maria Meraz, Viviana Navarrett & Vanessa Meraz
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Dr. George & Nicole Elias
Drs. Jennifer Abraham & Bill Taylor
Drs. Julia Bae & Ben Shimogaki
CCVMG Gala
To thank the community for 15 years of support, the physicians and staff of Comprehensive Cardiovascular Medical Group hosted a stunning anniversary gala with fabulous wines and delectable hors d ‘oeuvres. Invitees mingled before hearing from CCVMG’s cardiologists, each of whom spoke of the group’s goals in the coming years.
Shailesh & Priti Patel
Dr. Viral & Shetal Mehta
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uSee the Difference @ DonnaRogersRealtor.com 9101 Camino Media • Bakersfield Arianne Newman & Shelley Gudmundson
Laura Vickery & Kelly Ballard
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Signature Chefs Event
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Identity Theft:
The March of Dimes held their 3rd annual Signature Chefs Event to a packed ballroom as hundreds gathered to enjoy sensational dishes from Bakersfield’s finest chefs and restaurants. After dining, guests bid on live and silent auction packages while hearing of the wonderful work the March of Dimes is doing to prevent premature births in our community.
America’s Fastest Growing Crime! Think you’re not at risk? Unfortunately, you are...
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Meghan Lansing & Meagan Gagliardini
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Lisa McGill & Kathy Chang
Marie & Jane Parsons
Lisa Chang & Yuh-Jen Liao
Enchanted Forest
This truly was an “enchanting” evening as guests flocked to the gorgeously-decorated Petroleum Club where they were greeted by a delightful array of foods, wines, and holiday cheer. Knowing that all the proceeds benefited the Advanced Center For Eye Care had people in a charitable mood as they bid on the wonderful auction items.
Jim & Kathy Thomas, Kathy & Dave Voss
David & Tisha Fuentes
Jim Clawson & Damond Culbertson
Mike Smith
Art Carlock & Jeff Lemucchi
Melody Marks, David Bohlen & James Rabuse
Sammy Abiaoui & Jeff Loader
Sara & Fred Nilson
Linda Houts & Melissa Grills
Dawn Fetzer & Logan Prosser
Vicki Kelley & Heidi Hays
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Sandra Despiganovicz & Jay Kastrup
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To show their support for M.A.R.E., some very charitable locals turned up for the organization’s 20th anniversary event. Guests enjoyed an afternoon and evening of activities including dancing to Rockwell’s Blackboard Playboys, a raffle, tasty BBQ, and an impressive equestrian show featuring M.A.R.E. vaulters, a drill team, and trick ropers.
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136 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield
Samantha Cossel, Katlyn Embry & Casey Kellogg
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Mark Hodson
Logio & Camille Villasenor
Scott Bennett
Colleen Villasenor
Murder at the Museum
Daniel & Samantha Scott
John Stegall
Robin Gracia
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Monica & Bill Jeffries
Robyn Bennett & Kimberlee Holinka
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Eldon & Josh King
Jessyka Simpson
Daniel Solis
Mary Arraztoa & Diane Sanchez
Amanda Davis, Debi Maldonado & Tippy Canada
Alicia Aguilera & Nataly McDaniel
It was a beautiful morning as hundreds of Bakersfieldians gathered at Yokuts Park to show their support and dedication to the local Multiple Sclerosis Society. With fun activities for people of all ages, every team was ready to get their walk on and raise money for the organization, which hopes to educate locals on the disease and help fund a cure.
Kathy Gillis & Nikki Hebert
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It was another delightful “Who-done-it,” event when the Buena Vista Museum of Natural History hosted a crowd of ghoulishly-dressed guests, eager to solve the crime and support a valuable asset to our community. All the proceeds will help fund the Museum’s educational and exciting programs for the coming years.
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www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Health 2010 137
bakersfield’s sound
d
Photo courtesy ed hopple
Christmas house on elm
or many in Bakersfield, the holiday season didn’t truly begin until they had driven by the Hopple’s house. Loading the family into the station wagon and cruising down Elm Street to view the festively-decorated home was as much a tradition as picking out a Christmas tree or roasting chestnuts. And we all know how important roasted chestnuts are to the holidays…or were. Still, the reason the Hopple house became such a part of Bakersfield Christmas lore is because Ed and Cathie Hopple were, perhaps, the first to take decorating to an extreme. Never mind the lights in Haggin Oaks, or the ones around the country clubs, Ed Hopple started it all in 1969 by decorating one of the large trees in his front yard. Just one. As the years went on, Hopple continued to add to the décor. After making a toy box for his kids that looked like a giant rubix cube, his wife suggested that he put it on the roof as part of the decorations each Christmas. A few years later, a giant candy cane became a regular part of the landscape; then, a massive teddy bear which would stare out the bay window. And let’s not forget the carol singers. Hopple admitted he wanted to add more and more to please the veritable parade of cars and trucks that drove by during the evening, just hoping to get a dose of seasonal cheer. And when the carloads of children and busloads of senior citizens began showing up, he knew he had to keep upping the ante. Hopple did that by having a group of friends help him hang so many lights that, at one point, they had over 150 extension cords around his house. And if you’re wondering just how much the Hopple house meant to the community back then, consider this: the Post Office would bring the Hopples letters written by children addressed to the “Christmas House on Elm.” Perhaps the kids were enchanted by the free candy canes…or by Santa Claus, who would regularly make appearances. When Hopple sold the house in 1996, the only caveat Ed had was that for at least the first Christmas, the buyer had to set up the decorations. He knew that people counted on that rush of holiday merriment—they needed that holiday high. We still do.
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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