Bakersfield Magazine • 27-6 • Go Red! Women & Business

Women & Business Oh, Really? What A Foreign Affair: 7th Annual Featured Section Women Think Dishes You’ll Love Ladies in Red VOL. 27 NO. 6

YOUR CITY. YOUR LIFE. YOUR MAGAZINE.

BakersfieldMagazine.net

It’s about the Heart of a Woman

Special Issue Presented By

WINTER 2011

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Try The Nines Restaurant for lunch.

Over 20 items to choose from for under $10.00

Contents

f e at u r e s

Check out our new slew of funky finds

Stuff We Like......................14 This old hotel lives on in local memories

The El Tejon.......................26

w Teaching women to accomplish their goals

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.

WINTER 201 1

Believe, Inspire, Dream An A-Z listing of some of Kern’s unique treasures

Insiders Guide

32

Whether you’re sweeping your brush across the canvas or dressing up for a night on the town, there’s only one color you should consider!

51

Manners cost nothing but are worth everything

Social Distortion? Back to Basics..56 Behind the scenes and in charge of the action

Women in the Media.........59

w Turning troubled girls into successful women

Mentors Reaching Out

63

w Our 7th Annual

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You’ve always wondered—they tell it like it is

Presenting 2011’s Ladies in Red photo spread

37

What Women Think

67

Babies need those 40 weeks—don’t rush them

Let them Grow................119

Gals share their stories of survival and hope

Lace up those kicks and fight for clean air!

Special Ladies in Red........45

Nonprofit Spotlight.........122

Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: GEMCare Health Plan, Inc.

BMW 5 Series Sedan

bmwusa.com 1-800-334-4BMW

The Ultimate Driving Machine®

ONLY ONE LUXURY CAR MEETS THE NEW STANDARD OF SAFETY.

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JOY IS THE BMW 5 SERIES.

BMW of Bakersfield 661.396.4040

©2011 BMW of North America, LLC. The BMW name, model names and logo are registered trademarks. European model shown. The 2011 BMW 5 Series received a 5-star overall rating from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Safercar.gov program (www.safercar.gov).

Other 2011 luxury vehicles tested include Audi, Cadillac and Infi niti. Each received a 4-star overall rating. All BMWs come with BMW Ultimate Service and Warranty standard for up to 4 years or 50,000 miles, whichever occurs fi rst. Roadside Assistance comes standard for 4 years. See the Service and Warranty booklet for more details and specifi c terms, conditions and limitations. Based on $0 cost for the BMW Maintenance Program. IntelliChoice estimated cost of maintenance for a BMW for 4 years or 50,000 miles, excluding tires, is $0.

www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Go Red 2011

v

WINTER 201 1

Contents

THE

G A L L E R Y

SAN JOAQUIN COMMUNITY HOSPITAL

Something Special for Someone Special

D E P ART M E N TS Could someone please pass me the right fork?

Get a smaller shoe for that carbon footprint

Letter from the Editor.............9

Going Green....................91 A majestic mountain-top adventure awaits

Great Getaways................93

A little information about a lot of things

Exploring Kern Facts

11

Tr y a style that says classy and comfy

The Bakersfield Look.......23 Get to know the woman behind the voice

Citizen Kern..................25 Who said tinkering will get you nowhere?

Risktakers...................29

An appetizer you’ll want to “replay” frequently

Quick Bites

98

This place has food as boss as a cherry ‘55

What’s Cookin’....................99

Women’s workplace rights have come far

Human Resources...........73 Ways to keep that healthy New Year’s goal

Looking Good, Feelin’ Good...83 Before you brush—which paint is right?

Home & Garden.............86

Mambo your way to an elegant foreign affair

Entertaining the Bakersfield Way

101

A Napa Valley winer y with zero defects

Life is a Cabernet...............105 Finally, a chocolate-lover’s cocktail done right

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Bottoms Up...................109 What to do with that pesky “Non-Gardener”

Gardening With Mrs. P

Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: GEMCare Health Plan, Inc.

89

We came. We clicked. See if we spotted you

Party Chatter...................126 The romance of the Santa Fe Roundhouse

Bakersfield’s Sound............130

www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Go Red 2011

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTIONS

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Kern Health Resource Guide...84

Religious Schools & Worship Services Directory Wo r s h i p D i re c t o r y. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85

home & Garden resources

Home & Garden..................87

Green

Pages

Green Pages........................91

The Dining Guide The Dining Guide.................110

MEDICAL PROFILES Medical Profiles..................114

community partners Community Par tners..........115

Shoppers Bazaar..............123

everafters...

Weddings...........................125

Fine Men’s Clothing

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g in m il r Co Ap 11 20

Corner of Stockdale & Coffee

plus • Generations • Great Getaways • More

Letter from the Editor

founder . visionary . friend

Vol. 27 No. 6

S

Winter 2011

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 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 Solorzano Photography

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 2011 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.

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There’s a fork for that...

Growing up with entrepreneurial parents often afforded me opportunities that most kids my age could only dream of.

Okay, maybe not dream of...but it was pretty cool. How many kids do you know got to be a regular member of the studio audience for the Bozo the Clown TV show or watch the gerbil races from the set of the Captain 20 show?

A private meet-n-greet with the robot from Lost in Space and having Clint Holmes sing “Playground in My Mind” to me (Why? Because “My name is Michael”) were some more memorable moments.

Others include getting to wrap the fingers of John Kay from Steppenwolf because he forgot his guitar pick during the tapping of a ‘70s music TV show (pre MTV). I got to spend summers hangin’ with Admirals, Titans of Industry, and CIA Double Agents (Boy, the stories I could tell); sit in Evel Knievel’s rocket-powered motorcycle shortly after his famous attempt at jumping the Snake River; be on the “guest list” for every rock concert that came to town; and hangout at Buck Owens’ studio while they were recording tracks.

One particular “opportunity” I’ll never forget was around my 12th birthday. Mom and Dad wanted me to experience “fine dining.” Not that I’d never eaten at a nice restaurant before, but this was different.

We’re talking about the kind of place with a name you can’t possibly pronounce; the kind of place where someone famous must of died (uh, I mean a place of historical significance); the kind of place that has three kinds of forks before you even get to the salad.

There must of been a waiter, a busser, and a water boy for each of us! I don’t remember exactly what we ate; I think maybe I had the scallops. I do remember the embarrassment of my one débutante-type faux pas.

All was going well until sometime around the end of course #7 (and well before dessert). A waiter came by and asked, “Lemon?” Not wanting to be rude, I said “Yes, please,” and he proceeded to place a small plate with a wedge of lemon on it (and another damn fork) in front of me.

I sat there for a while, contemplating how to “best enjoy” this offering. After several moments, I just picked up the fork and popped the lemon in my mouth.

©istockphoto.com/ugurhan

remembering

Donna Louise Corum

It seemed the entire room gasped. Immediately afterward, another waiter came around and asked, “Warm towel?”

The laughter finally subsided after several awkward minutes (to a 12-yearold, it was like years). It seems I was supposed to “wipe” my fingers on the lemon and then use the towel to dry them off. Very common for those who order seafood in a 5-star restaurant. Mom and Dad had always been good about teaching me proper etiquette and manners, but they had missed this one.

I haven’t been back to a 5-star restaurant since...

We at Bakersfield Magazine asked ourselves, “Are etiquette and manners still as important in today’s world and, more importantly, in the workplace?” You’ll have to read the story to find out what we discovered (Social Distortion? starts on page 56). It’s all part of our annual Women & Business Section. We also have a great story on this year’s Women’s Business Conference, which we are, once again, excited to sponsor (page 51), as well as our annual staff favorite “What Women Think.” Think you know? Think again! (page 67).

And we are proud to present our 7th Annual Go Red for Women/Ladies in Red special section in support of the American Heart Association’s fight against heart disease and stroke.

These, plus all our regular features and more, await you in this issue of Your Magazine.

Now, can someone pass me another fork...please.

Mike Corum comments@bakersfieldmagazine.net www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Go Red 2011

10 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: GEMCare Health Plan, Inc.

Kern Facts

People • Places • Events

Valentien owners“uncork” their thoughts on what it’s like to work and play together.

HIS

& Hers

What was the first thing you thought when you met your significant other for the first time?

Jeramy: 1982—why is that girl hanging upside down in that tree?

2003—this woman has style, and asks way too many questions about food.

Jennifer: 1982—why is that boy laughing at me? 2003—wow, this waiter is trying to show off.

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

Jeramy: On our second date we starting talking about our pasts and realized we had lived across the street from each other, and in different cities at the same time.

Jennifer: I took Jeramy to a party to meet my friends, and he knew more people there than I did!

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

Jeramy: She bought tickets to a concert I badly wanted to attend.

To present the gift, she recreated a golden ticket like in Willy Wonka.

She took an X-Acto knife and slipped it into a Wonka chocolate bar, and somehow resealed the candy. Needless to say, I was very excited and surprised. However, I am concerned that if I ever do something wrong, poison is not out of the question.

Jennifer: A surprise birthday gift extravaganza...two months after my birthday. It was very sweet.

What is your significant other’s biggest phobia?

Jeramy: Stray eyelashes—anywhere, anytime, on the nose, check, in the sink, anywhere. It is crazy.

Jennifer: Maybe marriage?

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

Jeramy: Both. It sounds clichéd,

in step with:

Jennifer Sanderson & Jeramy Brown

but we trade off. It did take countless hours and dollars in therapy to achieve this skill.

Jennifer: Hmmm. Maybe Jeramy?

Maybe me? It depends. We spend almost 24/7 together, so we often have to compromise.

What is your significant other most passionate about?

Jeramy: Charity. She gets no greater joy in this world than from helping someone—anyone—in any way possible.

Jennifer: I would have to say wine and his kids. Not necessarily in that order.

What’s your favorite thing to do in Bakersfield?

Jeramy: Talking to people. When I was in my early 20s, I was given the opportunity to travel extensively throughout the United States and Europe and it is hard to find a town

anywhere that has such a strong sense of community as ours.

Jennifer: Sitting in my backyard in springtime. Living in large cities for so many years, I really missed warm spring times and private outdoor space.

What is your least favorite thing about your significant other and most favorite thing?

Jeramy: The answer to these questions is the same: her creative side.

Jennifer can see things, whether it be for an ad, decoration, menu design, home décor, that I do not have the ability to create.

Jennifer: My pet peeve is his speaking French after a few glasses of wine and his need to be always “on.” My most favorite is his humor.

Yes, it is a contradiction, but sometimes he is just so funny, I forget to be annoyed...even when he is speaking terrible French.

She bought tickets to a concert I badly wanted to attend. To present the gift, she recreated a golden ticket like in Willy Wonka. She took an X-Acto knife and slipped it into a Wonka chocolate bar, and somehow resealed the candy. www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Go Red 2011 11

Kern Facts

Where the Heck is

BlueHStar Hwy? H

ave you ever done a map search online or on your phone and gotten confused when the directions tell you to turn onto Blue Star Memorial Highway. You just wanted to get to Rosedale Highway. Well, surprise surprise...it’s the same thing! Back in 1969, as part of California State Assembly Resolution 203, Chapter 324, the highway was designated a Blue Star Memorial Highway, a highway particularly named to honor service men and woman not only locally, but on a national level as well! So, the next time you’re out drivin’ on 58, look for those Blue Star markers. ©2010 Google–Mapdata ©2010 Google

Somebody has to win...

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WWW.ARVIN.ORG 12 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: GEMCare Health Plan, Inc.

M

ake sure you’ve got your game faces on, A-Listers; it’s time to do a little name hunting.

We’re giving away a $100 Café Med gift certificate to one lucky A-List member. To win, you need to be the first one to spot your name in the list below and email us at alist@ bakersfieldmagazine.net.* That’s all. But don’t worry if you’re not on the A-List—it’s easy and free to join! Just visit bakersfieldmagazine.net for more information. Now back to the contest...

Amanda Eastep James Whitehead Jaime Robledo Victoria Zdarko Tyra Baggs Sharon Hendricks Steve Alfieri Marcha Hay join today!

David Piuger Rolinda Leask Stan Ferguson Dan Raytis *contest eligibility for A-List members only who have not won a prize in the past three months.

©istockphoto.com/pikkewyn

In & Around B•Town

by the numbers 1 43 209 1827 14,000

25,000,000

Dollar amount Colonel Thomas Baker was charging to buy one acre in 1866 Number of businesses in Stockdale Towers Number of locations you can currently find a copy of Bakersfield Magazine Year Jedediah Strong Smith, the first U. S. citizen, passed through our area Number of Kern County citizens who served in World War II Gallons of wastewater processed each day

by Public Works’ Wastewater Division Plant 2

Sources: Kern County Superintendent of Schools; bakersfieldcity.us; Historic Chronology of Kern County

Source: Kern County Historic

©istockphoto.com/jung

In 1978, Audrey Ne lson of Ridgecrest became the first wo man elected Presid ent of the Kern County Board of Trade.

leoutthere

did you know ?

Chronology

POP QUIZ

W

e’ve got to make these harder! It seems we’ve underestimated just how many of you know Bakersfield inside and out.

We thought our last Pop Quiz would stump you for sure! So how many of you can recognize this issue’s photo? Can you tell us what this is? If you wager taking a guess (smartypants), email us at comments@bakersfieldmagazine.net

with your answer. We may reward you with a $30 gift card to Russo’s!

www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Go Red 2011 13

Kern Facts

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San Patrick Epico Wedding Dress $1,200 Little White Dress 1800 21st St. (661) 633-2318

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14 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: GEMCare Health Plan, Inc.

People • Places • Events

desert MAJESTY

by Donna McCrohan Rosenthal

E

ast Kern County’s city of Ridgecrest lies between the Sierra Nevada and Death Valley, its natural vegetation consisting mostly of rugged cacti and bushes—until the spring, when desert wildflowers bloom. Then residents plan outings around admiring them, and Ridgecrest’s Maturango Museum presents its annual Wildflower Show.

But wait! There’s more!

This year brings an added dimension, with the first-annual Ridgecrest Desert Wildflower Festival scheduled for the April 15-17 weekend to coincide with the museum exhibit and program. The event will feature arts, crafts, live performers, hands-on activities, plenty of floral items, and guided tours to the best viewing locations.

Among participants, Sierra Odyssey Custom Tours owner Jim Nichols looks forward to taking people to favorite areas. Nichols has escorted groups for the China Lake Photographic Society, the California Writers Club, and over 100 for the Sierra Club. Says Nichols, “How can you not love this season? When we’ve had good conditions the previous winter, the hillsides can

photos by David Rosenthal

fill up with color so extensive that you hate to put your foot down for fear you’ll crush a blossom. Other years may not explode with abundance, but even then, you can find the most beautiful arrangement of tiny, delicate flowers clustered together. Plus, you’ve got the scenery. A cactus here. A ghost town there. And vistas reaching into distant horizon everywhere.”

Visitors may also want to explore gift shops on Balsam Street; the books, collectibles, and consignment treasures on West Ridgecrest Boulevard; the BLM Wild Horse and Burro Corral Facility on Randsburg Wash Road, four and a half miles east of Ridgecrest off Hwy 178; and the U.S. Naval Museum of Armament and Technology at China Lake, which is free and open to the public Monday through Saturday.

For questions, contact Ridgecrest Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (www.visitdesets.com; 800-VISIT-30) and the Maturango Museum (www. maturango.org; 760-375-6900). www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Go Red 2011 15

Kern Facts • Office

Love those winners!

• Retail • Industrial

E

ven though most of us are still fighting off a holiday hangover, we wanted to give one more present to all our winners from the past few months: a name drop in their city magazine! These are folks who’ve taken home goody baskets, event tickets, and gift certificates to restaurants, bookstores, and great local establishments and we wanted to get in one more plug for them, because we love how involved they are with the magazine.

If you want to start collecting prizes, just visit bakersfieldmagazine.net to find out how to join the A-List or how to enter our many contests.

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They came from everywhere

I

n his researches into the history and habits of the Indians, E. L. McLeod, who gathered one of the finest collections of Indian baskets in the state, fell upon an interesting clue to the origin of the Kern County tribes who were known quite generally by the name Yokut. Spending a day in Hanford, Mr. McLeod saw a number of Indians squatting along the curb of one of the streets, and as was his custom when the opportunity served, he went to talk with them.

Presently down the street came a runaway team, and thereafter the usual crowd of people gathered. “‘Yokut! Yokut!’ exclaimed one of the Indian women, pointing toward the sudden assemblage.

“Mr. McLeod scented the clue and at once inquired what the women meant by the exclamation. “‘They come everywhere,’ was the explanation forthcoming, and combining this new knowledge with what he had formerly known of the Yokut Indians, Mr. McLeod reached the conclusion that the name did not indicate a homogenous tribe but that the Yokuts came from everywhere.

“The average Indian found here by the earliest settlers...reared no temples and built no monuments. For a dwelling, he hollowed out a little circle in the earth, raised above it a cone-shaped framework of poles or brush and thatched it with bark, grass or rushes. As late as 1874, many of the old men wore no clothes save a breech clout, summer or winter.

“Meat formed but a very small part of the diet of the Kern County Indians of the earlier times. Those who lived by the valley lakes caught clams, and squirrels and smaller game fell victim to their arrows. But the main staples of their larder were acorns, juniper berries, pinons, the few wild fruits and nuts, the edible roots and seeds of wild grasses that grew along

the foothills before the foxtail usurped their place. Through the mountains everywhere are found in broad, flat rocks the clusters of hollowed holes where the village women gathered to pound the acorns and grass seeds into the dough from which they baked their bread.

“Anthropologists, particularly Dr. C. Hart Merriam of Washington, DC, have been fairly successful in gathering inforphoto from history of kern county california

“

Yokut Indians were highly skilled basket weavers. mation concerning the customs, religion and language of the Indians of this part of the state, and Prof. George H. Taylor, now of Fresno, but for many years a resident of Bakersfield, after months of effort got one of the remaining tribal singers to sing into a phonograph one of the more elaborate ceremonials of her race. Into the very striking music of the ceremonial is woven all the pathos, all the mystery...

The music of the ceremonial has not yet been transcribed. It will be a pity, indeed, if it is not reduced to some enduring form, for it is one of the few legacies of a fast-dying people that later races may profitably preserve.”

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

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Kern Facts Most children, when put in front of a video camera, will inevitably start to perform.

But there comes a time when children begin to lose that love of hamming around for an audience. Erika Kern was not most children.

Local

expressions

“I was a bit of a show-off,” she said, laughing.

With short red hair and an electric smile, Kern, 35, seems perfectly suited to spend time in the spotlight. And for the past year, she has been gracing stages around town, showing

dancing, and sometimes falling, at rehearsals.

But those bruises were par for the course and meant little to Kern.

“I was born and raised in Bakersfield,” she said with a smile.

“And I started [studying] music in high school and thought I needed to make a career so I could have fun doing something I love. I chose Broadway.

To do that, though, I needed to actually learn how to act.”

In 1995, she was accepted (with only six other transfer students) and majored in musical theater.

“It’s not your standard college,” Kern said. “You have a set schedule with classes from eight in the morning until six at night. On any days off, you were at rehearsals for any number of the student-directed plays. It was an intense education.”

It was this education that started to affect her love of performing.

“There were classes that taught the ‘cutthroat’ side of this business. I just couldn’t reconcile the part of me that

fornia. After a short stint in San Francisco, she decided to give a career on Broadway one more shot. She moved back to Bakersfield for two years so she could save enough money to move to New York.

It was not the dream come true fantasy. While Kern was cast in a few plays, starred in an Oxygen Network commercial, and learned sketch comedy from the Upright Citizens Brigade, she wasn’t living the life she wanted. She had started her own crafting business to make ends meet while in New York, and knew she could just as easily do that from her hometown.

“I was worried about jumping back into the theater when I got back,” Kern said of her homecoming in 2008. “But a friend of mine asked me to be in Stars’ anniversary show. I told him, ‘I’m like the tin man in the forest.’ ”

off her talent as both an actress and a singer to the delight of local audiences. She’s got the bruises to prove it.

“The role of Roxy Hart [in Stars Theatre’s recent production of Chicago] was great,” Kern explained. “It was so much fun...but the rehearsals hurt.”

During shows, Kern had to wear dark tights under her costume tights so audience members wouldn’t see the bruising up and down her leg from hours of high-impact

So, Kern, with her charming and somewhat self-deprecating personality, began taking theater and acting classes. She knew that she’d need to study the craft at an arts school if she was to go anywhere.

Enter the very prestigious Boston Conservatory.

18 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: GEMCare Health Plan, Inc.

wanted to perform and what one has to do in this industry to get ahead.”

So when Kern graduated in 1998, she moved back to Cali-

But she wouldn’t be rusty for long. Kern was in three major shows in 2010 and won the role of Sally in Cabaret.

“I love being in theater here,” she sang out. “I am able to be in shows because I want to be in them, not because I need to do them for money. There are still bruises and bruised egos, but it’s worth it here. I want to be proud of my work. I want to learn, grow, and have fun while I’m on stage.”

And wasn’t that her reason for getting into theater in the first place?

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My play time. Occasional golf with my sons, grandsons, and friends. Kayaking among the seals at Morro Bay with my grandsons. I’ve painted a few pictures, valued slightly less than the cost of the paint.

Travel. There are beautiful and impressive things to see and wonderful people to meet all over the world.

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Kern Facts

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Animal Planet I

f you’re a fan of Animal Planet programs, it’s possible you’ve already seen Dr. Corey Gonzales.

The local psychologist was a consultant on a few episodes of the first season of the show Confessions: Animal Hoarding and the producers liked him so much, they invited him back to be heavily used in the second season.

Gonzales explained. “The show is not exploitative in anyway—Animal Planet is very interested in helping these people. We’ll help the hoarders connect the dots and discover why they’re doing what they’re doing.

“We found that we really touched a nerve,” he added. “The first season had only six episodes but the response was so positive that the second season has twelve episodes.”

For The

Pampered Pooch

Photo courtesy Animal Planet and GRB Entertainment

In Your Life!

• Carriers • Dog Training • Collars • Clothing • Grooming • Food • Doggy Day Care

1617 19th St. • 321-9602 (Left) Local Psychologist Dr. Corey Gonzales

Bringing “Community” Back

?

y of chris br ewer

20 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: GEMCare Health Plan, Inc.

now k u o y did

Photo courtes

Lori Johnson • 661-205-2195 cwc-lori@live.com Christine Veteto • 661-472-8761 cwc-christine@live.com citywelcomecommittee.com

For Dr. Gonzales, the process is “very “The show had already started when I was asked to be involved,” Dr. Gonzales said. rewarding. It’s been great. It’s very much A Lebec woman had been discovered a team concept—the directors, producers, hoarding cats and Animal Planet producers consultants—we’re working on this crewanted someone local to evaluate the sub- ative project and, at the same time, the subject matter of the show. Dr. Gonzales was jects are getting help.”

Episodes with Dr. Gonzales will be aircontacted via the California Psychological Association to do an evaluation, and after- ing through February and March. Tune in wards, producers realized Dr. Gonzales to see this local psychologist doing a lot of had camera presence and the ex- good. perience to really discuss the psychology behind hoarding. He was asked to be pany ater Com W ld e the on-screen fi rs ’s first The Bake on the city 3. n o ti c u psychologist. tr s 8 on ber 11, 18 finished c Dr. Gonzales m on Octo octagonal te s y s r te wa an began appearn included The desig d 17th. r ing on episodes heste an tower at C hronology regularly and, Historic C ty n u o C n Source: Ker so far, he’s appeared in eleven.

“And I’ve been lucky enough to travel the country for these episodes,” Dr.

Skilled Hands

By Matthew Martz

D

It’s About Time

on Williams has been watching time tick away for nearly 63 years.

The 82-year old watchmaker has seen his trade diminish and nearly vanish with the advent of battery-operated quartz watches in the 1970s and, thanks to computers and cell phones, he has seen many old watchmakers lay down their tools.

However, Williams is not ready to call it quits just yet and claims he still has more than enough work to keep him busy, revamping and repairing traditional watches for collectors and people that still appreciate fine mechanical timepieces.

“There are always people that will want fine watches; they want to wear something that shows quality workmanship and keeps excellent time,” said Williams, pointing to his 50-year-old Girard-Perregaux. “But like an automobile, watches need to be cared for.”

Williams, a native of Illinois and a graduate of Elgin Watch College in 1947, began working on watches at the family’s jewelry store in Porterville at the age of 17, and eventually the American Jewelry Company, retiring after nearly 30 years.

“I got tired of the jewelry business, and wanted to focus on just servicing watches,” explained Williams, who is a certified gemologist and works from his home workshop in East Bakersfield.

Today, most of Williams’ jobs come from jewelry stores that “There are always people that will want fine watches; they want to wear something that shows quality workmanship and keeps excellent time.”

©ist

ockphoto.com/PashaIgn

atov

cannot handle anything more complex than changing a battery.

They send Williams watches with cracked glass or rusted gears, and he tinkers them back into working form.

“At one time, back in the 1970s, when quartz watches hit the market, the Swiss watch manufacturers got nervous because they thought it would be the end of conventional watches,” Williams, who mainly works on Rolexes, added. “But in the last 20 years, mechanical watches have made a comeback.”

However, times do change. Even a throwback like Williams now must do what he has done to thousands of watches—adjust.

“Some of the machines have changed,” he said, referring to a computerized timing device atop his wooden bench stuffed with carefully-cataloged spare parts, including hundreds of crystals. “We used to hang the watches on an old peg board and every day we’d wind and compare to a chronometer to see if they were keeping accurate time. But with these new computerized machines, you can time the watch more precisely in less time.”

Despite modern advancements, a watchmaker still uses an array of familiar tools.

From tweezers, pliers, and screwdrivers, to a few esoteric implements, like a contraption that’s sole function is to wind watches automatically, as well as Master Watchmaker the familiar watchDon Williams makers’ loupe, that allows Williams to skillfully work on objects as tiny as a 1/16 of a millimeter.

“If a person is patient and likes to work with small things, this is a great way to make a living,” Williams said.

“Watchmakers are in short supply, so there will be some good opportunities in the future.”

Most watchmakers learn from someone they know, a trade passed from generation to generation. On average, 800 watchmakers retire each year, compared to just 40 or 50 new watchmakers who graduate from all watch-making schools combined.

“I want to keep going as long as I can,” continued Williams, who still delights in the moment a broken watch’s gears start turning again, propelling the minuscule hands on their first twitching leap forward.

“I don’t know what I would do otherwise.

“People get attached to their watches,” he said. “To be able to keep these troubled timepieces running and make people happy makes my job that much more enjoyable.” www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Go Red 2011 21

When You Buy a Car from Family Motors Auto Group,

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Here at Family Motors Auto Group, that’s exactly what we’ve been doing—inspiring and motivating anyone that walks on our campus. When they leave, regardless of whether or not they buy a car, I want them to say, ‘There’s something about this company.’

It has been our privilege to do business in this community for the last 18 years.

I hope that every customer feels the same way about us.

I’d like to thank God for reminding me of my beginnings and those who came and added value to my life.

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22 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: GEMCare Health Plan, Inc.

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Tami Calderwood, 33 Occupation: Store Owner Are you a Bakersfield Native?

Yes, I was born here. I did move away to San Luis Obispo for two years for school.

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

I won’t leave my house without my mascara and eyelash curler.

Do you think Bakersfield has a style?

We are casual but we tend to use a little twist to make our casual style stand out!

Describe your personal style.

Classy and comfy. When I walk out of my house every day, my fashion goal is to look put-together and fashionable. You never know who you will run into!

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

From showering to getting my girls ready and out the door, it’s about an hour.

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

I have always carried my own style.

But it has definitely evolved since I opened up my store!

What are you wearing?

The dress is Luluvia, the glasses are from Apricot Lane, and the boots I’ve had so long I don’t even remember where I got them. Oh, and the purse is Vieta.

Does your style change when you are not at work?

I am never really not at work. But when I get home, I change into flats and something comfortable.

How do you personalize your ‘business’ look?

In a way, I do wear my business. But I like putting a look together with some cute jewelry.

What are your favorite places to shop in Bakersfield?

Apricot Lane, Fabrie Jewelers, and Spoiled Rotten.

What is your favorite item of clothing?

Jeans. I have so many pair of jeans. But every pair in my closet serves a specific purpose.

FASHION TIP: Look put-together when you go out. You never know who you will run into .

What is the biggest fashion mistake you have made?

Permed hair. Need I say more?

Are you a bargain hound?

I sure am. Not only for myself, but for my store.

What mistakes do you think men make when they dress?

Saggy pants and poorly-kept, dirty shoes!

www.bakersfieldmagazine.net www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Go /Red Go 2011 Red 2011 23 23

24 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: GEMCare Health Plan, Inc.

CITIZEN KERN

Personal Stats: Name: Lisa Fuson Age: 47 Birthplace: Los Angeles, CA Title: Voice-over Artist, Musician

How she got started: Fuson was working as Julia Roberts’ stunt double on 1991’s Hook and “making no money,” when a scene partner suggested she look into doing voice work for a jingle. “I matched the voices they needed and made more money in that instant than I had in all of my acting jobs,” she said. She was soon recording vocals for ads airing across the U.S., not to mention lending her voice to Princess Leia in numerous Star Wars video games.

Career highlights: It’d be hard to top Star Wars, but Fuson said a huge feather in her cap was landing the voice role for Microsoft’s Windows 7 and Windows Live demos. “My voice is coming out of people’s laptops,” Fuson said, laughing. “It’s surreal.” Then again, her vocal work has landed her more than an impressive resume. An old friend and his son were watching an episode of Nickelodeon’s Hey Arnold! and, “thanks to big-screen TVs, he was able to see my name in the credits for voicing some characters.” The two reconnected and are now married.

‘‘

meet

Lisa

Fuson

It’s physically demanding and fun to voice girls who are kicking butt!

Her heroes: “Definitely Don LaFontaine.

He was a staple in the movie trailer/commercial industry,” Fuson said of the late voice-over artist who’s booming voice we all recognize.

“And Marice Tobais, ‘the voice whisperer.’

She’s a vocal powerhouse. She taught me to be true and real.” That came in handy during the years Fuson hosted radio talk shows in Sacramento, including The Tim, Chip and Lisa Show, a mid-day talk show in between Howard Stern and Opie and Anthony.

‘‘

Her favorite part of the industry: “The creative process of bringing your own voice print and personality into the work is fantastic. Plus, giving clients exactly what they want is always nice,” Fuson added. The collaboration that comes with working with big-time clients including Arco, State Farm, as well as the light-hearted fun that comes with recording promos for Dora The Explorer, keeps the work interesting.

©lucas art (starfighter by playstation), ©viacom international, inc. (dora the explorer), windows 7 screenshot graphic used with permission from microsoft, ©nintendo (jumper wii)

!

What she’d still like to accomplish: Though she’s busy recording local commercials in her home studio and singing with the Rick Copus Band, Fuson said she would love to do more video game voice-over work, which she last did for the game Jumper, based on the 2008 sci-fi action flick. “It’s physically demanding and fun to voice girls who are kicking butt!”

At the same time, she loves the challenge of working with companies like HP and would love to work on another national campaign.

www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Go Red 2011 25

Gone but not forgotten, this mission-style beauty was once the focal point of Bakersfield.

The El Tejon staff, dressed in their everyday formal attire, posed for a photo.

All photos provided by Kern County Library

mong the things I love about Bakersfield are its historical buildings. These buildings reveal the rich personality of Bakersfield.

We are fortunate because a number of our buildings still stand. There are many, however, that have been demolished in the name of progress, relegated to the history books, and are in danger of slipping from our memory with each passing day. One such building was the El Tejon Hotel.

Bakersfield was booming in construction with schools, churches, and other types of buildings springing up across the city in the early 1900s. The concept for the hotel began in 1925. The plan was to design a “mission style” hotel that included a spacious lobby as well as elaborate dining and banquet rooms. The vision of the planning committee was to have a building that was “distinctly Californian.” While this was true, the design was also distinctly characteristic of Bakersfield, as area architects such as Charles H. Biggar were designing buildings in the mission style.

The building of the hotel was a community project. Funding for the project came from money raised by the people of Bakersfield through donations and bonds. Those in charge of the planning of the hotel were Bakersfield business-

By Chris Livingston

men who formed the Bakersfield Community Hotel Corporation which was headed by prominent local realtor J.H. Thornber. Members of the board included such notables as George Haberfelde, A.J. Crites, and Joseph Redlick. The purpose of the hotel body was to oversee the cost and construction. The body would report the progress of construction at their meetings and address such issues as the details of the furnishings for the hotel. On February 3, 1926, for example, it was reported that “the hotel is rapidly nearing completion and will be completed near scheduled time or about March 16 [1926].” They were also tasked with finding someone to operate the hotel and in December 1926, they awarded the lease to Howard J. Scott.

Upon completion, the final costs reached over a half million dollars.

The grand opening “house warming” was slated for May 8, 1926. Six-hundred invitations were issued to the hotel stockholders. The public was given the opportunity to tour the new five-story house of luxury as hotel staff showed off the lavish banquet halls, the comfortable and spacious rooms, and the Spanish tile

26 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: GEMCare Health Plan, Inc.

A tantalizing view from atop the El Tejon Hotel in 1926.

lined hallways. For those attending the “house warming” an elaborate dinner and dance was planned.

The June 6, 1926 Bakersfield Californian reflected upon the significant goal that had been accomplished. The completion and opening of the Hotel El Tejon marked “a goal achieved in the consistent progress of Bakersfield as a city and as a gateway to a great rural empire.” The editorial goes on to reflect that “the new Bakersfield in a sense lies in the future… the growth of the city during the past few years, the unmistakable portents for a steady future growth, amply justify such an investment as El Tejon represents.” Indeed, the El Tejon became the focal point

Cousin Herb’s Trading Post

L to R, Fuzzy Owen, George French, Jelly Sanders, Billy Mize, Bonnie Owens, Barry Aubry, Lewis Talley

of Bakersfield and in May, 1935 was named one of the “Best in the West” by Western Hotel Reporter.

Being the focal point of Bakersfield made it an ideal location for KERO TV which began broadcasting in September 1953. While the main transmitter was located on Breckenridge Mountain, the station broadcasted such shows as Burleigh Smith’s News, Cousin Herb’s Trading Post, and Rayleen Merman’s Cooking Show to Kern County residents.

Over the years, ownership of the hotel changed hands several times. Financial difficulties put the fate of the El Tejon under the jurisdiction of the courts. In 1967, and in the spirit of “consistent progress,” Bank of America announced acquisition of the hotel and outlined its plans to build a multi-story financial center. The May 9, 1970 Bakersfield Californian noted that bids for the demolition were being taken.

By mid-June, 1970 all that remained of the hotel was the west wall and a small portion of the south wall. A building that was once the flagship to Bakersfield’s future was resilient against those who would destroy it, only to succumb to forces of redevelopment.

Burleigh Smith doing the news in early KERO TV studio.

The last part at the El Tejon was a “digin” held at the site where the hotel used to stand. The dig-in was conducted by members of the Kern County Alliance, an auxiliary organization of the Kern County Museum. The group obtained permission to scour the site for historical artifacts.

Being located in downtown Bakersfield at 17th and Chester Avenue, the site was first surveyed by Colonel Thomas Baker in 1869 and therefore had the potential to turn up some interesting historical relics.

The Alliance’s forty member group spent two days combing through the lot. Aside from some old bottles turning up the Bakersfield Californian reported on October 12, 1970 that “on the southeast corner…

where it is believed a blacksmith shop once stood, diggers found a brass hame, a part of a horse collar, in addition to a horseshoe and old screwdriver.” A Southern Pacific hat badge, circa 1900, was also found.

Thus faded into history the illustrious building once known as the El Tejon.

They say that buildings come and go.

True, but we cannot forget that the El Tejon solidified a standard that the people of Bakersfield were trying to establish, only to be sacrificed in the name of the same progress that it was built. v

The historic El Tejon Hotel demolition in 1970 prompted a “dig-in” for valuable relics of the past. www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Go Red 2011 27

28 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: GEMCare Health Plan, Inc.

R I S K T A K E R S

“ What do you know about working with rubber?”

Dad said, “Nothing.” Then he was asked what he knew about running a business. Dad said, “Not much more.”

Flexibility

By Tracie Grimes

Photo courtesy of Kelly Newby

o hear Kelly Newby tell it, the dawn of the family business, Newby Rubber, came close to never breaking.

“My dad [Gordon] had graduated from Stanford with a degree in Petroleum Engineering and was working as an engineer, designing and building injection machines. Things took an unexpected turn and he got laid off,” said Newby.

“It was 1958 and Dad was still trying to figure out what he was going to do when he remembered this shop that had always caught his eye as he passed by it going down Union Avenue. He stopped in one day to take a look and noticed that the small, one-man shop that produced rubber items, like irrigation gaskets, was run by a man who was getting up in years, J. L. Tillyson. Watching Mr. Tillyson making rubber gaskets and tinkering with the machines and tools intrigued Dad, so Dad started up a conversation. During the course of the conversation Dad asked the guy, ‘What are you planning to do with this shop once you retire? Would you consider selling it to me?’

“Mr. Tillyson looked and Dad asked, ‘What do you know about working with rubber?’ Dad said, ‘Nothing.’ Then he asked Dad what he knew about running a business. Dad said, ‘Not much more.’ Dad said Mr. Tillyson was ready to close the door on him when Dad came up with a different strategy. ‘How about if I come to work in the shop for nothing? I’m unemployed right now, so I’ve gotta do something with my time.’ ” Having nothing to lose, Tillyson agreed. The small, one-man shop doubled in staff overnight and Gordon took a risk not many men would take: he started a job without the promise of a paycheck.

It didn’t take long for Tillyson to see that Gordon, who had never molded rubber, made rubber bearings or even given rubber irrigation gaskets a single thought, was a natural. “Dad must have impressed Mr. Tillyson because by the end of the week the guy sold his business to Dad,” Newby said, chuckling.

Gordon had cleared the first hurdle in starting on his new career path, but there were other risks Gordon had to face.

“A lot of our family members thought Dad was nuts,” Newby added. “Here Dad had worked hard to get through the engineering program at one of the top schools in the nation and he was going to make rubber gaskets?” >>

“When I was laid off, Dad talked me into coming on board.”

He said, “You have two years to show me what you can do and I won’t hesitate to fire you if you don’t do the job.” —Kelly Newby

Gordon Newby www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Go Red 2011 29

Risktakers­

Gordon was happy, though, in this new world of rubber.

“Dad really loved to tinker and really hated paperwork and writing reports, which was all he seemed to be doing before he started Newby Rubber. Once he started, his hobby became his business.

He just couldn’t wait to get back in to work! He was the kind of guy who would lie awake at night and think up ways to build better, faster machines. And even though Dad has passed away, I can stand in the shop and see him all around me. He designed a lot of our machines and tooling, so he’s made his mark practically everywhere in the shop.”

And Gordon’s love of the business seems to run in the blood, even though Newby admits he didn’t really feel the call to go into the family business at first.

“Of course I’d been around the business practically all my life, coming in to the shop with Dad, but I didn’t think I’d want to go into the business. I left town, got my degree from San Diego State, and then went to work in the solar energy business.”

Fate has a way of catching up with a person, and just as Gordon was laid off in 1958 and lead to Newby Rubber, his son’s destiny had a similar way of leading him back home.

“When I was laid off in 1984, Dad talked me into coming on board. ‘I’m not doing this out of sympathy,’ Dad was quick to tell me. ‘You have two years to show me what you can do and I won’t hesitate to fire you if you don’t do the job.’ ” Having been given an offer he couldn’t refuse, Newby decided to take a risk of his own and come back to Bakersfield to manage Newby Rubber.

“It turned out to be my luckiest opportunity,” he said, smiling.

30 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: GEMCare Health Plan, Inc.

It’s important to Kelly Newby to weather the storms and keep his father’s legacy going not only for his employees, but for his family’s future.

Quick to point out that he doesn’t carry the “tinker” gene his dad apparently had, Newby feels he’s more the “managerial” type. Managerial skills that turned the small, one-man shop in 1958 to an 80,000 square foot facility with 26 employees, and tooling that turns out about 2,500 products a month. Newby Rubber’s 2011 facility boasts a modern lab and highly-trained technicians available for testing, formulating compounds specific to customers’ needs and product development. Design and engineering are integral to the business, and Newby engineers work to keep customers’ costs down by designing and machining tools in their on-site tool and die shop, he added.

“We provide a wide range of custom rubber products like rubber molding, waterworks gaskets, rubber bearings, pipe caps, irrigation gaskets, winery gaskets, and O rings for the agriculture, food processing, waterworks, pump, and oilfield industries,” Newby explained.

One product he’s most proud of is Newby Rubber’s tree shaker pads for the agriculture industry. Shaker pads are used on the clamping jaws of a nut or fruit tree shaker. The pads compress and conform to the tree trunk when the jaws are clamped and maintain a degree of flexibility as the jaws shake the tree to harvest the nuts or fruit.

“The pads we’ve developed are far superior because we’ve engineered a pad that can withstand the tremendous amount of heat that is generated during the shaking process.

“We’ve basically found a way to build a better mouse-trap,” Newby noted.

And Newby’s “better mouse-trap” has not only been a hit here in the Central Valley, but across the nation.

“We’re sending them up and down the Southern states,” he said.

Newby Rubber’s shaker pads have also gone global, with orders coming in from as far away as Australia.

“We’ve been able to grow steadily, safely, and conservatively over the years and are lucky that we’ve been able to fund our growth ourselves and don’t have to pay a banker. But I know we couldn’t have come as far as we have without great employees,” Newby is quick to note as he looks at his company’s success. “We have two who’ve been here for more than 35 years. You just can’t beat that kind of loyalty, not to mention the tremendous amount of skill they bring to our company.”

Great employees make a great company, but it’s also a challenge holding on to those good employees in times like these.

“We’ve been through the economic dips just like everybody else and have had to lay off a couple of employees, which is always hard. But we did what we had to do, and were lucky that we were able to hold on to our long-term, skilled people.”

Economic downturns are always hard on a company, but Kelly sees even more uncertain times ahead. “The scariest part I can see right now as we continue to move forward is government. It’s spooky because of the regulations, healthcare, the cost of doing business in California; we just don’t know what to expect.

But it’s important to Newby to weather the storms and keep his father’s legacy going not only for his employees, but for his family. Though the seas ahead seem a bit rougher than he would like to see them, Newby is intent on doing what it takes to keep the business on course. It’s a family thing. Newby’s son Brent is pursuing his Bachelor of Science degree in rubber technology, and then plans to join the company in four or five years after completing his MBA. Newby’s son Eric comes in during school breaks to earn a little money boxing gaskets and operating the pipe machine.

“I don’t know what Eric’s long term plans are yet; neither does he. As far as I know at this point he doesn’t intend to work for Newby Rubber, but at his age I had no intention of working here either,” he said with a smile.

As far as advice Newby has for his sons on how to run the family business, if and when they join the company, he said, “I don’t have any earth-shattering advice to give. I’ll just offer small pieces of advice when asked for and needed as particular situations arise.”

And with any luck, that little one-man rubber manufacturing shop that changed the Newby family over a half a century ago will keep going with a Newby at the helm for generations to come. v

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www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Go Red 2011 31

By Donna McCrohan Rosenthal

Insiders Guide Atolia Mine

a

Arvin – Surrounded by seas of cotton, carrots, almonds, oranges, grapes, dairies, and farmland, this agricultural community dubbed “Garden of the Sun” lies southeast of Bakersfield at the foot of Bear Mountain.

Atolia Mine– (contraction of the names of Mr. Atkins and Mr. DeGolia, claim holders of property in the western Mojave Desert).

In its heyday circa 1916-1918, their mining town had a railroad, four restaurants, three general stores, four poolrooms, a newspaper, and a schoolhouse, and produced more tungsten than any other mine anywhere.

©istockphoto.com/wragg

b

32 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: GEMCare Health Plan, Inc.

Bakersfield street names – Before the town of Sum-

Beekay Theatre

ner became part of Bakersfield, letters of the alphabet designated its east-west streets, while Bakersfield used the alphabet for its north-south roads. When the two municipalities merged, Sumner’s “A” Street turned into “Alpine,” “B” into “Butte,” and so on, to avoid duplication and confusion.

Beekay Theatre – Starting out in 1936 as Tehachapi’s first movie house, it closed in 1980, reopened as the Old Theatre Plaza mall, closed, re-emerged as the Tehachapi Moose Lodge, burned, and, following extensive renovation, reopened as a home for the Tehachapi Community Theatre as well as comedy, concerts, and meetings (TCTonstage.com).

Christmas in Rand Camp

Discover Kern

From A to Z list Kern County as state leader in pistachios (28 percent of the total) and alfalfa hay (17 percent) and second in oranges (24 percent) and grapes (14 percent). The USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service 2007 census placed Kern County as Number One among the 58 state counties and 3,079 U.S. counties in “value of crops including nursery and greenhouse” and “fruits, tree nuts and berries.”

d c

Famous First

Cheesebush – Hymenoclea salsola, a member of the aster family also known as burrobush and cheeseweed, has small, abundant, petal-less flower heads, threadlike leaves and a cheesy smell. The shrub grows in sandy or rocky washes or loose, gravely hillsides in the Mojave Desert.

Christmas in Rand Camp – The annual December celebration in Randsburg re-creates Yuletide observances in a gold mining camp—complete with carols published before 1900, accompaniment on an antique pump organ, and light refreshments.

County Crop Rankings – Recent California County Agricultural Commissioners Reports

Dryden Flight Research Center in the western Mojave Desert – NASA’s primary center for atmospheric flight research and operations plays a vital role in furthering the agency’s missions of space exploration and scientific discovery. For tour information, contact (661) 276-3311.

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Empire Challenge – China Lake’s impressive exercise involves over 2,000 participants from industry, the military, and allied governments worldwide in a demonstration devised to enhance joint and coalition interoperability of intelligence data and technologies and their application to real-time battlefield situations.

f g

Famous First – Comic superstar Bill Cosby performed the first show ever in the Bakersfield Centennial Garden and Convention Center, today’s Rabobank Arena.

Dryden Flight Research Center identified itself as the “Gateway to Death Valley.” The Kern River Valley has the Bob Powers Gateway Preserve, a rare type of wetland in the Sierra Nevada near Lake Isabella. Clearly, you can find a portal to just about anywhere from somewhere in Kern County.

GlobalFlyer – Designed by Burt Rutan and built by Scaled Composites in Mojave, the Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer aka Model 311 set the record for fastest time around the world unrefueled on March 3, 2005.

Pilot Steve Fossett accomplished the feat in this “fuel tank with room for one” in 67 hours and one minute, maintaining contact with the support crew by means of a radio, satellite phone, and email.

Greater Mountain Communities – The Mountain Communities Chamber of Commerce representing Gorman, Lebec, Frazier Park, Lake of the Woods, Lockwood Valley, Pinon Pines, and Pine Mountain Club, describes their shared climate as “four equally perfect seasons” and offers a range of recreational options, everything from water sports to Nordic skiing, cross-country skiing, tobogganing, and snowmobiling.

h

Henderson, “Kelo”– Ridgecrest resident Kelo Henderson held the title of “World’s Fastest Draw”and starred in the TV series 26 Men. >>

Henderson, Kelo

Gateways – A billboard just outside of Rosamond declares, “Rosamond: Gateway to Progress.” A Mojave sign says, “Mojave: Gateway to Space.” Ridgecrest has often www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Go Red 2011 33

Photos Courtesy of Elizabeth Babcock (Rand); NASA/Carla Thomas (Dryden); Tehachapi Heritage League (Beekay); US Navy/Scott King (Cosby); Western Clippings (Henderson)

Bidart, Frank – The Bakersfield born poet studied at the University of California Riverside and Harvard University, received the Shelley Award of the Poetry Society of America and the Paris Review’s first Bernard F. Conners Prize, and is a triple finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in Poetry for Watching the Spring Festival (2009), Music Like Dirt (2003), and Desire (1998).

Discover Kern winds blow up and around rough terrain such as the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Every so often, with the right lighting, people mistake them for UFOs.

Ming, Leong Yen

i

Indian Wells Spring – California Historical Landmark #457 near the junction of State Highways 14 and 395. When their wagon trains became hopelessly lost in Death Valley en route to Sacramento and the Gold Rush in 1849, the Manly-Jayhawker party crossed the Argus Range in search of water. They found it here. The spot became a stage and freight station and, about a century later, site of the Indian Wells Brewing Company and the Indian Wells Lodge Restaurant.

Isabella Dam – Because Bakersfield had experienced major floods in the past, the U.S. Corps of Engineers dammed two forks of the Kern River in 1953 to prevent future disasters. This resulted in Kern County’s largest body of water year-round, a favorite destination for boating, sailing, fishing, jet-skiing, and windsurfing.

j

Joe, G.I., G. I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra (2009) – Paramount Pictures release about the action hero relied in part on the advice of Ridgecrest’s Burroughs High

School graduate, Navy Apache pilot, and Iraq combat veteran Chief Warrant Officer John “Buzz” Covington to ensure authenticity.

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Kern Valley Museum – Tells the story of the region through fossils, mining, and ranching artifacts, cabin, blacksmith shop, giant stamp mill, an exhibit about the Edison hydroelectric plants, and the covered wagon and stagecoach from John Wayne’s classic Western movie Stagecoach (1939). Admission is free (www. kernvalleymuseum.org).

l

“LaV” – China Lake’s magnificent muse during the age of Magnificent Mavericks.

The wife of 1954-1967 Naval Ordnance Test Station technical director and quintessential genius Dr. William B. McLean, LaV McLean taught school, entertained rocket scientists and VIPs, and helped shape the close-knit, committed NOTS way of life.

Lenticular Clouds – Lensshaped “altocumulus standing lenticularus” form when strong

Indian Wells Spring

Lopez-Hill House – The 100year-old home originally belonging to Tejon Ranch manager Jose J. Lopez first stood at 1203 Chester Avenue. It was later rotated to face California Avenue, then moved to Rosedale Highway and Calloway Drive when commercial development threatened to change the neighborhood. Lois Lavern Hill lived in it for nearly 40 years beginning in 1966. On her death, her family donated it to the Kern County Museum where it proudly welcomes visitors today.

m

McCarthy, Kevin – Bakersfield Republican congressman in the U.S. House of

o

Old West Mounted Lawmen’s Association – Launched by former Okinawa MP, mounted patrolman and Pinkerton detective James T. Murphy in 2000, OWMLA meets in Inyokern. Its members are active and retired sheriff’s deputies, state highway patrolmen, police chiefs, FBI, prison

G.I. Joe

Lenticular Clouds

Representatives, he was unanimously named majority whip last November, making him the first Republican majority whip from California.

Ming, Leong Yen – An early settler in Bakersfield, Mr. Ming worked on the Central Pacific Railroad, owned a successful potato farm and ran a school for Chinese students. Ming Avenue bears his name.

n

“Night at the Museum: A Haunted Museum Night” – Prowl the halls with a flashlight-

34 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: GEMCare Health Plan, Inc.

only guided tour for this October family event at the Buena Vista Museum...if you dare!

guards, and city police from several states. Honorary Member Clint Walker, famous as TV’s Cheyenne Bodie, once worked as a sheriff’s deputy in Las Vegas, NV. Mission statement: “To emulate and perpetuate the bravery, tenacity, and integrity of the Old West Mounted Lawmen.” Slogan: “Tell them we’re coming, and hell’s coming with us.”

p

Peregrine Falcon – A state-listed endangered species fully protected in California, the powerful, fast-flying, hawk-like American per-

egrine falcon (Falco peregrinus anatum) swoops down on its prey from high above. Pesticides nearly wiped out the peregrine falcon in much of the country, but you might see some in the alfalfa fields around the Yule Elk State Reserve, shorelines of the Tillie Creek campground and in the Kern National Wildlife Refuge, especially during the winter.

r

Ridge Route Communities Museum – Displays at

and second to serve on the Kern County Board of Supervisors (1985-1997). Among her achievements: founding the Beautiful Bakersfield Committee, spearheading efforts to create the Bakersfield Historical Preservations Commission, and establishing the annual Bakersfield Prayer Breakfast.

t

Thoene, Bodie and Brock – The bestselling Bakersfieldborn couple have more than 45 his-

Old West Mounted Lawmen torical novels and sales of 10 million copies to their credit. Additionally, Bodie has written for U.S. News and World Report and the Saturday Evening Post, and authored TV’s hit series The Fall Guy.

Kevin McCarthy this noteworthy Frazier Park attraction focus on the mountains between Bakersfield and Castaic from Wheeler Ridge to below Pyramid Lake (www.rrchs.org).

s

San Andreas Fault Tours – The BLM occasionally conducts geologic tours in the Mountain Communities. For further details, phone (661) 391-6000.

Shell, Mary K. – A career journalist, she scored headlines of her own as the first woman elected to the Office of Mayor, City of Bakersfield (1981-1985)

u

Uhalt’s Blacksmith & Welding Works – The steel-sided wood frame building at East 19th and Kern dates to 1920. Basque settler Bernardo Uhalt bought the business from Prosper Paquette in 1911 and moved it from Eureka Street.

Urner’s – David E. Urner sold cookware from the back of his bicycle before unveiling what today continues as Bakersfield’s 90+-year-old family-owned appliance center. For its 90th anniversary, Urner’s donated new mattresses to the Bakersfield Rescue Mission.

v

Voyager Restaurant –This themed eatery in the terminal building of the Mojave

Urner’s Spaceport affords flightline views and free WiFi, and prepares aeronautically-inspired dishes such as the Blackbird (sausage patties and eggs), the Long EZ (two eggs any style), SpaceShipOne (ham and eggs) and the White Knight (bacon and eggs). Order Joudis Crash Landing and you’ll get two poached eggs on corn tortillas, topped with mixed cheddar, jack cheese, and ranchero sauce.

w

“Wet Your Pants on the Kern” – With this catchy title, the Kernville Chamber of Commerce’s water recreation guide for Lake Isabella and the Kern River promotes special events and popular rapids such as Little Mama, Big Daddy, Twisted Sister, Screaming Right Turn, and Squashed Paddler.

Wind Scorpions – Also known as sun scorpions, camel scorpions, and sun spiders and in fact neither scorpions nor spiders but related to both, these

exceptionally ugly little critters have humped heads and disproportionately big chelicerae, or pointed-appendage mouthparts.

Nocturnal and not venomous, they move rapidly and live in hot, dry environments such as our own Mojave Desert.

x

X-Files: Fight the Future – Two filming locations for the 1998 movie-based-on-theTV-series might seem particularly familiar: California City and a Bakersfield cornfield.

y

Yucca Whipplei – Native to California, it depends on the yucca moth for pollination. Its tall spikes covered with tight bunches of cream-colored flowers poke up out of the ground in areas such as Kern County’s high desert.

Also called Our Lord’s Candle.

z

Zenda Mine – South of Bodfish, east of Caliente and west of Studhorse Canyon, it yielded more than a half-million dollars of gold and silver in the 1920s.

Wind Scorpion www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Go Red 2011 35

Photos Courtesy of Donald Laire (Indian Wells); Chief Warrant Officer 4 John Covington (G.I. Joe); OWMLA (Old West); Office of Congressman Kevin McCarthy CA-22 (McCarthy); Randel d. thompson(cloud); Kern County library (Ming); Urner’s,inc. (Urner’s); Timothy Russ (Scorpion)

Insiders Guide...A to Z

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Ladies in Red Our 7th Annual

It’s about the heart of a woman.

Whether you’re sweeping your brush across the canvas or dressing up for a night on the town, there’s only one color you should consider!

We’re tickled red to present the 7th annual Go Red! for Women section and our 2011 Ladies in Red. It’s all part of an effort to make sure women in our community know the risks of heart disease and stroke—and know how to prevent them. Because a healthy heart is a happy heart.

Special Issue Presented By www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Go Red 2011 37

38 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: GEMCare Health Plan, Inc.

BAKERSFIELDMAGAZINE’S

7th Annual

for Women Special Issue Presented by:

Dear Women of Bakersfield, Did you know that heart disease is the number one killer of women in our country? And that 90 percent of you have one or more risk factors for developing heart disease?

We want to help you improve those odds.

Because we believe that the key to winning the fight against heart disease lies in empowering women with information and resources, we’ve joined the “Go Red for Women” campaign of the American Heart Association.

We also believe that responsive, quality care is essential to obtaining and maintaining the best possible health.

That’s why we’ve made accessibility to quality care the cornerstone of our new health plan now available for Kern County employer groups.

Created by local doctors and hospitals, GEMCare offers a refreshing alternative to the expensive bureaucracy of typical HMOs. We also stress prevention and accessibility in GEMCare Medicare Plus HMO, our Medicare health plan for Kern County residents. Our service is unique in that we are located right here in Kern County, providing local management and decision-making. Access to care is streamlined and members’ concerns and health issues are addressed as soon as possible.

Early prevention. Early detection. Access to quality care. Those are the tools that will help Bakersfield women improve the odds.

Take a step toward heart health by checking out the “GoRedforWomen. org” website of the American Heart Association. There, you can take a heart “check-up” online to assess your risk, get healthy recipes, participate in a free 12-week health make-over, and much more.

Please join us in the fight against heart disease!

Photo by solorzano photography

Sincerely,

Michael R. Myers President and CEO GEMCare Health Plan, Inc.

Go Red For Women is trademarked by the American Heart Association, Inc. The red dress is trademarked by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).

Open the foldout on the following pages to see 2007’s Ladies in Red!

bakersfield magazine extends a special thank you to the bakersfield marriott for, once again, providing our location for the photography

www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Go Red 2011 39

salutes the

2011

(l-r) Kym Patterson, Corinne Ruiz, Liz Olivarez, Katie Harlan, Norma May, Shetal Mehta, Elaine Solan, Suzanne Satterfield, Jennifer Campbell, Ramona Rodriguez, Myrna Beehler, Kathy Salyers, Stephanie Wylie

40 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: GEMCare Health Plan, Inc.

Photos by Solorzano photography

Red has never looked so good! We’re proud to unveil the 2011 Bakersfield Magazine Ladies in Red in support of the Go Red for Women Campaign. These are women from our very own community who have a direct connection to heart disease and stroke and want to help our local American Heart Association put an end to the #1 and #3 killers of women in the country.

Special Issue Presented By

Go Red and Go Red For Women are trademarks of AHA. The Red Dress Design is a trademark of U.S. DHHS.

www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Go Red 2011 41

salutes the

2011

(l-r) Terri Church, Pam Giumarra & Presley Houchin, Teresa Henry, Jean Reed, Debra Wolf, Martha Rincon, Allie Holland, Cheriann Hershey, Faye Weller, Shirley Lewis, Phillis Van Boening, Brenda Eidenshink, Janet Clary

42 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: GEMCare Health Plan, Inc.

Photos by Solorzano photography

Heart disease knows no boundaries, so we want to encourage you to talk with your girlfriends, sisters, mothers, aunts, and grandmothers about the importance of taking care of their hearts. Most importantly, focus on you own heart health as you grab your best red dress and support this amazing cause. Then, we can paint the town red as we stand up to heart disease and stroke together.

Special Issue Presented By

Go Red and Go Red For Women are trademarks of AHA. The Red Dress Design is a trademark of U.S. DHHS.

www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Go Red 2011 43

44 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: GEMCare Health Plan, Inc.

Special Issue Presented By

very special

*

Ladies in Red

It’s about the heart of a woman.

Brenda & Brayden Eidenshink

By Monique Stensrud Brenda and Scott Eidenshink were newlyweds expecting their first child together in early December 2007.

Brayden arrived just three days shy of full term but his journey started eight days after he was born. He had stopped eating and was turning blue. An echocardiogram showed that the main artery leaving his heart, the aorta, was not opening fully, restricting the blood flow—a condition called aortic valve stenosis.

He underwent open-heart surgery in Los Angeles when he was just 12 days old. The surgery went smoothly and Brayden was out of the hospital within 10 days.

At his one-year checkup, Brenda and Scott learned that Brayden would need another open-heart surgery to replace his aortic valve, called “The Ross Procedure.”

The surgery was postponed several times but finally took place on January 28, 2010.

This procedure was very difficult on Brayden and his family.

“We were terrified,” Brenda recalled.

“I had a hiding spot where I would go [to be alone].”

Brayden was placed on life-support when he came out of surgery. They thought they had lost him several times to a number of infections and complications in the days that followed.

“Brayden’s story went all over the world, there were prayer chains everywhere. We were lucky to have so much support,” Brenda said.

“When we did bring Cassidy [Brayden’s older sister] in, she was calm. I told her not say goodbye to her brother...to tell him to keep fighting.”

That is just what he did. He spent 31 days in the intensive care unit and 51 in the hospital.

He went several minutes without oxygen flow to his brain and his doc-

tors thought it would be unlikely for him to ever be able to walk, but Brayden shocked them all by walking before he left the hospital.

Today, Brayden is an active 3-year-old and though he still has a long road ahead of him, with more surgeries needed to repair his heart, he gets stronger with every day that passes.

“He tells us what he can’t do,” Brenda said, proudly. “And while he might not be able to play aggressive sports...there are so many things he can do.”

He takes an active role in doling up his medications six times a day.

“He does better when he gets to draw it up. He likes to be involved with his medicine,” Brenda added.

“We just try to make sure he knows [his scars are] part of him.

“My son’s life was saved...he is alive.

I have to be thankful,” she said.

Brenda has made a commitment to giving back and sharing her family’s story. That is how she found the American Heart Association.

Brenda participated in the 2010 Bakersfield Start! Heart Walk, raising funds for research and education programs to help the Heart Association build lives free of cardiovascular diseases.

“If I walked ten feet, I would become out of breath,” she added. “Housework would take me all day because if I did something for five minutes, I would have to rest for ten.”

This went on for over a year. Ramona attributed her increased fatigue to growing older and being overweight.

She finally decided to see a cardiologist in July 2010. An angiogram showed that she had two completely blocked arteries and needed open-heart surgery.

“My heart sank when I heard those words,” she explained. >>

Ramona Rodriguez

By Monique Stensrud “There were times when I thought it was all a dream,” Ramona Rodriguez recalled of her open-heart surgery.

The 49-year-old mother of four would look around the recovery room in disbelief.

“The people in the beds around me having this procedure done to them were 70 years old,” she said.

Ramona is living proof that heart disease can affect anyone—at any age.

She has always lived an active life.

That is, until her body slowed her down.

Brenda & Brayden Eidenshink

Photography BY solorzano photography

www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Go Red 2011 45

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Ladies in Red

She had one of the leading risk factors for heart disease: family history.

“Both my older and younger brothers had heart attacks in their late 30s. My father died of a heart attack and my mother has high blood pressure and diabetes,” she said.

Ramona had open-heart surgery on September 27, 2010. The surgery went well and she was out of the hospital by the end of the week.

She has been in cardiac rehabilitation since she was released, slowly trying to gain back her strength and get back on her motorcycle.

“Rehab is not going as fast as I would like it to go,” she added. “I am increasing a little at a time but I do feel a difference now. I am no longer out of breath.”

Her first instinct was to cover her scars. She e-mailed her daughters after her surgery and told them she needed to go shopping for clothes to hide her scars.

“My daughters told me that I should be proud of my scars. I am living because of them; they are my battle wounds...so I didn’t go out and buy turtlenecks,” she said, chuckling.

She has learned to be proud of her journey and to use it to raise awareness—starting with her family. Ramona, her husband, and her four kids have started to eat heart-healthy since her surgery. They eat more lean meats, like chicken and try to get fish in as often as they can. And they got involved in the Go Red for Women campaign!

“I wish women could get past the idea that this can’t happen to them...it can and it does every day.”

Pam Giumarra & Presley Houchin By Joseph Brook

Pam Giumarra knows all too well the effects of heart disease. She’s learned them as a daughter, a grandmother, and a patient. She is immensely grateful that she and her granddaughter, Presley Houchin, are alive today.

Pam’s mother passed away as a result of a heart complication at the age of 41, leaving behind a husband, two sons, and Pam. When Pam’s 41st birthday came around, Pam recalled reflecting on what it meant to live past the age at which her mother had passed.

“We were celebrating with some of my high school girlfriends and their husbands,” explained Pam. “To survive past my mother’s age was very significant.”

Twenty years later, just two days after celebrating her daughter’s wedding, she celebrated the birth of her second grandchild. Between the preparation for the wedding and the excitement of the birth, Pam had no time to rest and replenish her energy. She was so exhausted she could hardly climb the stairs. That was in October. By the Monday after Thanksgiving, she couldn’t walk 10 steps without leaning on something. Doctors found that a virus had attacked her heart. Her heart was performing at 13 percent capacity. She spent several weeks in the hospital and was inundated with a variety of antibiotics. Finally, doctors gave her an IV drip to boost her immune system. She made a recovery just in time to return home for Christmas.

In June 2008, Pam’s daughter, Julianna, gave birth to two beautiful twin girls. After the birth, it was obvious that Presley, the smaller of the two babies, was experiencing serious complications. Doctors found a hole in her heart and advised the family that they would have to perform surgery or Presley would not survive. They hoped to wait until she was six months old, but by two-and-a-half months, Presley simply was not thriving. Already very small, she began to lose weight.

At one point, she even stopped breathing. Doctors knew delaying the surgery any further would be a fatal mistake.

Pam remembers the devastation of watching her daughter and sonin-law hand over Presley to the nurse before the surgery.

Special Issue Presented By

The family sat in a circle in the waiting room while doctors opened Presley’s tiny chest to repair her failing heart. Five hours later, doctors emerged with smiles on their faces.

Presley would make a full recovery.

Pam knows how lucky her family is to have beaten heart disease twice.

“We’re truly blessed times two,” she said, knowing that she’ll have the joy of watching Presley play at the park. She encourages other survivors to give back.

“Help those that have experienced what you have experienced. You have the insight to know what they’re going through,” she explained. “That will lift you.”

Stephanie Wylie By Monique Stensrud

Stephanie Wylie is not someone you would suspect of having a heart attack. In fact, most

of the people that know her were shocked to learn that she had one, herself included.

“I thought I was eating well,” Stephanie said, thinking back. “I have always been slender and my health was fine, so I did not think I had anything to worry about.”

A heart attack was the last thought on Stephanie’s mind. Like many young people, Stephanie figured that while she remained at a healthy weight and had limited amounts of stress, she would remain in good health.

“I did not have a whole lot of stress...well, except for raising three kids,” she chuckled.

“I have always had high cholesterol but never took it seriously. I had also been a smoker since I was 14.”

Those are two risk factors for heart attack and stroke. Family history is, too, but Stephanie was not aware at the time that >>

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Ladies in Red

her grandfather had a heart attack and triple bypass at 36 years old.

All of those risk factors lead to her heart attack in August of last year.

She woke up in the middle of the night with a feeling of pressure in her chest and an ache in both of her arms. She thought she was getting the flu or had heart burn, so she took a bath and went back to bed.

Stephanie woke up again with the same pressure between her shoulders. Her husband, Jeff, noticed that she did not look well and asked if she needed to go to the emergency room. Stephanie said yes, but that she wanted to go to the heart hospital.

“Something in my body said I needed to go to the heart hospital,” Stephanie recalled.

She underwent a series of tests. An echocardiogram showed that she had a 99 percent blockage in her ramus artery and that she had a heart attack.

“It was not real at the moment. It did not dawn on me until I saw my husband’s face. He was so scared.”

Stephanie has had a fairly easy road to recovery. She had a stent put in to allow blood flow in the blocked artery and has since undergone cardiac rehabilitation.

Today, Stephanie exercises daily and watches her fat intake. She is proud to say that she has not had a cigarette since her heart attack.

“My lifestyle has changed,” the 37-year-old said. “I am more aware now and I watch what I eat and what I do.

“Awareness is key and little changes help. Listen to your doctors and do what you can...even simple things like choosing leaner meats can make a big difference.”

Faye Weller By Joseph Brook

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Faye Weller was born in Eufaula, Oklahoma weighing in at just over two pounds. She was delivered by her father and a midwife on her family’s Oklahoma farm at a time when prenatal medical care was unheard of. Her first years were plagued with illness including jaundice and several bouts of double pneumonia.

By the time she was five years old, her country physician had begun to suspect heart complications. He became concerned for Faye’s health during the cold Oklahoma winters and suggested the family move to California, where the weather was warmer and doctors were making breakthroughs in children’s cardiac medicine. With that recommendation, Faye’s parents packed up the family and set their sights on Bakersfield. It would be the first in a series of difficult decisions that would ultimately save Faye’s life.

Doctors in California determined Faye was suffering from a congenital heart defect, most commonly known as blue baby syndrome.

“These days, if a child is born with this kind of problem, they can correct it right after birth,” Faye explained. “But no blue babies survived until 1944, when doctors came up with the surgery.”

Of course, the newly-developed surgery for those with blue baby syndrome came with a substantial risk. Doctors warned Faye’s parents that should they opt to allow surgeons to perform the operation, little Faye would only have a 20 percent chance of surviving the surgery. If they chose not to operate, doctors warned them Faye would probably only live to the age of 12.

The decision of whether or not to allow doctors to perform the operation was one that Faye’s parents struggled over.

But ultimately, it was the right decision. So Faye underwent the risky surgery to repair her broken heart, and she made a complete recovery.

Up until the surgery, Faye was unable to attend school and was educated by her mother.

When she was nine years old, she was finally allowed to go to school

Special Issue Presented By

for the first time. She joined her brother Leon in the third grade, and went on to graduate with him with the class of 1958 at Arvin High School.

Now 70 years old, Faye spends a lot of her time with her involvement in the Daughters of the American Revolution. She will celebrate her 28th year of membership in February. She’s served in nearly every leadership role of the group. In her current position as Chaplain, she opens each meeting with a prayer and administers the oath of membership to new members.

Faye began her involvement with the American Heart Association as a teenager, collecting money door-to-door. Now she hopes her story will inspire people to value a healthy heart and live an appreciative life.

“Look at every day as the most important day of your life,” Faye said. “I feel very fortunate to be here.”

She did very well in recovery and was sent home without further complications. The youngster went to annual appointments with her cardiologist until she was cleared. Since then, Allie has been able to live an active and healthy life.

Stacy has remained faithful to God in the years since her daughter’s surgery and has passed her faith on to her daughter. That faith extends to their involvement in the American Heart Association.

Both Allie and Stacy are committed to helping others and raising awareness of heart disease in women. v

2011 Go Red Sponsorship

Allie Holland By Monique Stensrud

Today, Allie Holland is a healthy 17-yearold girl committed to her friends, family, and her involvement with her church.

“Besides school, I spend more time at church than anywhere else,” she said.

It’s this passion and faith that has Allie very involved with her church’s youth group and regularly goes on mission trips to do volunteer work. The importance of being involved with the church was instilled in her by her mother, Stacy.

That’s because the Hollands have a lot to be thankful for.

Allie was diagnosed with an atrial septal defect after a heart murmur was found during her one-year checkup. The wall that separated her upper heart chambers would not close completely, allowing blood to flow the wrong way. It’s a lot to deal with for a family, and a lot to overcome as an infant.

Stacy was told that Allie would need to have open-heart surgery to correct the defect. In the months that followed her diagnosis, Allie underwent several tests to ensure the procedure would be a success.

At three years old, Allie had open heart surgery to patch her heart and correct her congenital heart defect.

Stacy remembers the day she came out of surgery vividly.

“It was a horrific scene,” she recalled, after seeing her daughter’s wound from where surgeons opened her chest.

Allie’s very first words in the hospital were, “I’m fixed…now get me out of here.”

Go Red and Go Red For Women are trademarks of AHA. The Red Dress Design is a trademark of U.S. DHHS.

Faye Weller Allie Holland

National Sponsors Macy’s Merck Survivor Gallery Sponsor Bakersfield Memorial Hospital Keynote Speaker Sponsor San Joaquin Community Hospital Open Your Heart Sponsor Comprehensive Cardiovascular Medical Group Heart Smart Sponsor Bakersfield Marriott Hotel Loving Your Heart Sponsor Chevron Golden Living HealthSouth Table Sponsors Alon Around the Clock Care Chris Blazey ESI GEMCare Pamela Giumarra P•A•S Associates Kaiser Permanente KS Industries Valley Republic Bank Media Sponsors American General Media Bakersfield Magazine Buckley Broadcasting Clear Channel Radio KGET Saba Agency Sierra Printers Telemundo www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Go Red 2011 49

Say Ahhhhh. We’re

50 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: GEMCare Health Plan, Inc.

A New Hospital Just for Kids. Skateboarding accidents.

High fevers. Asthma attacks. When it comes to kids and teens, anything can happen.

That’s why we’ve created a new hospital just for them: the new Children’s Medical Center, located right at Bakersfield Memorial Hospital.

Until now, specialized pediatric care meant transferring young patients to another hospital. That meant long travels, separation from family, and for parents, more stress, cost and time lost from work.

Now, when a serious illness or injury strikes, your child can get the best medical care where they live, around the clock. And being local means family, friends and extended family can visit easily, providing comfort and support when it’s needed the most.

NOW OPEN The New Children’s Medical Center

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Bakersfield Memorial Hospital cares about the health of Kern County— especially for our kids!

Ready When You Need Us We’re a full pediatric medical center with the facilities and equipment to treat even the littlest patients— starting with newborns in our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. July 2011 our Pediatric Intensive Care Unit will accommodate all ages, from toddlers to teens. Whether it’s a severe infection, breathing problems or broken bones, we’ve got it covered.

Kid-Friendly Specialty Doctors and Nurses 24/7/365 Parents know taking care of kids is a ‘round-the-clock job. So the Center has pediatric doctors and nurses working 24/7, every day. They’ll make sure your child gets coordinated care and can answer your questions, day or night. Our dedicated pediatricians are known as “hospitalists” because they work only at the hospital.

Pediatrics Our Specialty Staff at the Children’s Medical Center are specially trained in children’s care. Our hospitalists—all boardcertified or board-eligible pediatricians—are members of the Childrens Hospital Los Angeles Medical Group (CHLAMG), one of the largest pediatric multi-specialty groups in the United States. And our dedicated nurses are highly experienced in caring for hospitalized kids and teens.

Your Pediatrician: In Charge!

Hospitalists at the Center carry out the orders of your child’s regular doctor, and serve as a link to Memorial. That means that your family pediatrician is always involved in your child’s care, every day— even when he or she cannot make hospital rounds.

az Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: GEMCare Health Plan, Inc.

Meet Ronald McDonald— March 26! @ the Healthy Bakersfield Kids Expo Being healthy is important —and it can be fun, too.

Find out how, at the Healthy Bakersfield Kids Expo, Saturday, March 26 at the Rabobank Arena Theatre & Convention Center.

We’ll have exhibits, giveaways, games, health screenings and healthy discussions about kids led

by Memorial doctors who are children specialists.

Plus, the kids can meet Ronald McDonald for an unforgettably happy and healthy day!

Pediatric Resource Guide Get this free 16-page guide on keeping kids healthy…and what to do when there’s a problem.

Call: 1-877-854-4BMH (1-877-854-4264) to get your copy.

Partners for Life

Want to know more?

Bakersfield Memorial Hospital regularly teams up with community organizations to provide support and resources that keep Kern County healthy and strong.

It’s We’ve got answers.

In an immediate life or limb threatening emergency call 911.

If you need a doctor or more information: Call the Memorial Physician Referral & Resource Line, 1-877-854-4BMH (1-877-854-4264).

Ronald McDonald House

®

The Bakersfield Ronald McDonald House is a resource for families with children who are inpatients at Memorial and other Kern County hospitals. Amenities include sleeping rooms, shower facilities, a full kitchen, laundry and TV. Any family member of a pediatric or neonatal patient has day use privileges. Overnight stays are available for families who have traveled more than 25 miles from their residence.

Children’s Miracle Network Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals—a national, non-profit organization that raises funds for more than 170 children’s hospitals in the U.S. and Canada.

Bakersfield Memorial Hospital is proud to be celebrating 20 years as a partner hospital, where every dollar raised locally stays in our community to make miracles happen for sick children in Kern County.

If your child has a chronic illness or frequently needs emergency care or hospitalization, take advantage of our Pre-Registration Program.

Call (661) 327-4647 ext 4866 or visit www.BakersfieldMemorial.org and click the Admitting/ Registration link on the left.

Health Information Library Questions about your or your child’s health?

Access our free health information library at one of the Websites below. You’ll find hundreds of health topics of interest to read about.

Friend us on FaceBook! www.facebook.com/bakersfieldmemorial

www.ItsOkBakersfield.org www.BakersfieldMemorial.org

®

Kohl’s Cares for Kids National retailer Kohl’s supports health and education initiatives that give kids a brighter, healthier future. ® Through the Kohl’s Cares cause merchandise program, more than $150 million has been raised to support programs such as nutrition, immunization and scholarships for kids.

Note: All physicians, including but not limited to emergency physicians, pathologists, radiologists, and anesthesiologists providing care to patients are independent practitioners and not employees of the Hospital.

www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Go Red 2011 ba

bb Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: GEMCare Health Plan, Inc.

ure, there are “How-to” guides out there for women entering the workforce; guides for women opening their own business, or those changing careers.

These books provide steps a gal can take when she’s looking to make a move in the business world. They offer up helpful advice for women who aren’t sure how to approach the particular market they’re heading into. But do those steps and helpful hints really offer the kind of support it takes to make it in such a tough economic climate? Do they give the kind of advice one would get from a fellow businesswoman? From a sister?

A friend? The answer is usually “no.”

believe.

Inspire. dream. arge

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That’s why women in Bakersfield are a lucky bunch. They’re given the opportunity each year to attend a conference specifically designed for them; designed to provide a healthy dose of inspiration and encouragement when it comes to the business world and, more importantly, how women fit inside that world.

“The theme this year is ‘Believe. Inspire. Dream,’ ” said Diane White, the 2011 Chair for the Bakersfield Women’s Business Conference. “It’s about setting personal goals, believing in one’s self, in co-workers and colleagues.”

White, a tax manager with Brown Armstrong, is proud that the theme is one to which so many women can relate.

©ist

The Bakersfield Women's Business Conference is a very unique opportunity for women to explore possibilities and gain new awareness.

“We have to believe in something in order to inspire others to dream big,” she added. It’s a very cyclical theme.

“I want the Conference to inspire women to be the best, and I want it to inspire young women to get an education and to make a difference in their own lives,” White continued.

It’s one of the main reasons she got involved with the Conference. White has been with the Conference for five years now.

She was originally asked to be a speaker and a volunteer, then found herself on the Board as Treasurer. She’s been on the >>

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52 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: GEMCare Health Plan, Inc.

believe. inspire. dream.

Keynote Speaker Committee and last year was the Vice Chair.

“Being involved with the Conference has given me confidence in who I am as a woman and as a person in this community,” White explained. Those past experiences helped her formulate how she would lead this year’s committee.

“When you’re around that many powerful women, you can’t help but absorb that energy. You become a better individual, a better worker, a community leader, and a stronger person.”

Which is central to the theme the committee has created.

“As soon as we write down a dream, it becomes a goal. As soon as you vocalize a dream, it becomes something you believe in,” she said. “It’s very empowering.”

And those are two very easily accomplishable tasks at the Women’s Business Conference, now in its 22 year.

Thousands of women will convene in April to hear from other women in the Bakersfield business world, to see examples of womDiane en in our comm`unity White who have succeeded in their goals. Of course, the high-caliber Conference speakers help pack the house.

This year, Keynote Speaker Gloria Allred, Opening Speaker Jill Connor Brown, and Closing Speaker Juliette Funt all bring their intelligence, wit, and moxie to the stage at Rabobank Arena.

The new speakers aren’t the only changes to this year’s Conference.

“We’ve expanded,” White said. “It’s the largest ever. We’ve made more space for exhibitors in the Arena, and added more networking areas. In the main concourse of the Arena, we’ve added twelve tables so that we can invite twelve local nonprofits to attend at no charge, to try and get them exposure in the community.”

Also new this year is the establishment of a scholarship fund for the R.O.S.E. Mentor Program, a mentor-based program started in 1994 by Dr. Bobbie George, Emeritus Faculty of CSUB. R.O.S.E. is an acronym for Realizing Options for Student Excellence and each young woman selected for the program demonstrates potential for success. They are paired up with mentors and attend seminars on a range of topics intended to support their goals in the future. Over the years, approximately 280 high school students have had the opportunity to shadow an adult mentor.

“Those who want to donate will help fund the scholarship, which will be awarded to R.O.S.E. mentees at the 2012 Conference,” White said. >>

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Colleen Bauer So it would seem inspiration abounds at the Bakersfield Women’s Business Conference. It’s certainly been proven over the years as many women who’ve attended go back year after year. But perhaps the most shining testament to the power of the Conference is the fact that there are so many success stories from women who’ve gone, so many women who’ve been empowered to follow their dreams.

“It took almost a year of planning,” Colleen Bauer said of her journey to become a Day-Of Wedding Planner and start her own business, Fairy Godmother.

The successful Vice President/Deposit Relationship Manager for Rabobank was looking for a new venture, something that would challenge her outside of her day job, but not detract from her work or family.

“The process really evolved,” Bauer said, with a smile on her face. “When I was Chair of the Conference in 2009, I got a particular vendor involved to liven up the day. Shortly afterward, she asked me why I wasn’t doing event planning.”

After all, Bauer had years of experience planning family weddings, baby showers, and even events for Rabobank.

Bauer thought about that query for a while. She had an amazing job; why start a business?

But the challenge was there. The desire to try something new, to succeed at something she set her mind to, had Bauer doing her homework.

“I spent a lot of time reaching out to

54 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: GEMCare Health Plan, Inc.

other vendors and some of my competition. Because of the Conference, I felt confident going to these vendors, to other women, and talking to them—asking them what my next move should be,” Bauer explained. As the Chair that year, Bauer was surrounded by nearly 30 other powerful Bakersfield women. She made sure to take the energy and confidence she saw in those women and incorporate it into how she ran her business.

“There’s a lot to tackle early on when you start your own business and the Conference helped shape my approach. I pooled different mentors and friends that I had made through the Conference. I think women do a lot better job of reaching out for resources—we don’t see it as a sign of weakness.

We see the strength other women have and want to emulate that.”

Bauer was encouraged by the women she met. She pushed herself to do something different.

“The Conference is there to push you,” she said. “Make good use of your time there. Give your business card to someone you wouldn’t normally give it to.

Learn as much as you can.”

Bauer certainly did. Her day-of wedding planner business has taken off quickly; she’s already needed to bring on extra employees to keep up with the demand.

“But thanks to the lessons I learned at the Conference, I already had my network in place; I knew how to help my business grow successfully.”

believe. inspire. dream.

Photo by Kristi wolverton

Another local woman who’s been involved with the Conference for a number of years is Denise Winston.

Known locally and nationally for her financial education workshops, Winston has been a speaker at Conferences past so she can help inspire women to take control of not only their finances, but their lives.

“For years I attended the Conference. At the time, I was a bank manager and always came away with something new—I always made important connections,” Winston said.

However after 25 years in the baking world, Winston would find that it was time for a change. She founded Money Start Here in 2008, a company dedicated to helping people better manage their daily finances.

“A friend on the board knew my passion for financial education and instruction and that’s how I became a speaker,” she explained.

The first year she spoke wasn’t nerve-wracking, though.

“I knew it was safe environment.

Sure, everyone is worried whether people will show up to your seminar, but I was so excited to be there. There’s so much networking to be done and the feedback was spectacular. It was validating to know that what I was talking Denise about resonated with Winston so many women.

“There’s a lot of teamwork involved as a speaker because you’re all there for the same reason,” she explained.

“It’s a day when women invest in themselves. By nature, women are overachievers and multitaskers. It fabulous to see so many women come together, learn, and leave empowered and inspired. Conferences like this are so rare across the country that every woman in Bakersfield should be clamoring to attend.”

As Winston further elaborated, it’s a time when women can discover what talents they have—what inspires them. They are given the chance to pin down their goals in business and in life.

At the same time, they’re shown the options available to them in our community for them to accomplish those goals.

It’s a two-for-one kind of day—a win-win.

For information on Bakersfield Women’s Business Conference, visit bakersfieldwomen.org.

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By Tracie Grimes

Social distortion?

t

Many employers try to keep an open mind when it comes to office

attoos that run the entire length of an arm; facial piercings that range from tongue studs to eyebrow rings; iPod earbuds dangling down their camisoles. With their laid-back styles and techno-savvy, women of Generation Y (those born somewhere from the mid-1970s to the early 2000s, also known as the “Millennial generation”) have introduced a more casual culture to the workplace; one that is raising eyebrows.

Employers of a certain age, used to pinstripes and pumps, are keeping an open mind when it comes to the office atmosphere. Thirty-something and baby boomer bosses may not

kind of office you’re working for and dress appropriately for that setting. And even though many employers are becoming more accepting of the younger generation’s style, there are some employers who won’t let certain things slide.”

Even on the non-negotiable things, there’s usually a way you can adapt to a workplace’s standards, Scarry pointed out. “We had a young lady at our reception desk that was really doing a good job, but she had tattoos that covered her entire arm. We told her that she’d have to wear long sleeves to cover the tattoos, even in the summer, and it was no longer an issue.”

But even with these concessions and the shift in the office dress code, women are still encouraged to dress for success.

“People notice and remember when you look bad or inappropriate, so the best thing you can do is to dress in a way that will give them a positive impression of you,” Scarry noted, adding that the Career Services Center offers women free classes and professional clothing for those who need a little help or aren’t sure what “professional” dress is. “You’d think that this is something that people know intuitively, but that’s not necessarily the case. It’s always best to ask for advice and make it a point to know what the proper attire is for your work setting.”

As the company dress code enters grayer and grayer areas in the new millennium, there are some things most bosses

Dress for success. Make it a point to know what the proper attire is for your work setting.

Danette Scarry be used to Gen-Y’s ultra-casual culture, but they are finding ways to strike a happy medium as they blend Gen-Y style and technology trends into the office setting—within reason, of course. It just depends on the office setting itself.

Office culture can vary considerably, said Danette Scarry, marketing director for our local Career Services Center.

“The atmosphere of a law office is always going to be a more formal setting than that of a bookstore. Large, colorful tattoos and blue hair may be fine for a woman working in a record store or beauty salon, but you have to know the 56 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: GEMCare Health Plan, Inc.

—Danette Scarry

simply won’t negotiate. Timeliness, politeness, and proper decorum have not become outdated issues.

“Although manners and rules of etiquette continue to evolve and adapt to changing times, the idea behind them remains constant,” explained Gena Martine-Santoni, director of the Martine Cotillions, an organization offering over 6,500 children throughout Southern California (including Bakersfield) practice and instruction in manners, etiquette, and social confidence. “Manners exist to help people get along, to create a playing field where everyone knows what is expected of them, and to generally ease interactions between individuals. When a woman practices good manners,

back to basics atmosphere, but common sense stil prevails.

©istockphoto.com/hammondovi

©istockphoto.com/izusek

she makes a great impression on others because she appears confident and at ease with herself.”

Even though most women in the workforce today haven’t had any formal etiquette training, many modern moms are hoping to give their daughters a little leverage by enrolling them in etiquette instruction such as cotillion.

“It [cotillion] really conditions children to rise to the occasion,” observed Jennifer Starbuck, who went through cotillion herself as a child and insisted her daughter, Megan, complete the third through eighth grade cotillion sessions.

“I think children really get a lot out of cotillion because >>

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social distortion? back to basics

Jennifer Starbuck

Danette Scarry

t Keep your makeup light and natural-looking, and don’t go crazy with perfume. “It’s best to skip the cologne altogether.” t Be on time to the interview and follow up with a thank you note. “A hand-written, snail-mail sent note in which you restate your enthusiasm for the job and the attributes you feel you’ll bring to the company will go a long way in leaving your potential employer with a good impression.”

Since many interviews are conducted over a meal, be sure to brush up on your table manners, Martine-Santoni added.

“Dining etiquette is one of the most overlooked and most important aspects of manners. One’s skills, or lack thereof, can make or break a candidate’s chances of being hired.”

58 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: GEMCare Health Plan, Inc.

Once you’ve made it through the interview successfully, don’t let your good manners go by the wayside, Scarry warned, adding that employees need to always pay attention to little, day-to-day things.

“Practicing proper office etiquette on a day-to-day basis is a huge thing with employers. Be on time and ready to

Gena MartineSantoni

photo provided by gena martine-santoni

they’re learning the ins and outs of etiquette; how to introduce yourself and others, how to start a conversation, how to say thank you. These things don’t necessarily come naturally to people and once you’ve gone through cotillion, you find they’re ingrained. And if you practice good manners, it definitely gives you an edge in the business world.”

Proper etiquette may be the best tool an employee or potential employee has on the job, Scarry agreed. “In this economy, there are fewer job openings and more qualified applicants. Job-seekers who display proper manners will definitely stand out from their peers.”

During an interview, for instance, Scarry offered a few basic tips for making a good impression: t Don’t wear clothing that is too tight or too baggy.

Clothes should fit nicely, be clean and stain free, not too revealing (cover the cleavage), and professional from the top down. No sexy sling backs or flip-flops. (“Don’t wear something you’d see in a nightclub.”)

work every day, look the part, be helpful, and pay attention to what your employer wants from you.”

“One of the most important aspects of manners in today’s business world is electronic etiquette,” Martine-Santoni

Etiquette is the science of living. It embraces everything. It is ethics. It is honor.

—Emily Post

stressed. “People often unintentionally offend those around them by texting, talking, or emailing in the presence of others. They do not realize that the message they are sending is the person on the other end of the phone or PDA is more important than they are. In a world of instant gratification, we must be careful that we don’t rationalize bad behavior under the guise of urgency or self-importance.”

There’s no question that good manners are your entry to winning over the people around you. Although most workplace etiquette is an unwritten code of conduct, women who know how to behave properly in the workplace have an advantage both personally and professionally. After all, as Emily Post pointed out, “Nothing is less important than which fork you use. Etiquette is the science of living. It embraces everything. It is ethics. It is honor.”

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By Matthew Martz eing a woman in the media business can be tricky. It isn’t all glitz and glamour. It’s hard work. It takes a lot of balance; it takes long hours. Behind the scenes, behind the talented anchors and reporters of our local news stations, scores of ladies work

“You just can’t have five more minutes” she said. “When you are on air at five o’clock, you have to roll whether you’re ready or not; it puts a whole new spin on the word ‘deadline.’ ” But it’s not just the time spent in the waning moments before a reporter in the field or anchor in the studio goes live that’s

women in the media to ensure that everything goes off without a hitch. And that’s exactly where these women want to be.

Producers, assignment editors, production assistants, and writers. They do whatever jobs need to be done at that moment, and sometimes with only minutes to spare.

It’s not exotic work, but it’s essential.

“The news moves quickly and you’re constantly on the fly,” said Erica Bain, Executive Producer for KBFX channel 58 in Bakersfield. “I thought I understood deadlines and organization until I started working in this industry.”

That’s because with less than three minutes before going live on the air, Bain is still awaiting anchors that haven’t arrived on set, reporters that are writing their last minute pieces, and a clear signal from a remote shot.

Sound like complete chaos? For Bain, it’s one huge adrenaline rush.

women

needs to be done at that moment, and sometimes with only minutes to spare.

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Producers, assignment editors, production assistants, and writers. They do whatever

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the most critical, this careful ballet of bedlam goes on all day until those very seconds leading up to a broadcast.

“I am like the air traffic controller of the newsroom,” explained Melinda Dionne, assignment editor at KERO, Channel 23. “My job is to keep things running smoothly around here, starting every morning when I walk through the door.”

Orchestrating photographers, running to pick up the phone, breathe in, filtering story ideas, breathe out, fact-finding, locating contact information.These are just some of the responsibilities invisible stars like Dionne are tasked with on a regular basis and sometimes simultaneously.

Just ask Irma Cervantes, a backpack journalist for the Kern County Bureau of Univision, where she has plied her talent for the past 11 years. >>

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www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Go Red 2011 59

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Cervantes’ typical day begins around seven o’clock in the morning conducting interviews and shooting footage for a planned event. She then returns to the studio and begins to edit that footage along with numerous VOSATS (voice-over sound on tape), as well as transcribing several pages of notes before sitting down at a computer to

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script the stories that will be presented during that evening’s broadcast.

Of course, if an important story breaks, Cervantes must spring into action in an attempt to be the first one on scene.

However, she is in a race against time, and Dionne, who is equally committed in making sure to have her reporters first on scene, carefully monitors the newsroom scanners, gleaning every word for something that may turn out to be the day’s biggest headline.

“You get scanner ear, and all you really hear is white noise,” Dionne, whose prior job included monitoring 27 scanners in a Denver newsroom before coming to KERO just five short months ago, added laughing. “Ironically, it’s very difficult to miss something because you can hear the inflection in their voice.

“I’ve been on the desk when a firefighter and police officer were killed in the line of duty, and you can hear the escalation in the dispatcher’s voice and you just know something has gone wrong.”

A keen ear for news is critical in the fast-paced environment of broadcast journalism. Unlike other news medi-

women in the media ums, there is no time to second-guess what stories you are going to cover and what potential scoops are canned because of lack of credible information or resources.

“You have to have a good grasp on what makes a good story,” said Bain, who watches what’s going on live in the studio while keeping a sharp eye focused on the rival news monitors. “All journalist are competitive by nature in this industry; we all watch each other, and are always trying to craft the most enterprising stories.”

“I get a charge when I see a story or headline that our station breaks that nobody else has,” added Dionne.

But uncovering a newsworthy story is

Erica Bain

Melinda Dionne only the beginning. What happens after is where the real magic happens.

“I love watching all the aspects come together, especially when they’re least supposed to,” Bain elaborated.

She pours tirelessly over the day’s stories, fact checking, editing, writing, and rewriting. “Misspellings or other mistakes are critical to the flow of the broadcast, so it’s important that we get it right.”

Meanwhile, Cervantes is wrapping up, uploading her video stories via the microwave link while preparing for her live broadcast as Dionne continues to monitor the scanners and wires for any potential breaking news while going over any last minute details on the stories the team has already prepared.

However, in spite of all the cautious preparation, double checking, and attention to detail, there are those instances when things go wrong, a point in time where there are no rewinds, edits, or do-overs.

“You know those moments when you’re watching the news,” explained Bain, whose job also includes making sure technical problems and issues are resolved. “It’s the ones when the on-air personality usually says something like, ‘We’ll get to that story in a moment,’ and you feel totally embarrassed for them at that instant.” >> www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Go Red 2011 61

“When things go well in the newsroom you never hear a thing,” added Dionne. “But when things go bad, the people behind the screen are usually the ones to take the blame.”

So what drives these journalistic juggernauts to work in such high-stress, high-turnover occupations?

“The thing that keeps me coming back to work every day is thinking that I can make a difference in somebody’s life,” said Dionne. “The caller that wanted help because they couldn’t do it themselves, but because we attached ourselves to their problem, we facilitated a solution to their problem.”

Dionne recalled an unemployed man meandering into the KERO lobby one day who had been treated unfairly in the workplace. After listening to his story, she decided to send a reporter out to investigate. The team was able to break

women in the media

the story and the man had his job back within a week.

“I think every journalist likes being the first one on scene or doing an interview with a celebrity; those things are exciting,” Cervantes said. “But the

"I think every journalist likes being the first one on scene or doing an interview with a celebrity."

—Irma Cervantes

thing that I like most about my job is the feeling I get from helping people.

Maybe something I do on air changes or protects their life, or helps them out in some small way.”

Irma Cervantes 62 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: GEMCare Health Plan, Inc.

“You don’t realize how many people you affect with your stories,” added Bain.

A feeling shared by journalist across the globe, male and female alike, but is there a power shortage for off-air women in media?

Dionne doesn’t think so. “This is a very talent-driven industry, so if you’re going to succeed, as a male or a female, it’s about what you do and how you do it.”

“Being in Spanish media I feel women are preferred,” Cervantes explained.

“Most of our anchors are very beautiful women, but they are also very good at what they do.”

Besides, there are advantages to being a woman, Bain said. “If we are going to cover a sensitive issue involving a female, I am likely to select a woman to make the initial contact, hoping to be able to communicate on the same level.”

Sometimes it can take hours, days, and in some cases, months to make those contacts, and the countless time spent away from home can engulf anyone, taking time away from friends and family.

“There are a lot of hours involved in this industry,” said Bain, who gave birth to her first child six months ago.

“I was fortunate enough to get into the business before having children, but I can understand why a working mother in this business may have a hard time putting in those long hours.”

“When I got an internship in my junior year at a station in Denver, I literally became the intern that would not go away,” Dionne admitted. “I did anything and everything I could to be in that building, I feel the same way about this job; it fits my personality.”

And it’s a good thing these women have the personality to handle such daily stress. They’re able to make significant impacts on our local media– the stories we’re hearing, the people we’re meeting– even if we don’t see them in front of the camera.

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reaching out istockphoto.com/lisegagne

By Naomi Moss

m

other and daughter. Big sister and little sister. Mentor and mentee. These are all vital relationships, especially as part of the healthy development of any young girl. But some circumstances are beyond control and not all children have a maternal figure to help them through life’s tough challenges...and those dreaded teenage years. Some ladies in Bakersfield are making it their mission to step in and help young girls learn what being a successful woman means. So while some girls dream of being athletes and presidents, these are often lofty goals other girls never imagine. But with a little encouragement, these girls now have a new hope in their abilities to live life to the fullest. And thanks to some well-developed programs, these women are able to help in a big way.

The GAP program, funded by a grant through the Junior League of Bakersfield, reaches out to girls in the foster care system. A committee of seven women has monthly meetings with 20-30 girls in attendance. Katie Kirschenmann, committee chair, explained, “These girls have horrible experiences. We want to show them positive self expression.”

While on the surface it seems like a craft day, these woman take time to ask questions, get to know the girls, and lend a listening ear, all while teaching etiquette, journaling, and providing a positive outlet for emotions. “We keep it creative and

women

istockphoto.com/richvintage

Thanks to strong, confident women and excellent programs, young women are gaining the all-important skil s for success.

fun, but there is always a life lesson,” Kirschenmann added.

The girls really responded to the interest these ladies had in them so much during the monthly meetings, the committee decided to increase meetings to twice a month. >>

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reaching out

While Kirschenmann sees the girls change from month to month, the impact was far from anything she imagined.

Carolyn, 17, has greatly enjoyed attending the monthly meetings and loves to talk about the program.

“The classes are really educational and the art is therapeutic. The painting makes me able to release my mind and have fun.”

And fun is just the tip of the iceberg.

“Foster girls sometimes don’t have anyone to talk to and all of the mentors at GAP are interested in our lives and they take the time to talk to us about our lives,” Carolyn said.

Mentors are always presenting real life situations and issues in a way the girls can appreciate. Topics of meetings can be life and friends, finances, parents, and careers. The GAP program also encourages girls to deal with emotions in a positive way because they may not have a close relationship to

Katie Kirschenmann

64 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: GEMCare Health Plan, Inc.

share daily details of high school life.

“The journaling we do is really good,” exclaimed Carolyn. “I am able to take advantage of the blank pages; it lets me get the stress out of my mind. I can yell inside my journal and that is helpful.”

While the program was created with the goal of helping young girls through difficult life circumstances, they are not the only ones touched by the program.

Overwhelmed by Carolyn’s responses, Kirschenmann said, “This is an incredible opportunity to be a part of a life and help. I wish everyone could get the same satisfaction in helping others as I do.” She watched the girls come timidly the first night and now they are eager to get to meetings and share with one another at school. “Now, the girls are offering support to one another. They don’t realize it, but we see it.”

The GAP program isn’t the only program in Bakersfield reaching girls through group mentoring. The Self Esteem Council is able to provide four to five mentors to meet with 15 girls once a month at South and Ridgeview High schools. Each semester, new girls are chosen, but those meetings mean the world to them. Meetings stress to the girls that life is not what happens, but how you handle it.

Krystal Reynolds is a volunteer mentor at Ridgeview High School.

“We want these girls to strive for better,” she explained.

Indeed, some of the homes are broken and have one parent and several siblings to share a tiny house. “We start with goal setting. It’s small, but if they want to graduate, they start with homework now.” These mentors ask not when will you graduate, but how will you graduate.

The focus is laying a foundation of self supporting attitude so they take initiative in getting the job done, not waiting for it to be handed to them. Most of these girls have no positive examples in their life.

Through a year of mentoring, Reyn-

Krystal & Mary Reynolds

olds was able to see the difference in the girls. In fact, many go on to college.

“I can’t describe the feeling in the room [when we meet],” Reynolds said.

“These girls know they always have someone to talk to.” When there is nobody at home for the girls, they know they can go to the mentors.

“The girls have nicknamed themselves and hang out now. They know what they are going through; others have the same issues.” Knowing you are not alone is a major step in overcoming the feeling of isolation through circumstances.

These two successful programs offer

group-based mentoring where the girls have similar backgrounds. The R.O.S.E. Mentor Program takes a different approach and helps girls by one-on-one mentoring. Mary Reynolds is a perfect example of why we should invest in the life of at least one child. In fact, it was her transformation through being mentored that prompted her sister, Krystal, to get involved in a mentoring program.

“Without a mentor, I probably would not have graduated high school,” said Mary.

Krystal acknowledges the changes in her sister were definitely huge strides in overcoming an unfortunate childhood.

Forced out of her home at 15, >> www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Go Red 2011 65

reaching out

Mary was grateful to end up at her grandmother’s house, but there was too big of a generation gap for her to feel comfortable sharing. The pressures of changing schools due to the move and not understanding why her mom made her leave left Mary unable to express herself. “My grandma nicknamed me ‘Waterfall’ because I would cry at anything.”

But this young lady is poised and articulate and her sister beams with pride at Mary’s growth.

“The emotional maturity in my sister is amazing,” Krystal said. “She is more polite and more respectful and loving. She shows her feelings and is able to express herself. She didn’t do that before, but she does now.”

Mary continued, nodding her head in agreement, “I’m more aware of others around me.”

The R.O.S.E. Mentor Program picks two girls from local high schools to be mentored their junior and senior years.

These girls wil grow to be mature young women, changing the world one at a time, because someone took a moment to care.

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800.314.6243 66 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: GEMCare Health Plan, Inc.

They are matched with mentors and are able to develop an intimate relationship with each other over time. Mary is appreciative of what her mentor did for her. Even though relationships take time and trust, Mary was thankful she had someone who cared. “She didn’t mind when I called at 4:00 in the morning to ask ‘Why?’ It was hard to understand why my mother would kick me out when I never got into trouble, had straight As and worked two jobs. My sisters got to stay, but I didn’t. She really helped me get through it.”

In addition to the personal attention, the mentors and mentees gather with other R.O.S.E. participants and learn etiquette, attend the Bakersfield Business Woman’s Conference, learn speaking skills, and woman’s history. Girls are able to experience these events alongside their mentors and talk afterwards.

And just as the other programs fostered a caring environment between the young girls, Mary realized she was not alone and she had the power to change.

“It was a privilege for me to go through the program.”

Mentoring takes many forms, but the change in the mentees’ lives is real and wonderful.

As Krystal Reynolds concluded, “You influence others one way or another.”

It might as well be for the benefit of society.

These girls will grow to be mature young women, changing the world one at a time, because someone took a moment to care.

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WHAT WOMEN

What do you love most about men?

They can open any jar in the kitchen.

—Dianne Hoover

THINK!

Let's face it: women don't just think . .they over-think ! They're constantly musing on what's next on their agenda, wondering what the heck he's thinking, and asking how they can better themselves and the community. So we picked some fun questions to ask them for those of you who wonder. .

Name: Age: Occupation:

Dianne Hoover “Over 50” Director, Bakersfield Recreation and Parks Department

Name three things you’d have to take with you into space?

My tennis shoes, to see how high I could jump; my swimsuit, just in case there was water to swim in; and tea bags for mornings.

Did you ever get away with anything as a teen?

Living in the country with no car, you really do not have a chance to do much that your parents won’t find out about. We toilet papered a friend’s house, but had to clean it up because everyone knew who did it. That pretty much cured me of pranks.

If you could be CEO of any company, which would it be and why?

Ford Motor Company so my husband can get the Mustang he wants without worrying about the cost.

How do you keep romance alive?

My husband brings me flowers every week, so I will ask him.

Worst pick up line you’ve ever heard: In the frozen food section of the grocery store. “I could thaw that out for you if you want.” I walked away before I heard anything else. Seriously, a long time ago.

What is your version of the perfect Girls’ Night Out? Go see a movie and talk through the night.

If you could travel to any time period, which would it be and why?

When the American west was first being explored. It would have been great to be among the first to see Yosemite, Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon and have abundant wildlife, clean air, and clean water.

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When you shop, do you go in with a list or do you have to look at everything?

It depends on how much time I have and whether I am on vacation or on a mission.

What do you love most about men?

They can open any jar in the kitchen.

What do you like least about men?

They make it look so easy.

>>

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Name: Amy Smith, 41 Occupation: Foundation Associate, San Joaquin Community Hospital What do you love most about men?

In general, I think most men are good people. I think that they want to love someone special, have children, and have a good life.

If you only had one song to listen to for the rest of your life, what would it be?

When my kids were little, I would sing “Baby Mine” (from Dumbo) to them. That part of the movie still makes me tear up!

Were you a tomboy or a girly girl growing up?

I suppose I would consider myself always a girly girl, although I did win a nail-hammering contest at our local county fair when I was little. I drove the nail into a piece of wood completely straight.

Don’t think I could now though.

Did you ever get away with anything as a teen?

I was pretty “tame” as a teenager. The worst thing I can remember doing that my parents (I think) never heard about was playing flashlight tag in some new construction where I lived (Sonoma County).

We were caught by security and I accidentally left our “good” family flashlight there. I was terrified that somehow they would track me down since my mother had so diligently written “Powell” (my maiden name) in nail polish on the flashlight!

If you found $100 in your jeans you didn’t know was there, what would you do with it?

After doing a “happy dance,” I’d probably wonder what I had forgotten to pay! I’d probably save it for vacation.

The perfect Girls’ Night out?

Dinner, great conversation and movies with friends.

—Amy Smith

WHAT WOMEN

THINK! Name: Laura Lollar Wolfe, 49 Occupation: Interim Executive Director, Arts Council of Kern

ou keep y o d w o H alive? romance my I laugh at es. jok husband’s olfe —Laura W

68 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: GEMCare Health Plan, Inc.

Did you ever get away with anything as a teen?

As the mother of a freshman in college and freshman in high school, I choose not to answer this one!

What did you want to be when you grew up?

Publicist to the stars.

What’s your favorite video on YouTube?

“Candelight”—The Maccabeats.

What is your version of the perfect Girls’ Night Out? Girls night out in Bakersfield is usually Happy Hour at Goose Loonies or Tahoe Joe’s, with food, drink, and laughter.

Whose poster was on your wall when you were growing up?

Bobby Sherman.

If you could be CEO of any company, which would it be and why?

Google…you have the power to influence the world and have an intense but fun team to work with.

If you found $100 in your jeans you didn’t know was there, what would you do with it?

Treat the Arts Council staff to Happy Hour!

If you could go on a date with any celebrity, who would it be and why?

Prince William…he seems like such a gentleman and I’m sure we would go somewhere exciting.

How do you keep romance alive?

I laugh at my husband’s jokes.

Name: Janelle Capra, 37 Occupation: Director, Children’s Miracle Network at

Bakersfield Memorial Hospital What did you want to be when you grew up?

I remember wanting to have a talk show like Oprah. I believe that I’ve been given the gift of gab and would like to put those “super powers” to good work! Who knows...maybe with Oprah’s new network, there’s still time to make that dream a reality.

When a woman says “maybe,” she really means: Not gonna happen.

How old were you when you had your first crush? Who was it?

My first crush was over Bo Duke played by John Schneider. I was seven years old when The Dukes of Hazzard was a popular TV show (don’t judge, you know you liked it too). I remember clipping out all of his pictures from TV Guide and other magazines and putting them all over my room. Who would’ve ever guessed that years later, because of my chosen profession, I would meet John Schneider (CMN Co-Founder) in person at a CMN national conference. And, to my surprise, John returned my affection with a kiss on the cheek. Talk about a full circle moment!

How do you keep romance alive?

Whisper compliments in his ear. Works every time!

Whose poster was on your wall when you were growing up?

You already know that there was John Schneider. But I also had posters of Ricky Schroeder, Kirk Cameron, and Wonder Woman.

What do you love most about men?

Simplicity: food, sports, “bed”…repeat.

What do you like least about men?

Poor listening skills. “Can you hear me now?”

Name: Ashley Vorhees, 27 Occupation: Business Development Director, AHA What’s the best thing you’ve ever said to get out of a relationship?

This really is no April Fool’s joke...

How old were you when you had your first crush? Who was it?

I was 7 years old. He was my uncle’s best friend and to show my undying love for him, I braided him friendship bracelets. I know, friendship bracelets, but hey, I was 7!

What is your version of the perfect Girls’ Night Out? Some good drinks and a dance floor!

courtesy Janelle Capra photo

AWWWW >> Whose poster was on your wall when you were growing up?

Jordan from New Kids On The Block!

What’s your favorite video on YouTube?

“Why first time moms lose their mind” by Mompetition. All mothers can relate!

If you could be CEO of any company, which would it be and why?

American Heart Association! Because raising money and creating awareness for cardiovascular disease and stroke, the #1 and #3 killers of all Americans, is rewarding work. I love being a part of something that makes a difference!

If you could go on a date with any celebrity, who would it be and why?

Ryan Reynolds. He is funny, charming, and very yummy to look at!

Name three things you’d have to take with you into space.

Chocolate, a good book, and a bottle of wine!

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Name: Trish Reed, 40 Occupation: Investor Relations Coordinator, KEDC Most embarrassing thing to happen to you on a date: I was 16 and on an amazing date, and I knew he was going to kiss me when we returned home. He walked me to the door and I began to look for my keys. They were nowhere to be found and I had to ring the doorbell to have my parents open the door for me.

I didn’t get my kiss!

What did you want to be when you grew up?

I wanted to be a Broadway actress. I started when I was three and in my senior year in high school I had the lead role in the school play.

If you only had one song to listen to for the rest of your life, what would it be?

It would be “Happy Birthday” because it would mean it was my birthday every day! Seriously...I couldn’t narrow it down to a genre, artist, or song. I am a lover of all types of music. My parents gave me a great appreciation for music so depending on my mood I can be listening to jazz or speed metal!

What’s your favorite video on YouTube?

Baby monkey riding backwards on a pig. You’re looking it up right now, aren’t you?

How old were you when you had your first crush? Who was it?

I was in fourth grade and a boy named Andy liked me. I liked him too and one day he gave me a gold necklace.When my mom saw it she told me that I was too young to get jewelry from boys and I had to give it back to him.

What’s the best thing you’ve ever said to get out of a relationship?

“I am moving and I won’t have a phone in my house. I will call you when we do.” Wasn’t that mean?

Name: Wendy Devers, 41 Occupation: Wedding/Event Coordinator; Mrs. Bakersfield 2011 How old were you when you had your first crush? Who was it?

I think I was in 6th grade, and we had a sweet crush on each other.

But it wasn’t so sweet when we had our first kiss, and locked braces. Having to have my dad come and help us unlock. No need to mention names…he knows who he is.

If you found $100 in your jeans you didn’t know was there, what would you do with it?

Is there any doubt? Go shopping!

How do you keep the romance alive?

You have to make the time. We go on a date.

It is our time to reconnect.

If I found $100 in my jeans..?

Is there any doubt?

Go shopping!

—Wendy Devers

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70 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: GEMCare Health Plan, Inc.

—Trish Reed What did you want to be when you grew up?

I wanted to work on the Love Boat. Julie McCoy was my favorite.

Whose poster was on your wall when you were growing up?

Ooooh, Shaun Cassidy! Mmm hmm. “I met her on a Monday and my heart stood still, Da Do Run Run Run, Da Do Run Run.” Were you a tomboy or a girly girl growing up?

I was a tomboy! Not a whole lot has changed; still love sports, just a little bit more refined (just a little) and know when I need to behave like a lady. And when I can hoot and holler at football games! But since winning the pageant, I have been into makeup a whole lot more!

Most embarrassing thing to happen to you on a date: On our first date (at a wedding reception, I know, right?) being asked when our special day was going to be by the bride and groom. I looked at him and said “Uh, no, we’re not getting married, this is our first date.” He then looked at me and said “Really, no?

Why not?” Well, that was 15 years ago.

Name: Beth Brookhart Pandol, 52 Occupation: Marketing Director, Bakersfield Museum of Art What do you love most about men?

I love when they are direct and to the point; not wishy-washy.

How old were you when you had your first crush? Who was it?

Second grade—Davey Jones from The Monkees.

What’s the best thing you’ve ever said to get out of a relationship?

“Hey, maybe you should call my dad instead of me since all you seem to want to do is talk sports with my dad.”

Did you ever get away with anything as a teen?

I was pretty good at popping the screen off my bedroom window and sneaking out. I don’t think my parents knew but my grandma knew and never said anything. That’s because she probably did the same thing...grandma was a pistol.

What is your version of the perfect Girls’ Night Out? A few bottles of wine, nice music, and lots and lots of good conversation—not gossip.

If you could be CEO of any company, which would it be and why?

Martha Stewart, Inc. How fun would that be to be able to work around all that creativity?

If you found $100 in your jeans you didn’t know was there, what would you do with it?

Give it to my husband because I probably “borrowed” it from him.

Any tattoos? Does Mom know?

Ick—no.

WHAT WOMEN

THINK!

oman When aayw be” she says “m means... really ddy. r, bu Tr y harde andol —Beth P

Name: Maggie Cushine, 43 Occupation: Resource Development Director,

Boys & Girls Clubs of Kern County How old were you when you had your first crush? Who was it?

About 12 years old and it was Shaun Cassidy.

Did you ever get away with anything as a teen?

I lived on an air force base so we never got away with anything.

What did you want to be when you grew up?

I never saw myself having a career when I was a child. My goal was attend college on a full-ride scholarship.

When a woman says “maybe,” she really means: Not now, but ask again later.

What do you love most about men?

They can make you feel safe and protected.

If you could be CEO of any company, which would it be and why?

Pleasant Holidays, so I could travel the world.

If you found $100 in your jeans you didn’t know was there, what would you do with it?

I would treat my husband to a date night!

When you shop, do you go in with a list or do you have to look at everything?

I have to look at everything!

How do you keep romance alive?

It’s the little things—a card, a gift in the car for him to find after work; it’s a kiss and a hug whenever and, of course, saying “I love you” as often as possible!

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Name: Sarah Woodman, 33 Occupation: Historian and Educator, Kern County Museum If you could go on a date with any celebrity, who would it be and why?

George Clooney. No explanation needed.

Did you ever get away with anything as a teen?

I grew up in a small town so even if I wanted to get away with something, my parents would have heard about it before I made it home.

What’s the best thing you’ve ever said to get out of a relationship?

I’m moving to Bakersfield.

What’s your favorite video on YouTube?

My nephew getting the hiccups while dancing.

If you could travel to any time period, which would it be and why?

1840s, to witness westward expansion.

How old were you when you had your first crush? Who was it?

I was in kindergarten and he was the son of my teacher. Unfortunately he moved away in third grade.

If you could be CEO of any company, which would it be and why?

Etsy, because of all the talented and creative people who would surround me.

If you found $100 in your jeans you didn’t know was there, what would you do with it?

I sew a lot so I would dream about all the fabric I could buy, but then I would probably end up spending it on something mundane like groceries.

Whose poster was on your wall when you were growing up?

I was kind of a nerdy kid and had a lot of nature posters on my walls, like Wildflowers of the Sierra Nevada and Lifecycle of the Monarch Butterfly.

Name: Lisa Plank, 43 Occupation: Vice President/Director of Public Relations

& Community Affairs for BARC Worst pick-up line you’ve ever heard: Said “innocently” at the end of a first date: “Why don’t you let me follow you home? I just want to make sure you get home safe.” The request was declined. In retrospect, it wasn’t the worst line ever since we’ve been married 19 years.

Whose poster was on your wall when you were growing up?

Oh boy, I’ll never hear the end of this one! Randolph Mantooth

WHAT WOMEN

THINK! AWWWW >>

Worst e? pick-up lin

llow you Let me fo t want to s home, I ju you get make sure safe.” home “ nk

—Lisa Pla

72 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: GEMCare Health Plan, Inc.

(from Emergency) and (less surprising) Wayne Gretzky and Steve Yzerman (hockey players for all my girly-girl friends out there).

Were you a tomboy or a girly girl growing up?

Definitely a tomboy. I still have quite the tomboyish side with my love of sports, but I also love spa days, cute shoes, and romantic comedies.

Any tattoos? Does Mom know?

No tattoos, but I have threatened to on more than one occasion.

How do you keep romance alive?

Live in the moment. Laugh together. Make time for each other—whether it’s grabbing lunch together occasionally or that phone call or text to share something silly about your day—it’s all part of keeping your connection to each other.

What do you like least about men? read more It’s a toss-up between their inability to listen for longer than 30 seconds and their inability to find any object not sitting directly in front of them—a phenomenon known in our house as “front shelf paralysis.”

❖

HUMAN RESOURCES ❖

Making a Difference

Women comprise approxipre-specified point in her pregmately 50 percent of today’s nancy (e.g., when she began workforce, according to the to ‘show’).” The Pregnancy Department of Labor. In addiDiscrimination Act amended tion to comprising half of the the Civil Rights Act to include workforce, the National Aspregnant women, meaning that sociation of Women Business it is unlawful for employers to Owners reports that 10.1 milmake employment decisions based upon an applicant’s or lion U.S. businesses are owned by women, employing more employee’s pregnancy. than 13 million people, and California’s Pregnancy Disability Leave ensures that emgenerating $1.9 trillion in sales as of 2008. While women curployers treat employees who are rently play an important role in disabled by pregnancy in the

By Robin Paggi the American business world, it same way that other employees was a difficult journey getting here, and legis- with temporary medical disabilities are treated. lation helped to make it happen.

PDL allows an employee up to four months of Women have always worked in this coun- unpaid leave while she is disabled by pregnancy try; however, they weren’t always allowed and the right to return to her job. to keep their pay. In 1860, the state of New The Family Medical Leave Act allows eliYork revised its Married Women’s Property gible employees 12 weeks of unpaid time off Act, which, as revised, not only allows mar- from work to care for their own serious mediried women to own property, but to keep their cal condition or to care for a parent, spouse, wages, enter into contracts, sue in court, and registered domestic partner, or child. Men are have equal rights to child custody. allowed to take FMLA leave; however, acEmployers frequently paid women less than cording to the American Association of Unimen for performing similar work, which Con- versity Women, it has benefitted women more gress found to be bad for business. Therefore, than men. Of the over fifty million people who it passed the Equal Pay Act of 1963, which have taken FMLA leave, 58 percent have been prohibits employers from discriminating be- women. Additionally, while men use it more tween employees “on the basis of sex by pay- for their own illness, women use it more to ing wages to employees…at a rate less than care for seriously ill family members or to care the rate at which he pays wages to employees for a new child. The California Family Rights of the opposite sex…for equal work on jobs Act closely resembles the FMLA; however, the performance of which requires equal skill, there are some differences that may allow emeffort, and responsibility, and which are per- ployees additional time off from work. formed under similar working conditions…”

California employers who provide sick Additionally, the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act leave must allow employees to use half of their of 2009 extended the statute of limitations for annual sick leave allotment, once it has actufiling an equal-pay lawsuit regarding pay dis- ally accrued, to care for an ill child, parent, crimination. spouse, or domestic partner, which is called Just months before his death in 1963, Presi- Kin Care. According to Britannica.com, when dent John F. Kennedy urged Congress to take it comes to taking care of sick kids, women action toward ensuring the equal treatment of are still the primary caregivers. Data showed people regardless of their race. This request when children were ill almost 78 percent of resulted in the Civil Rights Act, signed into women took time off from work compared to law by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1964. 26.5 percent of men.

California Labor Code sections 1030-1033 Title VII of the Act makes it unlawful for employers to “fail or refuse to hire or to discharge requires employers to provide a reasonable any individual, or otherwise to discriminate amount of break time and the use of a priagainst any individual with respect to his vate place to express breast milk, other than compensation, terms, conditions or privileges a toilet stall. or employment, because of such individual’s Some would argue that women still do not race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.” enjoy all of the rights and privileges of men in Prior to 1978, it was legal for employers the workplace. However, women have come a to discriminate against pregnant women. Ac- long way since 1849 when the Tennessee legcording to Professor Saranna Thornton of islature declared that married women lacked Hampden-Sydney College, “In the case of independent souls and thus should not be alemployees who became pregnant, it was legal lowed to own property. for firms to refuse to hire a pregnant woman, to fire a woman when she became pregnant, Contact Robin Paggi MA, SPHR-CA, CPLP at or to insist that a pregnant woman resign at a KDG HR Solutions. (661) 328-5267

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Girls’ bdrm suite/upstairs loft. Rich hardwood floors, Island kitchen, big family room. Pebbletec pool, outdoor kitchen, firepit, big backyard. Super energy-efficient—low PG&E!!

Grand Island • $995,000 Seven Oaks Golf Course! Originally Ron Froehlich/builder’s own home. Pool, spa, two trellised patios, plantation shutters, tiled floors. 4 separate wings, formal living/dining, family room opens to granite island kitchen. Downstairs master, upstairs game, balcony golf course views, two 2-car garages.

Seven Oaks • $1,375,000 Jolliff-built! Over 6,700 sq. ft. 6 bdrms + office, 5.5 baths, theatre, game room, 4-car garage. Heated pool/spa, bbq, big patio! Hardwood floors, crown moldings, double-island granite kitchen w/dbl appliances. Words do not do this justice!

Signature Properties, Signature Service! www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Go Red 2011 73

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(l-r) Janette Sutherland, Leticia Reyes, Chere Smith, Laura Barton, Ada Martell, Magdalena Leon, Linda Heald, Alice Hacker, Annette Mojica

AAA Travel Agents

AAA Travel Agency, The Automobile Club of Southern California t How long have you been in the business?

The Automobile Club of Southern California has been proudly serving the Bakersfield and Kern County area since 1915; offering a full-service travel agency in Bakersfield for 62 years.

When combining staff experience, our 9 travel agents have 190 years in the travel industry.

t What products and services does your company offer?

We are a full-service travel agency offering a wide range of travel products and personalized travel planning services.

We sell land and cruise vacation packages and we make airline, car rental, and hotel reservations. We offer great pricing with the buying power of one of the world’s largest leisure travel agencies.

Our AAA discounted for members bookstore carries a selection of top-rated travel publications such as Rick Steves, Lonely Planet, and Frommer’s.

t Why use the services of AAA Travel instead of the internet?

We look for and give you added value. We know where the best deals are and can advise you of extras such as good restaurants, tours, transportation, etc. The internet may be able to advise the client about a good hotel and the amenities it offers, but it cannot tell a client that this same resort is next to a garbage dump. We can provide maps, tour books, and travel guides to our members, many free of charge!

And in case of an unexpected interruption of travel, such as a strike or weather, we can quickly arrange a re-routing. We give you peace of mind by knowing that you have entrusted your money and vacation plans into the hands of an experienced and highly-trained travel agency. And many of our travel suppliers offer AAA member benefits that you will not receive anywhere else.We have firsthand knowledge of these available benefits and upgrades. These are services the internet can’t provide.

1500 Commercial Way, Bakersfield, CA

661.852.4070 or 661.852.4010

74 Bakersfield Magazine /aaatravelbakersfield@aaa-calif.com Presented by: GEMCare Health Plan, Inc.

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Darlene Denison

(l-r) Sandy Reynolds, Elizabeth Lehr, Darlene Denison, Michelle Barron, Daniel e Plotner

Owner/Agent, Denison Agency/State Farm Insurance t How long have you been in the business?

My State Farm Agency opened January 1, 2008.

t How long have you been in the profession?

I’ve been in the business of helping people my entire career.

Prior to becoming a State Farm Agent, I worked in the private ambulance industry behind the scenes with insurance companies and healthcare organizations and recognize the importance of being an advocate for customers.

t What services does your company offer?

We provide auto, home, and renter’s insurance. We also offer life insurance, health insurance, long term care insurance, education savings plans, and individual retirement plans.

I specialize in helping small business owners with business insurance such as business liability insurance, workers compensation, commercial auto, and business retirement plansSEP, SIMPLE and 401(k) plans.

t What education and special training do you have?

I earned a Bachelors and Masters Degree in Business Administration.

I am licensed with the Department of Insurance as a Health Agent, Fire and Casualty Broker, and Life Agent. I am also licensed with FINRA as a Registered Representative to offer Securities Products.

t What hobbies and outside interests do you have?

My husband and I enjoy traveling and camping and I love to read.

I have two grown children and my first grandchild, but I also have a ten-year-old surprise child, John, who keeps me young.

t What do you want people to know about you and your company?

State Farm Founder, G.J. Mecherle, sold his first auto policy for $11.17 in 1922. We now insure more cars and homes than any other insurer in the U.S. and are ranked 34th on the Fortune 500 list of largest companies. I love being a local State Farm Agent and having the opportunity to help my customers protect their assets and financial future.

4903 Calloway Dr. #103, Bakersfield, CA

661.588.6070

denisonagency.com

www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Go Red 2011 75

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Lisa Marie Faast Owner, Dr. of Pharmacy Faast Pharmacy

t How long have you been in business?

In April, it will be five years.

t How long have you been in the profession?

I graduated from the University of the Pacific, Thomas J. Long School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences in Stockton in 2001.

t What products and services does your company offer?

Faast Pharmacy is a hybrid pharmacy dispensing both regular and compounded prescription products. We pride ourselves on our exemplary customer service.

We offer many value-added services such as free delivery, free kids vitamin program, and a free antibiotic program. We are a full-service pharmacy offering immunizations, bio-identical hormone study, specialty consulting, as well as a full line of over-the-counter products.

Faast Pharmacy can take care of the whole family from infant to grandma, and even Fluffy the dog. Our pharmacists have years of experience helping patients find the best therapy and the best price for their medications.

t What hobbies and outside interests do you have?

I love fantasy football, reading, cooking, and hanging out with my two sons, Peyton (4) and Jaxon (8 months).

t What do you want people to know about you and your company?

I want everyone to know that my entire staff and I pour our hearts into what we do every day. We really care about our patients and their medications.

Our customer service is what defines us. We know there is always room for improvement in any service industry and we welcome compliments and criticisms from our patients. Having and encouraging open communication between us and our customers helps us to grow and become stronger.

Faast Pharmacy is also here to help support our community any way that we can.

We have fundraising programs for local nonprofits, so please come in and see if we can help you with your cause.

Faast Pharmacy 3400 Calloway Dr. #701, Bakersfield, CA

661.410.7979

FaastPharmacy.com 76 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: GEMCare Health Plan, Inc.

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Lisette Caroccio

Owner Family Motors Auto Body & Paint

t How long have you been in business, in this profession?

I have been in the auto body and paint industry since 1989.

At eighteen years old, I entered into the industry working for Chrisnorm Auto Body & Paint. I worked at Chrisnorm for 7 years until they closed their doors. In 1998, I joined the corporate world and worked for Allstate Insurance Company in their auto claims department. I married Ben Caroccio in 1998. In 2000, I resigned from Allstate with the birth of our first born, Liana followed

by Jaleesa and Beneditto. I stayed home raising our children until my husband told me he wanted to follow his dream. It was relocating to Bakersfield to purchase Family Motors Auto Body & Paint in 2003.

t What is your business philosophy?

“We do business the old fashioned way; we build people and they build our business.� We thrive on giving back to the community. We love what we do and we treat our customers and our employees as an extension of our family.

t What education and special training do you have?

I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and attended many special educational programs in our industry.

t What products and services does your company offer?

We are a state-of-the-art auto body and paint company with a rental company on site and a full-service auto and truck mechanical repair center. We are a preferred provider for many major insurance companies and a certified collision center for Volkswagen and Audi. We restore your vehicle to its pre-accident condition with a pain free experience.

t What do you want people to know about you and your company?

I’ve enjoyed being in the body shop and insurance industry for 22 years and looking forward to many more. My family and I have been truly blessed and have had the privilege to own our business in Bakersfield. Most importantly, our customers are the heart of our organization and I, along with my employees, will always honor it.

6860 District Blvd., Bakersfield, CA

661.834.4960

fmautobody.com

www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Go Red 2011 77

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Gail Malouf

Broker Associate Coldwell Banker Preferred, REALTORS®

t How long have you been in the business?

I received my salesperson license in 1977 and my broker’s license in 1986. I have been in this profession on a full time basis since 1977.

t What services does your company offer?

Having been in this profession since 1977, my experience and longevity is definitely at the top of the list for services. I bring my experience not only as a Broker Associate with Coldwell Banker Preferred, but having been the 2010 President of the Bakersfield Association of Realtors and being in the leadership role in many different aspects, I can also bring the knowledge of leadership and involvement in our community and our real estate industry.

t What education and special training do you have?

I have received my GRI (Graduate Realtors Institute), CRS (Certified Residential Specialist), and CRP (Certified Relocation Professional) designations through the California Association of Realtors, National Association of Realtors, and Employee Relocation Council. The knowledge and expertise that I learned in each of these courses in order to get the designations has brought me to a more professional and knowledgeable level of our profession.

t What outside interests do you have?

I love to travel and experience other cultures throughout the world.

However, I am always happy to get back to the United States, and it gives me a renewed appreciation of our wonderful country.

t What do you want people to know about you?

I have worked for Coldwell Banker Preferred for 26 of the 34 years I have been in Real Estate Sales. Although I am a Broker, I appreciate working with and for the top real estate company in Bakersfield. The experience and dedication of our Brokers/ Owners has only enhanced my business over the years. I am a full time REALTOR® that will work the entire transaction in a professional and knowledgeable manner.

1820 Westwind Dr., Bakersfield, CA

661.334.2100

gailmalouf.com 78 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: GEMCare Health Plan, Inc.

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Valarie Canfield

Owner Trek Imaging/Bakersfield Blueprint

t What products and services does your company offer?

We are a full-service reprographic company that offers quality products at a competitive price. Our staff, with over 100 years of industry experience, assist hundreds of customers daily with everything from copies small and large, to full-color offset printing and banners, apparel, and almost any promotional product imaginable. We are also Central California’s authorized wide format equipment dealer for Xerox, Kip, and Hewlett Packard, offering local service and supplies. Our company prides itself as a local one-stop shop, which allows our customers to concentrate on promoting their business, while saving them time and money.

t What special training do you have?

I started at this company while still in high school as a delivery driver 18 years ago. Three months later, I was promoted into accounting. Eventually, I was promoted to manager of accounting, where I learned all the details of running a small business, which led me to be promoted again, this time as the General Manager of the whole company. After six years in this position, the owners retired and gave me the opportunity to purchase this business from them.

t What hobbies and outside interests do you have?

I enjoy spending time with my husband Scott and three children (Breanna, Cole, and Carson). We enjoy outdoor activities like camping, boating, and riding ATVs. I am an active board member of the PTC of my daughter’s school.

t What do you want people to know about you and your company?

Our company has 18 employees, most of whom have been with us more than five years, which leads to great customer service.

We currently have a Bakersfield and Fresno office and look forward to expanding further in the Valley as well as the Central Coast. We work with and donate to several nonprofits here in Kern County such as United Way, Bakersfield Homeless Center, NAPD, and Children Joining Children for Success.

3700 Easton Dr., Bakersfield, CA

661.325.2695

trekimaging.com

www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Go Red 2011 79

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& business

(l-r) Teresa, Virginia, Sydney

Owner, Merle Norman Cosmetics

t How long have you been in business?

Merle Norman Cosmetics will be celebrating 80 years this April, 2011. I’ve had the wonderful fortune of being in business with Merle Norman for four years.

t What products and services do you offer?

Merle Norman’s motto is, “Try it before you buy it!” Merle Norman, Bakersfield is a full service, hair, skin care, and cosmetic studio. Our estheticians and cosmetologist are fully trained to help you find the right skin care products for your skin type. Each skin care analysis will be followed with a makeover to help you select the right colors and techniques that complement you. So, “TRY IT BEFORE YOU BUY IT” and know with confidence how everything feels and looks before you buy it.

t What additional services do you provide?

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Joti Culbertson, Navi Sanghera, Raji Sanghera Owners, Kaur Boutique

t How long have you been in business?

We opened our doors in March of 2010 and have enjoyed the business of The Marketplace and boutique patrons alike.

t What products do you offer?

Kaur (pronounced core) offers women’s apparel, shoes, bags, accessories, and gifts in a beautiful and inviting space. Our inventory is on trend, updated daily, and chosen with our customers in mind.

t What role does family play in your business?

Kaur is our newest addition to nearly 40 years of local family-owned businesses. Family is the cornerstone of our business and our customers should feel as welcome as one of our own.

t What do you want people to know about your company?

Our latest addition to the studio is Jennifer, who was trained

by Paul Mitchell to give you the latest look. We are trained to pamper you with facial treatments, waxings, paraffin treatments, and professional grade chemical peels and treatments.

When a customer enters our store, they receive a warm greeting and our helpful staff is at their service. Kaur is the Punjabi word for princess, the traditional middle name of women in our family, and the company’s ideal. We believe every woman deserves to feel like a princess.

9160 Rosedale Hwy., Ste. 600, Bakersfield, CA

9000 Ming Ave., Suite I-2, Bakersfield, CA

BRCKitchenBath.com

BRCKitchenBath.com

661.587.3990

80 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: GEMCare Health Plan, Inc.

661.664.7800

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PHOTO BY SHARLENE SOUERS

women

Patty Gray

Karis Sumner

t How important is experience in your profession?

t How long have you been in the profession?

I have been in this industry for two years and five months. t What products and services does your company offer?

Owner, Chief Stewarding Officer Extremely! My husband, Everett, is a licensed general contractor with over thirty-five years experience in addition to four formal years of education and training. Our team has over a hundred years combined experience in our field.

A seasoned team will find solutions to any remodeling challenges.

t What products and services do you offer?

We offer complete remodeling services from whole house remodels and affordable bathroom packages to luxury kitchen and baths. We also provide products for the aging and those with special needs.

t What do you want people to know about your company?

Our company is here to “serve and enrich” our clients’ lives.

Those who choose DreamMaker are looking for a company they can trust, a company that offers creative solutions, and one that assumes the risk of remodeling by being properly licensed, insured, and experienced.

Treasurer/Marketing, California Canyon Insurance

We have over 13 years experience in the industry. We specialize in the Commercial/Personal Property & Casualty Insurance, medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance. The majority of our clients are in California. We also have clients in Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Missouri, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Utah, and Washington.

t What hobbies and outside interests do you have?

Being outdoors, mountain biking, reading, and bowling.

t What do you want people to know about your company?

Most people might not have been so eager to start a company as the economy began to weaken but we saw it as an opportunity. Putting our faith in God, working long hours, and putting others before ourselves has helped us counteract the bad economy.

ENHANCING LIVES. IMPROVING HOMES .

5880 District Blvd., Ste. 19, Bakersfield, CA

661.837.1117

DreamMakerBakersfield.com

4900 California Ave., Tower B-210, Bakersfield, CA

661.377.2978

californiacanyoninsurance.com

www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Go Red 2011 81

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The Women of Bakersfield Magazine

Darlyn Baker, RN

We are about to celebrate our 28th year as Bakersfield’s City Magazine.

We offer nursing/PT in our home health division; personal care in Assisted Care; alternate housing options in our Bakersfield Senior Placement division; facility staffing; daycare for medically disabled children in our three daycare facilities.

t How long have you been in the profession? t What products and services do you offer?

We are Bakersfield’s only city magazine showcasing the best of life and business in Bakersfield and Kern County, priding ourselves on our commitment to providing 100 percent original, 100 percent positive, 100 percent local information, 100 percent of the time.

t What hobbies and outside interests do you have?

Besides family, the talented female members of our staff enjoy an eclectic range of hobbies including singing, gardening, home decorating, travel, and reading and writing.

Owner, Director, Healthcare Services t What services do you offer?

t What education and special training do you have?

I am a Registered Nurse with a Jr. College teaching credential from UCLA.

t What hobbies and outside interests do you have?

Bowling, home/office decorating, travel, and any activity to share with our two adult children and their families.

t What do you want people to know about your company?

We have made it our passion to continue our founder, Donna Corum’s vision to bring out the best in our community through such things as involvement with nonprofits and by sending a positive message to readers that good can always be found in any area...you just have to look for it.

Having 27 years hospital experience and caring for my mother at our home during her last seven months before she passed, I can confidently and compassionately relate to others facing such hardship. I am the only RN in Kern county to own and operate a Medicare/Medi-Cal home health agency. People look to us for solutions when faced with life challenges.

1601 New Stine Road, Ste. 200, Bakersfield, CA

4801 Truxtun Avenue, Bakersfield, CA

BakersfieldMagazine.net

mybakersfieldhealthcare.com

t What do you want people to know about your company?

661.834.4126

82 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: GEMCare Health Plan, Inc.

661.395.1700

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It began with a Dare, followed by a Vision to Build the Best Ambulance Company in America. www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Go Red 2011 CE

A Message from Our Founder/President

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"Hall Ambulance Service takes care of its employees and prides itself on keeping employees for the long term."

-Ed Smith, Paramedic, and Communication Technology Specialist, 38 years

Harvey L. Hall and his wife, Lavonne, standing by a modern Advanced Life Support Ambulance. Tech 1, the ambulance that started it all is on display in the background. Inset photo: Harvey L. Hall with his second ambulance outside his residence on H Street which served as the Company’s first ambulance station circa 1971.

Dear Friends,

We have passed a milestone and we are celebrating.

February 10th marks 40 years of service to the people of Kern County. Thank you for being one of those customers who has continued to depend on us for ›‘—” Â?‡†‹…ƒŽ –”ƒÂ?•’‘”–ƒ–‹‘Â?Ǥ ‘—” …‘Â?Ď?‹†‡Â?…‡ ‹Â? ‘—” ambulance service, our paramedics and EMTs, and our quality customer service care has been vital to our growth over the years.

Over the years, Hall Ambulance Service has become one of the largest privately-owned ambulance companies in California. We are a leading provider of emergency and non-emergency medical transportation services to public, residential, commercial and industrial customers for nearly 90% of Kern County—an area that is roughly the size of the state of New Jersey.

I believe in establishing professional customer services with the understanding that community health and safety are at the heart of what Hall Ambulance Service does. My strategy over the years has always been simple—make sure medical transportation in our city ‹• Â?‘”‡ –ŠƒÂ? ‡Â?‘—‰ŠǤ Â?Â?‘˜ƒ–‹‘Â? ƒÂ?† Ď?Ž‡š‹„‹Ž‹–› ƒ”‡ at the heart of our mission, and I value our patients’ trust, and take that responsibility seriously in each

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community we serve.

Today, Hall Ambulance employees draw from Â?‘”‡ –ŠƒÂ? ͜Ͳ ›‡ƒ”• ‘ˆ ‡š’‡”‹‡Â?…‡ǥ „”‹Â?‰‹Â?‰ –Š‡ highest levels of patient care and public safety to our customers. Currently we employ a team of 373 ‹Â?†‹˜‹†—ƒŽ• ™Š‘ ’”‘˜‹†‡ –Š‡ ’‡‘’Ž‡ ‘ˆ ƒÂ?‡”•Ď?‹‡Ž† ƒÂ?† ‡”Â? ‘—Â?–› ™‹–Š Ď?‹”•– …Žƒ•• Â’Â”Â‡ÇŚÂŠÂ‘Â•Â’Â‹Â–ÂƒÂŽ …ƒ”‡Ǥ While there are many challenges ahead, we move forward with the knowledge that is gained from our ’ƒ•– ‡š’‡”‹‡Â?…‡Ǥ ‡ ’ŽƒÂ? –‘ …‘Â?–‹Â?—‡ ‘—” ‡ˆˆ‘”–• to listen to what our customers have to say and to educate ourselves on the ever-changing healthcare industry so that we can continue to provide outstanding service to you, our patrons.

Thank you, again, for helping make this an ‡š–”ƒ‘”†‹Â?ƒ”› ͜Ͳ ›‡ƒ”•Ǥ ‡ ’ŽƒÂ? –‘ ƒŽ™ƒ›• Â?‡‡’ ›‘—” needs foremost as we grow.

Sincerely,

Harvey L. Hall Founder/President

Hall Ambulance Service, Inc.

Responding to Life’s Unexpected Moments

Celebrating A Paramedic’s Greatest Reward

Life’s Unexpected Moments

Such is the case for California City resident Scott Van De Flier, an Equipment Specialist now retired from the U.S. Air Force. Relaxing at home with his wife, he suddenly felt dizzy, turned pale and passed out. Scott had suffered cardiac arrest. His wife immediately called 9-1-1 and initiated CPR, training she had acquired as a child care provider.

On arrival, the paramedic placed Scott on a cardiac monitor revealing an ir-

You’re Going to Be Okay

Shafter resident Mary Stark woke up with a sensation of numbness and tingling in her arm. She became worried and her suspicions were correct-she was having a heart attack. Within moments, a Hall paramedic crew was by her side. Mary says she knew everything was going to be okay by the way the crew treated and

“It was like having my own doctor right there with me.

The crew was very calming and they saved my life.”

-Mary Stark spoke to her. The paramedic initiated treatment and began transport to the hospital. Mary be-

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regular heart rhythm.

Advanced life support interventions were initiated resulting in Scott regaining a pulse and respirations. Following his recovery, Scott was reunited with his lifesavers. In celebration of his birthday, Hall Ambulance presented Scott with a birthday cake. Just prior to blowing out the candles, Scott exclaimed with a smile on his face, “I’ve had two birthdays this year!”

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Clearly, the greatest reward a paramedic or EMT can enjoy is knowing when their efforts contributed to a positive patient outcome. Perhaps the most gratifying are those calls in which the patient is revived from having suffered cardiac arrest.

Scott Van De Flier celebrates his second chance at life following an episode of cardiac arrest with his wife and lifesavers at his side. Photo credit: Bill Deaver.

lieves her life was spared by the rapid response and immediate attention she received, stating, “It was like having my own doctor right there with me. The crew was very calming and they saved my life!”

When Time is Critical

to his life-threatening condition.

Shortly after liftoff of the helicopter, McKnight took

“They notice and reward employees that excel in professionalism, work ethics, and job skills. They provide great equipment and tools that help us accomplish our tasks.”

-Donny Self, EMT, 5 years

Cardiac arrest survivor Michael McKnight is reunited

On April 01, with Hall Flight Paramedic Sean Perryman just one month after his episode.

2010, Hall Ambulance Service responded to a what could have been his Taft residence, where Milast breath, as his heart chael McKnight was found Ǥ ϐ to be complaining of chest team quickly employed pain. advanced life support intervention resulting in The Hall Paramedic at the his heart re-starting. scene recognized the patient to be exhibiting signs and symptoms consistent with an acute myocardial infarction (heart attack) and requested Hall Air Ambulance respond due

Forty Years of Service to Community

One month later, McKnight was reunited with the lifesavers responsible for his miraculous recovery.

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Responding to 87% of Kern County’s 9-1-1 requests for medical aid depends on a complex network comprised of seamless communications and interaction not only between the emergency medical dispatchers,

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Dz ϐ Ambulance I have been impressed with the professionalism and high standards of care in every facet of the organization.

I will also always remember Mr. Hall as ǡ ϐ me to town as I am sure he has with thousands of others. I admire his generosity and his support for everything that is great about this community.

Mr. Harvey Hall has made a difference in this community.

Bob Beehler President & CEO San Joaquin Community Hospital

From all of us at San Joaquin Community Hospital, congratulations to Hall Ambulance's 40 years of service to Ǥ provide excellent care to those in need. “

“The Kern County Fire Department is proud to be a life long emergency response partner with Hall Ambulance Service. Hall Ambulance has always provided excellent emergency medical care to the citizens of Kern County.

Nick Dunn Fire Chief & Director of Emergency Service Kern County Fire Department

The relationship between the Kern County Fire Department and Hall Ambulance is the reason so many accident victims are alive today. From the initial 9-1-1 call through arrival at one of our many emergency rooms, the seamless response and care from our teams have made the difference.

On behalf of the men and women of the Kern County Fire Department it is with great pleasure I congratulate Harvey Hall and all his employees for forty years of dedicated service.”

paramedics, EMTs and field supervisors but amongst our fellow public safety and healthcare providers with whom we work hand-in-hand. These relationships enable our team to deliver the best patient care in the most expedient manner available.

“Memorial Hospital continues to strengthen its partnership with Hall Ambulance, providing excellent transportation services to the hospital Ǥ

Our community’s emergency transport

to the quality of and dedication to professionalism of the staff at Hall Ambulance.“

CH Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: GEMCare Health Plan, Inc. 2|

Hall Ambulance Service, Inc.

Jon Van Boening President & CEO Bakersfield Memorial Hospital

Excellence in EMS

ŠƒÂ?Â? ›‘— ƒŽŽ Â?„—ŽƒÂ?…‡ ƒÂ?† ‘Â?‰”ƒ–—Žƒ–‹‘Â?•Ǩdz

Š‡–Š‡” ‹Â? –Š‡ Ď?‹‡Ž† ”‡•’‘Â?†‹Â?‰ –‘ ƒ Â?‡†‹…ƒŽ ‡Â?‡”‰‡Â?…› ‘” ‹Â? –Š‡ •…Š‘‘Ž• –ƒŽÂ?‹Â?‰ –‘ Â?‹†• ƒ„‘—– ‡Â?‡”‰‡Â?…› Â?‡†‹…ƒŽ Â•Â‡Â”Â˜Â‹Â…Â‡Â•ÇĄ ƒŽŽ Â?„—ŽƒÂ?…‡ ‹• ƒÂ? ‡••‡Â?–‹ƒŽ ’ƒ”– ‘ˆ –Š‡ ‡Â?‡”‰‡Â?…› ”‡•’‘Â?•‡ –‡ƒÂ? ˆ‘” ‘—” …‘Â?Â?—Â?‹–›Ǥ Š‡‹” …‘Â?Â?‹–Â?‡Â?– –‘ ‡š…‡ŽŽ‡Â?…‡ ‹Â? Â’Â”Â‡ÇŚÂŠÂ‘Â•Â’Â‹Â–ÂƒÂŽ …ƒ”‡ —Ž–‹Â?ƒ–‡Ž› Â?ƒÂ?‡• ƒ †‹ˆˆ‡”‡Â?…‡ ‹Â? –Š‡ Ž‹˜‡• ‘ˆ –Š‘—nj •ƒÂ?†• ‘ˆ ’‡‘’Ž‡ ‡˜‡”› ›‡ƒ”Ǥ

Charlie Fivecoat Chief Shafter Police Department

Russell V. Judd President & CEO Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield

Dz ÇŻÂ˜Â‡ Â?Â?‘™Â? ƒ”˜‡› ƒŽŽ ƒÂ?† ƒŽŽ Â?„—ŽƒÂ?…‡ •‹Â?…‡ –Š‡ ͳ͚͝Ͳ•Ǥ Š‡ Â?‡†‹…ƒŽ •‡”˜‹…‡ ’”‘˜‹†‡† ƒŽ‘Â?‰ ™‹–Š –Š‡ …‘Â?Â?—Â?‹–› •‡”˜‹…‡ …—Ž–—”‡ ‘ˆ ƒŽŽ Â?„—ŽƒÂ?…‡ ‹• ƒ –”‡Â?‡Â?†‘—• ƒ••‡– ˆ‘” ƒŽŽ …‹–‹œ‡Â?• ‘ˆ ‡”Â? ‘—Â?–›Ǥ ƒÂ? ’Ž‡ƒ•‡† –‘ Šƒ˜‡ ™‘”Â?‡† ™‹–Š Â?ƒÂ?› ‘ˆ –Š‡ …ƒ”‹Â?‰ ’”‘ˆ‡••‹‘Â?ƒŽ• ƒ– ƒŽŽ Â?„—ŽƒÂ?…‡Ǥdz

Dz ƒŽŽ Â?„—ŽƒÂ?…‡ Šƒ• „‡‡Â? ƒÂ? ‹Â?–‡‰”ƒŽ ’ƒ”– ‘ˆ ‘—” …‘Â?Â?—Â?‹–› ˆ‘” †‡…ƒ†‡•Ǥ Š‡ †‡†‹…ƒ–‹‘Â? ‘ˆ –Š‡‹” ‡Â?’Ž‘›‡‡• ‹• „Žƒ–ƒÂ?–Ž› ‘„˜‹‘—•Ǥ Š‡› …ƒ”‡ ƒ„‘—– ™Šƒ– –Š‡› †‘Ǥ

ƒÂ? ’”‘—† –‘ Šƒ˜‡ ƒ ’ƒ”–Â?‡” Ž‹Â?‡ ƒŽŽ Â?„—ŽƒÂ?…‡ ‡”˜‹…‡Ǥ ƒ”˜‡› Šƒ• ƒÂ?† …‘Â?–‹Â?—‡• –‘ Šƒ˜‡ ƒ •‹‰Â?‹Ď?‹…ƒÂ?– ‹Â?’ƒ…– ‘Â? ‘—” …‘—Â?–›Ǥ ŠƒÂ?Â? ›‘— –‘ ƒŽŽ ‘ˆ ÂƒÂŽÂŽÇŻÂ• ‡Â?’Ž‘›‡‡•Ǥdz

Randy Rolfe President & CEO Bakersfield Heart Hospital Forty Years of Service to Community

Each year since Paramedic of the Year 1990, the Kern Mary Anne Godfrey Jones (1990) Catherine Smith (1991) County EMS Jennifer Pratt (1992) Department Valerie Jones (1995) has recognized Brent Burton (1997) exemplary Penny Vest (1998) personnel in honor Marsha Bishop (1999) of National EMS Tony Pallitto (2000) Al Heninger (2001) Week. Through John Jimenez (2006) the years, 24 Al Heninger (2006) Hall Ambulance Sam Swanson (2007) employees have Emergency Medical held the distinction Technician of the Year of being honored David Pratt (1990) during a ceremony Les Hutchison (1991) which takes place Steve Prater (1994) during a Board Dave Taylor (1996) of Supervisors Bryan Newton (1999) Angelina Ramirez (2002) meeting each May. Heather Lee (2006) Recognition could be presented Emergency Medical for either a Dispatcher of the Year Tim Wren (2000) singular, lifeLaura Swank (2007) saving incident or outstanding service demonstrated throughout their EMS career.

Emergency Care Nurse Tanya Bird (2004) Outstanding Service Mark Corum (2005) Lifetime Achievement Louis Cox (2006)

The President’s Award Recognizes the Highest Level of Customer Service

1971�

1971�

SINCE SINCE COUNTY COUNTY KERN KERN “SERVING “SERVING

EDEIDCIACLASLESRER YM YM NCNC

ICICEESSSS VVVVICICEE

Donny Youngblood Sheriff Kern County Sheriff ’s Department

Twenty Years of Kern County EMS Recognition

EEEEMMEERR MMEERRGGEE GGEE

Dz ˜‡” –Š‡ Žƒ•– ͜Ͳ Â›Â‡ÂƒÂ”Â•ÇĄ ƒŽŽ Â?„—ŽƒÂ?…‡ Šƒ• †‡†‹…ƒ–‡† ‹–•‡Žˆ –‘ ‘—” …‘Â?Â?—Â?‹–›ǥ Â?‘– ‘Â?Ž› „› ’”‘˜‹†‹Â?‰ •—’‡”‹‘” Â•Â‡Â”Â˜Â‹Â…Â‡ÇĄ „—– „› …ƒ”‹Â?‰ ƒ„‘—– ƒÂ?† ‰‹˜‹Â?‰ „ƒ…Â? –‘ –Š‘•‡ –Š‡› •‡”˜‡Ǥ

“Every day when I look in the mirror at myself in my Hall Ambulance uniform, I’m as excited as that very first day! From day one my mission has been to live both my professional and personal life the “HALL WAY�!

-Dave Taylor, Public Relations Representative, 22 years

”‹ƒÂ? Â… ŽƒÂ?ƒŠƒÂ? Šƒ• „‡‡Â? Â?ƒÂ?‡† –Š‡ ʹͲͳͳ ”‡…‹’‹‡Â?– ‘ˆ –Š‡ ”‡•‹†‡Â?–ǯ• ™ƒ”†Ǥ

– ‹• –Š‡ Š‹‰Š‡•– Š‘Â?‘” ‡ƒ”Â?‡† „› ƒÂ? ‡Â?’Ž‘›‡‡ ĥ ‹– ”‡’nj ”‡•‡Â?–• ‡š…‡ŽŽ‡Â?…‡ ‹Â? …—•–‘Â?‡” •‡”˜‹…‡Ǥ

Š‡ ”‡…‹’‹‡Â?– ‹• –Š‡ ‘” ’ƒ”ƒÂ?‡†‹… –Šƒ– ‰ƒ”Â?‡”• –Š‡ Š‹‰Š‡•– •ƒ–‹•ˆƒ…–‹‘Â? ”ƒ–‡ ˆ”‘Â? …—•–‘Â?‡”• †‡–‡”Â?‹Â?‡† „› …‘Â?Â’ÂƒÂ”ÇŚ ‹Â?‰ …‘Â?’Ž‡–‡† …ƒŽŽ• ƒ‰ƒ‹Â?•– –Š‡ Â?—Â?„‡” ‘ˆ …—•–‘Â?‡” •—”˜‡›• ”‡–—”Â?‡† ™‹–Š ͳͲͲΨ •ƒ–‹•ˆƒ…–‹‘Â? ƒÂ?† …‘Â?’Ž‹Â?‡Â?–• ˆ”‘Â? …—•nj –‘Â?‡”•Ǥ ƒ•– ”‡…‹’‹‡Â?–• ‹Â?…Ž—†‡ ‡Â?Â?‹ˆ‡” Â”ÂƒÂ–Â–ÇĄ ‘Â?Â?› Š‹–„›ǥ ‡ƒ–Š‡” ƒ›Ž‘” ƒÂ?† ”‹ƒÂ? ƒ††‘šǤ

www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Go Red 2011 CI |5

Hall Critical Care Transport

‡”˜‹…‡ ˆ”‘Â? ƒ ‹‰Š‡” ‡˜‡Ž ˆ‘” –Š‡ ‘•– ”‹–‹…ƒŽŽ› ÂŽÂŽ ĆŹ Â?Œ—”‡†

ƒ”Â?‹Â? —Â?‹–•ǥ ƒÂ?† ‘–Š‡” ƒ˜‹ƒ–‹‘Â? •ƒˆ‡–› ˆ‡ƒ–—”‡•Ǥ

“SERVING KERN

COUNTY SINCE

Š‡ ‰”‘—Â?† …”‹–‹…ƒŽ …ƒ”‡ —Â?‹– —–‹Ž‹œ‡• ƒ ”‡‹‰Š–Ž‹Â?‡” …Šƒ••‹• ˆ‡ƒ–—”‹Â?‰ ƒ “—ƒ† …ƒ„ †‡•‹‰Â? ˆ‘” …”‡™ •ƒˆ‡–› ƒÂ?† …‘Â?ˆ‘”–Ǥ ‡ƒ–—”‡• ‹Â?…Ž—†‡ †—ƒŽ ’ƒ–‹‡Â?– Â…ÂƒÂ’ÂƒÂ„Â‹ÂŽÂ‹Â–Â›ÇĄ ƒ ’‘™‡”‡† ‰—”Â?‡›ǥ ƒÂ?† ‡Â?‘—‰Š ”‘‘Â? ˆ‘” •‹š Â?‡†‹…ƒŽ ƒ––‡Â?†ƒÂ?–• ‹ˆ Â?‡‡†‡†Ǥ

1971�

EEMMEERR GGEE

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Critical Care Without Interruption

“My most favorite moment at Hall Ambulance was taking the CCT unit (378) out on the road for the very first time.� “My most positive moment was without a doubt, my ‘Star of Life’ experience in Washington D.C.�

-Les Hutchison EMT, 37 years

When time is critical, MedEvac 1 provides for a superior transport option.

Photo credit: Skip Robinson

When Time is Critical Â? ‡…‡Â?„‡” ͳͳǥ ʹͲͲͳǥ ƒŽŽ Â?„—ŽƒÂ?…‡ Ď?‹”•– ˜‡Â?–—”‡† ‹Â?–‘ –Š‡ …”‹–‹…ƒŽ …ƒ”‡ ‡Â?˜‹”‘Â?Â?‡Â?– ™‹–Š ƒŽŽ ‹” Â?„—ŽƒÂ?…‡ǥ ™Š‹…Š Žƒ–‡” ˆ‘”Â?‡† ‹Â?–‘ ƒŽŽ ”‹–‹…ƒŽ ƒ”‡ ”ƒÂ?•’‘”– ‹Â? ‡…‡Â?„‡” ʹͲͲ͝ ™‹–Š –Š‡ ƒ††‹–‹‘Â? ‘ˆ ƒ •’‡…‹ƒŽ–› …ƒ”‡ ‰”‘—Â?† —Â?‹–Ǥ ‘–Š —Â?‹–• ƒ”‡ †‡’Ž‘›‡† ™‹–Š Â?‡…ŠƒÂ?‹…ƒŽ ’—Â?’•ǥ ˜‡Â?–‹Žƒ–‘”• ƒÂ?† …”‹–‹…ƒŽ …ƒ”‡ Â?‘Â?‹–‘”•Ǥ

ƒŽŽ ”‹–‹…ƒŽ ƒ”‡ ”ƒÂ?•’‘”– ’”‘˜‹†‡• ÂˆÂ—ÂŽÂŽÇŚÂ•Â‡Â”Â˜Â‹Â…Â‡ …”‹–‹…ƒŽ …ƒ”‡ –”ƒÂ?•’‘”– •‡”˜‹…‡• ™‹–Š •’‡…‹ƒŽ–› –”ƒ‹Â?‡† Â?‡†‹…ƒŽ –‡ƒÂ?• …‘Â?•‹•–‹Â?‰ ‘ˆ ƒ ”‡‰‹•–‡”‡† Â?—”•‡ǥ ’ƒ”ƒÂ?‡†‹…ǥ ‡Â?‡”‰‡Â?…› Â?‡†‹…ƒŽ –‡…ŠÂ?‹…‹ƒÂ? ƒÂ?† ’‹Ž‘–•Ǥ —” –‡ƒÂ?• ƒ”‡ ƒ„Ž‡ –‘ ’”‘˜‹†‡ •’‡…‹ƒŽ–› …ƒ”‡ –”ƒÂ?•’‘”– ™‹–Š Â•Â–ÂƒÂ–Â‡ÇŚÂ‘ÂˆÇŚÂ–ÂŠÂ‡ÇŚÂƒÂ”Â– ‡“—‹’Â?‡Â?– ‡Â?–‹”‡Ž› ‰‡ƒ”‡† –‘™ƒ”†• –Š‡•‡ Š‹‰Š ƒ…—‹–› ’ƒ–‹‡Â?–•Ǥ —” –‡ƒÂ?• ‡Ž‹Â?‹Â?ƒ–‡ –Š‡ Â?‡‡† –‘ †‹•…‘Â?–‹Â?—‡ …ƒ”‡ ‘” ”‡“—‹”‡ Š‘•’‹–ƒŽ •–ƒˆˆ –‘ Ž‡ƒ˜‡ –Š‡ Š‘•’‹–ƒŽǤ Hall CCT eliminates the need to discontinue higher-level medications during transport thanks to an on-staff registered nurse.

ƒŽŽ ”‹–‹…ƒŽ ƒ”‡ ”ƒÂ?•’‘”–ǯ• ‡† ˜ƒ… Íł ’”‘˜‹†‡• …”‹–‹…ƒŽ •‡”˜‹…‡• ™‹–Š ƒ Â•Â–ÂƒÂ–Â‡ÇŚÂ‘ÂˆÇŚÂ–ÂŠÂ‡ÇŚÂƒÂ”Â– ‡ŽŽ ͜Ͳ͚ Š‡Ž‹…‘’–‡” ‘’‡”ƒ–‡† „› ‹” ‡–Š‘†• ‘”’‘”ƒ–‹‘Â?Ǥ Š‡ Š‡Ž‹…‘’–‡” ‹• ‡“—‹’’‡† ™‹–Š ƒ†˜ƒÂ?…‡† –‡…ŠÂ?‘Ž‘‰‹‡• •—…Š ĥ Â?‹‰Š– ˜‹•‹‘Â? ‰‘‰‰Ž‡•ǥ •ƒ–‡ŽŽ‹–‡ Â™Â‡ÂƒÂ–ÂŠÂ‡Â”ÇĄ †—ƒŽ

A CHRONOLOGY OF THE HALL A M BUL ANCE VISION March 1975 HALL initiates service to the Arvin area.

Feb 1971 Harvey L. Hall founded Hall Ambulance Service in Bakersfield, California.

May 1975 HALL launches first mobile intensive care paramedic program in Kern County.

CJ Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: GEMCare Health Plan, Inc. 6|

June 1975 HALL offers first Kern County Non-emergency wheelchair transportation services.

July 1978 HALL initiates service to Frazier Park.

June 1976 HALL initiates service to the Lamont Area

Hall Ambulance Service, Inc.

July 1980 HALL initiates service to Bear Valley Springs.

October 1979 HALL initiates service to the Tehachapi area.

September 1980 HALL implements a community EMS education program for Bakersfield residents.

Communications Center

An Orchestrated Deployment of Ambulances

When Someone Falls Victim to Sudden Illness or Injury

Deploying the Closest Available Ambulance

ϐ static deployment to strategically position ambulances throughout the communities we serve. With system status management the company can analyze past chronological demand (both time of day and day of week when the calls are received) and geographical demand (the physical location where ambulances are needed) to determine when and where ambulances will be needed. For example, call volume tends to increase on Thursday and Friday afternoon- when people rush to leave work- and demand centers on and near high-

“SERVING KERN

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Emergency Medical Dispatchers monitor ambulance activity for Hall Ambulance’s Metro, West and East Kern Divisions from downtown Bakersfield.

ways and major thoroughfares. Hall Ambulance positions its ambulances near high-volume routes in order to meet the rush hour demand. While the West and East Kern operational areas maintain ambulance stations, the Metro area is comprised of a complex network of “Posts” that can shift throughout the day based on demand.

Posts range from convenience store parking lots, parks and other geographically accessible areas thus reducing response time when service is requested.

ϐ Dispatchers

ϐ Medical Dispatchers who use a nationally recognized protocol, known as the National Academy of Emergency Medical Dispatch System. The NAEMD have developed protocols that have proven to save lives every day. The system consists of 33 cards that are utilized to assist patients while the ambulance is en route, varying from child birth, hemorrhage control and CPR.

February 1987 HALL implements basic life support (CPR) training, training 2,000 citizens annually.

July 1984 HALL deploys Kern County’s first two paramedic field supervisor units.

COUNTY SINCE

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Each request to Hall Ambulance for medical aid begins in our Communications Center (OCD). When a call to 9-1-1 requires an ambulance to respond, an electronic transfer of information is extracted from the 9-1-1 call center and is transmitted to OCD. Upon receipt of the information, emergency medical dispatchers use a computer-aided dispatch system equipped with automatic vehicle locators to assure the closest available ambulance responds to the call. Once an ambulance crew is assigned to a medical aid request, technology allows for the same information to be linked to a terminal on the responding ambulance providing the paramedic and EMT with valuable information while en route to the call.

July 1985 HALL deploys Kern County’s first private mobile medical communications unit.

Forty Years of Service to Community

“I feel very blessed to work with positive and professional people; it makes me look forward to coming to work.”

-Carol Dean, Lead Dispatcher, 17 years

June 1991 HALL is chosen U.S. Paramedic EMS Service of the Year by NAEMT & AAOS.

June 1990 HALL is selected as one of the top three national ALS providers by NAEMT.

March 1992 HALL deploys a custom unit for patients with special disabilities.

www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Go Red 2011 CK |7

Ambulance Division

The Core of Our Business Falls Upon the Ambulance Division

Keeping the Fleet Ready to Roll

“SERVING KERN

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“Hall Ambulance Service’s mission and value statement state the words “integrity, caring, dedication, teamwork, loyalty, leadership, community, professionals, and accountability.

This is why I have worked for Hall Ambulance Service, Inc. for 23 years and the reason we are celebrating 40 years in business!”

-Mary Martinez, Accounts Receivable, 23 years

At our core, the very essence of Hall Ambulance is our passion to provide premier, specialized emergency and non-emergency medical transportation whether by ambulance, critical care transport or MedEvac helicopter. Responsibility like this requires a tremendous network comprised of the numerous divisions within the Company.

Before an ambulance hits the streets ϐ Ǧ ǡ ϐ cleaned and sanitized by a dedicated group of vehicle detailers who begin their day in the early morning hours to ensure each unit is ready to roll. Medical Supply Technicians then sort through a laundry list of medical supplies used by the previous crew that needs to be restocked prior to the next crew’s login.

Once the oncoming crew arrives for their shift, the EMT and paramedic must perform a thorough inspection of the ambulance, ensuring it is ready for what the day or night holds. Additionally, every vehicle within the Hall Ambulance ϐ Commercial Vehicle Services.

Hall Ambulance Service operates more

than 75 ambulances and another 25 support vehicles including special Paramedic First Responder vehicles capable of getting quickly to places harder to reach by ambulances. Additionally, a bicycle-based crew is available for large community events as is a small golf cart type unit.

A mobile communications vehicle is on standby 24/7 as is a State of California issued Disaster Medical Support Unit equipped with a large cache of medical supplies and equipment used to support paramedics at large scale mass casualty incidents.

Critical Care Without Interruption

To ensure smooth operations, the Ambulance Division has the support of a shift scheduler, event standby coordinator, ϐ maintain relationships with public safety agencies and healthcare providers. Ensuring our paramedics and EMTs provide exemplary care to every patient falls under the direction of quality assurance ϐ Ǥ allow for continuing education opportunities, thus keeping our medical personnel at the top of their game.

The Hall Ambulance EMT Academy was established in 2001 to ensure the availability of a qualified pool of competent care givers who are ready to start their EMS career with Hall Ambulance.

Classroom sessions take six weeks and prepares the student to pass the National registry of David Bentley EMTs exam. graduated That is followed by six more weeks of on-the-job training with an Advanced Life Support ambulance crew.

from the second EMT Academy, and then became a paramedic. He was honored in 2007 as a Star of Life by the California Ambulance Association.

This comprehensive program is as unique today as it was when it was started. The entry level program has given 94 graduates a start in EMS with 15 moving on to become a paramedic.

A CHRONOLOGY OF THE HALL A M BUL ANCE VISION

July 1992 HALL opens a state-of-the-art computer-aided dispatch center.

January 1994 HALL initiates service to Mojave, Rosamond, California City and Boron

1993-1995 HALL maintains all daily operations of Wilson Ambulance in Palmdale, California.

CL Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: GEMCare Health Plan, Inc. 8|

EMT Academy Creates a Path for Permanent SelfSufficiency

March 1995 HALL purchases Taft Ambulance and initiates service to the West Side.

June 1994 HALL agrees to staff, maintain and equip the Muroc Hospital District Ambulance.

September 1997 HALL implements Kern County’s First ALS Paramedic Bike Patrol.

Hall Ambulance Service, Inc.

May 1998 HALL establishes Harvey L. Hall/Hall Ambulance Medical Scholarship.

Metro Operations

Š‡ ‡–”‘ •›•–‡Â? ‹• –Š‡ •Â?ƒŽŽ‡•– Â‰Â‡Â‘Â‰Â”ÂƒÂ’ÂŠÂ‹Â…ÂƒÂŽÂŽÂ›ÇĄ „—– the busiest as it services the major population center ˆ‘” ‡”Â? ‘—Â?–›Ǥ • Â?ƒÂ?› ĥ ͝Ͳ • ƒÂ?† ’ƒ”ƒÂ?‡†‹…• •–ƒ”– –Š‡‹” •Š‹ˆ–• ‡ƒ…Š †ƒ› ƒ– –Š‡ Â?ƒ‹Â? ‘ˆĎ?‹…‡ ‘Â? ʹͳ•– Street.

Specialized Medical Transportation

Ž‘Â?‰ ™‹–Š ͝njͳnjͳ ”‡“—‡•–• ˆ‘” •‡”˜‹…‡ –Š‡ Â?‡–”‘ ƒ”‡ƒ handles the bulk of the non-emergency transports for Hall Ambulance.

Each day Hall Ambulance helps customers make the trip from one medical facility to another for specialty care. Many –‹Â?‡• ƒ ™‡‡Â?ÇĄ …—•–‘Â?ÇŚ ers are transported long distances to specialty care …‡Â?–‡”•Ǥ ‡‡Â?Ž› trips are made to the San Francisco ÂƒÂ”Â‡ÂƒÇĄ ”‡•Â?‘ǥ ‘• Angeles and other communities.

May 2000 HALL installs GPS automatic vehicle locators in company ambulances.

July 1999 HALL acquires Golden Empire Ambulance becoming Bakersfield’s sole provider.

One recent evening saw eight simultaneous trips to locations more than ͳͲͲ Â?‹Ž‡• away from ƒÂ?‡”•Ď?‹‡Ž† for specialty care.

COUNTY SINCE

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Engaged in the Community Hall Ambulance has an active marketing and public relations division Ă‘ 'LIILFXOW\ %UHDWKLQJ which coordinates its involvement with the numerous community events Ă‘ 6HL]XUH the company participates in each Ă‘ &KHVW 3DLQ year. Partnerships include standby •‡”˜‹…‡ ˆ‘” –Š‡ ”‡ƒ– Â?‡”‹…ƒÂ? Ž‡ƒÂ?—’ǥ ‡Žƒ› ˆ‘” ‹ˆ‡ and the American Heart Association’s Heartwalk. Hall Ambulance also supports athletics programs at both ƒÂ?‡”•Ď?‹‡Ž† ‘ŽŽ‡‰‡ ƒÂ?† Ǥ ††‹–‹‘Â?ÂƒÂŽÂŽÂ›ÇĄ –Š‡ ‡–”‘ ‹˜‹•‹‘Â? Š‘•–• –Š‡ …‘Â?’ƒÂ?›ǯ• š’Ž‘”‡” ”‘‰”ƒÂ?ÇĄ ÂƒÂŽÂŽÂ‘Â™ÇŚ ing youths the opportunity to explore a career in EMS and performs hundreds of ambulance demos for school children.

“I appreciate the different work opportunities that have come my way at Hall Ambulance.�

-Jaime Robles, EMT, 12 years

Hall Ambulance is a member of the Chamber of Commerce and is involved in several community collaboratives.

December 2002 HALL installs black box data recorders in company ambulances.

September 2001 HALL raises funds for child of NY EMT killed at Ground Zero.

August 2001 Hall creates EMT Academy, a public/private collaboration.

“SERVING KERN

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The Ambulance Division is the largest of the Company and is the foundation upon which all other divisions are built. The Ambulance Division is broken into three operational areas based on geography. The Metropoli–ƒÂ? Č‹ Â‡Â–Â”Â‘ČŒ ƒÂ?‡”•Ď?‹‡Ž† ÂƒÂ”Â‡ÂƒÇĄ –Š‡ ‡•–‡”Â? ‡”Â? ‘—Â?–› ƒ”‡ƒ ƒÂ?† –Š‡ ƒ•–‡”Â? ‡”Â? ‘—Â?–› ƒ”‡ƒǤ

EEMMEERR GGEE

‡–”‘’‘Ž‹–ƒÂ? ƒÂ?‡”•Ď?‹‡Ž† Serves as Hub for Ambulance Division

December 2001 HALL launches helicopter services with founding of Hall Air. Forty Years of Service to Community

September 2003 HALL Air upgrades helicopter to Bell 222.

www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Go Red 2011 CM |9

West Kern Operations

‡”˜‹�‰ ‡”�

County’s Oil Ə ‰ ‡�–‡”•

“SERVING KERN

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“The past 13 years have been the best of my career.

The atmosphere is positive and friendly. We are like a family here at Hall Ambulance! We have the best equipment in the County as well as protocols. Mr. Hall is a kind and generous person. I am very fortunate and blessed to be a part of his work family.�

-Marsha Aase, Paramedic, 13 years

The West Kern operational area is diverse and includes oil towns and sur”‘—Â?†‹Â?‰ ‘‹Ž Ď?‹‡Ž†•ǥ ƒ‰”‹…—Ž–—”‡ …‡Â?–‡”• and mountain communities with wilderÂ?॥ ƒ”‡ƒ•Ǥ ÂƒÂˆÂ–ÇĄ ÂŠÂƒÂˆÂ–Â‡Â”ÇĄ ”˜‹Â?ÇĄ ƒÂ?‘Â?– and Frazier Park are situated within the ‘Â?’ƒÂ?›ǯ• ‡•– ‡”Â? ”‡‰‹‘Â?Ǥ Â’ÂƒÂ”ÂƒÇŚ Â?‡†‹… ƒÂ?† •–ƒˆˆ• ‡ƒ…Š †˜ƒÂ?…‡† ‹ˆ‡ —’’‘”– Â?„—ŽƒÂ?…‡Ǥ The area sees Ă‘ 'LIILFXOW\ %UHDWKLQJ its share of agriculture Ă‘ 7UDIILF $FFLGHQW and industrial Ă‘&KHVW 3DLQ ƒ……‹†‡Â?–•ǥ as well as vehicle accidents as hundreds of miles of state and interstate highways dissect the ƒ”‡ƒǤ ’‡…‹ƒŽŽ› equipped 4-wheel†”‹˜‡ ƒÂ?„—ŽƒÂ?…‡• ƒ”‡ ’Žƒ…‡† ‹Â?–‘ •‡”˜‹…‡ for response to requests for medical aid during winter’s harshest snow storms.

Patient Centered and Community Focused ‡”˜‹Â?‰ –Š‡ ‡•– ‡”Â? ”‡‰‹‘Â? ‹• Â?‘”‡ –ŠƒÂ? ”‡•’‘Â?†nj ing to requests for medical aid. Employees enjoy

A CHRONOLOGY OF THE HALL A M BUL ANCE VISION

April 2004 HALL begins using pocket PC, and NOMAD improving field data collection.

May 2005 HALL implements GPS vehicle locators in East Kern.

July 2004 HALL receives a “perfect score� and full accreditation from CAAS.

CN Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: GEMCare Health Plan, Inc. 10 |

participating in community events such ĥ …‘Â?’Ž‹Â?‡Â?–ƒ”› Š‹‰Š •…Š‘‘Ž ˆ‘‘–„ƒŽŽ •–ƒÂ?†„›• ™‹–Š ‘Â?nj†—–› —Â?‹–•ǥ ‰‡––‹Â?‰ –Š‡ area’s youth involved through participation in the Hall Â?„—ŽƒÂ?…‡ š’Ž‘”‡” ‘•– ƒÂ?† ƒÂ?Â?—ƒŽ Š”‹•–Â?ĥ Â’ÂƒÇŚ ”ƒ†‡• ‹Â? ‡ƒ…Š ‘ˆ ‘—” ‡•– ‡”Â? …‘Â?Â?—Â?‹–‹‡•Ǥ ‡˜‡”ƒŽ ‘ˆ our paramedics and EMTs reside within the community –Š‡› •‡”˜‡ ”‡•—Ž–‹Â?‰ ‹Â? ƒ Š‡‹‰Š–‡Â?‡† Ž‡˜‡Ž ‘ˆ Œ‘„ Â•ÂƒÂ–Â‹Â•ÂˆÂƒÂ…ÇŚ tion knowing they are making a positive difference in –Š‡‹” Â?‡‹‰Š„‘”•ǯ Ž‹˜‡•Ǥ

Nov. 2006 HALL places 4x4 ambulances into service during inclement weather.

Hall Ambulance Service, Inc.

May 2007 HALL AIR upgrades to Bell 407 helicopter.

April 2008 HALL receives DMSU unit for response to mass casualty incidents from state EMSA.

East Kern Operations

West Kern is Home to Aviation Innovation and OHV Enthusiasts

Our East Kern operational area is dominated by high desert, wide open spaces separating several small communities, each with a unique situation. Advanced Life Support ambulances are based in Boron, home to U.S. Borax; California City, the area’s hotbed for off-road enthusiasts; Mojave, home to the Mojave Spaceport and the Civilian Flight Test Center; and Rosamond, which sits outside of Edwards AFB. Additionally, the mountain communities of Tehachapi and Golden Hills are home to Advanced Life Support crews.

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Our involvement in eastern Kern County extends beyond providing patient care. Hall Ambulance provides complimentary standby ambulance service for the area’s high school football games, blood pressure checks at senior centers. To keep residents prepared, we donated medical supplies to the Greater Tehachapi Emergency Response Team.

Our crews also participate in community events such as Christmas parades in Rosamond and Tehachapi.

April 2008 HALL AIR employs Night Vision Goggles for safer nighttime operations.

COUNTY SINCE

1971”

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January 2011 HALL moves Shafter operations to a new location.

October 2010 HALL completes construction on new Rosamond Hall Ambulance Substation.

December 2009 HALL Critical Care Transport commences operations.

SS VVICICEE

A Community Partner

“SERVING KERN

“I have proudly worked for Hall Ambulance for more than 28 years. I have served for so long because of Mr. Hall being an excellent employer who has provided me with great benefits, pay, equipment, and a stable work environment throughout many questionable economic times.

Congratulations to Mr. Hall on providing 40 years of excellent service to our many communities in Kern County.”

-Jennifer Pratt, Paramedic, 28 years

December 2010 HALL implements 12 Lead ECG program.

Forty Years of Service to Community

www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Go Red 2011 CO | 11

“SERVING KERN

COUNTY SINCE

1971”

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“SERVING KERN

COUNTY SINCE

Remarkable Employees Share Their Positive Employment Experience at Hall Ambulance

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“Mr Hall has made this company #1 because of his aggressive thinking and wanting the best for his employees.

He’s not a follower but a leader in his business.

Employees are given the best equipment and are expected to give the highest quality of service to our community.”

-Mary Kenny, Executive Secretary, 29 years

Sharon Scoggins, Administrative Assistant, 15 years- “Mr. Hall, I applaud your vision, your commitment to excellence, and your ability to take risks and embrace opportunities over the years in order to improve emergency healthcare not only for your customers, but for your employees. Congratulations on 40 years of service to your community and training employees at Hall Ambulance Service to be the best they can be!

Most of all, thank you for 15 years of incredible work opportunities.”

and to the Company; 25 years later I’m still attached to Hall Ambulance as well as the customers. I have memories of this Company as well as the patients that I was privileged to transport. Thanks for the memories.”

Dewi Adams, Lead Pre-Billing/Data Entry Coordinator, 7 years“ I love working at Hall Ambulance because of the tight-knit family atmosphere in my department. I enjoy coming to work with my best friends every day. It’s important that my co-workers are successful. Their success means my success, and our success means the success of Hall Ambulance.”

Kimberly Drennan, Dispatcher, 6 years– “Hall Ambulance is committed to serving our community with the most compassionate and qualified personnel. I’m proud to live up to that standard!”

Raul Cerda, Maintenance Department, 20 years-“I was the first employee in the new Maintenance Department. I enjoy traveling to all the stations because it allows me to meet and work with other employees all through the Company. In my 20 years, I have made many good friends and learned various skills. Thank you, Mr. and Mrs. Hall, for the interest and trust you have given me.”

Larry Sims, Maintenance Department, 6 years- “My employment began when I met Mayor Hall as a representative of an ad-hoc homeless group. I enjoy being part of a team that makes a positive difference in the lives of others. My most positive or memorable and favorite experience was when I was hired. It allowed me to have a job and leave the shelter!!”

Dorothy C. McGee, Business Office, Contract Coordinator, 6 years - “I couldn’t ask for a better boss. It’s a pleasure to work for Mr. Hall, and I strive each day to accomplish as much as I can. He leads by example through his generosity not only to his employees, but through his dedication to the community.”

Tracy Burnside, Business Office, 9 years - “I began my career here at Hall Ambulance Service, Inc. in 2001. During my time at Hall Ambulance, I have had the opportunity to help shop for foster children at Christmas and walked along the freeways with Mr. Hall picking up trash. Mr. Hall does so much for the community and honestly inspires me to be a better human being.”

Brian McChristian, EMT, 10 years – “My favorite moment at Hall Ambulance is when we got our new station in Rosamond – Happy 40th Anniversary!”

Laura Swank, Dispatcher, 10 years – “I am glad I am where I belong.”

Tim Wren, Communications Specialist, 23 years- “Congratulations to Mr. Hall for providing 40 years of excellent service to the citizens of Bakersfield and Kern County. Your expectations make us all strive to do the best that we can each and every day. I’m very proud to have been a part of Hall Ambulance for these past twenty three years.”

Mary Talbot, Payroll, 9 years-”I began my career at Hall Ambulance Service, Inc. in 2001. I truly enjoy both the job that I do and the Company I work for. The field personnel provide quality, compassionate care and are well trained in what they do. I make every effort to ensure that each employee is paid correctly because everyone does a wonderful job and definitely deserves it. I am very proud to be a part of the Hall Ambulance family.”

Esther Silva, Administrative Clerk, 8 years- “Working in the Finance Department I have the fun job of assisting our CFO, as well as contributing to the successful payroll every two weeks and interacting with our employees on a variety of payroll items.”

Sonia Ante, Lead Claims Specialist, 7 years - “Happy 40th Birthday!

This has been my second home and family for the past seven years, and I am proud to be part of a Company dedicated to giving to the community each day! Hall Ambulance is a reflection of Mr. Hall’s inspirational commitment to this community. I couldn’t have found a better place to work.”

Darlene Williams, Lead Transportation Office, 24 years- “I began working for Hall Ambulance Service in 1986 as a Medivan driver. I decided after a few months that this was not the job for me, and I would stay with the Company for only one year. I became so attached to the customers

CP Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: GEMCare Health Plan, Inc. | 12

Hall Ambulance Service, Inc.

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

BakersfieldMagazine’s

How many of us have made the “I’m going to exercise more often” resolution, only to find our treadmills collecting dust by March? It’s no wonder. We’re busy people—we’ve got careers and families that take precedence. Plus, what person can honestly say they’re excited to run on a treadmill or ride a stationary bike? When we work out, we don’t want it to seem like a chore. And if there’s one way to take the fun out of exercise it’s by calling it exercise. Sure enough, though, there are ways of keeping your resolution; there are activities you can do that will make those 30 minutes a day fly by. By employing just one of these tips, you can ensure you’re actually working out with your elliptical, not using it to hang-dry your clothes this summer.

Parenting.org has some great suggestions for the whole family, including ways to get exercise outside.

For starters, “Walk to the park. Bring Fido, stroll with your small children in a wagon, or race to the slide. And, while you’re at the park, be sure to push each other on a swing, play tag, or climb on the monkey bars together!”

A fun activity for the whole family is to

©istockphoto.com/mbaker

photo

om/snap photo.c

©istock

EXERCISE: a new year, a new YOU

A Guide to Health & Beauty

Make exercising a fun, family event! dance. Again, Parenting.org suggests you “Turn on your favorite song and make up a dance routine. Each family member can make up his/her own dance moves and other family members can judge each other on talent and difficulty.

“Run or walk for charity. Pick a walk/run geared toward families with kid entertainment and activities. You will be putting in actual miles on the course, and there will be additional playtime during >> www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Go Red 2011 83

©istockphoto.com/mediaphotos

Lose 3-5 Pounds Per Week

the post-race festivities.” We’ve got plenty

or listening to an audiobook. “Hundreds

of those coming up, including the March of

of free podcasts are available covering

Dimes’ March for Babies and the American

any topic you can imagine. Audio books

Lung Association’s Fight for Air Walk.

can also be easily downloaded. This way,

You could also grab the family and

when you think about exercising, you can

spend some time in the yard. “Rake the

be looking forward to ‘reading’ the next

leaves. Gardening is hard work! It uses

chapter in your novel.”

almost every muscle in your body. Jump in

About.com also said that, “Many people

a pile of leaves or have your children help

find that a bit of distraction helps get them

plant flowers. It’s never exercise when you

through a workout. Get a tiny music play-

can have fun getting messy.”

er and load it up with inspirational music

For those of us looking for a great cardio

(change the music weekly to give you some

workout but aren’t looking to spend hours on

surprises). Watch TV shows while on the

the track or in the gym, there are options.

treadmill or put in your favorite movie and

According to HelpGuide.org, “You are

watch half of it each time you exercise. That

more likely to exercise if you find enjoyable,

way, you’ll be able to watch one or two

convenient activities. Give some thought to

movies a week. You can do the same with

your likes and dislikes, and consider that pref-

TV shows; record your shows or rent a series

erences can change over time...So pair an

and watch while exercising. You’ll look for-

activity you enjoy with your exercise—take a

ward to your exercise just to find out what

dance or yoga class; blast some music and

happens next in the show.”

dance with [friends]; make a deal with your-

Whatever you do to spice up your exer-

self to watch your favorite TV shows while on

cise routine, be creative and think outside

the treadmill or stationary bike; workout with a

the box. You don’t always have to be in

buddy, and afterwards enjoy coffee or a mov-

your spandex shorts to get in some cardio

ie; try outdoor activities such as golf or frisbee.”

or give your muscles a good workout. You

And because sticking with an exercise

can sneak exercise into your daily life by

routine is the hardest part of working out, an

finding ways to add more motion or ac-

About.com article by Mark Stibich, Ph.D.,

tivity to tasks you already do. Try jogging

lists a few ways (reviewed by their Medi-

in place while brushing your teeth. Walk

cal Review Board) to put more fun into your

around your office while reading memos or

workout so you don’t get discouraged!

making calls. You could even do leg lifts un-

For starters, add a friend. You could even

der your desk while doing research on the

recruit others to join and form a fitness group.

computer. There’s no limit to the things you

Your group could jog around the park or ride

can do to keep that promise to yourself and

along bike paths. As long as you have some-

keep that exercise routine going. Try them

one to chat with, the activity won’t feel like

all to find the one that works for you so you

exercise.

can ensure you’ll have a healthier 2011. v

Sometimes the thought of getting on the treadmill is painful. But it won’t be so bad if you’re streaming your favorite podcast

Sources: Parenting.org, HelpGuide.org, http://longevity.about.com/od/ lifelongfitness/a/exercise_fun.htm

84 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: GEMCare Health Plan, Inc.

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

home & Garden

By Tom Xavier

Yep, it’s time.

It’s that time of year when you’re ready for a new look in the house. I’ve found that one of the most cost-effective ways to add new life to a room or two is with paint. You could paint a wall, the cupboards, or an entire room.

However, choosing the right paint for the right area can be a real chore.

Despite the hundreds of paint cans lining the wall at your home improvement store, there are essentially two kinds of paint: Oil-based and water-based. But you will find primers, enamels, acrylics, and many others on the shelves, too. Here’s a handy how-to guide when it comes to paint.

Consider Your Options When you’re ready to buy your paint, there are two things to consider: how much wear and tear will the surface get and will a sheen or gloss finish conflict with your decorating scheme? If you are painting a storage room or other area, which will be subjected to hard use and frequent washings, go with the highest gloss you can as these paints are designed for just that.

If the “feel” of the room is important— such as a living room or bedroom, choose the lower gloss finishes for a calm, soothing ambiance.

choose the right paint for the job

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©istockphoto.com/NadyaPhoto

As stated before, there are two types of paints used today: Latex and Alkyd. Alkyd paint is also known as oil-based paint. Latex (waterbased) provides an excellent finish, while being an easier paint to use.

Latex paint cleans up with soap and water, dries quickly, has less odor, is non-flammable, easy to touch up, and these paints remain more flexible and allow moisture to evaporate through the film, thus reducing blistering, cracking, and peeling. Inexpensive latex paints use softer vinyl resins (binders) and more water in the formulation while the more durable of the latex paints use 100 percent acrylic resins and less water (you only get what you pay for). >>

86 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: GEMCare Health Plan, Inc.

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home & Garden resources

What Type of Paint Should You Use?

Flat Paints exhibit non-reflective properties providing a matte finish. This finish helps hide surface imperfections, and is normally used for ceilings and walls in areas not subjected to a lot of wear and tear, dining rooms, living rooms, and bedrooms not used by small children.

Satin Finish, also know as eggshell finish, provides a soft luster sheen similar to that of an eggshell. A satin finish provides a harder surface finish which is more durable and more stain-resistant than a flat finish. This durability makes satin paint a good choice for walls in children’s rooms, hallways, stairways, and family rooms.

Semi-gloss Paints are very durable. They are easier to clean, and

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are more stain-resistant than satin finish paints. Semi-gloss paints

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finish. It is easier to clean than all the other paint finishes. Gloss finishes generally make surface imperfections more noticeable.

Gloss finishes are the best choice for heavy wear areas like kitchens, bathrooms, furniture and cabinets, floors, stairs, handrails, high-traffic doors, and trim.

Should You Use a Primer or Sealer?

Primers seal the surface off and provide a “tooth” for the finish paint. They are used on bare wood and metal, previously painted surfaces that have been repaired or are in poor condition (flaking, peeling), or if the existing surface is to be painted with a new col-

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or that is much darker or lighter than the existing. Primers/sealers are also used to block out stains like water stains, crayon, smoke, soot, ink, and on woods that will bleed through a paint coating, e.g., cedar or redwood.

I know what you are thinking. This seems like a lot to consider when all you wanted to do was change the look of a room. Just take

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88 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: GEMCare Health Plan, Inc.

it one step at a time. Once you’ve figured out the best paint for the job, then comes the fun part: picking out the color! Have fun!

n

GARDENING WITH MRS. P

FEAR THE

N.G.

By Lynn Pitts

How many of you live with a N.G.? That’s “Non-Gardener” to those of us who till and toil alone. The late Mr. P was, to be honest, an N.G. Oh sure, he gifted me with a dozen pots of lovely white ‘Pascali’ roses early in our courtship. This was because I’d told him how much I loved white roses. After buying bouquets and arrangements of them from a florist, he cleverly worked out that it would be easier on his wallet if he gave his gardening girlfriend, moi, the actual plants and I could grow ‘n cut them myself! His antipathy for gardening became more evident after marriage; especially after I came home from a two-week trip to visit my sister. A dear friend had left a pot of chrysanthemums by our front door.

Apparently the drooping leaves had not sufficiently signaled the plant’s need for water and it just sat there like dried tumbleweed.

“I didn’t see it,” he said, although he had to step around it daily to reach our mailbox. Actually, I believed him since N.G. spouses have this unique ability not to see some things, especially weeds.

After that, Mr. P was not called upon to do anything involving gardening until we moved to Bakersfield. The yard was a total disaster.

I begged Mr. P for help digging and he started out willingly. What neither of us counted on were the roots from hell. It was a horrid job, reclaiming the garden beds, and enough to put almost anyone off gardening. It certainly had that effect on Mr. P. From that day, all garden-

ing instincts in him, if there had been any, simply shriveled. Of course, I carried on and, using my trusty mattock, eventually won the War of the Roots.

Then, suddenly, one day, something stirred and he started helping me water. Oh, Happy Day! Oh, Be Still My Heart! It was only my pots, but it was a huge help. Was this the N.G. I’d married? So, if I have any advice on getting an N.G. spouse or significant other to help in the garden, it’s this: n Forget

the Latin names. There are just five kinds of plants to an N.G.: daisies, poppies, roses, geraniums, and every thing else. n Do not start him or her on digging, hauling, or weeding.

There is a fine line between help and chores. Watering pots is good. n Take out lawn in incremental steps.

Non-gardeners get very nervous when they see a shrinking lawn. They have been indoctrinated somehow that lawns are patriotic, like apple pies. >>

...think she’ll let you in the garden this year? ©istockphoto.com/caraman/cjp/DNY59

www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Go Red 2011 89

Gardening with Mrs. P Do not, under any circumstances, put pruners or loppers or other cutting devices in the hands of an N.G. This is one activity he or she will take right to, and keep taking to. It is hard to stop these people from committing a chain-saw massacre.

I know from whence I speak. I came home from shopping years ago in Los Angeles to find Mr. P sitting in the backyard enjoying a tall cold one. I said, “What have you been up to today?”

Puffing up with pride, Mr. P said, “I pruned your Bougainvillea!” Turning my head slowly toward my pride and joy, “The Big Wall of Pink Bougainvillea,” I saw a short stump at ground level. He must have noticed my horrified expression and assured me, “It’ll grow back.” Not in my lifetime, I thought, and it hasn’t. n Invite suggestions and encourage the N.G. to enter into the gardening spirit.

When laying out my raised bed garden (which Mr. P built to give credit where it’s due), he volunteered that, as a boy, he used to grow tomatoes.

That’s great, said I; did you have any planting tricks? He replied, “My friend, Bryant, and I used to throw rotten tomatoes at my three sisters in the backyard. Each year the splattered seeds grew into tomato plants.”

Changing the subject, I asked if there was something special Mr. P wanted me to plant other than vegetables (which never touched his lips anyhow). He said he’d like me to plant the little French strawberries we’d had at Scott’s restaurant in London. I remembered these berries were very small but super sweet. Not seeing any of these particular plants in the local nurseries, ultimately I ended up buying a few six packs of ‘Sequoia’ strawberry plants. They did OK once I learned to use netting for the voracious birds and bait to deter the snails. Mr. P would check on them in the evening while we had our drinks on the patio. He’d munch on one while wistfully mentioning that they weren’t as good as the French berries at Scott’s and he was right, they weren’t. Well, he died a year later and the strawberry planting became water under the bridge as they say. I wish now I’d been more persistent in researching the French strawberries as it would’ve brought my N.G. extra pleasure.

However, 2011 is going to be the year I sail into a new berry world. I’m planting n

Fraise du Bois (Alpine strawberries) from seed! Did you know strawberries are the quickest and easiest small fruit crop you can grow? I’ve ordered my seeds from a Northern California seed company (swallowtailgardenseeds.com). The big trick is to put the seeds in a zip lock bag in the freezer for three to four weeks before planting. The variety I’ve purchased is the most famous, ‘Alexandria,’ and cost only $2.50 for 200 seeds. I‘m planting them in hanging containers filled

Of course I’ll trim the hedge for you, honey...

90 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: GEMCare Health Plan, Inc.

©istockphoto.com/NejroN

with an acidic soil mix in partial to full shade. Here’s another secret I’ve learned: if you don’t eat them all, Alpine strawberries will self-propagate. Each teeny tiny berry has scores of teeny tiny seeds. These berries do not have runners like their larger cousins.

Because Alpine strawberries are not readily available in stores, it’s well worth growing the plants. The familiar terracotta strawberry jars, with potting holes at two or three levels are another potting choice. Remember to add a bottom layer of gravel for drainage and acidic soil mix. If the bag says, “good for acid-loving plants,” buy it. The way I’ll be planting my strawberry seeds will be to mix the seeds with sand and sprinkle the mixture on top of the dampened acid soil. Then, I’ll lightly tamp down with the flat of my hand and very lightly mist with a spray bottle as it dries out. Germination should start within a week or so.

There’s an old saying from the early 1600s about strawberries that goes: “Doubtless God could have made a better berry, but doubtless God never did.” Maybe this will be the nudge your N.G. needs to join you in the garden. v

N

green

pages

GOING

GREEN Recently, it seems like everyone is giving more thought to how they impact the planet. The problem is, most people think they need to make large, drastic changes to their lifestyle to affect the health of our planet—to reduce their carbon footprint.

In order for us to truly realize just how big an impact we’re making, we first need to figure out just how big of a footprint we’re leaving.

If you think about how many resources you consume, how much you throw away, and the types of energy you use, you’ll have a good idea of your carbon footprint or the amount of emissions you’re putting out into the environment.

Naturally, there is a very scientific method biologists and ecologists use to calculate large-scale footprints of airplanes, cars, and homes. According to Nature.org, “home energy emissions are based on U.S. averages for household type and number of bedrooms. [The particular state rate] is used to determine carbon dioxide equivalent emissions per kilowatt hour of electricity and climate zone which affects heating and cooling energy usage.”

In fact, the same website shows that 246 million short tons of waste were landfilled in 2004. That amount of waste produces 2.1 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent greenhouse gasses per year, per person.

Wow. In the past, we’ve told you how you can start doing your part to help ensure you’re being as earth-friendly as possible. You know, how to start a compost pile in your backyard; how to properly recycle household electronics and chemicals; how to conserve water.

And you might be actively doing those things. Good for you!

Still, it’s a little difficult to come up with an exact number for your carbon footprint. It’s not like someone can walk around your house and tell you your carbon footprint is 42. And unless you have carbon dioxide-measuring equipment and want to spend your days and nights in your trash can and watching your meters, we suggest a more straight-forward approach to determining what your family’s carbon footprint is. Simply think about what you are doing to realize what you could be doing. >> photo©istockphoto.com/maica

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pages

N

green

) How many plastic water bottles do you go through in a month?

If the answer to that is more than one, you’re on your way to a bigger footprint. Plastics do not break down in landfills and so any bottle you toss will sit with refuse for a very, very long time, and pollute the area. To reduce, try getting everyone in your family BPA (Bisphenol A)-free reusable water bottles to use during workouts, on hikes, or even out on picnics. They’re inexpensive and trendy. ) How often do you replace your home’s air filters?

The dirtier the filter, the less efficient your heating and air conditioning system works, causing it to work harder and use more energy (which also costs you more). ) What are your driving habits like?

Chances are, you use your vehicle every day. You’ve got to get to and from work, go to the grocery store, pick up the kids from school. That’s a lot of driving for one person. But when you think that everyone on your street is doing the same thing, it puts hopping into your car to drive down the road to the store to pick up some celery into perspective.

If it’s a nice day, why not walk or ride your bike? Why not take the bus to the mall instead of driving? Carpool to work. ) What aren’t you recycling?

Think about this—recycling household trash can reduce your overall waste stream, and thus emissions, by 42 percent (according to Nature.org). And composting can reduce emissions by 24 percent. Anytime you throw away a bottle (be it glass or plastic), food wrappings, styrofoam, cardboard, and other food-related products, you’re adding to your carbon footprint. How many times do you run garbage bags out to the dumpster? If it’s more than one a week, start thinking about ways to recycle more items. Pizza boxes can be recycled. So can milk cartons. ) How long was that shower?

If you’ve got more than one person in your household, the water usage will be great. The showers, the tooth-brushing, the dishwashing, the hand-washing. There’s a lot of water used on a daily basis. Do you find yourself letting the water run while you brush your teeth? Do you spend a few too many minutes in the shower singing when you should be scrubbing? All of that water consumption adds to our footprints. ) What aren’t you turning off?

Lights, computers...and anything that’s plugged into an electrical outlet—they all take energy. Turn off the light in a room if you’re not going to be in there for a while. Turn off your computer at night; even when in idle mode, it’s using power. Unplug appliances if you’re not using them. The more electronics you’ve got plugged in, the more chances you’re paying for (and wasting) vampire energy.

There are tons of tips for reducing your carbon footprint, but, if you’re anything like us, you won’t realize you’re impacting the environment as much as you are until you start taking a look at the finer details in your life. You might be composting, but are you recycling everything that can be recycled? You might be using solar energy at your home, but are you wasting too much water by leaving the sink running while doing dishes?

So what does your carbon footprint look like? More importantly, can you use any of these suggestions to reduce it? We bet you can. n Source: Nature.org

92 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: GEMCare Health Plan, Inc.

Photos courtesy of Mammoth Mountain Ski Area

GREAT GETAWAYS

mammoth the name says it all.

hen the weather outside is frightful (foggy and rainy), it’s nice to go somewhere delightful. Like, say, a place where snowy mountains are not just off in the distance, but underneath your feet. Where hot chocolate is not sipped as a nod to what should be cold winter conditions, but sipped to actually keep warm. A place packed with fun...and with snow.

That place is Mammoth Lakes, a delightful mountain resort town.

Located about 260 miles (roughly a fourand-a-half-hour drive) north of Bakersfield, Mammoth Lakes is brimming with culture, class, and a whole lot of skis.

It’s a hotspot for cold-weather activities other than skiing though, like snowboarding, dogsledding, snowmobiling, and even snowshoeing! And where might you have all these outdoor adventures?

Per Mammoth Lakes’ website, Mammoth Mountain is an “11,053 foot summit and over 3,500 acres of skiable terrain that includes heart-pumping steep chutes, wide open bowls, tree skiing, bumps, gullies, and wide open, well groomed trails.”

Mammoth Mountain sometimes stays in operation as late as the Fourth of July thanks to its elevation and location.

It’s a location that has a lot of history, too. After all, some of the stories of explorers traversing the Eastern Sierra are legendary (including the tale of Edward

Kern). However, before it became known as Mammoth Lakes, the area was home to American Indian tribes including the Shoshone and the Paiute and, more recently, gold mines and lumber mills.

But the appeal of the area was quickly realized when mining slowed.

According to historical records, the first resort (built in the area) was the Wildasinn Hotel in Old Mammoth, established in 1905 for summer recreation. The same Knight Wheel used to power the Mammoth and Doyle mills near Twin Lakes was sledded into Mineral Park to produce electricity for the hotel. The popularity of outdoor recreation grew despite long traveling times and limited winter access, eventually attracting Hollywood socialites.

Today, the area hosts over a million guests in the winter.

The newest addition to the area is Intrawest’s Village at Mammoth, a pedestrian-friendly village encompassing several acres at the top end of the town, physically tied to Mammoth Mountain Ski Area by a new gondola and ski back trail. This is the place to be if you’re look-

ing for a dose of crisp, mountain air while traversing a quaint shopping area with retail shops, art galleries, boutiques, a conference center, night clubs, lodging, and, the most important thing, restaurants.

There are a number of great eateries to choose from, depending on what part of the “Mountain” you’re on. The Good Life Café is known for dishing up some of the finest breakfasts in the area (served all day, no less) with massive portions. Parallax, located at the mid-mountain station of the Gondola, is a chef-attended station with a menu that changes daily. Plus, at Parallax, you’ll be privy to the gorgeous view of the Minaret Mountains. Petra’s Bistro and Wine Bar, which is located just >>

www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Go Red 2011 93

94 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: GEMCare Health Plan, Inc.

Mammoth

Photos by Jimmy Kellett

across from the Village at Mammoth is home to some savory menu items as well as an impressive wine list. But you’d expect that from a place with “wine bar” in its name.

Still, the romance of Mammoth Lakes can’t be understated.

The views are breathtaking, the options for daily entertainment are numerous, and the environment is refreshing. It’s the perfect place to take that special someone for a weekend getaway. Treat yourselves to a Snowcat Tour. Mammoth Mountain is offering an incredible culinary and wilderness adventure during lunch or dinner. Guests will be whisked away in a luxury snowcat and embark on an unforgettable journey to Minaret Vista. According to Mammoth Lakes’ website (visitmammoth.com), “en route, guests will experience the beauty and peacefulness of the Eastern Sierra backcountry during winter while listening to a narrated audio CD highlighting historical, ecological, and geological facts.” There are hors d’oeuvres served during the lunch tours and a champagne reception and American cuisine offered during the dinner tours. Tours are available Friday-Sunday and on select holidays. For reservations, call (800) MAMMOTH. It’s also the perfect place to take the kids, with family-friendly options around every corner. It’s never too early to get Junior on

Scared, hungry, & alone

Devils Postpile National Monument those skis. Of course, if the little ones aren’t too anxious to hit the slopes, you can always hit the snowy trails where there is mountains (no pun intended) of snow for sledding and tubing.

Approximately 15 minutes south of Mammoth Lakes is Rock Creek Road, which will take you to the East Fork Snopark (on a snow-plowed road). The area is perfect for building snow forts and snowmen. Or, just throwing a few snowballs.

You could also take the family out for a sledding adventure at Sledz! Located on Minaret Road on your way up to the Main Lodge Ski Area, you’ll find a rope tow and tubes for $25 per person, per hour. It’s a heck of a deal when you think of the amount of fun that’ll be crammed into that hour. For more information, call (760) 934-7533.

During the summer, visitors to Mammoth Lakes reach nearly 1.5 million in number, not including how many visit Mammoth Mountain alone. While winter guests enjoy the snow-related activities, summer visitors can fish, hike, golf, rock climb, mountain bike, and relax at numerous outdoor festivals, including the 16th Annual Bluesapalooza, Mammoth’s most-talked about summer event, taking place this year on August 5-7. This threeday event takes place outdoors among the pines with California’s Eastern High Sierra as a backdrop. It includes the Festival of >>

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P.O. Box 5517 Bakersfield, CA 93388 AlphaCanine.org

661-391-8212 www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Go Red 2011 95

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Majestic Mammoth Mountain Beers Grand Tasting with more than 70 microbreweries and Bluesapalooza, featuring a variety of top blues performers from around the country. For event information, visit mammothbluesbrewsfest.com or call (888) 992-7397.

The city’s website lists more activities for summer months. “August brings the Mammoth Lakes Fine Arts Festival with Kittredge Sports hosting over 35 artists. The Labor Day Arts & Crafts Festival features local and visiting artists selling one-of-a-kind items like jewelry, pottery, paintings, glass, photographs, and more.”

And the area is awash with museums and historical sites which “pay tribute to life in the Old West and share the area’s cultural heritage. Vestiges of the old gold-mining days are present at several locations in Mammoth Lakes.”

Still, the scenery will have you wanting to forego the hotel room and crash in the wilderness of the Eastern Sierra Mountains. A few places worth the hike are Devils Postpile National Monument and Rainbow Falls.

Or, try your hand at canoeing, kayaking, and other water sports.

The opportunity to enjoy some scenic lake-time is ever-present in the Mammoth Lakes Basin and surrounding areas. During the summer months, these waters feature both recreational paddlers out for a scenic afternoon and fishermen trying to hook a trophysize trout. Visitors can even take a guided kayak tour and learn the history of Mono Lake. Both Crowley Lake and Grant Lake allow waterskiing and jet skiing, however, no rentals are available so bring your own watercraft. Grant Lake is also great for windsurfing. But don’t forget the wetsuit as the water is chilly even in the summer.

There’s also the chance at viewing the beauty of the High Sierra about a hot air balloon! You can take “the flight of your life” over gorgeous Mammoth Lakes and the Eastern Sierra.

Experience the beauty of the High Sierra. Experience the flight of your life over picturesque Mammoth Lakes and the

The romance of Mammoth Lakes can’t be understated.

The views are breathtaking, the options for daily entertainment are numerous, and the environment is refreshing.

Eastern Sierra. Visit mammothballoonadventures.com to learn more about their hour-long rides and find yourself enjoying an incredible view.

In fact, you’re guaranteed one giant incredible view on any visit, whether you drive up in winter, spring, summer, or fall. Because there’s something to be said for a weekend getaway that’s truly a getaway; a place out of the ordinary that’s not too far from home. A place like Mammoth Lakes. v 96 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: GEMCare Health Plan, Inc.

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.

©ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/MARTINH70

©ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/SHYMAN

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 / Go Red 2011 97

QUICK BITES WITH LOCAL FLAVOR

opening act

A great appetizer is worth its weight in gold. Scratch that, it’s worth its weight in compliments. And you’ll be getting your fair share of compliments when you lay out this elegant, yet easy to prepare, appetizer at your next party.

Lance Morrison and Marty Nunez, the talented chefs at Replay Lounge and Grill, put their heads together to come up with a savory appetizer especially for the readers of Bakersfield Magazine; one that would be easy to make, include locally grown ingredients, and would be the star of any menu.

Prosciutto and Asparagus Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

We highly suggest making them for your next fancy dinner party.

But these little bites are so decadent, we recommend making two batches: one for your guests and one that will undoubtedly be eaten during prep-time by you under the guise of “quality control.” You know, because you wouldn’t want your quests to eat something that wasn’t perfect. Don’t worry, we’d do the same thing. n 98 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: GEMCare Health Plan, Inc.

Remove stems from mushrooms and finely chop the stems.

Drizzle caps with two tablespoons oil; set aside. In a large skillet, saute the stems, asparagus, onion, and garlic in butter and remaining oil until tender.

Next, stir in bread crumbs and prosciutto. Cook for one to two minutes or until crumbs are lightly browned. Stir in the white wine and pepper.

Spoon mixture firmly into mushroom caps.

Place the mushroom caps on a foil-lined baking sheet.

Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese before putting in the oven.

Bake at 400 degrees for 8-12 minutes or until mushrooms are tender and cheese is melted. Makes eight appetizers.

Cuisine: deliciously different

©istockphoto.com/roelofse

8 baby portobello mushrooms 3 tbsp. olive oil • 1/2 cup finely chopped onion 1 garlic clove, minced • 2 tbsp. butter Lance MORRISON 1 cup dry bread crumbs Marty NUNEZ 4 thin slices prosciutto, chopped 3 asparagus stalks, chopped 1/4 cup dry white wine ke! a m to y s ea Pepper to taste 1 cup (4 oz.) part-skim mozzarella cheese, shredded 3 tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese

WHAT’S COOKIN’

meals & memories

By Mike Stepanovich

The painting just naturally grabs your attention, more so than the other bits of nostalgia decorating the walls at Zingo’s Café.

It’s one of those paintings that makes you recall a distant time, reflect.

The other paintings do, too, but not like this one. The other paint-

the windows, sitting at the counter, are James Dean, Marilyn Monroe, Hum-

ings evoke memories of the 1950s and ‘60s, and feature classic cars

phrey Bogart, and Elvis Presley. Dean’s last stop was in Bakersfield before

from that era in different settings—a drive-in burger place named

dying in a wreck at Cholame on Highway 46; MM and Elvis died of drug

Porky’s; a night club with a Corvette, a Woody, and a Thunderbird;

overdoses; Bogie of cancer. All died too young.

and two drive-in theaters, one of which features a 1959 Chevy.

I had a ’59 Chevy once. It was a two-door Impala convertible, with a 348-cubic-inch V-8. It was a quirky

The melancholy clock next to the old painting, with blue neon “Zingo’s Café” wrapped around a red-lit face, seems somehow part of the whole picture.

Zingo’s isn’t on a boulevard of broken dreams; >>

car—reverse had gone out, so I usually had to carry someone around with me in case I needed to back up.

Chicken Fried Steak

Its side windows had rusted off their spot welds so I packed them around in the trunk. One time I got caught in a rainstorm, and the guy who was riding with me was cranking furiously on the handle wondering where the heck the window was. I pulled under a tree, got the window out of the trunk, and put it in place. The guy was amazed.

It had Glasspacks, those mufflers that on an American V-8 sounded incredibly cool. My mother hated them.

Whenever I go to Zingo’s and see that picture over the counter it brings back memories of that great old car.

But that’s not the picture that grabs you. It’s the one hanging on the east wall, titled “Boulevard of Broken Dreams.” It shows a lonely diner on an empty street, light spilling out onto the sidewalk. Inside, visible through

Cuisine: cookin’ it up old school www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Go Red 2011 99

Cuisine: cookin’ it up old school if anything, it’s a dream come true for owner Debbie Edmondson, who worked as a waitress for years before buying the café at 3201 Buck Owens Blvd., some 15 years ago.

It’s been a Bakersfield fixture since 1965. At one time, Zingo’s may have attracted Freeway 99 travelers, but that was before the Holiday Inn Express went up next door in 2006, blocking northbound travelers’ view of Zingo’s sign, said Cassie, a waitress at Zingo’s the past six years.

Kathy, a waitress for the past year, agreed that most of the customers were local. They

Classic Zingo’s Sandwich

are a baby-boomer bunch, too, perhaps attracted by the ‘50s-‘60s theme of the place, complete with black and white checkerboard floor-tile design with matching curtains.

Kind of like my old Chevy, there’s a quirkiness to the place. The buser must have a cot in the back because I saw him on three recent visits, at breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The waitresses are all casually dressed in jeans or pants, likely wearing

herbs, chunks of potato, and lots of clams. It was so good I thought: Man! That beef-barley must have been out of this world.

My salad with ranch dressing arrived, a standard dinner salad (iceberg lettuce with croutons) except for the crumbled bacon bits that set it apart.

a Zingo’s T-shirt. During one recent visit,

I confess that I ordered the chicken-fried steak with some trepidation. I like my

five older guys who apparently gathered

steaks grilled on wood and medium rare. In fact I couldn’t tell you the last time I or-

there regularly were squeezed into a booth,

dered chicken-fried steak, but it was likely decades ago. I needn’t have worried: Zingo’s

sipping coffee, bantering frequently with

was good. The well-done beef was coated in crisply fried batter, but not greasy, and

their waitress. A middle-aged woman with

served on a bed of white sausage gravy with a dollop of gravy on top. I had cho-

a long pigtail down the side of her face and

sen a baked potato for my side (it also came with green beans), and was delighted when it came with whipped butter (not margarine, thank goodness!) and sour cream.

Carol was happy with her burger, which came with sliced tomatoes, lettuce, onions, dill pickles, and mayonnaise (mustard was available on request). She loved the fries, too. The burger was $6.50; a hand-lettered sign informed customers, though, that from 2 to 5 p.m., the burger special was $5.75 (add 35 cents for cheese or a buck for bacon).

Another sign advised, “Sorry, no T-bone steaks.”

Of course bread pudding was available for dessert, so I ordered it with two spoons. It was heavy, smooth, topped with whipped cream, and not too sweet.

Even though it was a modest portion, we were hard pressed to finish it, so

Tasty Bread Pudding

ample was the rest of our meal.

A couple days later, I stopped in for lunch, grabbing a well-worn stool at the counter.

garb that suggested she worked outdoors was busy on breakfast. Another man wear-

I asked Cassie what I should try, and she suggested the Zingo’s Sandwich ($7.95). You

ing a John Deere cap was sipping coffee and reading a newspaper.

can’t go wrong on a sandwich named for the place, I figured. I was right. It was grilled

It’s a comfortable place, a country place, a place where I became “Hon” or “Darlin.”

sourdough with slices of roast beef, two kinds of cheese and roasted green chilies. The

One thing you can definitely say is the food is not quirky. It’s ample and good!

seasoned French fries were an excellent accompaniment for a great sandwich.

Take, for example, my and my wife, Carol’s, recent dinner there. I spotted meatloaf on

Breakfast may be the best time to enjoy Zingo’s though. It does eggs right, at least in

the dinner menu, which I’ve had before—and liked—but thought I’d try something

my book: scrambled soft with crisp hash browns and a giant sausage patty that’s about

different. Kathy, our waitress, was waiting for our order. I asked Kathy what Zingo’s was

a half a pound, plus a fresh biscuit—all for between 8 and 9 bucks.

known for. “We’re famous for chicken-fried steak,” she said. OK, I said, I’ll try it.

If you’re looking for something more, try one of the omelets. I recommend the

Carol had her heart set on a good ol’ fashioned hamburger and fries. No problem.

“Mexican Hot Stuff Cheese Omelet” ($8.50). It’s stuffed with fresh jalapenos, hot links,

The dinner, for $10.95, included soup, salad, bread, and dessert—a bargain

and cheese. It’s as spicy as you might think—with a real zing.

at twice the price. Had we gotten there earlier, beef-barley would have been one

Zingo’s epitomizes Bakersfield: good food, friendly service, comfortable setting. And

of my soup choices, but that was gone. So I got the clam chowder. It was thick,

who knows? Maybe one of these days I might even see a ’59 Chevy in the parking lot.

overflowing, and you could have eaten it with a fork. It arrived steaming with 100 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: GEMCare Health Plan, Inc.

Zingo’s is open 24 hours a day, and accepts most major credit cards. n

Entertaining the Bakersfield Way

a foreign affair

By Tom Xavier

Mambo...mambo Italiano! If you’re like me, you love Italian culture. And when I say Italian culture, I mean Italian food. It’s rich, unique, and involves savory flavors. Come on, who doesn’t drool over the sweet sauces and fragrant meats of Italian cooking?

Negroni Cocktail 1 oz. Campari (or bitters) 1 oz. Sweet Vermouth 1 oz. Gin

©istockphoto.com/karandaev

So why not gather a select few friends, a few bottles of fine Italian wine, and a menu full of classic Italian favorites for a night to remember!

You can create this magical evening by first setting the mood.

Before the guests arrive, make sure that the dinner table is well decorated with everything Italian. My suggestion would be to try and mimic the feel of an outdoor Italian café. Pull plants close to a wrought-iron table and chairs. Make sure there are tons of “drippy” candles, preferably tapers that have been inserted into the tops of old Chianti wine bottles.

Sure, a red checkered table cloth instantly conjures up the right atmosphere, but if you’re looking for something more elegant, use linens in reds and deep greens (to represent the flag). The centerpiece can be a nice platter of cheese and cold cuts along with a couple baskets of bread. You can even position bottles of olive oil and bushels of basil around them for a more Italian-looking table. To make the whole venue come alive with the sounds of Italy, slip in a CD of Luciano Pavarotti or any other tenor singing Italian ballads. Or, you could have “That’s Amore” by Andy Williams on repeat. Actually, don’t do that.

A great Italian dinner party doesn’t always mean hours slaving in the kitchen (after all, your guests don’t have to be small children to get excited about spaghetti and meatballs). That’s why Italian is a perfect choice when you’re looking for a theme. Nobody complains about Italian food, and it’s not just because Tony Soprano will have them whacked.

You can prepare everything well ahead of time and enjoy the “foreign affair” with your guests of honor.

So just as your guests are arriving, start off the festivities with a classic Negroni or a fiery gin martini.

Combine all ingredients in an ice-filled shaker and strain into cocktail glass. Garnish with a curl of orange peel. Yum! I won’t hear any arguments or disagreements about it: the easiest and most delicious of all Italian dinner recipes is Bruschetta. The cool sweetness of tomatoes, the crisp freshness of basil, the bite of fresh garlic. There’s no more perfect combination of flavors and textures. Plus it’s light (leaves room for a rich main dish), healthy, and fun to eat.

What could be better? You can even combine it with a plate of insaccati (cured meats) such as prosciutto, and Italian cheeses. >>

CUISINE : mambo Italiano!

www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Go Red 2011 101

CUISINE : mambo Italiano!

Pour into large, shallow, greased baking dish.

Sprinkle with remaining Parmesan. Bake uncovered until bubbly and lightly browned, about 20 minutes.

Serves 4-6.

~Ultimate Garlic Bread~

~Bruschetta~ 1 1/2 lbs. ripe Roma tomatoes 2 tbsp. finely chopped red onion 2 cloves garlic, minced 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil 2 tsp. red wine vinegar (balsamic is also nice) 3 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil Salt and pepper Parmesan shavings Crusty bread Cut tomatoes in half, squeeze out seeds and excess juice. Dice and place in bowl. Add onion, garlic, basil, vinegar, salt and pepper (to taste), and olive oil. Let sit at room temperature for one hour. While that’s sitting, toast thin slices of crusty bread in the oven. To serve, brush toasted bread lightly with olive oil. Spoon tomato mixture over bread, sprinkle with shaved Parmesan cheese. Devour.

By selecting the right dishes, your Italian evening will be a breeze. For the easiest preparation (and

the greatest opportunity to spend time with your guests), pick a casserole-style dish, such as Baked Ziti with Sausage. Prepare, pop it in the oven, and enjoy your party. Pair this savory pasta dish with a crisp romaine salad with a vinaigrette dressing.

6 large garlic cloves, chopped 1/4 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley 1/4 cup chopped fresh oregano leaves 1/2 tsp. kosher salt Freshly ground black pepper 1/2 cup good olive oil 2 tbsp. unsalted butter 1 loaf ciabatta bread

~Baked Ziti with Sausage~ 1 large onion, diced 6 cloves garlic, minced 1 1/2 lbs. spicy Italian sausage, casings removed, crumbled Salt and pepper 1/4 cup dry red wine 1 (35 oz.) can chopped tomatoes, with juice 4 tomatoes, diced 1/4 cup chopped fresh oregano (or 2 tbsp. dried) 1 cup ricotta cheese 3/4 to 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese 1/3 cup flat leaf parsley, chopped 1 lb. dry ziti pasta, cooked to al dente 1/2 to 1 lb. mozzarella cheese, diced Olive Oil Heat oven to 425 degrees. In large skillet, heat two tablespoons of olive oil over medium. Sauté onion in oil until soft, about five minutes. Add garlic and sausage, sauté till sausage is browned. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Drain fat, return to heat.

Add red wine, and bring to a boil to reduce. Add tomatoes with juice, simmer about 10 minutes, until sauce is slightly thickened. Add oregano. Season to taste.

In a bowl, combine ricotta, half the Parmesan, and the parsley. Season with salt and pepper. Combine drained, cooked pasta with ricotta mixture. Add sausage and sauce. Mix. Add mozzarella.

102 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: GEMCare Health Plan, Inc.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Place the garlic in the bowl of a food processor and process until minced. Add the parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper and pulse twice.

Heat the olive oil in a medium saute pan and add the garlic mixture. Remove the pan from the heat.

Slice the ciabatta bread in half horizontally, and spread the butter on one side. Spread the garlic mixture on the other half of the bread, and put the halves together. Wrap the bread in aluminum foil.

Place the bread in the oven and bake for five minutes. Open the foil, and continue baking for an additional five minutes.

No Italian-style dinner would be perfect if there wasn’t Tiramisu served afterwards.

It’s the star of your Italian affair. While authentic Tiramisu is a bit more work-intensive, below you’ll find a recipe for a simple Tiramisu that tastes won-

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derful. As a bonus, it contains no raw eggs, in case you have a raw-egg-squeamish guest or two (or are a little funny about raw eggs yourself—I understand).

2029 21st St, Bakersfield Jeanne Schamblin (661) 631-2036

~Tiramisu~ 1 cup whipping cream 8 oz. Mascarpone cheese, softened 1/2 cup powdered sugar 2 tbsp. dark rum 1 pkg (3 oz.) ladyfingers (approx. 12) 1/2 cup cold espresso • 2 tsp. cocoa Whip the cream until stiff peaks form. Beat cheese and powdered sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth. Beat in rum on low. Fold whipped cream into cheese mixture just until blended.

Split each ladyfinger in half horizontally. Arrange half the ladyfingers in the bottom of an un-greased 8-inch square pan.

Drizzle with 1/4 cup of espresso. Spread with half of cheese mixture. Repeat the layers. Sprinkle cocoa when all the layers are complete. Cover and refrigerate for four hours, until firm. Serves 9.

There you have it. A quaint, intimate Italian dinner in Bakersfield with an authentic Italian feel. Since these dishes are easy to prepare, easy to serve, and very easy to enjoy, you can put more time into turning your backyard (or dining room) into an Italian bistro and spending more time with those special guests you do invite.

I’m resisting the urge to end with a line from “That’s Amore,” so instead I’ll end with chow and diverti! n

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www.PlacementPros.com www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Go Red 2011 103

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104 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: GEMCare Health Plan, Inc.

LIFE IS A CABERNET

zero defects

By Mike Stepanovich

Rosa Lee deLeuze was holding court. She and her son, Brett, were at the recent Yosemite Vintners’ Holidays seminar in Yosemite National Park relating how their family got into the wine business.

The matriarch of the deLeuze clan said her husband, Norman de-

County in 20 years. When Norm applied for the permit, Brett related,

Leuze, and good friend Gino Zepponi, a couple of aeronautical engi-

“the guy said, ‘Oh, yeah, we issued one of those once.’ ” Then he fished

neers at Aerojet General in Sacramento, decided to elevate their love

around for the right forms. “Dad wasn’t too happy about that.”

apiece—and launched their winery, naming it ZD Wines.

Norm asked the Sonoma County official for a list of things he needed as part of the permitting process. Included was a tank. “The guy PHOTOS COURTESY OF ZD WINES

of wine. So in 1968, the two of them pooled their resources—$3,000

Aeronautical-engineerturned-winemaker Norman deLeuze in the ‘70s.

The name ZD has a double meaning, said Rosa Lee, who has a perpetual twinkle in her eye and a smile that speaks of a life well lived.

“At the time Aerojet had an internal program known as ‘zero defects.’ So that’s what we called it; the ZD stands for zero defects.” But of course it also stood for Zepponi-deLeuze, she said.

The partners rented a barn on the Sonoma County side of Carneros, the cool region atop San Pablo Bay. They then applied for a winery permit. At that time, a winery permit hadn’t been issued in Sonoma

said, ‘You don’t have a tank. I can’t issue the permit unless you have a tank.’ So we had to go out and get a redwood tank.” No matter that the proprietors didn’t need or plan to use a tank; they needed one to get a permit.

Back then, the California wine industry was still waking up from its 13-year slumber known as Prohibition. A handful of wineries >>

wine: engineered to perfection www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Go Red 2011 105

wine: engineered to perfection

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existed in the Napa Valley, and Robert Mondavi’s new winery, opened in 1966,

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was the first new winery built in Napa Valley since the end of Prohibition. ZD was launched two years later, making the deLeuzes true pioneers in the wine industry.

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The founders did everything from scratch. “We redid old whiskey barrels,” Rosa

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Lee said. “We scraped them out, sanded them, and re-toasted them...Gino and

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Norm were engineers, so we did our own bottling.

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The deLeuzes believe the delicious flavors come from decades of organic farming know-how.

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Norm] had been home winemakers for a few years, and UC Davis was so great to

106 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: GEMCare Health Plan, Inc.

The winery was a weekend venture because Norm and Gino were still working at Aerojet. So the deLeuzes would pack up and head to the winery for the weekend.

“Robert, our oldest child, always wanted to come,” Rosa Lee said. “Julie, our daughter, came after slamming the doors. Brett came because he was four.”

Norm deLeuze had a great love of French Burgundy, “so we started out as a Burgundy house,” Brett said. They bought their first grapes, pinot noir, from Winery Lake Vineyard in Carneros in 1969, which had been planted just a few years before by its owner, René di Rosa (he later sold the vineyard to Sterling Vineyards). The 300

If you’re one of those people who avoid chardonnay, try ZD’s—it will change your mind!

cases they made were their first commercial production.

ER

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TN

donnay. Their first chardonnay also came from Winery

COM

An example of that, Brett said, is the winery’s char-

INE AZ

eration “is that you can try different things,” Rosa Lee said.

FIELD MAG RS

BAKE

One of the great things about being a small, family op-

R IT Y PA

Lake Vineyard in 1971, the first year that vineyard produced that varietal. By 1975, they were making three different chardonnays: a Napa Carneros, Sonoma Carneros, and Santa Barbara County from fruit they bought from well-known grower Louis Lucas. Those three bottlings continued into the late ‘70s, but some in-house experimentation changed that.

“We believed in appellation-designated wines, but were open to the best bottle of wine,” Brett said.

They discovered that by blending the three chardonnays together “we created a more complex and interesting wine. In 1980, we gave up the single appellations and went to a blended chardonnay. In 1982, we added Monterey County chardonnay to the blend, so now our blend has grapes from Napa and Sonoma Carneros, Santa Barbara County, and Monterey County.”

The family is “working hard to be innovators, too,” he continued. “Dad and Gino found that if you could slow the fermentation way down, kept the yeasts swirling in the wine, and allowed the fermentation to go on for six to eight weeks you got a better tasting wine, and a nice creaminess to the wine.” To do that they cooled the must (the unfermented juice) to 40 degrees before inoculating it with yeast. “You have to start there [at that temperature] and hold it there,” because fermentation generates heat. It’s one thing to control fermentation temperatures in a stainless steel tank with a refrigeration jacket; it’s something else again to do it when you’re fermenting in oak barrels.

Also, ZD’s chardonnay isn’t put through malolactic fermentation, conversion of the grapes’ natural malic acid to lactic acid. Malolactic fermentation, or ML as it is known, is a useful technique for highly acidic wines; while putting a portion of the wine through ML can add greater complexity, if overdone it can lead to a buttery-flavored wine. By not using >> www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Go Red 2011 107

wine: engineered to perfection ML, and instead using extended yeast and lees (the dead yeast) contact, ZD is able to produce a creamy, fruit-focused wine that emphasizes the qualities of the grape. And because it retains the natural acidity, “it richens up with age, and will easily last seven years or more,” Brett said.

The deLeuzes believe that the delicious flavors in their wines stem from organic farming. Their vineyards have been certified organic for more than a decade, and were farmed organically a decade before that. The focus is on balanced soils that lead to healthy and productive vines. The family is so committed to an ecological approach that the winery runs on solar power, and its tractors use bio-diesel fuel.

In 1979, ZD moved into a new winery that they built on Silverado Trail in Napa Valley. Gino Zepponi died in an auto accident in 1985, so Norman and Rosa Lee bought the Zepponi family share . And in 2007 cancer claimed Norman.

Today, all three siblings are partners in the winery: n

Robert earned a degree in viticulture and enol-

ogy from UC Davis and succeeded his father as winemaker. Today he is the winery’s winemaster and CEO, overseeing all aspects of winemaking. n

Julie, who threw temper tantrums as a child

when forced to come to the winery, has been a fulltime employee since 1980. Today she is the winery’s administrator, tracking sales, handling day-to-day details, and serving as the winery’s chef. n

Brett earned a marketing degree from Cal State

Sacramento, worked closely with his mother in sales and marketing, and now is the winery’s president.

And Rosa Lee? She just smiles, sips her wine, and reflects on her 42-year adventure that is true to its name: zero defects. n

Join A-List

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For Your Chance to Win Tickets to the Best Parties, Special Events, Restaurants, and More!

So...what is the A-List anyway? Find out at BakersfieldMagazine.net 108 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: GEMCare Health Plan, Inc.

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.

bottoms up!

Royal Treatment

By Jason Gutierrez

If you feel like royalty, at Café Med, the royal treatment is what you shall receive. Whether you’re out with friends, or looking for something spectacular to sweeten up your evening’s meal, the concocted “luxury-in-a-glass” that is the Godiva Martini is exactly what your heart desires.

Café Med Year Established: 1991 Quick Facts Location: 4809 Stockdale Hwy.

Happy Hour: 2:30-6 p.m. Every day!

Café Med Godiva Martini 2 oz. Godiva Chocolateinfused Vodka 2 oz. Godiva White Choc olate Liqueur 3/4 oz. Godiva Caramel Liqueur Chocolate Syrup

If you aren’t familiar with Godiva chocolate, be prepared to have your taste buds tingling. Rich, succulent, and sweet, this chocolate is heralded as some of the best around, and this new drink at Café Med is no different!

Mixed with the finest of Godiva-infused vodkas, this specialty martini is the brainchild of head bartender Courtnee Hahn. Starting with Godiva’s chocolate-infused vodka, she quickly mixes in Godiva’s white-chocolate liqueur, and adds a splash of Godiva’s caramel liqueur. Of course, she swirls the glass with chocolate syrup before pouring in this chocolate-lover’s dream come true.

It’s heaven in a glass.

“I love chocolate and so I could taste all the flavors as I was mixing,” she says. “This is something unique and elegant. I think the more people hear about it, the more our shakers will be mixing this specialty.”

You can imagine how decadent it tastes already, can’t you? It’s like something Willy Wonka would have created! n

drink: liquid luxury

www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Go Red 2011 109

Luigi’s Restaurant & Italian Delicatessen

The Dining Guide

Enjoy an old world Italian delicatessen since 1910 with over 200 wines to complement your lunch. From sandwiches to Pasta Bolognese, you’re sure to find flavorful choices to make everyone happy! Don’t forget to shop the gourmet delicatessen for unique gift ideas, wine and authentic foods. Restaurant Hours: Tue-Sat 11am2:30pm, Deli Hours: Tue-Sat 8am-4pm. 725 East 19th Street. shopluigis.com (661) 322-0926

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

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

Jake’s Tex-Mex Cafe

After 25 years still going strong, this Bakersfield icon is “Tex Mex Grub” but geared toward loyal “Bako” patrons. Pit style beef is the king here, but the salad choices, Taco Salad, Salad Lites, and, of course, the Famous Chocolate Cake dominate.

Known as a lunch joint, but Bako finally getting into dinner. Open Mon-Sat 118pm. Closed Sunday. 1710 Oak St. www.jakestexmex.com (661) 322-6380

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

110 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: GEMCare Health Plan, Inc.

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

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

Great Castle Restaurant

Since 1975, Great Castle has been serving up some of the most flavorful, most culturally diverse Chinese food in Bakersfield. The menu is extensive, covering soups, vegetables, seafood, poultry, beef, and noodles. The possibilities are endless and the portions are massive. And Great Castle’s specials will have you craving flavors from the Far East day and night. Feast on the Walnut Shrimp, Orange Chicken, or Beef Asparagus & Mushrooms. Or, for a more exotic taste, try the Triple Kung Pao—it’s a hot, spicy dish with peanuts, shrimp, scallops, and chicken. Plus, we have many other gourmet Mandarin dishes. Open Sun-Thu 11am-8:30pm, Fri & Sat 11am-9:30pm. 410 Union Ave. (661) 325-3311

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

www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Go Red 2011 111

The Dining Guide

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

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

Cactus Valley Mexican Restaurant

The Dining Guide

With their famous, award-winning salsa, Cactus Valley Mexican Restaurant is the local spot for fine south-of-the-border flavors! Their menu is a diverse mix of traditional Mexican dishes including sizzlin’ Fajitas, which you can order with lobster, shrimp, steak, or chicken; and savory Chile Verde. Taste their San Francisco Bay Enchiladas: surimi and jumbo shrimp sauteed in tomatillo and cilantro sauce stuffed in two flour tortillas, folded and filled with cream cheese! Since they are open for breakfast, indulge in a breakfast burrito, beef machaca, or huevos rancheros to jump-start your day. Cactus Valley is home to the best margaritas in town and Happy Hour is 4-8pm daily. Open 6am-9pm, lunch 11am-2pm. Located at 4215 Rosedale Hwy, just west of Hwy 99. (661) 633-1948

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

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

Caesar’s Italian Delicatessen

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

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

112 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: GEMCare Health Plan, Inc.

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

Que Pasa

Come for the freshest Mexican food...stay for the wide selection of handmade, agave nectar margaritas! Que Pasa is the place to be when you’re in the mood for authentic flavor. As part of our Platillo del Dia (Plate of the Day), we’re looking to treat your palate to fantastic flavors every day of the week. On Tuesday try the Tacos En Comal, made with thinly-sliced 100% Angus rib eye steak. On Sunday, sample our Molcajete Supremo, a mixture of shrimp, chicken, steak, and chorizo in a Yucatan green sauce. Our diverse menu and exciting atmosphere are second to none! Valley Plaza Location, 2701 Ming Ave # 219, Hours: Mon-Thu 10:30am-10pm; Fri-Sat 10:30-11pm; Sunday 10:30am-9pm, (661) 832-5011. Marketplace Location, 9000 Ming Ave # F4, Hours: Sun-Thu 11am-10pm; Fri-Sat 11am-11pm. (661) 664-1400

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

www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Go Red 2011 113

The Dining Guide

Willow Ranch Restaurant

For those coming off the trail hungry and hankering for some western fare, Willow Ranch Restaurant is a favorite destination. You’ll have a hard time selecting just one thing off the menu when this place serves amazing Mesquite BBQ ribs, chicken, Certified Angus Beef® steaks, seafood, and savory grilled sandwiches. The centerpiece of the Willow Ranch is the distinctive house BBQ sauce. Travelers and barbeque lovers from all over have enjoyed their secret recipe and they regularly ship it nationwide. Thankfully, Willow Ranch also caters all types of events, so if you can’t make it to them, they’ll bring the grub to you. Open every day from 7am-10pm. Just a short 25 minute drive west of Bakersfield. 27770 Lagoon Dr., Buttonwillow. Visit willowranchrestaurant.com. (661) 764-6605

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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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

1921 18th Street, Bakersfield, CA 93301

(661) 324-2491 • (661) 821-0053

The Dining Guide

Saturday Appointments Available Izumo Japanese Restaurant & Sushi

n Arun Softa, M.D. n Ambika Softa, M.D. n Elena C. Lewis, F.N.P n Rudy Herrera, D.C.

Variety and style is what you can expect at Izumos. Experience our casual atmosphere where you have your choice of dining experiences. Visit us to enjoy the teppan-yaki, sample the sushi bar, or our more conventional order-off-the-menu setting. The teppan-yaki comes one dish at a time as the chef prepares it in front of you - they will amaze and impress with their skill and expertise. Our relaxed dining gives customers a chance to really enjoy our food and friendly service. Hours: Mon-Fri 11:30am-2:30pm, Mon-Sun 5-10pm. Reservations accepted. Visa, MC, AE. 4412 Ming Ave. (661) 398-0608

9900 Stockdale Hwy., Suite 200 DoctorSofta.com | 661.716.2600 The Womens Care Center Armi Lynn Walker, M.D. Cary Shakespeare, M.D. Pellevé tm Now Available Look Lovely, Feel Refreshed

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(661) 633-BABY (2229)

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114 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: GEMCare Health Plan, Inc.

2021 22nd St., Bakersfield, CA 93301

MEDICAL PROFILES

INTERNAL MEDICINE • PRIMARY CARE

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Thank You to Our 2010 Featured Vintners: Clayhouse • Silver Oak • Rombauer Krupp Brothers • Duckhorn • Z.D. • Cakebread Eberle Winery • Gascon • Morgan • Tolosa • Castoro Sacred Hill • Ferrari-Carano • Gary Farrell • Buena Vista Wild Horse • Broadside • Reindeer Ranch • Jade Mountain Las Rocas • Madorom • MacRostie • Meridian Riverbench • Vina Robles • Black Bart’s Bride • Brander Justin • Kali Hart • Ken Brown • Liberty School Quady Elysium • Scott Family Vineyards • Sextant Starborough • Treanna • Twomey

Thank You to The Participating Restaurants & Food Vendors: Moo Creamery • Marriott • Bell Tower Club California Pizza Kitchen • Goose Loonies Cafe Med • Bord ‘A Petite • Flame & Skewers Trader Joe’s

Thank You to Our Business Partners:

www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Go Red 2011 117

community partners

We would like to thank the wonderful people and businesses of our community that support the Junior League of Bakersfield and its vision of women building better communities.

community partners

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Here’s something you probably didn’t know about babies: a baby’s brain at 35 weeks gestation weighs only two-thirds of what it will weigh when it’s at full term (39-40 weeks).

Let them That’s because the last few weeks of pregnancy are critical

Grow!

Just 35 Weeks

Illustration ©March of Dimes foundation

35 to 40 Weeks

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These are problems associated with “early term” delivery or “late preterm,” which is defined as delivery between 37 and 38 weeks, six days. Babies born during this time are generally healthy, but they are at a higher risk for medical problems compared to babies who are born at full term, which is 39 to 40 weeks.

That’s because a baby’s lungs and brain are still growing late in a pregnancy. And, during the final weeks of pregnancy, a baby will gain a majority of its weight. Babies who are born early tend to have less fat on their body and are, therefore, unable to retain heat.

Unfortunately, that means they need to spend time in an incubator to help keep the body safely warm. That means less time with mom and dad right after birth.

Research is also showing that a baby born early has increased This year’s 5th annual March for Babies will be April 9 at Bakersfield’s Liberty Park. chances of having vision and hearing problems.

“It’s important to realize that if you are wanting to schedule an growing number of elective deliveries in California and, togethinduction, that your due date It’s important to realize er, are urging not only those in the medical community, but local may not be exactly right,” that if you are wanting mothers, to understand the risk factors that come from delivering said Vicki Lombardo, March to schedule an induction, before 39 weeks. of Dimes’ Associate State DiAccording to their report, “Research has shown that early elecrector of Program Services. that your due date may tive delivery without medical or obstetrical indication is linked to “For most women, it’s hard not be exactly right.” neonatal morbidities with no benefit to the mother or infant...yet to know the exact date you –Vicki Lombardo rates of labor induction have increased dramatically, from 9 perconceived and, if your cycle is irregular, it’s hard to judge based cent in 1989 to 21.2 percent in 2004.” on your last menstrual cycle. So an estimated due date could be a And, unfortunately, those elective deliveries between 37 and 39 week or more off. That means a scheduled induction one week earweeks come with a list of complications including increased chance ly, could, in fact, be two weeks early, which increases the chances of NICU admission, increased respiratory distress syndrome, inthat the baby could have complications.” creased need for ventilator support, increased chance of sepAnd, oftentimes, trying to induce labor when it’s not >> FIELD MAG sis, and increased feeding problems.

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community partners

for the development of a baby’s brian, lungs, and liver.

It’s the main reason why premature births are a big concern in our area. It’s also the main reason why the March of Dimes has started reaching out to health organizations, hospitals, and women in our community—because, believe it or not, some women and their doctors are choosing to deliver early.

The March of Dimes research indicates that in 2009, 1,788 babies were born too soon in Kern County. Of those, some were elective births, meaning the mother and doctor have scheduled to either deliver via cesarean section or to induce labor.

The March of Dimes teamed up with a number of organizations, including the California Maternal Quality Care Collaborative and the California Department of Public Health, to investigate the

community partners

Let them Grow

beginning naturally, will lead to a c-section, which is a major surgery for the mother.

Some women may prefer to be induced for convenience, even without medical need, because it allows them to plan for their baby. Some of the most common reasons for wanting to induce preterm are because of doctor’s schedules, wanting to make sure family can be present for the birth, and wanting to pick the date of their baby’s birth.

“Additionally, some physicians will recommend induction preterm because of the possibility of macrosomia (abnormally large baby) or because of prior csections,” Lombardo continued. “People have gotten comfortable with prematurity because we have made advances in neonatal medicine that allow physicians to keep premies alive. People think that their baby will be fine as long as it’s born after 34 weeks.”

In many cases, the baby will be fine, but there are the risks.

“The American Congress of OB/GYNs has always stated that it’s not wise to deliver electively before 39 weeks. Thirty

years ago, that was the norm,” Lombardo explained. But doctors realized that even if the baby was born before that, medical advances were available and could keep the baby alive. People became less nervous about premature births and, when mothers complained of sore backs, leg cramps, and other late pregnancy conditions, doctors became willing to induce.

“This initiative has put the focus back on the importance of waiting until at least the 39th week of pregnancy before inducing, if necessary,” Lombardo continued. “We’ve teamed up with local hospitals including CHW (Mercy and Memorial), San Joaquin Community Hospital, and Kern Medical Center to encourage hospitals to dissuade patients from requesting preterm births. It’s really about education at this point...parents need to know what risks they’re taking with their child’s health when they decide to induce labor before term.”

Additionally, the March of Dimes has reached out to the Kern County Department of Public Health to help educate mothers through information sessions, classes, and more. But there has to be a

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way to support that type of eduction.

That’s why the Central Valley Division of the March of Dimes will be holding their 5th annual March for Babies this April 9 at Liberty Park.

“More than 1,700 babies are born too soon in Kern County each year—that’s 12 precent of all babies born here,” said Renee Nuanes, Director of Fundraising for the Central Valley Division of the March of Dimes. “The good news is that literally everyone can make a difference. As more and more companies, friends, and families join the March of Dimes in the fight against prematurity, we are able to make a greater impact. The more money we raise, the more we can invest in research, programs, education, and advocacy...and believe me, every dollar helps! Those investments lead to miracles. March for Babies is a great way to join our efforts and help save babies.”

And it’s fun, too.

If you would like more information on this year’s walk or to learn more about March of Dimes programs, visit marchofdimes.com/ca or call (661) 369-1181. n

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prevent and treat lung diseases such as asthma and COPD, and eliminate lung cancer. These are goals that the American Lung Association, a national nonprofit formed in 1904, include as part of its overall mission today.

While the American Lung Association (ALA) originally fought tuberculosis, today, local chapters, including ours, are fighting for our right to clean air with funds raised in the community through several events. Each holiday season, volunteers sell fresh poinsettias to business-

es to fund the educational programs offered through our local chapter. And in the spring, the Fight For Air Walk, a family-friendly (L to R) Local ALA staff Sonja Hill and Nan Hart with this year’s Fight For Air Walk 5K/fun run with enChair Daryl Thiesen. tertainment for kids of all ages, healthy breakfast and lunch about asthma management to parents, options, and a health fair. caregivers, school and day care personThis year marks the 8th annual walk nel, and social service agencies. Funds for our community. And those who are also go toward its goal of preventing participating have good reason to do so. young people from starting to smoke “On a personal level, I find it hard to since 90 percent of smokers began smokget out [and run] when the air quality is ing before the age of 18, and to its Better poor,” said Daryl Thiesen, a Prevention Breathers Clubs (patient-centered, comPrograms Coordinator II for the Kern munity-based education to people with County Superintendent of Schools and chronic lung disease), and its FLAG program (educating schools about air quality and warning students, parents, and school personnel of daily air quality through the use of color-coded flags).

“The unfortunate thing about asthma is that many people don’t know they have it, children especially,” added Nan Hart, our American Lung Association of California Area Director. “That’s why education is key, because asthma-rephoto courtesy american lung association of california lated illness is a leading cause of missed this year’s Fight For Air Walk Chair. school days.”

“I’ve been coaching soccer for twenSo by joining a team or starting your ty-plus years and I’ve seen first-hand the own at this year’s Fight For Air Walk, asthma-related conditions kids develop,” taking place April 16 at Yokuts Park, Thiesen continued. you’re helping make a difference in the That’s why it’s so important to get lung health of our community. involved in the walk. This year, the To find out how you can get involved, Fight For Air Walk Committee (affeccontact the Bakersfield office at (661) tionally known as “Airheads”) is look847-4700 or visit lungusa.org/assoing to raise enough money to support ciations/states/california.

FIELD MAG RS the organization’s community proBecause it’s not just grams, because all the money raised in sometimes that we need our community, stays in our commuthe air that we breathe. n M R U

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made famous by The Hollies, go? “Sometimes, all I need is the air that I breathe...”

There’s a bit more—something about love. But we really only care about the “air” part.

Here in Bakersfield, having good air quality is of the utmost importance.

When the air is good, we can breathe easier, we can enjoy the outdoors to a greater extent, and we can lead more meaningful lives.

That’s why the American Lung Association of California has been doing its part to help save lives and improve the health of Californians and their lungs.

Through research, education, and advocacy, the organization fights to reduce smoking, keep the air we breathe clean,

nity. Local teams band together to raise money and arrive the day of the walk to show their support for the American Lung Association of California.

With the money raised, our local chapter can fund its Asthma 101 educational program that provides basic information

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photo courtesy american lung association of california

Airing it Out

American Lung Association of California

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SPOTLIGHT

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Mr. & Mrs. Liston Foster (Jenna Lazzerini) June 26th, 2010

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Heli Powell & Amy Smith

Laura Wolfe & Maureen Buscher-Dang

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Boys & Girls Clubs Bunco

Hosted at Christine’s and Lolo’s at Stockdale Fashion Plaza, this rousing event proved to be very beneficial to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Kern County.

Guests enjoyed a wonderful evening of wine, sweet treats, and fabulous Brighton prizes while they tried their hand (or should we say dice?) at Bunco. All proceeds will fund Club programs in the coming year.

Cassie Downs & Summer Hankins

ANDERSON ACRES Boarding • DAYCARE GROOMING • TRAINING PICK-UP & DELIVERY

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July Mulhofer & Sara Shoop

Jean Scheiber & Michelle Watson

Judith Harniman & Jan St. Pierre

Holly Arnold & Frank Wooldridge

David & Linda Milazzo

Chamber Mixer

Kevin Burton & Dorris Depew

Dan Johnson

Harley Pinson

126 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: GEMCare Health Plan, Inc.

The Greater Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce kicked off the holidays in style this year with a festive mixer. Held at The Law Offices of Young Wooldridge, LLP, the mixer was well attended by some of our city’s most influential people. Guests enjoyed a delightful evening of cocktails and hors d’oeuvres as well as great networking and celebration.

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Rick Kreiser, Susie Geiger & Scott Kuney

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Wine Fest

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Junior League of Bakersfield did it again! They hosted a fantastic night of premier wine and food, live and silent auctions, and great fun. Ticket-holders arrived at the Kern County Fairgrounds to taste delectable wines from Silver Oak, Krupp Brothers, ZD, and more, all while enjoying the upscale ambiance and helping Junior League raise money for their programs.

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Thousands of holiday lights and cheerful decorations festively illuminated the facility at BARC, the perfect setting for children of all ages to celebrate the time of year and support BARC Industries. When not sipping hot chocolate and teas, snacking on treats, and strolling through the lights, guests took rides on the Grinch-Mobile and perused the unique crafts for sale.

Kristen, Ethan & Lisa Waite

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THINKING of RELOCATING?

“Consider local, independent, unbiased representation, with 28 years of client centered experience for the quality of service you deserve.”

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Celebrating their new partnership, San Joaquin Community Hospital and Quest Imaging threw a VIP-style bash and Open House party at Quest to a great crowd. The evening included guided tours of this top-level facility.

Attendees, who ranged from the business industry to community-minded citizens, were treated to savory hors d’oeuvres as well as live jazz.

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Krishna Kylasa & Larry Sanford

Barbara Waggoner, Renee & Bill Zeider

Brandon Magno

Manmit Singh, Amanpreet Sarai & Rooh Sidhu

Bakersfield Prayer Breakfast

Nancy Wren & Bob Williams

Roughly 1,000 Bakersfield residents packed Rabobank Convention Center for this 31st annual breakfast, which seeks to provide support and faith to our community. People from all walks of life dined on an early morning breakfast and heard inspirational messages from Bakersfield native Patrick Lencioni and other influential people in our area before heading off to work on a high note.

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George & Donna Richaud

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Christine Frazier & Warren Brooks

CALM Exhibit

The California Living Museum happily unveiled its state-of-the-art Cats of California Exhibit to excited families from around Kern County. Those who trekked to CALM for the grand opening were treated to glimpses of the two mountain lions and three bobcats currently housed on the grounds. The project was financed by the nonprofit CALM Foundation with donations from hundreds of supporters.

Don & Yvonne Turkal

Barbara Coley

Cathy John Beard Butler

Brittnie Smith

Tonya Dretzka & Pauline Bartlett

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Kristi Frick & Melissa Langley

Emily Threatt & Jan Fulton

Koral Hancharick

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Alexis Day & Eddie Zepeda

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Freddie & Fred Porter

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Sandra Serramo, Penny & Camile Fulton & Isis Barron

Christine Mckee & Susan Reep Penelope Bartenstein & Linda Osburn

Jeanette’s Farewell Party

Nicole McKenzie & Kari Hunter

Friends of Jeanette Richardson gathered at the Petroleum Club to wish the longtime Executive Director of the Arts Council of Kern a fond farewell as she retires from the position. Those in attendance enjoyed live music, sampled savory hors d’oeuvres, and sipped on cocktails as they reminisced on the years of service Jeanette has provided to the local arts community. Good luck, Jeanette!

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Advanced Planning • 397-9541 www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Go Red 2011 129

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bakersfield’s sound

Photo courtesy of chris brewer

Photo cour

the Magnificent Roundhouse

akersfield and Kern County have long had a romance with the rails. In the late 1800s, just a few decades after Cyrus K. Holliday started the Santa Fe Railway in 1859, the land in these parts was well-covered with steel tracks. With freight lines and passenger lines traveling north and south, east and west, the Kern County railroad industry was growing at an unprecedented rate.

Here in Bakersfield, that growth continued well into the early 1900s as more and more cargo was shipped across the West in the name of Manifest Destiny.

So much cargo, in fact, that time was of the essence. But the need to move locomotives from track to track and to perform engine tune-ups was no small feat. That’s when Bakersfield’s roundhouses really came into use.

The Santa Fe Railroad Roundhouse was built in 1909 and was located at the end of the rail yard, east of what is now the Oak Street overpass. At its peak, the roundhouse and the attached shop staffed roughly 240 employees.

Perhaps the most significant fact about this roundhouse was that it was once known as the largest roundhouse in the West. Locomotives would arrive on the turntable, be serviced (no engine could leave the house until the engineer was sure every task on the work order was completed), be housed, or be placed on a different track so it could travel to far off parts of the country.

As the years passed, freight trains still ruled the rails, shipping oil, potatoes, grapes, and a bounty of agricultural products from the San Joaquin Valley across the U.S.—a vital service.

And those running the rails worked long, hard days to supply that need; the sheer power of the trains demanding respect.

While the heyday of the railroad may be in the past, there’s no denying the continued presence of the rails in Kern. After all, nothing says romance better than a historic railway.

the story of bakersfield is all around us, you just have to look — and listen.

130 Bakersfield Magazine / Presented by: GEMCare Health Plan, Inc.

www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Go Red 2011 131

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