Bakersfield Magazine • 29-4 • Corporate Relocation

Traditions & Taste Let’s Go Basque VOL. 29 NO. 4

CORPORATE RELOCATION 22nd Annual Presentation YOUR CITY. YOUR LIFE. YOUR MAGAZINE.

A City of Music Bakersfield’s Sounds FALL 2012

$

3.95

Part 1

3-part Series

Hollywood film crew & actors on location, circa 1917

Plus...

Newly Expanded

Food Section:

www.BakersfieldMagazine.net

Local Restaurant Guide

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FALL 201 2

Designer Frames

Contents

f e at u r e s

You may not need ‘em, but you’ll want ‘em Stuff We Like.........................22 This local lady spills her list of favorites Can’t Live Without..................25 Part II of our special feature on local tribes Kern’s First............................36 co r po r a t e n r e l oc a t i o n

...and so much more.

There are big things happening in big biz It’s All About Jobs...............57

Precision Craftsmanship Extraordinary Technical Know-How Over 35 Years of Experience

Beautiful noise—Eclectic sounds A City of Music......................61

Serving Kern County Residents

Part 1 of a 3 Part Series All the critics agree—this is a must read

FILMed in Kern

49 What do they really think of Kern County?

New S e c ti o n !

How’s the view?

• Tips • Recipes • Restaurants

Mon - Fri 9:00 - 5:30 Sat 9:00 - 1:00

66i-324-099i 10 Bakersfield Magazine

Test your knowledge of our fair city!

BakerTrivia....................69 So just how much do visitors spend?

Visitor Value........................71 ©istockphoto.com/gerenme

Bakersfield 5466 California Ave. at Lennox

Ever asked yourself “Where should I dine?”

RESTAURANT Listings

65

122

We’ve got everything you could need!

Invite them over

75

Put down the candy and put on your costume Scary for Charity...................129 This local charity gets a salute from us Saying Thanks.....................135

www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Fall 2012 11

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FALL 201 2

Contents

D E P ART M E N TS

— and —

Family horrors at the picture show Letter from the Editor.............17 A look at some of the talent behind this issue Contributor’s Cafe...............18

The Bakersfield Marriott at the Convention Center cordially invites you to attend their annual Golf Classic benefitting Kern Partnership for Children and Families.

The Tournament will be held on Friday, October 19th at Riverlakes Golf Course, 5201 Riverlakes Dr., Bakersfield, CA with Shotgun start at 2pm.

Fall foliage tips from our favorite gardener

Gardening with mrs. P The ongoing goings-on in our cool county

Kern Facts

19

Make the “jeans and boots” look your own The Bakersfield Look.............33

99

There’s more than barbecue in Santa Maria Great Getaways.............103 A breakfast plate for the lumberjack in us all Quick Bites....................108

Don’t forget that side order of pickled tongue!

What’s Cookin’................109

A traveling trumpeter who was friends with Glenn Citizen Kern.....................35

“

Combining our Strength to Support Stability, Self-Sufficiency, and Success for Kern County Children.

”

We look forward to your attendance and participation.

Contact Jeff Hayward at:

661-565-9309

All proceeds will go towards

Kern Partnership for Children & Families 12 Bakersfield Magazine

A Bakersfield connection in Paso Robles

113

This local bank didn’t let a crisis get in the way

Life is a cabernet

Can “on location” work for your employee?

Human Resources.................43

Like your cocktails spicy? Take a sip of this Bottoms Up.....................117 We hit the big events—where did we spot you?

Party Chatter...................142

The line “What’s your sign” makes sense!

Home & Garden...............96

A legendary inn, an iconic sign, and Buck Bakersfield’s Sound........146

KERN RISKTAKERS

39

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Laser services Regular Laser Facial $120 Deep Laser Facial $150 Topical Anesthetic $5

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTIONS

VALLEY OXYGEN HOME OXYGEN

NEBULIZERS

SLEEP DEVICES

ONE MINUTE BUSINESS BRIEF Curriculum Vitae.................44 THE SERIES

Achievers.......................79

CORPORATE R E L O C A T I O N Corporate Profiles..........92

home & Garden resources

Home & Garden.................97

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The Dining Guide The Dining Guide...............118

MEDICAL PROFILES Medical Profiles.................127

community partners Community Partners........128

Shoppers Bazaar..............138

everafters...

Weddings......................140

The state of Healthcare in Kern County plus

Cheap Eats

g in er m mb o C ce 12 De 20

www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Fall 2012 15

remembering

Donna Louise Corum founder . visionary . friend

Vol. 29 No. 4

Fall 2012

Publisher Les Corum Executive Editor Mike Corum Assistant Editor Anika Henrikson Garden Editor Lynn Pitts Wine & Food Editor Mike Stepanovich Creative Director Chuck Barnes Graphic Artist Laura Turner Systems/Production Ryan Turner Sales & Marketing Lisa Corum Greg DeWitt Lesley Reneau Photography/Editorial Assistant Isabel Alvarez Staff Writer Maryann Kopp Contributing Writers Mayor Harvey L. Hall Tracie Grimes, David Lyman David Nigel Lloyd Matthew Martz Robin Paggi, Alan Tandy Accounting/Human Resources Melissa Galvan Distribution/Circulation Brigit Ayers Cover Photo HollywoodPhotographs.com Bakersfield Magazine, Inc. 1601 New Stine Road, Suite 200 Bakersfield, CA 93309

Office (661) 834-4126 Fax (661) 834-5495 marketing@bakersfieldmagazine.net www.bakersfieldmagazine.net Bakersfield Magazine is published bi-monthly by Bakersfield Magazine, Inc. All rights reserved. ŠCopyright 2012 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 $14.95 for 1 year, $21.95 for 2 years.

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Photo courtesy MGM

Letter from the Editor

“The Curse”

Like most kids, going to the movies was part of my youth. But as a family, going to the theater together was a nono; taboo; strictly off limits!

We didn’t talk about it, and it wasn’t for religious reasons or anything like that, but it was our “skeleton in the closet” so to speak. Well, it was mine.

Sure, Dad would take my brother and me to see films like Easy Rider and Live and Let Die (without Mom), and Mom would take us to see films like Fantasia and Swiss Family Robinson (without Dad) but my parents and I would never venture out to a theater together as a family because of certain “incidents.”

Even so, I would constantly suggest, “Let’s all go to the movies tonight.”

Mom and Dad would stare at me blankly before looking panicked. Dad would say things like, “Sorry, can’t, gotta clean the gutters.” Only thing was, we didn’t have gutters.

One night, as we drove down the road, I remember looking up and seeing, “Battle for the Planet of the Apes Now Showing” on a theater marquee. I begged my parents to take us until I was blue in the face, but to no avail. All they said, in Stepford Wives-like unison, was, “Remember Michael, remember.” But I couldn’t remember...

The year was 1968, and a movie by the name of 2001: A Space Odyssey was making its debut. Dad had waited months for the film to finally arrive in theaters and mom reluctantly agreed that they could take me as our “first movie out” together. This was still a time when going to the movies was a big deal; people still dressed up and movies were still shown in opulent theaters. It was widely publicized that the movie had been filmed with the newest technology and would be shown in Cinerama. Dad could hardly wait, but he’d have to. It seems that not one, not two, but three different viewings were attempted. We had to leave prior to intermission every time, never getting to see the entire film.

Turns out, I couldn't hold my candy very well at six years of age (and it’s prob-

ably why I hate malted milk balls to this day). And so the curse was born...and from that point on, family movie night was at home in front of the TV. Nevertheless, movies were always a big part of my life and as we discovered, movies are a big part of Kern County's history. So, it is with all the glitz and glamor of a Hollywood premiere that we present part one of a three-part series on Film Making in Kern (pg. 49). With the help of the Kern County Film Commission we researched and unearthed our role as Hollywood’s backdrop—and discovered over 100 years of film making in our backyard. The history is so rich, we have to spread it over three issues to cover it all. Part one focuses on early films shot in Kern County, from the silent film era to the classics. It’s one of the most daunting, yet most enjoyable features, we’ve ever done, and we hope you agree.

This is also our 22nd Annual Corporate Relocation issue and we have several stories on the merits of doing business in Kern County—we’re open for business and business is good (pg. 56). These stories, plus a newly-expanded food section, and all of our regular features make this a blockbuster of an issue.

About 35 years later, we all got together and rented 2001: A Space Odyssey, I stayed away from the malted milk balls...but it seemed the curse was still with us. Mom ended up reading a magazine and dad fell asleep…I still don’t think he’s ever seen the entire movie.

Enjoy!

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(661) 871-5787 BakersfieldRedPepper.com www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Fall 2012 17

Contributor’s

Café

Showcasing some of this issue’s talented contributors.

NORTHEAST 3615 Mt. Vernon Ave. 661-871-3556

CENTRAL 4130 California Ave. 661-325-4717

NORTHWEST 4750 Coffee Road 661-588-4700

SHAFTER 300 East Lerdo Hwy. 661-746-9244

tonyspizzabakersfield.com

“Tony’s Pizza Really Piles It On!” Californian food critic, Pete Tittl

Harvey L. Hall Harvey L. Hall is the longest-serving mayor in Bakersfield’s history, having been elected to his fourth term in 2012. Mayor Hall was raised in Bakersfield and is a life-long Californian.

He attended Bakersfield High School, Bakersfield College, and San Francisco City College.

In 1971, Mr. Hall founded Hall Ambulance Service, Inc., where he serves at the helm as President/CEO.

Alan Tandy Alan Tandy is Bakersfield’s City Manager.

Born in Salem, Oregon, Mr. Tandy has worked in city management since 1973, first as an assistant city manager in Rock Island, Illinois, and then later as City Manager in Napoleon, Ohio; Gillette, Wyoming; Billings, Montana and, since 1992, in Bakersfield. He is married to Dr. Kathleen Q. Tandy. They have four children.

David Lyman David Lyman is Manager of the Bakersfield Convention and Visitors Bureau. He has worked for the City of Bakersfield for more than 25 years, promoting his hometown through business attraction, business retention, redevelopment, and enterprise zone efforts. He holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration, a Master’s Degree in Public Policy, and a Ph.D. in Political Science.

Alex Solorzano Alex Solorzano is a professional photographer in Bakersfield, California. He has photographed all over the state and has been nationally published. He is a UC-San Diego alumnus with a degree in Visual Arts Media.

He spends his time photographing, working as a travel agent, and being a devoted husband and a father to three children. He is the photographer of our Achiever Profiles.

18 Bakersfield Magazine

Kern Facts

People • Places • Events

He’s a dentist with his own practice and she’s the office manager for another dental office in town, so this lovely couple has

HIS & Hers a lot to smile about.

Be honest—what was the first thing you thought when you met your future spouse for the first time?

Marty: I met him at a seminar both our offices were attending.

We were in a break-out session together and I told another person from my office that he seemed like a really nice guy. Three years later, we had friends, mutual patients, and my boss’s wife trying to match us up. Numerous people had told him to call me, so he finally did.

Michael: What beautiful eyes!

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

Marty: Deciding which person was going to get credit for match making.

Michael: Probably the reaction from our children when seeing us kiss...

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

Marty: Walked for hours in the pouring rain across Manhattan because I wanted to see the

in step with:

Michael & Marty Weinberg

He is still my “Prince Charming” after 21 years! —Marty Weinberg famous Macy’s store and wanted to walk no matter what.

Michael: Surprise 50th birthday party held at the old Melodrama Theater in Oildale. I was led to believe that my barbershop quartet was performing for the mayor.

When we went out onto the stage, after singing a few bars of our first song, the house lights were turned on and I saw 200 of my friends (including some from high school and college years) and family sitting in the audience!

What is your spouse’s biggest phobia?

Marty: Heights and the thought of having to clean off his desktop.

Michael: Small, crawling animals (especially rats)!

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

Marty: He will say he is. Need I say more?

Michael: I do, because she’s (almost) never wrong! Ha! Ha! What is your spouse most passionate about?

Marty: His work and music. I am not sure which he enjoys more. He is passionate about being a great dentist and enjoys his patients. He also absolutely loves music and used to play the saxophone in the band in high school and at USC. He used to sing in a barbershop quartet and truly adores music and singing.

Michael: Family. She loves spending time with (doting on) our grandchildren.

What’s your favorite thing to do in Bakersfield?

Marty: We love going to dinner at our favorite restaurant (Valentien) and spending time at home with our very spoiled three dogs and two cats.

Michael: Attend any music performance with friends.

What is your least favorite thing about your spouse and most favorite thing?

Marty: Least favorite—piles!

Stacks of magazines, journals, and papers in his car, drawers, and desk. Argh! Most favorite— everything else! He is still my “Prince Charming” after 21 years!

Michael: Least favorite—her O.C.D. about time/being on time (we can’t pack “too soon” for a trip out of town). Most favorite—all the traits she has that make her my BEST FRIEND. I love when she laughs at my (corny) jokes.

www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Fall 2012 19

Kern Facts

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In 1915, door-to-door jitney service began in Bakersfield.

An election was held to choose between the railway and jitne ys.

The railway was chosen and jitne ys were banned. Bakersfield was the first community in California to ban jitneys as a public nuisance. The railway company began transporting passengers in small buses.

Source: Kern Council of Governm ents (http://www.kerncog.org/cms/publi cations/ transportation-history)

A

HOW’S YOUR LUCK LATELY?

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not won in the last three months

Percentage of women in Kern County

48.4 Time in hours, minutes, and seconds of the Guinness World Recordbreaking longest dance marathon

by Bakersfield teacher Carrie Swidecki

21:56:26

The year Pierce Road was renamed Buck Owens Boulevard

1998

146,629 Meals provided by the Bakersfield Homeless Center in 2011 16,000 People that attend the bi-annual Festivals at the Park at River Walk 202 Lodge number of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows that opened in Kern in 1872 53 Boys and Girls Club of Kern County sites Sources: Guinness World Records; quickfacts.census.gov; bgclubsofkerncounty.org; Historic Chronology of Kern County; bakersfieldcity.us; bakhc.org

www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Fall 2012 21

Kern Facts

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Luchiano Visconti Black Label Men’s Shirt, $125

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Strawberry Cheesecake Cupcake, $36/dozen

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22 Bakersfield Magazine

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FEAR NOT Taking it to the wall at the SENIOR GAMES

adies and gentlemen, let the Games begin!

This October will mark the Sixth Annual Kern County Senior Games—an event that features several Olympicstyle competitions for those people in our community who are 60 years of age and better. Sharon Varner, the director for leisure services at Rosewood Senior Living Community, where the event takes place, detailed, “There will be a two mile run, a walka-thon—which a 95-year-old won last year!—a horseshoe toss, water exercises, Wii Bowling, a softball toss, a putting green, and many other activities for the seniors

to participate in. We have different events with varying levels of difficulty so everyone can be a part.” And it really is something that the competitors and spectators, alike, enjoy.

One such senior is W.H. “Bill” Varner, another 95-yearold local who has competed every single year since the Games had their start. “In 2009, I was awarded as the overall champion. I have accumulated approximately thirteen medals, overall, eight of them for first or second place. Just last year I was the oldest competitor to climb the rock wall!” Not only does he love the actual event, but he is also a big fan of the

George M. Wahba, M.D. Harvard-Trained Spine Surgeon Specialized in Cervical, Thoracic, and Lumbar Spine Surgery

W.H. “Bill” Varner still climbs up the rock wall at 95 years young.

parade, which is another huge draw. Children from grammar school all the way to high school get dressed up to make the parade even more exciting.

“The Senior Games are truly an awesome experience for those involved,” Sharon said.

“It helps build self esteem because people from all over come out just to watch the seniors. Mayor Hall awards the medals, there are cheerleaders present, and we even crown an oldest king and queen, who do a TV interview, are given flowers and crowns, and get to ride in the parade.”

This year, they are expecting about 1,000 people to come out and support our local seniors.

But it’s not all just games— there’s even more fun to be had! A free lunch is provided, and there is also a silent auction and a vendor’s fair.

For more information, contact Sharon Varner at (661) 835-2545.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF ROSEWOOD SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITY

L

People • Places • Events

Spinal Stenosis, Disc Herniations, Sciatica/Leg Pain/Arm Pain, Spinal Deformity/Scoliosis, Spinal Trauma, Spinal Tumors, Revision Surgeries

Dr. Wahba is locallybased in Bakersfield, and he is excited to be providing world-class care to Kern County and surrounding communities.

Dr. Wahba obtained his undergraduate degree at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and graduated Summa Cum Laude with College Honors. He earned his medical degree from the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) School of Medicine, which is consistently ranked as one of the top medical schools in the country.

Dr. Wahba graduated from UCSF at the top of his class, as a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honors Society. He completed a 5-year residency in Orthopedic Surgery at the University of California, Irvine (UCI). At that point, Dr. Wahba decided to expand his expertise by completing a prestigious fellowship in Spine Surgery from Harvard Medical School. During that time, he trained at Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham & Women’s Hospital in Boston, two of the most renowned medical centers in the world.

Mercy Orthopedic, Spine, & Hand Center Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield – Southwest Campus 400 Old River Rd, Bakersfield, CA 93311

(661) 663-6550

www.BakersfieldSpine.com www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Fall 2012 23

Photo BY dorothea lange/COURTESY library of congress

Kern Facts

W

hen John Steinbeck published The Grapes of Wrath in 1939, he did more than just tell a story; he created Days of the a book that so wonderfully captured a moment in time that it would be forever associated with our nation’s history. But Steinbeck was not the only one fascinated by the Dust Bowl and many historians continue to unearth information relative to the people who came to Kern County only to realize just how hard life could be.

Today, there are many who celebrate the strength of these early Kern residents. One such celebration is the annual Dust Bowl Days in Weedpatch. Since 1990, this festival has shown folks what life was like for these migrant workers and their families so long ago. Most importantly, the event honors their sacrifice. Though it’s ROLLING THE DICE been hosted for over two decades, Dust Bowl Days has only grown in popularity. This year’s festival takes place October 20 at Sunset School (8301 Sunset Boulevard, adjacent to the camp known as Sunset Camp) in Weedpatch. Available all day will be the ever growing Dust Bowl collection which includes pictures, artifacts, and memorabilia of an era which is now gaining the recognition it deserves.

There’s also fun to be had with horseshoe pitching, an antique car show, country music, and square dancing. No matter what, though, attendees will come away feeling appreciation for the pioneers who ventured to this area for a better life, only to be faced with a harsh reality.

For more information, visit www.weedpatchcamp.com.

H

Getting the Point

ow many of you can say you’ve seen a Bakersfield Cactus? And not just a cactus planted somewhere in Bakersfield, smart alec, because there’s a difference!

Our fair city is cool enough to have a cactus named after it.

Unfortunately, the Bakersfield Cactus—more accurately called Opuntia basilaris var. treleasei in the scientific community— has been on the Endangered Species list since 1990. It’s a beautiful succulent, so if you’re wandering out in the Mojave Desert (its natural habitat), environmentalists and the U.S. Forest Service suggest you look, but don’t touch. Let’s make sure we keep our namesake cactus around for many years to come.

24 Bakersfield Magazine

Photo by Teresa Prendusi/Courtesy U.S. Forest Service

Photo COURTESY OF Kern County Library

Dust Bowl

TOP

10

People Places •B•Town Events In &• Around

Can’t Live Without

Charming 26-year-old secretary Leslie Luna gives us her list of the top ten most important things (besides the big ones) that she’s gotta have.

Jergens All Purpose Face Cream

Friday Night

1

Used this cream since I can remember since my grandma uses it, too.

The feeling that you are about to begin something new, every weekend.

10

9

2 Express Dress Pants Best fit.

Comfortable.

Nachos

Nachos make everything better…every time.

ASICs Running Shoes

I run every day and I need a shoe that’s comfortable.

3

Pearls

Mascara

I use Maybelline Great Lash (the one in the pink and green tube).

5

Talk about a way to add class to any look. I love the color.

8

4 Bolthouse ACAI Berry Juice

It’s good for my body (antioxidants!) and it’s got a great taste.

6 Cosmopolitan

It’s a delicious drink that does the job quick with fewer calories.

7 Stud Earrings They go with everything!

www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Fall 2012 25

Kern Facts High Fashion at Affordable Prices LA Idol Miraclebody Jeans Zenim Tru Luxe Liberty Wear MEK Denim Ethyl Platinum Plush The Classic Rock Me Baby Cult of Individuality

T

Photos courtesy of Discovery Channel

Juniors & Women 0-21 Kids 4-16

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www.hillcrest-ac.com 26 Bakersfield Magazine

he next time you decide to take a dip in the Pacific, think about the creatures lurking just under your feet. Whatever you do, don’t think about the creatures that would be lurking just below the surface if we were living on earth two million years ago. Namely, everyone’s favorite great white shark on steroids: the megalodon. Swimming straight out of the Cenozoic Era and into our collective nightmares, this 50-foot shark could take down a whale with one bite and it lived where we do (only long ago, when the area was deep under the ocean).

That’s cool enough, right? Well, earlier this spring, The Discovery Channel traveled to Kern County’s Sharktooth Hill and the Buena Vista Museum of Natural History to do some research for a massive megalodon replica they were creating for the show Massive Sharkzilla as part of this year’s Megalodon “Shark Week.”

“I didn’t know what to expect when I arrived at Sharktooth Hill,” said Jim Sharits, VP of Production for Technifex, the Valencia-based company tasked with building the replica. “It’s breathtaking; you can really imagine what the area was like when these animals were alive. We were finding fossils all over the place.”

Sharits was given a tour of the area and he, along with Sean and Lisa Tolhill, and a shark expert Chuck Ciampaglio, discovered a fossilized megalodon tooth. “It was truly unearthed that day,” Sharits said. “It was the basis for the entire show—it was perfect. The tooth put everything into perspective…including the size of this animal. And it was right in our backyard.”

So, if you actually do want to imagine what would have been hanging out in the ocean millions of years ago, all you have to do is take a trip to BVMNH.

Did You Know?

the year 1871 was a big one for Kern County.

Not only was our Town Hall built that year, but the California Cotton Growers ed.

Association was establish t firs the er, tob Oc Later, in in d hel s wa ss Catholic Ma .

Bakersfield (in Galtes store)

Source: Historic Chronology of Kern County

expressions

Local

People • Places • Events

D

eon Bell, who has lived in Bakersfield since 1997, is essentially a modern artist. Yet his work has a medieval quality to it in, among other things, its vivid palette. “I do love the Renaissance painters,” he admitted.

The reason he became an artist, however, is as old as humanity itself. He became an artist to master a disability.

“I didn’t talk much while growing up,” he said. “I had a speech impediment. And when I did talk, no one understood me except D-Shon, my older brother. He was always translating.”

It took Bell until age 14 to master over-pronunciation so that others could understand him.

“ I want people to leave a show of my work still thinking about my pieces.”

—Deon Bell

Until then? “I drew a lot,” he explained. He gave many drawings away as gifts.

At age 15, after his parents separated, he moved with his mother and two brothers from Los Angeles, where he was born, to the relative quiet of the Moreno Valley in Riverside County.

“I had a lot of support from my mother to go to college.” After half a semester studying art at Riverside Community College, Bell took a job with San Bernardino’s city bus service. Another job with Bell Telephone necessitated

a move back to Los Angeles.

When he was 25, he rejoined his mother and brothers who were, by then, living in Bakersfield. Having had enough of jobs that he neither liked nor was well suited for, he eagerly resumed his arts education at Bakersfield College.

“The first thing I learned was,”

he said with only the slightest chuckle, “I was doing everything wrong. I didn’t know anything about the mathematics of the face and the body. I couldn’t really draw. I didn’t even know the complementary colors.”

He took it all in his stride. “It didn’t take me long to correct those errors,” he elaborated.

At BC, Chelita Robinson helped him realize his love of figure drawing. “She was a great teacher.” Robinson taught him to discover a motif present in nearly all his art. “Call it an internal struggle between the spiritual and the natural,” he added, after some thought.

Bell, now 39, works mainly in oil or acrylic. His work shows frequently in Bakersfield galleries with a piece recently shown at the Bakersfield Museum of Art.

By David Nigel Lloyd

He is currently working with three loosely defined series.

One consists of single figures, highly abstracted with limbs folded neatly into the frame of the painting. They are depersonalized but not alienated. In his monochromatic cityscape series, highly simplified buildings, their “waists” squeezed like hourglasses, seem to dance behind tangles of telephone wires. His jazz musicians, meanwhile, play an analogous elegant visual music.

One can see both the influence of Picasso, one of his favorite painters, and also the loving curves, figurative distortions, and bright colors of the early Renaissance masters.

In 2008, Bell wanted to start an arts magazine and ended up running a gallery—several of them— instead. “It’s a complicated story,” he laughs. “But, I enjoyed it a lot. I love to see phenomenal work by artists who have never shown. I like asking them, ‘where have you been?’ ” Through this curating work, Deon Bell has many friends in the local arts community. Bakersfield is home. He loves teaching his son, who “draws real cool dragons,” the basics that he never learned until adulthood.

“My main goal in painting,” said the man who began life not talking much, “is to share a piece of myself with the viewer without verbally communicating.” He is currently building a large enough body of strong work to exhibit in Los Angeles. “I want people to leave a show of my work still thinking about my pieces.”

www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Fall 2012 27

Kern Facts Village Artisans

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ear ye, hear ye! Art thou looking for a weekend full of sword fights, music, fun costumes—and a kissing troll?

Kern County’s Village Artisans have just the event to satiate your hunger for all things legendary: the Medieval Faire in the Kingdom of Camelot will be making its return to Bakersfield this fall!

Central Park will be transformed to a time when knights rode white horses into far off kingdoms to fair maidens who awaited them. Dozens of local vendors, all dressed in medieval garb (and many with booths decorated to match), will be hawking their unique wares. Painters, woodcrafters, seamstresses, and jewelry makers are just a few of the talented folks who will be present

Family Rates Available

to showcase their handiwork. There will also be a variety of delicious food, and attendees can gnaw on a turkey leg or funnel cake while watching Stockdale High School students perform Shakespeare.

If that’s not enough, Bakersfield’s own shire, known as the Shire of Wintermist, will be staging sword fights and hand-tohand combat for attendees. Our shire is a local territory in the Kingdom of Caid within the Society for Creative Anachronism, an international organization dedicated to celebrating the arts and skills of Medieval times.

And the Faire has an interesting history in Kern County. This is the third year that the faire has been running since it came back from a long hiatus of over 20 years.

According to Linda Schore, vice president of the Village Artisans, this event is going to be a wondrous time for people of all ages. The two-day festival takes place on October 27 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and October 28 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For further information or if you’re interested in being a vendor, contact Schore by calling (661) 852-8259 or via email bakersfieldvillageartisans@yahoo.com.

photo courtesy of sherry king

www.gabrielssong.net

photo courtesy of sherry king

H

28 Bakersfield Magazine

The Shire of Wintermist is a local territory in the Kingdom of Caid within the Society for Creative Anachronism

In & Around B•Town

Light Up

The Night photo courtesy of links for life

P

ink is more than just the favorite color of little girls everywhere, it’s the color of hope for tens of thousands in Kern County. That’s why so many of you are seeing pink everywhere this month.

So while you might have noticed certain businesses and hospitals emitting a rosy glow whenever October rolls around, you might not know why. Local Links for Life Executive Director Jennifer Henry shed a little light on the subject.

“October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and as part of our events, Links for Life provides pink gel to go on [building] lights for our major donors, along with a projector that shines a large awareness ribbon on the side of their business. It is [part of our] Paint the Town Pink campaign.”

Kern residents are invited and encouraged to join in the campaign by donning pink or decking out their home with pink lighting. It’s a small way of showing your support.

For over 20 years, Links for Life has raised funds to help local women struggling with the disease. They do this through awareness campaigns, like Paint the Town Pink, but also through walks in both Tehachapi and Bakersfield called Lace’n It Up for Links for Life.

So if you happen to be passing by a business at night and see pink lights shining, applaud them for their commitment to spreading awareness and then join the cause. Move over, red— Bakersfield residents are looking to paint this town pink!

For more information, visit www.linksforlife.org.

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Let’s Go

Superorb

W

PHOTO COURTESY MIKE MASSEE/XCOR

Kern Facts

l a it

hoever said Kern County was out of this world had no idea just how much. That is, unless they were savvy enough to know about XCOR Aerospace! For years, the folks at XCOR (a propulsion manufacturer based in Mojave) have been working on a craft that will shoot people out into suborbital space— and they have succeeded in doing just that.

For a mere $95,000, you can take a trip on the Lynx: a suborbital spacecraft that will launch you into the cosmos for about thirty minutes, where you can experience, firsthand, the many wonders of being weightless and seeing the universe at an up close and personal range. The cost of the ticket covers a necessary medical examination as well as G-Force training and an orientation. The coolest part? It all takes place right out of their own Mojave facility!

The flights aren’t just for space tourism, either. Mike Massee, media relations for XCOR, revealed that there is a whole world of possibilities for those interested in Lynx. “There are a lot of things that can be done with that vehicle. Companies can conduct experiments dealing with microgravity; bio experts can see the effects of spaceflight on humans; and there’s always astro observation, where you can take a telescope with you and get a closer look at your surroundings.”

The company has its sights set to greater feats, and they’re looking to further their capacities for space travel in the not-toodistant future. “This is a stepping stone,” Massee confirmed. “The ultimate goal is to do full orbital flights. There is a lot of room for growth.” And with growth comes change. In this case, it’s growth that will quite literally affect how the world perceives travel, and it’s all happening in our own backyard!

To get your ticket, or to just learn more about a very stellar company, visit their website at www.xcor.com.

30 Bakersfield Magazine

Skilled Hands

After only four months of archery, she went to the world trials and made the U.S. team!

A

the Natural

year and a half ago, no one could have convinced veteran Martha Chavez that she would soon be a world-class archer.

“I’ve been in a wheelchair for three and a half years,” Chavez said. “When I was going through rehabilitation, they wanted me to get into a sport, so I tried handcycling. That was all that I wanted to do, as far as sports were concerned.”

A visit to the Paralympic Military Sports Camp in San Diego was the first time Chavez was approached for her unique ability with the bow and arrow. Everyone who attended the Camp had to participate in every chair sport available, and when it came Chavez’s turn to try archery, she impressed more than a few people. Later on, she made her way to the National Veteran Wheelchair Games and she ran into the same situation. When she hit her targets effortlessly, she impressed those watching, yet again, including the Head Coach of the U.S. Paralympics,

who invited her to watch an archery competition in San Diego.

Chavez reluctantly agreed, and it turned out to be a decision that would change her life for the better and bring her a sense of fulfillment that she wasn’t expecting.

“After I went to that competition, I decided I would give archery a chance.” Ever since, she has been heavily involved in the sport, training with Paralympian Jeff Fabry in Lemoore for fiveto six-hour stretches. Otherwise, she trains indoors at The Archery Shop for two to three hours at a time. She shoots six days out of the week, and does exercises at home with a string that has the same amount of draw that her bow possesses, so she can work on the muscles (and the muscle memory) that need to be utilized.

“You have to engage all of the muscles in your back, shoulders, and arms and you must have a solid front arm [for holding the bow in place].”

To see her shoot is a lesson in precision and focus. She uses a compound bow, which only weighs about five pounds.

However, the draw on her bow is equivalent to 50 pounds. She turns sideways, using her left hand to hold the bow and her right to pull the string back, with the back of her hand resting on her jaw, palm facing away from her. Her vision stays fixed on the sight, guiding her to her target. She rests for a few seconds, focusing intently (she and her fellow archers call it “Zone in on the gold,” according to Chavez), before she releases the string to send the arrow sailing to the target.

The arrows travel 320 feet per second, and it not only takes strength and the right muscles to

Martha Chavez perfect this sport, but a calm demeanor. “This is a very precise sport,” Chavez revealed.

“It is one where you have to bring your heartbeat down and keep your breathing level. You need to keep calm.”

And she would know about keeping calm, even when be-

“Archery has taken over my life and I wouldn’t have it any other way!”

—Martha Chavez

ing watched by countless people in the numerous competitions that she has engaged in several times a year—and she has traveled well outside of our country’s borders while doing so. After only four months of archery, she went to the world trials and made the U.S. team, a group that she has grown

close to and loves being around.

Not only are they supportive, but they all share the same love of the sport. Since then, she has been to Italy for her first competition and placed 17th, which put her in the 27th spot, globally. Chavez went to London just a few months ago to compete in the European Grand Prix stop in Stoke Mandeville. She has also participated in the Oklahoma Endeavor Games and has traveled extensively through the U.S. with her team.

“I cannot describe how much I enjoy this sport,” she said, with a smile. “The camaraderie with my team has been wonderful, and I have met so many incredible people. Archery has taken over my life, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

With such a fierce talent representing the U.S. abroad, that’s a very good thing.

www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Fall 2012 31

32 Bakersfield Magazine

Joey Frost, 46 Occupation: Oilfield Health and Safety Consultant Are you a Bakersfield Native?

Yes, I have been here since I can remember.

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

Bond No. 9.

Do you think Bakersfield has a style?

Well, I’d like to say it’s a boot and hat kind of town, but there is a mix of everything.

Describe your personal style.

I mix it up all the time. From boots to a Steelers jersey to sandals in the summer.

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

I’m a simple kind of guy…

10 minutes.

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

I like Dr. Christian Troy’s style from Nip/Tuck.

What are you wearing?

Pants are Armani, the shirt is Guess, and the vest is Alfani. My watch is Wittnauer, glasses are Versace, and the boots are Justin.

Does your style change when you are not at work?

Yes! In the summer I go for the shorts and sandals. When it’s cooler I go for the jean and boots look.

How do you personalize your “business” look?

Well, there’s not really much to personalize. Since I do most of my work in the oilfields, I just keep it practical.

What are your favorite places to shop in Bakersfield?

Snead’s, Kohl’s, and, believe it or not, Apricot Lane. It has some cool men’s clothing, too.

What is your favorite item of clothing?

It’s not so much clothing…but my sunglasses. I have about 52 pairs.

What is the biggest fashion mistake you have made?

Painter pants. Need I say more?

Are you a bargain hound?

No. If I like it, I buy it!

What mistakes do you think women make when they dress?

Trying to be too trendy. Bakersfield women are the best in the country. They should stay close to natural and as far away from the Kardashians as possible!

FASHION TIP: Ditch the painter pants.

www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Fall 2012 33

34 Bakersfield Magazine

Name: William E. “Whitey” Thomas Age: 92 Birthplace: Rocky Mountain, NC Title: Musician

How he got started: In 1930, Thomas (known as “Whitey,” due to his bright blond hair) started playing trumpet in the Arcanum Orchestra of Rocky Mountain at the age of nine. His big break came years later. “I had asked a girl out on a date, but when I went to pick her up, her mother said she had a cold and couldn’t go,” Thomas said. He made his way down to a dancehall where Glenn Miller and his band were performing.

“The trumpet player had to leave suddenly, so they asked me if I would fill in.” He did and, when he joined the Army years later, he was recruited by Miller, himself, for the Glenn Miller Army Air Force Band.

meet

Whitey

Career highlights: He was instrumental in Glenn Miller’s band from 1943-1945, where he entertained troops on the front lines and was part of a weekly radio show called I Sustain the Wings in England.

Thomas also played with Tex Beneke on a tribute album to Miller, titled “Tex Directs Glenn Miller Orchestra.” He also has the honor of being part of the Glenn Miller Birthplace Society, and is one of the few surviving members of the band.

His heroes: Jimmie Lunceford and the old big bands comprised of African Americans are, in Thomas’ opinion, some of the best musicians he has ever listened to.

‘‘

Thomas Glenn Miller’s trumpet player had to leave suddenly, so they asked me if I would fill in.

His favorite part of the industry: Thomas has been on radio, television, and has played in one of the most well-known bands fronted by “America’s favorite musical patriot,” but his favorite part of the industry is simple: “Just playing good music with great musicians.” Coming from a guy who played with Tommy Reynolds when he was 18, we’re guessing he has had his share of both!

Photos Courtesy of jimmieluncefordjam.blogspot.com (Lunceford); bigbandlibrary.com (Reynolds); findagrave.com/Ron Moody (Beneke); starscolor.com (Miller)

CITIZEN KERN

‘‘

!

What he’d still like to accomplish: At 92 years of age, Thomas has been the recipient of countless bits of recognition for his work (he was awarded a plaque of honor from Shafter’s mayor, Cathy L. Prout, for his various accomplishments). Consequently, there is just one thing he would like to achieve at this point in his life, “Nothing!”

www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Fall 2012 35

Shelling and preparing acorns for food took many long hours.

This is the second part of our story on Kern’s earliest residents: the Native American people who first called this area home.

In our first installment, we covered the territories inhabited by the Yokuts and Kawaiisu tribes, as well as their diets and general characteristics. We shared insights as to where they came from, and in this, our final segment, we are going to explore the impressions of those who first encountered them and what the Kawaiisu are doing to keep their culture alive today.

The name Kawaiisu means “dried meat eaters” as this what they traded to the Yokuts. But most Kawaiisu people call themselves Nuwa today. This word means “the people.” Tübatulabal, mentioned in our previous article, means “the people that gather and eat pinyon.” These names were both coined by the Yokuts. These are names used by the Yokuts and told to Stephen Powers, the first anthropologist traveling through the San Joaquin Valley in the mid-1800s.

Being hunters and gatherers at that point in history, it was customary in many of the tribes for the men to be responsible for the hunting while the women took care of practically everything else. They gathered the different fruits, nuts, and roots; skinned and prepared the animals that were brought in from the hunt; made clothing, shelter, and utensils out of the animal carcasses; and took care of the children, to list a few.

The clothing that was prepared and worn played a very large role in the perception that miners, surveyors, and missionaries had of the Natives. The absence of clothing was considered brutish and savage. They wore the skin of the animals that they killed, but didn’t have to wear too much because of the climate. The men wore a “breech clout” and the women were adorned in an apron of animal skin.

The Native Americans were erroneously seen as child-like and ignorant. Accounts from people who happened upon these tribes told of a community of people who lived closely to the earth and to all of the resources surrounding them, yet knew very little about it—in other words, they did not yet know how to conquer it by the settlers’ standards. Wallace M. 36 Bakersfield Magazine

Arrows were attached to arrow shafts with deer sinew.

Morgan’s History of Kern County, California stated that, “The average Indian found here by the earliest settlers…reared no temples and built no monuments.” Further, their very dwelling places were considered crude, smoky, and dingy, and they were criticized for making homes that utilized the earth and few other natural items, like wood and skins.

But there is a strange split in what historians have recorded about these people.

American Frontiersman Kit Carson first A Yokuts dinner favorite was happened upon the Native Americans in cooked rabbit dipped in acorn mush.

1829, and he described the valleys as being clustered with a great amount of prosperous tribes. However, just 30 years later, he came back to Kern County to find that all of the tribes which he had previously recorded were no longer in existence! The people who were there in their stead had never heard about them, either.

One thing is clear, however: the descriptions of the Natives varied greatly, depending All photos courtesy of Gene Albitre, upon the account. At the time when Carson Handbook of Yokuts Indians by Frank F. Latta. Used with Permission. made his first journey to Kern County, there were an estimated 100,000 Natives in the entire Additionally, “The Kawaiisu Language and Cultural Center just finished our first state of California. In 1863, the Department of the administration for Native Americans Language Preservation and Maintenance Interior declared that there were only 29,300. project in September 2011,” said Julie Turner, who help coordinate the Center. “It There are many reasons cited for why these peowas a project to develop a practical grammar guide. Kawaiisu Practical Grammar ple went from a flourishing tribe to near extinction. was a two-year project.” This guide will keep the Kawaiisu’s language alive.

As Eugene Burmeister stated in his article “Indians “We are a thriving community,” Robinson explained. “We take great pride in of Early Kern County,” “It appears, fell victim to disbeing Native, we honor our ancestors and sacred sites with respect that they ease, war, and the white man’s fire water.” both deserve, we honor our elders with the utmost respect, and we teach our The descendants of those early residents work children to be proud of the heritage.” v to ensure that the language and culture lives on.

“A few of the preconceived notions about…Kern tribes are that we are artifacts; our ancestors are just bones, our sacred sites are tourist attractions, and that they do not have meaning or spiritual value,” said Bob Robinson, the Co-Chair for the Kern Valley Indian Tribal Council.

So tribal members do what they can do educate the community.

In addition to the Go Native Day we mentioned in the last feature, there’s the annual Standing Bear Pow-Wow, which has been running for 16 years.

“It’s a great day,” said Gene Albitre, member of the Deer provided not only food, Native American Heritage Council of Kern County. but clothing and items for making tools as well.

“It’s a day to promote culture and dance.” The event includes several tribes in the area, including Yokuts. www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Fall 2012 37

38 Bakersfield Magazine

R I S K T A K E R S

Being President and CEO of a bank was pretty impressive.

But creating a successful financial institution from the ground floor up in the face of one of our nation’s worst economic downturns was downright amazing.

photo courtesy of valley republic bank

a

Keeping eyes on

The prize

By Tracie Grimes

lthough the impetus for creating an independent, community bank was born when times were good, by the time things really got rolling, times weren’t so good. They were downright bad, certainly not the time to start building a new bank by most people’s standards. But Bruce Jay, who’s been in banking since 1985 (president and CEO of Bank of Stockdale until 1999, then with Rabobank until 2004), had done his homework and knew there was tremendous potential.

“The banking industry in Bakersfield was poised for growth.

Our proximity to the L.A. basin has always given us an industrial edge as far as movement of goods goes, and between 1990 and 2006 the population had grown by sixty-five percent. From a banking standpoint, our community was underserved,” Jay recalled. “But then things changed.”

And boy did they change. It was in 2008 when the federal government took control of IndyMac Bank (the second-largest bank failure in U.S. history), triggering the financial crisis we’re still digging our way out of. Jay admitted the crisis shook him up a bit, but he was determined to open Valley Republic Bank’s door in spite of the industry meltdown.

“It seemed like every week there were more failures. Banks everywhere were closing and I’m sure there were plenty of peo-

ple who thought, ‘Why open a bank in this market?’ I really had to put on my blinders and keep my eyes on the prize.”

As long as Jay “kept his eyes on the prize” and ignored the naysayers, it was easy for him to look for the positive side of starting up a bank. There was a bright side to opening up a bank in the midst of all the upheaval.

“People work hard for their money and want to trust that the place they put this hard-earned money in is safe. But when banks are failing practically every week, they lose confidence.

That’s when people start looking for a new bank. I truly believed that the financial crisis was actually a good thing for us. We were in a good place as far as building confidence goes because people could look at us and say, ‘here’s a bank with no bad loans’ because we didn’t have any loans,” he said with a chuckle.

Sure, Jay had a few “what if?” moments, but at the end of the day he knew he was on the right track. And it wasn’t like he didn’t know a thing or two about the market. He had some pretty elite community contacts in his Rolodex, too. So, armed with a phone and the numbers of some of our community’s biggest movers and shakers, Jay went to work. It didn’t take long to raise the $2 million they needed to start the filing process, and

by July 2007 Jay had the capital and 24 founding partners >>

www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Fall 2012 39

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he needed to get the ball rolling. Valley Republic Bank was on its way to becoming a reality, and Jay and his start-up team began rolling up their sleeves and getting down to the business of building a bank.

What would make them different? Why would people leave banks they had been with for years, places that have made their financial dreams come true, and come over to the new bank on the block?

“Banking is a people business, not just a place to do business. I just started thinking about the old days of banking,” Jay added, thinking back on his days at the Bank of Stockdale when he knew just about everyone who walked through the door and could answer his customers’ questions right then and there. “We didn’t have to call down to headquarters before we could give a loan; we knew the guy, knew his business, probably knew his family, too, and could give him an answer without calling down to someone who’d never met the guy. Most banks today have become too far removed from their customers; everything has to go before committees in other branches and even other cities before decisions can be made. That’s not the way we wanted our bank to operate. We wanted to bring a bank to Bakersfield that was based on relationships, led by people with deep roots in the community.”

Describing Bakersfield as a “small town in a big city,” Jay’s vision for Valley Republic Bank has always been to be a relation-

“At the center of all the plans we made was, and continues to be, our customers. Our decisions have always been measured in relation to their exceptional advantage for our customers.” —Bruce Jay ship-driven entity. “At the center of all the plans we made was, and continues to be, our customers. Our decisions have always been measured in relation to their exceptional advantage for our customers.”

That’s when they came up with the bank’s purpose: “Our uncommon service creates exceptional value for those we touch.”

Valley Republic’s mantra in place, it was time to take a deep cleansing breath and jump over the many hurdles it took to open the doors of a new financial institution. And it wasn’t long before Jay realized that when you’re building a bank, you’d better count on being in it for the long haul.

“It’s not like building any other kind of business. It’s a marathon rather than a sprint.”

The collapse of the industry meant new regulations were coming down the pike. And these regulations meant FDIC approvals would be delayed or even denied. “You have to remember that when we filed the application for starting a charter bank, it was December 2007. IndyMac failed in 2008. Industry regulations began changing rapidly. There was a little bit of nail biting going on as we waited about seven months before we received our final approval,” Jay remembered, “and we found out we were the last ‘de novo’ [which means “to start from nothing”] charter bank in the western region to be granted approval. To put that in perspective, prior to 2008 there were about 30 charters a year given out in California alone.”

It was a long, hard road getting to this green light, Jay re-

40 Bakersfield Magazine

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Valley Republic Bank was profitable within 18 months and was named one of the 359 safest banks in the nation by Money.com.

called, but now they had to build a bank at a time financial institutions were on their backs. Talk about a risk…

“All I could think of was, ‘Wow. Now we have to go out and raise $20 million in capital by selling stock at a time the stock market was practically flat-lining.’ ” A daunting task for most, but for Jay and his team of the “best of the best,” not a problem. It took less than four weeks.

“We got FDIC approval in November 2008, started offering stock in December, and had to stop the offering because we had maxed out. And on February 2, 2009, Jay, president and CEO of Valley Republic Bank and his team of 11 employees opened their doors to business.

But it wasn’t time to relax. “We will never rest on our laurels,” says the Valley Republic Bank marketing piece titled, Our Clients Say It Best. “It is our mission—and our future—to constantly raise the mark that is our measurement.

“To deliver the best product to our customer, we have to pick and choose where we are going to be competitively most efficient.

Most of all we have to be very patient, because we are always ‘running a marathon’ in this business. It takes a minimum of 10 years to build a bank that’s sustainable and branded, and although we’re not there, we are substantially ahead of our plan to get there.

Times are still turbulent, but weathering turbulent times is the backbone of any great business.”

Given the pace of the financial world over the past decade, odds were stacked against the success of Valley Republic Bank. Banks failing, regulations becoming tougher; it’s a small miracle that Valley Republic was able to open at all.

But open they did, and not only did they beat the odds, they broke records. What started as a small, one-branch bank with 11 employees has now grown to two branches (Valley Republic’s second branch opened in Seven Oaks a few months ago), and over 40 employees.

“From the first day we opened the door to today, every day has been record setting,” Jay said proudly. “We were profitable within 18 months and were recently named one of the 359 safest banks in the nation by Money.com (the only bank to have earned that distinction between Sacramento and Los Angeles).”

Valley Republic Bank has something special, Jay said as he leaned back in his chair and gazed at the bank lobby through the glass walls in his office.

“We have an amazing, cohesive team. Most of us grew up here.

Bakersfield is our home. We work here, play here…that makes us want to create a banking legacy that’s an integral part of our community. And that’s a pretty good thing to leave behind.” v

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42 Bakersfield Magazine

❖

HUMAN RESOURCES ❖

Telecommuting

About.com defines teleOf course, telecommuting commuting as “a working does have its downside too. In arrangement or work style their article, “The Hard Truth where an employee regularly about Telecommuting,” pubdoes his or her work off-site, or lished in the June 2012 issue of outside of the principal office.

Monthly Labor Review, NoonTelecommuters typically work an and Glass state that telecomfrom home one or more days muting does not help in reduca week and communicate with ing work-family conflicts nor the office using telephones and hours spent working. The auover the Internet.” Twentythors state that “telecommuting four percent of employed appears, instead, to have beAmericans telecommute at come instrumental in the genBy Robin Paggi least some hours each week, eral expansion of work hours, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor facilitating workers’ needs for additional Statistics. “Probably the best benefit for the worktime beyond the standard workweek telecommuting employee is avoiding the and/or the ability of employers to increase commute. For some people this saves a half or intensify work demands among their hour or less a day, but for others it cuts two salaried employees.” Indeed, becoming a or more hours out that would otherwise be workaholic is one of the things that About.com spent on the road,” according to an article on states telecommuters are more vulnerable to www.homewiththekids.com. While traffic than their counterparts at the office.

The major downside for employers is does slow down a bit along our main thoroughfares during rush hour, traffic jams in the additional legal issues that telecomBakersfield are miniscule compared to bigger muting presents for them. According to the cities. So, how would telecommuting benefit California Chamber of Commerce, “Telecommuting arrangements generate a numpeople who live and work in Bakersfield?

Besides being able to work in their pa- ber of legal issues relating to federal and jamas if they want to, About.com says that state wage and hour laws. With the worker telecommuters enjoy: off-site, it becomes difficult to track time • More flexibility and control over their en- worked, overtime liability, compliance vironment and schedule; with meal and rest periods and work off the • Fewer distractions and the ability to work clock.” Therefore, employers thinking of at their own pace, which leads to increased allowing their employees to telecommute productivity; should seek legal counsel in order to ensure • Less stress because they are not subjected they stay in compliance with labor laws. An to traffic, office politics, and uncomfortable additional downside is the cost of the techoffice environments; and, nology that is often required in order for • Greater work/life balance because of being employees to work from home. According able to stay close to their loved ones. to Damian, “good software and solutions Employers benefit by allowing telecom- that help Stria maintain a great telecommuting as well. Jim Damian, CEO of Stria, muting program includes: a document management company with an • GoToMeeting.com; office in Bakersfield, said that, “Telecom- • SpringCM.com; muting helps Stria create and maintain a vi- • Vocalocity VoIP telephone service; brant workplace culture.” Damian gave the • LogMeIn.com; example of a key teammate (or, Strian, as • ADP WorkForceNow; and, they call themselves) who had her first baby • iPolis monitoring software. this year. Stria’s flexible telecommuting plan In sum, like most everything, there are allowed her to work from home for the first benefits and drawbacks to telecommuting six months of her daughter’s life. The em- for employers and employees. Both parployee was able to be a productive member ties should consider these things carefully of the Stria team without missing her daugh- when determining whether telecommuting ter’s first major milestones. Without a flex- is right for them. ible telecommuting program, Damian said “we would have had to absorb the loss of a Robin Paggi is the Training Coordinator at great employee and taken on the hassle and Worklogic HR Legal Solutions and can be reached at rpaggi@worklogiclegal.com or (661) 695-5168. expense of trying to replace her.” www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Fall 2012 43

ONE MINUTE BUSINESS BRIEF

(l-r) D. Max Gardner, Kelly Francisco, Michael A. Kaia, Scott D. Howry, Nathan M. Hodges, Jerry W. Pearson, Jeff Patrick

The Law Offices of Young Wooldridge, LLP

F

ounded in 1939, Young Wooldridge is divided into five departments: Business, Water Law and Special Districts, Litigation, Trusts and Estates, and Family Law. The Business Law Department has attorneys with substantial expertise in real estate, oil, land use, water, air quality, governmental permitting, agriculture law, real and personal property financing, business and real property transactions, and bankruptcy.

What sets Young Wooldridge apart is the breadth of experience in each department—clients can be referred to another attorney in-house should the need arise rather than being referred to an outside source. This continuity of service, along with the firm’s goal of developing personal relationships, is very much appreciated by clients.

Michael Kaia has more than 25 years of business law experience in areas such as real estate, land use, and nonprofit law.

Scott Howry, with 19 years of experience, has a practice area of business and com-

44 Bakersfield Magazine

The attorneys with Young Wooldridge are dedicated to providing excellent legal representation to each and every client they advise.

The attorneys at Young Wooldridge know the meaning of full service.

Their approach is the serious pursuit of clients’ legal rights and remedies.

1800 30th Street, 4th Floor Bakersfield, CA 93301 661-327-9661 www.youngwooldridge.com CURRICULUM VITAE

mercial litigation, and personal injury.

Max Gardner has spent the last 25 years practicing bankruptcy law. In fact, both Howry and Gardner received an “AV” rating in Martindale-Hubbell which is the highest peer-review designation as to attorney practice and ethics. Jerry Pearson, a former Deputy District Attorney in Kern County, and recently named the Best Business/Employment Attorney in Kern County by the Kern County Bar Association, has 17 years of experience and practices labor and employment defense, including harassment and discrimination. Kelly Francisco has practiced law for 33 years with a focus in formation and dissolution of business entities, business counseling, and real estate transactions.

Nathan Hodges is currently completing his first year with the firm and Jeffrey Patrick, the newest member of the Young Wooldridge law team, graduated with “great distinction” and “order of the coif ” from McGeorge School of Law, University of Pacific.

ONE MINUTE BUSINESS BRIEF

Champion Technologies

C

hampion Technologies, an international global leader in the oilfield industry, had its start in Texas 50 years ago and is now the largest privately owned specialty chemical supplier to the oilfield industry. Champion Technologies holds accounts with Shell and British Petroleum and made record-breaking profits last year. The Kern County branch has been serving the area for over 30 years, specializing in emulsion breakers, corrosion inhibitors, scale inhibitors, foamers, and completion fluids. This branch consists of a small group of professionals that offer innovative solutions to clients’ problems, working with companies such as Exxon Mobil and Vintage Production.

Champion Technologies’ world-class expertise with a local, small-town approach is influenced by District Manager Clint Hensley’s philosophy, “We are able to think outside of the box and do things a little differently so that we can save our customers money.” What is truly impressive is the business’ commitment to “Predict, Prevent,

The global leaders in specialty chemical supplies for the oilfield industry are also right here in Bakersfield.

With strong customer dedication, these committed service professionals will keep your business safe while saving you money.

Enjoy the company’s world-class expertise and hometown knowledge.

6321 District Blvd.

Bakersfield, CA 93301 661-834-0454 661-834-7313 www.champ-tech.com CURRICULUM VITAE

and Produce. We want to analyze what the companies are doing so we can predict where problems will occur, prevent any upsets, and keep production online. If something like corrosion control is neglected, it can lead to a well being shut down, and a company can lose a lot of money that way,” stated Hensley.

Along with Champion’s commitment to “Predict, Prevent, and Produce,” their new state-of-the-art training program offers employees a combined on-line and fieldbased training that enhances productivity, instilling a strong customer dedication. In turn, these committed service professionals will keep your business safe while saving you money.

Champion Technologies further demonstrates that it is dedicated to its customers as it is dedicated to the community by donating to local charities, as well as by participating in fundraisers sponsored by the American Petroleum Institute and the California Independent Petroleum Association. www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Fall 2012 45

ONE MINUTE BUSINESS BRIEF

Mike Gallegos

Dent Dynamics, LLC

W

hen your car or truck needs minor dents and dings removed, why go through the tedious process of going to a conventional repair shop and waiting on them to take care of it when you can have expert service come to you? Dent Dynamics specializes in paintless dent removal at a fraction of the cost of conventional methods—and with a fraction of the hassle.

This strictly mobile service will come to you at your convenience, wherever you are.

Getting an estimate can be as easy as texting an image of your dents and dings to them.

Repair time typically takes about an hour or less, which is something you can’t say about the competition.

Aside from their unique service, another element that makes Dent Dynamics stand out is, as owner Mike Gallegos puts it, “Service, service, service! We are very meticulous and pay the highest attention to detail to make sure the repair is as one hundred percent as possible.” Gallegos continued, “Some severe dents can’t be completely repaired with our process, but we find out what our custom-

46 Bakersfield Magazine

Offering the easiest paintless dent removal available in Kern County with a free mobile service.

From start to finish, you will receive expert service that comes to you, no matter where you are.

Their dedication to optimal customer service sets them apart from the competition.

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ers’ expectations are for the repair and meet those expectations with a clear understanding. We like to under promise and tend to over perform on our repair process.”

Dent Dynamics works with several organizations in Kern County. “We provide paintless dent removal services in the automotive dealership industry, body shop and detail industry, as well as the retail industry,” said Gallegos.

“We currently serve about fourteen different dealerships, eight high-end body shops, and numerous detailers throughout Kern County.”

They’re able to service a wide range of dents, though they specialize in ones the size of a golfball to a baseball. Big dents, small door dings, and even minor creases are not beyond their capabilities. They know that local residents take care of their vehicles, and look forward to making paintless dent repairs as accessible as possible. With 20 years of service, and with a phenomenal experience servicing Kern County thus far, you can be certain that a call, text, or email to Dent Dynamics is the start of a smooth and worry-free process!

DENTDYNAMICSLLC@GMAIL.COM

CURRICULUM VITAE

ONE MINUTE BUSINESS BRIEF

Shivinder S. Deol, MD

Anti-Aging & Wellness Center

D

r. Deol is just as concerned about your health as you are—just for your health

of it!

Dr. Shivinder Deol is a board certified family physician practicing in Bakersfield since 1982. He is also board certified by American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine. His aim has always been to provide innovative quality care to his patients with compassion and respect, using alternative and complementary modalities. “My focus started to shift about twenty years ago, and now I am obsessed with nutrition and wellness,” Dr. Deol explained.

The desire to use alternative medicine began as Dr. Deol became increasingly disheartened by conventional medicine’s over-dependence on pharmaceuticals.

He is on the cutting edge with other progressive physicians in the U.S. and the world who are developing newer holistic and alternative modalities to achieve balance and well being at the cellular level. Dr. Deol is always learning new, natural therapies to increase the lifespan of his patients and improve their overall health. A member of

Caring for your whole self for optimal well being and vitality.

Practicing complete wellness and anti-aging techniques with patients within our community for several years.

Progressive solutions for health on a cellular, neural, and hormonal level.

4000 Stockdale Hwy. Ste. D Bakersfield, CA 93309 661-325-7452 www.DrDeol.com CURRICULUM VITAE

the American Academy of Advancement of Medicine, past president of the Kern Academy of Family Physicians, and a fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians, Dr. Deol has training in hyperbaric oxygen therapy, oxidative therapies, hormone optimization, IV therapies, chelation, detoxification and more.

Dr. Deol believes that our body is able to reverse most conditions and heal itself given the right environment (free of toxins, heavy metals, and chemicals), and when it is nutritionally supported by proper diet and appropriate Vita-nutrients. He believes in Hippocrates’ quote, “Let food be thy medicine, let medicine be thy food.” What interests him most about his field is that he frequently has the “ability to truly improve the lives of [his] patients by correcting the underlying defects and imbalances rather than using band-aid symptom relief harsh medicines.”

When seeking alternative therapies for your total well being, remember the expertise of Dr. Deol at the Anti-Aging & Wellness Center. Learn more at www.drdeol.com. www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Fall 2012 47

48 Bakersfield Magazine

d e m l i F n r e K in

g An Amazin rney Jou g Three-part ; somethin ver screen

can t the sil theater, we gical abou d a e m n e g rk in a d th e a le. utiful peop Theres’ som of hours, in a e le b p , u g o n c ti a s re . For ection to s with inte captivating town conn e new world m in o h s e a lv e e county hav lose ours cover, our gful if we is in d n a to e t m u o re b o ea rop it Its’ even m g. As you’r the backd in h h it tc w a w d o e ’r o we g Hollyw hile we’re something of providin spotlight w ry e to th is f h o g n re a es we’re has a lo our fair sh e-part seri g re in b th b a ra f g o beginning n set: needs and they say o is only the s a is , th o S d . n A rn e at it. on film in K publishing tion.

era…Ac m a C , ts h Lig

www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Fall 2012 49

Filmed in Kern EIntroductione

In this first feature, we thought it best to start from the beginning. To do that, we sought the help of the Kern Film Commission. They’ve been able to unearth information about the hundreds of movies that have been filmed in our county…going all the way back to 1913.

That’s right—we’ve been a part of movies since the beginning. We’ve had our fair share of silent flicks, “talkies,” and the classics. Of course, as you’ll find out, we’ve also been the location for some wonderful “B movies.” Still, we wanted to make sure local readers know that the glitz and glamor is not a Hollywood trait alone.

ELittle Hollywoode

We might not be known worldwide for our connection to films the way Tinseltown is, but our ties to the film industry run deep.

For the last hundred years (that’s right!), both the city of Bakersfield and Kern County have held starring roles in many major productions. Yes, those roles have mostly been supporting roles (like playing scenery), but that

We’re in Hollywood’s backyard, which makes us a natural choice for location filming.

PHOTO COURTESY HollywoodPhotographs.com

doesn’t make them any less important to our economy.

We’re in Hollywood’s backyard, which makes us a natural choice for location filming but as Dave Hook, film commission-

er for Kern Film Commission states, that’s not the only reason our film credits are as impressive as they are.

50 Bakersfield Magazine

“Frugality is a plus,” Hook explained about the lower filming costs Kern has in relation to other locations in California.

“But saving on production costs doesn’t matter if you don’t have the right look. I think our biggest selling points [during the early days of Hollywood] were proximity and diversity—and we still use those benefits to market ourselves today.”

It’s this marketing strategy that’s allowed us to continue securing many projects, not only film but also for television, over the last few decades.

Still, there was a time when filming “on location” was a foreign term and studios were not constantly transporting directors, actors, and crew to places across the world for that “perfect shot.”

“Back when the industry was really starting to take off, most production was done in and around the studios,” Hook explained. “As audiences became

Hollywood film crew & actors on location, circa 1917.

more sophisticated, it didn’t take them long to figure out that the location they’d seen Gene Autry riding through was the same one

Dave Hook, film commissioner for the Kern Film Commission.

Randolph Scott had galloped across the week before. Southern California was also starting to experience, for the first time, the industry phenomenon of being ‘filmed out.’ Filmmakers were getting as tired of shooting in the same place and audiences were tired of seeing them.”

And, of course, when Hollywood started looking for new options “there weren’t that many near L.A. Going south didn’t change the look much, east consisted primarily of tumbleweeds and tarantulas, and the west was rather wet,” Hook added with a chuckle, “because Frankie and Annette were still a few decades away.”

When directors and producers realized they could just hop

over the Grapevine, they discovered a varied palette that was both close and inexpensive. “It was a natural fit,” Hook said. “It still is.”

What’s more impressive is that Kern County has the distinction of hosting one of the first ever “on location” shoots for a Hollywood film. It was in 1913 that Roscoe “Fatty” Arbuckle traveled to Kern County to film a Keystone Pictures short called Opportunity. The film utilized the oilfields around Taft as exterior shots.

Prior to this time period, productions were mainly shot on easily-controlled studio lots, and the rare excursion out into the streets of Los Angeles. So, in a way, Kern County helped to found the “location” business.

The Proof’s on the ECelluloide

dRadar Men from

Oh, EWhat a Nighte

Photo courtesy of The Library of congress

the Moon, 1952, filmed in Red Rock There was a time in our hisCanyon, Our county has played host tory when each week didn’t George g starrin the over to numerous celebrities and e Wallac bring with it 12 movie preof some film years that arrived to Moore.

Clayton mieres—there was maybe a time. all of films d the most belove dSplit Second, 1953, handful of movies released in t bigges the tion, produc g Durin filmed in Mojave, a month.

While a movie preup g drivin were world the in stars starring Alexis Smith miere today is still a big deal, Highway 99, staying in our hotels, and Richard Egan. with stars and photographers eating at our restaurants, and exd20,000 Leagues and red carpets, there was a s periencing the sights and sound Carroll and Helen Christian.

Under the Sea, 1954, filmed in Red romantic quality to the ones you But that we have to offer.

Rock Canyon, starring Kirk Douglas dProfessor Beware, 1938, filmed in back in the early days of Holer discov to and James Mason. might be surprised Kern River Valley, starring Harold lywood. According to Bruce Red in filmed 1954, been n, have s Egyptia The movie d just how many Lloyd and Lionel Stander.

Sim Jean Torrence, who runs the webstarring , Canyon are Rock in These y. filmed Count 1940, Kern Town, in dBoom filmed site Hollywoodphotographs. mons and Victor Mature. just the non-westerns filmed pri- Taft and Bakersfield, starring Clark dThe Ten Commandments, 1956, com, “The tradition of grand or to 1970 (which, as we prom- Gable, Spencer Tracy, and Claudette Rock Canyon, starring Red in filmed Hollywood premieres was piot.

Colber ised, will come next issue). dThe Grapes of Wrath, 1940, filmed Charlton Heston and Yul Brenner. neered by master showman dToward the Unknown, 1956, Fonda Sid Grauman. The very first dOpportunity, 1913, filmed in Taft, in Lamont, starring Henry filmed at Edwards Air Force Base, and Jane Darwell. gala premiere took place in starring Fatty Arbuckle. starring William Holden and James dSouth of Suez, 1940, filmed in dBattling Butler, 1926, filmed in 1922 with the grand opening Randsburg, starring Brenda Marshall Garner.

Bakersfield and Kern River, starring of Grauman’s Egyptian Thenster, She-Mo ding dThe Astoun and George Tobias.

Buster Keaton. ater [before the Chinese ThePark, Frazier in filmed in 1957, filmed 1942, dArabian Nights, dThe Lightning Warrior, 1931, ater was built] and the specand Clarke Robert g Hall starrin Jon starring Valley, River Kern filmed in Old Kernville, starring Rin . tacular premiere Duncan Keanne and Maria Montez.

Tin Tin. s Edward at filmed 1957, Pilot, Jet Alfred d by d directe 1942, dSaboteur, dThe Vanishing Legion, 1931, Air Force Base, starring John Wayne Hitchcock and filmed in Red Rock filmed in Old Kernville, starring ing and Janet Leigh.

Canyon, starring Robert Cumm Harry Carey and Edwina Boothe. dUntamed Youth, 1957, filmed in BaLane. a dLast of the Mohicans, 1932, filmed and Priscill kersfield, starring Mamie Van Doren. dAli Baba and the Forty Thieves, in Kern River Valley, starring Harry , dNorth by Northwest, 1959, Canyon Rock 1944, filmed in Red Carey and Gabby Hayes. . directed by Alfred Hitchcock Montez Maria and Hall Jon starring dThe Mummy, 1932, filmed in Red in and filmed in Wasco, starring Cary dWinged Victory, 1944, filmed Rock Canyon, starring Boris Karloff.

Grant and James Mason. dPsycho, 1960, directed by Alfred Hitchcock and filmed in Bakersfield, starring Janet Leigh and Anthony Perkins. dIt’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World, 1963, filmed in Kern River Valley and the Mojave Desert, starring Buddy Hackett and Ethel Mermen. dThe Carpetbaggers, 1964, filmed in Boron, starring George PepAlfred Hitchcock pard and Alan Ladd. dHell’s Angels on Taft and Maricopa, starring Lee J. dUnder the Pampas Moon, 1935, Wheels, 1967, filmed in .

O’Brien d Cobb and Edmon filmed in Mettler and Maricopa, starBakersfield, starring ring Warner Baxter and Rita Hayworth. dTreasure of the Sierra Madre, Buster Keaton Jack Nicholson.

Valley, 1948, filmed in Kern River dCharlie Chan’s Secret, 1936, donning his familiar 1970, Bug, dThe Love filmed in Kern River Valley, starring starring Humphrey Bogart. porkpie-style hat. , Springs Willow at filmed Warren Oland and Rosina Lawrence. dRocketship X-M, 1950, filmed in starring Dean Jones. dThe Petrified Forest, 1936, filmed Red Rock Canyon, starring Lloyd dAirport, 1970, filmed .

Massen Osa Bette and starring Bridges , in Red Rock Canyon at Edwards Air Force in dTwo Lost Worlds, 1951, filmed Davis and Humphrey Bogart.

Base, starring Burt LanJames g starrin , Red Rock Canyon dThe Hurricane, 1937, filmed in caster and Jacqueline Bisset.

Kern River Valley, starring Dorothy Arness and Casey Rogers. dFive Easy Pieces, 1970, filmed dThe Las Vegas Story, 1952, Lamour and Jon Hall. filmed in Taft and McKittrick, Jane g starrin t, Airpor filmed Mojave at the dZorro Rides Again, 1937, starring Jack Nicholson.

Russell and Vincent Price. in Red Rock Canyon, starring John www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Fall 2012 51

(OH, WHAT A NIGHT CONTINUED)

of Robin Hood, a silent screen version starring Douglas Fairbanks.”

It had all the bright lights and fanfare that we now associate with premieres today.

Over the years, Hollywood premieres grew more and more elaborate, as did those held here in Kern at our local movie houses. The Fox Theater, built in

Film premieres grew more and more elaborate and Bakersfield folks lined up to get a seat.

1930, was often the site of a studio premiere. The first film that graced the Fox’s silver screen was Just Imagine, a sci-fi movie set 50 years in the future.

The lure of a film was so intense that even without the fancy garb, searchlights, and red carpets, Bakersfield folks lined up opening nights.

During World War II, however, Hollywood movie premieres were banned…for obvious reasons.

That certainly put the kibosh on film premieres in Bakersfield.

“But once the war was over, the premieres resumed with as much glitz and glamor as before,” Torrence wrote.

PHOTO COURTESY CHRIS BREWER

Nile Theater (old Bakersfield Opera House) in 1928.

52 Bakersfield Magazine

EScene Stealere

PHOTO COURTESY CHRIS BREWER

Filmed in Kern

Pastime Theatre at Chester Avenue and Eye Street in 1924.

EThe Picture Housee

And residents did have their choice of which theater to attend!

Bakersfield jumped on the “movie house” bandwagon with gusto and theaters began popping up everywhere.

According to Eugene Burmeister’s article “Early Days in Kern: The Flicks Come,” Chester Avenue was known as “Theater Row” throughout the ‘20s, because the street boasted a number of movie houses (in addition to the smaller community theaters).

That said, films of any kind were a novelty and residents would hit up the Hippodrome, the California Theater, the Pastime Theatre, and the Nile. As the “talkies” were in full force, more theaters came to be including the Elite, the Rex, and the C&S (the, yes, we’re quite serious, Come & Smell). Then there was the marvelous Granada and others.

It was in 1929 that Bakersfieldians crammed into the Hippodrome to see Fox Films’ very first all-talking, feature length farce, The Ghost Talks, starring the lovely and talented Helen Twelvetree and Charles Eaton.

Roscoe “Fatty” Arbuckle was a silent Many of these film actor, comedian, director, and theaters worked screenwriter. hard to set themselves apart in a time when everyone wanted to get dressed up and see a flick.

Burmeister explained that the nickelodeon era made things highly competitive.

Morley’s gave away merchandise on certain nights; by 1910 they had doubled their reels to six per show and had a fellow named Professor Motta on the piano to accompany the films.

Parra’s had Professor Camprubi “on the upright” and lengthened the features, as well.

Scribner’s was the first to show a championship fight film... even though it was months after the fight.

Whatever the ploys, they worked like a charm—mainly because people were so excited to see something new…it’s an excitement that still exists today.

No one knows they’ve written an “iconic” scene until well after the fact. That said, quite a few iconic movies and scenes have been filmed within the borders of our county.

For example, the famous scene of Cary Grant being chased by the bi-plane in Hitchcock’s North by Northwest was filmed in the farm fields outside of Wasco.

Then there’s perhaps the most quoted line from Treasure of the Sierra Madre: “Badges? We ain’t got no badges. We don’t need no badges. I don’t have to show you any stinking badges.” Said

by Gold Hat (played by Alfonso Bedoya), those lines were filmed while cast and crew were standing atop Split Mountain in the Kern River Valley.

“Producers made a big deal at the time about the film going on location in the actual Sierra Madre Mountains of Mexico, but [that] often-repeated and parodied…scene was completed up on Split Mountain,” Hook added.

Oscar for the county that can play Egypt, Mexico, Texas, Montana, India, and more goes to…

Kern County!”

Cue standing ovation, clapclap-clap, sappy acceptance speech.

Our calling card is really that we can stand in for a variety of locations. Filmmakers love that they can shoot a scene that looks as though it’s taking place halfway across the world and it’s actually taking place an hour and a half from Hollywood.

“When productions came

Kern County’s Red Rock Canyon is still a favorite backdrop for movies.

Photo courtesy of www.drmacro.com

“This was one of the early instances where Kern County was used in the way that has become our calling card. We rarely get to play ourselves, although that does happen from time to time, but our niche is that we’re really good at doubling for other places. As it turns out, Kern County is one heck of an actor.”

And given how often we stand in for locations around the world, it’s a crying shame that Kern County hasn’t been presented with some sort of award.

We can hear it now: “And the

The Egyptian, an epic film produced in 1954.

here it was generally for a specific look, be it an oilfield, the old west, Mexico, or even the Middle East,” Hook added. “They’d look for interesting vistas, like a valley overlook in The Grapes of Wrath or to satisfy specific needs, like a river. There’s a balancing act between finding something that’s

visually interesting yet not readily identifiable. That leaves identifiable landmarks out of the mix, but that also means those locations that can be whatever the director wants them to be. That’s where Kern County excels. We’re proud of our ability to be the industry’s chameleon.”

EReel Informatione

ding The Ten A number of award winners were filmed here (inclu ful of “B hand a as Commandments and The Grapes of Wrath) as well y of fun plent ’s there movies” among the other classics, so, naturally, ard backy our used that flicks film facts relating to our county and the as a backdrop.

Alfred Hitchcock filmed three movies here. e Psycho was Speaking of Hitchcock, the first scene shot of the movi filmed on Golden of Marion getting pulled over by the cop. This was State Freeway (Hwy 99).

Republic in the The film Radar Men from the Moon, was made by etman suit” “rock the led final years of serial production, and it recyc Men. t Rocke the of from the studio’s wildly popular serial King included over Pre-production work on The Ten Commandments 1,200 storyboard sketches. theatrically in When the film Rocketship X-M was originally released impart a sense of 1950, the sequences on Mars were tinted red so as to the alien Red Planet into the black-and-white film.

Boom Town beClark Gable was said to be anxious to do the film lf had worked himse cause his father had been an oil rigger, and Gable actor. an on oil rigs in Oklahoma before becoming John Ford’s The Beulah Bondi was tested for the role of Ma Joad in reportedly part, the had she that ing Grapes of Wrath. Bondi, believ g the miamon live to sfield Baker to d move bought an old jalopy and grant workers in order to research the role.

The Grapes of Also, in 2007, the American Film Institute ranked Wrath as the #23 Greatest Movie of All Time. on the freeway The traffic jam scene in Five Easy Pieces that takes place Bakersfield. near 5 tate Inters of was shot on a new and unopened section

Tense scene from Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho, 1960.

in Psycho, while You might not have picked up on it, but in a scene can be seen rship deale car no Janet Leigh is driving in Bakersfield, off a major turns n Mario cter through the windshield as her chara shows her shot ior exter next The . street road onto a wide, unlined lie’s used Char rnia Califo into street lined car turning off a four-lane, car lot. in Kern, Disney In addition to filming 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea production was the also had to use facilities at other studios because sets redressed ior (exter al so large. This included Universal Internation or tank for exteri (large Fox ry for the opening scenes) and 20th Centu the larger models). were shot durThe main scenes of It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World members were on ing the summer months of 1962 because many cast on. hiatus from television series which they were working y, himself, Disne Walt that film ction live-a last the was The Love Bug had authorized for production. g of North by While on location at Mt. Rushmore during the filmin t Gran Cary that Northwest, Eva Marie Saint discovered raph. autog would charge fans 15 cents for an www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Fall 2012 53

Filmed in Kern } (REEL INFORMATION CONTINUED

A Tradition EContinuese

Kern’s connection to Hollywood has only grown as the years have gone by. Not only are there wonderful local production companies, but we continue to be a valuable asset for Tinseltown (more on that in Part III). We’re close, we’re inexpensive, and we’re friendly. But we’re also churning out wonderful writers, producers, and directors who are making valuable relationships with studios in L.A. Take Jim Schmidt for example. He’s the co-producer of a movie called Trade of Innocents, starring Dermot Mulroney and Mira Sorvino. It’s cool enough to think that the film has one Bakersfield connection, but in all actuality, it has quite a few.

“The film was produced with Bill and Laurie Bolthouse of Bolthouse Farms,” Schmidt explained.

“In late 2009, I was connected to Bill Bolthouse through Grover Waldon, a Bakersfield attorney and close friend of mine. Bill and Laurie were passionate about the issue of human trafficking, particularly the trafficking of underage girls for sex,” Schmidt added.

“They felt that a feature film was the best way to take the issue to a higher level of discussion and awareness. After we got acquainted, and they became familiar with [my] filmmaking experience, it 54 Bakersfield Magazine

became obvious that we were like-minded, and that we should move ahead.”

On top of that, the Bolthouses received financing from a local bank—Valley Republic Bank.

The subject of the film is human trafficking—a weighty subject, but one that Schmidt and

100 Most Enjoyably Bad The Carpetbaggers is listed among The y Award founder John Wilson’s Movies Ever Made in Golden Raspberr book The Official Razzie® Movie Guide.

The film will even have a Bakersfield premiere on October 12 at Maya Cinemas. It will run in theaters that week and ultimately go worldwide. It’s great exposure for a worthy cause and, as a happy coincidence, shining a little more light on Kern’s involvement with the film industry.

Jim Schmidt, Mira Sorvino, writer/director Christopher Bessette, Dermot Mulroney.

everyone involved felt needed addressing. Perhaps that’s why the response to the film has been tremendous. “There’s been a high level of support,” Schmidt explained. That includes celebrity involvement (such as Ashton Kutcher and Eva Longoria) and screenings at the White House organized by the Department of Justice. The film was also a topic of discussion at a symposium on human trafficking at Yale and sponsored by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Photo and image below provided by Jim Schmidt

d Nolan’s character in the The farewell fly-by honoring actor Lloy “Pete” Everest (Frank Everest) movie Toward the Unknown was led by Schalk, Stu Childs, and Robert accompanied by Iven Kincheloe, Lou B. test pilots.

M. White. All were famous Edwards A.F. eo in Saboteur was cut by cam ’s ctor dire inal orig k’s Alfred Hitchcoc y played deaf-mute pedestriorder of the censors. He and his secretar an apparently indecent proposans. When Hitchcock’s character made his face. A more conventional al to her in sign language, she slapped ed. titut subs cameo in front of a drugstore was ibuted on a double bill distr was hs Yout In 1957, the film Untamed Vaughn. with Hell’s Crossroads featuring Robert off is said to have told makeKarl s Bori my, Mum During filming of The age costume) Jack P. Pierce: up artist (and designer of the mummy band you forgot to give me a fly!”

“Well, you’ve done a wonderful job, but Butler’s hands as he opens In Battling Butler, the close-up of Alfred shot with a hand double, was e the box with the wedding ring insid tip of his right index finger. since star Buster Keaton was missing the

“It’s incredibly humbling to be part of a film that could have world impact,” he continued, “and that could inspire individuals and organizations to accelerate their

work that actually saves lives and rescues victims. I’m especially excited about the ‘Trade of Innocents Symposium’ at California State University, Bakersfield on October 13. We have the FBI, local and regional law enforcement, NonGovernmental Organizations, and experts in the field of anti-trafficking coming to town to educate and empower our citizens. Bill Bolthouse and I will also be there for a Producer’s Panel discussion with Jim Scott from KGET-17.”

It was nearly a three-year process, but the filming in Thailand brought everyone closer together and proved what locals could do if they put their mind to it.

“Even though Bill & Laurie don’t live here in Kern County, the family name certainly does,” Schmidt added. “This has always felt like ‘Bakersfield’s movie’ to me!”

If you want to find out more about the film visit TradeofInnocents.com and if you’re interested in the symposium at CSUB, go to JusticeNeedsAHero.org.

EIntermissione

d

We’ve only just opened the vault. There is so much more to discover in the reels and archives of Kern County’s movie history.

There’s no denying that we’ve been a part of some of the most iconic movies in history. We’ve long accepted the supporting role. There’s so much yet to come (both in upcoming film projects and in our subsequent features) that you will want to stay tuned.

So, that’s a wrap…for now.

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Kern County is Open for Business We’re a county full of economic promise. We offer unique opportunities for companies in every industry looking to set up shop—and that has been proven time and time again as more businesses call our area home. This past year was no exception.

Kern County and Bakersfield have been at the forefront of economic recovery and our local government continues to ensure that we are ready for all that growth.

...and Business is Good!

www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Fall 2012 55

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By Matthew Martz

It’s All About Jobs

While some government agencies have mottled messages about their key goal, the Kern Economic Development Corporation does not.

I

ts vision is simple. It’s all about jobs. All 4,260 of them, created over the past three years.

That’s an impressive figure that the U.S. Bureau of Labor took into consideration when it ranked Kern County as the number one county in the country for the biggest over-the-year percentage increase in employment with 5.3 percent in 2011, compared with a national job growth of just 1.4 percent.

But creating just the right economic climate to generate those jobs is a delicate dance, one that includes providing incentives to entice new businesses, encouraging expansion of incumbent companies, and creating channels to feed the associated employment demand with a diverse local workforce.

“The best social program is a job,” said Richard Chapman, president and CEO of the Kern EDC. “The value of a job should trump nearly everything.”

That is something Teresa Hitchcock, deputy county administrative officer and liaison for the Kern EDC agrees with, saying, that while some companies will base their decisions to relocate to an area based on financial or tax incentives, there are many other things businesses look for when choosing to relocate or expand.

“We have found that many companies

kern EDC

Richard Chapman, Melinda Brown, and Dean Brown help pave the way for big companies like Caterpillar and Dollar General to locate businesses in Kern County.

are more interested in the availability and quality of the labor force and expedited processes for construction than they are in financial incentives,” Hitchcock said.

“Kern County has been very successful in working with companies to find ways to provide a qualified workforce, and to streamline and expedite permitting processes related to construction.”

And while those things are vital in at-

tracting new businesses to the area, the County also offers a competitive package of financial and tax incentives to help attract and retain companies.

Nevertheless, it’s the cost of doing business that Chapman says is the largest draw.

“We are eighty-five percent of the average cost of doing business in the U.S.,” he said. “Much cheaper than neighboring Los Angeles or San Francisco.” >>

Kern County is the number one county in the country for the biggest over-the-year percentage increase in employment with 5.3 percent in 2011.

www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Fall 2012 57

“We can also provide reasonable access to one of the country’s major ports, and we are four hours from ninety percent of the state’s population.”

Still, a variety of potential business suitors, whose only impression of the area is acquired from market research and census data, often overlook the Golden Empire when it comes to deciding on an area to set up shop.

“If you just look at that stuff, Kern County doesn’t really look all that good,” Chapman said.

“That’s why we have to constantly educate people on what the area has to offer.

“We have green grass and affordable living,” he added. “Bakersfield is a big suburb; it’s not just a big brown hill.”

It’s an image Chapman and his team of professionals from both the private and public sectors are working hard to change, by providing a myriad of relocation or expansion services, which include demographics, planning data, infrastructure, transportation figures, and even employee site visits; all of which are geared towards providing a comprehensive view of what Kern County has to offer, to not only would-be businesses, but also the prospective residents that come with them.

The Kern EDC is also instrumental in working closely with the County Planning Department, helping to accelerate permitting processes, and most importantly, communicating the importance of job creation in order to move our economy in the right direction.

And it has.

Over the past 24 years of its existence, the Kern EDC’s role has been significant in bringing some very big moves to our county, including the IKEA and the Famous Footwear relocations to the Tejon Industrial Complex, the Railex move to Delano, and the Men’s Wear58 Bakersfield Magazine

PHOTO COURTESY OF tejon ranch

It’s All About Jobs

Tejon Ranch Commerce center house distribution center in southwest Bakersfield.

More recently, that mantra can be credited with helping to attract the moves of giant discount retailer Dollar General and Caterpillar, the world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, to the Tejon Ranch Commerce Center. Then there’s the 400,000 square-foot Baker Hughes expansion in Shafter.

“In the case of Dollar General and Caterpillar, the Kern EDC helped to validate our market-

been telling Dollar General and Caterpillar about the speed and ease of permitting in Kern County was true, they then lived up to their billing.”

And while Kern County is best known for its oil and agricultural production, the Golden Empire is rapidly reinventing itself as a major hub of California’s distribution infrastructure.

For nearly a decade, Kern County has been using a “ ‘cluster-based economic development’ approach in its economic strategy,” said Hitchcock.

“Geographically, we are very attractive,” Chapman said. “With federal regulations on driving times, people can hit their markets and be back to sleep in their own bed at night. You can’t do that anywhere else in California.”

Kern EDC focuses on six industry sectors: Value Added Agriculture, Energy and Natural Resources, Transportation and Logistics, Healthcare Services, Aerospace and Defense, and Tourism.

And Chapman says one the county’s biggest area of growth is in renewable energy.

Kern EDC focuses on six industry sectors: Value Added Agriculture, Energy and Natural Resources, Transportation and Logistics, Healthcare Services, Aerospace and Defense, and Tourism. ing claim that Kern County is a great place to do business,” said Barry Zoeller, vice president of corporate communications and marketing for Tejon Ranch.

“The Kern EDC served as an independent liaison between the respective companies and the County of Kern and helped to facilitate meetings with the appropriate departments within County government,” Zoeller added.

“Those departments not only verified that everything we had

The county’s cluster-based approach recognizes that economic development builds from a community’s strengths, and that successful economies focus on improving the quality of what they produce and the inputs needed for that, not just on reducing their costs relative to competitors.

One of those strengths being Kern County’s centralized location, instrumental in reducing the cost and time of transporting goods around the state.

A number of the world’s largest wind farms now call the Tehachapi Pass home, including, enXco, NextEra, GE Energy, and Terra-Gen Power, collectively creating the nation’s largest wind farm with a combined installed capacity of 1,020 megawatts.

It’s been three decades since the first wind turbines were installed in the Tehachapi-Mojave Wind Resource Area, but since 2010, there have been more turbines popping up than spring wildflowers.

According to the Kern EDC, wind

Live Long, Stay Slim, Stay Healthy energy in the county has generated an estimated $61 million in tax revenue, and the good news is that there is potential to increase that figure over the next several years.

Comprised of several distinct phases, the Alta Wind Energy Center, currently being developed by Terra-Gen and financed

by Internet search giant Google and Citibank, will ultimately have a generating capacity of 1,550 megawatts when completed— creating more than 1,500 domestic manufacturing, construction, operation, and maintenance jobs, and injecting more than $600 million into the local economy by the time it is completed.

It’s a testament to the county’s supportive renewable energy policies.

That sort of forward thinking has brought about the existence of the Kern EDC’s sister

organization, the Kern Economic Development Foundation, a 501(c) that raises money for job-creating research and education, including various mentoring programs, which matches industry professionals with high school kids, communicating through email, social media, and on-site visits.

The first being the Alliance of Women in Energy, Kern EDC’s pilot program aimed at not only providing education and networking for local professional women, but an avenue for creating educational and career mentoring for high school and college-aged girls in the energy and utilities field.

“Around the country, mentoring is one of the most popular training programs right now,” Chapman said. “The idea is to eventually have a curriculum for all six industry sectors that we service.”

Like the newly introduced Alliance of Medical Professionals (AMP) Mentoring Initiative that promotes innovation-centered education to increase opportunities for socially and economically disadvantaged high school students in health careers. The program aims to build a strong and qualified healthcare work force for the future by “growing our own” Kern County professionals.

“Our acceptance rate to college has been one hundred percent with these programs,” Chapman added. “The thought is that these individuals come back to Kern County to work after they attend college.”

With more companies looking to expand as the economy improves over the next few years, Chapman said that the Kern EDC is working aggressively to attract their attention, while still serving the thousands of businesses that already call Kern County home.

“When you have announcements like Caterpillar and Dollar General choosing to set up operations here,” Chapman explained, “people take notice, and want to know what’s going on in Kern County.”

And it’s this type of attention that will continue to fuel the county’s growing economy and maturing job market for years to come. n

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A City of Music fan and had to personally visit the Crystal Palace. Or perhaps the two German ladies who read about the Crystal Palace in Lonely Planet and went to a concert there and then wanted to also try line dancing in town.”

Photo by JAIME R. CANCIO

P

eople assume that when your town name is associated with a type of music, it’s the only claim to fame you’ve got when it comes to tunes. Yes, we are the Bakersfield (as in the Bakersfield Sound), but we’re a city that has grown to not only listen to all types of music, but cultivate them, as well. For example, our country’s first internationally-renowned operatic baritone for the New York Metropolitan Opera, Lawrence Tibbett, was born in Bakersfield.

We have ties to nearly every genre of music, from country to rock, jazz to nu metal, and even pipe organ—that’s a fact that’s often overlooked about our city.

Not only that, but people don’t realize that those musical ties are responsible for bringing quite a bit of commerce our way via fan pilgrimages and music conventions.

In that regard, music of all types has always been important to our city, but especially good old country music, which brings devotees of Buck, Merle, and that twangy sound.

“Many visitors come to Bakersfield because we are a city of music,” said David Lyman, manager for the Bakersfield Convention and Visitors Bureau. “It may be the group of four Scottish travelers who drove directly from San Francisco to Bakersfield because one of them was a country music

Doug Davis

Jazz and symphony orchestra composer, also founded the widely popular Bakersfield Jazz Festival.

Richard elliot

“Soul Jazz” tenor saxophonist belts it out at the Bakersfield Jazz Fest ival.

So while the connection to country may be our bread and butter, it’s only the tip of the iceberg.

“Bakersfield’s history has always included an astounding array of musical genres,” explained Doug Davis.

And Davis should know—he has over 100 jazz compositions and 70 compositions for symphony orchestra, band, chorus, solo piano, chamber ensembles, song cycles, and electronic music to his name. Additionally, he’s performed in concert with Grammywinning artists Michael Brecker, Bob Mintzer, Bobby Shew, and Pete Christlieb. He is perhaps best known around Bakersfield for founding the Bakersfield Jazz Festival, an annual event that has far surpassed initial expectations. In the 26 years that the Festival has been happening, the attendance regularly reaches 6,000 (sometimes going as high as 8,000).

The two-day event brings Grammywinning artists as well as local and student groups. And the music-lovers continue to come out in droves.

“In the ‘80s, we brought in Wynton Marsalis,” Davis continued. People come from all over the county and the region to see these acts and that means they are staying at hotels, eating at local restaurants, and supporting the local economy. >>

Bakersfield has ties to nearly every genre of music–from country to rock, jazz to nu metal, and even pipe organ–that’s a fact that’s often overlooked about our city. www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Fall 2012 61

A City of Music “Word of mouth has really allowed the event to grow,” said Davis, who has stepped aside as head coordinator the past two years. “Of course, there is a built-in audience of jazz lovers here. The jazz scene was strong before [the festival even started].”

Even so, Bakersfield has long had a reputation for being a one-trick pony in the

When Phil Dodson, a local member of the American Guild of Organists (AGO), decided to add Bakersfield’s name to the list of places the AGO could hold the 2013 Region IX Conference, he wasn’t sure if the New York office would take it seriously.

They did, however, and accepted the bid because of the amenities we offer. So between

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music scene. “In fact, Sunset Magazine once mentioned the Festival and asked ‘would you believe this happens in Bakersfield?’ ” But those reactions are becoming fewer and farther between. That may be because large music events have positively affected the way the country views Bakersfield.

June 24 and June 26 next year, our fair city will be hosting amazing organ players from around the region including all the western states.

“We’re a small chapter,” Dodson explained. “So it’s a huge job.”

The event will also bring in world class organ players, not to mention families, friends, and fans of organ music. photos courtesy of Doug Davis

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the mighty pipe organ at Olive drive churcH

Paul Tepker, Meg Wise, and master pipe organist Dr. Phil Dodson (L-R)

And these are some lucky people. After all, Bakersfield is home to five extraordinary pipe organs. First Presbyterian houses the largest digitaltype organ of its kind in the entire state and Olive Drive Church houses an organ with over 8,000 pipes, making it the largest organ in the West.

Because the event is free, it’s expected that a large number of locals will turn out to performances, too, and that means a lot of commerce for local businesses.

Still, it seems impossible to mention Bakersfield’s influence on music without including the purveyors of nu metal themselves: Korn. Exploding onto the national music scene in the mid-‘90s, the band has gone on to sell over 35 million records worldwide and amass

an intense following of dedicated fans. These fans of the band (the current line-up being Jonathan Davis, James “Munky” Shaffer, Reginald “Fieldy” Arvizu, and Ray Luzier) make annual pilgrimages to Bakersfield to visit the place that gave birth to one of the most well-known bands of the last 20 years.

“There are the devotees of Korn who seek out the ‘Korn Row’ sign and the group’s plaque outside the Rabobank Convention Center,” Lyman added.

So there’s obviously the Ra-

korn

country is still bringing in business for our community in the form of rented hotel rooms, taxi rides, restaurant visits, and even plane fare.

And those funds are good news for our city. Not only are we seeing the financial benefits of having a musically-diverse community thanks to music

Bakersfield’s own nu metal band soared into the stratosphere with over 35 million worldwide record sales!

conventions and well-known bands, we’re also losing the reputation of being a town only good for one genre of music. “We see many visitors who make a point of coming to Bakersfield because of our music.

And that means they are spending money [locally], which is music to my ears,” Lyman said. n

PHOTO COURTESY OF ROADRUNNER RECORDS

Between June 24 and June 26 next year, our fair city will be hosting amazing organ players from around the region including all the western states!

bobank Convention Center sign and plaque, but there is also a display inside (which includes memorabilia and guitars), and a trip to Jerry’s Pizza, where the band played in the early days. So even though the band doesn’t live in Bakersfield anymore, the impact their music had on the

www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Fall 2012 63

64 Bakersfield Magazine

corporate n relocation

How’s the View?

B

Visitors come from all over for the “Bakersfield Experience” ­—but what do they really think about it all?

caters specifically to folks that are looking for some fun while they’re here, they get to see firsthand exactly what guests to our city think of us. And the overwhelming

prised to see how much Bakersfield and Kern County have to offer at any given time of year. Guests arrive at the visitor center quiet and unsure of what they are looking

majority of them find Kern County to be a very pleasant surprise.

“We actually get a lot of foreign visitors,” Glasco said. “People come here from places like Germany, Holland, Israel, Thailand, Switzerland, and New Caledonia. They are all surprised by the amount of activities that we have to offer. There’s so much to do here and no one really knows about it—we even have residents come in who are taken aback by the number of things we have going on. Most of the visitors are intrigued with the size of our city and all that we have happening here.”

Zielsdorf confirmed, “Bakersfield has large city amenities with small town hospitality. Visitors and residents alike are sur-

for, but after scanning the brochures and guides, and speaking with staff, their faces light up with excitement as they leave to experience all that Bakersfield has to offer.”

Some of the biggest draws to our area may be somewhat bewildering to locals who take what we have here for granted.

Agriculture, the Bakersfield Sound, and even the oilfields pique the curiosity of countless visitors from all over the world.

Some are curious about what an almond orchard in bloom looks like while others are anxious to see the stage where Buck Owens performed almost weekly in the time before his passing. Our outdoor activities like the bike path (the Bureau recently helped to bring the Amgen Tour of California >>

©istockphoto.com/wojciech

akersfield: that one word can elicit a myriad of emotions, especially from people who know precious little about what sort of amazing things that our city—and those towns surrounding it—have to offer. Though some locals may think that visitors are not able to fully appreciate our beloved county, there are scores of travelers that leave here believing Kern residents really do have more to explore.

Fewer people understand this as well as receptionist Wendy Zielsdorf and Misty Glasco, marketing and events specialist, because they both work at the Bakersfield Convention & Visitors Bureau. As a spot that

Bakersfield Convention & Visitors bureau

Misty Glasco and Wendy Zielsdorf

After scanning the brochures and guides, and speaking with staff, visitors’ faces light up with excitement as they leave to experience all that Bakersfield has to offer. www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Fall 2012 65

How’s the View?

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to Kern) and white water rafting garner praise—as does the friendly attitude with which we citizens treat our guests.

“We’re described as a very hospitable and friendly place,” said Zielsdorf. “The Central Valley Business Journal said that Bakersfield was dubbed the seventh friendliest city in California this year. That, combined with the level of activities, makes our city an ideal place to stay. We’ve had people actually change their vacation plans so that they could stay here longer. There are over fifty-four hundred hotel rooms in Bakersfield, and some weekends, they’re completely booked.

There’s a reason for that!”

One look at the Bureau’s guest book, and it is clear just how much people enjoy their stay. A visitor from Maryland wrote, “Much more to see and do (and enjoy!) than I expected.”

Much to many a citizen’s surprise, someone hailing from British Columbia, Canada, simply wrote, “At last—Sunshine!” What may come as less of a surprise, though, is the fact that there were comments left about how delicious the food here is. From Montreal, Quebec, “Fantastic Basque restaurants.” (Many guests of Bakersfield come to try our food, especially our Basque cuisine. And with restaurants like Noriega Hotel winning the James Beard Award, it’s no wonder!) There were also several remarks made about people’s love for The Padre Hotel, with its affordability and gorgeous atmosphere.

But the love for Kern County isn’t limited to a few families. As Glasco and Zielsdorf disclosed, people

are likely to have conventions, family reunions, and large group meetings here because of the recreational options available to them. One such group is the San Joaquin Unit of the Wally Byam Caravan Club International (WBCCI—a group of Airstream trailer enthusiasts from all around the world), who will be bringing their annual rally, Riding the Silver Bullet, to Bakersfield from October 17-22.

Bob Hooper and his wife, Donna, were instrumental in organizing to have the rally at the Bakersfield RV Resort. “We were looking for a venue that had a lot of different things to do that would interest a large group of people who may want to try a few activities out during the rally. I suggested Bakersfield based on my experience from living there.”

Attendance is expected to be anywhere between 70 to 100 trailers, with two people per trailer. So far, the Unit plans on going to see CALM, Black Gold: The Oil Experience exhibit at

photo courtesy of Linda Gragg Bauer

Wally Byam Caravan Club Enjoying what Bakersfield has to offer “Airstream Style.”

the Kern County Museum, the Bakersfield National Cemetery, and the Tehachapi loop. They also plan on holding a golf tournament, a chili cook-off, and an arts and crafts swap-o-rama at the park. Again, the group is not only looking forward to the countless things that they will be able to experience, but they’re also excited about being

Bakersfield is an extremely diverse area with so much to see and do. People usually end up doing even more than they have planned. in a friendly atmosphere with incredible food options.

“Bakersfield is a very friendly community,” said Hooper. “I lived there for about fifteen years, and you can go down the street and people will smile at you. It’s a totally different mentality than bigger cities.

Not to mention there is a great number of amazing restaurants to eat at!” (Hooper admitted to having Basque food

for lunch almost every day during his years in Bakersfield.)

The biggest draw that made our city the top choice for their rally is the simple fact that there’s so much to do.

“Bakersfield is an extremely diverse area with so much to see and do. I think that people are going to end up doing even more than they have planned.

There is something for everybody, and that was a large part of why we chose to have the rally there this year.”

If the many wonders of Kern County aren’t part of the mainstream mentality right now, that certainly won’t be the case for much longer. “I have done travel and adventure trade shows in L.A.,” Glasco said. “The people that go were amazed that we have rafting, skydiving, and hang gliding. But we do, and it brings a lot of people here and hopefully it will keep up.”

Regardless of what some people may think or say about Bakersfield, one thing is starkly evident: people love it here! The food, the residents, the assortment of things to do—which includes a lot of free and familyoriented activities—are enough to bring people from all over the world to our neck of the woods, and to keep them coming back for more. n www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Fall 2012 67

68 Bakersfield Magazine

corporate n relocation

Think you know Bakersfield? Our city is a popular destination for conventions, sporting events, and visitors from all over the world. Bakersfield has so many unique features, the Bakersfield Convention and Visitors Bureau adopted the slogan, “More to Explore!” Let’s see how well you do. Old timers and new arrivals, feel free to test your knowledge of Col. Baker’s Field.

‘‘BakerTrivia’’

What is the largest convention that visits Bakersfield each year?

(Hint: this group visits Bakersfield over six weekends each summer).

3

What is considered Bakersfield’s most popular tourist attraction?

4

What Bakersfield hotel was recently named by Sunset.com as one of the “17 Most Unique Hotels in the West”?

5

A plaque commemorating the actual location of “Col. Baker’s Field” is located in front of what Bakersfield hotel?

6

Bakersfield has more of what type of restaurants than any other city in the nation?

Each year the James Beard Foundation’s American Classics Award is bestowed upon a select group of restaurants. What Bakersfield restaurant received this prestigious honor in 2011?

8

There are about 16,000 museums in the nation. Only about 750 of them, or less than five percent, are accredited by the American Association of Museums. Of those 750 accredited museums nationwide, how many are located in Bakersfield?

9 10 11 12

What are those accredited museums?

How many professional sports teams play in Bakersfield?

What are those professional sports teams?

Bakersfield is within a four hour drive of what percentage of California’s population? (Within 5 percent).

Answers:

2

7

1. 5,400 2. Jehovah’s Witnesses Watchtower Convention.

3. Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace 4. Padre Hotel 5. Bakersfield Marriott at the Convention Center 6. Basque 7. Noriega Hotel 8. Two 9. Bakersfield Museum of Art and Kern County Museum 10. Three 11. Blaze, Condors, and Jam 12. 90 percent

How many hotel rooms are there within the City of Bakersfield? (Within 200).

Source: Bakersfield Convention and Visitors Bureau

1

Bakersfield is a popular destination for conventions, sporting events, and visitors from all over. www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Fall 2012 69

W

70 Bakersfield Magazine

corporate n relocation

It’s pure and simple really.

When people visit Bakersfield, they spend money.

Visitor Value

By Alan Tandy, Bakersfield City Manager

W

hile Bakersfield is not often thought of as a destination location, it does continue to attract conventions, sporting events, and leisure travelers. But what do visitors in suits, sports uniforms, and flip flops have in common? They spend money.

Every day, visitors come into the Bakersfield Convention and Visitors Bureau. They walk in the door and say something like, “Hello. I’m here from (fill in the blank) and I want to know what I should see and do while I am here.”

Translation: “Help me spend my money.” And help them spend their money is what the CVB does.

During the past year, the CVB facilitated a number of events that will be held either this year or in future years.

These events will attract approximately 105,000 delegates who will book nearly 57,000 hotel room nights within the City of Bakersfield. >>

The estimated economic impact of the Bakersfield Convention and Visitors Bureau-facilitated events is more than 25 million dollars for the current fiscal year alone!

ALAN TANDY

Bakersfield’s City Manager knows the value of visitors and how their spending stimulates business.

www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Fall 2012 71

Visitor Value You can see why the CVB works hard to attract events and people to Bakersfield: they bring money. The estimated economic impact of CVB-facilitated events is more than 25 million dollars for the current fiscal year alone. The recent Amgen Tour of California Individual Time Trial in May 2012 had an estimated economic impact of at least $3 million. The manager of Doubletree Hotel was quoted as saying that event had a $100,000 impact to his hotel, and the manager of the Padre Hotel said he saw an additional $40,000 in business.

Always remember that the travel and tourism industry is labor intensive. The bed in your hotel room does not just magically get made by itself, and the meal you buy in a restaurant does not automatically cook itself and arrive at your table.

In short, people who visit Bakersfield spend money.

People who visit Bakersfield generate tax revenue. People who visit Bakersfield keep Bakersfield people employed.

To show you how confident some people are in our local market, look at two hotel improvement projects.

The first was just recently completed, an $870,000

makeover of the Courtyard

by Marriott: a new lobby, new restaurant, new business center, and new beds.

The second local hotel improvement project is now

owners hope this will be the first Holiday Inn Express in the Central Valley with this new design.

These are two significant investments in our local ho-

hotel market will provide an acceptable return on their investment. This is an outstanding vote of confidence.

Bakersfield’s success in attracting large groups means

In the 12 month period between May 2011 and May 2012, Bakersfield was tops in the rate of increase of hotel rooms sold in California, 13.1 percent. That was more than three times the state and national average. underway, a $1 million remodel of the Holiday Inn Express on Hughes Lane. The

tel inventory, which means only one thing: their owners believe that the Bakersfield

local hotels have had several nights when they are sold out. For example, with the

Luigi’s is a very popular hangout for tourist and locals alike.

72 Bakersfield Magazine

Photo courtesy of www.kcbasqueclub.com

The annual Basque Festival is full of fun and festivity.

Amgen Tour of California, the arrival of the athletes, the tour entourage, spectators, fans, and international media meant Bakersfield was sold out for two nights, midweek. That weekend, there was a softball and baseball championship in town, as well as the 50th annual convention of the United Farm Workers, which meant another sell out for local hotels.

The following weekend was the first of six weekends of meetings of the Jehovah’s Witnesses. That same weekend also was the 40th annual Basque Festival and the 16th annual Standing Bear Pow Wow. Again, another sold out weekend.

in Bakersfield was 16.2 percent, the second highest in the state. That was more than twice the national average, and almost twice the state average.

The third key indicator is hotel occupancy. Bakersfield was once again the second highest in the state, at 11.6 percent and, again, far above the national and state averages.

Bakersfield is now the 51st largest city, by population, in the nation. We are larger than New Orleans (52), Tampa (54), St. Louis (57), Pittsburgh (58), and Cincinnati, (61). When people think of cities like New Orleans and

The annual Standing Bear Pow Wow is a big attraction for the city.

Local hotel occupancy and revenue numbers are on the upswing. For example, in the 12 month period between May 2011 and May 2012, Bakersfield was tops in the rate of increase of hotel rooms sold in California, 13.1 percent. That was more than three times the state and national average.

A second key indicator of our local market is called RevPAR, or Revenue per Available Room. The increase

Photo courtesy of Gene Albitre

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Pittsburgh, they think of places with certain types of urban amenities. We need to start thinking about Bakersfield in those terms, because with a larger population base, we have more big-city amenities to offer. Those amenities are attracting conventions, sports events, and leisure visitors. In turn, they lead to spending that flows through our local economy, creating jobs, and generating tax revenue. n

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74 Bakersfield Magazine

corporate n relocation

Bring your events to Bakersfield.

They‘re going to love us!

AMGEN TOUR OF CALIFORNIA

Invite Them Over

The tour has stopped twice in Bakersfield—a stage finish in 2010 and the Individual Time Trial in 2012.

By Honorable Harvey L. Hall, Mayor of Bakersfield

et me begin with three questions: 1. Are you a member of a business association, professional organization, or service club?

3. If you said yes, how many of those statewide or regional meetings have been held in Bakersfield?

Here is what we know about where those organizations meet: they generally choose their meeting locations because someone internally suggests one. And that someone is usually a member who wants to promote his or her community and bring that group there.

That is where you come in.

When our local residents are ambassadors for Bakersfield, we can bring more groups and events here. So why should you care about bringing more group meetings to Bakersfield? Because people who attend those meetings spend money.

Earlier this year, we saw the announcement that Adventist Health, the parent company of Bakersfield’s San Joaquin

PHOTO BY BRIAN HODES

2. If you said yes, do your associations, organizations, and clubs have statewide or regional meetings?

Between June 24 and June 26 next year, our fair city will be hosting amazing organ players from around the region including all the western states!and events When local residents are ambassadors for Bakersfield, we can bring more groups here. People who attend the meetings spend money locally...and that’s good for everyone.

Community Hospital, will hold its 2012 Western Regional Marketing and Business Development Conference in Bakersfield October 22 and 23. The people at San Joaquin Community Hospital made the pitch to bring their corporate people to our city and asked for assistance from the Bakersfield Convention and Visitors Bureau in putting together a presentation. The result: Adven-

tist Health employees from its four-state Western Region will be traveling to Bakersfield for this conference along with other Adventist Health representatives from Ohio and Florida.

This is an outstanding example of local businesses promoting Bakersfield to bring meetings here. So why do groups consider Bakersfield as a location for their events? >>

www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Fall 2012 75

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Invite Them Over “The community support we receive is a key factor in our decision to continue to bring the State High School Wrestling Championship to Bakersfield,” according to Ron Nocetti, associate executive director for CIF, the California Interscholastic Federation. Each year since 2003, CIF has held its wrestling championships at downtown Bakersfield’s Rabobank Arena. “The Convention and Visitors Bureau, Rabobank Arena, local hotel partners, and the community in general work together to ensure a successful event, ensuring that our

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One group that has returned since 1987 is the Western Street Rod Nationals Plus, sponsored by the National Street Rod Association.

student athletes, coaches, and families feel welcome and appreciated,” he said. CIF recently awarded Bakersfield an additional three-year contract to host the championships through 2015.

I regularly hear from groups visiting Bakersfield that our community is welcoming, and that positive spirit translates groups returning to our city. One group that has returned since 1987 is the Western Street Rod Nationals Plus, sponsored by the National Street Rod Association.

“The Bakersfield CVB always makes you feel that your event is truly welcome and that it is the most important event in Bakersfield,” said Mike Chrispyn, NSRA special events director. “The CVB always hosts a barbecue on Thursday of my event and it is attended by approximately 1,400 street rodders. They tell me how much they appreciate being in Bakersfield and they look forward to coming back.”

Not only do those attending these events help boost the local economy when they are here, they return home with positive images of Bakersfield. That kind of publicity is priceless.

For the folks at San Joaquin Community Hospital, it was a chance to showcase Bakersfield to their corporate colleagues. For many, this will be their first visit to our city. The same was true for the Solution Focused Brief Therapy Association, a national group that met in Bakersfield in November 2011 for the first time. Prior to Bakersfield, the group’s annual conferences were held in cities such as Denver, Albany, Toronto, and Banff. The key to bringing the conference here was a group of local mental health professionals who were members of the association. They recognized the potential of Bakersfield to host its gathering.

For many groups, that potential can be the quality venues (whether meeting space or sporting facilities), affordability, or central location. “We love both the geographical accessibility and the affordability of Bakersfield,” said John David, CEO of the American Bicycling Association.

His group brings the U.S. BMX Nationals to Bakersfield each year.

“Both the facility and local organizing group are a perfect fit for our national event,” he said. “The community embraces our customers and the local track staff does an amazing job of preparing for and hosting a great race.”

This past August, the Bakersfield Association of Realtors hosted, for the first time, the California Government Affairs Director Institute. The Bakersfield Association’s efforts paid off and Bakersfield beat out San Mateo and San Diego to host this group. “It was fairly easy to pitch Bakersfield,” said Donna Carpenter, the Bakersfield Association Government Affairs Director. “Our central location, unique restaurants, and cultural scene all create a package they just couldn’t say no to.”

This past September, the California Downtown Association held its Regional Workshop and Local Business Luncheon in Bakersfield. Instrumental in bringing this gathering here was our Downtown

Business Association, seeing the benefits of showcasing our center city to others. The event not only offered a historic tour of downtown, it was scheduled to coincide with both the First Friday and Village Fest events, providing those attending the CDA event with reasons to stay another night in Bakersfield.

In June 2013 the American Guild of Organists will bring its Region IX conference to Bakersfield.

Local members have worked hard to bring this conference here and showcase the many pipe organs in our city. Not only will guild members be impressed with Bakersfield, but local residents will be able to attend all sessions. Once again, this event will be held in Bakersfield because members of the group know what outstanding

amenities we can offer visitors.

Perhaps the largest event where local residents were integral to bringing it to Bakersfield is the Amgen Tour of California.

The tour has stopped twice in Bakersfield—a stage finish in 2010 and the Individual Time Trial in 2012. Making the case for considering Bakersfield was a small group of local dedicated cyclists. They knew we had spectacular and challenging course routes, and a wildly enthusiastic community that would embrace the event which is now the largest cycling event in North America and the largest spectator sporting event in California.

Pulling all the pieces together of an event, large or small, is not easy. But please do not let the

thought of all that organizing deter you from bringing a group or event to Bakersfield. That is just one of the tasks charged of the Bakersfield Convention and Visitors Bureau. The CVB can check out space availability, get competitive hotel rates, and suggest ways to make your event both memorable and productive. NSRA’s Mike Chrispyn said it best: “No matter who I work with on the CVB staff, they never fail to do what needs to be done and I never have to worry about something slipping through the cracks.” As Bakersfield’s Mayor, I look forward to welcoming your group and event to Bakersfield. The CVB will do the work, and you get all the credit. n

INVITE YOUR GROUP TO BAKERSFIELD

As Bakersfield’s Mayor, I look forward to welcoming your group and event to Bakersfield. Here’s the best part—The CVB will do the work, and you will get all the credit.

—Harvey L. Hall

Bakersfield Convention and Visitors Bureau (661) 852-7282 or CVB@VisitBakersfield.com

www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Fall 2012 77

78 Bakersfield Magazine

Rabobank

Central Cardiology Medical Clinic

Environmental Safety Solutions

Jean Laborde

Melo’s Gas & Gear

RJ’s Bar & Grill

THE SERIES It has been said that for success in any business, it takes hard work, dedication, and a deep passion. This special section is in celebration of the individuals and companies that have made such successes a reality. They are leaders in their fields who are respected by their peers and the public, alike, and whose businesses continue to thrive.

Special Advertorial Presentation

www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Fall 2012 79

THE

SERIES

RABOBANK Banking You Can Celebrate

W

hen you drive up Coffee Road toward Riverlakes

recently upgraded their ATMs with easy-to-read screens,

Drive, you can’t miss the Rabobank branch with its

touch screen navigation and new security features, and all

distinctive orange and blue

the machines except at Truxtun Avenue

walls. And you can’t miss the Rabobank

now accept envelope-free deposits.

staff volunteering at local events

Those ATMs allow you to deposit a stack

from the Boys & Girls Club Lemonade

of up to 10 checks at one time or a stack

Day to the Special Olympics Bowling

of up to 30 bills at one time, all without

Tournament to the annual golf event

an envelope. Your receipt includes

the bank hosts to raise money for the

images of your deposited checks and

Bakersfield Ronald McDonald House.

a complete summary of your deposit.

“Our employees enjoy what they do,

If you’re out of town, you can use the

whether it’s helping our customers with

new ATMs at any of Rabobank’s 119

their financial needs or volunteering

branches in California and Rabobank

in the community,” said Anker Fanoe,

customers now have free access to

Rabobank regional president. “This is

more than 500 ATMs at Walgreens

true not only here in Bakersfield, but

Anker Fanoe, Regional President

also in all our Rabobank branches in

throughout California, including the 10 stores in Bakersfield. In addition to

California. True community banking is really our legacy.”

Rabobank’s Bakersfield branch managers Hector Garcia (Truxtun Avenue), Kenan Patel (Stockdale Highway), Susan

its ATM network, the bank is introducing a mobile deposit app for phones and tablets later this year and a new online banking system for small business early in 2013.

Bogosian (Gosford Road), Andrea Covey (Mt. Vernon

Rabobank was founded in 1898 by farmers who pooled

Avenue), and Retail Banking Regional Manager Deanna

their savings to provide loans to their neighbors and

Blaise (Riverlakes Drive) and their staffs are known for friendly,

communities. More than 110 years later, they’ve grown into

efficient service.

a leader in agricultural and community banking by standing

Rabobank, N.A. recently received the J.D. Power and

by their customers, rain or shine. “Rabobank is such a great

Associates award for “Highest Customer Satisfaction with

fit for Bakersfield because of this dual focus on agriculture

Retail Banking in California” for the second consecutive

and community,” said Fanoe. “It’s part of our DNA.”

year. “We’re on a lifelong journey with our customers and

The bank has a dedicated agribusiness team led by

receiving this ranking for the second year shows us that we’re

regional manager Andrew Pederson to serve the unique

on the right path,” said Fanoe.

financial needs of farmers, ranchers and processors in the

Rather than rest on its laurels, Rabobank, N.A. is celebrating

southern Central Valley. “From the field to the fridge, it’s

its 10th anniversary as a California community bank by making

important to have a financial partner who understands

banking easier and more convenient. Its Bakersfield branches

agriculture and will be around for the long haul,” said Fanoe.

3800 Riverlakes Drive x 661-334-6900 w w w.rabobankamerica.com

Rabobank, N.A. received the highest numerical score among retail banks in California in the proprietary J.D. Power and Associates 2011-2012 Retail Banking Satisfaction StudiesSM. 2012 study based on 51,498 total responses measurProprietary study results are based on experiences and perceptions of consumers surveyed January-February, 2012. Your experiences may vary. Visit jdpower.com. Rabobank, N.A. Member FDIC.

nine providers in California and measures opinions of consumers with their primary banking provider.

80ing Bakersfield Magazine

(l-r) Kenan Patel, Andrea Covey, Deanna Blaise, Susan Bogosian, Hector Garcia www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Fall 2012 81

THE

SERIES

CCMC CENTRAL CARDIOLOGY Brij Bhambi, MD, Chief of Staff

F

or over four decades, excellence in cardiovas-

stent interventions in coronary arteries. First to adopt stents for

cular care in Kern County has been epitomized

treating patients with heart attacks. First to introduce a variety

by Central Cardiology

of minimally invasive technologies to

Medical Clinic. Speaking on behalf of

remedy blocked arteries to replace

Central Cardiology, Dr. Brij Bhambi ex-

extensive surgical operations,” Dr

plained some of the accomplishments

Bhambi said, “to name a few.”

With a dedicated research depart-

that distinguish Central Cardiology.

“We have been privileged to serve

ment, CCMC continues to partner

Kern County and we take this commit-

with national leaders to further car-

ment seriously. Our motto is to provide

diovascular care. CCMC is one of the

compassionate, personalized, and

busiest centers in the state of Cali-

world-class care right here in Kern Coun-

fornia for developing carotid artery

ty—care that is preventative, efficient,

stenting as an alternative to traditional

and amalgamates innovative tools in a

knife-based procedures. At CCMC,

seamless manner.

they have accumulated an envious

“From the service perspective,” he

record that compares favorably to

elaborated, “we recognize transpor-

the best anywhere. Currently, CCMC

tation issues that are unique to the segment of population

is participating in technologies that will make pacemakers

we cater. With this in mind CCMC has offices in multiple

MRI friendly.

locations that include Tehachapi, Frazier Park, Taft, Lake Isabella, Delano, Ridgecrest, Shafter, and counting.

“Having a presence in all these communities helps us service our patients locally and attend to their needs in a customized manner,” Dr. Bhambi added.

Recently CCMC added two new physicians who are trained in the emerging field of structural heart disease. “Now we can help people who were previously considered too high risk for traditional surgery.”

CCMC is a clinic that takes the “usual” in a cardiology

CCMC is the largest and most comprehensive group for the entirety of cardiovascular care in Kern County.

clinic to “most comprehensive” under one roof offering an array of cardiovascular services including specialized clinics,

CCMC has ten board certified cardiologists, all of them

echocardiography, stress testing, a state-of-the-art vascular

with multiple certifications. Patients evaluated at CCMC

lab, advanced CT scanning, and an interventional lab that

have many intangible benefits. It’s common to have “in

uses the newest technologies to attend to arterial problems

patient room” conferences between multiple cardiologists

in an out-patient setting.

to help facilitate constructive clinical decision making.

CCMC is a story of many firsts. “We were the first to introduce electrophysiology to Kern County. First to bring

“Our commitment to the community is firm. Excellence in healthcare is a necessary ingredient. At CCMC we aim higher. Much higher!”

2901 Sillect Avenue, Suite 100 x 800-HEART-24 w w w.Hear t 24.com

82 Bakersfield Magazine

(l-r) Tetsuo Ishimori, MD; Rasham Sandhu, MD; Peter C. Nalos, MD; Brij Bhambi, MD; Sarabjeet “Chhabra” Singh, MD; Jared M. Salvo, MD; Sanjiv Sharma, MD; Kirit Desai, MD; William Nyitray, MD www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Fall 2012 83

THE

SERIES

Environmental Safety Solutions Jim Powell GM • Robby Pratt President/CEO • Adam Hair VP

W

hen Robby Pratt was working in the oilfields

these companies have been so impressed with their services,

as a safety consultant, his experience from

they have asked that ESS open offices in other states, as well

having been a Bakersfield

as overseas.

firefighter made one particular issue

One component which accounts for

evident: there was a need for improved

their success is they recruit employees

service in confined space rescue.

right out of firefighter training and EMT

Having the knowledge on how to

academies, as well as off-duty and

do so efficiently, he set out to fill the

retired firefighters, ensuring that not only

evident need for such a service. Thus,

are they completely knowledgeable

in 2009, Environmental Safety Solutions

about their job, but that they also

Confined Space Rescue was born.

get hands-on experience for their

When Pratt had his mind made up to

chosen professions. The advantage of

start his own business, he knew he would

having ESS Rescue on site is they can

need help from some of the best in the

immediately respond to an incident as

industry. A former colleague of his,

opposed to emergency services, which

Adam Hair, had years of experience in

could take up to 45 minutes in some

confined space rescue. “I knew Adam

remote areas. They also provide Heat

had a good sense of work ethic and I saw characteristics in

Stress Prevention and Treatment Units on all job locations.

him that I wanted to be part of my company,” said Pratt, “So

“We go out to the job sites, assess the risks, preplan the

I asked him to be my partner in the business.”

rescue, and custom design a plan for each company. We

After Hair came on board and the two had everything situated, they sought out another colleague of Pratt’s from

are sure to watch over everyone’s safety and we can do so in a very efficient manner.”

the Bakersfield Fire Department, Jim Powell. After seeing the

So efficient, in fact, that they were trusted to send over

great potential that this business venture entailed, Powell

several safety consultants to help with clean up and

retired early from his firefighting job and joined ESS as their

oversee safety during the 2010 BP oil spill off the gulf.

General Manager.

They give back to our own local community by donating

Powell’s intuitions were correct, and within the few short

regularly to Relay for Life, the Officer Down Foundation,

years they’ve been open, they have grown from servicing

and providing EMTs to oversee the Golden Empire Youth

Kern County to reaching all parts of California, including

Football Organization’s games. The professionals at ESS are

Ventura, the Bay area, Huntington Beach, San Ardo, Pismo,

highly trained, completely qualified, and have expertise that

Long Beach, and Coalinga. Companies they are currently

is utterly unique in the market. Safety is important, and ESS

performing work for include Aera Energy, Chevron, Berry

has the expertise to make sure that your company is as safe

Petroleum, KSI, TIC, McPherson, and Phillips 66. Several of

as possible when it matters the most.

2827 Hanger Way x 888-684-1755 w w w.es s rescue.com

84 Bakersfield Magazine

Pictured, some of our expert staff: (l-r) Jim Powell, Adam Hair, Mike Higgins, Sothy Chea, Christopher Mullich, Andres Garcia, Justin Powell, Robby Pratt front (l-r) Steven Brewster, Jamie Trammell, Brandon Wallace, Antonio Del Fierro, Trent Rodriguez, Jason Martinez www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Fall 2012 85

THE

SERIES

Jean Laborde Jean Laborde, Owner

W

hat do you get when you mix steely determination,

a loan that the banks decided to give me two days to

refusal to give up, and a keen instinct for making

pay, I lost it all, including my home. I told the bank that it

people millions of dollars?

would happen, too, but they didn’t

When it comes to commercial real

listen to me.”

estate in Kern County and beyond, you

They also had Laborde file Chapter

would get Jean Laborde, Agriculture

11—something he plainly called “a

and Commercial Specialist for Watson

very bad decision.” He was out mil-

Realty. Not only has he been on the

lions of dollars and his family was out

Top Producer List for Sales from 2000 to

of a home, but that didn’t stop him. “I

2011, but he also boasts over 50 years

never felt sorry for myself, I never got

of experience in the industry.

depressed. I just kept on going, and I kept working at what I knew best.”

“My main goal in this business is to do the best job possible for my clients—

And his hard work has paid off.

they come first,” Laborde intimated.

Laborde’s is a true rags to riches tale,

“I work mostly with farmers of all kinds,

and he is very proud of his strong

whether they grow almonds or grapes.

wife and family and where he is now. Though he lost the land where

I grew up on a farm in La Puente and when I moved to Kern County, I continued farming by raising

Riverlakes now stands, he is glad that part of his dream was

roses with my cousin. So dealing specifically in farmland and

realized. “Back then, there was nothing out there. I knew

agriculture is natural for me.”

that it would be a great place to build, and now look at it!

Though Laborde might seem as though he has everything

It’s a wonderful area.”

going for him, it wasn’t always an easy ride. After learning

As far as the future is concerned, Laborde has no plans

the ropes in buying and selling farmland though his former

of slowing down. Having purchased land no one wanted

business partner, Hollis B. Roberts (a man for whom he still

in the past and making great profits off of it, he is currently

holds a deep respect and credits most of his real estate

planting pistachios in several hundred acres of land in Arvin.

knowledge to), Laborde eventually branched off on his own.

“My overall philosophy is to work hard all of the time. I don’t

The roughly 400 escrows he took part in during his partnership

take much time off, and I have learned that, in the real

with Roberts had prepared him for many obstacles, though

estate business, when people call, you answer your phone.

there was one that changed his life.

You can’t keep people waiting.”

“I lost everything,” he admitted. “And I mean everything.

When considering an agent for commercial property,

In 1990, I was farming about four thousand acres of land

ranches, farms, mineral rights, or desert land, there is no

around the Riverlakes and Calloway area. I had almost

better agent for the job than Jean Laborde: the man who

a mile of frontage on Rosedale Highway. Then, due to

has made his clients millions.

9101 Camino Media x 800-951-1626 w w w.jeanlaborde.com

86 Bakersfield Magazine

x

DRE# 9 986 49

Jean Laborde www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Fall 2012 87

THE

SERIES

MELO’S GAS & GEAR Dave Melo, Owner

M

elo’s Gas & Gear has been servicing customers in

in Taft to help service their growing customer base on the

the Bakersfield area since 1999, offering industrial

west side of Kern County.

gases and welding supplies

With all the growth Melo’s has taken

to welders, oilfield services providers,

on, they have stayed true to their

agriculture, restaurants, grocery stores,

values, remembering that customer

and the general public. With some

service generates repeat business. It’s

hard work and dedicated customer

no wonder why Dun & Bradstreet and

service, Melo’s has grown from a small

Entrepreneur Magazine recognized

five man operation with one facility to

Melo’s as one of the top 100 new

over fifty employees with five locations

companies in the country in terms of

throughout the central valley, including

growth.

Melo’s Gas & Gear is at the forefront

the largest industrial gas plant in Kern

of their industry in the Central Valley,

County.

As stated by Dave Melo, “I worked in

with customer service priority one.

the welding supply business from 1970-

Melo’s opted to implement a cylinder

1999, and was at a point in my career

tracking system to help streamline rental billing issues. This system tracks

where my employer was requiring me to move out of state. I wanted to stay in Bakersfield, so

cylinders using a serial number stamped on the cylinder

decided to open up my own business. It was me and four

and applies it to the invoice. This process allows Melo’s to

other guys, and we started from zero with nothing.”

accurately track and bill its customers for every cylinder

Within eight months, Melo’s had outgrown their first facility

shipped and returned. By taking the guesswork out of

and relocated to a larger one. In late 2001, Melo’s purchased

billing, there are fewer discrepancies between Melo’s and

a business in Fresno from Air Liquide and in January 2002

its customers, compared to its competitor’s way of billing.

Dedicated to quality customer service, they understand

opened up their second location.

In 2005, the growth continued as Melo’s purchased

the customers urgency when a piece of equipment breaks

another supplier in Bakersfield, Kern County Gas and

down. Melo’s offers factory trained service technicians,

Welding, which increased Melo’s market share throughout

servicing all of the equipment they sell, as well as any other

the Bakersfield region, only to be followed up by the opening

equipment a competitor may have sold a customer. This

of a third store in Delano in 2011. To better help service their

allows for less down time for the customer by not having to

rapidly growing clientele, Melo’s seized the opportunity

wait for a vendor to send out a service representative.

in 2011 to also purchase Air Liquide’s gas plant operation

The future continues to look bright for this progressive

on Kentucky Street, thus bolstering their operations to four

company, by continuing to evolve as the Central Valley’s

locations. In October of 2012, Melo’s will open its fifth store

number one industrial gas and welding supplier!

4580 State Road x 661-387-6800 w w w.melosga sandgear.com

88 Bakersfield Magazine

(l-r) Brady Melo, Dave Melo, Doug Robinson, Ron Wade www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Fall 2012 89

THE

SERIES

RJ’s BAR & GRILL Russell Carter & Jason Cox, Owners

C

ommitted to quality, service, and, most of all,

so successful, in fact, that they recently opened a new

the Bakersfield community, RJ’s Bar & Grill has

location downtown at the Bakersfield Racquet Club.

been the true definition

Expansion wasn’t the only motivation

of a neighborhood restaurant for

behind the establishment.

many years.

“It was a natural fit for what we

With a family-oriented atmosphere

try to achieve as a business,” Carter

where you will always feel comfort-

disclosed. “It is in a nice neighborhood

able, whether you are dining alone

atmosphere and it is a different place

or with a large crowd, this local

for kids in the area to go to. We also

staple is a place where everyone

love being a part of a Bakersfield

knows each other. And with how

tradition with the Racquet Club. Also,

many regulars frequent the res-

even though it is part of the Club, it is

taurant, it really isn’t any wonder.

also open to the public, so everyone

“We have a couple that come in

can eat there.”

here to have lunch every single day,”

And Bakersfield truly matters to

said co-owner, Russ Carter, pointing

Carter and his business partner, Jason

out the table where they sit. The

Cox. They make it a point to donate

regular patrons are a big part of what they strive for in all

to local charities such as the MS Society, The Bakersfield

aspects of the business. “When people come here, they

Police Memorial Run and the Police Activities League (both

know their favorite server, they know their favorite menu

of which Carter serves as a board member), the local

items, and we really center our business around that. We

Ronald McDonald House, and the Kern Secret Witness

hire servers who we know will bring something extra to our

program, where they lend the most support. “We host a

customers.”

golf tournament at Riverlakes to raise funds for the KSW

As they have just recently celebrated their 10 year

every year,” Carter confirmed.

anniversary, their methods haven’t failed them. They

One of the many outstanding characteristics about RJ’s

continue to be a favorite place to go when people have

Bar & Grill is their love for everything they do, from making

a craving for one of their many delicious menu items,

incredible meals to supporting charitable causes. “In this

like the Blackened Chicken Tortellini, Avocado Egg Rolls,

business, you have to love it to keep it going for as long as

Ribeye Steaks, Ginger Teriyaki Steak Kabobs, and Boneless

we have,” said Carter. “It has to be your passion, because

Wings. They have also received awards for the quality, cut,

it is all about passion.” With a highly satisfied clientele

and age of their steaks through their distributors almost

and happy, accommodating staff, RJ’s Bar & Grill plans

every year that they’ve been open. “We’re awarded

on sharing their passion with the people of Bakersfield for

for being the pickiest,” Carter joked. RJ’s run has been

many more years to come.

9440 Hageman Road x 661-833-7212 w w w.rj s barandgrill.com

90 Bakersfield Magazine

(l-r) Russell Carter, Jason Cox www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Fall 2012 91

PROFILE

(l-r) Mark Waybright, Todd Sumrall, Jimmy Sisneros, Efran Gonzales, John Pitre

Motor City Buick GMC Lexus Bringing the best and most complete in auto sales and service to Kern County since 1940.

The number three GMC dealer in the entire nation—and the number one in all of California—is right here in Bakersfield at Motor City Buick GMC Lexus. This full service auto facility features everything you could ask for when you have transportation needs: renting, leasing, commercial, sales, service, parts, body shop—in the words of General Manager John Pitre, “We are Kern County’s only one-stop shop.”

But their services are not the only exciting thing going on at this dealership. General Sales Manager Jimmy Sisneros revealed, “We are one of the first GMC dealers in the country to have the company’s new facility upgrades implemented, so our entire store is brand new and we have a fresh showroom, service drive, lounge, and body shop offices.

People who haven’t purchased yet this year are in for a great surprise.”

And it isn’t too much of a stretch to assume that previous buyers will frequent their showroom, as they boast a high return rate from customers. “There’s so much stability here,” Sisneros continued. “We have employees that have been here for thirty years, so our staff is very experienced and they know how to treat people the right way.” Both Pitre and Sisneros agreed that their team is very close-knit and having every service imaginable all in one remodeled location has made the bond that much more natural.

This cohesion is evident with the ease experienced whether you are looking for a new car or are just needing a routine service performed.

All of these elements have been instrumental in keeping this business alive and thriving for decades. According to Pitre, “Ours is the oldest, continuously owned and operated dealership in Kern County. It started in 1940 by the Stricklen family, and is run by them to this day.”

When looking to purchase your next car, consider one of the leaders in the industry: Motor City Buick GMC Lexus. You will be glad you did!

3101 Pacheco Road | www.motorcitywest.com | 855-536-5291

92 Bakersfield Magazine

PROFILE

GEMCare Their slogan “Care you can count on” truly says it all: they’re local, passionate, and are ready to help you with your healthcare endeavors.

Whether you’re looking for an individual Medicare healthcare plan or one for your business, GEMCare is the best choice in Kern County. Its continued growth and successful track record within our community and beyond are just a few of the exciting and positive things that prove why it’s one of the leading healthcare providers available.

“Our senior membership continues to grow, making us the second largest Medicare Advantage Plan in Kern County,” said Steve Olivier, Director of Sales. “In 2011, we rolled out our commercial product for small and large businesses, and that has done very well.

Earlier this year, we celebrated a ten thousand membership increase within the last twelve or thirteen months, this is a great milestone.”

Some defining factors which contribute to the company’s positive growth (they now offer services in San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura counties) are its staff and its unique ability to match clients with the perfect plan. The company, as a whole, works very closely with the physicians and hospitals, as well as its entire client base, so the best match is guaranteed.

GEMCare’s Medicare sales team consists of Darnetta Smith, Anna Franco, and Thania Palacios. Under the management of Stella Sanchez, they have a great deal of experience with Medicare and they truly understand not only how the program works, but also how it can best benefit people who are Medicare eligible. On the commercial end, Kim Irvine and Angela Grove work hard at providing as much support to their brokers as is needed.

“Without a doubt, our success is directly attributed to these employees’ knowledge and experience in what they do, as well as their incredible work ethic and commitment to pairing the right person or business with the right plan.”

Your health is important, so when considering a plan, be sure to keep the professionals at GEMCare in mind. See how GEMCare’s expertise can work for you.

4550 California Avenue | www.gemcarehealthplan.com | 661-716-8800

www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Fall 2012 93

94 Bakersfield Magazine

www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Fall 2012 95

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

home & Garden

Let the Stars Decide There are many schools of thought when it comes to decorating one’s home. You can go eclectic or classic or Victorian…or even zodiac. Zodiac? Yep, there’s a way to capture the characteristics of your astrological sign and implement them in the design of your home. Sure, it might seem a little “out there” to decorate your home based on the stars, but there’s actually a method to this practice. For example:

m Aries (March 21 to April 20) Aries are independent by nature, and so a

m Leo (July 22 to August 22) Any lion or lioness will feel at home with jewel

sense of freedom in design and floor plan is

tones—but even more so in a home that heav-

necessary. Aries’ perfect living space should fea-

ily features oranges and yellows. Think regal.

ture bright accents, a cozy chair to curl up in, and super-sized

Include those colors in accents or décor. Show off that wine rack

throw pillows on the floor in reds, oranges, yellows, and blues.

and be sure to have your games handy. Leos love to entertain, so a living room or den should be the focal point of any Leo home.

m Taurus (April 21 to May 20) A Taurus’ home needs to be beautiful, since

m Virgo (August 23 to September 22)

Venus is this sign’s ruler. Fresh flowers should

As a fellow earth sign, Virgo also does well

be plentiful. As an earth sign, signature colors

with beige, browns, and greens. As such, the

are brown, beige, gray, and green, so furniture and décor should

perfect Virgo home includes warm woods

fall into those color schemes. Keep couches fluffy and soft.

and neutral hues for a refined look. Wooden bookshelves, accent tables, and other furniture will make quite an impres-

m Gemini (May 21 to June 20)

sion. But remember to keep things well-organized but cozy.

For this air sign, light blues, greens, and yellows are the colors to consider when doing some decorating. Modern pieces appeal to a Gemini.

m Libra (September 23 to October 22) Even if light blues, greens, and yellows don’t

Lines should be sleek and clean. Try a circular glass table and an L-

appeal to you, try incorporating them into your

shaped couch to round out a living room perfect for conversations.

design scheme to help make a more harmonious

m Cancer (June 21 to July 21)

that any pictures, hanging shelves, or decorative items create an

room. But Libras are all about balance, so you want to make sure A crab’s home, particularly the living room,

even quality to the room.

should offer a protective shell for the entire family. Look for warmth to come from the col-

m Scorpio (October 23 to November 21)

or palette of deep blues, greens, and reds. Because of cancer’s

This sign, drawn to greens, reds, and blues, is all

love of family, the living room should include a wall dedicated

about transformation. Try and incorporate as

to family pictures.

many antique pieces into your home as possible. >>

96 Bakersfield Magazine

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www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Fall 2012 97

home & Garden r e so u r c e s

Let the Stars Decide Your instinct will be to find vintage items, like an old couch, so go with it. Stained glass lamps on side tables will create a romantic mood and go with your personality.

m Sagittarius (November 22 to December 21) A natural world traveler, a Sagittarius home should be filled with treasures captured from all over the globe. Display prize possessions including artwork, knick-knacks, and signature pieces in plenty of reds to complement your fire sign.

Jeanne Radsick Realtor®

m Capricorn (December 22 to January 20) A Capricorn is not known for having a pastel palette or flimsy taste in furniture. Sturdy oak and a roaring fire will make any goat feel at home. Firm leather couches, thick Oriental rugs (browns and greens), and rich (but cozy) touches are exactly what are needed in this home.

m Aquarius (January 21 to February 19) Turn your living room into a shrine to your air sign. Blues and yellows are perfect shades for either walls or accent pieces. Also, highlight your love of technology by making your focal point an entertainment system with all the bells and whistles.

m Pisces (February 20 to March 20) The décor in a Pisces home tends to be more whimsical than other signs and items all have a specific place. Soft cashmere throws add a nice touch to the structure that you crave, like the straight lines of shelves, storage units, tables, couches. Keep things blue.

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www.jeanneradsick.com 98 Bakersfield Magazine

Whatever you do, make sure you are designing with your personal tastes in mind. Your rising sign (determined by the time you were born) reflects the way you project yourself to others, so that goes hand-in-hand with how you decorate your home. art©istockphoto.com/pixelparticle/Aaltazar

n

Sources: HGTV.com; abcnews.go.com

fall tips you need to know

G AR D E N I N G W ITH MRS . P

a Splash of Grass

By Lynn Pitts ave you felt it yet; those first shivers of fall weather in the air? I have. While I'm not quite ready to unpack the winter woollies from mothballs, my garden seems to notice the almost mysterious changing of the season. Because of our Central Valley climate, our gardens never really wind down (as in much cooler climates); they just start spinning in different directions. In fact, we're now entering our most ideal planting and gathering season.

Take a break from the Two Ws (watering and weeding) and I'll share my advice on fall gardening issues…and a few others.

t gBennet om/Dou photo.c

Spider Webs All Over!

Don’t be frightened away, Miss Muffet; get a long-handled feather duster and simply swoosh them off.

With over 2,000 species of spiders in this world, you’ll never get rid of them by spraying insecticides. And who would want to eliminate all the good they do, trapping bugs in >>

©istock

©istockphoto.com/tuchkovo

A Non-Ivy Barrier Tired of looking out on old boring ivy beds and the street from your living room? I have a suggestion for you—one that will let in light but won’t take over.

Aside from washing the window and kissing you goodnight, ornamental grasses will fill your bill! They are the stars of fall gardens, hold their own in spring/summer, and shine bright in winter. These are not grasses for mowing, silly, but ornamental grasses that put on displays of color on tall stems set with plumes or pendants of tiny blossoms that sway and glimmer. They rustle.

They wave. They are polite clumpers, not thugs that hog every square inch of ground. Most ornamental grasses fall into two categories; mounding, evergreen, ever-blue, ever-red plants, usually 18 to 24 inches tall with an equal spread; and upright grasses with strong “straw” up to five feet tall.

Ornamental grasses offer something most perennials can’t: MOVEMENT. They are low maintenance. Snails don’t like them and they drink little sips of water once established. Visit nurseries to see their selections. Google “ornamental grasses” to see photos of what mature plants will look like. You’ll find bright red Japanese blood grass, blue oat grass, fountain grass, ribbon grass, big bluestem, reed grass, hair grass, and more.

www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Fall 2012 99

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www.carpetoutletplus.com 100 Bakersfield Magazine

Gardening with Mrs. P

their intricate webs? Granted, spiders are indiscriminate eaters, occasionally nabbing beneficial bugs. However, I find “dusting” the webs and regularly hosing down with water to be the least invasive method. Did you know during the Victorian era, the wealthy employed one person to do nothing but dust away spider webs in their grand houses?

Saving Annual Flower Seeds for Next Year?

You betcha! Lots of annual flowers, such as cosmos, zinnias, marigolds, and sunflowers are very happy to donate their seeds for a repeat performance in 2013.

Stop deadheading your faded flowers as the season ends. Soon they will develop seed heads. Pick a few of these stems and shake the mature seeds into paper bags.

You might want to pull the flower heads apart gently to loosen the seeds. Let the bags sit in a cool, dry dark area until the seeds are completely moisture-free. Transfer to small zip lock plastic bags, remembering to identify with a waterproof pen.

Store in your freezer until next spring or summer. Alternatively, if you are tidiness challenged, you could just shake the seeds back onto the ground, cover with a thick layer of mulch and let them come up on their own again. That’s what I do with my sunflower seeds.

Couples That Garden Together…

Just because your partner does not share your enjoyment of gardening, all is not lost. Mrs. P does have some advice for those wanting to encourage their partner to hop out into the garden with them.

If your spouse does not consider a seed catalog truly exciting bed reading, you might wish to return the ring. If your partner does not share your insane gid-

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Don’t Forget the Camellia This one can handle the sun. It’s called a camellia sasanqua. The sasanquas can tolerate much sun and produce loads of flowers in the fall and winter. While producing smaller and more fragile flowers than the more common camellia japonicas, they put on a good show. Sasanquas are tough, shinyleafed evergreen shrubs. Depending on the cultivar, they grow either dense and upright or gracefully spreading. The uprights make excellent container or hedge plants; spreaders can be trained against walls or even used as ground covers. Sasanquas come in colors of white, pink, and red. A few even have fragrance. Personally, I’ve grown “Tanya,” a deep rose pink, in full sun and found it a real winner.

No, I'm blessed with a specific form of memory loss that wipes my brain clean of garden disasters. It’s what keeps me planting and re-planting and re-planting year after year.

It’s what keeps me trying to grow peonies, rhododendrons, hostas, and fuchsias. I treat bougainvillea now as an annual and don’t obsess over protecting it if there’s going to be a freeze. I prefer daffodils, anemones, iris, and snowdrops as they come up each year on their own, unlike tulips and ranunculus. I still plant tulips every fall (after refrigerating/ chilling them for six weeks). After all, hope springs eternal, but deep down I know I'll only get one blooming. I've weaned myself off planting eating corn and stick to growing ornamental corn. It finally dawned on me that eating corn is ridiculously inexpensive at the store and ornamental corn is not.

Don’t Get Discouraged

by Garden Failures While Mrs. P is exempt from failures, that doesn’t mean you won’t have any. Kidding.

diness at the first pinhead size green shoot coming up from the soil, all bets are off.

The perfect mate, naturally, is one who enjoys driving around to nurseries, relishes working in the yard, doesn't go nuts when you dig up more of “his” lawn and looks like a cross between George Clooney and David Beckham. Or, fill in the blank for the last stipulation. It’s what I call a “stretch goal.” Happy Gardening! v Lynn Pitts, better known as Mrs. P., is a native Californian, master gardener in four counties including Kern, a garden writer, and professional botanical artist. She has been featured on The Art of Gardening, on PBS, and has conducted flower workshops throughout California for botanical gardens and arboretums. www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Fall 2012 101

102 Bakersfield Magazine

G REAT

G ETA W A Y S

The development of the Santa Maria Valley dates back to the time of Spanish land grants and rancheros. Prior to that, the area was solely the home of the Chumash Indians who utilized the slopes of the surrounding hills to build homes and sheltered themselves with oaks and sycamores.

According to a Santa Maria Valley’s Chamber of Commerce and Visitor & Convention Bureau press release, “After Spanish explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo arrived in the valley in 1542 and the Portola exploration party passed through in 1769, two sites were eventually chosen to the north and southwest for missions built by the Spanish church: Mission San Luis Obispo (1772) and La Purisima Concepcion (1787), both of which can be visited today.”

WORLD CLASS TASTE: Oak-fired barbecue, Pinquito beans, salad, and a cool glass of wine.

PCPA Theaterfest features the finest performances a play can offer.

photo courtesy of santa maria visitor & convention bureau

Santa Maria Valley is known throughout California for its luscious vineyards and mouth-watering barbecue, but...food and wine are not the only assets to this neck of the woods!

photo courtesy of PCPA Theaterfest

he Santa Maria Valley is known throughout California for its luscious vineyards and mouth-watering barbecue, but food and wine are not the only assets to this neck of the woods. Santa Maria, the city, offers a host of entertaining options for the day traveler hoping to get out of town and unwind.

While you’re looking at a drive that falls just under three hours, the scenery more than makes up for the travel time. Cruising along Highway 166 will expose you to the rolling hills and rich farmland that this area of the state is known for.

That said, to truly appreciate the area, you first need to know a little about its history.

photo courtesy of santa maria visitor & convention bureau

Magnificent Santa Maria City Hall welcomes you to town.

Santa Maria Valley

R EADY F OR A DVENTURE ?

www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Fall 2012 103

Great Getaways

Props from The Rocketeer and The Aviator are displayed at the Museum of Flight.

photo courtesy of santa maria visitor & convention bureau

—What to Do— For starters, why not take the family to the Santa Maria Museum of Flight, which features a variety of planes, models, photos, memorabilia, and exhibits, including a restored F4 fighter jet that served in Vietnam and a 1929 Fleet biplane.” You can also take a gander at several Hollywood movie props like an H-1 Race from The Aviator and an original wooden hangar from The Rocketeer.

There’s the Natural History Museum and the Santa Maria Valley Historical Society Museum for the history

buffs in the family, but if you’re planning on bringing the kiddos, make sure to stop by the Santa Maria Valley Discovery Museum, a wonderful place that features hands-on educational exhibits based on local themes (like aerospace, agriculture, and the environment).

104 Bakersfield Magazine

photo by kirk irwin

Santa Maria’s surrounding vineyards —punctuated with wild Lupins— resemble a Monet masterpiece.

—See a Show— There’s no doubt about it...Santa Maria Valley has its fill of theaters. The nationally-acclaimed PCPA Theaterfest (based in Santa Maria) “remains the only professional resident theater company on the Central Coast and stages the finest classic and contemporary live theater plays.” The theater has quite a list of alumni, including Kathy Bates, Robin Williams, and High School Musical star Zac Efron. The company’s plays are presented in three theaters: the 440seat thrust stage Marian Theatre and the 180-seat Severson Theater, both in Santa Maria, and the 700-seat outdoor Solvang Festival Theater in Solvang.

Then there’s the Santa Maria Civic

It’s “hands-on” experiences at the Discovery Museum.

photo courtesy of santa maria valley discovery museum

The Santa Maria Valley continued to thrive throughout the 1800s. And the City of Santa Maria was incorporated in 1905 as the community hub of the entire valley.

The area is home to agriculture and retail, alike, as well as aerospace and energy production, communications, and hightech research. More and more people have discovered the local flavors and abundant recreation that the Santa Maria Valley has in store, including museums, those nearby missions, and historic landmarks, making this a much-visited tourist spot.

And while most people flock to get a taste of that world-famous barbecue (more on that later), the area is also home to numerous performing arts and cultural experience for the entire family to enjoy.

Theater, which is known as “the little theatre off Broadway,” and also holds the title of longest continuously running performance group of any community theater in the area between Ventura and Monterey. Don’t miss the Great American Melodrama & Vaudeville in nearby

Oceano, which stages top-notch productions of great classic comedies, musicals, and melodramas.

“The Santa Maria Valley’s mild climate, wide-open spaces, and complex coastal ecosystem combine to offer virtually unlimited outdoor adventures, from bird-watching to beach walking, golfing to bicycling.”

Visit the Dunes Center in Guadalupe for both historical and educational exhibits highlighting Guadalupe Nipomo Dunes Complex, “one of the most ecologically significant and largest intact coastal dune ecosystems on earth. Guided walks, wildflower viewing, whale watching, and nature photography are just a few of the activities that await visitors to this one-ofa-kind beachfront sanctuary.”

Of course, you could go over just to sample some of the area’s delicious barbecue. “Santa Maria Barbecue has its roots in the mid-19th century, when the rancheros gathered to help each other brand their calves each spring. The host would prepare a Spanish style barbecue as a thank you for his vaqueros (America’s first cowboys), family and friends.”

If you’ve never enjoyed this beef barbecued over a red oak fire, usually served with Pinquito beans, bread, salsa, and homemade desserts, you’re missing out.

Even Sunset Magazine named Santa Maria barbecue “the best barbecue in the world.”

So, pack up the car and hit the windy road less traveled for some major fun (and a major feast) in Santa Maria.

For more information, call the Chamber of Commerce and Visitor & Convention Center at (805) 925-2403 or visit them online at santamariavisitor.com. v

—When to Visit— Because of the moderate climate in Santa Maria and the entire Valley, it’s always a good time to take a trip. Still, the area is known for some unique annual festivals and events that may dictate when you want to visit. For example: Celebration of Harvest October 13, 2012 Savor the fabulous flavors of harvest in the Santa Maria Valley wine country as the member wineries of the Santa Barbara County Vintners’ Association host the annual Celebration of Harvest on the beautiful grounds of Rancho Sisquoc Winery in the Santa Maria Valley. Here, you will enjoy sampling wines from dozens of local wineries, as well as an abundance of locally grown foods prepared by chefs from across Santa Barbara County.

The festivities also include a silent auction as well as live music.

Strawberry Festival April 2013 The Santa Maria Valley’s excellent winegrowing climate is also very favorable to Valley strawberries and other

produce, all of which contribute to the valley’s rich agricultural legacy. Santa Maria Valley strawberries are renowned for their juicy, flavorful character, and they find their ultimate showcase each April during the Santa Maria Valley Strawberry Festival at the Santa Maria Fairpark. This berry bash features strawberry varietal sampling, strawberry desserts, educational exhibits and old-fashioned carnival entertainment.

West Coast Kustoms Car Show May 2013 An epic gathering of more than 800 custom automobiles descends upon Santa Maria each year at this longtime hot rod showcase. The festivities include an opening cruise, swap meet, auto show, live music, barbecue and more over a full weekend.

Mass Schedule

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(1 block south of California Ave.)

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5:00 p.m. (Vigil-English)

7:30 p.m. (Vietnamese) Sunday:

6:45 a.m. (English) 8:30 a.m. (English) 10:30 a.m. (Family) 12:00 p.m. (English) 2:00 p.m. (Latin) 5:00 p.m. (Spanish) 7:00 p.m. (English)

www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Fall 2012 105

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food

Switch on the burner, grease up the skillet, or spark up the coals, it’s time to get eating. It’s not hard to eat a meal fit for a king—we’ve done the research for you. Whether you’re searching for juicy new recipes to thrill dinner guests with or looking for a new, exciting place to dine out with family, our Food Section has all the spice and flavor you’ll need.

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We’ve got reviews, recipes, entertaining tips, and more! This is the place to explore local eateries that have good food and good service, find out which ones cater to your budget and your taste buds, and get culinary inspiration to bring back to your own kitchen. Sumptuous, mouth-watering meals await you whatever your mood— grab your apron and peruse these pages for your favorite recipe.

Bon Appétit.

www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Fall 2012 107

QUICK BITES WITH LOCAL FLAVOR

Something To Crow About calling all Breakfast food lovers...this one is for you.

When we asked Alex Banuelos, the owner of Lorene’s Ranch House

Skillet they created does not disappoint. Whether you’re making it for

on 23rd, to create something “breakfasty” for readers, he and Chef

breakfast or brunch, this is a dish that is sure to fill you up. We recom-

Lino Casas went for something rich and satisfying. The Texas-style

mend going for a walk afterward…or at least loosening your belt.

Ingredients (for one hefty serving) potatoes) 1 large Russet potato (or two medium sized n onio w 1 bell pepper • 1 yello 1 large tomato • 1 tender cube steak se 4 eggs (2 for steak coating) • Cheddar chee Bacon or sausage (for gravy) • 2 cups milk • Vegetable oil Flour • Salt • Black pepper • Garlic salt and boil until Start by preparing the potatoes. Wash, dice, the country fried tender. While the potatoes are boiling, prepare two of flower, salt, steak. In a bowl, make a mixture of a cup or eggs and whisk. pepper, and garlic salt. In another bowl, crack two and then dip into Dip the steak into the eggs until well coated, ble dip” for extra the flour mixture. It’s recommended that you “dou in the egg mix and crispiness. Simply place the floured steak back heat for about 15 then back in the flour. Fry in oil on medium-high minutes, flipping steak over halfway through. sized skilled In the meantime, heat more oil in a mediumd onions, tomato, and fry your now-tender potatoes with dice of salt, pepper, and green peppers until crispy. Add pinches flavor. and garlic salt while cooking to ensure a good 108 Bakersfield Magazine

gravy. Simply When your steak is done, it’s time to make the to cool. Next is the remove the steak from the pan and set aside a pound of ground fun part. If you want sausage gravy, fry up sausage in a medium-sized skilled. When it’s done, remove and cover. Lower the Lorene’s Ranch House heat and pour in two cups of Chef Lino Casas milk to deglaze. As you stir, add tablespoons of flour to thicken until it’s reached the viscosity you like. Add salt and pepper to taste. These are the same steps you’d take if you wanted bacon gravy. When you’re ready to serve, add some of the sausage or bacon chunks back into the gravy.

Fry up two eggs and ther. Start with you’re finally ready to put this yummy plate toge place the countrya hefty pile of the country potatoes, then top with as much fried steak on top, then add your eggs, and grav y and cheddar cheese as you can take. n

Cuisine: eye-opening feast

WHAT’S COOKIN’ Shrimp stuffed with crab and topped with Swiss cheese.

traditions & taste

Basque food and Bakersfield are synonymous. In fact, the Bakersfield Visitors and Convention Bureau website says we have the largest concentration of Basque restaurants in the United States.

By Mike Stepanovich I’ve dined at most of Bakersfield’s Basque restaurants, and they’re all good; you can’t go wrong in any of them. They all have pretty much the same setup menu: vegetable soup with plenty of cabbage, beans, salsa, a green salad with vinaigrette, a tomato and red onion salad, pickled beef tongue, and then with your entrée French fries and a vegetable du jour. Some also have spaghetti; others marinated bean salad.

It’s honest food, nothing pretentious, country fare at its finest.

Its origin is the Basque lands that straddle the border between southwestern France and northeastern Spain, a sparsely populated rural region that includes the Pyrenees Mountains. Decades ago, French Basques settled in Bakersfield, bringing their culture with them.

From what I’ve been able to learn about ancient Basque culture (the Basques were known to the Romans), Spanish Basque (Vasco in Spanish) food has more of a seafood influence. Online reviews by visitors from other places always seem to expect Spanish Basque fare, such as paella, at Bakersfield’s Basque restaurants.

Perhaps the clue should be in the use of the French word, Basque.

The French side features more meats and vegetables, the types of foods typically produced by farms, and typical of what’s offered at Bakersfield Basque establishments.

My sense is that local French-Basque restaurant roots have blurred a bit, blending with the other cultures that comprise Bakersfield.

Except at one Basque restaurant, where the French influence remains strong. Chalet Basque, at 200 Oak Street in Bakersfield, has an old-world feel, a sense that, even though it fronts a busy Bakersfield arterial and is in a stucco building, you cross a threshold the moment you enter the door, and slip into a French country restaurant.

How could you not? The dining room has wainscoting—dark wood paneling below, with a soft shade of red paint up to the ceiling.

Old black-and-white pictures of French towns and the countryside grace the walls. It reminds me of restaurants in small French towns where we have dined.

Before I moved to Bakersfield, friends whom I was visiting brought me to Chalet Basque for dinner, my first-ever visit to a Basque restaurant. I still remember how comfortable I felt with the food and the friendly setting.

My wife, Carol, and I recently visited Chalet Basque with friends Craig and Carole Holland to satisfy a Basque food craving. If you live in Bakersfield, you understand. While we also dine at other Basque restaurants, one of the things that >>

Cuisine: uniquely Bakersfield www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Fall 2012 109

110 Bakersfield Magazine

Cuisine: uniquely Bakersfield brings us back to Chalet Basque is the consistency—a consistency in the cuisine, the service, the atmosphere.

Start with our server, Rosa Sinnott: she’s been there 14 or 15 years— she’s lost track. She seems to oversee things when owner Lisa Liu is not on site. “Lisa’s here until I get here; then she goes home,” Sinnott said.

Sinnott was hired by former owners J.B. and Marie Curutchague, who sold the restaurant to Liu in 2006. The Curutchagues opened Chalet Basque at its current site in 1971.

The consistency extends to the kitchen, where the cook has been in place for the past 34 years. The atmosphere? As mentioned, European.

A sure sign of the consistency? “J.B. and Marie still come in,” Sinnott said.

Sinnott seated us at a table in the softly lit dining room, and after allowing us a few minutes to study the menu, took our order. The setup, as it’s known, began arriving shortly thereafter.

The vegetable soup, traditionally served at Basque restaurants, was quite good. If anything it seemed heartier than some I’ve had: carrots and green beans added to the flavor of the ample amount of cabbage. The beans were also good, and the salsa quite spicy; it will definitely get your attention. A basket of Pyrenees French bread and butter accompanied our meal.

We ordered a carafe of the house red wine, Hacienda Burgundy, Sinnott said. We found it a pleasant mealtime beverage.

The salad course was a notable for its freshness and imagination. While the bowl of green-leaf lettuce was typical, the dressing wasn’t. The lettuce was lightly tossed in a classic French dressing (never the orange Lamb brochettes, kind!). What gave the dressing a accompanied by rice pilaf. creamy appearance was the addition of Dijon mustard—not too much, but enough for flavor complexity. Who would have guessed that a simple lettuce salad could be so good!

The tomato-and-red-onion salad, likewise, offered something special: large slices of beefsteak tomatoes.

And the pickled tongue was exceptional: chunky garlic and chopped parsley blended with the vinaigrette for a delicious flavor. Carol loves pickled tongue, and she was in heaven!

After we indulged in the salads, our entrées arrived, accompanied by a bowl of sweet corn, and of course French fries. These fries were great: fresh potatoes fried to a light golden brown.

Carole Holland had ordered the salmon, and was impressed with the presentation: a beautiful cut with a light cream sauce spread over it and dotted with chopped parsley. She allowed me a taste, and it was very good: firm but not overcooked, and a nice moistness provided by the sauce.

Craig chose the lamb brochettes, accompanied by rice pilaf. The pilaf had a significant bell-pepper presence, and the chunks of lamb on a skewer were interspersed between onion and bell pepper. Craig loved his dish, as evidenced by his oohs and ahs between sips of wine.

My wife loves lamb chops with garlic regardless of which Basque restaurant we’re visiting, and this visit was no exception. But she was stunned when her two chops arrived: they were two-inches thick. They were also cooked to a perfect medium rare, just as she had ordered, but it was the size of them that astonished her. Frankly, I can’t recall ever seeing such thick chops. She managed to get through one of them, remarking on the flavor and tenderness, but the other accompanied us home (where she happily enjoyed it a couple nights later).

I usually order the Beef Bourguignon when I am at Chalet Basque; it’s a classic Salmon with French dish (it originated on the oppolight cream sauce site side of the country, in Burgundy, but spread, dotted with chopped parsley. so what?), and I enjoy Chalet Basque’s version. However, I broke with my habit in order to try one of the restaurant’s signature dishes, shrimp stuffed with crab and topped with Swiss cheese.

If you’re a heart patient, skip this dish, because it is incredibly rich! My plate had four jumbo shrimp stuffed with a crab-bread crumb-herb mix, covered with a creamy sauce and Swiss cheese melted over it. It was moist and delicious!

Since the dinner crowd was light on our weekday visit, Rosa gave us a quick tour of the other rooms. She did all the decorating, she said, and her favorite room she called the Country Room, that featured a large pastoral picture.

It’s the little things such as that—our server’s pride in her decorations, the green-leaf lettuce, the beefsteak tomatoes, the thick lamb chops, the touch of Dijon in the salad dressing—that make Chalet Basque special.

Sinnott said she’s aware that east Bakersfield Basque restaurants have a strong following. “I know…that everyone goes there, and it’s the traditional thing that people do,” she said. “But people come here, and try us, and say, ‘You’re just as great.’ ” Indeed it is.

Chalet Basque is open seven days a week, and accepts most major credit cards. For reservations, call (661) 327-2915. n www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Fall 2012 111

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LIFE IS A CABERNET

The Right Place

By Mike Stepanovich

Martin and Patti Croad never intended to become vintners. In fact, when they found what would become their winery property, they were actually looking for a place to escape for a week or a weekend.

Now, eight years later, they split their time

And just like that they got into the wine busi-

vines provided. “Our first harvest was 2004,”

between Bakersfield, where they own Croad

ness. The 12-acre vineyard was originally planted

Martin said. “Since then our Zins have won best-

Electric on Union Avenue, and Paso Robles,

to Zinfandel, but it was in such bad shape that the

of-class at two different competitions,” and the

where they run Croad Vineyards.

couple replanted 60 percent of it to Rhone vari-

accompanying gold medals.

“When we started looking for property we

Here’s the astonishing thing: Martin learned

were thinking [it would be years down the road],

how to make award-winning wine in two years,

perhaps something with a little house,” Patti said.

and he learned that, serendipitously, they had

“I know how Martin loves to tinker—we’ve re-

stumbled onto a great place to grow grapes. “We

modeled our house in Bakersfield four times—so

happened in on some awesome terroir,” he said.

I said we need something with land.”

“The soil is a calcareous soil with a great climate

What they found was a 38-acre parcel near the intersection of Vineyard Drive and Highway

that allows us to be able to produce such good wines.” Millions of years ago, the land was under

Martin and Patti Croad

46 on the west side of Paso Robles. “We bought

a couple hundred feet of ocean. Today, the chalky,

this as a lifestyle property,” Martin said. “There

etals. “We got thrown into the deep end, and had

were two mobile homes there and a distressed

to learn a boatload of stuff,” he said.

When it came to replanting, Martin paid at-

twelve-acre vineyard. Six months into it, I was

The permitting process took a year and a half.

being introduced to and helping winemakers,

And by the time their permits were approved,

and I thought, ‘Hey, this is a nice place for a

they had something to sell, thanks to

winery.’ So we started the permitting process.”

taking what the remaining Zinfandel

phot

esy

urt os co

limestone-laden soil is prized by winemakers.

ds eyar

d vin

oa of cr

tention to >>

Martin learned how to make award-winning wine in two years, and he discovered, serendipitously, they had stumbled onto a great place to grow grapes.

wine: kissed by the sun www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Fall 2012 113

wine: kissed by the sun

Jean Laborde

what he’d picked up from other vintners in the area, and

They have noticed changes in the few years since

“Experience, Integrity, Professionalism”

planted to Rhone varietals. In addition to Zinfandel, he

they’ve been open. “Five to ten years ago, it was pretty

grows Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, and Petite Sirah.

much free tasting,” Martin said. “Now a ten to fifteen

He buys some Sauvignon Blanc, but “our main empha-

dollar tasting fee is not uncommon (Croad charges a

Ranch, Farm, & Commercial Properties Sales Mineral Rights, Desert Land, & Listing Specialist

sis is Zinfandel. And now we’re one hundred percent

five dollar tasting fee). So people are choosy now.

dry-farmed,” which means that the only water the

Rather than spending the day going from tasting room

grapes get is what Mother Nature provides via rain.

to tasting room, people will come, buy a bottle of wine,

“That’s why our wines have such intense flavors.”

enjoy the view, the ambience, and picnic. It’s a trend.”

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Over 50 Years Experience

With his vineyard replanted and wines ready to sell,

Much like fate seemed to guide them to their Paso Ro-

they thought they had better build a tasting room.

bles property, so, it seems, it brought them both to Bakers-

So they planned and built one. Inspired by the Span-

field. Patti’s was the shorter trip: she came from Phoenix.

ish mission architecture that marks the 21 California

Martin’s was considerably longer. He decided to visit

missions, the Croads built their tasting room/winery

a friend’s mother in Los Angeles. “Kiwis and Aussies are

as a “blend between Spanish architecture and Kiwi

big travelers,” he said. “I flew from New Zealand to LAX.

hospitality,” said Martin, a native of New Zealand.

I arrived broke, and the rest, as they say, is history.”

Finding jobs scarce in Los Angeles, Martin some-

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800.951.1626

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how heard that there might be work for an electrician in Bakersfield. So he headed north, founded Wine tasting at Croad is an experience of the senses.

Croad Electric in the late 1980s, and has been an electrical contractor here for 25 years. He also met Patti, and the two married in the early 1990s.

And Bakersfield is home for them. “We will always be in Bakersfield,” Martin said. “We enjoy going back and forth. Our vines are in Paso Robles, but our roots are in Bakersfield.”

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And when it was done, “we just opened the doors and started selling wine. We built our business by word of mouth. We didn’t know the industry; everything was new to us.”

Said Patti of their two disparate businesses: “We’re diversified.”

Martin’s New Zealand heritage is never far away.

He’s fun-loving and enjoys laughing a lot. On my first

In addition to making and selling wine, they dis-

trip to Croad Vineyards, he had a large sign at the

covered their property was in demand for other rea-

entry that read, “No Aussies!” The word “Aussies” had

sons. “We do a lot of weddings here,” he said.

a red circle with a diagonal slash superimposed over

Word has spread in the Bakersfield community.

it. It was, of course, a joke. Martin gets along with

Jan Covey–Office Manager

“Bakersfield supports us a lot,” Martin said. “The tast-

Marian Garcia–Processor

ing room always seems to have a lot of people from

His wines also bear testimony to his roots. Many

Bakersfield; a lot of our club members are from Bakers-

have New Zealand names. “The names are part of

field.” Now, he said, word has spread about his wines.

my heritage,” he said. “They’re all New Zealand influ-

“The weddings have given us great exposure. People

enced; they’re all Maori names.” The Maori, of course,

from all over the United States come to visit us.”

are the indigenous people of New Zealand.

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everyone, including Aussies.

“We’ve met so many people from Bakersfield,” Patti

His varietal wines—Zinfandel Syrah, Grenache,

said. “At first I wasn’t sure about the tasting room. But

Petite Sirah, Sangiovese, and Sauvignon Blanc—don’t

now I love it! We’ve met so many people. It’s a fun in-

have Maori names; the blends do. For example, Ariki,

dustry. We really turn it on for Bakersfield people.”

meaning noble, is a blend of 60 percent Syrah, 20 per-

photos courtesy of croad vineyards

Croad’s Winery has grown to a 2,000-case annual operation.

cent Grenache, and 20 percent Mourvedre. Rei, meaning “The Jewel,” is 65 percent Cabernet Franc and 35 percent Syrah. Aroha, which has won competition accolades and means “Love,” is 60 percent Cabernet Sauvignon and 40 percent Syrah. Taranaki is 62 percent Zinfandel and 38 percent Mourvedre.

The winery has grown to a 2,000-case annual production, and will probably stay there for the foreseeable future. But the operation is expanding: the Croads are building a bed-and-breakfast inn on their property and expect it to be ready in the fall.

Martin envisions the winery being a place where Bakersfield businesses can have a retreat. “We see this as a destination for a day-retreat: come in the morning, have your meetings, lunch, then return in the afternoon.”

And the Croads have become an accepted part of the Paso Robles wine scene. “We’re not the new kids on the block anymore,” Martin said. In fact he’s been chosen president of the 46 West Winery Association, a sign of their acceptance. “Everyone here is so helpful. The camaraderie in Paso Robles is great. If you have questions or need help, there are a number of wineries who can help you.”

And the Croads are enjoying their new venture.

“Everything is new and fun,” he said. “There’s so much satisfaction from seeing people enjoy your wine.” n Mike Stepanovich is an award-winning journalist who has been writing his Life is a Cabernet wine column since 1985, and reviewing restaurants for Bakersfield Magazine since 1997. Stepanovich has taught wine and food pairing classes for many years, and teaches a wine appreciation and history class for Bakersfield College. He began judging wines in 1987, and now judges at major international wine competitions throughout the United States. A home winemaker, Stepanovich resides with his wife, Carol, in Bakersfield.

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Corner of Stockdale & Coffee Snead’s for Men www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Fall 2012 115

116 Bakersfield Magazine

bottoms up!

decades of delicious

sinaloa Year Established: 1948 Quick Facts Address: 910 20th Street

Sinaloa has been a Bakersfield mainstay for over 60 years, and they’re still serving up some of the most delicious

olé!

Mexican cuisine in town!

Placed perfectly in the heart of downtown, just west of Mill Creek, stands a true Bakersfield legend that gives patrons a feeling of nostalgia with every visit. “A lot of the décor that we have at the restaurant are original pieces that were used when it opened here in this building. The paintings are all original velvet pieces straight from Mexico,” said manager Tom Muñoz. “The same can be said for the hanging light fixtures. A lot of our longtime customers don’t want to see them go!”

There’s more to it than just looks. The menu not only boasts the same favorite Mexican dishes that people have loved for decades, but it also has a few surprising treats. Hamburgers like Alfonso’s Double Beef

This drink is a classic long island iced tea with a kick. Garnished

Heart Attack Burger and sides of French fries and fried jalapeños are also

with a fresh jalapeño pepper, the drink is smooth and sweet at

delicious options. But one thing that stands out amongst their amazing

first—with just a hint of alcohol—and finishes with a very faint but

food and vintage décor is the variety of drinks they offer. While their

delightful burn distinctive to the jalapeño. Adding this drink to your

Cadillac Margarita can’t be beat, there is an even more unique drink that

lunch or dinner is sure to make your dining experience at Sinaloa’s a

will satiate every part of your palate: the Spicy Jalapeño Long Island!

memorable one, and it’ll keep you coming back for more! n

Sinaloa Spicy

Fill a chimney glass halfway with ice. Pour in vodka, tequila, rum, gin, triple

Jalapeño Long Island 1 Part Vodka • 1 Part Tequila • 1 Part Rum 1 Part Gin • 1 Part Triple Sec 1 ½ Parts Sweet and Sour Mix 1 Splash of Coca-Cola 1 Lemon Wedge • 1 Jalapeño

sec, and sweet and sour mix. Top off with a splash of Coca Cola and mix well.

Take the jalapeño and slice it vertically so that it will rest on the edge of the glass, allowing the juice to drip into the drink. Garnish with lemon wedge.

drink: it’ll tilt your sombrero www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Fall 2012 117

Narducci’s Cafe

The Dining Guide

A fixture in historic Old Town Kern since 1894, Narducci’s Cafe has some of the best food and drinks in town. Come in on Thursdays and try one of our hand-cut steaks on $10 Steak Night. Take in the friendly atmosphere while enjoying a Basque family-style dinner. Plan your next large party here for a memorable family gathering. Have a Bloody Mary or a Mimosa with breakfast, or try a Moscow Mule in the traditional copper cup. For dinner, the lamb chops and pickled tongue are a local favorite. On a weekend night, you might catch Jimmy Narducci on his sax.

Breakfast and lunch served 9am-2:30pm Mon-Sat, dinner served Mon-Tues 5:30pm-9pm, Thu-Sat 5:30pm-10pm. Food served all day on Sun 9am-8pm.

Bar open all day. 622 East 21st Street. (661) 324-2961

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 every day, 11am-2pm. Fabulous Sunday Brunch, 10am-3pm, reservations accepted. 1100 Calloway Drive. (661) 829-2737

Cactus Valley Mexican Restaurant

With their award-winning salsa, Cactus Valley Mexican Restaurant is the spot for fine south-of-the-border flavors! The menu includes sizzlin’ fajitas, which you can order with lobster, shrimp, steak, or chicken and the San Francisco Bay Enchiladas: shrimp sauteed in tomatillo and cilantro sauce stuffed in two flour tortillas, filled with cream cheese! All day breakfast menu includes beef machaca and huevos rancheros. Lunch specials: $4.99 tacos and enchiladas, $7.95 chicken fajita plates.

Cactus Valley is home to the best margaritas in town ($4 reg all day) and Happy Hour is 4-7pm. Open 10:30am-9:30pm Sun-Thu; 10:30am-close. Fri & Sat. Located at 4215 Rosedale Hwy, just west of Hwy 99. Call for entertainment specials. (661) 633-1948

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 25 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

Valentien Restaurant and Wine Bar

French Cuisine Fused With California Freshness Seafood, Poultry, Beef, Exotic Game, Vegetarian. A welcoming environment in the tradition of a neighborhood bistro. Extensive Wine List and Craft Beer Selection. Coffee Program Featuring Siphon Brewers and Sustainable Sourced Beans. We believe in preparing food from scratch with the freshest ingredients available. We source locally and organically as often as possible. Enjoy the bounty of Kern County’s Agriculture!

Open for Lunch: Tue-Fri 11:30am-2pm. Open for Dinner: Mon 5-8pm & Tue-Sat 5-9pm. All major credit cards are accepted. Reservations recommended but not required. 3310 Truxtun Ave., Ste. 160, 93301 www.valentienrestaurant.com (661) 864-0397

118 Bakersfield Magazine

Book Your Holiday Parties Now, Off-Site Catering Available

Flame and Skewers

Since opening in February 2006, Flame and Skewers has impressed Bakersfield diners with authentic Mediterranean cuisine. When you want fresh, natural, flavorful food, this is the place to be. Mediterranean cuisine is rooted in the use of fresh and healthy ingredients. Every item boasts this philosophy—from the delicious and tender lamb kabob to the Shawerma, which is marinated and spiced slices of TriTip Beef or Chicken grilled against an open fire. Diners have a variety of options including savory sandwiches, which are topped with romaine lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, hummos, and tajini sauce. www.flameandskewers.com. Two locations: 1201 24th St., open Mon-Sat 10:30am-8pm. (661) 325-1500. 5486 California Ave., open Mon-Sat 10:30am-10pm, Sunday 10:30am-7:30pm. (661) 328-0900

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

Anita’s Mexican Grill

We would like to welcome you to our newly renovated restaurant and invite you to try our new menu, offering many classic recipes that we have been cooking up since 1988 as well as new Veggie and Lite options. Our bar has been extended, so come and enjoy our Happy Hour Mon-Fri 3-6pm and 9pm-close. Visit our lunch buffet during the week and Sunday brunch to sample authentic, homestyle recipes made from scratch with fresh and high quality ingredients. Thank you Bakersfield for your continued patronage! Like Us on Facebook: facebook.com/anitasmexgrill.

4240 California Ave. (661) 328-0500

Luigi’s Restaurant & Italian Delicatessen

Enjoy an old world Italian delicatessen since 1910 with over 200 wines to complement your lunch. From sandwiches to Pasta Bolognese, you’re sure to find flavorful choices to make everyone happy! Don’t forget to shop the gourmet delicatessen for unique gift ideas, wine and authentic foods. Restaurant Hours: Tue-Sat 11am-2:30pm, Deli Hours: Tue-Sat 8am-4pm. 725 East 19th Street. shopluigis.com (661) 322-0926

www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Fall 2012 119

The Dining Guide

Café Med

Café Med is the place to go. Choose a selection from our vast menu and your taste buds will surely be satisfied. Come in and peruse our extensive wine list, now on iPads! For a wonderful and unique experience, join us the last Friday of every month for our wine tasting. It goes from 5:30-8pm and costs only $25, which covers featured wine and appetizers. 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

The Aviator Casino Bar & Grill

The Aviator Casino – Where fun takes flight! Now offering Catering Services brought to you for your events or at The Aviator Casino! Open seven days a week, from 7-12am with Happy Hour All Day!. Right off Freeway 99, exit 54. 1225 Airport Drive, Delano, Ca. 21+ only. Visit our website for monthly specials. www.theaviatorcasino.com (661) 721-7770

Casa Muñoz Mexican Food

The Dining Guide

In 1952, the Muñoz family started a legacy in Hispanic style family restaurants in Bakersfield, starting with Sinaloa and culminating in 1990 with the opening of Casa Muñoz. Our first priorities are cleanliness and great service with good food always being the tradition in our family. Whether you order a Margarita, or the Suizas, you can be assured that Casa Muñoz will bring 100% authentic quality to your table. Be sure to try our lunch specials. Enjoy! Join us for Taco Tuesday 5pm-Close. $5 gets you three tacos and a margarita. Happy Hour: 4-7pm $2.50 Margaritas. Open daily 10:30am-9pm. Located at 1736 Union Ave. (661) 861-1625

Chalet Basque

A restaurant of distinction. Served family-style, dinners include French bread & butter, soup, pink beans, hot sauce, hors d’oeuvres, vegetables, and french fries, and a variety of entrée choices. For 45 years, locals and visitors alike have savored favorites such as garlic fried chicken, lamb, and hand-cut steaks including filet mignon topped with blackberries and brandy. Chalet Basque offers tasty lunch specials from 11am-3pm and happy hour specials on beer and cocktails all day. The banquet room accommodates 15-150 people, $8.95 per person. Perfect for wedding parties, anniversaries, and retirement dinners. If you’re looking for a spacious banquet room with delectable dining options, they will match any competitor’s price.

Open every day from 11am-9:30pm. 200 Oak Street. (661) 327-2915

Milt’s Coffee Shop

We’re celebrating our 48th anniversary! Join us for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and you won’t be disappointed. Everything on our menu is made from scratch giving a meal at Milt’s that fresh, homemade taste you can’t find anywhere else.

Plus, all our deli sandwiches are served with your choice of soup, salad, fries, potato salad, chips, fresh fruit, or cottage cheese, making the perfect lunch. And the variety doesn’t stop there. Try the Texas Chile Size—a burger loaded with chili and topped with cheese and onions. Dinner is a belt-busting affair with steaks, trout, pork loin, and honey stung fried chicken on the menu. We’ve also got fare for the calorie-conscious. “We are a happy place for hungry people.” Open seven days a week from 6am-10:30pm. 6112 Knudsen Dr. (661) 399-4975

Brookside Riverlakes Market & Deli

We welcome you to come enjoy our signature salads, sandwiches, and burgers at your local Brookside Market & Deli. Stop by and try our homemade Fish & Chips with our savory clam chowder every Friday. We also BBQ our own Tri-Tip sandwiches daily! Brookside carries a wide variety of fine wines & market products you may need, including Smith’s Bakery goodies to satisfy your sweet tooth! In addition to our Brookside breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus, we also offer a catering menu that will help you celebrate any occasion with ease. Deli hours: Mon-Sat 5am-8pm, Sun 6:30am-4pm. 4700 Coffee Rd. Store: (661) 588-1338, Deli: (661) 588-2329

Frugatti’s Italian Wood-Fired Oven

Real Italian by Real Italians! Whether dining in or al fresco on our 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

120 Bakersfield Magazine

Uricchio’s Trattoria

Now Offering Curb-side To-go Service and free validated parking for lunch guests! 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

Izumo Japanese Restaurant & Sushi

Variety and style is what you can expect at Izumo. 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

Noriega Hotel

Since 1893, Noriega Hotel has been bringing some of the best in Basque to Bakersfield. Awarded the James Beard Award in the American Classics category in 2011, this family tradition serves exceptional meals to not only the Basque community, but to the public, as well. Open Tues-Sun. Breakfast is served 7-9am for $10; Lunch is served family style at 12pm for $15 with children $1 per year of age, up to 8 years; dinner, family style at 7pm for $20 with children $1 per year of age, up to 12 years. Reservations are recommended. 525 Sumner Street. www.noriegahotel.com (661) 322-8419

Sinaloa Mexican Restaurant

Serving traditional Mexican cuisine to Bakersfield residents since 1948. Perfectly situated downtown, just west of Mill Creek Park. Open Tue-Thu 11:15am-8pm, Fri-Sat 11:15am-9pm, and Sunday 11:15am-8pm. Closed on Mondays. Sinaloa is located at 910 20th Street. (661) 327-5231

www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Fall 2012 121

The Dining Guide

Steak & Grape Restaurant

STEAK & GRAPE RESTAURANT / BAR / CATERING delights the senses as a family friendly, California steakhouse featuring classic steakhouse entrées combined with tantalizing favorite local dishes. Steak & Grape delivers “The Best Steak” in town, complemented by wines for every budget. 50% off! Join our email list on Facebook or website and buy one entrée and receive the second one of equal or lesser value at half price, some restrictions apply. Bar: 10am daily to close. Dining: 11am daily to close. 4420 Coffee Rd. Call for reservations. www.steakandgrape.com (661) 588-9463

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-9pm 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

dining

24th Street Café

out chef’s corner

1415 24th Street (661) 322-8801 Bakersfield www.24thstreetcafe.com A local favorite for 20 years featuring all-day breakfasts and delicious lunches.

Beer, Wine, Some Mixed Drinks Open for Breakfast/Lunch $

El Portal West

1100 Calloway Drive #300 (661) 829-2737 Bakersfield When you have a craving for delectable Mexican food, this grill and cantina has you covered.

Full Bar Open for Lunch/Dinner $

Frugatti’s

600 Coffee Road (661) 836-2000 Bakersfield www.frugattis.com Wood-fired oven cooked recipes straight from Italy with a new Fitness Menu!

Beer, Wine, Some Mixed Drinks Open for Lunch/Dinner $$$

Essential

Equipment

A bakeRsfield chef’s “must-have” kitchen tool We don’t know about you, but here at Bakersfield Magazine, we are always on the lookout for different items to make our lives easier, especially in the kitchen. Local chef Mariano Bascon has worked at several restaurants in town, including The Belvedere at The Padre, and he knows exactly how valuable a good gadget in the kitchen can be.

“As far as kitchen equipment goes, I would say the food processor and hand blender [will make cooking easier],” Bascon revealed. “They can be time savers and allow for smooth textures in sauces, soups, and purées.”

But what brand should we all be going for? “KitchenAid is preferred,” said Bascon. And, luckily, he also assured us that “they can be found anywhere kitchen appliances are sold.”

We think we’ll be picking ours up today!

r our policy

These listings are provided as a free service by Bakersfield Magazine for its readers. As such, inclusion is based on editorial consideration and is not guaranteed. If you would like your dining establishment to be considered for this listing, send information to editorial@bakersfieldmagazine.net, including your name, the name of the establishment, address, and contact information.

r entree pricing

$-Under $10

$$-Under $17

122 Bakersfield Magazine

$$$-Under $24

$$$$-Over $24

Benji’s French Basque Restaurant

4001 Rosedale Highway (661) 328-0400 Bakersfield Not your average Basque! Try frogs legs, escargot, and roasted duck!

Full Bar Open for Lunch/Dinner $$$

Café Med

4809 Stockdale Highway (661) 834-4433 Bakersfield www.cafemedrestaurant.com Bakersfield’s top pick for Mediterranean food with a wine list available on iPads!

Beer, Wine, Martinis Open for Lunch/Dinner $$$$

Uricchio’s Trattoria

1400 17th Street (661) 326-8870 Bakersfield www.uricchios-trattoria.com A spot where the authentic Italian food is as comforting as the atmosphere.

Wine Only Open for Lunch/Dinner $$$

Asia Market/Teriyaki Bowl

7701 White Lane (661) 837-0982 Bakersfield Order off the menu or get your own ingredients from the store and let them customize a dish!

Open for Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner $

Valentien Restaurant & Wine Bar

3310 Truxtun Avenue, Suite 160 (661) 864-0397 Bakersfield www.valentienrestaurant.com The only place around where French cuisine meets California freshness.

Beer & Wine Only Open for Lunch/Dinner $$$$

Sinaloa Mexican Restaurant

910 20th Street (661) 327-5231 Bakersfield A mainstay in authentic Mexican cuisine in Bakersfield since 1948.

Full Bar Open for Lunch/Dinner $$

Narducci’s Cafe

622 E. 21st Street (661) 324-2961 Bakersfield Traditional Basque with a $10 steak night that leaves patrons raving.

Full Bar Open for Lunch/Dinner $$$

Flame & Skewers

5482 California Avenue (661) 328-1400 Bakersfield www.flameandskewers.com Fresh and fast Mediterranean food and a hookah bar make for a unique local experience!

Open for Lunch/Dinner $

Anita’s Mexican Grill

4240 California Avenue (661) 328-0500 Bakersfield www.anitasgrill.com Incredible Mexican dishes, a newly extended bar, and a wide variety of vegetarian and lite options.

Full Bar Open for Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner $

Luigi’s Restaurant & Italian Delicatessen

725 E. 19th Street (661) 322-0926 Bakersfield www.shopluigis.com Extensive Wine List Grab a gourmet Italian lunch and shop their delicatessen for coffees, sauces, olive oils, and spices.

Open for Lunch/Private Dinner Parties $$

Noriega Hotel

525 Sumner Street (661) 322-8419 Bakersfield www.noriegahotel.com Basque good enough to win the James Beard Award in the American Classics Category in 2011.

Wine Only Open for Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner $$

Casa Muñoz Mexican Food

1736 Union Avenue (661) 861-1625 Bakersfield From Taco Tuesdays to Summer Enchiladas, this is Mexican food you’re sure to love.

Beer & Margaritas Only Open for Lunch/Dinner $

The Aviator Casino Bar & Grill

1225 Airport Drive (661) 721-7770 Delano www.theaviatorcasino.com/dining Enjoy upscale American cuisine and make top notch service your destination!

Full Bar Open Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner $$

Steak & Grape Restaurant

4220 Coffee Road (661) 588-9463 Bakersfield www.steakandgrape.com More than just a steakhouse—it’s a true local dining experience.

Full Bar Open Lunch/Dinner $$$$

Hungry Hunter Steakhouse

3580 Rosedale Highway (661) 328-0580 Bakersfield www.hungryhuntersteakhouse.com Steaks, seafood, pasta, and happy hour specials on drinks as well as appetizers.

Full Bar, Open for Lunch/Dinner $$$

Agave Grill & Cantina

250 Oak Street (661) 322-4283 Bakersfield Featuring an out-of-this-world happy hour and a fun and affordable Taco Tuesday.

Full Bar Open for Lunch/Dinner $

La Mina Cantina

1300 Coffee Road (661) 587-8777 Bakersfield www.laminacantina.com This new location is always packed—and one taste of their food is enough to say why!

Full Bar Open for Lunch/Dinner $$

La Costa Mariscos

716 21st Street (661) 322-2655 Bakersfield If the ever-popular fish tacos don’t sell you, then the ceviche and garlic shrimp will.

Beer & Wine Only Open for Lunch/Dinner $$

Red Pepper Restaurant

200 Oak Street (661) 327-2915 Bakersfield Everything you love about Basque complemented by some of the best entrées in town.

Full Bar, Open Lunch/Dinner $$

2641 North Oswell Street (661) 871-5787 Bakersfield www.bakersfieldredpepper.com Where amazing Mexican and American food meet.

Full Bar Open for Lunch/Dinner $$

Brookside Riverlakes Market & Deli

Señor Pepe’s

Chalet Basque

4700 Coffee Road (661) 588-1338 Bakersfield www.brooksidecatering.com A market, a deli, and a Smith’s Bakery all in one—what more could you ask for?

Beer & Wine Only Open Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner $

Cactus Valley

8450 Granite Falls Drive (661) 588-0385 Bakersfield Enjoy tantalizing Mexican dishes while listening to live music.

Full Bar Open for Lunch/Dinner $$

Los Tacos de Huicho

4215 Rosedale Highway (661) 633-1948 Bakersfield Come for the one-of-a-kind Mexican dishes, stay for the award-winning salsa!

Full Bar, Open Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner $$

123 E. 18th Street (661) 328-9490 Bakersfield The epitome of authentic, with tacos and chile verde that keep customers coming back.

Beer Only Open for Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner $

Lorene’s Ranch House Coffee Shop

Joseph’s Italian Restaurant

6401 Ming Avenue (661) 831-9250 Bakersfield With a south-of-the-border section, this is American fare with a fun twist!

Beer & Wine Only Open Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner $

3013 F Street (661) 322-7710 Bakersfield A family-owned mainstay in Bakersfield Italian dining.

Beer & Wine Only Open for Lunch/Dinner $$

>>

www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Fall 2012 123

photo courtesy Jennifer rogers-etcheverry

Little Italy Restaurant

8200 Stockdale Highway (661) 833-4055 Bakersfield www.littleitaly-bakersfield.com Come for the cozy environment, stay for the chicken piccata!

Full Bar, Open for Lunch/Dinner $$$

Sorella Ristorante Italiano

7800 McNair Lane (661) 396-8603 Bakersfield www.sorellarestaurant.com Not just pasta, this place also serves up some of the best steaks around.

Full Bar, Open for Lunch/Dinner $$

Pizzaville USA

700 Oak Street (661) 323-8116 Bakersfield It’s not your average pizza! Their thin crust and Monday specials have patrons raving.

Beer Only Open for Lunch/Dinner $$$

Goose Loonies Tavern & Grill

in season: Almonds When looking for a unique and delicious recipe featuring almonds to share with our readers, we went to a local expert! Founder of My Husband’s Nuts and wife to an almond farmer, Jennifer RogersEtcheverry was able to bring us something fun, fabulous, totally refreshing, and a bit unexpected! Her twist on salsa will have you raving and wanting to put it on everything.

Rogers-Etcheverry said, “Use this crunchy, fresh-tasting mixture as you would any salsa—on grilled or broiled fish, chicken, pork or beef; on quesadillas; or just with tortilla chips.”

In this recipe, you can use slivered almonds or go the delicious route and use My Husband’s Nuts’ Chili con Lemon flavored almonds.

“I also use our Chili con Lemon almonds crushed over the top of tacos and taco salads. They are great to top off a fall dish that needs a little ‘kick,’” said Rogers-Etcheverry.

Regardless of how you choose to eat it, there is one thing that is for certain: you will enjoy it!

124 Bakersfield Magazine

816 18th Street (661) 631-1242 Bakersfield www.gooselooniestavern.com Traditional Greek fused with American favorites makes for one local legend.

Full Bar, Open for Lunch/Dinner $$

Pyrenees Café

Almond Cilantro Salsa 1/3 cup fresh orange juice 1/4 cup fresh lime juice 3/4 cup of your favorite almonds (Slivered are common but I use My Husband’s Nuts Chili con Lemon coarsely crushed) 1 cup tightly packed cilantro leaves, washed and dried 1 jalapeño, seeded 2 cloves garlic, peeled Salt to taste Cilantro leaves to garnish

Place orange juice, lime juice, almonds, cilantro, jalapeño, and garlic in the bowl of a food processor or blender and process until very finely chopped. Season to taste with salt. Garnish with more cilantro leaves. Serve immediately over your favorite fish, poultry, or beef.

Store covered and refrigerated up to one day. Serve chilled.

601 Sumner Street (661) 323-0053 Bakersfield Basque restaurant that not only has amazing food, but also fun live music.

Full Bar, Open for Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner $$

Wool Growers Restaurant

620 E. 19th Street (661) 327-9584 Bakersfield www.woolgrowers.net Their pickled tongue and oxtail soup prove why everyone loves this Basque mecca.

Full Bar Open for Lunch/Dinner $$$

Mama Roomba

1814 Eye Street (661) 322-6262 Bakersfield www.mamaroomba.com Come see why locals love this Caribbean restaurant’s unique dishes.

Full Bar Open for Lunch/Dinner $$

Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace

2800 Buck Owens Blvd.

(661) 328-7560 Bakersfield www.buckowens.com Aside from the overall great American cuisine and music, the brunch is a must-try.

Full Bar Open for Dinner/Brunch $$$$

RJ’s Bar & Grill

9440 Hageman Road (661) 587-4723 Bakersfield www.rjsbarandgrill.com The definition of a neighborhood restaurant, with extra friendly service and American fare you’ll adore.

Full Bar Open for Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner $$

Citrus Grill

1901 S. Lexington Street (661) 720-2413 Delano www.paramountcitrus.com The best place to go when you’re family is craving healthy, freshly made food!

Open for Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner $

KC Steakhouse

2515 F Street (661) 322-9910 Bakersfield www.kcsteakhouse.net It’s not just steak—their Veal Marsala takes “steakhouse” to the next level.

Full Bar Open for Lunch/Dinner $$$

Ewing’s Restaurant on the Kern

125 Buena Vista Drive (760) 376-2411 Kernville Savor their generously portioned dishes while taking in a breathtaking view of the Kern River.

Full Bar Open for Dinner $$

Willow Ranch Restaurant

27770 Lagoon Drive (661) 764-6605 Buttonwillow www.willowranchrestaurant.com Serving up the best barbecue west of Texas! The pork ribs say it all.

Open for Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner $

Bill Lee’s Bamboo Chopsticks

1203 18th Street (661) 324-9441 Bakersfield www.billlees.com Bakersfield’s top choice for Chinese in the downtown area for decades.

Full Bar Open for Lunch/Dinner $$

Blue Elephant Restaurant 8500 Stockdale Highway, M-1 (661) 833-8190 Bakersfield www.blue-elephant.net If you think you know curry and haven’t tried this Thai restaurant, you might want to think again!

Beer & Wine Only Open for Dinner $$

Ching Yen

1207 Columbus Street (661) 871-5292 Bakersfield www.chingyen.info Undeniably the best in local Szechuan. Did somebody say Sizzling Rice Soup?

Open for Lunch/Dinner $

Enso Japanese Bar

1419 19th Street (661) 327-7785 Bakersfield www.ensosushibar.com This sushi is nothing short of fabulous. The California Roll is one of the best in town!

Full Bar Open for Lunch/Dinner $$

Far East Café

2501 White Lane, Suite D (661) 397-6882 Bakersfield www.fareastcafebakersfield.com The only place to go when you’re craving pho or crispy fried noodles.

Open for Lunch/Dinner $

Izumo Sushi

4212 Ming Avenue (661) 398-0608 Bakersfield The perfect place for sushi, and their lunch specials will leave your stomach and wallet full.

Beer & Wine Only Open for Lunch/Dinner $$

Mon-Fri 10am-9pm Sat-Sun 10am-7pm

Dietary SUpplEments Weight loss

Love Sushi

3940 Coffee Road (661) 587-4245 Bakersfield Experience sushi like no other place in town, and try the exclusive Bakersfield Roll!

Beer & Wine Only Open for Lunch/Dinner $$

Panda Palace

118 Oak Street (661) 325-8888 Bakersfield You can either hit up their huge buffet or order one of the favorites, like Butter Chicken, off of their menu.

Full Bar Open for Lunch/Dinner $$

Buy one D-Fine Fat Burner and get a Cleanse & Lean FREE! $45 Value Lose 10-15 Pounds Without Stimulants! try before you buy

Muscle Gain Vitamins Apparel Tanning

3615 Coffee Rd

661-588-9300

8000 M c Nair Ln

661-835-7900

www.maxmuscle.com www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Fall 2012 125

let me speak to your leader!

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Family & Cosmetic Dentistry Michael Weinberg, DDS

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www.interimhealthcare.com

Good oral health can help reduce risks of problems associated with cardiovascular (heart) disease.

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• Established in 1994 • Nursing and/or Physical Therapy • AssistedCare – help with bathing, dressing, errands • Senior Placement – when one can no longer live alone • Employer of Interim’s NATIONAL RN of the Year, Susan Freilino • 2011 Beautiful Bakersfield award recipient

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Comprehensive Periodontal Care Including Treatment for Gum Disease and Dental Implants • IV and oral conscious sedation • High resolution CT scanner in-office • Bakersfield’s only board certified periodontist

661-665-0077

8605 Camino Media, Suite 200 www.BakersfieldPeriodontics.com

Advanced Spinal Health, LLC Specializing in Instrument Adjustive Techniques Gregory Heyart, D.C. Nicholas Braaten, D.C. Steven Salyers, D.C. Serving Bakersfield and the surrounding communities. Our chiropractors and the rest of the friendly team at Advanced Spinal Health, LLC, are dedicated to chiropractic solutions to target your unique needs, whether you are suffering from back pain, neck pain, headaches, or even just plain old muscular tightness and tension. Even if you just want to improve your overall health, our chiropractors can help you achieve your wellness goals!

(661) 327-2622

1001 Tower Way, Suite 130 Bakersfield, CA 93309

Pellevé tm Now Available Look Lovely, Feel Refreshed

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Obstetrics, Gynecology & Infertility Pregnancy Testing Personalized Prenatal Care and Delivery Complete Gynecological Care, Contraception, Menopausal Issues Minimally Invasive Surgery Urinary Incontinence Testing Comfortable, Relaxing Atmosphere

(661) 633-BABY (2229)

2021 22nd St., Bakersfield, CA 93301

Hoffmann Hospice Jason O’Donnell LCSW

There are few healthcare professionals more passionate about hospice care than Jason O’Donnell, Hoffmann’s licensed clinical social worker and community liaison in Tehachapi and the Kern Valley. O’Donnell says it’s a privilege to educate families and healthcare providers about end-of-life issues.

“It’s an opportunity to provide compassionate support at a very difficult time,” he says. “I’m honored to walk with our patients through their end-of-life journeys.”

(661) 410-1010

www.HoffmannHospice.org www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Fall 2012 127

MEDICAL PROFILES

Andrew C. Dreyer, DDS, MS Periodontics & Dental Implants

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Forget Trick-or-Treating; forget the haunted houses. There’s something much more exciting going on this Halloween...and something much more charitable than stuffing your face with Tootsie Rolls while watching Night of the Living Dead on cable.

The Kern Partnership for Children and Families (KPCF) is, once again, hosting their annual Scary for Charity event at the Marriott on October 27—and you’re all invited (if you’re over 21, that is). So, if you love Halloween and you love supporting local nonprofits, this is the event for you,

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Kern Partnership for Children and Families

back-to-school supplies or holiday gifts,” Luff continued.

Today, KPCF is the financial and management umbrella of funds for the Jamison Children’s Center. In addition, the partnership manages the funds of the Jess Diamond Medical Assessment Center, a medical facility on the campus of Jamison specializing in examining children suspected

If you love Halloween and you love supporting local nonprofits, this is the event for you, because you’re not just enjoying a great party, you’re helping out a worthy community organization.

KPCF directors Carol Bean (co-chair) & Jim Luff (president) join in the festivities.

because you’re not just enjoying a great party, you’re helping out a worthy organization in our community.

“The Kern Partnership formed in 2006,” explained President of KPCF’s Executive Board Jim Luff. Known as the Kern County Department of Human Services Helping Hands until the name was changed in 2009, the nonprofit was created to “bring local businesses and organizations together to assist the Department in serving the financial needs of foster children and their families in a way that exceeded what the government was capable of doing. Government money cannot be used for…extraordinary expenses for a family like

photos courtesy of Kern Partnership for Children and Families

of physical or sexual abuse in a comfortable environment while collecting video and audio evidence certified for use in the court system by the California Judicial System. Support for this Center is critical as it receives approximately 300 children a month; children removed from their homes by law enforcement due to neglect, poverty, or abuse.

“Once they enter the doors of Jamison, they enter the Continued on page 131 >>

Food, dance, and fun are all the rage at this “spooktacular” charity fundraiser. www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Fall 2012 129

community partners

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foster care system if they are not placed in the home of a relative soon after their arrival. It is our mission and goal to provide each child handed this destiny of life with a solid platform for growth and development despite their foster status,” said Luff. “If a child won’t go to school because of misaligned teeth and peer humiliBoard Member and event organizer ation, using “Wicked” Wendy Armijo. local business partners, we can obtain orthodontic braces, perhaps saving a child from a life of embarrassment.

Public welfare programs do not allow for such a thing. However, we, the partnership, realize the value.”

KPCF’s other programs include Holiday Cottage (collecting donated presents), The Heart Gallery (helping place older children in permanent homes), and Cal-Grad and Independent Living (both designed to help foster children transition out of the system as welladjusted adults).

“Our intention is to save any child

“We want every child that doesn’t have a family to call their own to have the same opportunity for success in life.”

—Jim Luff from falling in the cracks of the system,” Luff said, passion in his voice.

“We want every child that doesn’t have a family to call their own to have the same opportunity for success in life.”

So, naturally, the organization needs the public’s help in raising funds for their programs. Attending Scary for Charity is a great way for people to join in the cause.

All the funds raised are held in a special fund until one of KPCF’s programs needs money. “We fund >> www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Fall 2012 131

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special graduation ceremonies for seniors that complete special programs and provide funding for equipment in the Jess Diamond Assessment Center or make capital improvements to the Jamison Facility. We’ll also purchase school supplies and backpacks to provide to foster kids,” Luff added.

“Scary for Charity is a fun night of dressing up, dancing, tasting great food, and helping out a great cause,” said Wendy Armijo, community board member and one of the organizers of the event. “There will be a raffle, silent auction, and costume contests in four categories.”

It’s an event that’s not short on fun or entertainment…nor spooks.

“By coming out to the party, the

PHOTO COURTESY OF KERN PARTNERSHIP FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES

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Scary for Charity is a fun night of dressing up, dancing, tasting great food, and helping out a great cause.

public is giving back to the community in a big way,” Armijo continued.

“They’re directly helping local foster children in need.”

And since tickets are only $50, and that includes scrumptious hors d’oeuvres, there’s no reason to miss out.

If you can’t make the event, there’s always other ways to help this great organization.

“Our biggest need is funding,” Luff explained. “We just never seem to have enough to fill the many wishes from the approximately 3,200 foster children in Kern County. Money from the event, and any donations we receive, help us help these kids.”

Visit ScaryForCharity.com for more on the organization or the event’s Facebook page (facebook.com/scaryforcharity) for updates or to buy tickets. n 132 Bakersfield Magazine

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Thank You Sponsors!

Presenting Sponsor Pelletier Foundation Union Pacific Foundation Active 20-30 Club Aera Energy LLC Bank of the Sierra Cream of the Crop Ag Service Grimmway Farms Mercy and Memorial Hospitals Moorea Banquet Centre Outdoor Galore Paramount Farming Company PROS, Incorporated Southern California Gas Company Bakersfield Magazine

Bright House Networks Young Wooldridge Wheeler Foundation Arts Council of Kern California Pizza Kitchen Cohen Family Trust Daniells Phillips Vaughan & Bock Electrical Systems & Instrumentation Fastrip Kaiser Permanente KBAK Kern County Family Magazine KGET

Klein DeNatale Goldner KUZZ Lengthwise Brewing Company M. Annette Bridgman National Cement Company North Bakersfield Rotary Foundation Optimal Health Services Pacific Gas and Electric Pappy’s Down South BBQ Ranchita Canyon Roxo Port ServiceMaster Taft College Foundation

www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Fall 2012 133

COMMUNITY PARTNERS

Artfest

Join us in celebrating over 25 years of good with an old fashioned harvest party.

Kick up your heels at the Gleaners “barn.”

Fill up with good, down-home cooking, and enjoy the pluckings of Noah Claunch and Friends, and Fiddlin’ Pete Watercott, our featured entertainment.

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6pm - 11pm Golden Empire Gleaners Building 1326 30th Street, Bakersfield For additional ticket and sponsorship information, please call Pam Fiorini at 661-324-2767 or e-mail pfiorini@goldenempiregleaners.com Golden Empire Gleaners, Inc. 1326 30th Street, Unit A Bakersfield, CA 93301

Proceeds benefit the Golden Empire Gleaners to aid in their fight against hunger in Kern County.

Since 2010 I’m With the Band has raised and donated over $35,000 to the Bakersfield City School District to fund music education!! Help us support this worthwhile cause, because everyone deserves the right to be a Band Geek!

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Please join your fellow music lovers for a night of cocktails, appetizers, music, silent auction, raffle and good company!

Third Annual

I’m With the Band

An Event To Fund Music Education In Bakersfield City Public Schools Saturday, November 3rd, 2012 6-10pm • The Metro Galleries 1604 19th Street, Bakersfield

$40

All proceeds go to BCSD Music Program

For more information call 818.545.0065 or email rachel@chicevent.com

www.imwiththeband.org

134 Bakersfield Magazine

Donate your old instrument in exchange for one free ticket!* *Call for details.

NONPROFIT

SPOTLIGHT BAKERSFIELD WOUNDED HEROES FUND

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SayingThanks She has now been heading the agency for four and a half years. As needs kept arising, the nonprofit kept growing, and she eventually had to hire an assistant, who also just so happens to be the wife of a local wounded veteran. According to Porter, Kern County has the largest veteran population in all of California.

Essentially, the Wounded Heroes Fund exists solely to assist wounded PHOTO COURTESY OF JENNY FRANK

FOR THOSE CITIZENS WHO HAVE BRAVELY SERVED OUR COUNTRY AND WERE WOUNDED IN THE LINE OF DUTY, THERE ARE A LOT OF TRIALS AND TRIBULATIONS THAT MAY BEFALL THEM UPON RETURNING TO CIVILIAN LIFE. Sometimes the loss of limbs may make it impossible to access their own homes without incredible difficulty. Other times, they might have problems paying bills or providing for their families due to a gap falling between their military and disability pay. It’s times like those when the Wounded Heroes Fund—dubbed “the fill in the gap org”—is there to help out.

“If there’s a wounded vet who comes to Kern County, we will do all that we can to fill in any need they may have,” said Wendy Porter, executive director for the Fund, who also detailed that what was supposed to be a one-time event she assembled from her home turned into a full-time nonprofit organization. “The Wounded Heroes Fund was founded after a barbecue that was hosted at the fairgrounds in order to raise funds for the Wounded Warriors Project, as some of our vets were in Maryland. Through this, I realized there was a lot of need for vets in our community. A few of us involved decided to assemble a board of directors, and it just spiraled from there.”

Recreation center volunteers are happy to lend a hand.

vets with as many services as possible. Their efforts have included helping to improve two homes so that the double amputees who were to occupy them could do so with ease, and they are slated to update two more homes in the near future. (Both of the recipients thus far, Wesley Leon-Barrientos and Evan Morgan, serve on the Board for the Fund now, as well.)

www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Fall 2012 135

COMMUNITY COMMUNITY PARTNERS PARTNERS

Casey Schaubschlager, Wendy Porter, Armando Trujillo (l-r)

They have partnered up with Channel 17 to do barbecue fundraisers—one of which raised $40,000 in just three and a half hours selling tri-tip sandwiches.

They also visit hospitals where local veterans stay and they hold large barbecues for the wounded, their families, and the staff that’s assisting them. “We typically feed anywhere from three hundred to six hundred people on these ventures,” said Porter.

But their efforts don’t stop there.

They also partner up with other vetoriented organizations in town—a common practice amongst them—to help promoted the overall wellness of our veterans and to also help raise awareness. One such partnership is with the Bakersfield Vet Center.

Jenny Frank, office manager for the Center, knows firsthand just how powerful these pairings can be: the Fund hosted a build-out to help create a recreational area in the back of the Center’s building just recently.

Not only did the Fund donate $10,000 to the project, but they also donated supplies and labor. As of now, the parts of the recreational area that they helped provide include a horseshoe pit; additional trees and shrubbery; and a gigantic barbecue complete with granite countertops, a sink, and a garbage disposal. The Fund fed everyone who joined in the effort, which included veterans and Navy recruiters. The best part is that, because of the volunteering efforts >>

PHOTO COURTESY OF JENNY FRANK

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provided and the donated supplies, the $10,000 remains untouched and is set to be used to create an even better area for the vets to enjoy.

“The vet agencies in town work very close together, because we are always trying to promote every available service while ensuring that we don’t duplicate any, at the same time,” Frank explained.

“If a vet needs a service that we can’t

Wendy Porter and others that were involved decided to assemble a board of directors to serve the vets in the community, and it just spiraled from there.

provide, then we will refer them to an agency that does. The Wounded Heroes Fund is doing great and wonderful things in our community. It’s just amazing.”

Aside from hosting backyard barbecues (for which they sell anywhere between two to three hundred tickets per event), the Wounded Heroes Fund also puts on the Annual Salute to Our Local Heroes at the CSUB Amphitheater to raise funds for their efforts.

While Porter explained that a lot of veterans aren’t keen on asking for help, the Wounded Heroes Fund is here to do what they can to assist some

A lot of veterans aren’t keen on asking for help, but the Wounded Heroes Fund is here to do what they can to assist some of our bravest residents in their most desperate times.

136 Bakersfield Magazine

of our bravest residents in their most desperate times. If you’d like more information, or would like to know how you can help, you’ll find plenty of additional details on the Fund’s website: www.thewoundedheroesfund.org. n

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COMMUNITY COMMUNITY PARTNERS PARTNERS www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Fall 2012 137

BAKERSFIELD RUBBER STAMP over 60 years local service

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Self Inking Stamps • Daters • Address Stamps Custom Artwork Stamps • State Certified Notary Stamps Business Cards • Copies • Embossers Corporate Seals • Engineer Seals • Signatures Stencils & Supplies • Labels • Engraved Signs

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ROBSON-EILERS JEWELERS At The Marketplace

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Since 19 55 Large Format Reproduction Copying and Color Copying Plotting • Scanning • Online Planroom Laminating • Mounting Pick-up & Delivery

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2100 F St., #200 • 661-327-9731 www.wmklyons.com 138 Bakersfield Magazine

• Spa Boutique • Moroccanoil Products

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Open Monday-Thursday 8:30-5:30, Friday 8:30-1:00

322-3937

3100 19th St., Suite 100 Corner 19th & Oak

Shari & Heidi

Sugardaddy’s

Ladies Apparel • Shoes • Accessories

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www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Fall 2012 139

everafters...

Artisan Photography

Desi Vega Photography

Mr. & Mrs. Sean Grumbles (Lucy Garza) September 1st, 2012K Stockdale Country Club

Bobby Sherrill-Kandid Kamera

Mr. & Mrs. Dan Tarkington (Ryelan O’Brian) May 25th, 2012K The Park Place

• Bridal party concierge service • Professional bridal & special occasion make-up ake time • Bridal skin care to relax before • Spray tan your big day!

• Massage • Natural nail pedi/ manicure & more...

Mr. & Mrs. Richard Wilson (Jessica Kays) August 18th, 2012K Rio Bravo Country Club

Misty Dameron Photography

Mr. & Mrs. John Virrey (Erin Cole) June 2nd, 2012K Private Residence

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1030 Truxtun Ave. • 431-3173 140 Bakersfield Magazine

Abby’s Photography

Jennifer Williams Photography

Mr. & Mrs. Delfino Ruiz (Jennifer Mitchell)

Mr. & Mrs. Travis Golleher (Jenny Powell)

April 14th, 2012K Sacred Heart Catholic Church

April 28th, 2012 K Maxwell Ranch

E-mail your wedding photography and information to: weddings@bakersfieldmagazine.net

Bobby Sherrill Kandid Kamera

• Beautiful Engagement Rings • Fast Jewelry Repair We Buy • One-of-a-kind GOLD Custom Design • Same Day Family Owned Appraisals Since 1978 661-587-9298

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Lacey’s Photography

Mr. & Mrs. Will Graves (Shonda Abercrombie)

Mr. & Mrs. Matthew Raymond (Katie Lackey)

April 28th, 2012 K Cain Memorial Church

June 16th, 2012 K Seven Oaks Country Club

Your Affair to Remember!

Elegant Architecture Surrounded by Lush Gardens

Jennifer Williams Photography

Misty Dameron Photography

Mr. & Mrs. Alex Tejeda (Aubrey Sintora)

Mr. & Mrs. Dave Bantz (Erica Holland)

June 9th, 2012 K The Park Place

June 9th, 2012 K Los Angeles River Gardens

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Find me at StyleSeat.com & Facebook

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Artisan Photography

Mr. & Mrs. Frank Toscano (Patricia Lozano)

Mr. & Mrs. Nick Gilliam (Alex Hernandez)

August 4th, 2012 K Four Points by Sheraton

August 31st, 2012 K DoubleTree Resort, Santa Barbara

E-mail your wedding photography and information to: weddings@bakersfieldmagazine.net

Carrie McNamee Stylist & Makeup Artist

9600 Retail Drive, #105 • Bakersfield cell:661-817-5595

• salon:661-588-8626

www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Fall 2012 141

How much will you need to retire? Let’s talk.

Robert J. Avalos

BAKERSFIELD MAGAZINE

Party

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Financial Advisor

5603 Auburn St. Suite C Bakersfield, CA 93306 661-871-3154 robert.avalos@edwardjones.com

Call For A Complimentary Portfolio Analysis Today Member SIPC

Bernie & Shelly Naworski

Robbin Hamilton & Jill Rodriguez

Mike & Tiffani Graves

MargaritaField

People from all over town came to vote for the top Margarita in Bakersfield at MargaritaField. Local restaurants brought their best specialty margaritas to sample in hopes of winning the title for Best Margarita. Fine foods were also provided for those who came to sample and vote. Proceeds of this unique event went to benefit the Bakersfield Breakfast Lions and the Bakersfield Ronald McDonald House.

Joe & Stacey Lugo

T H E F U T U R E O F S TA F F I N G A Randstad Company

We Specialize in Recruitment & Placement of Employees in Clerical and Industrial Businesses.

Administrative • Forklift Material Handlers • Packaging

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Ashley Pavletich, Megan & Randy Raymond

Melissa Merjil & Mandy Bair

Jodi Bosch & Susan Williams

Veronica Carroll, Jessica & Patrick Benitez

Scott Cox & Scarlett Sabin

Marin & Sergio Sanchez

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FUNERAL HOMES • CEMETERIES CREMATIONS Northeast

Mike Burnett & Alison Daniel

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Kern Green Annual Awards Dinner 4200 Truxtun Ave. Suite 102 Bakersfield, CA 93309

“Service Beyond The Policy-Since 1937” Emily Pierce & Justin Salters

Kern Green held its first ever Annual Awards Dinner at Aera Energy, LLC. The zero waste event was organized as a means to give special recognition to individuals and businesses dedicated to making a positive environmental difference in our community.

Attendees were treated to a dinner which featured Kern County agriculture and awards were given for a myriad of categories, ranging from prevention to conservation.

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142 Bakersfield Magazine

Antoinette & Thomas Woods

Evelyn Young & Brian Spath

Carla Musser & Cori Kitchen

BAKERSFIELD MAGAZINE

Party

CHATTER

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Welcome to Bakersfield!

Celebrate Christmas with a

Terry Brooks & Gina Gailey

Erica & Diana Navarro

Sara & Chris Thomas

Third Thursday

One of the great things that Bakersfield summer brought us was the always-fun Third Thursdays. Organized by the Downtown Business Association, the monthly events at Mill Creek Park downtown were a blast. Locals gathered for good food, lively entertainment from local dance and music organizations, and awesome prizes, while they experienced the vitality of our downtown scene.

ONE-OF-A-KIND G.A. PHOTO HANDBAG Elvia De Perez

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Mariana Perez & Jestine Grackinro

holiday deadlines apply Order Now!

PURCHASING A BUSINESS IN BAKERSFIELD OR KERN COUNTY?

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Anthony Lyons & Tyranique White

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• Take Advantage of a Buyer’s Market • Reduce Your Risk/Increase Escrow Closure • CEOs Proven Business Acquisition Search • Broker’s Opinion of Value/Due Diligence

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4900 California Avenue • Tower B-210 Bakersfield, CA • 661-374-0310 Eliza & Beth Fortun

Elizabeth, Jennifer & Sean Stafford

Roberta & Jose Espinoza

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21.95

Danielle Ecklund & Richard Rios

Jan Fulton & Michael Miller

DBA Business Mixer

Elizabeth Harris & Mary Helen Barro

Debbie Moreno & Laura Wolfe

The Downtown Business Association once again hosted a delightful mixer, only this time it was in honor of Donna Kunz, our city’s longtime Economic Development Director. Kunz was surprised with a key to the city. All those in attendance indulged in great food from local restaurants and live music—and won some amazing raffle prizes.

Wendy Zielsdorf

Brandon Manning

Andy Barkate

Steve McEvoy

OVER

Jim Luff & Kathleen Sparks

THE COVER PRICE!

Ralph Braboy & Melissa Anderson

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Kenny Reed & Brenda Sharp

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12 EXCITING ISSUES TO ENJOY!

www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Fall 2012 143

~Kern’s Basque Tradition since 1945~ NEVER FROZEN, THEN BAKED, OR TRUCKED LONG DISTANCES. FIND US IN YOUR FAVORITE GROCERY STORE OR DELI TODAY!

BAKERSFIELD MAGAZINE

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Sonia Vera, Brenda Parra, Tania Carrillo, Berenice Parra, Dianne Garcia, & Heidi Rangel

Valley Fever Walk 717 East 21st St. 322-7159

&

SPORTS SPIRITS Daily Drink Specials Big Screen Sports Live Music Karaoke Pool • Darts

Hundreds of local supporters gathered at the Kern County Museum to walk for a cause—a cause very close to everyone’s hearts. Teams and individuals that walked helped raise money for research and to provide help for those who have been affected with this disease. Those who attended also got to enjoy some healthy snacks and participate in some great raffles.

Elana Stafford & Helen Richards

Orfil & Synthya Uribe

Erica Patino & Jerardo Velasquez

Patricia & Anthony Flores

398-7077 6633 Ming Ave. City:_____________________________State:________ Zip:____________________ Subscription label will identify you as gift giver • Mail to: 1601 New Stine Rd. #200 Orders must be received by 11-19-2012 for December Issue Bakersfield, CA 93309

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144 Bakersfield Magazine

Tiffany & Audrey Reyes, Tristin Flores

Atul Aggarwal & Stephen Strategos

Lidi, Wyatt, & Mark Countryman

Tabitha Matheson & Donny Stayer

Linda Thompson & Isabel Banducci

Louis & Oliver Robles

Sandy Rizzo & Chelsea Gahagan

Greek Food Festival

Rebecca Fregoso & Mary Serna

Mark & Christine Zimmerman

The highly anticipated 40th Annual Greek Food Festival took place at the St. George Greek Orthodox Church. This two-day celebration featured a variety of foods, dancing, drinks, and music, all pertaining to Greek tradition. A number of vendors were present, as was an area for kids with bounce houses. This family event attracted lovers of all things Greek—particularly, the food!—from all over Kern County.

Nadia Gutierrez

Panatda & Teresa Day, Dominic Gutierrez

BAKERSFIELD MAGAZINE

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• BU

Y IT BAKED •

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Lupe & Lulo Hernandez

Mallory Fick & Staci Davis

Stella & Tony Sanchez

Village Fest

325-3411

They’ve done it once again. Bakersfield’s “biggest party of the year” was a great success. Thousands of people came together for not only a great event but for a great cause: CARE. Those who attended enjoyed bites from over 35 of Bakersfield’s most popular restaurants, and sampled from over 100 breweries and vintners, all while they danced the night away to live, local bands.

Josh Smith & Christina Jarrett

Lori & Kevin Tholl

THE ORIGINAL SINCE 1945 James A. Balmain

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The first annual Casino Night benefiting Bakersfield Association for Retarded Citizens was a huge success. Guests arrived at the Petroleum Club and were greeted with delicious hors d’oeuvres, drinks, music, dancing, and, of course, a little gambling. The silent auction, as well as ticket sales, will help benefit BARC programs.

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www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Fall 2012 145

Bakersfield Inn

c.1949

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We Need More Old Photos!

Have an old photo with back story from Bakersfield’s past?

We want your suggestions for future Bakersfield’s Sounds.

Submit any ideas to editorial@ bakersfieldmagazine.net. If we use your submission, we’ll give you a $50 gift card to a fabulous local restaurant.

N

PHOTO COURTESY OF CHRIS BREWER

bakersfield’s sound

hile the United States was facing a Great Depression, two brothers set out to start something great; something of their own. Brothers Oscar and C.L. Tomerlin began building the Bakersfield Inn on the west side of Union Avenue. The aim was simple: to create a few dozen small cottages for motorists to stop and rest for a while at just $1.50 per room. In fact, the duo are credited with coining the term “motel,” as it was a “motorist’s hotel.” But what started as a small dream shared by the brothers soon blossomed into something that would become a legend, and not just locally.

The Bakersfield Inn became wildly popular. Attributed as one of “the best in the west” and seen as one of the first of its kind in all of the world, its reputation quickly outgrew the handful of cottages, and the rooms went from being a few dozen to several hundred.

In time a restaurant was added, as was an entertainment lounge, the Palm Room, which brought in acts like Duke Ellington and Harry James. Charity events were hosted there, as were weddings, anniversary dinners, and grand business parties.

Its ever-increasing popularity around the world caused it to outgrow its location, and expansion began on the opposite side of Union. As a means to connect the two sites, a yellow archway was created over Union and it simply read “Bakersfield.” (Surprisingly, our city’s name wasn’t included in the original plans; it was added as more of an afterthought, and yet made quite the lasting impression.) Big names in oil and show businesses (like J. Paul Getty and Lionel Hampton), alike, graced its Spanish-style courtyard. If parts of Clint Eastwood’s Every Which Way You Can or the television miniseries Roots II look a little familiar, it is because both were partially filmed at the Inn. The motel went through a number of incarnations. Not only did the owners change several times, but a huge fire in 1964 caused considerable damage, which led to major reconstruction. These days, the west side and original location of the motel has been demolished, and the remains to the east are used as a public health facility. The archway is gone, though its likeness has been immortalized near Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace, and the blue porcelain letters are even the originals. As the years had passed, the sign had become a safety concern and was set to be taken down when Buck Owens stepped up to have as much of it salvaged as possible. And, much like that archway, the more impressive parts of the Bakersfield Inn’s history stay strong with the people of Bakersfield to this day.

the story of bakersfield is all around us, you just have to look — and listen.

146 Bakersfield Magazine

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