Kern Veteran Project Recording History
Desert Adventurer Death Valley Jim
VOL. 31 NO. 1
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YOUR CITY. YOUR LIFE. YOUR MAGAZINE.
4th Annual
Showcasing
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History &Heritage Looking north, Beale Memorial Clocktower at 17th and Chester, circa 1930
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VOL. 31 NO. 1 • SPRING 2014
71 Departments EDITOR’S LETTER
My Titanic Moment..............15 KERN FACTS
Hometown Happenings.....16 CITIZEN KERN
Meet Death Valley Jim.......30 RISKTAKERS
Dollar Stretcher..................31 HUMAN RESOURCES
Problem Employees............33
83
GARDENING WITH MRS. P
Primetime Gardening........71 HOME & GARDEN
Protecting Your Palace.......74 QUICK BITES
LIBATIONS
ENTERTAINING THE BAKERSFIELD WAY
IN & AROUND B•TOWN
WHAT’S COOKIN’
BAKERSFIELD’S SOUND
Citrus Crunch.....................80 Season’s Best........................81 Distinctive Dining..............83
31
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Downtown Gem.................85 Party Time.........................102 Budweiser Rocket..............106
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VOL. 31 NO. 1 • SPRING 2014
A Truly Sweet Gift 4th Annual
Mother’s Day May 11 th
39
Features DISCOVER KERN A-Z
The Ultimate
Insiders Guide.....................35 KERN COUNTY
Generations....................39 WARRIORS AT SUNSET
Ref lections......................40
Ice Cream Experience
KERN VETERANS ORAL HISTORY
Time Capsules.....................47
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DISCOVER KERN
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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTIONS
ONE MINUTE BUSINESS BRIEF
Curriculum Vitae......................34
Generations Profiles.................50
HOME & GARDEN RESOURCES
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The Dining Guide The Dining Guide....................86
MEDICAL PROFILES Medical Profiles........................89
Residential & Commercial
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REMEMBERING
LES & DONNA CORUM FOUNDERS . VISIONARIES . FRIENDS
Vol. 31 No. 1
Helping Simplify Our Clients’ Financial Lives 661-835-8189
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14 Bakersfield Magazine
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Spring 2014
Publisher & 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 Lisa Villegas Wilson Photography Isabel Alvarez Juli Feller, Eric James Robert Perez Staff Writer Maryann Kopp Contributing Writers Tracie Grimes Gordon Lull, Robin Paggi Donna McCrohan Rosenthal Yana Todorova Accounting/Human Resources Melissa Galvan Distribution/Circulation Brigit Ayers Cover Photo Courtesy of Kern County Museum 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 2014 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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My Titanic Moment A few years ago…okay, many years ago! Like, 45 years ago, during a period of unusually harsh oppressive rule (I was grounded—again), my buddy at the time, David (also grounded—again), and I set about devising our own Great Escape. Being neighbors in an apartment complex, our bedrooms shared a common wall with our windows inches apart. So, while serving our latest sentence for “un-gentleman-like” behavior, and having become “fed up” with the “man,” we concocted a plan that involved building a boat and sailing our way to freedom (seeing as the river ran right behind our apartments). Upon our release, we began gathering the materials we would need for our vessel. A trip to the trash pile of a neighboring construction site yielded a valuable cache: a couple pieces of plywood, some old carpet, and various other wood scraps. You would have thought we were building an ark. We drug our treasure trove back to the apartments and commenced hammering and sawing and sanding. Over the next few days, we worked long and hard into the wee hours of the early evening (seeing as curfew was sunset), and out of sight of our “dictators’” eyes. Shockingly, this unusual behavior eventually alerted them that something was up…we were, as they say, busted! But, instead of trying to lie, we fessed-up and, in unison, cried out, “Mom! We're running away!” Expecting anger, tears, or even a slightly disappointed “oh my,” we were instead asked a series of friendly questions. Not quite the reaction we expected at all. “Where are you going?” “What's the weather like there?” And the real blow to the ego: “Do you need any help?” Well, we could use some sandwiches... Launch day finally arrived and our dads helped us drag our craft to the edge of the river, where our moms and a few neighbors had gathered for pictures and to wish us bon voyage. After loading our supplies and setting our yacht afloat, we said our goodbyes. As we climbed aboard and started drifting down stream, it was a relief to finally see some real tears from our parents. But these were not tears of sadness; on the contrary, these were tears of laughter. You see, once we were underway, almost too far to step back onto the shore—many, many
David (standing) and me looking for my “flops.”
inches from land—we began to take on water, first on the starboard side, then on the port. Our raft, the S.S. Liberty, sank… straight to the bottom. The last thing I remember is yelling out to David, “Grab my flip-flops and save the sandwiches!” I've never told this story before; I never had to. I always had my parents to tell it…maybe not with the same “gusto,” but they were always the storytellers in my family and I realize that's one of the things I miss most about them. The little stories that make up our family. Which is why our annual Generations issue is always one of my favorites. It's full of many of those “little stories” from many different local families and businesses. And this year's Generation issue is no exception. Writer Gordon Lull is back with a fantastic piece entitled “Reflections” (pg. 40). As in every Generations issue, we are proud to again present our Generations Profiles (pg. 50), featuring family-owned and long-standing local businesses. And for those of us that are trivia buffs, we present our annual “Discover Kern— A to Z Encyclopedia” (pg. 35), full of fun and funky lesser-known facts about this place we call home. And as a bonus, we commissioned a custom crossword to coincide with this year’s Encyclopedia that can be found on our website. Being co-captains of the S.S. Liberty, Maritime Law dictated we go down with the ship, but no worries, the “river” was only about four-inches deep. Enjoy!
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Mike Corum comments@bakersfieldmagazine.net www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Spring 2014 15
Kern Facts
People • Places • Events
HIS & Hers
What was the first thing you thought when you met your future spouse for the first time? Aimee: He is hot! He was my knight in shining armor. He took care of a guy who was bothering me and has been taking care of me ever since. Greg: Oh, my Brown Eyed Girl!
What is the funniest thing that happened while you two were dating? Aimee: We were visiting some of his old college buddies in San Diego. We went to Tijuana with a group of friends and a fight broke out in the bar we were in. Greg got me out of the bar and told me to hold on to a light pole in the street. His exact words to me were: “Do not let go of this pole and do not talk to anyone.” He ran back into the bar to get the rest of his friends out. While I was holding on to the pole of course somebody I knew from Bakersfield walked by. They said I needed to come with them, but, like the good girlfriend I was, I held on to that pole until Greg came to get me! Those are still some of my favorite pictures. Greg: I invited Aimee to have dinner and meet my parents for the first time. She was just 18 and, needless to say, very nervous. My mother was serving beer chicken that night. After the introductions we sat down to eat family style. As the chicken was passed to Aimee my father told her she wasn’t allowed to have any because she was not 21. They have hit it off ever since. What is the craziest thing your spouse has ever done for you? Aimee: Greg is not a “crazy” kind of guy (that is my role in the relationship)! He did plan a birthday cruise for my 40th. We set sail with 20 of our friends on a three-day trip. It was one of the most fun vacations, with the best husband and friends I could have asked for. Greg: Have you ever watched I Love Lucy? Aimee is a brown-haired Lucille Ball. She is one of the only people able to bring me out of my conservative shell. She once signed me up for a belly flop contest on a cruise. I reluctantly participated and ended up winning.
16 Bakersfield Magazine
She’s an elementary school principal and he’s Bakersfield’s Chief of Police, so this loving couple is doing their best to make Bakersfield the best place it can be!
IN STEP WITH:
Greg & Aimee Williamson
What is your spouse’s biggest phobia? Aimee: Greg is afraid of heights! It even makes him nervous to see people doing crazy things up high on television. Greg: Cooking dinner. I am the chef in the family. Who’s the first one to admit when they’re wrong? Aimee: Greg will be the first to admit he is wrong (even if he isn’t). I’m hard-headed and stubborn, so it takes me a very long time to admit it! Greg: I am generally very open-minded and willing to look at issues from various points of view. Aimee is very opinionated and sticks by her guns. She can’t stand to be proven wrong. What is your spouse most passionate about? Aimee: Greg is passionate about his family. He is the best father and husband anyone could ask for. He is also passionate about his job. He truly cares about Bakersfield and the people who live here. He spends countless hours working on making Bakersfield a safe place to live. Greg: Our family and her kids at school. She is a great mother and wife. Both of our jobs are very demanding but we have always made time for our kids. And shopping. She puts a lot of time, energy, and money into stimulating the economy. What’s your favorite thing to do in Bakersfield? Aimee: We love to eat at our favorite hometown restaurants: Frugatti’s, Uricchio’s, Milt’s Diner, and Luigi’s are favorites. Greg: I love spending time with my family and friends. I have been blessed to have so much local support over the years. What is your least favorite and favorite thing about your spouse? Aimee: He puts his dirty laundry on the floor when the hamper is only eight feet away! My favorite thing about Greg is that he is a fantastic husband and father! Greg: Well, most men don’t look for women who can’t cook or keep house. Don’t worry, guys: you’ve got one less to worry about. But Aimee is a very passionate and unselfish person. She generally puts others before herself.
www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Spring 2014 17
Kern Facts
H
AVE YOU EVER WONDERED WHAT IT WOULD BE LIKE TO SPEND THE DAY AS A ZOMBIE? Just think about it: roaming the city streets, covered in gore, scaring the life out of passers-by, and drooling blood all over your earth-soiled shirt without a care in the world. Well, lucky for us, there is one organization that has been bringing that experience to Bakersfield residents for over five years, and—fortunately—brain sampling is not part of the regiment. The best part? Instead of taking the city down, it affords participants the chance to help it out. “Bakersfield Zombie Walk was started when I wanted to provide an opportunity to serve the community in a fun and unique way,” said founder Jennifer Sorkin. “There are many wonderful organizations that raise money and awareness in our community; however, I wanted to create a group that would not only help our society, but would also appeal to an alternative au-
18 Bakersfield Magazine
THE BEST PART? Instead of taking the city down, it affords participants the chance to help it out.
dience that might not have had the chance to give back to Bakersfield. So, I decided to combine my passion for special effects makeup and charity and voilà! Bakersfield Zombie Walk.” As a biannual event, the Walk will benefit The Alpha Canine Society and OKRA Orphan Kitten Rescue and Adoption Association, followed by The A. Miriam Jamison Children’s Center. Items and funds that are collected are utilized to raise awareness for each individual organization, their mission, and what their needs currently are. As a family-friendly event, “zombies of all ages are welcome to participate.” There also isn’t a cap on how different you can make your costume. “We have had zombie brides, construction workers, hospital patients, and ballerinas, to name a few,” Sorkin detailed. “People get really creative with their costume and makeup.”
IMAGE BY ANTON BRAND/ISTOCK/THINKSTOCK
Zombie Walk
The Bakersfield Zombie Walk will be taking place in May this year, so be sure to put your best decaying stump forward and check out the Facebook page, Bakersfield Zombiewalk, for more details.
In & Around B•Town
We raise our glasses of fresh carrot juice to you!
Atul Aggarwal MD Cardiology Clinic
W
IMAGES COURTESY OF WWW.FOODPORNINDEX.COM
E ALL KNOW BOLTHOUSE FARMS IS FAMOUS for its carrots and delicious juices but the company is also aiming to transform the way people look at their fruits and veggies. They’ve come up with—are you ready?—the Food Porn Index. Though the term “food porn” is not new, and is the art of photographing one’s meals and posting about them on social media platforms, using the term in a positive and productive way is changing the way we look at and talk about our food. “Bolthouse Farms is on a mission to change the way
people consume healthy foods and beverages, making the healthy choice the easy choice for consumers,” explained Bolthouse’s VP of Strategic Marketing Suzanne Ginestro. “Through our presence in social channels it became startlingly apparent that fruits and veggies are severely under-represented within ‘food porn.’ So, to promote the awareness of this severe imbalance in food conversations, we created the Food Porn Index.” The idea is to encourage social media
hounds to post photos of healthier foods. According to Ginestro, Bolthouse wants to “shine a light on the health of the Internet. What people Tweet about and post about is a reflection of how we behave in the offline world…and we want to fix that imbalance in [what we are eating].” Which will ultimately lead to a healthier country. The Food Porn Index works like this. It monitors social media conversations and mentions of key foods highlighted as a hashtag (we’ve all heard of those). So #cucumber or #donut, for example. The Index tracks them and sorts them into 24 total food categories. It will update every 15 minutes to keep up with the high volume of posts. This way, people can see what they—and their friends and family—are posting. And a shocking amount of posts are about really unhealthy foods. “Food Porn runs deep in our culture,” Ginestro added. “Last time I checked, #foodporn had over 22 million pics on Instagram! I saw more pictures of donuts, pizza, and cake and very little fruits and veggies. Awareness of the imbalance is the first step to making change and that’s exactly what we’re determined to do.” Well, kudos to Bolthouse.
We as a staff strive to provide cardiovascular care with humility, compassion & dignity
Our clinic is located in Southwest Bakersfield, in the Riverwalk Medical Plaza
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Kern Facts OUR OWN
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20 Bakersfield Magazine
NTIQUES ROADSHOW WOULD have you believe relics from our past are everywhere; the truth is it’s rare to discover a real treasure from our collective history. Especially local history. But there are Kern County residents that held tight to special items from our humble beginning. One man, a Mr. Gordon C. Roesch, was holding on to one such item: a gun. “The gun was reported to be Col. Thomas Baker’s rifle,” explained Lori Wear, Curator of Collections at the Kern County Museum. “It’s a Slotter & Company single shot muzzle loading Plains rifle with an octagon-shaped barrel,” she added. Roesch donated the rifle to the museum back in 1960, but nothing is known about how Roesch, an insurance adjuster, came to own the gun. “We had the rifle on display last year in March at the Museum’s Wild West Day,” Wear said. Otherwise, it’s stored away for safe keeping. But if you’re a history buff or just an antique gun fan, never fear: Wear said that the rifle will more than likely go into the Museum’s new orientation center slated for completion next year. So you’ll be able to take a gander at one majorly cool piece of history that has remained unscathed.
People • Places • Events
Beauty In BRONZE
K
PHOTOS COURTESY ARCHITECT OF THE CAPITOL
ern County has got some famous alumni—sports figures, musicians, and the like. But thanks to the impressive skills of Taft native Benjamin Victor, we can add sculptor to that list. Victor, who also grew up in Bakersfield, may be well-known in these parts for his stunning brass sculptures of oil field workers for the Taft Oilfield Monument (dedicated in 2010), but he’s been making waves elsewhere in the country for years, namely the Capitol. In 2005, when he was just 26, he sculpted the figure of Sarah Winnemucca, a Native American woman from Nevada, for the National Statuary Hall in the U.S. Capitol, making him the youngest artist ever to do so. And just recently, he became the youngest living artist to have two sculptures in the Hall when his bronze rendering of Norman Borlaug was completed (he was chosen to do so out of a pool of over sixty artists). Borlaug, an Iowa farmer who bred strains of wheat that would thrive in Third World countries and help reduce world hunger, would also win the Nobel Prize. Not too shabby for a local boy. So if you’re ever at the Capitol, take a gander at his work…and if you’re ever traveling throughout the USA and see a statue in an airport or a museum, check. It just might have a Bakersfield connection.
www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Spring 2014 21
Creating Beautiful Smiles
Kern Facts
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BAKERSFIELD’S PREMIER AUTO DETAIL CENTER
KERN OIL BONANZA
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HE 1920S WERE A TIME OF GROWTH AND CHANGE IN THE COUNTRY, especially in the west. With more people, automobiles, and buildings, there was a big need for petroleum. And boy, did Kern County deliver. This old map (created by the California Department of Natural Resources) shows just how concentrated the oil wells were in the Belridge/McKittrick fields in 1924. We were churning out oil like the Amish churn out butter and that oil supported the entire region’s growth. Just one more thing in our history to be proud about!
BY THE
N U M B E RS
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Students in Kern County Public School System in 2012-2013.
Number of acres that make up the Desert t Tortoise Preserve tha City. a rni lifo surrounds Ca
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arded to a cil of Governments aw Amount the Kern Coun nsportation tra blic pu e ned to improv state-run program desig eet Live: to you by “Sesame Str na in June 3 Number broughten coming to Rabobank Are Make a New Fri d,” (on the 3rd!). the Wasco News d year the first issue of 11 Month, date, anhe /11/1911). was first publis d (11 partment Bakersfield City Fire De a in s 45 Number of minute Station tour. ersfieldcity.us; om; ci.wasco.ca.us; bak Sources: rabobankarena.c rg, kerncog.org californiacity.com; kern.o
In & Around B•Town
T
Let’s WIN!
HERE AREN’T TOO MANY THINGS IN LIFE that are as wonderful as winning, especially when the prizes range from gift certificates to local businesses to tickets for outstanding events. Here at the magazine, we are making that happen for our awesome readers with every single issue! These are our latest lucky winners.
James Nolen
Lisa Carbajal
A-List Autism Society Conference Tickets
Stuff We Like
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Accepting Most Insurances
ALL PROCEDURES PERFORMED LOCALLY. You don’t need to travel outside of Bakersfield for state-of-the-art care.
Dr. Salvo has opened his practice at: 5343 Truxtun Avenue, Bakersfield, CA
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Our Lady Of Perpetual Help Parish MASS SCHEDULE Saturday Vigil: 5:00 PM Sunday: 7:30, 9:00, 10:30 AM, 12 Noon, 5:30 PM Every Weekday: 6:30 AM Reconciliation-Saturday: 4:00 PM CONTACTS Parish: 323-3108, Monsignor Michael R. Braun, Pastor School: (Pre-School - 8th Grade) 327-7741, Donna Smith, Principal
124 Columbus Street
Did You
Know? Built in 1939, the WOOLWORTH’S BUILDING ON 19TH STREET WAS USED AS A BOMB SHELTER for local residents during World War II. Later, the building was designated as a fallout shelter until Congress discontinued it in the Civil Defense Program in 1972.
www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Spring 2014 23
Kern Facts
A
LIST EXTRA
T
A-List Contest
HEY SAY WHEN IT COMES TO DELICIOUS FOOD, OUR EYES ARE BIGGER THAN OUR STOMACHS—which is perfect in this case because you’ll need to use your eyes to experience some delicious food! If you’re an A-List member, see if you can spot your name in the list below. If so, email us right away at alist@bakersfieldmagazine.net and let us know. You’ll be in the running for a $100 gift card to Uricchio’s Trattoria! If you’re not on the A-List, visit bakersfieldmagazine.net and sign up today! Deidra Finney Ron Chapman Benessa Kouda Chris Champness
Sandy Bye Joe Hernandez John DeCarolis Katie Herd
Alysha Layton Vickie Barton Paul Ahern Andy Amador
*Contest eligibility for A-List members who haven’t won in past three months
WHERE AM I
P
UT YOUR THINKING HATS ON BECAUSE WE’VE GOT U: A REAL RIDDLE FOR YO ? oto ph s thi e Where did we tak so show e, tim iz Qu p That’s right, it’s Po ic pride and your smarts and your civ could be the u Yo . try to ID this image Books gift o’s ss winner of a $50 Ru an email at: certificate. Just send us magazine.net eld rsfi comments@bake ess! by April 30 with your gu Good luck! Last issue’s answer: Dewar’s on Calloway
24 Bakersfield Magazine
Local
expressions
“I
DISAPPEAR INTO A PLACE OF SUCH SATISFACTION WHILE CREATING that time just slips away,” explained local post-impressionistic painter David Gordon. It’s a fitting description of his method, as most people who gaze upon Gordon’s work have a similar experience. “I feel more alert, more alive, and I don’t mean I am jumping for joy, but rather at peace. I feel okay, and that, in itself, is a fine place to be in a world that is sometimes not okay.” Gordon, a third generation Kern County native, has had a long career in the arts in our community. Not only did he grow up in the middle of a cotton field and graduate from Bakersfield High, he went on to work for the Arts Council of Kern and the Bakersfield Museum of Art. Though his childhood wasn’t dedicated to drawing or painting, it was peppered with artistic phases and cultural experiences that left significant, albeit subtle, impressions on Gordon. “My grandmother took us to local theatre, she had arts activities at her house, and was a huge supporter of the arts in our lives. My parents also signed me up for oil painting classes in the fourth grade. The classes were taught by local artists and we’d paint every Saturday morning,” Gordon said. It was if his family was hinting at something. “Sure, I liked to draw, and I took a painting class in high school that I really liked,” he added. “But I never considered it an educational path.”
That was, until he was at the kitchen table one night and discovered that he actually had a knack for putting shapes on paper. “It was then, with the encouragement of my mother, that I knew I needed to be an artist.”
and began immersing himself in the art world here. “I worked for the Arts Council sixteen years ago as a program manager and now as a consultant to help the organization go forward,” he said. “It has always been a wonderful experience to be involved
David Gordon
Gordon was already a freshman at San Diego State, so he changed his major to arts. “I discovered I loved all the access to creativity and the connections art has to our lives,” Gordon explained of his college experience. And so after attending North Carolina State University to get a masters in Landscape Design, Gordon returned to Bakersfield
with the Arts Council since I have a commitment to the arts and making them accessible in our community.” During that time, he had a piece chosen to hang in the State Capitol to represent our area; had a solo exhibit through the Arts Council; and began a career working on commissioned pieces. “What I love about art is that it’s a business,” Gordon waxed.
“It’s serious. Without it we would be an empty society.” Gordon’s painting style— post-impressionistic—is similar to impressionism in that it is defined by bright colors, real-life scenes, and an often thick application of paint, but dissimilar in that artists in this genre often emphasize geometric patterns and distort shapes. There is obviously a lot more to such a diverse and celebrated genre of painting, but that should give you a hinting at his work. “I’m more Manet than Monet,” he clarified with a laugh. “I am loose and detailed at the same time. I don’t over paint but instead give the viewer enough detail that they can fill in the rest with their own connection to the image.” If you’ve ever seen his work, you know Gordon, who’d one day love to teach art and art appreciation, tends to capture a lot of local landscapes. “I choose scenes that otherwise never get a second look, like a canal bank, old palm trees along a road; images that evoke aloneness but not loneliness, a sense of place, a place we belong or have been.” Gordon’s future is set. He plans to continue putting Bakersfield on canvas and growing his new landscape design business. “But as far as painting goes, I would do it anyway,” he added. “Even if no one ever saw or bought a single piece, I would paint. In fact that is how it happened, I just started painting because I had to for some reason.” And reason has served him well.
www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Spring 2014 25
Kern Facts Are We Not Men?
“DEVO-ted”
to MUSIC
W
HILE THE FUN, ECLECTIC, POPPY SOUND OF NEW WAVE MUSIC OF THE LATE ‘70s AND ‘80s brought a host of talented musicians to the world’s attention, no one could don an energy dome hat and crack a whip quite like Devo—but that doesn’t mean that many didn’t try. One group, in particular, had both an affinity for the band, as well as an interesting tie in with Bakersfield. The Bakersfield Boogie Boys were, at face value, an oddball trio from Bakersfield who entered into a Devo Devotees Contest hosted by the radio station, KROQ, in LA. The top entrants were selected to be a part of a Devotee’s LP, and they had the most popular track on the album with a Devo-esque cover of Merle Haggard’s “Okie from Muskogee.” It even landed them their own 12-inch EP. But who, exactly, were Billie Joe Conrad, Jimmie Lee Grabert, and Gary Hoffman? “My partner in the label, Richard Foos, thought even the best of the submissions [to the contest] lacking, so he made a new recording,” began Harold Bronson, cofounder of Rhino Records. “He was a fan of Merle Haggard’s...but reeled from the conservative message of ‘Okie From Muskogee.’ So he lampooned the country song by arranging it in the style of Devo. There was no ‘band,’ it was studio musicians.” One of the vocalists for two of the tracks that was on The Bakersfield Boogie Boys EP, Shari Famous, even went on to marry Foos. And those masked men posed by a tractor on the album cover? According to Bronson, it was, “Foos, [myself], and noted rock photographer, Lester Cohen, who always wanted to be on an album cover.” At least the album picture was taken in Bakersfield, right? Not so fast. That field you see was in none other than Palmdale, which was the “closest” anyone involved had been to our fair city! For further information on the Bakersfield Boogie Boys, check out Bronson’s book The Rhino Records Story: Revenge of the Music Nerds.
DID YOU KNOW?
T 26 Bakersfield Magazine
HE SCULPTURE OF FATHER GARCES in the Garces Circle is carved out of limestone. The artist, John Palo Kangas, who finished the Garces sculpture in 1939, also created the sculpture of Colonel Baker that sits on Truxtun Avenue.
In & Around B•Town
Gifted
Gifts
I
T SEEMS LIKE A SCENE FROM A MYSTERY NOVEL: a ninja-like artist, anonymously leaving intriguing pieces of art around town for the taking. But it’s not. In addition to the thriving arts community we have locally, there’s one such artist that has been puzzling—and thrilling—countless residents for years now. Known by the simple moniker “Poet,” this elusive artistic force has been creating and placing unique artwork around Bakersfield. No one knows when he will strike, but when he does, people are rushing to become the lucky owners. During a clandestine interview, Poet let us get one step closer to unraveling the mystique surrounding him. “I originally wanted to leave poetry and other work on the street but it had no appeal to the average passerby, so I began working with spray paint, at night,” he began. With time, he perfected his method, and he said he, “started doing more detailed pieces on various forms of canvas at an offsite location and started trying to covertly leave them places. “It worked: people started taking them, and it all spiraled into this out-of-control obsession it’s become today.” Confessing that he tries to get “the most exposure for the art while [promoting himself] as little as possible,” he drops the art in locations that are both accessible and seen by a good deal of people. His work is in demand, but you can get a leg up on the competition by checking out his Facebook page (facebook.com/poet. bakersfield) to see in what part of town this stealthy artist will strike next.
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OLKS, GET YOUR ROPIN’ WRISTS READY BECAUSE the 66th annual Glennville Rodeo Round-Up is just around the corner. Come Sunday, June 8, our county will once again be the site of the biggest oneday PRCA (Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association) Rodeo in the entire nation! “Our payout to winners is more than anywhere in the nation for a one-day rodeo,” explained Erin Rogers, the Quartermaster for this year’s event. Rogers also detailed the long list of fun events happening during the celebration (including a number of pre-rodeo events on Friday and Saturday). “Friday has the Small Miracles Roping Competition and later the Small Miracles Dinner and Dance,” she said. The proceeds from both events, as well as barrel racing on Saturday, go to the local nonprofit supporting children with cancer. “We’ve been partnering with Small Miracles since 2010,” Rogers explained. On Saturday, there’s more roping and, hold on to your Stetson, the Rodeo Dance featuring the musical stylings of Randy Emmett and the Bluetooth Cowboys. Sunday kicks off with the Rodeo Parade. “At eleven in the morning, we parade down the quarter mile road in downtown
Glennville,” Rogers chuckled. Though the size of the town might be small, this is a big deal. There’s about 130 people in Glennville but the weekend of the rodeo adds roughly 3,000 more people to the quaint, historic location. “A lot of people choose to dry camp for free at the rodeo grounds,” Rogers added. That includes large groups and families. “It’s a great event for every age group because the rodeo and all the activities surrounding it are very community-centered.” And that’s something that has not and will not ever change. The rodeo itself was conceived by the Greenhorn Mountain Veterans Association, which sees to promote social activity and community welfare in small mountain towns like Glennville, so civic pride and fun are at the heart of this great event. So if you’re lookin’ to wrangle yourself a good time, visit glennvillerodeo.org for more information and ticket prices.
ses loaded. Bottom of the ninth. Ba pitch… unt is full. There’s the Winning run on third. Co en 6:15 and e this that It’s exciting moments lik is America’s remind you why baseball re’s nothing favorite pastime. And the nergy games like the fast-paced, high-e re, the hot of minor league ball. Su p, too. But dogs and Cracker Jacks hel king good if you’re looking for a stri Bakersfield time, ‘tis the season for a Blaze game. y for you We’d like to make it eas evening at and your family to enjoy an we’re giving Sam Lynn Ballpark so y 1 Blaze away free tickets to the Ma Ports. It just game against the Stockton Magazine so happens it’s Bakersfield d it’s also a Night at the ballpark...an
Thirsty Thursday (betwe for anyone 8:15 p.m. beers are just $1) ces at 1601 wondering. Stop by our offi to pick up New Stine Road, Ste. 200 your tickets. to the ol’ And when you head out mitt in case diamond, don’t forget your you find yourself in foul ball territory.
PHOTOZEK07/ISTOCK/THINKSTOCK
“I am involved in community affairs and try to bring a sense of pride and excitement to the buying process.”
F
PHOTO COURTESY OF GLENNVILLE RODEO
Realtor®
RODEO: Yippee Ki-Yay!
Skilled Hands
NOT JUST POLKAS: “In reality, you can sound like an entire orchestra with the right instrument.” —Jim Robbins
an’a One, an’a Two...
T
HERE’S NOTHING THAT QUITE SAYS “THAT’S AMORE!” LIKE THE ROMANTIC SOUNDS OF AN ACCORDION. At the same time, there’s nothing that quite screams “Polka!” either. From Lawrence Welk to “Weird Al” Yankovic, the accordion is an instrument that is as versatile as the people it has entertained over the years.
And, while there might be quite a few folks out there that have taken to the squeeze box as a hobby or even as a way to add that special something to a musical ensemble, few people have achieved the level of greatness that Jim Robbins has with his accordion—an instrument that has garnered him world-class awards and recognition. “When I was eight years old, a man came to my house, going door-to-door selling accordion lessons,” Robbins recollected. “It was a ten bass instrument, and my sister and I both tried it out.” What a young Robbins couldn’t have known at the time was that this chance meeting would lead him to a lifelong passion. “After twelve lessons, I gradated from the ten bass to a one hundred and twenty bass accordion. I continued to take lessons until I was seventeen years old.” Things progressed rather quickly for the ambitious man, who would drive his siblings crazy by practicing for six hours a day. It wasn’t for naught, though, as he started to enter different contests and won. “In 1966 I attended the National Music League World Championship and I won first place. My band won top levels, as well,” he excitedly relayed. By the time he was 17, Robbins was playing professionally in a number of dinner and country clubs. During his college and military years, he was a part of the Air Force’s Tops In Blue band, and he actually won the Air Force’s World Talent Contest.
From live theater in Albany, GA, to playing for Myron Floren (best known for his accordion work on The Lawrence Welk Show), it was evident that Robbins’ unique skill with the accordion keys was taking him to great heights. There are many surprising elements when it comes to playing the accordion. Firstly, it actually helps if you are in good physical shape—at least as far as upper body is concerned. Next, it is useful to bear in mind that this is a rather complex instrument, capable of much more than meets the ear. “A lot of people, when they think of
are connected to a number of different reeds on the inside, all of which make different sounds. “The left side is trickier, because you can’t see what you’re doing, so you have to memorize the patterns with your left hand,” he stated, showing what looks like a series of buttons going all up and down the left side. The buttons are actually called basses, and it takes a good deal of practice and discipline to have all of the patterns memorized. But what really makes an accordion sing are the bellows. “You have to be able to pull the bellows apart to make the sound go across
There are many surprising elements when it comes to playing the accordion. Firstly, it actually helps if you are in good physical shape. accordions, they think of polka or Mexican music,” Robbins began. “That is typically true; but, in reality, you can sound like an entire orchestra with the right instrument.” The right side of the instrument looks very much like the keyboard of a piano and, according to Robbins, the technique for playing is the same as playing a piano. (Luckily for him, he already had a background in piano playing, thanks to his musically-inclined parents.) An accordionist worth his salt would spend a lot of time “running scales.” These
the reeds,” he explained, also saying that harder pulls will increase the sound while slower pulls will produce one that is much quieter. When it comes to accordionists, Robbins is—and always has been—ahead of his game, and once had over 500 different songs memorized. For now, he still continues to play, as his love for the instrument hasn’t abated any. As far as what the future holds, he did say, “I would love to play with ‘Weird Al’ Yankovic!” With a track record like his, that just might be in the cards.
www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Spring 2014 29
Name:
CITIZEN KERN Jim Mattern (aka Death Valley Jim)
Age: 35 Birthplace: Little Rock, Arkansas Occupation: Explorer, Author, Photographer, Guide
Career highlights: While he considers every day he gets to do what he loves a highlight, he’s also been able to work with great companies who stand behind his explorations, like Honey Stinger, Somersault Snack Company, and Carnivore Candy Beef Jerky.
His heroes: For a guy who has been sponsored by the likes of BIGS Sunflower Seeds, he has kept a close tie to his roots. Citing his father, mother, and grandparents as his heroes, Mattern simply stated, “My heroes are the people that are in my life; the people that I love and cherish.”
30 Bakersfield Magazine
meet
Death
Valley Jim
(Jim Mattern)
‘‘
The list is never-ending: the Mojave Desert is so vast, and there is so much to see, explore, and document.
His favorite part of the industry: “Sharing my experiences with others and educating them on history and prehistory.” He went on to say that he also enjoys discussing Native American history, particularly where rock art is involved! “The most exciting aspect to me is knowing that some of these sites have been gazed upon for possibly thousands of years,” he intimated. That may be what fueled him to write Analyzing Rock Art of the Mojave Desert.
‘‘
How he got started: “It was all an accident!” Mattern began. “I fell in love with the desert, but had no scope of what all was out there to see and do. My wife and I enjoyed seeing sights around Death Valley National Park, and other areas of the Mojave Desert Region, so I started a blog for the sake of documenting our travels.” This was the beginning of a new life for him. He began to study the history of the places they’d go, and when he realized that the information wasn’t always readily available, he started to put the pieces together and posting it online. “I soon found myself getting more into exploring, but to more extreme and remote places.” This led him to garner a large following on his blog (deathvalleyjim.com).
PHOTOS COURTESY JIM MATTERN, (BIGS SUNFLOWER SEEDS) COURTESY BIGS SUNFLOWER SEEDS, (SOMERSAULT SNACKS) COURTESY SOMERSAULT SNACK CO.
!
What he’d still like to accomplish: Even though he’s successfully published his Secret Places in the Mojave Desert series, amongst other things, Mattern is far from being finished. He wants to find the ghost town of Beveridge in the Inyo mountains— something that has been described as a harder feat than climbing Mt. Whitney twice! He is undeterred. “The list is never-ending: the Mojave Desert is so vast, and there is so much to see, explore, and document.” We can’t wait to see where he lands next!
R I S K T A K E R S
Dollar Stretcher After dipping her toe in the working world as a mystery shopper, an in-bound home telemarketer, and a home day care provider, Carla McCoy came across a business idea that would not only help her family’s ends meet, it would help most Bakersfield parents stretch their dollars.
L
ittle Feet Repeats, a three-day semi-annual consignment event (one in the spring and one in the fall), gives Bakersfield families a way to make a little cash while cleaning out their garages and closets. And it’s not your grandmother’s garage sale. Stocked with good-quality, gently-used merchandise that fills a 35,000 square foot building, Little Feet Repeats gives Bakersfield families a way to clothe and furnish all the little feet in their households in the latest trends for a fraction of the price. “We have just about every piece of equipment and furniture a family may need,” said McCoy, explaining that their three-day event features far more than just clothing. “There are toys that have never been played with [some are even still in the package] and kids’ furniture that is in mint condition.” It’s “recycling” at a higher-end level since they only accept items that aren’t broken, recalled, or stained and tattered, she added. The idea for starting Little Feet Repeats came to McCoy in 2006 as she was
By Tracie Grimes chatting with a friend of hers who lives in Texas. Her “aha” moment came when her friend just happened to mention a sale she had been to. “My friend was telling me about how she had just brought home bags and bags of clothes and toys for two dollars and it got me thinking about trying something like that here.” After all, McCoy reasoned, it’s expensive to raise kids these days. Who wouldn’t want to find great deals on things they need for their kids? Who would say “no thank you” to a chance at making a little green off of things their own kids don’t need or use anymore? As the stay-at-home mom and home-school teacher to her three daughters can testify, there’s hardly a parent out there who’s not looking for a way to earn a few extra dollars (not to mention the fact that parents are also in constant search of finding ways to stretch the dollars they have). So she put her organizational skills in high gear and began planning the debut of Little Feet Repeats. It was a rough start. “Even though con-
signment events are big back east, the whole ‘consignment’ concept was foreign to people here in Bakersfield. People would think of Little Feet Repeats as a garage sale or yard sale. I had to spend a lot of time holding meetings where I would try to recruit consigners, explaining to them that our events are very different from yard or garage sales.” Finding a place to hold the event was also a challenge. “There aren’t many building owners who are willing to lease their space for a one-time event.” Even after finding a building for the event things started out fairly slowly. The first Little Feet Repeats event was held in the American Legion Hall and had 27 consignors selling their wares. Was this going to be the number of consignors she could expect for future events, or would she be able to grow “LFR” into a major happening? Just like any other owner of a start-up business, McCoy was anxious about whether or not the risks she had taken to start LFR would pay off. “You never know going in whether >> www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Spring 2014 31
Risktakers
it’s going to be successful or fail,” she pointed out, adding that she had put a lot of time, energy, and money into LFR and was banking on its success. It didn’t take long for the word to spread about this unique event; parents all over town were talking about the great deals they could get on practically new items. The Little Feet Repeats concept was catching on and the numbers of consignors and patrons grew quickly. “We grew very fast,” McCoy said, looking back over the early years of the event. “We were doubling the number of consignors each time with the number of shoppers growing just as fast. It seems like space became an issue many times during those first few years, until we started using the old Gottschalks building in the East Hills Mall. Now we have around 3,000 to 4,000 shoppers looking at merchandise in a 35,000 square foot space and there’s hardly an inch we don’t use.” “It’s like going through the gates at Disneyland,” said Rebecca Murillo, who’s been a consignor for six years. “You walk in and see all of these clothes, toys, and pieces of furniture in fantastic condition for about a third of what they would cost new. There’s such an incredible variety; much more of a variety than a department store. You can find unique toys and clothes that you wouldn’t be able to get at a JCPenney or Target.” Besides the vast selection of unique items, Murillo is always in awe at how organized everything at the event is. “[McCoy] and her team do such an amazing job at organizing! They are able to put this huge amount of merchandise on display just like you’d see at a department store.” “We work to set it up so it’s just like going to a mall and buying something,” McCoy explained, attributing LFR’s highly organized machine to the workers behind the scenes. The organization that goes on before consignors bring their merchandise to the event helps things run smoothly, too. “Consignors price their own items with most prices set at one-quarter to one-third of the original retail value,” McCoy said, emphasizing that though shoppers will find terrific bargains, they will not find yard sale pricing. “It’s a pretty simple process. Consignors go into our online inventory system, enter in the price of an item and then print out the price tag, which has a bar code on it. The bar code of each item sold 32 Bakersfield Magazine
is scanned when the customers check out, which allows us to track how much money each consignor makes. Based on the gross sales, we calculate the percentage the consignor gets back [between 60 and 72 percent] and send the consignor a check.” Though consignors can inventory and tag as many items as they like it doesn’t mean that every piece they bring in will make it to the showroom. All items brought in are subject to a careful inspection, McCoy emphasized. “Quality control is a big part of
Although Murillo usually lends her hand to the event as a volunteer, if someone wants to be a consignor but doesn’t want to stay at the event all three days, they can do that, McCoy explained. They just won’t get as high of a percentage on the sale of their merchandise as a volunteer would. “Consignors can participate or choose not to. Either way works. We have people come up with their SUVs and minivans completely full of merchandise, pass everything on to a volunteer, and then go home and wait
Unique toys and clothes you would not find elsewhere are just some of the bargains at a Little Feet Repeats event.
LFR’s success, so merchandise brought for consignment at an LFR event is carefully screened for stains, rips, tears, etc. and all electronic toys must have batteries.” But once their merchandise is out on the floor, consignors can pretty much plan on selling up to 85 percent of their goods and bring home an average of $387. “I’ve made up to $1,500 in an event,” Murillo said, noting that cashing in on things she doesn’t use anymore isn’t the
“Quality control is a big part of LFR’s success, so merchandise brought for consignment at an LFR event is carefully screened for stains, rips, tears, etc. and all electronic toys must have batteries.” —Carla McCoy
only reason she consigns at LFR. “Besides being able to make a little money, as a consignor I get to attend the pre-sale on the day before the public sale begins. Now that’s where the real deals can be found.”
for the check to come in,” McCoy added. A lot of people do opt to volunteer, however, and it’s not unheard of for those who are really dedicated to the event to take vacation days so they can consign and shop. “I love the story of one of our consignors who was very pregnant,” McCoy chuckled. “Here she was, due any minute, working to get the merchandise ready for the sale. She left then came back to do the presale— while in labor—and had the baby that evening. Now that’s devotion!” Money, whether making it or saving it, isn’t the only thing on the agenda of most LFR consignors. Community service is also a big part of LFR. “Our event benefits many local non-profit charities, including Bakersfield Pregnancy Center, Flood, Jamison Center, Bakersfield Homeless Center, and many others, through thousands of consignor donated goods at the end of the event,” McCoy said. Finding ways to beat the high cost of raising children is on every parent’s mind these days, and Little Feet Repeats offers a unique approach. Does Junior need a suit for graduation or do you have a stroller you’ve only used a couple of times? LFR may be just what you’re looking for. v
❖
HUMAN RESOURCES ❖
What to do With a Problem Employee
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BAKE
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When an employee bePutting those steps togethcomes a problem by violater would sound like this: ing company policy or fail“Robin, I’d like to talk to you about a complaint I received ing to meet performance expectations, employers and from Bill. He said that you supervisors typically have constantly interrupted him and three courses of action availwouldn’t let him finish what able to them – fire, discipline, he was saying in your meetor coach the employee. Here ing yesterday. Can you tell me are some things to consider what happened? I understand that you were not trying to be when determining which is rude, but I have noticed that the best choice. you have a tendency to interAlthough it seems easier to By Robin Paggi rupt others. What do you think just fire employees when they become a problem, it’s not that simple. you need to do so this doesn’t happen again? While it’s true that California is an at-will I agree that just being aware of it should solve employment state, meaning that employ- the problem. Thanks for your time.” ment may be terminated at any time by the Following a similar format has worked employer or the employee for any legal well at Goodwill Industries according to reason or no reason at all unless the parties Sherry Kinney, the Director of Mission Serhave agreed otherwise, there are numerous vice/Human Resources. Kinney says that, federal, state, and court-created excep- “At Goodwill we have chosen to coach our tions to that rule for most employers. So, employees when they do not meet perforwhat might seem like a simple termina- mance standards to try to determine the root tion could actually lead to legal problems. cause of their deficiencies. The coaching Additionally, in her article, “How sessions provide employees with the opMuch Does it Cost Companies to Lose portunity to express their own challenges, Employees?” on www.cbsnews.com, Su- and often allow Goodwill management the zanne Lucas says that firing an employee opportunity to recommend a possible plan could also lead to the following tangible of action or outside resources to assist with and hidden costs: lowered productivity; correcting the behavior. We feel helping an overworked remaining staff; lost knowl- employee overcome challenges is a success edge; and, recruiting, interviewing, and and worth the extra effort.” If an employee has to be coached on the training costs. So, unless an employee does something same subject more than one or two times, egregious, such as theft or violence, the it’s probably time to discipline. Many best route to take when an employee be- employers use a progressive discipline process, which includes a verbal warning comes a problem is probably coaching. People usually want to do a good job, for the first offense, a written warning for so employers and supervisors should ap- the second offense, suspension or a final proach the coaching session with the atti- written warning for the third offense, and tude that employees probably don’t know termination for the fourth offense. At-will that they are not meeting performance employers are not required to use this expectations or are violating policies. process (unless they state in a policy or Choose a private place to talk and follow handbook that they do); however, if the terminated employee files a complaint a format like this: or lawsuit against the employer, having given the employee plenty of chances 1. State why you are having the to improve before being terminated will conversation. 2. Describe what you know or heard about. help in the employer’s defense. So, first help problem employees im3. Encourage the employee to give his/her prove by coaching and disciplining them. side of the story. If that doesn’t work, then help them out 4. Ask the employee for solutions to the door. the problem. 5. Provide suggestions for improvement (if needed). Robin Paggi is the Training Coordinator at 6. Summarize what was said and end Worklogic HR Legal Solutions and can be reached at rpaggi@worklogiclegal.com or (661) 695-5168. on a good note.
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www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Spring 2014 33
30-SECOND BUSINESS BRIEF
30-SECOND BUSINESS BRIEF
Luigi’s Restaurant & Delicatessen
A-1 Battery Company
F
or 103 years, Luigi’s Restaurant & Delicatessen has been a local tradition in dining and shopping. This family-run establishment operates under the same principles it was founded upon. “Our motto thrives on three core principles: Customer Service, Team Work, and Efficiency,” said Gino Valpredo. “If there is anything we can do to take care of our customers, we will do it.” While the restaurant (still featuring the same recipes it had in 1910) is enough to make a regular out of anyone, their old world delicatessen is a one-of-a-kind experience. Gino’s sister, Lanette, is the certified sommelier on the premises, so you’re certain to find the best selection of wines available in their wine shop. They also feature specialty items, like imported meats (prosciutto di parma and handmade salamis), and over 75 different types of cheeses. “We make sure to try everything before we include it in our stock, and then offer only the best,” Valpredo said. “Also, anything you eat in the restaurant can be purchased from the deli.” No matter what you stop at Luigi’s for, excellence is always part of the experience. Having served the community for five generations, we are excited to continue serving families for many more generations to come.
725 E 19th Street Bakersfield, CA 93305 661-322-0926 www.shopluigis.com 34 Bakersfield Magazine
CURRICULUM VITAE
A
t A-1 Battery, their business can be summarized in one sentence. As owner, Kent Tackett, said, “No matter what it is, if it uses a battery, we have the right one for you.” And that’s no exaggeration. Whether you need a battery for your sports car, motor home, watch, home alarm, tractor, or even your plane, A-1 has got you covered. As soon as you arrive to one of their three locations in town, you will be greeted by a friendly staff member, ready to help you with any needs you may have. “If you need a battery for your car, we will have you set up and ready to go in about ten minutes,” Tackett assured. Even if you aren’t able to make it to their stores, you can give them a call and a service truck will come out to you. “We try to keep our transactions very quick and painless, in consideration to our customers,” Tackett said. Aside from that, the fact that they only sell top quality batteries (grade one) at a competitive price is another way they take customer service to the next level. They also offer free installations and diagnostics for vehicular issues, honest opinions, sound recommendations, and different parts and pieces related to batteries that you may need to make your purchase complete. From golf carts to solar batteries, A-1 Battery carries them all, and with the friendliest staff in the business, why look anywhere else?
6630 Rosedale Highway Bakersfield, CA 93308 661-589-1433 www.A1batteryandsolar.com CURRICULUM VITAE
By Donna McCrohan Rosenthal
DISCOVER KERN Kern County is a treasure trove of awesome people, places, events, and, of course, nature. Take a gander at this year’s encyclopedia of local facts! You may just be surprised at how much you learn about the county you call home.
Acorn
Woodpeckers
Alpacas
acas AdoraTebhalechapAi lp breeds Ranch in of the camel these members em, offers family, boards th and sells weekend tours, alpaca spun yarn and ft shop items in their gi as.com). (AdorableAlpac
Acorn woodpeckers Melanerpes formicivorus pound their acorns into power poles and dead trees. These denizens of the Tehachapi Mountain and other Kern County oak woodlands know how to extract them, but jays, squirrels, and other acorn-gourmets do not.
PHOTOS BY ISTOCK/THINKSTOCK/JEAN-EDOUARD-ROZEY (WOODPECKER), KRUWT (ALPACA), YARUTA (GIRL), WAVEBRAKEMEDIA/WBM/THINKSTOCK (ALMONDS).
Almonds
California accounts for 82% of the world’s almond supply,
with a growing demand in India and China where consumers gobble them up as a healthful snack. Kern County almonds and almond derivatives
$
821,857,000
generated a hefty in revenue in 2012. Now that’s really nutty!
Boswell, J.G. II Once considered the world’s largest cotton producer, the farmer and philanthropist had operations in Kern and Kings counties and built his family’s holdings into California’s first giant agribusiness.
CalUAS (Unmanned Aircraft Systems) Portal Headquartered at Inyokern Airport, CalUAS harnesses industry, academic, and political talent and the remoteness of the high desert to further UAS research and testing. Describing the region, CalUAS executive director Eileen Shibley points to “decades of history where we have demonstrated to the world that we are the global capital for achievement in human flight” and “in the hands of our great technologists and entrepreneurs,
even the sky cannot limit our possibilities for innovation.”
Digital 395 Mainly following U.S. Hwy 395 through eastern Kern County, the 583-mile fiber network addresses the limited broadband capabilities between Carson City and Barstow. The service area encompasses 36 communities, six Indian reservations, two military bases, and more. Earthquake of 1952 Generally considered the third largest historic quake in California, it registered 7.7 on the Richter scale and sent shockwaves that people felt from San Francisco to the Mexican border. >>
A-Z INSIDERS GUIDE
www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Spring 2014 35
Jaguars Now extinct in th e wild, they once inhabited the so uthern United St ates. But you can visi t them in Rosam ond at the Exotic Felin e Breeding Compound Felin e Conservation Center that hous es over
Electric flight Pilot Chip Yates broke his previous 175 mph record last November at Inyokern Airport, setting a
new official record
75 wild cats
ranging from the very small to jaguars, leopards, and tigers. Open 10-4 daily except Wednesd ays, Christmas, and Thanksgiving, th e FCC also holds Twilig ht Tours and Fabulous Fe line Follies (www. wildca
with a high of 207.5 and an average of 201. He beat his altitude record the next day, climbing 12,500 in 5 minutes 28 seconds.
tzoo.org).
Cal UAS partner Chip Yates sets the world record for speed in an electric aircraft at Inyokern Airport in 2013.
Guinness World Records Bakersfield teacher Carrie Swidecki scored
“longest videogame marathon
on a dance/rhythm game” in the 2014 edition. Having set an “excergaming” world record in 2011 (15 hours), she broke it in 2012 (24 hours) and surpassed that last year with 49 hours. Hummingbird Viewing Capital of California Kern River Valley earns the distinction with the Kern River Preserve and the Annual Kern River Valley Hummingbird Celebration in August organized by Kern Audubon Society.
HUSO Ridgecrest’s USO club opened toward the end of World War II and closed in 1947. Utilized for various functions in the ensuing years, the landmark re-emerged as the
Historic USO Building
Hungry River Ridgecrest’s young, nontraditional, energetic, and exciting grassroots theatre company approaches community identity and culture through public performances and educational components (www.hungryriver.org). 36 Bakersfield Magazine
Agricultural Fair
Kern County Expanding from its beginnings on August 5, 1916, it grew to 5 days in 1952, 7 in 1956, 9 in 1967, 10 in 1977, and 11 in 1979. It moved to its present grounds in 1952 and blossomed into a 12-day extravaganza in 1983.
thanks to restoration efforts by the Historical Society of the Upper Mojave Desert (HSUMD). Today it has a genealogical library, local history collection, exhibits, speakers, field trips, an open mic night, classic movie nights, and a summer silent film series (www.hsumd.org).
Kern River Its North Fork and South Fork flow within a fourhour drive of more than one-third of Southern California’s population, and the North Fork
Kern River
Canyon may be the world’s longest linear glaciallysculpted valley.
Last major passenger train runaway When the Atlantic Express stopped in Tehachapi on January 20, 1883, the brakemen left, the brakes failed, and the
train rolled backward
toward Bakersfield while gaining a speed of over 70 mph. The cars separated and derailed, stoves overturned, and fire consumed the wreckage. Former California Governor John Downey’s wife died in the tragedy.
ART COURTESY OF GUINESSWORLDRECORDS.COM (LOGO), HUNGRY RIVER THEATRE CO. (TUMBLEWEEDS), ART BY HERMERA/THINKSTOCK/ALEXANDRU DOBREA (BADGE)
DISCOVER KERN
PHOTOS BY ISTOCK/THINKSTOCK/KYSLYNSKY (JAGUAR), KOJIHIRANO (HUMMINGBIRD), ROMOLO TAVANI (SAVING), MAROS BAUER (HORSE), FUSE (RAFTING), DEANNA LARSON (TORTOISE), PHOTO COURTESY OF REBECCA NEIPP (CHIP YATES), WIKIPEDIA.ORG (OVERLAND MAIL)
Mills, Alexander Hired as Bakersfield’s marshal in the 1870s, Mills survives in the history books as “a onelegged Civil War veteran” and “an old man by the time he became Marshal of Bakersfield, and he walked with a cane. But he was a Kentuckian, a
handy man with a gun,
and not lacking in initiative and resource when the mood moved him.” Movie Street When Hollywood jumped into filming Westerns in the 1920s, Old Kernville met the demand for sets with a two-block replica of a typical frontier street parallel to Main. Some structures had nothing behind their facades, but they provided just the right look. Nelson, Christian Adolf Came to Bakersfield in 1889 and photographically documented its people and their changing city for nearly a quarter-century.
Project 84 Edwards Air Force Base announced the cost-saving measure late last year and invited everyone employed at, living on, or passing through to submit suggestions. The initiative calls for everyone on base to save $84 a month, which would add up to a total
$
11 million annually.
Quarnstrom, the Honorable Ellen Bakersfield’s first known female attorney rose to the position of Kern County’s first female judge with her appointment as judge of the Weedpatch Judicial District in 1957.
Rankin Ranch Guests experience
real life in cattle country
with horses, hayrides, and a kids’ program in Walker Basin about a half hour east of Bakersfield. Evening entertainment might involve dancing, magic, and live snakes (but no TV).
Stockdale Tower As a 2012 fundraiser, Boy Scouts rewarded donors with Over the Edge: the chance to rappel 12 stories down Bakersfield’s tallest building.
KERNvWORDS
A Very Special Crossword Puzzle available only to our readers at bakersfieldmagazine.net/ features/kern-words
Suborbital Flight According to recent comments by Mojave Air & Space Port CEO and General Manager Stuart Witt, “New methods could easily yield point-to-point suborbital travel for humans within the next twenty years. This technology would reduce the travel time from India to the U.S. to a matter of minutes, a journey that now takes an exhausting fifteen hours with stops.”
Overland Mail Under contract with the U.S. Postal Department, the California portion of the
Butterfield Line ran from the Mexican border to San Francisco between 1858 and 1861 and had six stations through Kern County.
Third Largest City in the State California City enjoys this superlative with an area of nearly 205 square miles.“Cal City” observes
Desert Tortoise Days
in May and the Renaissance Festival in October. Third Largest County in the State Third among California’s 58 counties, Kern County covers more than 8,000 square miles of valley farmland, alpine mountains, and stark desert. www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Spring 2014 37
DISCOVER KERN
Valdez, Luis Acknowledged as the father of modern Chicano theatre, the Delano-born
playwright/director
has an impressive list of credits that include: founder and artistic director of the internationally acclaimed El Teatro Campesino, council member of the National Endowment of the Arts, and founding member of the California Arts Council. You can watch Valdez talk about his life by watching his Visual History interviews on the Directors Guild of America website (dga.org).
Valente, Benita
The worldrenowned soprano
had her first serious musical training at Delano High School, then went on to win the Metropolitan Opera auditions in 1960.
World’s largest open pit borax mine Rio Tinto Borax owns it in Boron. It supplies half of the world’s borate. 38 Bakersfield Magazine
Ulexite
“the TV rock”
because it projects images to the top of its surface, giving the appearance of a television screen. Visitors to Boron’s Twenty Mule Team Museum frequently get free samples. Wasco Kid A freak tornado whisks Deputy Johnny Wasco out of the past and into 2014, pitting him against an evil tycoon who wants to destroy the Festival of Roses. Bakersfield’s Gaslight Melodrama tells his story onstage in
The Legend of the Wasco Kid (www.themelodrama.com).
X-M The 1950 movie Spaceship X-M, shot partly at
Red Rock Canyon off Hwy 14, tells the story of a rocket intended for the moon that went to Mars instead. “X-M” stands for
“Experimental Moon.”
Yeager, Jeana Took off from Edwards Air Force Base with Dick Rutan in December 1986, flew 26,366 statute miles, and touched down at Edwards nine days later—completing the first successful
circumnavigation
of the Earth non-stop and non-refueled. Xombie Masten Space Systems’ rocket concluded G-FOLD (Guidance for Fuel Optimal Large Diverts) tests under mission conditions last fall at Mojave Air & Space Port. The G-FOLD software enables autonomous diversion to alternate sites and will facilitate putting
robotic vehicles
closer to physical features rather than their having to drive months and more to reach them, and will help land humans on Mars.
Zuni Developed at China Lake for air-to-air as well as air-to-ground, the unguided rocket can also illuminate ground targets and deliver chaff countermeasure systems.
PHOTOS BY ANDRES BONI (ULEXITE), MICHAEL PRINCE (WASCO KID), PHOTOS COURTESY OF DGA.ORG (VALDEZ), WIKIPEDIA.ORG (ZUNI), PHOTOS BY ISTOCK/THINKSTOCK/ADIBILIO (RED ROCK), RUSLAN IVANTSOV (PENCIL), COMSTOCK/STOCKBYTE/THINKSTOCK (REFEREE), ART BY ISTOCK/THINKSTOCK/SOBERP (MUSIC NOTE).
Unexplained phenomena Explore paranormal activity and objects that shift by themselves on a Silver City Ghost Town guided ghost walk in Bodfish where recurrent reported sightings support the feeling that departed souls and their unresolved issues remain very much with us (www.lakeisabella.net/silvercity).
4th Annual
Our Generations section is a place where our history and our future converge. Through stories of decades past, we’re reminded of the way things used to be while appreciating just how far we’ve come as a community. Whether it’s a longstanding business, founded with nothing but determination and passion, or a resident who’s called Kern County home for over 90 years, Generations is here to celebrate what makes this area unique...and as you’ll soon discover, there is a lot to be proud of.
Showcasing Kern County’s
History& Heritage
www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Spring 2014 39
down into bloody brine waist deep off Omaha Beach, part of him wondering if he would ever see his home in Stud Horse Canyon again, but most of him wondering if one of those zinging bullets would find a resting place in his heart or gut or head, as so many had found in his fellow soldiers, floating behind him. “To my right,” he later told his wife Sandi, “there was one of our battleships upside down in the water, and to my left, another one just the same. I thought I had ten minutes to live.” All his dreams of building his land and cattle operations destined to die in a barrage of German ammo.
40 Bakersfield Magazine
REFLECTIONS By Gordon Lull
“Memory,” wrote Oscar Wilde, “is the diary that we all carry about with us.” Every soul in Bakersfield and Kern County carries about, through works and days, memories of the past. Each bears an inner diary. In the case of those who have seen many years, there is often the need to open the diary’s pages and make its secrets known. To try and make sense of it all. Six Bakersfield residents did that recently. Editor’s Note: Regular readers have no doubt grown accustomed to Gordon Lull’s unique, in-depth, and highly entertaining writing style. His stories, as a result, nearly always come in over our targeted word count, much to our chagrin. Why? Because we always want to run every single word Lull sends us. But in the case of this issue, we simply didn’t have the space to include all six of the wonderful tales Gordon compiled for us. Rather than simply edit each story down, we felt the need to keep each story as whole as Lull had written it. Therefore, this story will continue on our website (bakersfieldmagazine.net).
area, the middle child of three girls. “That made me a total fighter,” she laughed. “I had to fight for everything and I got blamed for everything. I didn’t grow up as some meek little wallflower. “In those days,” she said, “we were expected to follow different kinds of dreams. A little girl dreamed of growing up, marrying a wonderful man, having children, and being a housewife. The future was about having people over for parties, playing cards, or something. That wasn’t for me.” Tardiff laughs easily, often in self-deprecation, but just as easily falls quickly to intensity when she recalls the sea of changes
PHOTOS BY JULI FELLER
Young Joe Tardiff stepped
WA R R I O R S A T S U N S E T
You know, it gets dark in the mountains: Sandi Sandi Tardiff does not remember the trip from Horton, Kansas, to Kern County back in 1937 but repeats the story her parents told. She was an infant riding in her mother’s arms as her jack-of-all-trades father drove the family west on Route 66. They came upon two signs in the little desert town of Mojave. “One pointed the way south to Los Angeles and the other north to Tehachapi,” Tardiff said, “and since we didn’t have enough gas to get to L.A., Tehachapi it was and then on to Bakersfield.” She has lived her entire life in Bakersfield and grew up in the Highland Manor
Sandi Tardiff
which has slowly, steadily displaced the world of her childhood. And how has it all changed? “Oh, don’t get me started on that,” she warns. “First of all, you go anywhere in the city and everyone seems to jaywalk these days. That sounds like a small thing but it’s symbolic. I see graffiti all over the buildings downtown. And you have to lock your doors. No one used to lock their doors when I was growing up.” She is almost scolding the culture for chang-
ARCHIVES USA
and Piute Indian descendant Joe Tardiff. “Joe was being sued over some sort of easement dispute on his land,” Tardiff explained, “so he came into the office one day and said, ‘They’re going to take my property away.’ So we handled the case and everything worked out for him, but he came back again and claimed he wanted to pay us what he owed. Well, we all knew that Joe paid off the hip, so that was odd. But I went back anyway, checked the records and told him that he was all paid up. ‘Thank you, ma’am,’ he said—he always called me ma’am—and left. Well, that night I got a call from my sister-inlaw. She told me that Joe was head over heels about me and wanted to take me out for a steak dinner, but there was one hitch: I had to call him. Well, that wasn’t gonna happen!” But it did happen and Joe Tardiff came around to visit Sandi every night until, in her words, “I just fell in love with him; the way he loved me. We had such a wonderful life together.” In no time Tardiff changed her foofy dresses for boots and jeans. Joe Tardiff taught her land management, ranching, and the cattle business and she became suddenly responsible for the thousands of mountain acres he had acquired through the years. “I once asked Joe, ‘Why did you buy all that land?’” she recalled. “He laughed and
Y OF NATIONAL
ing. But she falls to laughter again as she recalls weekend mornings. “On Saturdays, we would do our chores and get them all done,” she said. “We had all those sheets, linens, and pillowcases to clean and fold. Then we would take baths and all three of us would get into these nice foofy dresses. Daddy would bring the car around and drop us off at Newberry’s. We’d have lunch and then shop at some of the stores, like Woolworth’s or Kress’s off 19th Street. Then we’d go see a matinee at the Fox Theater or Bakersfield Theater. There would be two features, a cartoon, and a newsreel. We’d be there for three or four hours. I loved it! My favorite was Tarzan, the king of the jungle. And I was mesmerized by those around-the-world newsreels. “And I remember Booth’s Record Shop downtown, where you could go and play these 78 rpm records, kind of test them out. My favorites were things like Glenn Miller, bee-bop, rock and roll, soul, all that great oldies music. Until those Beatles came along and ruined it. Daddy wouldn’t come back to get us until 8 or 9 o’clock.” In the mid-1970s, Tardiff worked as a legal secretary for the Magnus law firm, a strategic employment choice since the firm specialized in land law and Tardiff aimed at enhancing her career in real estate. Newly divorced and a single mother, she was not initially swept off her feet by a persistent suitor (one of the firm’s clients), rancher
said, ‘I bought it because the white man took it away from me.’ He would joke about that all the time.” But Sandi Tardiff recalled the real reason behind her late husband’s appetite for more and more land: “Joe was always very frugal, from the time he was a little boy. When he was 13 years old, his father was dead, and his two older brothers had died in the Navy. He stood on the porch of that old home in Caliente and, as he told me, he thought, ‘My mother doesn’t have anyone to support her. I’ve got to get something going now. I can’t wait to graduate. I’m going to buy up some land and start a business.’ So that’s what he did. He bought his first property when he was 13 years old. Six hundred and forty acres at the age of 13! Joe had vision.” Joe Tardiff did not speak much about the war to his wife. It was a time of blood and violence best forgotten. “He was over there for four years, you know, in Europe,” Sandi Tardiff said. “Joe landed on Omaha Beach. He climbed the hill above those cliffs and went all the way through the German theater, through the gunfire.” When he returned from the war, Joe Tardiff continued buying up land, funding part of his operation by starting a lumber mill in the Piute Mountains. Ironically, one of his early customers was Sandi’s father who used Tardiff ’s lumber exclusively in his building operations. The business grew and, after their marriage, Joe introduced Sandi to the mysteries and headaches of negotiating hay and feed prices, >>
PHOTO COURTES
PHOTO COURTESY OF CHRIS BREWER
Looking east on 19th St. from Chester Ave., 1940s Bakersfield.
www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Spring 2014 41
managing herds, bringing cattle to market, and branding stock (“I thought I was gonna die at my first branding!”). “We worked in this old 1974 pickup truck,” she recalled. “I mean, Joe didn’t put on the dog at all. “The hardest thing was just traveling up from Bakersfield to the mountains,” she continued, “especially after Joe died [2003]. It gets dark in the mountains. I went up just the other day and changed locks on one of the properties and marked three trees to be cut. I drove over to Havilah to take care of some business, then came back to the property. I sat down under an old oak just to relax. I watched a bobcat walk out from the woods and I loved it. It’s a different kind of life up there. Peaceful.” She tells a story about her son Don taking a group of men and boys camping high up in the Piutes. Several of the kids felt lost and asked if they could re-
42 Bakersfield Magazine
PHOTO COURTESY OF URNERS, INC.
REFLECTIONS
Urner’s Appliance Center, circa 1959
turn home for their video games and cell phones. “No,” her son told them, “I want you to lie down on your backs and look up
at the sky. I’m going to tell you some stories about the stars you won’t find in your video games.” And they were absolutely enthralled. “When I’ve had it with people, when I get irritable or impatient, I can always count on Don saying to me, ‘you gotta get up into the hills, Mom.’ And that’s where I go, where the sky and the quiet and the creatures heal me.” She adds, “It’s nice to remember the old times. But you really can’t go back to those days. You just can’t. And there’s a lesson there. Don’t look back because you can’t do anything about yesterday, and tomorrow isn’t here yet, so don’t worry about it. You really do have to live today.” A family of firsts, from ringers to satellites: David and Barbara The movie theaters used to show news reels, one of which was “The Passing Parade,” narrated by John Nesbitt, whose series on the big screen and NBC radio depicted the strange and marvelous, and often fo-
low teacher Errol Janes, he formed Urner & Janes, the Central Valley’s first appliance store, at a time when technical progress almost seemed to be overtaking the ability of the public to catch its collective breath. It became a business of firsts: the first appliance store in Kern County; the first electric refrigerator sold; the first source in the Central Valley for vacuum cleaners and
wringer washers (The Bluebird); the first sale of an automatic washing machine (The Bendex) in 1939. All seemed rising on the arc of prosperity until 1929 when the business closed soon after the Wall Street Crash. “Nobody had any money,” recalled Johnson. Urner added, “Nobody had any money because they had no jobs. The entire >>
PHOTO BY JULI FELLER
cused upon the flow of history depicted by changing technologies. One could have easily witnessed that same flow by simply taking in the inventory of Urner’s Appliances, from its inception in 1919 to its massive complex now on Wible Road. The children of its co-founder, David E. Urner (whose original partner was Errol Janes), now reside in the same community in Bakersfield, the Rosewood Retirement Center, on New Stine Road. I spoke with two of them, Barbara Urner Johnson, 90, and her kid brother, David H. Urner, 84, at her 9th floor apartment overlooking the Rosewood grounds and, in the distance, the city their family played a critical role in building. David E. Urner and Mildred Ashbaugh Urner, the parents, were high school sweethearts in Kansas who moved to Bakersfield in 1917 so that David could get his master’s degree in Education. He would wind up coaching football at Bakersfield High School where he also taught math. Along with fel-
David H. Urner, Margaret Urner, and Barbara Urner Johnson
Seated left to right: Mike Jelletich, Stuart Gentry, Vivian Ochoa, & Mike Parks. Standing back row left to right: Lori Tull, Thelma Carmargo, Steve Cronquist, Joe Martin, Eva Flores, Nick Cholometes, Kirsten Reed, Ken Beggs, Sherria Whitmore, Veronica Johnson, & Brandon Olds.
www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Spring 2014 43
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44 Bakersfield Magazine
local and national economy was in a nose dive. “It was bad for everybody,” Johnson continued, “but eventually, we all got over it, we all carried on.” Her observation opened a door to a more general comment from Urner who said, alluding to recent tragedies including mudslides and missing planes, “No matter where you go there are disasters. If you want to avoid disasters, you may as well live in a deep, deep hole. There will always be earthquakes, floods, and tornadoes. The Great Depression was our economic tornado.” It was Johnson’s turn: “Look, Bakersfield…it’s a pretty conservative town. People here learn how to save and work hard and to use what they have saved to dream again and to build again.” Which is exactly how their father responded to the close of the business. It reopened several years later with a larger inventory, in a larger building, and with more sophisticated technological appliances. Nor did David E. Urner limit himself only to business pursuits. He became the first president of the city’s Better Business Bureau and helped launch the Downtown Merchants Association. “When you think of downtown businesses,” Urner said, “our father was right in the thick of things. There was Weil’s Department Store, Brock’s, Dewar’s, and Karpy’s. Those businesses, along with our store, formed the heart of downtown.” Thus opened a door to us, to ask how often the brother and sister travel downtown and what changes they have seen. “Well,” Urner admits, “I don’t get downtown as much as I used to, only when I need to go there.” “At 90 years old,” Johnson explains, “you’re not still buying a lot of stuff. You’re getting rid of stuff.” Things got “serious,” according to Johnson, after Pearl Harbor: “It changed all of our lives. Things just didn’t seem fun anymore.” She had attended an Occidental College fraternity Christmas ball and went home with a girlfriend. The next morning, they heard the news of the
attack on Pearl Harbor on the radio. “The only thing I wanted to do then,” she said, “was get out of school. College wasn’t fun anymore. It seemed as though we had an air raid every day.” Marriage, to noted orthodontist Gordon K. Johnson, took Johnson away from Bakersfield for stops along the journey in Salt Lake, Seattle, and then, for many years, Los Angeles. “I really loved living in Los Angeles,” she recalled, “the friends, the clubs, the Ambassador, the parties, but as highly as I prized L.A., the people there, well they have always had a bad attitude toward Bakersfield. To them, this is a bad city, a city full of liquor and drunks. That’s our reputation. They looked down their noses at Bakersfield there.” Eventually, her husband became convinced that Bakersfield was an open market and much more likely to provide an open career path than Southern California. “He thought it would be easier here starting a business on your own; easier to make yourself known,” she said. Tracing out her family roots “up close and personal,” Johnson made a trip during 2006 to the Urner family homeland of Switzerland where she met a distant relative. There she learned about Catherine Urner and that ancestor’s involvement, artistic and personal, with the French composer, Charles Koechlin. Johnson’s painstaking research later resulted in her book, Catherine Urner and Charles Koechlin: A Musical Affaire (September 2003). She has also written an account of her family’s business, From Bluebirds to Big Screens. As for Urner, after high school he spent two years in the Navy during the Korean War, stationed at Fallon, Nevada, and Alameda, California. He married his late wife, Marjorie, soon after discharge and the two were inseparable until her death several years ago. And for over a half-century, he has poured his life and skills into the family’s business. Today, Urner’s stepson, Steve Illingworth, oversees the day-to-day operations of the business as vice president. Urner also continues his involvement with the business, consulting and, in his words, “often just >>
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REFLECTIONS looking over shoulders and getting in the way.” Among the many projects David Urner has managed, the Sister Cities Project may be his proudest achievement, resulting in over a dozen trips to Japan and visits to one of the sister cities, Wakayama, Japan. The talk about Japan, though, does trigger a painful memory. “Immediately after the war broke out,” Urner said, “there were a number of Japanese truck farmers and wonderful, gifted gardeners working in our community. And I went to school with a lot of Japanese young people. They were very fine people. But, all of a sudden, they just seemed to be gone. They were out of your life. You looked around and said, ‘What?’ These people didn’t look like enemies to me. It was a terrible time in so many ways. “Things have certainly changed,” he continued, gazing at Bakersfield to the east, down New Stine Road and beyond. “I think, in some way, the world has be-
46 Bakersfield Magazine
come smaller. I mean, news travels so quickly now. It’s not even a matter of hours anymore. Something happens and it’s on Twitter in seconds. I think that may be a problem. With television, satellites, social media, and all these things; it gets into your mind. I think we may be on overload.” The conversation falls to sullen silence. But then, the two are buoyant again, recalling weekends at Balance Rock, Sunday movies at the Fox Theater, and rides in the family’s car out in the country. With those memories, there seems little need for additional “stuff.”
I think, in some way, the world has become smaller. I mean, news travels so quickly now. It’s not even a matter of hours anymore. —David Urner Nearing sunset, the embedded diaries take on a high value to warriors. The in-
clination wanes to still voices from the past. Beyond these pilgrims, there are thousands more in our midst from whom we could learn. Every day we pass these warriors and, in our self-limited perspective, become what G. K. Chesterton called “that arrogant oligarchy who merely happen to be walking around.” There is another perspective: we are mysteriously linked with past and future generations in a manner not always disclosed through, and sometimes corrupted by, the very technologies which make our lives more efficient. “We clasp the hands of those that go before us,” wrote poet and novelist Wendell Berry, “and the hands of those who come after us. We enter the little circle of each others arms, and the larger circle of lovers whose hands are joined in a dance... passing in and out of life, who move also in a dance, to a music so subtle and vast that no one hears it except in fragments.”
INGRAM PUBLISHING/THINKSTOCK
TIME CAPSULES
KERN VETERANS ORAL HISTORY PROJECT
For many of us, an appreciation of history comes later in life. When we’re young, the pages of textbooks names and dates and events that seem so
Leon Thomas recalls his military experiences to interviewer Javier Llamas.
far removed from our daily lives that it’s hard to accept the significance of them. As we age, the impact of events in the collective past come to mean different things because we start to realize how our own family histories fit in to the world.
We realize how important it is to understand what’s come before us, not to mention the sacrifice made by those brave men (and women) that fought for our country. And then there are a handful of people who realize that history is not only to be studied, but actively recorded before it’s lost forever. Ken Hooper, history teacher at Bakersfield High School and past president of the Kern County Historical Society, is one of those people. Someone who understands just how unique an opportunity it is to hear the stories of those who’ve fought in the wars that have changed the world. Hooper and a few of his students from the BHS CEO Academy archiving class spent a couple days in October 2011 interviewing local veterans at American Sound Recording for the purposes of documenting their stories (akin to the U.S. Congress Veteran’s History Project).
PHOTOS BY JULI FELLER
are filled with
“Most of the interviews were conducted by teachers, a few by East High honor students, a few by local folks [like Lois Henry], and a few by veterans,” Hooper said. “I coordinated the interviewers and Lili Marsh and the crew at Honor Flight provided the men and women to be interviewed.” But the process was much more involved because the interviews weren’t conducted just to teach high schoolers about the lives of veterans, it was about preserving the stories of those who dedicated themselves decades ago for our freedom. So others were eager to help, including KGET 17 (producer Grant Simpson coordinated the filming). Over the course of those two days, students and even many of the adults came to realize the importance of hearing and documenting the war stories of these veterans. The project was a tremendous success. >> www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Spring 2014 47
TIME CAPSULES By the summer of 2012, John Pilios, the now-retired news director of KGET, and Mike Trihey, the current news director for the station, decided to get the ball rolling for a larger project. “Both John and Mike are Navy vets,” Hooper said. “In the beginning of summer that year, they emailed me about working to set up a sustained method for conducting oral history interviews.” Hooper said he gathered “the usual suspects” for a meeting at the station to determine the whens and hows of orchestrating such an endeavor. Those folks included Leon Thomas, Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter #604 and past president of the Kern Veterans Memorial Foundation, and Chuck Bikakis, retired head of Kern County Veteran Services. And that’s when the Kern Veterans Oral History Project was born. From the beginning, Hooper said, the plan was simple: locate as many of these veterans as possible (which presents a challenge given the age of World War II and Korean War vets) and ask them about their service. It’s not just the recording and the preserving that’s important. It’s making these personal accounts of American war veterans available to people who can cherish them; understand the weight of the stories being told in these interviews. Future generations can feel a personal connection to the history they are hearing, which can, in turn, allow them to better understand the realities of war and U.S. history. “The questions are based on the ones provided by the Library of Congress Veteran’s Oral History Program, but my students enhanced them to make it easier on the interviewer,” Hooper added. But that’s not all the students at BHS have done as part of this project. “Working with the KVOHP has been a great experience because we get to read about the trials and tribulations that these men and women have gone through,” explained Marbella Diaz. 48 Bakersfield Magazine
Mike Towery, Henry Garcia, Jack Craig, Ken Hooper, Leon Thomas, Javier Llamas, Grant Simpson
Michael Gongora, a fellow student involved with the project, agreed. “You hear about all the strength and bravery they had to muster up to accomplish their goals,” he said. “It’s necessary for younger generations to learn, understand, and appreciate history,” Gongora elaborated. “Because it’s our past. These stories are our roots and helped shape the world of today.” Both Diaz and Gongora are proud of their involvement in the project. And they should be. It’s an admirable quality to be so invested in preserving history at such a young age. The students are primarily tasked with
may just be a tiny sapling as of right now, we hope to see this project grow into a giant sequoia, so that others may stand in the presence of it and just be full of awe. This experience has been such a rewarding one and it’s been amazing to be a part of something that is bigger than us.” Both agreed that the KVOHP holds great importance to our community. By hearing the emotional and courageous stories of Kern County veterans, residents can better understand the freedom they enjoy today. As you might expect, this project has been transformative for many people, including CSUB graduate student Javier Llamas.
By hearing the emotional and courageous stories of Kern County veterans, residents can better understand the freedom they enjoy today. coordinating and organizing the logistical aspect of the interviews. “Working with the KVOHP in CEO Academy’s archiving class has been nothing but a joy,” Gongora added. “We get to read about our county’s past and our country’s past and hear stories from our veterans. Our favorite aspect of working on this project has been being able to help preserve these people’s lives and stories so that their legacies could live well on into the future.” Diaz continued, “Although the KVOHP
Seeing an opportunity to work with veterans, Llamas jumped at the chance to be a part of such a special project. Llamas’ role is to interview veterans using a “check-list” of questions created by Hooper. But Llamas strives to connect with the people he’s interviewing, so he does research on the veteran to make sure that he is able to openly discuss the experiences of that man or woman. “I try to read up on that veteran’s unit and years enlisted to understand where they’re coming from.
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Bakersfield Healthcare Center One of the goals of Kern Veterans Oral History Project is to document the stories of as many Kern veterans as they can.
them to look very professional not only for YouTube, but because we also burn a DVD and provide that copy to the veteran for keeping.” So far, it’s been mostly the friends or family members of veterans that have suggested their loved ones be interviewed. “Very few veterans have contacted me on their own,” Hooper said. Which is in keeping with the older generations who don’t usually volunteer to talk about their war experience. But no matter how people come to be a part of the project, the outcome is the same: local history students of all ages now have the opportunity to hear the personal accounts of war veterans who, decades and decades ago, sacrificed their freedom for ours. If you’d like more information on the KVOHP, or would like to recommend someone to be interviewed for the project, visit kchistoricalsociety.org. MARKO MARCELLO/ISTOCK/THINKSTOCK
“As a student of history, I feel it is important to recognize the past,” he continued. “It is always better to hear it directly from those involved with the subject.” Obviously, everyone involved has a passion for this project. “I get to meet veterans from different eras,” Llamas added. “As a veteran, myself, I find that most rewarding. It is also important to know history from the bottom up. Every veteran has a distinct perspective regarding major events. It is very important to get every story to complement the overall history of any event.” Though it’s only a few years old, the KVOHP is gaining steam. “The KVOPH is an ongoing project that we hope will continue throughout the years,” Hooper explained. One of the goals is to document the stories of as many Kern veterans as they can. “Each volunteer or organization involved with the KVOPH provides something different,” Hooper said. “For example, the Kern County Historical Society has eighty years of experience in conducting oral history interviews and is the keeper of the copyrights to the interviews. The ultimate plan is send the interviews to the Library of Congress and place them on YouTube.” Obviously, this project takes time, effort, and some financial backing (Hooper is currently ordering two expensive computers to handle video editing). “We want
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www.LifeHOUSEhs.com www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Spring 2014 49
Berchtold Equipment Company
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50 Bakersfield Magazine
M.
married Wilhemina Westlund (Minnie), a Swedish immigrant from Finland. On July 3, 1919, Joseph hired a contractor to build the current Berchtold Equipment Company facility at 330 East 19th Street, one block west of the original location. During the mid-1920s, Joseph changed the name of the business to Berchtold Grain and Implement House and became a dealer for Minneapolis Moline, a pioneer of the cabenclosed tractor, a relationship that lasted more than 30 years. And 1922 also saw the
TO/PHOTOSOFKERN.CO
Today, Berchtold continues to evolve with the changes in the agricultural and construction equipment industry.
PHOTO BY HISLOP PHO
eeing as Kern County is home to a huge agricultural community, there are few residents who haven’t heard the name Berchtold. But while the longtime farming equipment company might be known, the history of the family-owned business might not be. Born in 1870 to German immigrant farmers in Iowa, Joseph Berchtold would use his family’s experiences in agriculture to found Berchtold Produce Company, the precursor to Berchtold Equipment Company, a business that has lasted over a century. The company, founded officially in 1910, sold produce and hardware, but eventually expanded into selling a variety of farm implements and tractors. In 1916, 46-year-old Joseph
Berchtold Equ
birth of Joseph and Minnie’s only child, a son who would come to be known by all as “E.G.” and who would follow in his father’s footsteps. Though the Great Depression closed many a small business, the Berchtolds persevered, determined to keep the doors open through hard times. By 1939, E.G. graduated from Kern County Union High School. Understanding the importance of education, E.G. would attend UCLA and graduate in 1943. He then served in World War II as a naval officer in the Pacific. In 1945, E.G. returned from the war to assume management of the business from his 75-year-old ailing father. Two years later, E.G. married Frankie Franklin, a tenacious woman who had recently arrived in Bakersfield from rural Illinois. In 1948, the couple’s first son Stephen was born. The
ipment, Delan
following year, Frankie joined the company and began assisting E.G. with management and general operations of the growing business. Sadly, 1950 saw the passing of Joseph Berchtold, but joy after the birth of two more sons; Mark in 1951
o
and Geoffrey (Jeff) in 1957. The ‘50s also brought with them changes to the business. In 1957, E.G. gave up the Minneapolis Moline product line to become a dealer for Ford Tractor products and Hesston hay equipment. At the same time, he changed the name of the business to
Berchtold Equipment Company, Santa Maria
330 E. 19th Street, Bakersfield, CA n 661-323-7817 1407 S. Lexington Street, Delano, CA n 661-725-1500 1410 W. Betteravia Road, Santa Maria, CA n 805-922-7905 www.berchtold.com
“There is nothing more American than a tractor and implement dealer.” – Joseph Berchtold its current moniker, Berchtold Equipment Company. The 1960s saw the completion of the third generation of Berchtolds with the birth of daughter Marcia in 1963 and the expansion of the business to include “field” forklift products and, in 1969, the addition of the premier line of skid steer compact loaders as the company became a Bobcat dealer. E.G. and Frankie’s sons came of age in the ‘70s and followed their parents into the business. Stephen began working full time in 1972 and quickly became a specialist for the Bobcat line of products. Mark joined in 1974, initially taking on the role of Service Manager. Jeff joined in 1978 establishing himself as a specialist for the Kubota line of products for which Berchtold Equipment Company had become a dealer in 1973. But 1978 was also a sad year as Minnie passed away. The third generation then poised themselves to grow the business in the coming decades. In 1985, Marcia joined her brothers as a full time employee and, in 1987, she relocated to manage the new branch store that had just opened in Santa Maria. The 1980s and early 1990s marked a period of mergers and acquisitions in the national tractor and equipment industry. In 1986, Ford Tractor Company acquired the New Holland line of products, primarily hay harvesting equipment, and renamed themselves Ford New Holland. The Ford heritage remains, but in 1991, Ford Motor Com-
Original location, 1920s
Berchtold Grain and Implement House, 1930s
1950s pany sold their remaining interest in Ford New Holland and the product line became known as it is today as New Holland. These changes didn’t affect the services offered to
customers of Berchtold Equipment Company, but they did affect the brands that customers were used to seeing at the business. Regardless, growth was steady.
In 1995, Berchtold Equipment Company expanded to a third location by opening a branch in Delano. By the mid 2000s E.G. and Frankie had, at this point, been managing the company for sixty years, putting in a lot of hard work and overseeing expansion and success. The couple decided that the future of the company should be put in the hands of the next generation and so, after many family discussions, Mark Berchtold became the owner and president of the company on January 1, 2008. In 2010, Berchtold Equipment Company celebrated its 100th year in business. Today, the company continues to evolve with the changes in the agricultural and construction equipment industry, but holds true to its mission of being dedicated to high quality customer service. Current staff continues to get help from E.G. and Frankie, who, though retired, are so engrained in the Berchtold legacy that they still come in most days to lend a hand. Berchtold Equipment Company currently operates store locations in Bakersfield, Delano, and Santa Maria, and is a leader in the industry through its flagship lines of New Holland, Bobcat, Kubota, and Harlo, along with many other supporting short lines that have been with Berchtold for over 30 years. Presently, Mark and his wife, Beth, along with their three children are poised to guide Berchtold Equipment Company well into the 21st century and the fourth generation of Berchtold stewardship.
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YEARS & GROWING
Established 1910 www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Spring 2014 51
Jim Burke Ford
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e’ve been motoring along the streets of Bakersfield for over 100 years now and in that time, the face of the automobile industry has changed dramatically. One thing that hasn’t changed is the mission of Jim Burke Ford, Kern County’s oldest continuously operating auto dealership and one of the oldest Ford dealerships in the nation. Of course, the company hasn’t always been known by the present moniker. George Haberfelde bought the Ford Garage from the late Ben Brundage’s widow in 1913, just a few short years after Henry Ford changed the face of transportation in our country. At the time, Bakersfield was comprised of only 13,000 people, but Haberfelde, who’d already forayed into the piano
The company was the first dealership in the region to start selling cars on the installment plan, allowing many in Kern County to enjoy the benefits of owning their own car. and furniture business, realized just how revolutionary the automotive business would become in the future. Remember, this was a period in history when you couldn’t just walk onto a lot and drive away in a new car. It has been noted that when Haberfelde ordered a Ford in 1911, he was informed that he was on a waiting list of 100 people. After Haberfelde purchased the business, it became, naturally, Haberfelde Ford.
52 Bakersfield Magazine
George was aggressive in the market but made sure he managed the business conservatively. The company was the first dealership in the region to start selling cars on the installment plan, allowing many in Kern County to enjoy the benefits of owning their own car (at a time when a new Model T Ford was roughly $1,000). Of course, after the advent of the Ford assembly line, Henry Ford was able to drop the price of a new car to $290 in 1915, making it a more attainable purchase for his factory workers. And shortly after, Haberfelde implemented some of innovative ideas of his own, changing the way the company handled repairs by switching to a Ford repair shop only (at an hourly labor cost of 75 cents an hour). The dealership actually had a foundry that it used in the ‘30s to make lifts and engines. And they continued building parts to support war
efforts in the early 1940s. Over the next few years, George’s brothers, John and William, joined the company, making it truly a family business. And when George was ready to step aside, his son, Ed, stepped up to helm the company. It was Ed who, in 1948, ended up hiring a recent engineering graduate from Stanford University, Jim Burke. Throughout the
‘50s, Burke shined as a dedicated employee who diligently worked his way up through a number of positions with the dealership, eventually taking the reins in 1964 when he bought the company from the Haberfelde family. Still, the dealership retained the Haberfelde name until 1977, when it became known as Jim Burke Ford and relocated to the present 20-acre site on Oak Street. But while the dealership name changed,
Ed Haberfelde & Jim Burke
2001 Oak Street, Downtown Bakersfield, CA n 661-328-3600 5300 Gasoline Alley Drive, Automall n 661-837-6400 www.burkeauto.com
One thing that hasn’t changed is the mission of Jim Burke Ford, Kern County’s oldest continuously operating auto dealership and one of the oldest Ford dealerships in the nation. the corporate name remains Haberfelde Ford to this day. Eight years after the name change, in 1985, Burke bought the Kitchen Boyd Lincoln Mercury dealership that was located downtown on Chester and in January of 1989 moved the operation to the new facility in the Bakersfield Automall. The millennium brought with it a number of big changes for Jim Burke Ford. The Jim Burke Jaguar store was added to the Automall location in August of 2000 in an effort to meet the needs of luxury car buyers in Bakersfield and Kern County. Just three years later, Jim Burke Used Cars added to the organization’s line-up at the Automall. The addition of a facility for used automobiles was crucial so that Jim Burke Ford could meet the increasing local demand for a place to find quality used vehicles. But the market for Ford products continued to grow. The summer of 2004 marked the official expansion into the Automall with another Ford Store, so that residents would have two locations to buy or lease a Ford in Bakersfield. Unfortunately, Jim Burke passed away in July of 2006. But the culture he instilled in the nearly 300 employees that work for Jim Burke Ford lives on today under the leadership of Burke’s son-in-law, Dan Hay. Hay oversaw the transition from the Lincoln Mercury brand to the Lincoln brand, a change that allowed for the developments of Lincoln as a premier luxury vehicle. The company also decided to discontinue the Jaguar brand this year to allow space for further expansion of the Ford and
Original location at 1400 H Street
Will Haberfelde, driver
1952 Lincoln luxury car business. However, Jim Burke Ford still retains the Jaguar authorized parts and vehicle warranty service business. Hay, as president, upholds
ANNIVER
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the company’s mission of building lasting relationships with the community through incredible customer service and dedication to charitable endeavors through the Jim
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Burke Education Foundation and other Ford organizations. The dealership also has a dedicated commercial fleet department that serves federal and local government agencies, small business, and major industries located in Kern County. Jim Burke Ford also created a leasing company that is well established with local businesses, plus a large rental agency. Further proving their dedication to supporting the Bakersfield and Kern County communities, the company developed the Jim Burke Collision Care facility since regional parts and service operations are an integral part of the company meeting its mission of developing longtime relationships. Through all the ups and downs in the economy and the automobile industry over the last 100 years, Jim Burke Ford, as it is known today, has weathered the storm by ensuring they put the customer and the community first. As Hay remarked, “It’s a competitive business and you have to be able to react to a lot of changes in the industry. But we work at it every day with our stable workforce of many long term employees.” Keeping employees happy adds stability to the business, which is something that benefits both the dealership and customers. This policy has paid off. Today, Jim Burke Ford is one of the biggest Ford dealerships in the nation, often being ranked as the ninth largest in the state of California. With the core values of integrity, respect, professionalism, and excellence, Jim Burke Ford is prepared to grow even more in their second century of business.
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YEARS & GROWING
Established 1913 www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Spring 2014 53
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Walter Mortensen Insurance/INSURICA
t is a rare thing to be able to say that your insurance agency is not only the leading independent insurance agency in all of Kern County, but that it also has been around since 1919. When it comes to Walter Mortensen Insurance/INSURICA, however, that is just an every day reality. Founded by Walter Mortensen and originally known simply as Walter Mortensen Insurance, the business was located in downtown Bakersfield on the corner of 21st Street and Chester Avenue. Mortensen and his partner, Phil Collins, started this legacy out by selling accident insurance to oil industry employees. The business was a success. The duo relocated to 1515 20th Street, though the part-
Field in Shafter, was also working for the organization, and he became general manager in 1967. As this business grew, they built a new location at 4701 Stockdale Highway. In 1984, Bass retired, and Bill Durall served as president until 1992. During this period of time, Walter’s son, Ross, had ambitions to take over his father’s business. Unfortunately, he tragically passed away in 1978 from cancer. The current president,
just two years later. In 2011, Walter Mortensen Insurance teamed up with INSURICA Insurance Management Network, which gives
nership eventually dissolved. Mortensen then teamed up with James Coit, and they remained that spot until World War II while expanding into writing general liability and a new product called auto insurance! After WWII, the agency took off, setting up shop on the corner of 20th and Eye streets. After 30 years of service, Mortenson retired in 1949, but still consulted for many years following. Later, Walter Lindecker became the manager in 1959 (with Herb Vaughn acting as the manager between ‘49 and ‘59), and retired eight years after. Ray Bass, a young captain from the U.S. Army Air Corps who came to Bakersfield via Minter
54 Bakersfield Magazine
PHOTO COURTESY OF KERN COUNTY MUSEUM
Unparalleled access to the most unique coverage.
Collins & Mortensen (in front of the Telephone sign), 1931 Ron Burcham, has been with the company since 1977 and obtained his current title in 1992. As the head of the company. Burcham has been a part of the growth the insurance agency has experienced, launching them to being the leading agency in the southern San Joaquin Valley and one of the top in the entire nation. The agency became a part of Guaranty Insurance Group in 2005, and moved to its current location
them unparalleled access to the most unique coverage and risk management expertise while maintaining the local agent relationship. It’s not just about selling an individual policy, but rather understanding the entire business structure and developing a comprehensive insurance management plan for clients. At Walter Mortensens Insurance/INSURICA, they care about their community (they volunteer for such or-
8500 Stockdale Hwy., #200, Bakersfield, CA www.insurica.com
n
ganizations as the Bakersfield Homeless Center, offer an internship program through the Boys & Girls Club, and provide Christmas gifts for children through Kern Bridges Youth Homes). Their employees take great pride in community service involvement because they believe this is a great place to live, work, and play. As a testimony to their overall greatness, they boast of an impressive record of longevity amongst their management team, namely Ron Burcham (33 years), Michael Moore (27 years), Mike Hay (10 years), Mona Millington (46 years), Vickie Wright (29 years), Ranee Findley (17 years), Monique Eubanks (2 years), and Pam Binns (16 years). Staying true to the original vision their founder had so many years ago, their friendly staff is always there to help you with your insurance needs.
661-834-6222
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YEARS & GROWING
Established 1919
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eing a trusted and reliable business is one thing, but holding that distinction for 86 years is nothing short of remarkable, and that is exactly the caliber by which El Tejon Pharmacy operates. Though the business has changed hands a few times, current co-owner, Tina Stout, relayed, “My husband, Andrew, and I have owned it for twenty-seven years, and we want to keep it in the family.” Considering their son, Ty, is part of the team, their dream seems to have become a reality.
El Tejon Pharmacy it was up to Andrew to forge ahead and keep both locations operating, which he did, while moving each store into a new modern facility. But not everything old was tossed, oldfashioned friendly customer service remained as an important cornerstone. The Stouts proudly welcomed their son, Ty, to the business after he became a pharmacist in 2008. Actually, that wasn’t when he began. Tina said, “My husband had started training Ty since day one in 1987. Ty is currently
2819 Nor th Ches te
“We are about to celebrate our eighty-sixth year, and I hope we make it to our hundredth and beyond.” However, it wasn’t always an easy undertaking. “When we bought the pharmacy, we had just had our third child,” Tina recalled, “We were in debt and owed everyone money in order to make the down payment. It was really scary.” Luckily for them, the business continued to grow. Andrew, who had actually worked for the pharmacy in 1964 as a high school student before moving to attend pharmacy school, ran the location on North Chester while his best friend and business partner, Bill Bierman, operated the Brundage store. Unfortunately, Bill passed away unexpectedly in 2000, and
2022 N. Chester Avenue, 1962
Druggist filling prescription, 1946 learning everything that needs to be known on the business side.” Ty agreed, “I have worked every position possible, from janitor to delivery driver to pharmacist, just like my dad, Andrew, did.” The hard work has definitely paid off. One of the many new things Ty has introduced
to the pharmacy is the Diabetes Program. “It is basically self-management training,” he explained. “It helps to educate people with diabetes on how to control their disease state via medications, diet, and preventative measures to help slow down the progression of the disease.”
r Avenue
Tina also said that they kept up the pace with the everchanging times, stating, “We now have a robotic dispensing system for more common medications. Patients can call in their prescription refills at night and most of them can be ready before we are even open the next day.” Regardless of what changes have taken place, Tina maintains that one thing has stayed true throughout the years, “We truly have a great staff that contributes to our success,” she said proudly. “One of Bill’s daughters, Rana Banks, continues to work for us at the Brundage location. And we hope to see Ty and his two children take things over completely. We are about to celebrate our eighty-sixth year, and I hope we make it to our hundredth and beyond.” If the past is any indication, then this family team has nothing to worry about.
2900 Brundage Lane, Bakersfield, CA n 661-325-7284 YEARS & GROWING 2819 N. Chester Avenue, Bakersfield, CA n 661-399-2901 Established 1928 www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Spring 2014 55 www.eltejonpharmacy.com
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s long as man has had the opportunity to take to the skies, we’ve done so with passion and determination. So it stands to reason that the early history of Meadows Field Airport is full of pioneers aiming to ensure our airport succeeded. When it was first constructed in 1926 by the Kern County Chamber of Commerce, our airport was known as Kern County Airport #1. It was located at the intersection of U.S. Route 99 and Norris Road. Just a short time later, in 1927, airport facilities—including one runway, one terminal building, a few hangars,
Meadows Field Airport is full of pioneers aiming to ensure our airport succeeds. and other aviation-related buildings—were moved one mile east to their present location. The County of Kern bought the airport from the Chamber in 1935, and it became the first county-owned airport in the nation. During this time period, the airport’s namesake, Cecil Meadows, had established the Kern County School of Aviation. Meadows had been a pioneer in his early flying career, setting many world altitude records and organizing the Meadows Field Flying Service in 1933. Commercial air services, private aviation, and flight instruction were conducted at a steady rate until the United
56 Bakersfield Magazine
Meadows Field Airport States Army Air Forces acquired the rights to the airport in late 1943. At that time, the airport was placed under the jurisdiction of the IV Fighter Command for use as one of the Army Air Forces Night Fighter School training sites. It was also used as a general auxiliary training airfield until civil control was restored at the end of World War II. It wasn’t until the mid1950s that the airport began showing substantial growth. After purchasing additional land, a new air passenger ter-
William M. Thom
Cecil Meadows and his Flying Service plane, 1930s
Cecil Meadows and his School of Aviation plane, 1930s minal and air traffic control tower facility were constructed and opened in 1957. Three days after Meadows’ death in August, 1957, the airport was renamed in honor of his dedication and leadership in the field of aviation. Passenger flights increased during the ‘50s, ‘60s, and ear-
ly 1970s—by 1978, a record 147,900 passengers flew out of Meadows Field Airport. Of course, changes in national commercial air service regulations affected our local airport (major airlines began forming large hubs in major cities, offering cheaper flights from places like L.A.), so turbu-
3701 Wings Way, Bakersfield, CA n 661-391-1800 www.meadowsfield.com
as Terminal
lent years followed in the 1980s and 1990s with minor unstable startup airlines initiating service and then failing. But those standing behind the airport never threw in their wings. The late ‘90s and early 2000s brought with them the completion of several modernizing projects, including the new William M. Thomas Terminal in 2007, which provided a fresh look for passengers from around the country. It also reestablished the airport in local eyes so that more Bakersfieldians were happy to utilize the safe, secure, and modern Kern County airport. Currently, Meadows Field serves more than 700,000 residents of the San Joaquin Valley with nonstop flights to Denver, Phoenix, Houston, San Francisco, and Los Angeles, and, with an eye on the skies, will continue evolving in an effort to stay your local airport.
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YEARS & GROWING
Established 1933
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Kern Schools Federal Credit Union
or more than seventy-five years, Kern Schools Federal Credit Union has served the needs of its Members and the entire Kern County community. From its humble beginnings in 1938, when a small group of dedicated and concerned teachers met for the purpose of forming a financial cooperative for school employees and their families, through today, Kern Schools has embodied the credit union philosophy of “People Helping People.” Originally named Kern County School Employees
Today, Kern Schools is the largest Member-owned financial institution headquartered in Kern County, with more than 160,000 Members and $1.3 billion in assets. Federal Credit Union, Kern Schools was granted a federal charter in 1940. The first Kern Schools’ “office” was actually a small room located in the library of Bakersfield High School, with operations conducted by a single volunteer. By the end its first year, Kern Schools had 141 Members, approximately $1,300 in assets, and was well on its way to serving the school employees of Kern County with a lifetime partnership through quality financial products and services. “Sixty years ago, I took
my first teaching job at a local, rural school and found myself in need of a new car,” says Bob Otto, a Member since 1949. “When I joined Kern Schools we used to say ‘having a good friend in your banker made life so much easier.’ Thanks to our good friends at Kern Schools, my family has realized many dreams over the years.” Helping Members achieve their dreams is what Kern Schools is all about! And Membership does make a
Kern Schools’ A
Kern Schools opened its Ming Avenue Branch in 1974
Kern Schools originated on the grounds of Bakersfield High School
difference. Unlike a bank, which is driven by shareholders and profit, a credit union is a not-for-profit entity designed to assist the financial needs of its Members through smaller fees, higher dividends, and lower loan rates. Similarly, credit union boards of di-
rectors consist of unpaid volunteers, as opposed to large shareholders, who are elected by members to lead the organization. Today, Kern Schools is the largest Member-owned financial institution headquartered in Kern County, with more than 160,000
P. O. Box 9506, Bakersfield, CA www.ksfcu.org
n
661-833-7900
dministrative Of
fices
Members, $1.3 billion in assets, and open to all Kern County residents. Our team of a single volunteer has grown to 400 team members with the sole purpose of providing the best Member service possible. With ten branch offices, more than seventy ATMs, as well as a wide array of products and services including extensive mortgage and consumer loan programs, wealth management services, “DataNet” online banking, and our new “DataMobile” app with remote deposit capture, Kern Schools is ready to serve Kern County for another seventy-five years and beyond. Membership does make a difference! Members of Kern Schools experience personal service and attention each and every time they visit because “Together, we have something special!”
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YEARS & GROWING
Established 1938 www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Spring 2014 57
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ore than 70 years ago, brothers Earl and John Stewart purchased an electrical business from the Mongerson family and the duo set about meeting the electrical needs of Bakersfield and Kern County. Stewart Electric was founded in 1943 on 18th Street in downtown Bakersfield—across from the Far East restaurant. “In the early years, the company sold and installed the electrical equipment and products,” explained Frank Yanez, the current owner of Stewart Electric. “But the company has evolved a bit. We no longer install prod-
Stewart Electric has been run with same service mindset and integrity for seven decades. ucts and instead distribute to contractors, school districts, and oil companies that need electric and data products.” As Yanez elaborated, the early years of the company were challenging. “It was a small company, and getting it off its feet and competing with large, national companies meant that [Earl and John] had to offer something different.” And the Stewarts did just that, focusing on service and quality products for their customer base. It was a design that worked. Stewart Electric grew steadily in the decades to follow. After nearly 50 years, the Stewart family passed the reins over to Don and Suzie
58 Bakersfield Magazine
Stewart Electric Noble, who took over ownership in 1988. The Nobles ushered the company through major advances in electronics and technology throughout the late ‘80s and ‘90s (and also a move to a new location on 30th Street with more space for inventory). And they did it well, growing and modifying the business to make sure that it continued to offer the best products and services to the community. “Don and Suzie ran the small business very well, keeping it consistent, but they also
The new generatio n of Stewart Elec tric with the Yane (front l-r: Frank, z family Theresa, Courtn ey, Katie, and Ke ndall).
Inventory at its first location on 18th Street, 1970s
Current location on 30th Street, early 1990s recognized the need to evolve with the times,” Yanez said. In fact, Yanez came to work for Stewart Electric in 1997 when it became Stewart Electric & Data Com Supply. “At that point, the company began really focusing on voice data and fiber-optics,” Yanez added. “That benchmark was
huge for us. It was the biggest jump in growth since it had opened, nearly doubling our business. Today, that division accounts for half of our sales.” Yanez explained that there’s been more changes within the last few years than there were in most of the company’s history.
1701 30th Street, Bakersfield, CA n 661-325-5061 www.stewartelectric.com
“It’s a whole new type of industry and that makes for a new and fast-paced way of doing business,” he said. “But we are family-owned and resourceful. We make sure that what we do reflects what our customers need.” As such, Stewart Electric is known today as a distributor and servicer of quality voice, data, electrical, fiber optics, and AV products. After working at the company for over 15 years, Yanez, along with his wife Theresa, bought the business from the Nobles in 2014. Their daughter is also involved in the business. “Stewart Electric has been run with same service mindset and integrity for seven decades,” Yanez said. “We know that we provide a product that others can provide, too, but our goal is to serve people right and forge strong relationships with our clients for generations to come.”
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YEARS & GROWING
Established 1943
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Pyrenees French Bakery, Inc.
or almost 70 years, Pyrenees French Bakery has been the endeavor of the Laxague family. The Laxagues are members of the ancient and colorful Basque culture, which extends throughout the Pyrenees Mountains between France and Spain. At the age of 18, Pierre (known to his friends as “Pete”) Laxague arrived in the United States to work as a sheepherder. Five years later, he set out to learn the techniques of making high-quality sourdough French bread at a Southern California French Bakery. He then married a young Basque girl named
old-fashioned brick oven and his own old-world formula for the bread dough. The Pyrenees Bakery expanded to ten times its original size. The entire Laxague family has been involved in the operation of the bakery. Pierre and his son, Michel, were the dough masters, Juanita assisted in the business end and deliveries in the early years, and their daughter, Marianne, assisted in finances and management. Michel passed away in 1979, Pierre, in 1993 and Juanita in 2009. Marianne continues to run
Jean-Charles, A
The Laxague Fa mily nna, Marianne, Zachar y, Cheri, Ri
Pyrenees French Bakery has been feeding our area for generations. Juanita Ermigarat and raised a family, daughter Marianne and son Michel. Following a successful partnership in Southern California, the Laxagues moved to Bakersfield in 1945 to start their own bakery. That same year, they purchased the Parisian Bakery on East 18th Street from Pete Borda. In 1947, Pierre and Juanita purchased the Kern City French Bakery (established in 1887) from Mr. & Mrs. Joe Gueydan and changed the name of the bakery to Pyrenees French Bakery in honor of their native province. Pierre would arrive at the bakery daily, before 5 a.m., to make each day’s bread and Juanita would deliver it to the restaurants and markets. Pierre continued to use an
The Pyrenees Team the business today with the help of her nephew Rick Laxague and wife Cheri, who are both full-time employees. Nephew Jean-Charles Laxague, who is
a medical physicist, works part time. Great-grandchildren, Zach Laxague and Alisabeth Laxague, also work part time. The Pyrenees French Bakery
ck
prides itself on customer service and the dedication of its employees. Of its twenty-five employees, five have been employed over thirty years, five over twenty years, and two over fifteen years! Because of employee loyalty and commitment, the bakery can offer an excellent product to the community. Today, Pyrenees sourdough bread is still baked in brick ovens using the same recipes and techniques that Pierre Laxague brought with him in 1945. In fact, today’s sourdough “starter” is a direct continuation of the sourdough “starter” brought to the bakery by Pierre. The Pyrenees Bakery is a sixdays-a-week operation, selling bread in its retail store at its East 21st Street location and delivering the bread to most of the major restaurants, delis, and grocery stores in the area. The bakery also continues to ship bread across the states to those who enjoy its distinctive flavor. A Bakersfield Original — Taste the difference.
69
YEARS &
GROWING 717 East 21st Street, Bakersfield, CA n 661-322-7159 Established www.pyreneesbakery.com www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Spring 1945 2014 59
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or over 60 years, Guarantee Shoe Center has been tending to both the soles and the souls of our community. Back in August of 1953, Nat Slepyan decided to put his years of experience in the shoe business to good use here in Bakersfield. Slepyan and his sonin-law Leon Rolnick opened their store at 21st and Chester. “They were able to find a great building in the heart of downtown,” explained Leon’s son, third generation owner Rosco Rolnick. Those early years were challenging as
Guarantee Shoe Center young Rosco, who said that from an early age, the family business was where he wanted to be. “I started working at the store in the early ‘60s as an assistant stock boy. By the time I was sixteen, I was on the sales floor.” After a year in Vietnam, Rosco returned to Bakersfield and back to work at the store. Tragically, in 1970, a fire started in the building Guarantee Shoe Center was housed in (which also housed a bar and a deli). While working in the building across the
The corner of 21
st Street and Ch
When was the last time you had your feet measured? downtown was still recovering from the ‘52 earthquake. According to Rosco, when the store opened it was originally an outlet store with shoes on display from floor to ceiling. “We were primarily carrying inexpensive to moderately priced shoes,” he added. “My grandfather wanted to give our customers a great shoe at a great price.” Thankfully the late ‘50s saw a lot of growth, which continued throughout the ‘60s. But the store made sure to give back. “My grandfather and father were both very generous men, supporting children’s events at the Fox Theater, Little League, and Boy Scouts, which I was also involved with later,” Rosco said. When Slepyan passed away in 1966, Leon took over managing the store with the help of a
60 Bakersfield Magazine
1950s
Rosco Rolnick and daughter, Sarah street in the interim, Leon and Rosco went about reconstructing their dreams. It took three years to rebuild the store; though this time, Guarantee Shoe Center would take up the entire building. “And at this point, we wanted to change direction. We’ve always gone above and beyond
for our customers with our wide selection and excellent service. At this point, we added the best name brands and put in a separate sale room” Rosco began taking over more duties at the store throughout the ‘70s until Leon officially retired in the ‘80s. In the early ‘90s, Rosco began a
2101 Chester Avenue, Bakersfield, CA n 661-325-8751 www.guaranteeshoecenter.com
ester Avenue
shoe drive for the Bakersfield Homeless Center that has, in its existence, provided well over 55,000 pairs of shoes to those in need. Recently, Rosco has started donating to the Bakersfield Rescue Mission and the CSUB Athletic Scholarship Fund as well. “Through it all, we watched the competition come and go,” Rosco added. Now, a fourth generation has entered the business, Rosco’s daughter Sarah. She is very active in the business, helping in all aspects including marketing, buying, and sales. “Today, we are the oldest independent shoe store in Bakersfield,” he mused. “We love supporting our community.” With this kind of dedication to employees, customers, and community, the people of Kern county will undoubtedly continue their support of Guarantee Shoe Center. When was the last time you had your feet measured?
61
YEARS & GROWING
Established 1953
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Bakersfield Museum of Art
n 1956, the Walter Osborn family began what would become a legacy in the fine arts community here in Bakersfield. With the help of residents who provided the means necessary to build on city property, the foundation was laid for what was initially called the Cunningham Memorial Art Gallery, and what would later become the Bakersfield Museum of Art. The family was touched to have the gallery constructed in memory of their daughter, Marion Osborn Cunningham, who they lost suddenly to
arts. Educational Coordinator Liz Sherwyn said, “I think this was the original goal of the Cunninghams when they opened the doors almost sixty years ago—connecting with the entire community through art,” as she cited some of the many long-standing endeavors of the Musuem to reach out to the public at large, from events as big as Via Arté to their summer art camp, established in 1994. “Because of the longevity of these programs many students who were in programs
The efforts put forth by the BMOA have certainly proven to be “multi-generational.” a brain tumor in 1948. She was a veritable artistic force in her time, having attended Standford University, the Art Student League in New York, and being instrumental in the San Francisco arts scene alongside her husband, Ben Cunningham. When construction was complete, the Gallery was donated to the City of Bakersfield, and volunteers from the Bakersfield Art Association and an Art Commission ran the operations. It was renamed the Bakersfield Museum of Art in 1990, and it has showcased some of the biggest names in art history, including Andy Warhol and Paul Cezanne, as well as some of the best in local artwork. Fast forward to today, and you will still find that the Museum is a cultural hub for the
Painting class in the Garden
Sculpture class in the Gallery as children have remained a part of the Museum, attending adult workshops and bringing their own children.” The efforts put forth by the BMOA have certainly proven to be “multi-generational,” as Sherwyn stated. Vikki Cruz, the Museum’s curator, concurred. “I have
been employed with the BMOA for a little over nine years. During my time, I have witnessed one-of-a-kind exhibitions, wonderful education programs, and engaging events.” Truly a treasure to our community, Cruz also disclosed that, “Our gallery walls have been home to works by renowned artists
like Pablo Picasso, Diego Rivera, Donald Judd, Christo, David Hockney, Jacob Lawrence, Edgar Payne, Georgia O’Keeffe, Wayne Thiebaud, and Richard Diebenkorn.” While the Museum has brought joy to art lovers of all ages, both Sherwyn and Cruz agreed that they are always looking for ways to be an even bigger part of Bakersfield. Along with technological advances and shattering the preconceived notions that art is just for the “elite,” Cruz also said, “We continue to partner with other organizations throughout Kern County in order to strengthen our community through art.” What began as a tribute to a tenacious woman has become a cornerstone in Bakersfield’s own cultural community, and with such a strong team at the helm, it will continue to be viewed as such well into the future.
58
YEARS &
GROWING 1930 R Street, Bakersfield, CA n 661-323-7219 www.bmoa.org Established 1956 www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Spring 2014 61
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In 1964 Preston Burdette had job security, a mortgage, and five children to feed. His entrepreneurial guts and reliance on God led him to take a risk and begin a small, one man shop on Niles St. Multi Business Systems (MBS), a company that originally outfitted businesses with pegboard accounting systems, opened when Preston’s son Bob was only five years old. At 23, Bob joined his Dad and began expanding the business’ product mix to include promotional items, one of the first businesses in the print industry to do so. In 2012, Bob’s son Pat-
“We have been able to adapt alongside technology keeping our product mix relevant to our customers’ businesses.” rick joined MBS making him the third generation in what is quickly becoming a legacy. MBS works alongside its customers to help grow their businesses, increase productivity, and ultimately grow their profit. “Our well experienced staff is a major differentiating point in an industry that holds little room for mistakes and missed marketing objectives,” says Patrick. “We have been able to adapt alongside technology keeping our product mix relevant to our customers’ businesses.” Anyone who has worked with MBS can vouch for its great staff. “Everyone in our
62 Bakersfield Magazine
Multi Business Systems organization truly cares about the well-being of the company as well as our customers. I think our customers recognize this and really value having a team behind them,,” says Patrick. “Second generation family businesses, as a general rule, tend to fail or not grow,” says Bob, adding, “My strengths are creativity and management. This allowed us to reorganize the corporate structure, delegate work to employees’ strengths, and allow risks to reach new markets and prod-
Bob Burdette, 55 , and Patrick Bu rdette, 25. Bob father in the bu joined his siness at the sa me age as his so n
Office equipment used in the early days of the business
Bob Burdette, 25, with Preston Burdette, age 59 uct lines for our customers.” Adding Patrick to the company has given MBS the edge it needed. “In the past we had great sales and a great organization. However, we lacked the marketing leg of our ‘stool.’ Patrick’s knowledge of marketing has greatly enhanced our image and posi-
tion within our marketplace, changing my focus on its future. I now focus on MBS as a legacy company, in it for the long haul,” says Bob. Reflecting on how his father mentored him, Bob explains, “My father never said ‘I’ve tried that before it doesn’t work, trust me.’ He allowed me
1105 W. Columbus Street, Bakersfield, CA www.trustmbs.com
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to explore my ideas while under his umbrella and encouraged entrepreneurial thinking. This allowed for great freedom and a wonderful working relationship. I was never held back and he never said no to my ideas. He would ask me several questions so that we both knew what we were looking at and thinking about. I try to follow his example with my own son.” When the late Preston started MBS 50 years ago, he never imagined that the business would be named one of the fastest growing private companies by Inc. 5000 in 2010. MBS has continued to grow, adding offices in Fresno, Modesto, and associates servicing customers in Merced, Stockton, San Bernardino, Pismo, Nipomo, and Ventura. Putting their customers first and becoming a partner they can trust will continue to be the core value that propels MBS for the next generation.
661-327-5861
50
YEARS & GROWING
Established 1964
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hen you or a loved one are facing one of the most vulnerable times in life and have difficulty tending to daily tasks, you will want professionals with decades of experience on your side. Darlyn Baker and her husband, Chuck, run Interim HealthCare, which focuses primarily on care in the home. Having worked in the health field for 48 years— with over 35 being here in town—you can be certain you’re in the best of hands. “I began working at Mercy Hospital in the fall of 1978
Interim HealthCare of working in a hospital setting, Darlyn felt a need to redirect her career’s path and assist these families. With the help of her husband, Chuck, who has his MBA in finance from Rutgers and acts as the president and CEO, Interim HealthCare was born. Over the years, other members of the Baker family have stepped up to assist in the running of her business. “When our son, Bryon, graduated from Dartmouth College in 1996, he and his wife returned to Bakersfield
Chuck, Darlyn,
Two generations working together to make home healthcare the best possible experience. when we moved here from New Jersey,” Darlyn said. “I then received a junior college teaching credential from UCLA extension at BC in 1981.” Afterward, she worked both at Mercy and taught part time in BC’s LVN program until 1990. But that wasn’t all that this hard working woman did. She also was a nurse volunteer for the Special Olympics and worked in juvenile hall in the summer of 1993. In the fall of that year, like the turning of the leaves, her life changed, as the planning of Interim HealthCare began to take shape. “With technological advances in the medical procedures, loved ones were becoming caregivers in their homes,” she explained. After 27 years
Chuck & Darlyn Baker, 1967
Ribbon cutting ceremony, 1994 from Hanover, New Hampshire, at which time he began working full time in our business,” Darlyn proudly stated. “He continues to work full-time as the operations coordinator. He is our exit strategy, as his knowledge base continues to grow, especially in the ever-chang-
ing world of healthcare.” Together, as a family, the Bakers have worked to bring the best to home care, instilling a variety of programs in order to better serve the needs of our community. A notable achievement is the establishing of Darlyn’s Darlings in 2003: a unique type of
& Br yon Baker
daycare, specifically for medically fragile children and helped to address a shortage of one on one care from nurses in private homes. They also consolidated with Caring Corner, another similar daycare, and expanded in 2009. Additionally, in 2011 they implemented their Bakersfield Senior Placement program to help direct families when finding care for their parents. To say that the Bakers have done their fair share to help some of the neediest people in our midst is an understatement. (They weren’t recipients of the Beautiful Bakersfield Award for their Retire to Hire Program for nothing!) The best part, though, is that with several generations working together to make home healthcare the best possible, our community can look forward to years of happy, safe children and adults who need it the most.
48
YEARS &
GROWING 4801 Truxtun Avenue, Bakersfield, CA n 661-395-1700 www.mybakersfieldhealthcare.com www.bakersfieldmagazine.net Established 1966 / Spring 2014 63
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ll great businesses start with a visionary; someone who sees an opportunity and seizes it. And in the case of Gilliam & Sons, Inc., a local earthmoving/demolition company, that man is Bill W. Gilliam. Gilliam spent his early days in Rosamond, CA, getting his feet wet in the industry by helping out his father, Wilson Gilliam (affectionately known as Pop or Cat 1), at a rock crushing operation west of Hwy 14 between Rosamond and Mojave. “They would size, crush, bag, and palletize the colored boulders into small-size rock that was used on rooftops,” explained Scott Gilliam, Bill’s son. Bill would also hustle side jobs on the weekends, mostly selling and spread-
Gilliam & Sons the help of his sister, Pat Ward, and mother, Lillian Gilliam, as gate attendants and his father ran the “push and cover” operation at the “dumping pit,” transforming the company into a true family affair. Over the next 20 years Bill would operate five-year contracts at the Boron, Taft, Shafter, Arvin, Bakersfield, and Tehachapi landfills. In addition to landfills, the company obtained oilfield
While continuing to work in the oil industry, Gilliam and Sons spread into the grading of subdivisions,
“We started as a family doing business and today we are a corporation doing business the ‘family way’.” ing decomposed granite on farmer roads. In 1969, when Bill was just 27, he made the decision to start his own company: Valco Construction. Bill borrowed money from Bill Blair, who owned the rock crushing operation, and his sister, Wilma Downs, so that he could bid on and subsequently be awarded his first Kern County Public Works job. The year was 1971 and the County of Kern had stopped burning at the Arvin Landfill and chose Gilliam’s company to handle a five-year dump franchise. Bill recruited
64 Bakersfield Magazine
Wilma, Bill, Lillian, Pop, and Pat contracts to construct drill pads, along with other government contracts constructing earthen dams and other water storage projects around Kern and San Bernardino counties. In 1981 he incorporated under the name Gilliam and Sons Inc., and brought Scott on board. Scott began as an operator and eventually moved into the office as vice president, where he oversees estimating for the company.
high schools, River Lakes Golf Course, Bakersfield National Cemetery, and many other projects that involve “earthwork.” According to Scott, there have been a number of longterm clients that have been with the company for a majority of their 43 years and continue to be a part of Gilliam and Sons success and growth. Along with that, the company has been blessed with a great team of loyal people. “JoAnn
9831 Rosedale Hwy., Bakersfield, CA n 661-589-0913 www.gilliamandsons.com
has been greeting everyone on the phone for more than twenty-five years while Darlene Fachin has been running payroll for decades,” Scott added. Those clients and employees have helped turn a onetruck, one-man operation into a fleet of state-of-the art Caterpillar equipment (with laser and GPS technology) and a crew of 100. “But if you ask Dad to explain it all, technology would not be in his vocabulary,” Scott said. “He would tell you that we started as a family doing business and today we are a corporation doing business the ’family way’.” Bill fulfilled his handshake promise to his friend and sister when he paid them back years ago and that standard of integrity is at the core of how GSI operates today.
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YEARS & GROWING
Established 1969
WB
ill Wright Toyota opened for business in December of 1969. Originally, John Barber and Bill Wright were partners in the franchise when it opened. In 1974, Mr. Wright purchased Mr. Barber’s shares and became the sole owner of the dealership. That same year, Jack Weimer joined Bill Wright Toyota. In his 35 years of service, Weimer stated that, “Mr. Wright knew no strangers. He had a charismatic personality and was driven to provide the Bakersfield community with an unprecedented level of service. Mr. Wright would al-
The demands of consumers have changed over the past 44 years, and Bill Wright Toyota has grown to accommodate those wishes and the changing automotive industry. ways say, ‘If you have a problem, tell me. If you love the experience, tell the world!’ ” The company was built on this hands-on approach to customer satisfaction. “The biggest challenge in the early ‘70s was overcoming the stigma of being a Japanese made car,” Weimer explained. He added that Toyota, Honda, and Datsun (later Nissan) all faced the same stereotype of being analogous with inexpensive Japanese electronics. “At the time, Toyota made a very dependable car that got great gas mileage,” he said. “The only problem was gas wasn’t
Bill Wright Toyota an issue. Prices were cheap, comparatively, and the American consumer wanted power and luxury.” As always, in the spirit of Kaizen, Toyota’s motto of on-going, continuous improvement, they quickly built cars for the American market without compromising their focus on quality and the low cost of ownership. Obviously, Wright triumphed in his goal to create a service-based dealership. More and more consumers appreciated his focus and they experienced the differ-
Bill Wright Toyo
Bill Wright
ence. As a result, the company grew and became a cornerstone of the Bakersfield community. In 1998, Bill Wright unexpectedly passed away. The company was subsequently purchased by Steve Downs, his son-in-law. “Without Steve’s vision and his aggressive approach to business, we never would have attained the level of success that the dealership enjoys today,” Weimer, who retired in 2009, added. After Mr. Downs took the helm, he did a complete renovation of the dealer-
Steve Downs
ship by adding showroom space, expanding the service bays, modernizing the infrastructure, and investing in a sweeping capital-improvement campaign. Through his vision, Bill Wright Toyota was postured to address the demands of a new millennium. As anticipated, the car industry changed at light-speed. Advancements in technology fueled a whole new approach to customer service and the car-buying experience. But Downs embraced these changes and transformed the culture of Bill Wright Toyota,
5100 Gasoline Alley Drive, Bakersfield, CA www.BillWright.com
n
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along with General Manager Larry Puryear, to react progressively to a growing population of digitally connected, computer savvy consumers. In the same breath, one thing never changed: Bill Wright’s founding vision of being personally connected with each and every customer. In 2007, Downs expanded his operations by opening North Bakersfield Toyota. His goal was to offer a convenient alternative for Bakersfield residents living north of Rosedale Highway. Both Toyota dealerships employ over 250 people and support countless vendors throughout the community. And despite the economic downturn in 2009 and 2010, North Bakersfield Toyota has flourished under the direction and vision of both Downs and Puryear. Today, Bill Wright Toyota is guided by two principles: Continuous Improvement and Respect for People.
661-398-8697
44
YEARS & GROWING
Established 1969 www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Spring 2014 65
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M & S Security Services, Inc.
t was back in 1972 that Marvin Fuller, Sr. and Garland Phillips, both Taft police officers, bought Westside Security Patrol from Fred Linder of Maricopa, California. They originally bought the business as a means of additional income as police officers didn’t make much in those days. The company served around 50 customers in and around Taft and Maricopa. Around 1980, the Coalinga and Bakersfield offices of Westside Security were established and, at that time, the largest portion of
The knowledgeable, skilled team at M & S Security Systems, Inc. has kept the Bakersfield community safe for the last 40 years. the business was oil-related. Marvin and Garland remained partners until 1990, when Steve Fuller and Marvin Fuller, Jr. partnered with their father as vice presidents. It was decided that the name should be changed so the company went from Westside Security Patrol to M & S Security Services, Inc.; the “M” and “S” standing for Marvin and sons, respectively. Steve headed the guard and patrol division and Marvin Jr. handled the alarm division. In 1998, bursting at the seams, the company moved
66 Bakersfield Magazine
its Bakersfield operation to 2900 L Street. Then, in 2005, Steve and Marvin Jr. became co-presidents and Marvin Sr. retained the title of CEO. Still, this father and son operation has been home to numerous family members. Darlene Fuller, Marvin Sr.’s wife, has served as secretary, treasurer, peacekeeper, and even janitor. Jim Fuller, Steve’s and Marvin Jr.’s older brother, has worked as an alarm installer helper, alarm installer, security officer, and vehicle mainte-
Steve Fuller, M
arvin Fuller Sr ., and Marvin Fu
Garland Phillips & Marvin Fuller (foreground) with some of their first employees
nance operator. Steve’s wife, Melissa, started working for the company in 1994 and still works in the office fulltime running the billing department. Steve’s daughter, Sydney, occasionally helps around the office and his son, Mason, is an alarm installer. Marvin Jr.’s wife, Lisa, joined the Fuller family in 2011. His kids, Marvin III and Christal, have helped around the office in various capacities. The Fuller family has deep roots in the community, from their strong Christian faith to community service
organizations. In addition to numerous philanthropic and service clubs, M & S Security Services supports a number of local community organizations and, more recently, started supporting Jesus Shack. The organization has been blessed with some great employees that have a wealth of experience and knowledge in the security industry. The management team, alone, has a combined 85 years at the company. It consists of Jeff Eppler, guard and patrol manager; Bob Moser, sales; Jim
2900 L Street, Bakersfield, CA n 661-397-9616 PPO #11158, ACO #3791, PI #15764, C10 #807015 www.MSSecurityServices.com
ller Jr.
Watters, human resources; Victor Guerra, alarm division manager; Katie Ulrich, accounts payable and payroll; Rita Pincoski, office assistant; and Sunshine Gonzales, currently out on maternity leave. Over the years, the company has diversified a great deal. From a handful of employees only handling guard services to as many as several hundred employees servicing all aspects of security, including burglar alarms, fire systems, CCTV, access control, alarm response, guard services, patrol, body guards, and private investigations. M & S Security Services has gone from 50 customers to around 4,000, and many of those have been with the company since its inception 40 years go. Thankfully, private security is going to be around for the foreseeable future and M & S Security will be there to protect our community for decades to come.
42
YEARS & GROWING
Established 1972
Rosewood Senior Living Community
S
ince 1974, Rosewood Senior Living Community has been providing area seniors with a wonderful place to call home. This all-inclusive community is so popular that often members of the same family in successive generations have lived there. It also shares a deep-rooted history here in Bakersfield. W. Harland Boyd, a local historian, wrote extensively about the first 25 years of Rosewood’s existence. There were many projects spearheaded by the local First Baptist Church, with a
It’s been said that home is where the heart is, and at Rosewood Senior Living Community, you can rest assured that you or your loved one will find a place that anyone would be proud to call home. “full-care retirement community” being one such endeavor. An 11-acre parcel on the corner of Sundale and Stine was designated as a place to build a communal home for seniors, ensuring their safety and freedom. Renowned architect Whitney Biggar was hired to develop the plans, and the community was to be “one of the finest in the nation.” At some point, how-
ever, the board passed the project along to ABHOW (American Baptist Homes of the West). Under ABHOW’s direction, the architect was called back to add more residential living apartment homes for independent seniors, as well as accommodations and services for those requiring long-term care. The name was changed to Rosewood Gardens, and the first residents moved into their apartments in 1974. The first CCRC (continuing care retirement community) in the Bakersfield area, today
Rosewood toda
Rosewood under construction Rosewood is well-known throughout Kern County as a valued and trusted neighbor, a highly regarded employer and—above all—an inviting retirement destination for area seniors. Residents like Diane Sandidge not only live active lifestyles, but have had relatives enjoy the same way of living before them. “My mother and her two sisters had apartments at Rosewood, and they grew
to be very old,” Diane says. “I visited them almost every day. Two years ago, I moved to Rosewood myself, so I’m actually the second generation in my family to live here.” Having her own history at Rosewood, she also knows a bit about the background of her current home. “The roses that were planted were meant to be a focal point of our landscaping,” Diane explains. “Today they’re a signature feature
y
of our campus, one that attracts a lot of attention and many compliments.” Susan Bowser, director of sales and marketing, explains more about Rosewood’s history. “Over time, we’ve been able to provide additional levels of care to our residents. Our most recent addition came in 2012, when we added a memory care neighborhood. Today, we offer residential living, assisted living, skilled nursing, rehabilitative services, and memory support. There have also been a number of renovations and upgrades done over the years. In 2010, we added a swimming pool and a bistro area.” It’s been said that home is where the heart is, and at Rosewood Senior Living Community, you can rest assured that you or your loved one will find a place that anyone would be proud to call home.
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YEARS &
GROWING 1301 New Stine Road, Bakersfield, CA n 661-834-0620 Established 1974 RosewoodRetirement.org www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Spring 2014 67
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Achilles Prosthetics & Orthotics
hile Achilles Prosthetics and Orthotics is recognized today as one of the most successful producers of orthopedic equipment and prostheses in the Central Valley and Central Coast, this family-run business has grown from humble beginnings. Back in 1976, when cofounders Daniel Newton, CP, and David Wegner, CPO, met in the prosthetics program at UCLA, the two quickly became friends. At that time, Wegner was working for Bakersfield Orthopedic Appliances in Bakersfield, where Newton would also come to work that year.
“There’s nothing better than going to work and knowing you’re making a difference in someone’s life.” But the friends were ready to strike out on their own. Newton and Wegner had a desire to bring the latest technology and techniques that they’d learned at UCLA to the Bakersfield community. So, with the help of Wegner’s mother’s financial support, the two opened Achilles in 1978. It wasn’t always smooth sailing, but the duo persevered, providing valuable services to local residents. “The first few years were a struggle; getting the business off the ground,” Newton, who serves as president of Achilles, explained. In 1981, the company showed a net loss. However, it would be the only year in the company’s history to be in the red as year
68 Bakersfield Magazine
after year since then, Achilles has grown steadily. That growth included buying out the company that employed Newton and Wegner, both Fellows of the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists, years prior. Achilles purchased Bakersfield Orthopedic Appliances in 1986 and moved the operations to the location they have today, coming full circle. With a passion for patient care and a drive to provide the most state-of-the-art prosthetics and orthotics for both adults and children, Newton Kim Davis; Dani
el Newton, C.P.; Nathan Whiting; Sheri Newton, M Logan Newton, B.O.C.O.; David .F.; Wegner, C.P.O.
Original location, 1978
and Wegner began opening offices in other areas of California including Santa Maria and San Luis Obispo. In 1994, Daniel’s brother, Donald Newton, CPO, joined the business, managing the Santa Maria office. Daniel’s son, Logan Newton, BOCO, would also feel the pull to
join the business. Which he did in 2004. “I knew from around the age of eighteen that I wanted to go into a profession in which I could help people, as well as allow myself to express my creativity and artistic abilities,” he said. “I feel that our field is truly amazing. We have the ability to build an artificial limb that
2624 F Street, Bakersfield, CA n 661-323-5944 www.achillespo.com
allows someone the chance to walk again or a brace that helps relieve pain. There’s nothing better than going to work and knowing you’re making a difference in someone’s life.” That’s what Sheri Newton, Daniel’s wife, thought, too, when she joined the company as a mastectomy fitter. In 2006, Achilles received facility accreditation from the American Board of Certification in Prosthetics and Orthotics (ABC) and the Board of Certification International (BOC). Today, the entire staff works hard to ensure that every patient that walks through their doors has a positive experience and leaves with the highest quality product. It’s a mission statement that will help Achilles thrive in the future, when grandson Dustin Newton, currently gearing his college education to the field of prosthetics and orthotics, will be ready to join the family business.
35
YEARS & GROWING
Established 1979
WT
Mashburn Transportation Services, Inc.
o hear Mike Mashburn tell it, “This company exists all because of my dad, William. He always utilized nothing but hard work, dedication, and determination to accomplish work. With that as a basis, our business has evolved from one generation to the next.” Since 1987, Mashburn Transportation Services, Inc. has been serving the local community out of their location in Taft. Though they have been running strong for several decades, this family owned and operated com-
he recalled. “When customers called, they would ask specifically for Mike—they would even wait for him to return rather than have anyone else assist them!” As Mike’s wife and current owner, Denise, stated, “Mike took what his father had started and grew it, loved it, and is making it so that our sons will take it even further someday.” Fortunately, their sons Dwight and Cody are already part of the crew, set on carrying on the family tradition of excellence. Cody is still in
Dwight, Denis
“You will always do well if you just do what you tell the customer you’ll do, which is getting the job done.” pany has seen its fair share of changes. William, himself, had changed up careers several times before eventually landing in the trucking business. “I got my first truck in 1984, which was the beginning to what we currently have,” William said. (As they now have more than 50 trucks, 150 trailers, and 80 employees, it is a given that growth has been one of their strong suits.) The work and ambition put forth by William is what helped to forge one of the greatest local companies around. However, it has been maintained as such thanks to the help of his family, notably, his son. “If it weren’t for Mike, this business would have ended a long time ago,”
e, William, Mik
Fleet of trucks, 1994
William & Mike Mashburn, 1987 college, but has been helping out doing an assortment of tasks for the company for the past few years. Dwight, however, recently graduated from CSUB. It can be said that he inherited his grandfather’s focus on hard work. “I started here as a grease monkey when I was sixteen years old,” Dwight
intimated. Over the years, he moved his way up and is now the general manager. Dwight maintains that there has been a “huge difference in operations” since he first started working for the company. “Safety is our top value, as our safety goal is always consistent and never
e, & Cody Mas
hburn
changes. In this and in many other veins, we are seeking to be an industry leader, primarily by implementing new practices.” Indeed, they have expanded their services to hauling for the ag, oil, and environmental industries, amongst others. However, some things have remained consistent over the years. “We have a wonderful, dedicated team,” Denise relayed. “Some of which have been with us for around twenty years.” No matter what changes this innovative company may anticipate, one thing remains the same as it has been since day one. In the words of William, “You will always do well if you just do what you tell the customer you’ll do, which is getting the job done.” With an entire hard working family on deck doing just that, they’re sure to see many more years of family-run success to come.
27
YEARS &
GROWING P.O. Box 66, Taft, CA n 661-763-5724 www.mashburntransportation.com www.bakersfieldmagazine.net Established 1987 / Spring 2014 69
for allowing us to be Bakersfield’ s City Magazine for over 31 years � Mike, Chuck, Laura, Ryan, Melissa, Brigit, Anika, Isabel, Lisa C., Maryann, Lisa W., . . . and all of our contributors
70 Bakersfield Magazine
GARDENING WITH MRS. P
By Lynn Pitts
PRIMETIME
PHOTOS BY ISTOCK/THINKSTOCK/ALEXANDER RATHS(GARDENING), SARAH LEE (BEANS)
GARDENING
aster time in Bakersfield is still cool enough to say it’s spring, but warm enough to plant summer vegetables from seeds and transplants. It’s a good time to get out there, Carpe Diem and smell the terra firma. Oh, before I begin to talk about some great garden ideas, Mrs. P wants to get on her soapbox and sound off about people who feel compelled to tell us we should create “havens for wildlife” in our yards. Real “wildlife” can and will destroy our gardens, given half a chance. Squirrels have dug up my tulip bulbs, gophers have gorged on my petunias, and raccoons have deposited their you-know-what amongst my veggies. I do not dislike animals, but just as a weed is a plant in the wrong place, a wild animal in a garden is generally a pest. This topic reminds me of how the late Mr. P handled an incident which I call “Curtains for Peter Cottontail.” It happened at this time of year as I was sitting on the front porch. There, in front of me, appeared a rabbit that brazenly started eating my pretty daffodils. I screamed for Mr. P who grabbed his air rifle and popped off the culprit. Before he could dispose of the corpse, neighbors, out for a walk, stopped to look at the body with great concern. This couple, I should add, were imbued with gallons of “tree-
huggerness.” In fact, the wife’s name was “Bunny,” I kid you not. Mr. P sprang into action and said, “The poor rabbit had a heart attack.” The couple said they didn’t know rabbits had heart attacks. Mr. P assured them, “Oh yes, it’s the plaque buildup from flower petals.” Now, I’m not advocating using an air rifle on garden pests in urban Bakersfield; the above story happened in another much more suburban place. However, desperate times sometimes call for desperate measures. But I digress. Beginning gardeners often ask me which beans they should
Do You Know the Best Beans to Grow?
grow: bush or pole. First, let’s distinguish between 1) Broad Beans (think fava); 2) Dry Beans (think pinto); 3) Lima (think ham and limas); 4) Scarlet Runner (think ornamental vine with pretty flowers); and 5) Snap Bean (what you probably want to grow). Beans are so good for you and while they’re great steamed with a little butter, they’re fantastic dipped in tempura batter and deep-fried. Snap Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) grow as self-supporting bushes (Bush Beans) or as climbing vines (Pole Beans). Easy to grow from seed, Bush Beans are sturdy plants that will grow up to 30 inches high. “Renegade” is a good variety that has old-fashioned flavor and is a canner’s dream, yielding 6-inch straight pods. Pole Beans, also grown from seed and up to 6 feet high, need a trellis to twine up. Most gardeners are familiar with “Blue Lake” and “Kentucky Wonder” varieties. Blue Lake made Oregon’s Willamette Valley famous for canning beans. Kentucky Wonder is an heirloom variety planted by the pioneers and remembered for its rich, beany flavor. “Kentucky Blue” is the offspring of Blue Lake and Kentucky Wonder, making it a double winner. A third bean choice is the French/ Filet, otherwise known as Haricots >> www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Spring 2014 71
Gardening with Mrs. P
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Verts. With delicate, slender pods, these beans come in both bush and pole plant sizes. My front-runner (pun intended) is “Nickel.” This French baby tolerates heat and develops 4-inch long pods on strong 26-inch tall plants. The trick to planting beans is to first thoroughly water your soil and then plant three bean seeds, mounding the soil into little hills above the seeds. Don’t water again until seedlings emerge. Keep only one plant per hill and yank out the two weakest. That’s it. Lightly fertilize a couple of times and try to irrigate at soil level, keeping overhead watering to a minimum. A little spray of Malathion or Neem will help control pests. Always read the label. One pest I can do without are earwigs and they’re just icky. I’ve been told that putting some salad oil in empty tuna cans around your garden will attract earwigs to climb in and perish, so that’s worth a try. I wouldn’t waste good EVOO but a splash of Wesson might do the trick. Which reminds me of how the French handle disease and pestilence in their vineyards. I’ve just finished an interesting book about the history of the famous Champagne winery Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin. What I learned was that in the late 1700s, when the company was formed, in order to signal any impending disease and blight in their spread-out vineyards, they planted roses around the perimeters as their “canaries in the mine shaft.” Why? Well, roses catch all sorts of diseases and almost always earlier than anything else in a garden. Oh, and when plagued with marauding rabbits, they created a delicious dish called “Lapin au Champagne a la creme.” Lapin is French for rabbit, in case you were wondering, and I’m told it tastes just like chicken. Moving along, it wouldn’t be spring without the inevitable promotions of what the well-dressed gardener should wear. They’ve got it all wrong. So-called gardening clothes, at least for women, include denim overalls, adorable flowered jackets, straw hats, and fancy clogs. They are spiffy, well-pressed, and stylish. In other words, they’re not something most of us would wear to work in the garden. If you want to know what gardeners
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PHOTOS BY ISTOCK/THINKSTOCK/HENRIKL (EARWIG), DV/THINKSTOCK MARTIN POOLE (GARDENING)
Stop ruining your sneakers! Rubber shoes are easy to hose off after gardening. wear, its clothes that are loose (ok, baggy), not stiff, and won’t break your heart when the knees and bottoms become permanently dirt and grass stained despite regular washings. In short, it’s all about comfort. Elastic waistbands are a favorite since they’re easy to maneuver with grungy hands for potty trips. The same can’t be said of those cute but cumbersome overalls. Frilly tops are lovely, but sweatshirts, over-sized men’s shirts, and tees are what we really wear, the softer and looser the better. I like dark colored stretchy garden gloves that can be tossed into the washer. Cotton scarves knotted around my neck are a must. Straw hats may work for garden parties but unless they are lined with an absorbent band, it’s hard to keep the perspiration from dribbling into your eyes. Soft cotton brimmed hats or your kids’ visor caps are the thing. As for footwear, it’s got to be something that can withstand water and dirt and still be comfortable. I wear rubber shoes that can be hosed off, with old golf socks. If you really want to know what’s good for working in the yard, think bag lady. It also helps to have a large dog named Rommel to chase off squirrels and a glass of bubbly to end the day. v
innovative programs and targeted superior marketing. Lynne,s clients always receive personal attention and responsive service. Priding herself in continually meeting her customer,s needs by developing unique & creative services to handle the challenges of any given situation. With a desire to empower her clients and help them make informed
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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 / Spring 2014 73
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
HOME & GARDEN
Protecting Your Palace WE DON’T WANT TO ALARM YOU, BUT YOUR HOUSE…
IT’S JUST WAITING TO TURN ON YOU. Home ownership is one of the best things (it’s your own space, your own castle). It can also be the cause of your own headache. Especially when mayhem strikes. We’re talking fires, floods, storm damage, and even seemingly harmless things like toppling fences or old trees; all things that can potentially cause damage to your property. We can never truly be ready for these household disasters (unless you wrap your house in bubble wrap), but we can make sure we types of events. _ PREPARE FOR THE FLOOD _ Somehow you didn’t get the memo that it was going to rain like the end of times (and in this desert climate, any amount of rain tends to pool before it can be soaked into the ground). Noah’s out there buildin’ an ark and you’re stuck wondering what to do about the water that’s seeping
PHOTO BY MIKE WATSON IMAGES/MOODBOA
take steps to ensure minimal damage to our homes in these
in through the roof, walls, or around doors/windows. Don’t panic. Okay, panic for a second; we’ll turn around. Then you should make sure electrical appliances (like the TV, radios, lamps, fridge, stove, washer/dryer) are discon-
remaining water, dry carpets, but also help assess any water
nected from wall sockets. BUT! And this is a big but: do not
damage to structures and check for mold growth in areas
attempt to unplug any electrical devices if there is standing
where you had standing water, because mold can cause ma-
water near the socket. Electricity moves very easily through
jor health issues.
water and you’ll be at risk of electrocution if you try to futz
But you can avoid being in this position. Talk with a con-
around with appliances while standing in a puddle of wa-
tractor to make sure the exterior of your home is secure.
ter. Instead, switch off the power using the breaker boxes
Any cracks can let water in. A roofer can make sure there
and use flashlights and battery-powered lights (ahem, this
aren’t any holes in your roof and ceilings. These may seem
is your reminder to make sure you have plenty of those in
like silly expenditures if you haven’t had any issues, but if
case of emergencies). Once the water flow has stopped, use
something does come up, you’ll be happy you took steps to
a wet-vac to hoover up any standing water (using an electric
keep you out of hot water.
outlet NOT near the flooded area). You may also want to call a restoration professional, who can not only pull up any
74 Bakersfield Magazine
Speaking of hot, that brings up another common type of damage for households. Fire.
Continued on page 76 >>
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HOME & GARDEN RESOURCES
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garage again). Firstly, make sure the electrical wiring in your house is modern and also working in tip-top shape. An electrician can also double check outlets, power routes, and other circuits. Any faulty wiring or breaks in electrical lines can cause problems during a power surge, or get too hot and spark a fire. But since having proper and well-maintained electrical wiring in
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PHOTO BY TOMWACHS/ISTOCK/THINKSTOCK
Bakersfield Magazine’s
Home Connoisseur
Continued from page 74
_ DON’T GET ALL HEATED UP_
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young, and those with asthma. _ WILD WILD WINDS_ And while a light breeze can be a breath of fresh air after a smoky fire (that has been extinguished, of course), a galeforce wind is not. Those mighty gusts can do a lot of property damage. Everything from ripping off roof shingles and dislodging siding to flinging lawn chairs through windows! While we live in the age of 24-hour weather updates, it’s still sometimes not easy to predict when wind and other weather
HOME & GARDEN RESOURCES
will be dangerous. The solution: if your home isn’t equipped with working shutters, make sure your windows and roof are
storm proof. While some older homes have lots of character and style, those older-style windows are going to rattle and maybe shatter during heavy storms. And if they’re single-pane glass, imagine how easy they will shatter when up against flying debris. Additionally, you should make sure your home owner’s insurance is up-to-date. That patio set you love won’t be quite so charming if it’s sticking out of your or your neighbor’s window. Nor will a tree branch. Another side effect of flooding or high winds is that trees with shallow roots can just tumble right over…onto your car. Even large, deep-rooted trees can lose branches; branches that can fall onto a roof. There’s a great way to nip this potential problem in the bud: make sure the trees around your home are healthy and pruned according to their species. A trained arborist can determine if your trees are in tip-top shape or if they should be trimmed or cut down to avoid becoming a projectile during the next wind storm. The same can be said for old wooden fences. Wind and rain can topple them, potentially causing damage (or even allowing animals to escape). The best thing to do is make sure there aren’t any weak points in the fence—old, dry wood is just as
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bad as soggy, moldy wood. Of course, you could also replace a wood fence altogether and avoid this problem. Wrought iron fences can be designed to fit your style and are more durable than wood. _ OTHER CALAMATIES_ Naturally, there are a host of other household disasters that could strike. While some are hard to avoid, there are steps, like those outlined above, to make sure you’re ready for anything nature could throw at you. After all, it’s your home; it’s time to protect it, just as it protects you and your family. n
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78 Bakersfield Magazine
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Let’s Eat
Whether you’re a culinary virtuoso or a beginning
cook, we’re here to do all the prep work for you when it comes to your weekly menu. Packed with savory recipes from local chefs, reviews of the best Bakersfield restaurants, and tips on how to throw your own festive dinner parties, not to mention our extensive Dining Guide, our always-growing, alwaysfabulous Food Section will fill you up with ideas before you fill up on scrumptious food. So when you’re ready to explore a world of new flavors, just scroll through these pages
ISTOC K/ TH
INKST
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for a little inspiration.
www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Spring 2014 79
Quick Bites
Citrus Crunch
SALAD IMAGES BY JULI FELLER PHOTOGRAPHY, TANGERINE AND KALE IMAGES BY TANJALA GICA/JFGUIGNARD/ISTOCK
With spring in full force and summer on its way, now is the time to focus on the lighter side of the menu. Food that is not only great for you, but great tasting. Thankfully, Lassen’s Natural Foods & Vitamins is dishing up fresh, delicious deli items (along with a host of other local, organic products) for the hungry lunch and dinner crowd. Nutritious artisan sandwiches and crisp, flavorful salads are plentiful. So when we asked Bakersfield Lassen’s manager Jay Escover to brainstorm a recipe for magazine readers using local ingredients, he quickly set about accomplishing this task with the help of the entire Lassen’s family. What they came up with is the perfect dish for this time of year; perfect for a light lunch or a side for a healthy family dinner. Did we mention it’s also ridiculously simple to make? May we introduce the Kale Tangerine Salad.
Soem nutrition information goes right here
Lassen’s Natural Foods & Vitamins
Kale Tangerine Salad
1 bunch kale, stemmed and chopped ¾ cup fennel, julienne ½ cup red onion, julienne 1/3 cup sunflower seeds 4 tangerines, peeled and sliced into rounds ½ cup fresh lemon juice ¼ cup coconut oil 1 tsp. black pepper 80 Bakersfield Magazine
Place kale in a large bowl. In a small sauce pan, melt the coconut oil, then mix in lemon juice. Add the lemon/coconut dressing to kale mixture and “massage” dressing into kale.
Gently mix in the red onion, fennel, tangerine, sunflower seeds, and black pepper. Add more coconut oil if need be. Then, dig in! LET’S EAT
Season’s Best
T
Entertaining the Bakersfield Way
Cantaloupe and Prosciutto with a Twist
Story and photos by Yana Todorova
he spring fruit season in California’s Central Valley begins with strawberries, blueberries, cherries, and plums. Later, at the heart of the season, come the stone fruits: peaches, pluots, nectarines, and apricots. They all contain a pit, or stone, that contains the seed. And let’s not forget about the melons: they are the quintessential fruits of the warm months. But why bring up these facts? California has the advantage of a warm climate, which means that we can enjoy fresh and local fruits all year round. People often make fruit pies and cobblers, ice creams, or jams. But what about expanding our horizons and trying to incorporate fruit into appetizer platters, grain salads, and salsas for grilled meats? This spring, try to use your ripe fruits not only as a refreshing dessert or snack, but also as a part of many sweet and savory dishes. For outstanding results, use only the best fruits; those that are ripe, juicy, sweet, and untraveled. Fruits are very healthy for you, because they are rich in vitamins and antioxidants. Moreover, they are great source of dietary fiber, which helps us with digestion. The best part is that Hazelnut Brownies with Strawberries & Crème Anglaise
when you start with ripe fruits, any dish you make with them will require little embellishment. So, in this issue, I am giving you some ideas of how to include more fruits into your spring menus! Cantaloupe & Prosciutto with a Twist This is my new twist on the classic Italian combo of melon and prosciutto. To this appetizer, I added peppery arugula and shaves of salty Pecorino Romano cheese. Plus, the addition of seasonal fruit to an appetizer platter has its benefits: it boosts the plate with more fiber and vitamin C. It is not a secret that the saltiness of the prosciutto (an Italian air-cured ham) is the perfect match for sweet fruits, such as cantaloupes. Moreover, the sheep-milk cheese sprinkled on top of the wild arugula adds another hint of saltiness. And here you have it: a scrumptious way to incorporate fresh fruit into your spring appetizers. Serves 4. 4 cups diced ripe cantaloupe (or other melon) 4 oz. organic baby arugula 2 oz. Pecorino Romano cheese, shaved 2 oz. prosciutto (Italian ham), thinly sliced 3 tbsp. balsamic dressing Arrange the fruit on the bottom of each appetizer plate. In a medium bowl, toss the arugula with the dressing and divide the greens over the fruit. Top it with shavings of Pecorino cheese and sprinkle with small pieces of prosciutto.
Recipe available online at bakersfieldmagazine.net/home-a-garden
Balsamic Dressing (makes 4 tbsp.) In a small bowl, whisk together ½ tsp. sea salt, freshly ground black pepper, 1 tsp. Dijon mustard, 1 tsp. honey, and 5 tsp. balsamic vinegar. Slowly add 4 tsp. olive oil and continue to whisk until the dressing is smooth and emulsified. >>
Fruits are very healthy for you, because they are rich in vitamins and antioxidants. Moreover, they are great source of dietary fiber, which helps us with digestion. It’s time to pick up your juicy favorites! www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Spring 2014 81
Entertaining the Bakersfield Way Pork Medallions with Strawberry-Avocado Relish & Baked Sweet Potato Fries Pork tenderloin is so tender and flavorful that you don’t have to do too much to make it taste amazing. I like serving it topped with a simple Strawberry-Avocado Relish, but feel free to experiment with different fruits, such as plums, pluots, or apricots. The avocado has very neutral flavor, so it will pair perfectly with any ripe fruit. The baked sweet potato fries are excellent accompaniment to the proteinpacked meal. They are baked in the oven, instead of deep-fried, which makes them the ideal component of your light spring suppers! Serves 4. For the pork: 1 lb. pork tenderloin, cut into 12 slices • Olive oil, salt, and pepper On a cutting board, place the pork slices between 2 sheets of plastic wrap. With a meat mallet, gently pound the pork until you reach ¼ inch thickness. Preheat 1 tsp. olive oil in a large nonstick skillet. Sprinkle 6 slices of pork with salt and pepper on both sides and cook them in the skillet for 1 ½ min. on each side. Repeat the process with the remaining 6 slices. Keep the meat warm. When ready to serve, arrange the medallions on a dinner plate and spoon the chutney on top of them. Serve the baked fries on the side. For the Sweet Potato Fries: 4 medium organic sweet potatoes, washed and unpeeled (about 20 ounces) Olive oil, salt, and pepper Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Cut each potato into 8-10 wedges. In a medium bowl, toss them together with 1 tbsp. olive oil, ½ tsp. salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Place them on a single layer on a baking sheet, covered with parchment paper. Bake the fries for 20-25 min. or until golden brown and crispy. Serve immediately while still hot!
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For the Strawberry-Avocado Relish: 1 cup strawberries, diced 1 ripe avocado, peeled and diced • Lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper In a small bowl, toss together the strawberries, the avocado, 4 tsp. lime juice, 4 tsp. olive oil, ¼ tsp. salt, and black pepper. Serve right away.
Pork Medallions with Strawberry-Avocado Relish and Baked Sweet Potato Fries
These recipes are just the beginning! Now’s the time to get fruity, so don’t be afraid to incorporate fresh, ripe fruits into all your favorite dishes. LET’S EAT FOR MORE TASTY RECIPES, CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE! WWW.BAKERSFIELDMAGAZINE.NET/FOOD-A-WINE/RECIPES
What’s Cookin’ CLASSIC CUBAN SANDWICH Crispy French bread, roasted pork, ham, Swiss cheese, and dill pickles.
E
Distinctive Dining By Mike Stepanovich • Photos by Eric James
ureka! I found it! Our state’s motto is only too appropriate migrated from their native Cuba six and a half years ago and found regarding an absolute jewel of a restaurant–Rincon Cubano Cuban a home in Bakersfield. The meals they serve are authentically Cuban. Café at 1907 S. Chester Ave. And if you don’t fall in love with them and their cuisine, someIt’s like discovering buried treasure in a place you’d thing is wrong with you. least expect to find such a quality restaurant. I’m talking South ChesI’d been hearing about Rincon Cubano for a while. Casual inquiter Avenue here, a block and a half south of Ming Avenue, an older ries among friends and acquaintances generated comments like, section of town perhaps best described as industrial. If you’re looking “Oh yeah, I’ve heard something about it.” for mechanics, garage doors, or even fishing lures (Bob’s Bait Bucket is So one day, I called a friend and suggested we find this place and a block and a half south), you’re in the right neighborhood. see what the buzz is about. Fine dining? Perhaps not. But now you’ll have to add that to your We entered to find a small dining room, with six tables, two corner South Chester paradigm because Rincon Cubano is the real deal. booths, and one tall table with a couple of bar stools. We took seats Finding it is a bit of a trick. It’s at an unusual intersection, where in straight-backed stained-oak chairs at a rectangular tile-topped South K Street angles off at about 30 detable. Pictures of Cuban scenes, including a grees from South Chester. Despite the adlarge map, and other mementos decorate dress, the small, flat-roofed building that the walls. A half coconut shell filled with houses Rincon Cubano appears to be more wax and wick created a candle on our table. on South K than South Chester. Yaisel greeted us with a smile and menus, What you find upon entering is a neatasking if we were familiar with Cuban food or as-a-pin dining room, fluorescently lit, needed any help. and staffed by three women—a motherCuban cuisine is a fusion of Spanish, Afridaughter team. They’re so charming, so can, and native foods, as the region’s history friendly that you feel like you’ve been would suggest. Fried plantains (bananas) acinvited into their home. company most entrées. It’s a delightful comIn essence you have. You see, Ruly Andreu bination of flavors. DEEP-FRIED EMPANADAS and her daughters, Yaisel and Yennifer, imI had encountered Cuban food only >> stuffed with seasoned ground beef Cuban cuisine is a fusion of Spanish, African, and native foods, as the region’s history would suggest. Fried plantains (bananas) accompany most entrées. It’s a delightful combination of flavors. www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Spring 2014 83
What’s Cookin’ infrequently during my travels, and my friend acknowledged that he was not familiar with it. Yaisel graciously described the different dishes for us, then gave us a few minutes to ponder our choices. I chose the Ropa Vieja, shredded beef with rice, black beans, and fried plantains ($8.99), while my friend ordered Bistec de Pechuga de Pollo, grilled chicken breast, also with rice, black beans, and fried plantains ($7.99). We were delighted with our choices. The plantains were diagonally sliced and fried at what must be high temperature to give a dark exterior yet a firm, fresh-tasting interior. The white rice must have a small amount of oil that leaves the rice not sticky and creates a delicate flavor. The chicken was perfectly done; chicken breasts can be dry and unappealing, but my friend said his was moist and flavorful. My shredded beef reminded me of pit beef, but not as chunky and more delicately seasoned. It was delicious! I was hooked. I returned for dinner a few days later, having raved about the food to my dining companion. She, too, wasn’t much familiar with Cuban cuisine, and like me was enchanted by the welcome she received. At just the right decibel level, lively Latin music added to the atmosphere. Once again Yaisel was our server, and we decided to put ourselves in her hands in guiding us for our
were not at all greasy. The crust was brown and crisp, the meat steaming and tasty. A basket of Chicharritas ($3), or fried plantain chips, also intrigued us. These are cut the same thickness as potato chips. Again, no greasiness, certainly less than potato chips. They were slightly sweet and crunchy. We found it difficult to stop munching. Likewise, the Papas Rellenas, or stuffed potatoes, were delicious. These have a cheese-ground beef mixture in a hollowed-out, peeled small potato, coated in a breading and deep fried. I think we could have made a meal on these. We had to try the Cuban sandwich ($5.99), so
SCRUMPTIOUS FLAN chocolate and cinnamon with caramelized sugar
ARROZ CON LECHE topped with a dusting of cinnamon and sugar
dinner selections. When we said we wanted to try everything, she took us at our word. We started with three appetizers. They all sounded so good we had to try more than one. You can learn a lot about a place from the appetizers; by definition they’re small, a detail, so if a restaurant has good appetizers—paying attention to the details—chances are that everything else is good. And the appetizers were terrific. We started with Empanadas ($3), two deep-fried small pies stuffed with delicately seasoned ground beef. What struck us both was that the empanadas
we opted for that as a second course. I delight in Cuban sandwiches; I had my first one when I lived in El Paso and discovered them in a little downtown sandwich shop. Rincon Cubano’s version vies for the best I’ve ever had. It has the classic ingredients: roasted pork, ham, Swiss cheese, and dill pickles, with mustard and mayonnaise. What makes this sandwich is the bread. Rincon Cubano uses freshly made French bread— crunchy crust, soft inside. So good! My companion, like me, drinks more wine than beer, but after tasting the sandwich said, “It’s not
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ROPA VIEJA shredded beef with rice, black beans, and fried plantains
often that I want a beer, but with this I do.” Since Rincon Cubano doesn’t serve beer or wine, we waited until the next day when we had the other half of this splendid sandwich for lunch. Likewise, our entrées were splendid. My companion chose the Pollo a la Criolla ($6.99), a seasoned chicken breast that she described as “just awesome!” It was so flavorful that she thought it must have been marinated, yet Yaisel said no. Clearly it was cooked expertly to infuse the meat with that much flavor. I chose Lechon Asado, the roasted pork ($8.99). Oh wow! The meat, smothered in grilled sweet onions, was so moist and tender I didn’t bother to use a knife. The fried plantains added to the great flavors. Superb! While waiting for dessert, at Yaisel’s suggestion we tried a Cuban coffee ($1.50). It has cream and a small amount of sugar, enriching the strong coffee. We enjoyed it. Our desserts arrived, and how we had room for them I don’t know, but they were so good, we somehow managed. The flan ($2.50) was exquisite—chocolate and cinnamon with caramelized sugar; it was more like a slice of cheesecake. Mmmm! We also enjoyed the Arroz con Leche, or rice pudding ($1.99). It’s made with sweetened condensed milk, with a dusting of cinnamon and sugar. Another winner. Lest you think the prices I’ve listed are typos, I assure you they’re not. Rincon Cubano not only has fabulous food, it’s also incredibly affordable. Eureka! The restaurant is open Sunday through Thursday 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Friday 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.; it’s closed Saturday. Follow Rincon Cubano on Facebook. For reservations, call (661) 310-0807. Rincon Cubano accepts most major credit cards. LET’S EAT
Downtown Gem
Libations
PHOTOS BY JULI FELLER
Year Established: 1939
KC STEAKHOUSE Located: 2515 F Street QUICK FACTS Happy Hour: Mon-Fri, 3-6 p.m. t is rare to walk into a restaurant and feel like you’ve been whisked away to another place in time, but that’s exactly what you get when you enter K.C. Steakhouse, a longtime downtown gem. Celebrating its 75th year of serving Bakersfield some of the most perfectly cooked steaks around, this undeniably cool spot has been a local staple since Doc Kennedy opened its doors in 1939. However, you don’t have to time travel to delight in the ambiance of the past. No, they may not be rocking the same décor Mr. Kennedy installed, but since moving to their current location in 1967, the setup hasn’t evolved much (it was originally designed for Greg’s Hi Life). As Bar Manager Cassie Bittle said, “Very little has changed. The wood panelling is the same, we have the large mirrors that are lined with lights, and cozy leather booths. The large fireplace is lit up all the way through March. We even have a wood dance floor with a disco ball.” Which complements the live music they have playing Tuesday through Saturday quite nicely.
Doc Kennedy’s
Old Fashioned 2 oz. Gentleman Jack Splash of sweet vermouth 1 orange slice, cut in half • Dash of sugar 2 maraschino cherries • 2 drops of bitters
Even though, as Bittle confirmed, the bone-in ribeye and chicken piccata are basically slabs of heaven served on a plate, it would be remiss of anyone to stop by this cozy steakhouse and not try one of their delectable cocktails. With a huge selection of wines, whiskeys, and scotches to make the whole experience that much more delicious, you have your fair share of options when imbibing at K.C. Steakhouse. There is one drink, in particular, that Bittle shared with us that has patrons raving. (Considering they’ve had loyal customers who have visited for decades, they should know!) “A lot of people will order this drink before receiving their meals. It’s a wonderful start,” Bittle explained. The appropriately named Doc Kennedy’s Old Fashioned is a powerful little whiskey drink with subtle flavors of orange and cherry that grow sweeter the more you drink. Pair it up with the lovely environment and a mouth-watering meal, and you’ll be in for the evening of a lifetime. CHEERS In a shaker, muddle half of the orange slice (peel removed), one maraschino cherry (stem removed), sugar, and bitters. Add sweet vermouth and Gentleman Jack, fill with ice, and shake well. Pour into rocks glass and garnish with remaining cherry and twisted orange slice.
It is rare to walk into a restaurant and feel like you’ve been whisked away to another place in time, but that’s exactly what you get when you enter K.C. Steakhouse, a longtime downtown gem. www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Spring 2014 85
Asia Market - Teriyaki Bowl
The Dining Guide
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 Teriyaki Bowl at 3699 Ming Ave. (661) 832-6392
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
Sinaloa Mexican Restaurant
Serving traditional Mexican cuisine to Bakersfield residents since 1948. Perfectly situated downtown, just west of Central Park. Open Tue-Thu 11:15am-8pm, FriSat 11:15am-9pm, and Sunday 11:15am-8pm. Closed on Mondays. Sinaloa is located at 910 20th Street. (661) 327-5231
Café Med
Café Med has been a Bakersfield tradition for over 20 years. Their diverse menu includes Mediterranean and American cuisine, along with an extensive wine list. Café Med offers daily family style dinners to go from 4-7pm, 7 days a week. Serves up to 5 people. Starting from $31.99. Call for more information. Café Med is open 11am to close 7 days a week. Visa, MC, AE, DC. Located at 4809 Stockdale Hwy., in the Stockdale Fashion Plaza. Like us on Facebook, or go to Cafemedrestaurant.com (661) 834-4433
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
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Belvedere Room in the Padre Hotel
The Chefs at the Belvedere Room offer a distinctive experience that marries oldworld style with modern tastes. From ranch raised beef to seafood delicacies, each dish is thoughtfully prepared for your culinary delight. Explore our innovative wine list or allow us to find you the perfect pairing. Call or visit the website for reservations. Open for dinner nightly. 1702 18th Street. www.thepadrehotel.com (661) 427-4900
La Colonia Mexican Restaurant
When you’re craving some of the most delicious Mexican food in town, look no further than La Colonia. Serving up authentic breakfasts, lunches, and dinners to locals for years, there’s truly something satisfying on the menu for everyone, regardless of your preference. Come out and try some of the Burritos de La Colonia, delicious combination plates, or mariscos dishes and see why they have guests who dine there every single week. Pick up a gift card for a wonderful, unique present for the people you know who enjoy the best things in life! Available for dine-in and carry out. Banquet room available, seats 50. Open Mon-Thu 10:30am-8pm, Fri 10:30am-9pm, Sat 9am-9pm, and Sun 8:30am-3pm. 1809 Potomac Ave. (661) 323-3855
Valentien Restaurant and Wine Bar
French Cuisine Fused With California Freshness Seafood, Poultry, Beef, Exotic Game, and Vegetarian/Vegan Items. 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! Dinner reservations Mon-Sat, 4:30pm-8:30pm. Lunch reservations Friday ONLY 11:30am-2:00pm. All major credit cards are accepted. Reservations recommended but not required. 3310 Truxtun Ave., Ste. 160, 93301 www.valentienrestaurant.com (661) 864-0397
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The Dining Guide
The Village Sports Bar & Grill
Come see what’s becoming Bakersfield’s most popular locally owned and operated sports bar and grill! This is one dining experience you won’t soon forget, featuring: management with over 24 years of experience, full bar, spacious dining area, outdoor patio, catering, food made fresh (everything is made from scratch; nothing is brought in frozen), pool table area, and nine screens to watch sports on. Thank you, Bakersfield, for your continued support and for helping us grow into what we’ve become today! Karaoke on Thursdays 8pm-1am. Opens at 11am daily. Kitchen closes at 10pm Sun-Wed, and at 11pm Thu-Sat. 4837 Panama Ln. (661) 282-8990
Lassens Natural Foods & Vitamins
Lassens Natural Foods & Vitamins offers a full-service deli and organic salad bar featuring made-to-order sandwiches, juices & smoothies, a selection of homemade soups prepared fresh daily, and a sustainable seafood to-go sushi bar. Ask to order Jay’s signature “Hempnut” smoothie – a delicious and healthy combination of organic kale, berries, hemp protein, and coconut oil. Our deli’s spacious seating area is the perfect place to get together with friends or family. Free wi-fi, organic coffee and tea, and custom platters are available. Our store features organic and local produce, a large selection of vitamins and supplements, natural body care, gluten free and vegan options, organic groceries, and more. Family-owned for over 40 years. Mon-Sat 9am-9pm. Deli closes at 8pm. 4308 California Avenue. www.lassens.com www.lassensloves.com (661)324-6990
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
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
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The Dining Guide
Locations!
Cataldo’s Pizzeria Riverwalk
Fresh New York Style Pizza! Come experience the flavors of the traditional handtossed New York style pizza. Our pizzas and calzones are made to order in brick ovens from the freshest ingredients with homemade pizza sauces and doughs. We use the best of natural cheeses, like mozzarella, feta, and parmesan. Try our pizza by the slice or as a whole pie. Slices are taken from our 30” pizza, and are prepared with our Italian-style marinara pizza sauce, cheese, and toppings of your choice. Lunch slices come with a free drink (Mon-Fri). We serve pastas, wings, fried chicken, and potato logs, salads, and dressings. Beer & wine available. Family-style dine in, carry out, or delivery. Open Sun-Thu from 11am-9pm and Fri-Sat 11am10pm. 13011 Stockdale Hwy. (& Allen Rd.) cataldospizza.com (661) 587-7888
Saigon Restaurant
We invite you to try the best place in town for fresh and traditional Vietnamese cuisine! Since 1998, we have served the absolute healthiest dining options to the people of Bakersfield. From unique appetizers, soups, salads, and vermicelli dishes to Boba drinks and Vietnamese beer, we have everything you crave for a true culinary experience. Our pho, noodle soups, vegetarian dishes, and a la carte items featuring seafood, pork, beef, and chicken will satisfy your craving for traditional Vietnamese food. Lunch Specials from 11am-3pm. Individual Dinner Specials after 4pm. Hours: Mon-Sat 11am-9pm. Closed Sunday. 3113 Chester Ln. www.saigonbakersfield.com (661) 327-8810
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El Portal Mexican Restaurant
We invite you to enjoy both of our Mexican Grill and Cantinas, El Portal Ming and El Portal West. We offer a great selection of appetizers, soups & salads, seafood, and our specialties are chicken, steak, and shrimp fajitas. Happy Hour for Ming Ave. Mon-Fri 4-7pm (bar only) and at West location 3-7pm (bar only), lunch specials every day, 11am-2pm. Fabulous Sunday Brunch, 10am3pm, reservations accepted. Two locations to serve you. El Portal Mexican Restaurant located at 6641 Ming Ave. (661) 834-2629, and El Portal West, located at 1100 Calloway Dr. (661) 829-2737
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. Visit us on Facebook! www.uricchios-trattoria.com. 1400 17th St. Downtown. (661) 326-8870
Thomas D. Nelson, D.P.M., Inc. DIPLOMAT AMERICAN BOARD OF PODIATRIC SURGERY MEDICINE & SURGERY OF THE FOOT
Fresh
From the Farm
Stuffed
Kobacha Squash 1 small kabocha squash 3 cloves chopped garlic 2-4 tbsp. chopped cilantro 1 tbsp. Cajun seasonings and cumin 1 tbsp. Grade B maple syrup or raw honey 1 tbsp. olive oil or ghee (optional) Cut squash in half and scoop out the seeds. Stuff the garlic, cilantro, and seasonings into the squash. Place the squash into 2-3 inches of water in a large pot. Steam over low heat for about 15 minutes. Turn off the heat and cover for 10 more minutes. Before serving, drizzle with maple syrup and olive oil.
(661) 322-2895 1701 27th Street | Bakersfield, CA 93301 Office Hours by Appointment
The Women’s Care Center Armi Lynn Walker, M.D. Cary Shakespeare, M.D.
• • • • • • •
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
MEDICAL PROFILES
A trip to one of the many farmers’ markets in Bakersfield is a delight for the all senses. The Haggin Oaks Farmers’ Market is an outstanding example of this, where amidst the bright, delicious produce, freshly baked breads and pastries, colorful baskets, scented oils, fresh organic juices, original artwork, and live music, you will find another unique gem: live cooking demos brimming with healthy tidbits. Rachel Ngai is a local dietician and natural hygiene coach, and she is a regular at this particular market— but she’s not just there to shop. “I volunteer two to four Sundays a month,” Ngai said, “either providing recipes like green juice or nutrition information, such as the benefits of fennel. Sometimes I do food decoration, like eggplant animals!” Ngai’s journey began by talking to our local friendly farmers and asking questions. Soon, they started to ask her the questions, and requested she use their locally grown, seasonal produce to showcase her knowledge and talents. You can find her there most Sundays, concocting beautiful edible creations to the amazement of the crowd she has gathered around her. She shared one of her many original recipes with us, featuring kobacha squash. Trust us: you’ll definitely want to make more than one! v
Dr. Thomas D Nelson
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 www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Spring 2014 89
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St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
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THERE’S LITTLE QUESTION THAT ST. JUDE CHILDREN’S RESEARCH HOSPITAL HAS BEEN INSTRUMENTAL IN SAVING THE LIVES OF SOME OF THE WORLD’S MOST VULNERABLE PATIENTS SINCE THEY BEGAN OPERATIONS IN 1962. Over the years, they have consistently teamed up with world-class physicians to bring children who have been diagnosed with cancer successful treatment options and hope for a healthy future. With increased leaps in information and the use of “next-generation technology,” the sort of services they can provide their patients are nothing short of astounding. One such next-gen treatment, set to be available on their campus in the fall of 2015, and used specifically for children who suffer from certain types of musculoskeletal and brain tumors, is an incredible form of therapy with a description that reads like something right out of a science fiction novel. It is known in the medical and scientific worlds as proton beam therapy, and it has garnered great interest concerning cancer treatment within the past decade. A closer inspection in regards to what it actually is proves that the therapy is just as intriguing as it sounds, and that local residents are reaping the benefits. Though this is all a new and exciting frontier for everyone involved, there is one Bakersfield resident who already knows just how life-changing the new therapy is. “I was diagnosed with a craniopharyngioma [a brain tumor that sits in the middle of the
Proton Beam Therapy has garnered great interest concerning cancer treatment within the past decade. A closer inspection in regards to what it actually is proves that the therapy is just as intriguing as it sounds, and that local residents are reaping the benefits. brain, just behind the eyes] in September 2011 and sought treatment at a very well-known hospital in Southern California,” Bethany Elliott, former St. Jude patient and current volunteer, began. “It was decided that my tumor is inoperable, as the benefits of surgery do not outweigh the risks. Also, there is no type of chemotherapy known to work on this tumor. They said they could try a few things and they might work but nobody was sure; they had seen fewer than ten of these tumors before.” Determined to find the best possible solution and treatment for her rare condition, Elliott and her family eventually discovered
that St. Jude had just begun implementing a protocol for craniopharyngioma and proton therapy. “Proton therapy is one of the most promising new treatments available,” Elliott said, going on to explain just how it differs from traditional radiation, and how these differences made the therapy a clear choice for her particular needs. “In traditional radiation, the radiation oncologists aim for the tumor and it goes through the body, to the tumor, and out the other side of the body. Everything in the path of the radiation gets treated and essentially gets damaged to some extent. With proton radiation, they are able to aim at the tumor and make the dose stop after it penetrates the tumor, sparing a large amount of healthy tissue ‘behind’ the tumor. This is especially important with brain tumors because of the surrounding brain; there is no unimportant tissue in the brain.” Therapies used to treat cancer aren’t typically known to be the easiest things to undergo, especially for a child. However, El-
Bethany Elliott, former St. Jude patient and current volunteer, next to Dream Home Giveaway house.
liott relayed that, while it did take a bit of adjusting, she was able to acclimate with relative ease. “Proton radiation treatment took about an hour or two each day from start to finish including waiting room and getting set up on the treatment table. I had thirty days [or six weeks] of radiation to the brain in which they strapped my head to a table and positioned me carefully. I laid very still and the actual treatment only took a few minutes. >> www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Spring 2014 91
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to them occurring during the actual radiation. She was able to go about her daily routine just fine during the therapy, but the weeks following, she would experience moderate nausea, vomiting, and headaches. “The hardest part is when it was over,” she said. Chief of Radiation Oncology for the hospital Dr. Thomas E. Merchant explained, “The proton is a particle. It is the nucleus of the hydrogen atom. Because it is positively charged, it can be accelerated to very high energy which allows it to penetrate tissue.” And it can also be controlled, unlike x-ray therapies. Both therapies control the rate of tumor growth the same, but considering the arduous nature of the illnesses being treated, this is wonderful news concerning patient recovery. “[Through ongoing research], the hope is to increase tumor control rates, reduce side effects, and make this newer form of radiation therapy more acceptable to all children.” Upon announcing that such treat-
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Dr. Thomas E. Merchant
ment would be possible through St. Jude, the chief executive officer of the research hospital, Dr. William Evans, made it clear that they were, once again, proving to be leaders in the industry. “By bringing the technology to our campus, we will become the first center in the country offering this cutting-edge therapy solely for the purpose of treating children with brain tumors and other pediatric cancer,” he said. Considering the predicament in which Elliott found herself, this was the most viable option. Regardless, Elliott said that she is “very thankful for St. Jude” for affording her the chance to utilize proton therapy for her tumor. “I truly believe nothing else would have worked,” she confessed. “Since treatment, my tumor has shrunk by one-third and has now remained stable for two years. I am now twenty-one years old and am spending my time in nursing school at CSUB so I can become a nurse and help others.” Her experience with St. Jude truly changed her, and Elliott has been passionate about helping others and giving back since undergoing her therapy. Not everyone may be aware of this, but St. Jude covers all of their patients’ costs, from food and housing to actual treatment. The only way they’re able to do this is through fundraising, and Bakersfield plays an instrumental role in this every year. This is vital, as countless children in our own county have battled cancer and have won with the help of St. Jude. Our local fundraising efforts are saving the lives of the children of our own friends, families, and neighbors. The local Dream Home Giveaway raises at least one million dollars annually, and you can support the Hospital’s endeavors (and, aside from possibly winning a new home valued at $525k, be in the running for other stellar prizes) by purchasing a ticket for the local Dream Home Giveaway at any of the Kern Schools Federal Credit Union branches, Ashley Furniture HomeStore, or by calling (800) 3859134. Winning so much for such a small cost is a great motivator, but the fact that we are siding up with an organization that has helped raise the overall survival rate for children with cancer, including those in Kern County, from 20 percent to 80 percent makes everyone a winner. n
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PHOTO BY ANN-MARGARET HEDGES, ST. JUDE CHILDREN’S RESEARCH HOSPITAL
Before every dose, the technologists would x-ray my head to make sure I was in the exact correct position.” While that may sound like a tremendous task, within itself, the folks at St. Jude made it as easy on Elliott as possible. “They let me bring my own music to listen to,” she said, “and I got used to the process very quickly.” The aftermath was quite different compared to traditional radiation, according to Elliott. Interestingly, any side effects are delayed about six weeks, as opposed
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PHOTOS COURTESY OF BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF KERN COUNTY
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The kids will be performing—singing and dancing—throughout the community at a number of events, including singing the National Anthem at Bakersfield Blaze games.
“We’ve been trying to get the land behind the Club’s Armstrong Youth Center on Niles for decades,” explained Resource Development Director Maggie Cushine. “It was always owned privately and just too expensive for our budget.” But then they saw the announcement for a grant that would allow them to purchase the land and transform it into a safe, fun space for kids. Preparations are underway on the transformation of a barren piece of unused land to a park-like yard for the children of the Clubs to enjoy. “It’s been a long dream to have that property [which is roughly 22,000 square feet]. It will mean so much for the kids—to be able to play outside and still be safe [since the area is enclosed],” Cushine said. “We plan to have grass [for soccer or games], environmentally friendly plantings, and a covered cement area with picnic tables for outdoor activities. The back of the Youth Center’s wall faces the proposed green space and we would love for the Club members to create a new mural as part of this neighborhood improvement.” A new yard is not the only Club activity causing excitement in the community. “We knew that a lot of children from the east part of town don’t have a lot of access to explore the performing arts like dance or theater,” The kids will be able to play outside and still be safe, since the new 22,000 sq.ft. area is enclosed. Smith explained.
“We wanted to create that opportunity for our kids to have voice, dance, and acting lessons…even lessons on stage production and behind-the-scenes work.” It all started with a workshop in which two local performing artists came to work with those kids that were interested. “It was a success and a large number of the kids wished that it could continue,” Smith added. “So we created the Performing Arts Team.” The kids will be performing—singing and dancing—throughout the community at a number of events, including singing the National Anthem at Bakersfield Blaze games. “You see these kid develop a passion for performing,” he continued. “This is building their self-confidence because some have never been on stage and some have educational challenges. But this pushes them. They have to learn lines and learn stage directions and speak in public, not to mention develop their critical thinking skills…so it’s improving their academics, too. They’re developing a sense of self while they are enjoying a great creative outlet. We’re seeing these kids find their voices.” Not only that, but our Performing Arts Team has submitted a choreographed music video to the Boys & Girls Clubs of American talent search. If they are chosen, they’ll be flown to San Francisco to perform for the judges. That will definitely be a fun challenge for some of these kids to triumph over. If you’d like more information on the Clubs’ programs or how you can help, visit bgclubsofkerncounty.org. n
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Though the Boys & Girls Clubs of Kern County has had a presence in this community for nearly 50 years, the organization continues to evolve in order to support the youth in our area in reaching their full potential. That isn’t always easy. Especially when economic challenges arise and grant money runs out. “The reality for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Kern County is that although we appear very autonomous and self-sufficient because we’re a high performer in the community, we’re constantly behind the eight ball when it comes to budget,” explained Executive Director Zane Smith. “We invest everything we have into providing new services for the children in our community. Some of those services include new programs that we develop using grant money and community donations.” But, as Smith explained, grant money isn’t always renewed year after year and community contributions can vary. That doesn’t mean the Clubs will cut those programs, though. “Quite the contrary,” Smith said. “We would never cut a program that was helping children in any way. We just dig deep and look within the organization to find ways to keep that service running. Luckily, Kern County is generous. The community has this philosophy of taking care of our own, so people really rally behind causes.” As with most other nonprofits, the Clubs can’t function without community support. “Everything we do for these kids happens thanks to local partners, sponsors, and donations.” And, of course, local and national grants. And speaking of grants, the organization was recently awarded a huge grant to help reach a longtime goal.
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The local chapter of the American Red Cross got supporters of their Real Heroes Event primped and primed in true 1940s fashion with their Hat Party Social. Those in attendance donned their best headpieces while nibbling on hors d’oeuvres and sipping on wine. Hats and jewelry were also available to purchase, but the fashion tips were complimentary at this charitable event.
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The Southern California Camellia Society hosted its annual Camellia Show at the Bakersfield Racquet Club. Participants brought their most beautiful camellias arranged in creative, unique designs and put them before a panel of judges to see who truly had the top flower in town. After the judging, the general public was allowed to enjoy the entries.
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The Buena Vista Museum was the place for CSUB Geo Club members to be for their 6th Annual BBQ. Those in attendance were able to dine while being surrounded by the Museum’s very interesting exhibits. Undoubtedly a fun way to spend an evening, participants were able to also take part in some delightful opportunity drawings while mingling amongst colleagues.
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This gathering certainly put the “fun” in fundraiser! People from all over town came out to celebrate Fat Tuesday to help raise funds for Our Lady of Perpetual Help at their annual Mardi Gras celebration. A delectable Harris Ranch NY steak or barbecue chicken dinner was provided with the purchase of the tickets, as were snack foods, games, prizes, and a smashing good time.
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Four alumni from CSUB were honored as being this year’s inductees into the school’s Hall of Fame, which was established as a way to recognize former students who have made a “significant contribution in their chosen field or endeavor and/or in their community.” Supporters gathered at the Petroleum Club to toast Audrey Cochran, Dr. Lynne Hall, John Nilon, and Russell Judd.
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Once again, the local chapter of the American Heart Association hosted a beautiful event for their annual Go Red Luncheon. Attendees were treated with posh shopping, informative speeches and seminars, a heart-healthy lunch, and a fashion show featuring survivors of heart diseases all while donning their best red attire.
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To kick off a yearlong celebration in honor of the 75th anniversary of John Steinbeck’s The Grapes of Wrath, CSUB’s School of Arts and Humanities and the Public History Institute hosted a fabulous gala at the Fox Theatre. The VIP party included hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, a special auction, and a meeting with musician Dave Alvin before a concert and a screening of the 1939 classic.
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People of all ages came out to support the Brain Injury Association of California’s annual walk, run, and ride event. Taking place at Pioneer Village, participants had the option to walk a mile, run a 5k, or ride their motorcycles 65 miles. Afterward, tri-tip sandwiches, entertainment, activities for kids, music, and prize drawings capped off a great event for this nonprofit.
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bakersfield’s sound BudweiserRocket Breaking the sound barrier on land c.1979
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t was William A. Ward who once said, “Adversity causes some men to break, others to break records.” There was no notable adversity that drove Stan Barrett to break the sound barrier on land that cold December morning in 1979—just the dream that was carried by both the man and the owner of the vehicle that propelled him to glory, Hal Needham. However, what neither may have been able to predict was the adversity that followed his seemingly incredible feat; a controversy that still lives on, to this day. While thereʼs no question that what Barrett did at Edwardʼs Air Force Base took guts, the validity of his claims and those of witnesses and officials was riddled with so many questions that many refuse to credit the man with his alleged record of traveling an astounding 739.666 miles per hour, breaking the speed of sound. Barrett was a Hollywood stunt man for celebrities such as Paul Newman, and he had worked with Needham, who has films like Smokey and the Bandit to his directorial credit. The vehicle used was named the Budweiser Rocket, as it was sponsored by the beer company and was built for optimum speed. Those might be the only facts that all can agree upon. There were a number of components missing from the claims that Barrett had, indeed, achieved Mach 1.01 out there in the Mojave Desert. In an article written by Don Baumea a number of inconsistencies are pointed out. “Hal Needham and the team must have reckoned that the rules for land speed racing were in fact obsolete and did not apply to their project,” Baumea chastised, going on to list that the equipment used to test the speed was faulty, as it somehow recorded a nearby truck that was going under 40 m.p.h. rather than the Rocket. (However, he fails to mention that both the Air Force and Chuck Yeager confirmed the reported speed, adding more fire to this heated debate.) Also, as opposed to having the traditional “impartial officials” review the final speed, an entire team named Project S.O.S. and the International Hot Rod Association gave the final review, neither being known for having “the ability to independently set up the necessary timing and recording equipment, collect, calculate and interpret the raw data for a supersonic aerodynamic event.” No one present heard a sonic boom, either. Important documents were never made public, and retesting never occurred. Paul Newman was reported to have told Barrett, “Thatʼs the first time in fifty years that Iʼve prayed,” but no amount of prayers could help them to officially hold the record. What quickly became the most controversial record to have ever been reportedly set in the world of speed has now been overshadowed by more well-documented records. While many questions still linger in regards to Barrettʼs feat, one thing remains clear: record or no, history was, indeed, made.
the story of bakersfield is all around us, you just have to look — and listen. 106 Bakersfield Magazine
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