Bakersfield Magazine • 25-3 issue • Sizzlin Singles by Bakersfield Magazine

Dream Homes Edition: “Surviving the Suburbs” VOL. 25 NO. 3

Exclusive! Voices From the Cold Case Files

Top Chefs: Their Dream Kitchen Secrets

BAKERSFIELD’S ONLY CITY & REGIONAL MAGAZINE

Sizzlin’ Singles

Geocaching: Our Bug Travels the Globe

DREAM HOMES

3.50

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Plus... WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

Past Singles Update

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first...(again) The First and Only Maternity Care Center in Bakersfield to Receive the Prestigious 5-Star Rating from HealthGrades for Five Years in a Row TM

The First and Only Nationally Certified Stroke Center between Los Angeles and San Francisco The First and Only Nationally Recognized Bariatric Center of Excellence in Kern County The First and Only Hospital in Bakersfield with a 64-Slice CT Scanner The First Hospital to Perform Angiograms and Open-Heart Surgery in Kern County The First and Only Nationally Certified, Hospital-Based Diabetes Education Program The First Tobacco-Free Hospital Campus in Kern County Coming soon: The First and Only Burn Center in Kern County, Affiliated with a World-Renowned Center

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DREAM HOMES 2008

Contents

EDMUND FISHER M.D., F.A.C.S.

F E AT U R E S Ear, Nose & Throat Specialist

Big names and famous faces from our city

25 Years of Change.................35

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New Procedures For Snoring (Treated in Office)

Stuffy Nose • Sleep Apnea Voice & Ear Problems

COSMETIC FACIAL SURGERY

The ultimate how-to for your life in the ‘burbs

SUBURBAN SURVIVAl GUIdE

Our 5th year! A new cast and a big reunion

SIZZlIN’ SINGlES

Giving families the chance for a better life

Homeless Center..................53

• Eyelid & Endoscopic Brow Lift • Chin & Cheek Implants • Face, Neck & Lip Lift • BOTOX® • Rhinoplasty Expert • Injectable Fillers

Got the gardening Q’s? Try out these A’s

GARdENING WITh MRS. P

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Breathing new life into once cold cases

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ChASING ThE BEAST

What’s in theirs? Our local chefs dish it out

Great American Kitchens......65 What do our neighborhoods say about us?

The Norms............................67

Be sure to surf, shop, and explore in Oceanside

GREAT GETAWAYS

101

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BakersfieldMagazine ❖

DREAM HOMES 2008

Contents

D E PA RT M E N T S In pursuit of perfection: pushing the envelope

Step on the gas, and experience the thrill

Letter from the Editor.................15

Auto Review......................111 A salad to satisfy your light summer palate

Quick Bites..........................116 Need copy to go here. Need copy to go here.

Valentien gives us a taste of perfection

What’s Cookin’.....................117

Kern County tidbits, trivia and treasures

KERN FACTS

Funky cool styles that equal big fashion

The Bakersfield Look...............31 This local is helping the world M.O.V.E.

Citizen Kern.........................33 Small par ts are big business for Patel

Risktakers............................37 Find perfection in Home Imperfections

A Harley-Davidson is your answer to high fuel costs with some models getting up to 60 MPG. Factor in congestion relief on our roads, environmentally friendly & low price of insurance & you’ll see why black & orange can save you a lot of green.

Home and Garden................95

Backyard bashes have never been so fun

ENTERTAINING The BAKersfield WAY

119

New ladies, new menus, new charities

Lunch Bunch....................12 3

See what to do if you’ve got “Millennials”

Human Resources................104

Gold medals grow on the vine in Paso Robles Stay healthy & fit with our new Fitness Editor

105

LOOKING GOOD

Bakersfield Harley-Davidson FEELIN’ GOOD 35089 Merle Haggard Dr. 325-3644 10 Bakersfield Magazine - Celebrating 25 years!

LIFE IS A CABERNET

125

We came, we captured. Were you there?

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

www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Dream Homes 2008 11

special advertising sections DREAM HOMES 2008

Builders Showcase BUILDERS PROFILES

McMillin Homes.....................................83 Meritage Homes.....................................84 Castle & Cooke........................................85 Heights at Rio Bravo..................................86 Delfino Homes.........................................87 Lennar Homes.........................................88 John Balfanz Homes................................89

Luxury Homes Mary Christenson............................90,91 Gary Belter..............................................92 Jeff Jackson.............................................93

Home & GARden ReSouRCeS

Home & Garden..........................95

Looking Good, Feelin’ Good......105

Shoppers Bazaar.....................113

the dining guide The Dining Guide......................127

Religious Schools & Worship Services Directory Worship Directory......................132

Medical Profiles..........................133

everafters... Weddings..............................134

18th Annual

Corporate Relocation Issue

ne Co xt mi is ng su e!

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1 Bakersfield Magazine - Celebrating 5 years!

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Outstanding Agents... Outstanding Results...

INCORPORATED

BAKERSFIELD’S ONLY CITY AND REGIONAL MAGAZINE Vol. 5 No.

Dream Homes 008

Publishers Les & Donna Corum

Operations Director Mike Corum Editor Donna Corum

Editorial Assistant Anika Henrikson Copy Editor Camille Gavin

Garden Editor Lynn Pitts

Historical Editor Chris Brewer

Wine & Food Editor Mike Stepanovich

East Kern Editor Donna McCrohan Rosenthal Fitness Editor Sean Kenny

SuCasaBakersfield.com BakersfieldHomesForSale.com terrigarcia@remax.net

Creative Director Chuck Barnes

3550 Stine Road, Ste 101 Bakersfield, CA 93309 (661)837-0101 837-0101 Cell: (661) Cell:(661) (661)477-3743 477-3743

Graphic Artists Laura Turner, Preya Patel Systems / Production Ryan Turner

Sales & Marketing Brigit Ayers, Robin Daves Douglas “Dale” Heflin Contributing Writers Naomi Moss, George Gilbert Lynch, Gordon Lull Tracie Grimes, Debra Blackmon, Holly Culhane Camille Gavin, Loron Hodge, Miles Johnson John Dickerson, Johnie W. Burch, IV Administrative Assistants Melissa Galvan, Daisy Ramirez

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Cover Photo Two Humans Photography Bakersfield Magazine, Inc. 1 01 New Stine Road, Suite 00 Bakersfield, CA 93309 Office (661) 834-4126 Fax (661) 834-5495 Email: marketing@bakersfieldmagazine.net website: bakersfieldmagazine.net

Bakersfield Magazine is published bi-monthly by Bakersfield Magazine, Inc. All rights reserved. ©Copyright 008 by Bakersfield Magazine, Inc. Reproduction in whole or in part of any text, photograph or illustration without written permission from the publishers 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 owners. Bakersfield Magazine, Inc. assumes no responsibility or liability for claims made by advertisers. Subscription rate is $ . 5 for 1 issues.

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Letter from the Editor

Diane Lew

More Pleasant Surprises First, I’d like to thank all of you for your compliments on our first ever Pet Issue. The response has been tremendous and flattering. It’s wonderful to hear. And we’ve had so many positive comments about the issue’s cover. Some in the office wondered if it was too edgy, but I’m glad to see that you enjoyed the look of it as much as I did the first time I saw it. As always, we look forward to bringing you fresh, exciting things— always ever ready to push the envelope. The issue you hold in your hands now is no different. You’ll find another first for us— the largest, most in-depth story we’ve ever printed. When I first heard Sheriff Youngblood was creating a task force to re-open investigations from Kern County that had long gone cold, I knew there was a story waiting to be told, and a big story at that. But who to tell it? It would have to be positive and delicately handled—and none but Gordon Lull came to mind. For the piece, our veteran freelancer has weaved a rich, and ultimately inspiring story of tragedy, passion, and triumph with the help of the detectives that actually handled these cases. Voices from the Cold Case Files starts on page 5 . Additionally, as this is not only our Dream Homes issue but also features our picks for 008’s Sizzlin’ Singles (the fun starts on page ), we chose to not only profile this year’s roster, but also include an update from our past singles! See who we were able to track down and read up on what they’re doing now. And as you know, our single men will participate in the Boots and Bachelors Auction in the fall, with proceeds benefiting the Bakersfield Homeless Center. That got me thinking. I wanted to turn the spotlight onto the center itself and hear stories from families who’s lives were bettered by the supportive staff and services offered there. The heartbreak and fear these families endured is nothing compared to the joy they’re experiencing now, only a short time after they left. You’ll find their stories on page 5 . I encourage everyone to donate what they can to the center to ensure they’re able to continue helping families in need. Now, for those of you anxious to uncover the faces of our new members of The Lunch Bunch, look no further than page 1 . I am delighted to have three more philanthropic women join us in helping local charities. These women have brought fresh energy into the group and I am thrilled to discover new ways to become involved with the nonprofit organizations As always, we look forward to close to their hearts. Read on to find out bringing you fresh, exciting which charities they are a part of. things—always ever ready More big news for us. We feel very fortunate that Bakersfield’s own Certified to push the envelope. Physical Trainer Sean Kenny, who has ~Donna Corum, Co-Publisher/Editor more credentials than anyone we’ve ever known of locally, has become our Fitness Editor and will begin writing Looking Good, Feelin’ Good. His tips, insights, and knowledge about health and wellness are sure to help you achieve a healthy lifestyle, or keep you on the right track so you can enjoy all of our local restaurants and still stay in great shape. Discover ways to look your best and feel your best on page 105. As always, this issue is full of fun and interesting facts from Kern County, and hopefully you learn something new about the city you call home. George Gilbert Lynch, in his continuing coverage on 25 years in Bakersfield, brings you the back story on national celebrities with Kern County roots and for Quick Bites with Local Flavor, the Courtside Café offered a tasty recipe for a summer salad that you can’t live without. All your favorites are still here, including Risktakers and What’s Cookin’, along with new ones like The Bakersfield Look. You continue to be the most amazing readers an editor could ask for, and I always look forward to hearing from you.

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16 Bakersfield Magazine - Celebrating 25 years!

Kern Facts

People • Places • Events

They’re a couple that works together—he’s the president of Structure Cast and she’s the project manager—and plays together, but just how much are Brent and Anna Dezember alike?

HIS & Hers How did you meet your spouse? Anna: I met Brent at West High School. We were in a group of friends and had a sociology class together. Brent: We met years ago at West High in a sociology class. I was instantly smitten!

What is the funniest thing that happened when you were first dating? Anna: When we were on a field trip to Tehachapi State Prison with our sociology class, as a trick, and to scare me, Brent pushed me into a dark broom closet like I was a prisoner. Brent: When I asked Anna out on a date for the very first time, she didn’t answer and turned and ran away.

What is the craziest thing your spouse has ever done for you? Anna: On our 5th anniversary year, Brent planned a trip around the 8th of every month to celebrate and we went back to places where we had spent previous anniversaries...1 celebrations in one year! Brent: Anna bought me a 1 Jensen Interceptor sports car for my 0th birthday and I’ve been playing with it ever since. Which celebrity do you think your spouse most resembles? Anna: Gary Cooper—handsome, strong, rugged, honest, true, faithful... a man’s man. Brent: Andie McDowell. Which celebrity would your spouse say you most resemble? Anna: Andie McDowell? Brent: Any of the leading men in black and white movies...she loves those!

IN STEP WITH:

Brent & Anna Dezember

Has your spouse ever done anything to get in trouble with you? Anna: We were first married and living in L.A. and Brent was at a fraternity “meeting” and forgot to come home that night. Brent: Where do I begin? Trouble is Anna’s middle...or should I say first name! Who does all the cookin’? Are they any good at it? Anna: I do most of the cooking. I hope I’m good at it...I love it! Brent: I just cook often enough to remind me how good a cook Anna is.

How do you unwind after a long day? Anna: Take off my shoes, connect with Brent, put on my “comfies” and watch a black and white movie. Brent: Go through the mail, read the paper, and connect with Anna. What makes your spouse squeamish? Anna: Eggplant. Brent: Public bathrooms!

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Kern Facts

A Voice in a World of Silence

By Johnie W. Burch, IV

THE RIGHT GEAR AND EXPERTISE. EVERYDAY.

Sandi Heﬂin, the founder and director of Color of Language displays their calendar.

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REATED IN BAKERSFIELD, COLOR OF LANGUAGE, NOW AN INTERNATIONALLY recognized nonprofit organization, provides, to those with hearing impairments, an essential function that many take for granted: the ability to communicate. In a world of silence, Color of Language offers a voice to those in need of one most. “[It] was founded from total frustration that hard-of-hearing and deaf children were not getting the language development that they need,” explained Sandi Heﬂin, founder and executive director. “Color of Language is here to make things easier.” And make things easier they do, producing and distributing a myriad of educational materials geared towards teaching young children, who are either hard-of-hearing or completely deaf, simple communication and language skills. From basic household objects to animals and colors, all the quintessential needs for understanding the world around us are included. Since opening in November of 001, Color of Language has triumphantly made headway toward the goal of improving the lives of those who are unable to hear, offering such tools as flash cards, DVDs, games, and course curriculums. If a child is robbed of the ability to communicate, then development will be stunted in other vital areas such as learning, cognition, and discipline. “Early intervention is definitely best; otherwise the individual will never catch up,” said Randy Beck, who is currently developing the organization’s website. “The need is definitely out there for what we offer.” If a child is not introduced to a language within the first few years of life, there is a good possibility that they will never quite be on

par with their peers. In fact, a majority of those who are hard-of-hearing or deaf, graduate high school at a first to third grade reading level. Color of Language has made it a point to include anyone who may be hearing impaired, no matter what their age may be. “The courses and materials are all picture- and language-based,” Beck said. “They can relate to children and adults.” The materials are also available in Spanish. Fund-raising is also one of the organization’s functions. By offering original calendars envisioned, developed, and distributed by Color of Language, the organization has made a name for itself as a great way for schools to raise money for various causes. “We are associated with almost every deaf school in America,” Heflin said, proudly. “There is nothing like this anywhere else in the country.” Since the launch of its website in 00 , Color of Language has reached over 100 different schools and organizations. They have worked with schools and programs in Japan, Canada, Puerto Rico, and Nigeria. The calendars are drawn by local artists and depict a wide scope of signs that can be useful in day-to-day life. One such calendar (which sold out in 00 and was reprinted in 00 ) was themed “Around the House,” in which numerous household items were available at a glance for quick reference. The story has just begun for Color of Language. With the help of volunteers and a neverending awareness campaign, Color of Language will bring joy and hope to many—young and old, deaf or not, English or Spanish—who at one time could not make sense of the world around them.

Get Involved! Call (661) 393-4658 or visit coloroflanguage.com for more information

In & Around B•Town ©ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/DELIORMANLI

E Other Sports Leagues

VER PLAYED A GAME OF POKER AND WONDERED IF WE HAVE AN ACTUAL POKER CLUB HERE IN BAKERSFIELD? What about dodgeball? We all played it in grade school, but are there people who actually compete in leagues? Sure, Kern County has tons of conventional sporting leagues; soccer, baseball, the usual, but we also found some of the quirkiest leagues around that you might never have thought of. They’re not only tons of fun, but are also available in our own backyards. So stop wondering what to do in your spare time, and try your hand at one of these off-the-wall experiences! You never know, you could be the next American Dodgeball Champion! Kern River Archers Club Est. 1957 – Membership: 100+ Why It’s Fun: It’s a family sport that creates a fellowship with other players and teaches patience and the importance of setting goals. It can be played indoors or outdoors and is one of the safest sports to play. What people tend to enjoy the most is the feeling of letting the arrow go and watching it fly towards the target. Unknown Fact: It was the first Olympic sport. Website: kernriverarchers.com

PHOTO COURTESY OF KERN RIVER ARCHERS CLUB

Bakersfield Dodgeball Est. 2004 – Membership: 30 Why It’s Fun: It can be played for recreational or competitive purposes. From ages 12 to over 50, everyone’s welcome. It’s absolutely free to join and come out and play! Unknown Fact: There are different types of dodgeballs; they come in various sizes, and can be made of either rubber or foam. The most common are the 8.5” rubber balls. The more competitive are the 4.5” rubber balls. For the soft league, there’s the 6” foam ball. Website: myspace.com/bakersfielddodgeball Bakersfield Table Tennis Club Est. 1997 – Membership: 15

PHOTO COURTESY OF BAKERSFIELD DODGEBALL

Why It’s Fun: They welcome everyone! Whether it’s for recreation, exercise, or to be competitive. They make it fun for those that know how to play as well as for those that aren’t familiar with table tennis. Unknown Fact: Table tennis is the #2 sport in the world, second to soccer. Website: gerrychua.com Bakersfield American Dart League Est. 2007 – Membership: 36

PHOTO COURTESY OF GERRY CHUA

Why It’s Fun: It’s a great way to meet new people while testing your skill. Playing darts has a tendency to get very competitive, but all in all, its main purpose is to just have fun. Unknown Fact: Darts can be played individually or in teams of two or three. Website: adadarters.com Kern County Basque Club – Pilota (Handball) Est.1944 – Membership: Too many to count!

PHOTO COURTESY OF BAKERSFIELD AMERICAN DART LEAGUE

Why It’s Fun: It’s a game that is played with great speed and precision. It may look easy, but it takes good hand-eye coordination to be a top player. There are several variations to the game, and can be played with bare hands or with special hand-held objects. Unknown Fact: Originally the ball was made of wood and was wrapped in leather. However, this didn’t allow the ball to bounce much, so around 1850, a rubber core was added to the ball’s center. The game is thought to have been adopted by the Basque soon after the marriage of Louis XIV in St. Jean de Luz. Website: kcbasqueclub.com www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Dream Homes 2008 19

Kern Facts

This Bug s for You! PHOTO COURTESY D THREE AND CAPPIE G

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OW, TALK ABOUT A GREAT HAUL. We never could have guessed how big geocaching is locally, but surprise surprise, our hiding spot was overrun with cachers from all over Bakersfield, Kern County, and even some from out of state! It’s been awesome to see everyone get a piece of the treasurehunting action...even if all they can do is drool over their finds like Rusty Cache Finder (son of longtime cachers d three and cappie g), the youngest cacher we know. Mr. & Mrs. BAKO1313 were the first to locate our cache, aptly named Maggie Zeen. We’ve even had the chance to meet many of these local geocaching-junkies as they scoured our cache location (thanks to thekeysmith and Fraverco for your stories). Travel bugs from all over the country are finding their way into our stash in the form of SpongeBob, a railroad spike, and countless others! Our bugs have already seen northern and southern California, surrounding states...and as we type this, one is making its way to Washington, D.C. Bakersfield Magazine has even been entered into a travel bug Road Race with help from elrojo14. If you find our Delivery Van, help it accrue some mileage! Thanks for making our geocaching foray so successful. We’ll continue to bring you updates for Maggie Zeen’s bugs as they make their way across the globe.

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Kern Facts

A TINI

N 18 1, THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS OF furnish to the county superintendent of schools, THE COUNTY WERE UNDER THE a report showing the progress made by each EFFICIENT management of County School pupil and their rating at close of school. This Superintendent Alfred Harrell, Esq. The method enabled the teacher [forming] a school number of school districts was , and others to place each pupil where he or she properly were being formed, so that during the year belonged without a course of examination, and the total would probably reach 50. Number of with application to the county superintendent, school buildings in the county [also totaled] the report of the teacher who had taught the . The number of teachers was 55; of these school last would be furnished. 1 were males and 1 were females. Male The city schools were under the same teachers receive $80 per month; management as those of the females, $ 0. Average length county. Bakersfield had [then] the Teachers, of the school [year] was eight best school building in the county, over a century costing $1 ,000. Delano had the months. Mr. Harrell was first elected to the office of County ago, made an second best, costing $10,000. School Superintendent in 188 . Bonds had been voted to build On assuming the duties of the average of $70 an elegant, as well as spacious, office, he found little on record school edifice in Bakersfield, to per month. by his predecessors to guide him cost $ 0,000. The plans indicated as to the future necessities, judging by past a building which would be an ornament to the emergencies, and how they had been met and city and do great credit to the county. disposed of. He had, in a measure, to begin Mr. Harrell was confident as to the advance anew. He had the ability and the will—and that would be made in the educational interests [according to him]: to will was to do—and he of the county within [the next] few years, delayed no action. His watchword all along and his aim was to bring his county up to the was “forward.” And today, the results: rapid standard of the best in the state. He had the growth and efficiency of the schools in the educational interests of his people at heart, county commend the management much more was capable and energetic, and success would than words can. crown his efforts if sustained by the citizens, In 1880, there were 1,0 census children in which they certainly did. Kern County citizens the county, and there were then 0 schools. In were [aware of] the great possibilities for their 1885, there were 1, children and schools. section of the state, and would not permit any In 18 0, there were 1, children in the county other people to surpass them in anything. between the ages of 5 and 1 years. SOURCE: Memorial and Biographical History of Schools [then became] graded. Each teacher the counties of Fresno, Tulare and Kern, California - Chicago, The Lewis Publishing Company, 1892 at the close of the school term was required to

IN 1 0 , THE FIRST AUTOMOBILE was brought into Kern County by Joe Ferris of Caliente. It was a 1902 1-cylinder Oldsmobile. Source: Kern County Historical Society

Bakersfield Magazine - Celebrating 5 years!

60+ &

Lovin’ It !

©ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/NICO_BLUE

Teachers + Students = School

HETHER YOU LIKE THEM SHAKEN OR STIRRED, with an olive or onion, or you prefer vodka over the traditional gin, the martini is the ultimate in refinement. Why else would Bond drink them? But there are a lot of types of martinis nowadays. There’s the Appletini, the Chocotini, and the Peachtini. What folks at the Arts Council of Kern want to know is, who can make the best martini? Scratch that—who can make the Signature Bakersfield Martini? You’re invited to this mix-off where local bartenders and martini aficionados will be slinging drinks at the Petroleum Club on September 5 for a panel of judges. Martiniinspired art will also be on display and proceeds from the evening will benefit the Arts Council. The winning martini will even be featured exclusively in the next issue of Bakersfield Magazine. For more information or to buy tickets, call the Arts Council of Kern (661-324-9000). But hurry, there is a limited number of tickets and they’ll go fast!

AT BEING XPERTS TELL US TH D PHYSAN ACTIVE MENTALLY en your gth len to y ICALLY is the best wa pleners off b Clu 60+ UB life. And the CS h. do bot ty of options to help you wcased durThese options will be sho Thursday, on y” Da ing “Possibilities 0 a.m. in the Sept. , from 8: 0 to 11: sfield, 9001 ker cafeteria at Cal State Ba Stockdale Hwy. ivities involve Many of the club’s act past years, volunteer service. “In the an estimated d ute members have contrib UB,” said CS to rs hou eer 50,000 volunt . 0+ of Camille Gavin, president is open and r yea Membership is $ 0 per older. or 0 is or red reti to anyone who is n to ope e and “Possibilities Day” is fre Lot in le ilab ava the public. Free parking is inre mo For t. Eas ve K on Don Hart Dri i Remn Alu UB CS the t tac formation, con -3211. lations office at (661) 654

www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Dream Homes 2008 23

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Greg

Katelyn

Larry

HAT’S YOUR IDEA OF THE PERFECT DREAM HOME? Is it a luxurious spread like something you’d see on Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous? Maybe you’ve dreamed of a more serene setting for your abode to help you unwind from a hectic work day. Even a hightech townhouse from the future like The Jetsons! Here is what some locals were dreaming up as we asked them what they would just absolutely have to include in their ideal home—as long as money wasn’t an option, of course! Veronica Bustamante, 29, Pharmacy Tech I’m currently learning how to ride a motorcycle and I absolutely love it. So for sure, my dream home would have to have a motorcycle race track in the backyard. And just how awesome would that be? Greg Porter, 26, Installation Foreman I can just see it now. A huge basement, which are a very rare find on the west coast, with a high-tech entertainment room. I’m talking huge flat screen TVs, remote control blinds, heated foundations, and a bar to satisfy my thirst.

Kristan

Katelyn Steele, 18, Manager I’ll just admit it, I’m addicted to coffee. My daily routine consists of at least three stops to Starbucks. It would be a dream come true to have a Starbucks Coffee Bar in my home so I have access to it / . Larry Bragg, 53, Software Development I would love to be able to sit in a huge garden filled with endless plants of flowers and vegetables and just enjoy the peacefulness of listening to the birds chirp. It would be my home away from home just footsteps away from reality.

Kristan Cantrell, 39, Medical Student Nothing else would matter as long as I had my “special room for pampering” consisting of a -hour day spa where I could stop by anytime for a manicure, pedicure, facial, massage, whatever my little heart desires.

Devin

Katie

Devin Boyd, 18, Meat Cutter A room made entirely of glass! A glass pool table, chairs, tables, everything! Even a glass bottom floor so I could view the kitchen located just below. I’d want people to walk into the room and just be totally amazed of all the glass! Katie Swope, 8, Student I love animals, so I’d have a miniature zoo in my backyard with elephants and zebras and tigers. I’d feel like it’s my birthday every single day of the year!

What’s Hot! tAn in A

CAn

What’s Not?

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WE ARE NEARING THE END OF SUMMER NOW, when lounging by the pool and spending time with your family seems to be the only thing on your mind. You’re trying to soak up those last rays of sun and relax before you’ve got to get back into the swing of long hours at work and school. Because you’re “busy” relaxing, it can be a challenge to keep up with the hot new trends and styles in our fast-paced and everchanging city. But lucky for you, Bakersfield Magazine is here to give you the 11 on what’s hot and what’s not this season!

Crude Using Instant Tanning Sprays Long Island Iced Tea Printing Out Directions Hands-Free Phone Kit “Daisy Dukes” Standard Light Bulbs

Refined Spending Time Outdoors Getting a Natural Glow Long Island Green Tea A Convenient GPS unit Upgrading to a Bluetooth Cuffed, Mid-Thigh Shorts Energy Efficient Bulbs

Average Single Family Home

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by the numbers $3 Cost o 19 Numb f a 2x4 er of 27 doors Numb 550 er of l M i gh an-ho 2,330 urs to t switches S q buil uar 4,2 $250 00 Num e footage d ,000 ber o fn Cost Sourc in Ba ails used Home es: Nation kersfi eld Bake Depot, Ho Associatio rsfi no us eld M

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eplan

f s.com Home Bu ilders , ,

www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Dream Homes 008 5

661.588.3299

Kern Facts

T HOMAS J . W ILLIS, DVM

• • • • •

A-List Contest I

Full ser vice hospital Small & large animal practice Of fering preventative treatment Indoor boarding Full ser vice grooming

T’S CONTEST TIME AGAIN! That means if your name is listed below, you’re in the running to win a gift certificate to a local restaurant! This time, we’re excited to give one lucky A-Lister three $30 gift certificates to Mimi’s Café. A quiet dinner of delectable country style fare awaits for the first person to contact us at comments@bakersfieldmagazine.net and say “I’m this month’s A-List Winner!” But in order to win, you have to be signed up. So head on over to bakersfieldmagazine.net if you’re not. That’s the only way you can be eligible to win!* And if you’re already a member, what are you waiting for? Is your name listed? Ready, set...GO

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ONGRATULATIONS TO OUR NEWEST A-LIST WINNER, DEANNA TINGLE! Deanna was excited to hear that the $100 gift certificate she won was to her favorite restaurant in town, Frugatti’s. Deanna has been an A-Lister for about two years now. She found out how rewarding it is to be signed up when she was at a doctor’s appointment in L.A. and received an excited call from a friend to let her know that her name was listed in our last issue. Like Deanna, you too can find YOU COULD BE NEXT! how rewarding it can be to be a Bakersfield Magazine A-Lister. Sign up at bakersfieldmagazine.net Our next big winner could be you!

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Did You Know?

In & Around B•Town

E A S T

K E R N

Date Book

By Donna McCrohan Rosenthal

IN 1866, SHERIFF W. B. ROSS and MARTHA SKILES were the first couple to get married in Kern County. Source: Kern County Historical Society

Summer Treats

ON THE WEB

UMMER IS ALL ABOUT STAYING COOL AND FINDING EVERY possible excuse (like we need any) to invite family and friends over for a BBQ. But entertaining a backyard full of guests doesn’t have to be a challenge. No need to worry about impressing them with five course meals; all you need are some of the delicious and easy to prepare recipes from our website. We’ve compiled all the recipes we’ve received from local chefs, restaurants, and readers just like yourself for your dining pleasure. Log on to bakersfieldmagazine.net to find great recipes for mouthwatering Profiteroles with chocolate sauce and frengelico cream, provided by the Petroleum Club, and many more cool treats to help make that summer fiesta a filling one!

bakersfieldmagazine.net

AST KERN HAS EXCITING PLANS FOR NOW AND A FEW YEARS FROM NOW. For example, the Kern River Preserve in Weldon has set its sights on a new visitor center scheduled for completion in or around 010. The KRP applied for a Sierra Nevada Conservancy grant last October and received $15 ,000 to pay for a necessary environmental review and architectural design for a “stateof-the-art green-built” center. For a look at the concept for the center and other information, visit kern.audubon.org. In the nearer future, the KRP conducts its 15th annual Turkey Vulture Watch Sept.11 through Oct. 1 and the 1 th annual Turkey Vulture Festival Sept. - 8. Also in the Kern River Valley, watch for valley-wide Pride Day on Sept. 0. Call 0- - 18 for details. Rosamond’s Feline Conservation Center holds a rare “Twilight Tour” on Sept. 0. This adults-only event welcomes visitors to see cats much more active than usual, enjoy a bake sale, raffle, cubs out on leashes, and wander around otherwise off-limits parts of the compound, hence the “18 or older” restriction; cathouse-fcc.org; 1- 5 - . Ridgecrest’s Maturango Museum has announced a fund-raising campaign intended to expand the available space of a facility “that was too small to begin with.” Serving the Indian Wells Valley since 1 and a major cultural hub of the region, the museum has steadily increased programs and services including guided tours of the nearby petroglyphs. Organizers hope to raise $1 million over the next -to-5 years to double the size of the Sylvia Winslow Gallery, the heart of the museum, build two new exhibit rooms to complement the current one room, and to enlarge the gift shop threefold. The strategy calls for construction to begin when 0 percent of funds are realized. Among upcoming museum shows: Museum Curators “Things We Couldn’t Resist” (through Sept.10), Maria Prebilic “Digital Prints, Woodcuts, Paintings” (Sept.1 -Oct. 8), Open Studio Exhibit (Oct. 11–Nov. 1 ; plus the artists’ studios will be open Oct. 5- with tickets available at the museum), and Susan Dunker “Oils & Pastels” (Nov.15–Jan. 8). For details, consult maturango.org; 0- 5- 00. For anyone interested in Native American issues past, present, or future, the Four Winds Inter-Tribal Council welcomes “those with tribal affiliations as well as those with none at all.” The council meets on the third Wednesday of each month at the Owens Valley Career Development Center, N. Norma Street in Ridgecrest. If you attend one of these potluck functions, bring something to

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share. Four Winds keeps Native American culture and history alive with a wide range of activities such as the recently launched Four Winds Youth Group that invites Native American and high-risk youth ages 8 to 18 to make their own decisions and set their own goals under adult supervision. The Four Winds Youth Group emphasizes leadership skills, cooperation, and brainstorming in arranging field trips, going to conferences, doing crafts, and helping with the Pow Wow (Sept. 0- 1). Over 5,000 people came to 2007’s Pow Wow—some from as far away as the East Coast, New Zealand, and Australia. For more information about the youth group and The Four Winds in general, contact Little Deer Durvin, Four Winds chair, at 0- - 1 . The 5 rd District Agricultural Association, State of California (defined as “that part of Kern County lying east of the Los Angeles Aqueduct”) rolls out entertainment, displays, competitions, and abundant community spirit at the Desert Empire Fair in Ridgecrest from Oct. 1 to 1 . Festivities have blossomed dramatically since 1 50 when, as the Desert Stampede, the event raised money for a summer camp for East Kern children (desertempirefair.com). Timely reminder of the month: It’s not too late to order season tickets for the Ridgecrest Chamber Music Society ( 0- 8 -58 ) and the Indian Wells Valley Concert Association (iwvca.tripod.com; 0- 5-5 00).

www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Dream Homes 008

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Kern Facts

GREEN

GOLD By Loron Hodge

Whether selling or buying, my personal knowledge based on over 45 years experience, covering all areas of real estate, will provide you with specialized service beyond your expectations. Please give me a call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Top Producer in Listings & Sales 2000-2007

8 Bakersfield Magazine - Celebrating 5 years!

HE HISTORY OF KERN COUNTY’S AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION is well chronicled in publications and in pictures. Agriculture had meager beginnings; with Colonel Thomas Baker’s clearing the marshes and low lands and inviting enterprising men and women to come here to settle. Baker opened the Kern Island Land Company Office to encourage this land development and soon many who had hoped for a quick gold strike fortune found an even greater bonanza. The land itself. By the turn of the century, farming and ranching were emerging as the real gold strike. America was beginning to move into the industrial age and the experience and know-how brought here by the early settlers would reap huge dividends in the very near future. It was in October of 1 1 that a dozen or so local farmers met at Jastro Park to listen to a presentation of the newly formed University of California Extension Service, aka, Farm Advisor’s Office on the need for farmers to come together as a united group to help overcome problems facing the industry. And so began the organization known as the Kern County Farm Bureau. The need for food production was growing as the population here and across the nation continued to grow. However, even at that early time (circa 1914-1920), problems affecting the fledgling industry were emerging. Cotton, wheat, potatoes, and alfalfa were the main crops on the valley floor. It was determined that the University of California, being an educational entity, was unable to get involved with some the legislative issues that were causing a problem for area farmers and ranchers. Therefore the Farm Bureau officially split from the University and began to operate on its own as a bona fide organization. Its membership ratified the move and the ship was launched. Membership continued to grow as land owners invested in new innovative farm machinery that could result in greater quantities of products being planted and harvested. As a result of the number of members getting involved, a number of committees were formed to address specific problems. Water, labor, tax, and commodity committees were formed and many were very successful in addressing the important issues of the day such as shipping and transportation, water resources, and market availability. Over the years, the Farm Bureau assisted many of these committees to become “stand on their own” committees with a separate board of directors. Thus the Kern Tax Payers Association, Water Association of Kern County, and Kern County Hay Growers emerged to take their rightful place in the prosperous expansion of our agricultural output.

KERN COUNTY ON THE GROW

Skilled Hands

This busy surgeon, patent holder, author and father of four, still finds time to pitch a tent with the Cub Scouts.

This Joint is Jumpin’ by Camille Gavin

“What we are, is jocks, carpenters, and engineers.” —Dr. James B.Grimes

demonstrate. The surgeon stays in shape by lifting weights, hiking, and swimming. “I also play golf but not very well,” he said, adding, “I walk when I play; I don’t use a cart.” He also goes on Cub Scout camping and rafting trips with his son, the youngest of his and wife Tracie’s four children. The reference to being a carpenter has to do with the skills needed to ensure a proper fit of the various parts of the module that is being used to replace a damaged or worn-out knee

or hip. “It’s the old ‘measure twice, cut once’ idea,” he said. “It’s like woodworking 101.” As he spoke, the surgeon used a plastic replication of a knee joint to show its hinging action as well as its various parts, right down to the metal screws that secure the replacement joint. As for the engineering part of Grimes’ definition, that refers to the rapidly advancing science of biomechanics, the mechanics of biological and muscular activity. It’s a field in which he’s been quite active. He has four patents in the field of total hip replacement and his hip socket revision system has been used by orthopedic surgeons in this country and internationally. Asked what he does in his free time, Grimes said, “I like designing replacements; I call it my hobby, half in jest.” He’s also a published author and has presented his work at meetings in the United States and England. As you might guess, Grimes didn’t learn how to do what he does overnight. You could say he got hooked on surgery almost at

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N FORMAL TERMS, JAMES B. GRIMES IS AN ORTHOPEDIC surgeon specializing in joint replacements. But if you ask him what that means in layman’s terms, you’ll get a much more down-toearth definition. With a quiet smile he says, “What we are, is jocks, carpenters, and engineers.” To amplify his definition, Dr. Grimes explained that like athletes, or jocks, an orthopedic surgeon must be in good physical shape. Upper body strength is especially important. Putting a dislocated shoulder back in place, for example, takes a lot of strength as well as manipulation, he said, turning his outstretched hands in a counter-clockwise motion to

his father’s knee. “My dad was a GP, a general practitioner,” the surgeon explained. “In the ‘70s, when I was an undergraduate in college, he’d sometimes let me scrub in—I snipped sutures and things like that. That experience made me want to go into surgery. What tipped me toward orthopedic surgery was when I was at Cornell University Medical College in New York City, listening to all the experts they brought in.” After graduation from medical school, he did a five-year surgery residency at Washington University’s Barnes Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri. He went on to receive advanced training and completed a one-year fellowship in sports medicine and arthritis surgery. Grimes went into private practice in Bakersfield in 1985, joining a medical group headed by Dr. James Friend. Since taking over the practice, Grimes and his present colleagues operate their group under the name of Kern Bone and Joint Specialists. In recent years, Grimes has been

team physician for both South and Stockdale high schools, and also the short-lived Bakersfield Jammers basketball team (not to be confused with Bakersfield Jam). Grimes said orthopedic surgery has become much less invasive. Ten years ago, the average incision for a hip replacement was as much as 18 inches long. “That’s a pretty substantial racing stripe,” he said, rising from his chair to trace an imaginary line up and down his hip and thigh. “Now,” he continued, “it’s half as much and the incision for a knee replacement now is four inches or less.” For the patient, this results in less pain after the surgery and goes a long way in helping the patient to begin therapy with the goal of walking normally again. Overall, Grimes is more than satisfied with the path he’s chosen to follow in orthopedic surgery. “It’s a very rewarding field of medicine,” he said. “To see people come in who can barely walk at all—to see them walk again, that’s really something.”

www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Dream Homes 2008 29

30 Bakersfield Magazine - Celebrating 25 years!

Entrepreneur! Where do you live? Northwest Bakersfield. Are you a Bakersfield native? No. I moved to Bakersfield last September from New York. Do you think Bakersfield has a style? The style I have noticed falls into the whole “California laid back” but fun style. Describe your personal style. I’m not into name brands. My style could be described as vintage. I feel that vintage (clothing) helps me create a unique style that allows me to stand out. It’s not often that I find myself saying, “I have that same dress,” to someone. How long does it usually take you to get ready in the morning? I suppose every girl likes to think that they wake up and already look fabulous. But we know it’s not the case; we all need to throw in a little elbow grease in the morning. I don’t take much time getting ready. It usually takes me about 30 to 45 minutes...on a good day! What are you wearing? I am wearing a vintage-inspired dress with a lot of fun details like pockets on the sides and buttons that run down the dress. The shoes I got a long time ago at a Goodwill, but never really had anything to wear them with. But they go perfectly with this dress. What are your favorite places to shop in Bakersfield? There are several cute vintage shops in Bakersfield that many people don’t know about, like Endless Time, Five and Dime, and my favorite—the antique store on the second floor of the Timeless Furnishing building on Chester Avenue.

Who are your favorite fashion icons? I always fed off of my colleagues back in New York when I worked for Gap (North America), Inc. I looked to them for new fashion ideas and tips. How does your fashion style change when you are not at work? For the most part, I tend to keep the vintage look, but I will tone it down to sweats or something more casual when I’m grocery shopping or running around town doing errands. How do you personalize your business look? Since I’ve been here in Bakersfield, I have learned to tone (that look) down a bit. Bakersfield does come with a more lowkey, casual look and my outspoken New York look might be a little much. What is your favorite item of clothing? I think every girl should have as many dresses as she possibly can. A dress is the simplest, yet most fashionable, piece of clothing you can put on. There is no mixing and matching, it’s just one item that you put on and look fabulous in. What is the biggest fashion mistake you have made? Let’s just say short women like me should not be wearing long skirts. Not very flattering at all! Are you a bargain hound? Of course. No matter how much money you make, everyone likes a good deal. What kind of mistakes do you think men make when they dress? Well, for one, men seem to be afraid of color. They stick to the basic whites, blacks, and grays. Men should consider wearing bolder colors. Another big mistake that some men make is with the fit. It just doesn’t look right when their clothes are too big or too small. www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Dream Homes 2008 31

32 Bakersfield Magazine - Celebrating 25 years!

CITIZEN KERN

M.O.V.E. creator Linda Bidabe has helped disabled citizens of the world move freely.

Personal Stats Name: D. Linda Bidabe Age: 63 Birthplace: Oak Ridge, Tennessee Education: M.S. Secondary Art and English, Pittsburg State University, KS. Title: Founder of Mobile Opportunities Via Education/Experience (M.O.V.E)

Career highlights: Not many people have been honored with a banquet by the Prince of Wales or presented an award in Dodgers’ Stadium for their work. How about being treated to Thanksgiving dinner with the Amir (President) of Kuwait? “It’s a totally humbling experience.” But since M.O.V.E. is used in 25 countries, in 13 languages, you’d expect world-wide recognition.

meet

Her biggest reward: “There is no doubt it’s to see a person put on their feet for the ﬁrst time and take their ﬁrst steps! It’s all about them. They light up! There is no amount of money that could ever buy that.” These are the experiences with children and adults throughout M.O.V.E.’s development that have been chronicled in her memoir, No Ordinary Move.

Linda Bidabe

‘‘

It’s not about people being unable to learn, it’s about us learning how to teach.

Her heroes/heroines: “My mother mostly...growing up in Kansas with tornadoes.” In the special education ﬁeld, Lou Brown, the ﬁrst advocate for people with multiple severe disabilities. Karl and Bertha Bobath, who began rethinking treatment options for disabled people—declaring we need to treat underlying causes, not just symptoms. Locally, Kelly Blanton and Larry Reider with the Superintendent of Schools.

‘‘

How she got started: After graduating from college, Bidabe moved to California where she taught in Tehachapi. She investigated the newly formed Development Center for Handicap Minors. On her ﬁrst day, Bidabe was so moved she says she almost didn’t leave. She began developing curriculum and programs on mobility for disabled children that sometimes clashed with traditional therapies, but she went on to found M.O.V.E.

What she’d still like to accomplish: “Good grief! We’re just barely getting started with M.O.V.E. for adults and elderly people—and that has to be done before I need it!” Bidabe plans to continue revising how everyone sees disabled people as well as senior citizens, not just changing labels. “It shouldn’t be simply about taking care of people until they die,” she says.

www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Dream Homes 008

34 Bakersfield Magazine - Celebrating 25 years!

25 YEARS IN BAKERSFIELD

Hall of Fame

Bakersfield has its fair share of hometown heroes By George Gilbert Lynch

ecause Bakersfield’s life blood has always been agriculture and oil—with a boost from tourism thrown in—it is only natural that in the last quarter century, our city gained most recognition, nationally, in the country music scene (from agricultural influence) and auto racing (petroleum related). Ever since Barney Oldfield smoked around Hudnut Park, setting a world’s record way back in 1909, Bakersfield has been enthusiastic about racing automobiles. In the last 25 years, Bakersfield has produced more nationally-famous race drivers than any other town of our size in America. The hallmark of being famous is being inducted into the respective Hall of Fame of the nominee’s line of expertise. Bakersfield’s Rick Mears, winner of four Indianapolis 500s, was entered into both the International and American Motorsports Hall of Fame, and after winning his third Indy 500, in 1988, President Ronald Reagan invited him to the White House for a chat about his racing achievements. Rick’s brother, Roger Mears, also gained fame in many types of auto racing and is father of Bakersfield’s latest star of NASCAR racing, Casey Mears. Last year’s winner of the NASCAR Daytona 500 (classed today as one of the greatest races in the world) is Bakersfield’s Kevin Harvick. Kevin raced go-carts as a young boy and competed in his first NASCAR race in 1995 at what was then Bakersfield’s famous Mesa Marin Raceway. In 1998, he became the NASCAR Winston West champion and in 2002 he was crowned champion of the popular International Race of Champions series. So popular is our town’s latest racing great, a street has been named in his honor. Harvick Avenue is located in the budding northwest Rosedale section and is surrounded by streets named for other

PHOTO COURTESY MEARS FAMILY

famous racing icons including, Andretti, Kinser, Yarborough, as well as streets named after famous race tracks (Indianapolis, Talladega, and Darlington). Harvick is proudly involved in our community. He actively supports the Young Wooldridge/Kevin Harvick Academic Scholarship for High School students for those wishing to pursue a college education. Joey Porter attended Bakersfield’s Foothill High where he excelled in sports, especially football. After graduating from Foothill, he attended Colorado State University and his outstanding football skills prompted the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League to draft him in 1999. In his seven years as line backer with the Steelers, he was nominated three times for both the Pro Bowl and the All Pro Bowl. He is also a Superbowl champion, having helped the Steelers beat the Seattle Seahawks at Superbowl XL in 2005. He signed with the Miami Dolphins in 2007. >> Four-time Indy 500 winner Rick Mears brought the international spotlight to Bakersfield in the 1980s.

www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Dream Homes 2008 35

Casey Mears

Roger Mears

Another line backer of fame is Jeff Siemon who graduated from Bakersfield High as an outstanding football player and after graduation from Stanford University, was drafted by the NFL’s Minnesota Vikings. In Jeff’s 10-year career, he was nominated to four Pro Bowl teams and played in three Superbowls. The highlight of his great career has been being inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2006. But with all the sports heroes that Bakersfield played home to, there is still a larger percentage of the country that knows of Bakersfield for our contributions to a very particular music scene. The Great Depression brought thousands of Dust Bowl refugees into Kern County in search of agricultural work. The southerners brought their country music with them and it formed deep roots in Bakersfield. During World War II, country-western music was featured at dozens of dance halls and clubs around town. During that era Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys and Spade Cooley King of Western Swing were weekly fare at the Rainbow Gardens, Melody Bowl, or the Beardsley Ballroom dance halls. That western swing music was the seed that later grew into the famous Bakersfield Sound. Another name inscribed on one of the “Streets of Bakersfield,” is the late, worldfamous, Buck Owens. Song writer, vocalist, musician, and promoter of “American Music,” the name he preferred to give to the genre of country western. Books have been written about the man who carried the Bakersfield Sound across the world. On Buck Owens Boulevard, the Crystal Palace was built by Owens to promote Bakersfield as the “Nashville West” of country music. On May 22, 2006, the Academy of Country Music Awards held a special event in Las Vegas to pay tribute to Owens, who died in March of the same year. Both the gaming and country music industries were on hand to celebrate the launch of the Hee-Haw slot machine. Few celebrities ever have a slot machine to add to their fame but these machines are now in casinos around the world. My wife and I enjoy playing the highly musical “I’m pickin’ and I’m a grinnin’” machines while visiting casinos in Laughlin, Nevada. In 1978, Buck and his Buckaroos were honored to be invited to the White House to play a concert for President Lyndon John36 Bakersfield Magazine - Celebrating 25 years!

PHOTO COURTESY JIM SHAW

PHOTO COURTESY MIAMI DOLPHINS

PHOTO COURTESY MEARS FAMILY

Hall of Fame

Joey Porter

Buck Owens

son and the First Lady. He and his band also performed concerts at Carnegie Hall and carried the Bakersfield Sound over the world by performing concerts in Japan, England, and Norway. In 1996, Buck was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. It’s been said that “To imitate is the highest form of flattery,” and I believe the most copied vocal style in country music is Bakersfield’s Merle Haggard. From a humble beginning, living in a converted box car home in Oildale, Merle weathered a youth filled with reform schools, jails, and prisons to become one of today’s undisputed giants in country music. He has produced 150 record albums and has written more than 250 songs. He has also played at the White House, this time for President Richard Nixon in 1973, and played for a barbecue and dance at President Ronald Reagan’s ranch in 1982. Merle was voted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1994 and the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1977. He never played a “typical” concert in his career; he always played and sang how he felt at the time. He could be at a concert in Nashville one night and a week later playing to 20 patrons at some desert beer joint; that’s Merle Haggard. Merle played all of Bakersfield’s hot spots throughout the 1950s and 1970s including the Blackboard, Lucky Spot, Clover Club, and numerous dance halls. He was a regular with all our local great musicians of the past and later formed his own band The Strangers. In the ‘70s, Merle’s passions were trains, fishing in the Kern River, and peace and quiet. He bought a few acres at the mouth of Kern River Canyon and had a beautiful two-story home constructed complete with a lake, well stocked with bass, while the river ran through his backyard. Due to his love of trains, model railroads are the theme throughout his home. This famous son of Bakersfield has recently been honored by the city’s re-naming of Seventh Standard Road to Merle Haggard Drive. Bakersfield has, since its beginning, honored famous local persons by naming streets after them; Beale, Chester, Brundage, Baker, Truxtun, Wible, and over the last 25 years, Buck Owens Boulevard, Harvick Avenue, and Merle Haggard Drive have been added to that prestigious group. v

R I S K T A K E R S

the

Right Part

By Tracie Grimes

o, you’re thinking you’ve seen this guy somewhere before but can’t quite place him. Just think back a few issues. It’s been a while (he appeared in a 2004 issue), but the youthful smile, full head of hair, and dark eyes twinkling with the promise of success are just as visible today as they were four years ago. But a lot has changed for Mitul Patel – risks have been taken, grief has been weathered, and a global market has been opened. “Everything in my life, with the exception of losing my dad, has been going great,” Patel muses, thinking back on how much things have changed for him since he appeared in Bakersfield Magazine. Eight years ago, Patel was fresh out of California State University, Bakersfield School of Business with his degree in one hand, and a telephone in the other. He was making calls for ACS Collection Agency as a loan servicing agent, and “wow-ing” the bosses with his work ethic and tenacity. It wasn’t long before Patel was their top agent, and chosen to be featured in a Bakersfield Magazine article about their company. But during his four-year tenure at ACS (2000-2004), something kept gnawing at Patel. This wasn’t what he wanted to do for the next 20 years, this working for someone else; for a company that doesn’t really care about you and won’t even remember who you were a couple of months after you’re gone. Then Patel had one of those famous Oprah-like “ah, ha” moments that changed his direction in life. “My dad [Pravin] and I were working together on rebuilding a 1990 Honda Accord which was just plain stock,” he recalled, thinking back on how his father’s skills and connections in the auto mechanic business came in very handy during this project (his dad owned and operated his own shop in Tehachapi). “My dad knew how to make things work. We worked together to put in an engine that wasn’t designed for this kind of car and we turned the ‘plain Jane’ Honda into a ‘show car’,” Patel continued, adding that the car won numerous awards and was featured in a few scenes of the movie, 2 Fast 2 Furious. The “ah, ha” moment came when Patel and his dad were trying to find an ignition part for their “tricked-out” Honda. “We needed this one specific part and couldn’t find it anywhere in the U.S. Through Dad’s connections we were able to find the part through a distributor up in Canada, Patrick Richardson, who sent us the part and we finished the work on the car.” >>

“ My business choices must be driven by responsibility. Without this direction, I never would have started a company. Risks are good, but they must make sense.”

Mitul Patel RPM Partz

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Risktakers

But both Pravin and Richardson felt a pull, a promise of big things to come, and Richardson put a partnership plan on the table, hoping to further tweak Pravin’s entrepreneurial interests into starting up a distributorship for this ignition part in the U.S. “My dad felt he was too busy to take it on, but really had a good feeling about [Richardson] and this proposed distributorship. So he turned to me with the proposal. Me, who was pretty much just out of college, collecting loans, and who really had no idea what I was doing when it came to distributing an auto part,” Patel laughed. “But I’d learned from the best ‘risk taker,’ my father, who immigrated to the U.S. with my mom [Niruben], brother [Jatin], and me in 1987 to find a better life and sacrifice pretty much everything for us. He knew that even though we had nothing when we arrived in Los Angeles, that things would be better for us here, so he did what it took to be successful. He took a job as a mechanic in L.A., and when an opportunity came up for him to buy his own shop in Tehachapi, he jumped at it. “Through him, I saw how much can be gained when you take a calculated risk, how much better life can be. And before his passing in 2007, he told me that as uncertain as the risks he took were, they were well thought-out. And given another chance, he’d make all the same choices because the risks he took paid off in the form of a better life for me, my brother, and my mom.” By watching his dad take “calculated” risks that made sense Patel found his own guiding light in life. And every day, he makes his choices in business and in life based on a creed coined by one of his best friends: “driven by responsibility.” “This attitude is what has made me what I am today. Without this sense of direction, I would have never left my [stable] job, started a company, or even bought my own home. Risks are good, but they must make sense,” he cautioned. The willingness to take a risk alone isn’t enough to make you a success, Patel adds. “Dad always said if you believe it, you can do it, but you also have to be willing to work hard, think big, and try to excel in whatever you’re doing.” Pravin instilled a strong entrepreneurial attitude in his sons not only by encouraging them to “think outside the box,” but by urging Patel and Jatin to do something productive with their spare time.

“Dad always said if you believe it, you can do it, but you also have to be willing to work hard, think big, and try to excel in whatever you’re doing.” —Mitul Patel, RPM Partz When opportunity came knocking in the form of starting up RPM Partz, Patel’s upbringing had trained him to overcome two major obstacles that get in the way of people’s dreams of making it big: the willingness to take a risk and the commitment of hard work. He was primed for success and in 2001, headed to Las Vegas to meet Richardson and begin a whole new path in life. “I can’t say that I was completely comfortable with the thought of leaving a stable job to venture into unknown territory. I had just purchased my first home and didn’t know how long I could keep up paying on the mortgage with just my savings. But deep down I knew I could do it. I really believe that God has given everyone a gift that may never be tapped into unless you’re willing to take risks, work hard, and stay committed.” Off they went, two young guys with big dreams but no real direc-

38 Bakersfield Magazine - Celebrating 25 years!

Specialty parts distributed by Patel have put RPM Partz on the global map.

tion. They had the drive and conviction to make it, but it wasn’t long before Patel realized their approach needed a bit of work. “At first we really had no idea where we were going,” he said. “[Richardson] went one way, I went another. I was going to individual repair shops that would order maybe 10 parts a year. “Then I met a guy in L.A., Carlos, who made me realize we were ‘fishing in the wrong pond’ and needed to go further up the food chain. He named 5 or 10 big auto repair companies in L.A. and after almost a year of talking with these guys, I finally got my first real purchase order. That purchase order is framed and on my wall.” So the two new kids on the block were off and running, going from a company with two employees to a $15 million global enterprise with 25 employees. “We came in at the right time, developed a high-dollar product that was easy to ship, developed a high-quality part that is unique in the industry, and established a good reputation,” Patel said, reflecting on the “secrets” of RPM Partz’s success. But there’s one important ingredient to RPM Partz’s recipe for success you won’t find in any entrepreneurial cook book: fate. Fate in that Patel and Richardson seemed to be living mirrored lives – both were in their early 20s; both had fathers with auto body businesses; both were collecting loans at the time they began forming their RPM Partz partnership; and both had supportive fathers who gave them loans to start their venture together. “It’s really pretty crazy when you think about how [Richardson]’s fate in life seems to be the same as mine,” Patel considered. And fate not only brought them together, Patel feels it played a big role in their success. “When I look at my success, I realize that yes, I’ve worked hard, but I think my success has been as much by ‘accident’ as by hard work,” he said. “I’ve met the people who’ve helped me the most in the weirdest ways. Like Carlos, the guy in the L.A. auto repair shop who helped show me where to ‘fish in the right ponds’; or Sungi, our partner in Taiwan who had talked to my dad many times while he (Pravin) was still running his auto shop, and worked out a way for his brother-in-law to move to Canada to work for [Richardson]’s father (and this was all before he and I had ever even spoken); and Lawrence, Sungi’s brother-in-law who went to work in Canada for Patrick’s father, an electronics engineer, and who now designs our ignition part. It’s as though RPM Partz and our four-way partnership (Richardson, Sungi, Lawrence, and I) was pre-ordained and our fates are the same.” What does fate have in store next for Patel? A warehouse in Bakersfield, a new partnership with his brother Jatin, and, perhaps, another feature as a local risktaker. v

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raphy 2008 Bachelors Photos: Christina Bohannon Photog

S INGLES

requirements. Successful? Check. We won’t let just anyone in, you know. They need to meet certain Sizzlin’? Check. Single? You better believe it. achieving their goals, even if that Bakersfield Magazine’s 2008 Sizzlin’ Singles are folks dedicated to life, love a good laugh, are up for means putting marriage on hold for a while. They’re passionate about for a good cause. Once again, anything, and every one of them knows the importance of volunteering that cause is homelessness. help present the 8th annual Boots and We’ve again teamed up with the Bakersfield Homeless Center to ned off and money raised will go Bachelors auction at the Crystal Palace where the men will be auctio toward helping families at the center. you see them live, so you can Get the inside scoop on the singles that made the cut this year before ere else but in Bakersfield Magazine. decide which guy you want to bid on. You won’t find them anywh some of your favorite singletons from And since this is our 5th Sizzlin’ Singles issue, we tracked down . Who’s married now? Who’s had kids? issues past for a bit of a reunion—without the Styx cover band

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Allen Tsai, 37 Dentist ge Single. Never been married—no bagga ing dentistry in i’m originally from l.a. and have been practic g, i try to stay workin not i’m When now. Bakersfield for 11 years joining a softball league, pretty active by working out, playing golf, i’m an open book. What and hanging out with friends and family. you see is what you get. player, but decided Growing up I wanted to be: a 6’ 10’’ nBa be able to dunk a never would i d realize i after to be a dentist basketball. like the four wives i Love me, love my: office staff. they are never had. g old friends. for finding old friends...or should i say stalkin Myspace or Facebook: Facebook. it’s great Hawaii and playing golf in g retirin and lottery the ng Winni ? Where do you see yourself in 10 years

every day. rockin’ rodeo closed, i just stay home. Favorite thing to do in Bakersfield: after ng about Bakersﬁeld, heading south, and not worryi of out g gettin be: would nd A great weeke toothaches. my favorite jeans and where we go but two things are a must: Signature first date outfit: depends on smelling good. girl drunk. Signature first date move: getting the much i can drink. ss the opposite sex: showed her how impre to done ever e you’v thing est Dumb Career goals: retiring young. fun. to take things seriously and when to have What are your strengths? i know when and not knowing when to put my foot down. imes somet nice too Being ? esses What are your weakn Wendy Armijo, 41 Magazine Owner, Advertising Agency & Real Estate Single is my passion! i creating and seeing my ideas come to fruition and last but certainly enjoy spending time with friends, traveling, going to the gym, not least, working hard. For exercise, i love e life is what you make believ truly i . tennis g playin and ing, swimm s, if you only try. of it. You can create your own oppor tunitie

Love me, love my: attitude and personality. Becky Moreland, 35 Realtor Engaged that my life and lives for my family and all of the excitement i am a fun-loving, blue-eyed woman who ture! adven for day new a family bring to me. each and every day is ss has really n’ Single? in the past four years, my busine What’s changed since you were a Sizzli life of my life tony telese. He came into my love the to soon d marrie getting be to grown. i am going i thought only existed in fairy tales. love true me shown has he while feet, and swept me off of my . thanks to him my family has also grown in Bakersﬁeld, with from now? i see myself still living here Where do you see yourself five years enjoying what each and estate real selling still sons, two my my husband tony, my two stepsons, and day brings to me. children and your life? i would say tony. However, my Who is the most important person in ways. nt differe in just tant, impor stepchildren are as me up for a ﬁeld s? no way! in fact, my 9-year-old signed Have you gotten over your fear of snake until it was too late. the kids into f mysel got had i what realize trip and there were snakes. i didn’t thought it was funny though. i have been three years? nothing elaborate or far way. Have you done any traveling in the past but i love quad, a ride to pted attem and Harley a nger on adventurous and learned how to be a passe ays with tony. get-aw quick having and family my with going to the dunes day! with? Well tony and my four boys every Who do you share your culinary skills wife. loving a and mom rful wonde a Growing up I wanted to be: er. until my son traded me. now i have the voyag iPhone or BlackBerry: Had a BlackBerry football, basketball, play them watch kids, my for cab taxi a Favorite thing to do in Bakersfield: Be and wrestle. to play. leaving with the boys to oceano dunes A great weekend would be: tony and i

0 Bakersfield Magazine - Celebrating 5 years!

i’ve been singing since Growing up I wanted to be: a singer. i was five. ? Married? Where do you see yourself in 10 years to throw parties. Favorite thing to do in Bakersfield: i love all! it love i food: ite Favor of relaxation, in october to costa rica. one long week Dream vacation: the vacation i’m taking . going to the spa, and laying on the beach the first move. Signature first date move: i never make ones that are loyal, the friends i appreciate the most are the Three things you look for in a friend: trustworthy, and intelligent. to buying a home rs to Bakersfield to know: When it comes One thing you want visitors/newcome you can definitely have more for less. d writing ad copy into it. i’ve always been a writer and i realize How did you choose your career? i fell of talented people. lot a with work to get i ss that in my busine was challenging and fun. i also like the fact achieve. What are your strengths? to believe and try to do it all. What are your weaknesses? i shouldn’t designing and you the most satisfaction: the first is Two accomplishments that have given g it played on the radio. hearin and song rst fi my ing record is d building my first home and the secon Dan Duke, 40 Corporation Merchandiser Single et cook, loves fine Fun, outgoing, extrovert, loves to shop, gourm ting, kind of a free wines, travel, spending time at home, decora spirit. loves new adventures. a cruise ship as a cruise Growing up I wanted to be: Working on director. Love me, love my: scotty dogs. stions? Do you have a Blog? not really...any sugge Mac or PC: pc...i’m outdated a bit. ip phone. iPhone or BlackBerry: neither, just a fl icks. toothp on g suckin e peopl : peeve Pet possible! ? White House social secretary. Well...it’s Where do you see yourself in 10 years and chocolate. oh, e. replac fi a and agne champ ite, in Yosem A great weekend would be: cozy cabin . course of suite, se nthou 2—pe on the Queen Mary Dream vacation: Mediterranean cruise e side. lets her know i’m in touch with my feminin ick.” fl “chick good a nitely defi : move Signature first date sang the national anthem in front sex: ite oppos the ss impre to done Dumbest thing you’ve ever school. geez! of this cheerleader i was in love with in grade not together! Favorite food: lobster and chocolate. But . ive, nice dresser, spontaneity, great kisser What are your strengths? creative, sensit my daughters. the most satisfaction: college degree, you given have that ents plishm Two accom can’t? old habits. but away throw d shoul you thing What is some orning ritual? doing housework in the nude. What is your most unusual nighttime/m dogs. Dog or cat person: definitely outgoing. How much fun i am to be around, and very One thing people say about you the most:

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Derek Robinson, 39 Firefighter backwards for ne well. a true friend who will bend over Quiet at first but chatty once i know someo . the people i care about iful 20-monthn’ Single? i’m the proud dad of a beaut What’s changed since you were a Sizzli d president electe was and n captai to then and er old boy, chase! i was also promoted to engine rtrey McMu at club ile 100-m the of er e a memb of the Kern county Firefighters. i also becam r. aquatics cente home, from now? i see myself settled into a new Where do you see yourself five years ing quality time with my son spend while , tment depar re fi the in n captai enjoying my career as a aching a large part of my life, i can see myself appro and watching him grow. as swimming is ghter’s Hall. Firefi new a g buildin to d forwar g lookin 3,000 miles at McMurtrey. We are also of things to do. Islands? not yet, but it is still on the list Have you taken that vacation to Cook Having a son. 2004? in out came issue the ent since What has been your biggest accomplishm ? Yes. Hawaii, Mexico, costa rica, years four past the in ing travel any Have you done a few. england, and Washington, d.c., to name the steelers. base for the dodgers or quarterback for Growing up I wanted to be: playing first must have really tiny they , music play could s Beatle know Favorite Beatles’ song: i didn’t instruments! Hawaii. A great weekend would be: surfing in and do some , but i still want to go to the cook islands Dream vacation: anywhere with a beach someone like Jimmy Buffet would be cool! with ne seapla a in ing -hopp island think scuba diving. i n. ss the opposite sex: too many to mentio Dumbest thing you’ve ever done to impre . friend great a i’m What are your strengths? many people are going to be reading this? What are your weaknesses? Um, how Pet peeve: Bad drivers. my son. you the most satisfaction: My job and Two accomplishments that have given ritual? nothing unusual, just brush my grill. g ornin ime/m nightt al unusu most What is your like cats at all. Dog or cat person: dogs. i really don’t meet. i’m the most competitive person you’ll ever One thing people say about you the most: any. comp g Brewin use Fireho from beer cold Drink of choice: a mojito or a but i don’t own told me recently i look like tim Mcgraw, Celebrity you most look like: someone a cowboy hat.

Last Book You Read? Curious George. Amanda Helvie, 29 for Neuro Skills (CNS) Public Relations & Branding Manager, Centre Single loves taking advantage Fun, educated, young professional who with friends and family, be to loves nt. mome every and of each s on a daily basis. goal dream ll fulﬁ and learn, , meet new people oriented, driven, independent. an. i didn’t exactly Growing up I wanted to be: a businesswom oned myself going to work know what it was at the time, but i envisi scraper in the big city. in a ﬂashy red suit and working in a sky th gh i am on my 4 althou erry— BlackB : Berry Black iPhone or it’s time Maybe s. phone my on rough bit a i’m BlackBerry. i guess to make the switch. g for cns. there is ? i absolutely love my job and love workin Where do you see yourself in 10 years be a part of that process, working not to d excite am i and years g comin the a lot of growth expected in for those living with a traumatic brain injury. only for the company, but also in advocating r – eating out. bly, i’d have to give a boring, generic answe Favorite thing to do in Bakersfield? proba meal. good a over ng laughi i love going to dinner with friends and family, Dream vacation: a cruise around the world. , and most fashionable, conservatively sexy, comfortable Signature first date outfit: something . shoes of impor tantly, a great pair for publication! ss the opposite sex: too embarrassing Dumbest thing you’ve ever done to impre town—welcome! great a it’s : know to eld sfi Baker to rs One thing you want visitors/newcome ndent, driven, with a huge heart. What are your strengths? smart, indepe hold myself—and tionist and have to remind myself to not perfec a am i ? esses weakn your are What ly set. others—to the high standards i unconscious

Robert Dwayne Garcia, 34 Reservoir Engineer Extra Single with Cheese/Divorced not that i am i’m the kind of guy that will surprise you. by its cover, you’ll spontaneous, but that if you judge a book you move, drive you probably miss the best parts of me. i’ll help just to say hello, watch call ay, birthd your ber remem t, airpor the to till it hurts, and make a “chick flick” with you, make you laugh oh, and my personal mine. before come sure that your needs to play. philosophy is that you are never too old we can all dream! i told Growing up I wanted to be: taller. Well, when i read my essay, my language arts class in the sixth grade a culinary chef. Yeah, was Up,” grow i When Be to Want i “What good. any me do didn’t really me at d laughe the students in the back that pointed and te. naviga to r easie e. iphon : Berry Black or iPhone can join the ng with the total Woman group...yes, men Favorite thing to do in Bakersfield: runni running group. kids anywhere that even exist anymore? Basically, taking my Dream vacation: i’m a parent...does that yland. disne be would it now, right age, this actually can open their minds up. at ts; i guess it was But that really isn’t my fault. Blame my paren What’s your astrological sign? virgo. a cold winter that year. i gotta actually Signature first date move: Yeah right. is a date ➽ go on dates first. Just for clarification, eating women right? You would be surprised how many r the question, consider lunch just lunch. But to answe just sit, smile, and listen.

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Vicky Flores, 41 Registered Nurse Divorced the energizer Bunny, i’m funny, outgoing, great personality, like and kind. Most loves to dance. Workaholic, very considerate, impor tantly, enjoys life. and travel to third world Growing up I wanted to be: a nun/nurse . people countries to help ? Happy, healthy, and Where do you see yourself in 10 years still working. dance and workout. Favorite thing to do in Bakersfield: salsa g dress. Signature first date outfit: a curve huggin Signature first date move: a hug. ss the opposite sex: tell stupid jokes. Dumbest thing you’ve ever done to impre in the summer and rs to Bakersfield to know: that it’s hot come rs/new visito want you thing One has very friendly people. so i grew up with mother was a very compassionate nurse, How did you choose your career? My . the instinct of caring for others e. ined and always keeps a positive attitud What are your strengths? very determ no. say to able What are your weaknesses? not being and being a mom. you the most satisfaction: My r.n. degree Two accomplishments that have given Last book you read: My nursing book. band in them. but can’t? old family pictures with my ex-hus What is something you should throw away . bubbly i’m that most: the you about One thing people say Favorite movie: The Notebook. Favorite cartoon: Tom & Jerry. Brian Dignan, 31 CSUB Men’s Basketball Assistant Coach Single s trying to enjoy life. simple, down to earth, free spirit, and alway

Favorite movie? Big Fish. Paul Gordon, Jr., 26 Graphic designer (Marketing) Single , singing, and try new and exciting things. i enjoy acting i am a fun-loving guy who likes to laugh ies and clubs. volunteering, as well as various other activit social network n’ Single? i have drastically improved my What has changed since you were a Sizzli group. i have also gotten 20/30 the like clubs and ies activit with as well as become much busier involved in acting. to live life to the now? still living the dream and continuing Where you see yourself five years from

fullest. just one person. My your life? it would be impossible to name Who is the most important person in good friends. my all be would next else, all over family probably takes weaknesses, esses? i think it will always be one of my Is caring too much still one of your weakn much. too down me bring it let however i am working hard to not g to be a sional artist coming along? i am still wantin How is your dream of becoming a profes lio and have a few portfo g paintin my ce advan to time free professional artist. i hope to ﬁnd some more

more shows. ing. sports have athlete, either baseball, football, or wrestl Growing up I wanted to be: a professional life. my of always been a big part tough times. friend and we have been through some Love me, love my: dog. He is my best it! love i and e iphon iPhone or BlackBerry: i have an ng nature. no schedules and no deadlines, just enjoyi A great weekend would be: to relax with you can ﬁnd look, really you if : know to eld sfi Baker rs to One thing you want visitors/newcome some beautiful scenery. “practice what you and kind hearted. i think it’s impor tant to What are your strengths? i am very loyal preach.”

Bakersfield Magazine - Celebrating 5 years!

basketball player and Growing up I wanted to be: a professional coach. ? Head basketball coach Where do you see yourself in 10 years at a major division 1 college. to my hometown of san A great weekend would be: going back luis obispo and relaxing at the beach. around ireland would Dream vacation: Hitchhiking with my sister sure. for ve fi top be in my . Career goals: college basketball coach sleeved probably my flip flops, shorts, and a short l, casua nitely defi t: outfi date rst fi Signature collared shirt. t and a smile. Signature first date move: Just eye contac roommate, ss the opposite sex: introduce her to my Dumbest thing you’ve ever done to impre geoff probst. knew that played competitive sports my entire life and How did you choose your career? i have t. nmen enviro same that in ue to work when i finished playing i wanted to contin patios, pools, and cold beer. What are your weaknesses? sunshine, athletic scholarship you the most satisfaction: earning an given have that ents Two accomplishm players to help them develop into tball baske r forme and t curren with g to attend college and workin well-rounded and successful people. ce novels. orning ritual? nighttime- reading roman What is your most unusual nighttime/m Morning- snuggling with my teddy bears. Karen Langston, 42 Sports Marketing Single in life and put my best i am pretty ambitious about most things ly and personally. effort into the things i do both professional myself an athlete and er consid i , prime my past little a gh althou try and learn about new love a little friendly competition. i love to cook. things and i love to : a lawyer, a vet, or Growing up I wanted to be: i couldn’t decide an olympic athlete. d-rotten labs Love me, love my: dogs—2 lovable, spoile me. call just r, neithe ook: Faceb or Myspace Dream vacation: african safari. ? i’ll let you know in nine years… years 10 in elf yours see you Where do ay lunch at luigi’s. saturd eld: sfi Baker in do Favorite thing to e of scenery. to visit friends and recharge with a chang A great weekend would be: a get-away red. prefer is beach doesn’t really matter where, but ng with a cute pair of heels. Signature first date outfit: Just about anythi (the dance!). Signature first date move: the Hustle that i couldn’t ss the opposite sex: push ups. on a bet Dumbest thing you’ve ever done to impre do 25 (i did). Honesty, loyalty, great sense of humor. Three things you look for in a friend: to be discovered rs to Bakersfield to know: there is a lot come rs/new One thing you want visito fun. have to like and nice very are people here that people do not expect. the can learn new things. ting and exciting job environment where i Career goals: to always be in an interes right. am i that sure y pretty What are your weaknesses? i’m usuall

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Jarrod Trejo, 31 Physical Therapist Single, never married latin/caucasian man i’m a physically ﬁt, positively charged, 50/50 lifestyle. i tend active and y health a for ite appet ble with an insatia with my out g hangin e, outsid time spare my to spend most of er myself a handyman. favorite group of people—my family. i consid impressive skills in the My friends and family would say that i have i do for a living and kitchen as well as in the garage. i love what wake up mornings anxious to go to work.

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bull rider like my Growing up I wanted to be: a professional . coach elementary soccer am willing to evolve. Do you have a Blog? do i need one? i iness. cleanl quirky and family, food, for n Love me, love my: passio i require devices built the advantages of technology, however iPhone or BlackBerry: i honestly enjoy tear. and wear with structural integrity designed for titles of songs. Beatles, but i’m terrible with recalling the Favorite Beatles’ song: i am a fan of the s and family. friend with de poolsi out g hangin and cuing Favorite thing to do in Bakersfield: Barbe of black shirt, relaxed jeans, and my favorite pair polo rtable comfo a t: outfi date rst fi Signature shiny shoes. , eye e greeting that consists of a solid hand shake Signature first date move: initially, a sincer contact, and a warm smile. american. Favorite food: 1. Mexican, 2. italian, 3. physical therapy business. Career goals: owner/operator of a sport gement, public speaking, and chocolate. mana time ? esses weakn your are What on. stinati Pet peeve: procra Ramona Blanco, 32 Food & Nutrition Manager Forever Single sports and being Big hair, big eyes, and a big smile. i love outdoors. mom. strong and Growing up I wanted to be: Just like my independent! cell phones, i would have iPhone or BlackBerry: if i actually liked e. iphon e to choos of the time i just hang Favorite thing to do in Bakersfield: Most to the movies, swim, go to like we and niece out with my sister and and of course eat. What’s your astrological sign? aries. horseback riding, and an exotic island with my family. go fishing, visit to Dream vacation: i would love just lay on the beach with a cold drink. would of course wear something black. Signature first date outfit: if i dated, i in eight years. dated ’t haven i : move date rst fi ture Signa in an ice cold ss the opposite sex: i actually jumped impre to done ever e you’v Dumbest thing caught wasn’t going to get away. had i sh fi the that sure make to ng lake at six in the morni Career goals: to retire early. job went from have to say my career chose me! My first How did you choose your career? i would tal. i have been in Hospi Heart eld sfi Baker for ger mana n waiting tables, to cooking, and now to nutritio i can cook just d to know anything about cooking and now food service for 15 years now. i never wante about anything. giving, hardworking, and organized. What are your strengths? i am a very shy. little a am i ? esses What are your weakn Keith J. Jones, 32 Television personality Single nite understanding of i am an old school gentleman with a defi ation. i love to live life to how my contemporaries are in my gener a real relationship with the fullest extent. i am a spiritual man with ed life. christ. i continually attempt to live a balanc own thing. Growing up I wanted to be: doing my ? reaching, touching, Where do you see yourself in 10 years fresh air and truth on of breath a Being . and entertaining people television or in person. ss the opposite sex: Dumbest thing you’ve ever done to impre i say that? put on a cowboy shirt and hat...oops, did going wine tasting, pacific coast Highway 1 to wine country A great weekend would be: driving up lady. my with time going to a concert, and spending quality the season and what looks right. Signature first date outfit: it depends on to have a family to Bakersfield to know: it’s a great place rs come rs/new visito want you One thing and live in california. . comes easy. Utilize my god-given talents Career goals: to do what i love and what nce. obedie and faith, r, praye r? How did you choose your caree food, and shoes. What are your weaknesses? Women, of weight, and you the most satisfaction: losing a lot Two accomplishments that have given possibly finding my wife-to-be. away but can’t? pictures. What is something you should throw You have a nice smile. most: the you about say One thing people Favorite age so far: 19.

What are your strengths? tenacious worker and integrity. ), 61 Sharon Adams (formerly Sharon Jones CPA Married as a cpa, and am a small-town girl who enjoys working somehow, i am always busy. i feel that i the part that is fun. life that’s and ss busine people a really is enjoys family and friends. the cpa world for me is pretty basic. , named Jack n’ Single? i met a wonderful man online a What’s changed since you were a Sizzli mber. left a large cpa ﬁrm and went to septe last d marrie got and year a over adams. We dated for new life with Jack. We are big country my for time free more have to me d smaller ﬁrm. this has allowe eeing. music fans who love to travel and go sights on family and fun but from now? spending a little more time Where do you see yourself five years still having a career in public accounting. pastime. these would like to pursue? creativity is a fun it Is creative design still something you always improving it in some way. last week are i and Jack outlet. e creativ my is days my new home for the back patio. system mist a is it week this yard. was solar lights in the front person. i think person? Yes, but i still feel i am a people Do you still think of yourself as a quiet me. trust and me with most people (clients) are comfortable family suffered business. as a child, i played piano. My Growing up I wanted to be: in the music . in my work life, desire a s alway was choice r wife and mothe through it i am sure. like most girls, the career. i am that like would i knew s alway i is fascinating. i am very lucky because public accounting doing. be doing what i should don’t know Love me, love my: two shih tzus. they ➽ names are they are dogs! they are “the girls.” their suckie and Mitie. i am Do you have a Blog? no. i have this feeling

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Taryn Green, 23 Teacher In a relationship loves working with kids. i love my i’m a funny, friendly, and caring person who my friends and family. with time ing spend and , church, olive Knolls n’ Single? since then, i graduated What’s changed since you were a Sizzli s and will be finishing my teaching with my bachelor’s degree in liberal studie tute teaching for elementary kids credentials this summer. i started substi year. i also moved into my own last my is this but , dance teach and i still eld] Blitz because there is no rsfi [Bake the with longer no apartment. i am longer a team! from now? Hopefully maintaining a Where do you see yourself five years starting my own family. and d successful teaching career and marrie your life? My family. Who is the most important person in and personal with Dr. Phil? no, Have you had the chance to get up close to see the Dr. Phil Show! trip a make to try to d wante i er, but this summ list? definitely. i want to wait to-do your on still studio Is opening a dance that is still a goal of mine. but family a have and a few years after i’m settled ? a family trip is in the again as Baham the to Have you taken that vacation works for spring Break 2009! or dance teacher. Hey, my dreams Growing up I wanted to be: a teacher true. came have one but my sister does and i’m iPhone or BlackBerry? iphone. i don’t jealous. to the coast. Hitting the beach in A great weekend would be: taking a trip rant by the ocean at night. restau a at the day and going out to dinner sweet. Favorite food: cookies. or anything that’s loyalty, sense of humor, same Three things you look for in a friend: interests. and make more money. Career goals: earn my master’s degree me. i don’t know why, but i have chose it r? caree your e How did you choos little. Finally halfway through was i since things always loved teaching people be right for me. would ng teachi that my first year of college i realized , trustworthy, and personable. What are your strengths? i’m a good friend and i can dance!

Favorite Beatles’ song: “all My lovin’.” Mendy Brown, 30 Firm Administrative Manager for an Engineering Single sense of herself. i am i’m a 30-year-old woman who has a great . i’m well-spoken and ndent indepe very and ent, conﬁdent, intellig funny, and easy to ly, friend i’m ns. opinio my willing to speak out get along with. ist. i also wanted to Growing up I wanted to be: a marine biolog be a dolphin trainer at seaWorld. ? Working, traveling, Where do you see yourself in 10 years nd. husba a maybe maybe a kid, taking my nephew to Favorite thing to do in Bakersfield: i love the new season starts! condor games. We are heart-broken until park, going to dinner, and/or Hanging out with the family, going to the

A great weekend would be: watching a movie. i will be taking it. i’m headed to greece! Dream vacation: Hopefully, next June, What’s your astrological sign? leo. to wear heels if date appropriate. i mean, you don’t want Signature first date outfit: something . you’re hiking t and a smile. Signature first date move: eye contac learning as much as possible. Career goals: continue working hard and thank singly, i didn’t. i kind of just landed in it. and How did you choose your career? surpri goodness because i love it. ists, to put it nicely. Pet peeve: driving habits of fellow motor engineering ofﬁce you the most satisfaction: running an given have that ents plishm Two accom w. and being a good role model to my nephe

Bakersfield Magazine - Celebrating 5 years!

Jeff Guess, 23 Production Operator in the oilfields. Single working out, other than working 50 hours a week, i like beach, and riding my snowboarding, wake boarding, trips to the being with my friends dirt bike. otherwise, nothing is better than and family. athlete. Growing up I wanted to be: a professional ? as an oil ﬁeld consultant Where do you see yourself in 10 years picket fence. with a wife, two kids, two dogs, and a white fun day with the boys. Favorite thing to do in Bakersfield: sunny of town to san diego, A great weekend would be: Heading out sierra summit, or June lake. h europe with the woman of my dreams. throug acking Backp ion: vacat Dream for Men. , jeans, a button-down shirt, and eternity shoes dress t: outfi date rst fi Signature ” move works every time. cuddle and “yawn c classi the : move Signature first date how to party. loyalty, honesty, and someone who knows Three things you look for in a friend: : that we have more to offer than know to eld sfi Baker to rs come One thing you want visitors/new country music and oil derricks. lting company. Career goals: to open my own oil consu oppor tunity tired of tying re-bar for $8 an hour, and the was i r? caree your e choos you did How t. cemen advan d offere that job a came up for women. What are your weaknesses? Beautiful g, and talking on the phone. Pet peeve: toenail clippings, gum poppin on my own at 18 you the most satisfaction: Moving out Two accomplishments that have given and advancing quickly at work.

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Jennifer Holloway, 25 the show’s headline Realtor/Student/Aspiring Chef. I can see “JENN CAN COOK!” Single! always ready for a good i’m outgoing, fun, very spontaneous and to travel. live and clean, to hate cook, to love time.

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love Legally Blonde. Growing up I wanted to be: a lawyer. i the Beatles. Favorite Beatles’ song: i’m too young for ? a retired trillionaire Where do you see yourself in 10 years traveling the world. Fest. Favorite thing to do in Bakersfield: village black strappy dress, black little t: outfi date rst fi ture Signa lo Blahnik. Mano or na gabba & dolce ably sandals, prefer party at my cruisers with my friends, followed by a dinner beach riding be: would nd weeke A great house with my amazing cooking talents. colada. Dream vacation: tahiti. in a hut with a piña an award-winning smile. Signature first date move: Hair toss with one? ss the opposite sex: i have to pick just Dumbest thing you’ve ever done to impre d to follow her footsteps. wante i and r realto sful succes a is r How did you choose your career? My mothe easily. What are your weaknesses? distracted the Year in 2004 you the most satisfaction: volunteer of Two accomplishments that have given t being married or having kids. withou eld sﬁ Baker in 25 to it g makin for c.a.r.e. and rabbit. My away but can’t? peter cottontail, my stuffed What is something you should throw through everything. me with been has He born. was i day grandfather gave him to me the erz every orning ritual? going to Bagels and Blend What is your most unusual nighttime/m . fridge morning even though i have bagels in my

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Sean Rooks, 38 Assistant Basketball Coach Divorced the water/beach. i enjoy tall, dark, and handsome. i love to go to in my personal pride take i ng. traveli and music to ng listeni passionate father, proud . shoes and s clothe love i presence— loyal. and ly, friend , earted kind-h , athlete and coach cer. Growing up I wanted to be: a police ofﬁ ? on a beach relaxing. Where do you see yourself in 10 years nd on vacation with my A great weekend would be: any weeke kids. Dream vacation: all expenses paid. y suit with pink gators. Signature first date outfit: pink butterﬂ surprise her at the front door in e ever done to impress the opposite sex:

Dumbest thing you’v only boxers and her parents answered. Favorite food: thai or mac and cheese. ing as i was in playing basketball. Career goals: Be as successful in coach 6’10’’ and Black—natural ﬁt. How did you choose your career? i’m big heart. What are your strengths? perceptive, What are your weaknesses? too kind. , successful athlete. you the most satisfaction: Fatherhood Two accomplishments that have given s of ex. photo can’t? but away throw d shoul What is something you orning ritual? chronic “snooze” pusher. What is your most unusual nighttime/m “You’re tall.” most: One thing people say about you the Favorite age so far: all of them. rlake. Celebrity you most look like: Justin timbe Niki Reyes, 28 On-air personality on Kelly 95.3 FM Single nding myself with i enjoying living life to the fullest and surrou about having no i’m mom. ng amazi my and s my great friend i like the best of imes. somet limits need limits. although, i really shoes and skipping out everything, even if it means buying those because you’ll be a on dinner. i believe in loving yourself ﬁrst, i always like to be right better friend, wife, mother, and co-worker. impor tant for me to and hate being wrong. no matter what, it’s ng. laughi keep and laugh, laugh, trust me, some are relieved. Growing up I wanted to be: a teacher. and ts. Love me, love my: Fashion style instinc website. tly, i’ve never even been on the Facebook Myspace or Facebook: Myspace. Hones . ercials comm pc vs. Mac Mac or PC: pc. But i love those afford it. iPhone or BlackBerry: iphone—if i could ? sitting in a chair and getting Botox! Where do you see yourself in 10 years dreaming. vegas and hitting the jackpot. i know—keep A great weekend would be: going to las and a pair of hot heels. top, black sexy a , Jeans t: outfi date rst Signature fi Signature first date move: He always pays! much to look ss the opposite sex: spending way to Dumbest thing you’ve ever done to impre jerk. t perfec the beautiful when he turns out to be really this nice. rs to Bakersfield to know: everyone is One thing you want visitors/newcome magazine, and doing nt ainme entert an for n colum a t, writing Career goals: doing radio in a big marke ood. Hollyw s Acces like m ainment progra red carpet interviews or hosting an entert me laugh. entertained me growing up and it made How did you choose your career? radio

Mac or PC? switching to Mac JacK. Dustin Legan, 30 e Radio DJ 94.1, Owner of Dirty’s DJ Servic Single them so i can personality! i love people and learning from i‘m really good looking and i have a great i work to make myself a little bit day every so ood childh rough very a apply it to my own life. i had makes me experiences. i haven’t found that thing that better. i look forward to new things and new it). feel can (i consistently happy yet but i’m pretty close single. after n’ Single? Well i’m still sizzlin’ and i’m still i What’s changed since you were a Sizzli nship. However, that has now ended so relatio s seriou erm, long-t a began i out the magazine came it. Building my own dJ service has also of se becau er smart but , single newly guess you can say i’m hed, i have s edition of Bakersfield Magazine was publis been quite fulﬁlling. since the sizzlin’ single n and thanks to some great childre any have don’t still i n. wome also learned a few more things about business decisions i am totally debt free! with my beautiful from now? i will be living in a beach town Where do you see yourself five years tattoos, and in more few a maybe kids, my with beach cruiser surfer wife (wherever she is) and riding a shop. skate or e servic dJ a g runnin still the shape of my life. lf #1. your life? Me! You have to make yourse Who is the most important person in (wanted or not) from my sister advice the to s thank es? choic dating Have you been making better yes. nothing y dodd from Hot 94.1, i would have to say and her husband, Jake, as well as Jeram serious though. ent What has been your biggest accomplishm i quit radio since the magazine came out in 2005? ➽ d that for a minute to try new things and i realize is a personal radio is where i belong. that realization accomplishment. Knowing where you belong is crucial to being where you are happy.

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Anna Barraza, 30 Real Estate Single i’m a box full of surprises! could get away with being Growing up I wanted to be: a lawyer (i mean all the time). Myspace or Facebook: Myspace. ? owning my own Where do you see yourself in 10 years business. of town to the beach. Just A great weekend would be: going out going out of town, period! orn. scary, huh? What’s your astrological sign? capric jeans with a dressy shirt Signature first date outfit: dark pair of

ing purse. and some banging stilettos with a match the first move. He has to or he is canceled! Signature first date move: i let him make feeding him, ss the opposite sex: i tried to be cute by impre to done ever e you’v thing est Dumb but i dropped the food on his white shirt! don’t know how to rs to Bakersfield to know: people here One thing you want visitors/newcome drive! so be careful! or who i’m with. and being myself no matter where i’m at What are your strengths? god 100%. What are your weaknesses? Men! first two houses at you the most satisfaction: i bought my Two accomplishments that have given a very young age and am still going. away but can’t? My ex-boyfriends! What is something you should throw night. orning ritual? i like to clean my house at ime/m nightt al unusu What is your most . loyalty their love Dog or cat person: dog, Charles Napier, 72 Actor, Writer Single there are plenty of type in charles napier on your computer. descriptions—some not too flattering.

Favorite cartoon? Tom and Jerry...i’m old school. Bruce Peters, 51 rial Hospital Vice President/COO, Bakersfield Memo Single life. i’m a middle-aged man who is enjoying nd who i enjoy n’ Single? a lot. i have a beautiful girlfrie What’s changed since you were a Sizzli see my d a little, mostly a couple times a year to travele i’ve years two last the in with. spending time l snowmobile trip up near the canadian annua an on go to sota Minne to also parents in Florida and watch a friend race. ohio with some friends to a race track to border. i recently went from Minnesota to s, mostly by myself. i moved sierra the in hiking time of nt amou fair i have taken up hiking and spend a i want them. i try to spent a lot of time getting things the way into a new home in november and have in san diego and lives ter daugh my since cult difﬁ is which spend as much time as i can with my kids, my son is in school at Usc. with the same from now? i see myself in the same job, Where do you see yourself five years e. i will continue to enjoy what i think colleg from ate gradu Joe, son, my seen girlfriend, and will have is a great life. tail done, the coming along? Big progress! i have the How are the plans on building an air plane ge. fusela the h wings done, and i’m about halfway throug Growing up I wanted to be: an astronaut. Love me, love my: emotional swings. h time to waste on it. Myspace or Facebook: neither, not enoug work e-mails have a “crackberry.” i don’t need to read iPhone or BlackBerry? neither, i will never 24/7. sible 24/7 or have anyone think i’m acces r, and yes, i can be crabby sometimes! What’s your astrological sign? cance s too cheesy to answer at my age. sound that : move date rst fi ture Signa other than myself. ss the opposite sex: acted like someone Dumbest thing you’ve ever done to impre sfield to know: “Yeah, but it’s a dry heat.” Baker to rs come rs/new visito want One thing you

Bakersfield Magazine - Celebrating 5 years!

Growing up I wanted to be: a soldier. ? probably in paradise. Where do you see yourself in 10 years it’s oildale. unless mind in none Have Dream vacation: ss the opposite sex: Dumbest thing you’ve ever done to impre getting married in vegas. First of all, if you want a Three things you look for in a friend: friend, get a dog. alzheimer’s test. What are your strengths? passing the mountains, the Kern have we that know: to eld sfi Baker rs to One thing you want visitors/newcome the West coast. on , palace l crysta the club, y music night river, sequoia trees, and the only countr nt. accide r? caree your e choos How did you failing the alzheimer’s test next time. What are your weaknesses? probably my children. you the most satisfaction: the birth of given have Two accomplishments that ny. alimo can’t? but away throw What is something you should orning ritual? checking to see if i’m alive. What is your most unusual nighttime/m ors. alligat fer r—pre neithe n: perso cat or Dog are you chuck conners or Hugh Hefner? One thing people say about you the most: Hefner...or myself. Hugh tly recen like: look most Celebrity you scars. of plenty Any tattoos? no, but er it be to impor tant to give something back. Wheth Volunteering is important because: it’s years. 40 for lms fi and tv on me ed watch homelessness or to fans who have Jane Marie L. Ansolabehere, 34 Teacher Never married about me right away one of the things that people probably notice why i’m pretty easy to is that i’m very expressive. i think that’s an opinion or idea talk to and be with. You’ll never have to drag . on the other feeling or g thinkin i’m what guess or me out of thoughtful in and us cautio and r listene great a be hand, i can of others and ideas the of ctful respe also i’m delicate situations; especially outdoors. i can be diplomatic. i love physical activities, i thrive on constantly like foreign films, museums, traveling, and learning and seeing new things. Favorite Beatles’ song: “life goes on.” an old-school regular cell phone. just r, neithe ? Berry Black or e iPhon ? living on the coast or in the mountains. years 10 in elf yours see you Where do to calM. go eld: sfi Baker in do Favorite thing to ay to tahoe. A great weekend would be: a ski get-aw Dream vacation: snorkeling in Hawaii. g in the “moves” depar tment. Signature first date move: i think i’m lackin ss the opposite sex: that’s classified. Dumbest thing you’ve ever done to impre loyalty, consistency, sense of humor. : friend a in for look you things Three nt.” it chose me; my little sister was my first “stude How did you choose your career? i think m. criticis by hurt easily too i’m ? esses What are your weakn issues. away but can’t? old National Geographic What is something you should throw dogs before bedtime. my to g singin ritual? g ornin ime/m What is your most unusual nightt Dog or cat person: love and have both.

Tiffany Gilsbach, 28 er High School Physical Education Teach Still single i’m a down-to-ear th, simple What would you like to know about me? travel and try new things. i am a girl. i work hard and i play hard. love to growing christian and i love life. n’ Single? i’ve been doing What’s changed since you were a Sizzli took a backpacking trip to just and an, Michig some traveling to Utah, i have fallen in love with colorado. i have also started coaching track. services on both Wednesdays valley Bible Fellowship and love going to

and sundays. from now? i am going to check Where do you see yourself five years for fun. just er summ this area colo. r, out the denve doctors appointments? You Have you gotten any better at scheduling no actually, i have this knee Well, me? for issue remembered that was an s that has slowed me down a injury from teaching long jump to my classe took a rough fall snowboarding in bit, and i haven’t gone in for that. also i er hasn’t worked the same Big Bear this past season, and my left should get those Mris. to call the make i time it’s guess i since. in town? i haven’t been Is Outback still your favorite restaurant s. My group of crazy chang pF love i ver, Howe to outback that much. e from elvis and eric. thanks teacher/coaching friends loves getting servic our humor is understood every to elvis, we are all chopstick savvy and time we go! ent since the issue came What has been your biggest accomplishm things since 2006, but the little of lot a d plishe accom have i out in 2006? ts and staff at arvin studen the fall. past this me to ned nicest thing happe g week. comin home during High, arvin Ms. High school voted me

Sizzlin MySpace or Facebook? Myspace. Danielle Zili, 24 , San Joaquin Marketing & Communication Coordinator Community Hospital Single! laugh and have fun. i a career-focused individual who loves to to my family back in close very am and ors, love sports, the outdo the Midwest. ist. i thought that all Growing up I wanted to be: a marine biolog and it looked like a pretty they did was swim with dolphins all day out about the scientiﬁc sweet gig. i changed my mind when i found thing! my really not hat’s job—t aspects of the r. i love “stupid” funny Love me, love my: Wacky sense of humo ce and Reno 911. things. My favorite tv shows are The Offi many Beatles’ songs, but i do am i too young to answer this? i don’t know

Favorite Beatles’ song: like “i Wanna Hold Your Hand.” tomorrow! this is a ? i wish i knew what i’m wearing to work Where do you see yourself in 10 years job, and married ing satisfy a in g workin i’m hope i 10 years, hard question, but wherever i end up in with maybe a few kids. right now i’m sfield has great recreational activities, and ” Favorite thing to do in Bakersfield: Baker league team, “the Bakersfield power team. my with nds weeke the on tennis g really enjoying playin come to Bakersfield. i’m originally from have that rts conce the of some with i’ve also been impressed i was used sfield would get some of the big name acts the chicago area, and i didn’t think Baker to—but i’ve been pleasantly surprised. i could ay to the coast or a drive to Yosemite where A great weekend would be: a short get-aw absolutely But i’m not too picky. a few days of doing e. pastim e favorit y—my graph photo in indulge nothing would be great too!

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Kerry Ryan, 49 Owner, Action Sports Unmarried music, play the piano and passionate about life and people. i love tv. love the outdoors. drums, i’d rather listen to music than watch doing things out of my rather run than walk. love adventure and comfort zone. golfer. Growing up I wanted to be: a professional ? retired and traveling Where do you see yourself in 10 years the world. a hug. Signature first date move: no kisses, just ss the opposite sex: Dumbest thing you’ve ever done to impre much. too Just talked sincerity, honesty, zest for life. Three things you look for in a friend: i have to make rs to Bakersfield to know: the passion come rs/new visito want you One thing ies. activit al physic h throug live to place Bakersﬁeld a better Favorite food: Most anything. Bring it on! y of athletic people. sports. i also love to be around the energ How did you choose your career? i love no. saying never ng. anythi with ne everyo What are your strengths? trying to help no. help everyone with anything. never saying What are your weaknesses? trying to i hate to nally, perso . people tivated Unmo : Pet peeve be late. ➽ away but What is something you should throw the money can’t? once i’ve bought something, i value equipment. i spent on it too much. clothing, cars, sports never sell anything of my own.

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Tonya M. Dretzka, 42 cial Staffing Executive Recruiter for Creative Finan Single is always about you.” someone said to me “you think everything to the conclusion that i thought about it for a long time and came i’m the mother, provider, yes, it is always about me. For right now, Wherever i go, i’m professional business women, and best friend. fun-loving, classy, and known for being the outgoing, free-spirited, part of my life for anything. ﬂirtatious person. i would not change any decorator. Growing up I wanted to be: an interior a huge part of my life. Love me, love my: Family. My family is ? semi-retired and Where do you see yourself in 10 years s. enjoying life with the prince of my dream ﬁve inch heels. Signature first date outfit: anything with in Union square. the Fairmont in san Francisco, shopping A great weekend would be: staying at Signature first date move: Bend and snap. , oh my god. i’m ss the opposite sex: tried playing sports Dumbest thing you’ve ever done to impre more of a cheerleader that an athlete. resist. n everyone remembers and no one can Career goals: Become the kind of perso every part of the word blonde). (i’m nged challe lly logica techno i’m ? What are your weaknesses my two awesome you the most satisfaction: of course, Two accomplishments that have given job. t curren my at club” dent’s children and being inducted into the “presi ‘80s. away but can’t? lace leggings from the What is something you should throw night (who g ritual? Washing my feet with oil every ornin ime/m nightt al unusu most your What is . wants nasty feet?) a dolce bag an accessory? Dog or cat person: isn’t a small dog in Paul Sanders II, 28 Director/Media Manager Single tall, decent looking nice guy.

Growing up I wanted to be: a travel agent, so i could see the world. Jenny Maitia-Poncetta, 55 Restaurant Owner/Manager Married i’m not at work, . i spend a lot of time at my job, but when i’m hardworking, honest, and independent daughters, and cooking for my with ing shopp , church to going i enjoy spending time with my family, friends and family. man of my n’ Single? Well, i’m married now. i met the What’s changed since you were a Sizzli in honest, and handsome. We have so much kind, is he and tta, ponce david is dreams. His name i have also gained three loving step kids. him of se Becau mate. soul my he’s common that i truly feel are now planing a a chance to share my roots with him. We i took a trip with david to europe and got trip to italy to visit his side of the family. by that’s not too far from now? the way time has been flying Where do you see yourself five years like to step back i’d n. childre grand my with time more ing away. i see myself traveling more and spend and just enjoy life a bit more. My husband your life? Wow, that’s a difficult question. Who is the most important person in girls are right behind him. My my years many for mom single a being is the most impor tant, but entire family and very dear to me as well. i’d have to say my grandchildren, mom, and my brother are me. extended family are very impor tant to at times, it seems without? coffee is something i truly enjoy. Is coffee still something you can’t live like i can’t function without it. years. i love to relax? We’ve been doing it for over 20 d Is June Lake still your ideal destination i like the fact that i don’t have to be dresse year. every on vacati that to d forwar June lake and look d, read a book while fishing, go to the aroun lounge can i ly. friend so is ne up all the time, and everyo er. it’s truly a playing cards after we all eat dinner togeth double eagle spa for a massage, and enjoy wonderful, relaxing family vacation. pretty top. Signature first date outfit: pants and a

8 Bakersfield Magazine - Celebrating 5 years!

man. Growing up I wanted to be: a police ? With good friends years 10 in elf yours see you do e Wher life. ing and enjoy to the beach. A great weekend would be: drive down impress the opposite Dumbest thing you’ve ever done to sex: go to a movie i really didn’t like. ers to Bakersfield to One thing you want visitors/newcom know: it gets hot here. into it in high school. How did you choose your career? got g. solvin m What are your strengths? i like proble myself harder than others. What are your weaknesses? i judge an eagle you the most satisfaction: Becoming Two accomplishments that have given . house own my scout, and buying . Last book you read: Three Musketeers Career goals: retire. jacket. away but can’t? High school letter man’s What is something you should throw Favorite age so far: 17. to say denzel, but that would be lying. Celebrity you most look like: i like the people in our it is the best way to help the world and se: becau rtant impo is Volunteering community.

Apryle Mercado, 32 Clerical Assistant Single ifully vivacious 4-yeari am a 32-year-old single mom of a beaut me at a very cool part-ti work and e old girl. i go to school full-tim stubborn, and crazy at engineering company. i am passionate, at myself in the mirror times, but at the end of the day, i can look and be happy with who i am. Woman. When my Growing up I wanted to be: the Bionic me that wasn’t possible, told al hospit a in d worke grandmother who i wanted to be an obstetrician. too fancy for me. iPhone or BlackBerry: Both are a little ? i see myself as a Where do you see yourself in 10 years travel. to off ers summ with justice college professor teaching criminal to the bluffs and watching a sunset. Favorite thing to do in Bakersfield: going ter. doing something fun outside with my daugh or ing camp be: would nd weeke A great , but in no rt, so anything that is sexy, yet conservative comfo about all am i t: outfi date rst fi Signature s. abilitie ing breath my way restrictive of ite national ss the opposite sex: When i lived in Yosem Dumbest thing you’ve ever done to impre direction as the bar. there were same the in were that rs boulde ng climbi park, several guys suggested ver, by the time i knew we would stroll to our destination. Howe times i would have flip-flops on thinking f, at times, climbing mysel found i door. the out y alread that bouldering was on his agenda, we were in the worst shoes. rocks that would be as high as 100 feet, many beautiful, rs to Bakersfield to know: that there are come rs/new visito want One thing you has more to offer than just oilfields and nitely defi it see. and go to places , hidden hidden, and not so what you see from the highway.

Eric Bollier, 52 Hospitals) Veterinarian (Stiern/Southwest Veterinary Single (for the past four years) for the past 28 years. originally from Kansas city, i’ve lived here and i like to stay ﬁt. i like the outdoors, especially the mountains, ing, and photography bicycl , acking backp , hiking , skiing shing, Fly-ﬁ with my son (20) time enjoy also i sts. intere my of few are just a and daughter (18).

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i want to be younger. Growing up I wanted to be: older. now face-to-face. Myspace or Facebook: neither, i prefer ? Working less; playing Where do you see yourself in 10 years and volunteering more. rs; button-up shirt. Signature first date outfit: Jeans or docke goes from there. it where see and f mysel or dinner. Be Signature first date move: casual lunch ng off on opposite sex: almost hit by a car showi the ss impre to done ever e you’v Dumbest thing l. schoo high in my friend’s motorcycle now. otherwise, i feel very fortunate where i am Career goals: Just do my best every day. science (especially in st intere my and ls anima of love My How did you choose your career? biology). t, dependable, not a quitter. What are your strengths? Friendly, patien tones. ring phone cell ing annoy : Pet peeve my two you the most satisfaction: My role in raising Two accomplishments that have given arian. veterin a e becom to took it work hard wonderful kids, and the arian, i can’t discriminate. Dog or cat person: love both. i’m a veterin high points. Favorite age so far: all ages have had Jetson. Celebrity you most look like: george

Maria Mendoza, 31 Realtor Divorced life, caring, hard worker. Fun, outgoing, positive, strong minded, enjoy Growing up I wanted to be: rich! Love me, love my: good and bad (kids). dancing with friends. A great weekend would be: going out Dream vacation: i want to go to europe. with some hot, ﬂashy Signature first date outfit: cute dress heels. have one other than i Signature first date move: i don’t really irt! ﬂ big turn in to a ss the opposite sex: Dumbest thing you’ve ever done to impre . something i have been trying hard to forget

Well, let’s just say it’s Favorite food: Mexican seafood. Career goals: Become a broker. the excitement brothers got into real estate first. after seeing How did you choose your career? My in my life. d neede i hing somet was it that d and challenges the field gave them, i decide self-motivated. , positive, great self-esteem, charisma, and What are your strengths? Mentally strong g men. What are your weaknesses? good lookin Pet peeve? gas pumps! buying my first you the most satisfaction: My kids and Two accomplishments that have given house at a young age. . away but can’t? My favorite black shoes What is something you should throw Favorite age so far: present age. Favorite cartoon: Tom & Jerry. Frank Vaughan, 35 Restaurant Owner Single life and like to i’m an easy going, laid-back guy. i enjoy it as much as i do. surround myself with people who enjoy player. Growing up I wanted to be: Baseball ? Married with kids. Where do you see yourself in 10 years Watch the condors and Favorite thing to do in Bakersfield: golf. s trip out of town. A great weekend would be: a spontaneou Dream vacation: Fiji. a move on the first Signature first date move: never make date. site sex: too embarrassed to say, but you’ve ever done to impress the oppo

Dumbest thing it worked. career. Career goals: to always advance in my chose me. How did you choose your career? it g. to everything i do and i’m hard workin What are your strengths? dedicated others before myself. What are your weaknesses? i think of where i’m at you the most satisfaction: getting to Two accomplishments that have given with my career and when i quit smoking. . everything eventually becomes a movie Last book you read: no need to read, have to watch tv before i go to bed. i ? ritual g ornin time/m night al What is your most unusu Favorite age so far: 30. n. Celebrity you most look like: vince vaugh Jerry. & Tom on: carto ite Favor

far? so x? e age Favorit to rela t way Bes ing way too close to 30. gettrse is g thin 29 this 28, of , sitting in a spa cou Nicole Villaruz, 29 an District Representative for a Congressm nship relatio a in but ed, marri Not i was raised in to laugh and enjoy making people laugh. some people say i’m funny because i love so parents knows that they are pretty funny. my knows who e anyon hold. house a very humorous nality is fun and loving. i am quiet perso My me. with oK is r humo of sense anyone who “gets” my r—friends can i always try to be friendly. i am a great listene around people i don’t know that well, but opinion when asked. i am my give and listen will i and etc., life, call me to “vent” about their day, their really want it. hey, don’t ask for my opinion if you don’t very honest, sometimes too honest. But one. Besides n’ Single? i’m really trying to think on this What’s changed since you were a Sizzli bad. s. i was in total denial of my vision getting glasse get to had i now, nship relatio s being in a seriou i couldn’t read the freeway signs at night and ago s month couple a l rafae san it wasn’t until i drove to that i realized my vision was bad. —never have. i your life? oh, i don’t like to rank people Who is the most important person in people that i would the are they ones. r numbe my are think there are a small group of people who ones that i love ones whose opinions i acknowledge; the ﬁnd it extremely difﬁcult to live without; the is today; the ones it what life my make that me laugh; the ones spending time with; the ones that make heart. my in places l specia have that know that they not really. although, What She Wants” by the Bangles? no, Is your theme song still “If She Knew i think a good theme song for me now, right Fair! y count Kern the at i am totally going to go see them lly. it’s from the is “now that i Know” by shannon Mcna m, i know. But Sweet Home Alabama soundtrack. rando ➽ me. so are the lyrics “chicken Have you come up with a name for the chicken thingies” your mom makes? nope. still thingies; still yummy.

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www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Dream Homes 008

Sizzlin

E S! G L TE I N DA S UP Todd Snider, 32 Ag Business/Sales In a relationship nsible, t-shirt and jeans kind outgoing, athletic, tall, passionate, respo ross, wakeboarding, mountain of guy. i do a lot of different sports: motoc oarding, golf, softball, etc. i snowb riding, bike street rts, go-ka , biking stuff to do so that i can say am always looking for fun and adventurous i really lived! n’ Single? Well, i’m no longer What’s changed since you were a Sizzli nship for the past seven months, a sizzlin’ single; i have been in a relatio i became a part of the committee so i try to keep that relationship sizzlin’. recently became an uncle, also i r. cente less Home eld sfi Baker for the start thinking about the me made has up grow neice my ing and watch a dad. be ay somed to be will it ng future and how amazi from now? Married with Where do you see yourself five years children? your life? Brother or Who is the most important person in mom. being too critical? Would you still say your worst trait is to recovery is step rst fi the that. on ed improv i think i have knowing you have a problem right? still on your toIs being a professional race car driver go-kart race and do list? Most definitely! i just did my first someday. look to use it as a stepping stone to cars bicycle racer. Growing up I wanted to be: professional i did it! any day. Favorite Beatles’ song: i prefer Metallica for a nice Favorite thing to do in Bakersfield: go bike ride or motorcycle ride with friends. the lake A great weekend would be: camping at stuff. with a group of friends, wakeboarding and ss impre to done ever e you’v thing est Dumb the opposite sex: paid a bouncer too much money so we didn’t have to wait in line. rs One thing you want visitors/newcome to Bakersfield to know: there is only three here, you’re stuck! degrees of separation here. now that you’re

Signature first date move? i can’t reveal my secrets. Tonya Warren A.K.A. Tonka Toy, 37 Teacher Single have fun. i love to play i am a kicked back person that loves to love outdoor activities. i and them) ing watch on big sports (not , beautiful girls, in tough . derby roller is My current passion each other. Where’s the ﬁshnet stockings beating the crap out of i love to travel, see new bad? plus, it’s great anger management. possessions are my things, and meet new people. My most prized i do. i am very openchildren. they are my reason for everything by the golden rule and minded and try to be nonjudgmental. i live about me is none of think people other what that try to remember long as i take it one as simple be to life found my business. i have day at a time. course. Growing up I wanted to be: Famous, of people guessing what i really think. Do you have a Blog: Hell no! like to keep derby. Favorite thing to do in Bakersfield: roller sexy yet leaving enough to the imagination. thing some t: outfi date rst fi ture Signa lot (nervous giggle). Signature first date move: laughing a ! ss the opposite sex: Me, dumb? never impre to done ever e Dumbest thing you’v e. chees blue and o menud t excep hing Favorite food: i like everyt loyalty, honesty, open-mindedness. Three things you look for in a friend: i had growing up. d to help children with similar background How did you choose your career? Wante ess. titiven compe ssion, What are your strengths? Honesty, compa -edged sword). ssion, competitiveness (all three can be a double What are your weaknesses? Honesty, compa Pet peeve: cowards, liars, and thieves.

50 Bakersfield Magazine - Celebrating 5 years!

Tony O’Brien, 53 Art gallery owner Divorced d me to create. i i have had a very fulﬁlling life that has allowe graphy. i am having a enjoy my music, Hebrew poetry, and photo re gallery of photography great time with the opening of my apertu d artists and their work. talente many ase showc to able and being and enjoy watching n childre grown my to ted i am very dedica one day, i am enjoying g; excitin so is life world. them expand their g some jazz. then next, writing poetry and the same evening playin , i just think i’m true. true it might be working on the gallery. really true to my art and what to my family, true to my community, and else comes from being more can one want or need? everything t. hones true and i am right now. Growing up I wanted to be: everything art. Love me, love my: Family, religion, and phone. iPhone or BlackBerry: old fashioned cell or near the water. A great weekend would be: anything on the clothes a thought. Signature first date outfit: i don’t give your date is trusting you to be respectful. Signature first date move: Be on time— everything comes Honesty is all three of the things because : friend a in for look you things Three from honesty. people and you rs to Bakersfield to know: it really is the One thing you want visitors/newcome family. a raise to could not ﬁnd a better place i have performed in de; i have published books in the library, Career goals: i can only express gratitu ational awards. intern won have i and es, galleri many in many venues, my art has been displayed

Jason Gutierrez, 25 ce Journalist Public Affairs Representation/Freelan Single friends, get out of town in my free time, i like to hang out with my just kick back. right as much as possible, go to concerts, or runs, kayaking, tennis, now, i’m really into being active with 5K at the gym. e routin ut worko r regula a and volleyball,

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even though i have no Growing up I wanted to be: a rock star. d it would somehow musical talent, whatsoever, i always image work out. What can i say, i’m a dreamer. one. i’m a self-proclaimed Myspace or Facebook: this is a tough accounts with both have i rker. netwo -online social sional profes e just one, i would choos to had i if but ce, Myspa and Facebook . phone my to update from choose Facebook. it’s the easiest for me demise of journalism ogger. i believe blogs are going to be the ood. Do you have a Blog? no! i’m an anti-bl com to find out whats going on in Hollyw hilton. perez read rly regula do i er, as a profession...howev right? tion, eh, there’s always an excep ipod, iphone, itv, se apple has come up with the innovative Mac or PC: Mac all the way. not just becau able to multitask. and ly reative do—c i like lot a think they and various other “i” devices, but because erry. Why, you my undying love for Mac, but i have a BlackB iPhone or BlackBerry: i just professed Ha! out. came rst fi it iphone when may ask? it’s simple—i couldn’t afford the a rock star anytime ? Well, it doesn’t look like i’m going to be Where do you see yourself in 10 years knows really! Maybe i will be a big time Who list. journa nt ainme entert an as soon, but i’m doing well bizz. publicist for the music and entertainment to late afternoon g kayaking on the central coast with a mid A great weekend would be: early mornin e for an evening in. servic room order and hotel r ve-sta fi a at massage. if money wasn’t an option, i’d stay Sherian Delfino, 60+ Real Estate Single grandchildren and spoil i love to dance, spend time with my four and friends over and family having enjoy also i veto. my Yorkie, cooking for them. dancer, wife, and a Growing up I wanted to be: a nurse, mother. Favorite Beatles’ song: “Hey Jude.” live theater and go Favorite thing to do in Bakersfield: Watch

out to dinner. Francisco. A great weekend would be: go to san lots of seafood. Favorite food: i’m the cook—i like it all. r. Broke a be would Career goals: next step friend and mother. What are your strengths? Being a good much. What are your weaknesses? i talk too Pet peeve: telemarketing phone calls. mother and you the most satisfaction: Being a good Two accomplishments that have given being such a great cook. and a new shi tzu. Dog or cat person: dog. i have a Yorkie Favorite age so far: loved 40. sometimes like Judy garland. Celebrity you most look like: With a hat, y or pixar. Favorite cartoon: anything from disne Any tattoos? no, never. i know who i am! g is what life is give of one’s self is the best gift and helpin Volunteering is important because: to all about. Gary Zohman, 42 Orthopedic surgeon Divorced t, tolerant, hard an easy-going, humorous, athletic, patien about his two sons, crazy is who dad ve creati and g, workin aged 11 and 7. or architect. Growing up I wanted to be: an artist Love me, love my: two sons. iPhone or BlackBerry: iphone...soon. ? on a boat. Where do you see yourself in 10 years (for a change), go for in ing sleep be: would end week A great s. friend with pool the by cue a swim, then barbe man. Signature first date move: Be a gentle shirt from abercrombie and Fitch. Signature first date outfit: Jeans and ss the opposite sex: arm wrestle her. impre to done ever Dumbest thing you’ve . doing i’m Career goals: Keep doing what . What are your weaknesses? ice cream te. Pet peeve: people who are inconsidera lahaina, Maui away but can’t? a t-shir t i bought in What is something you should throw when i was 14. it! most: My ipod has some old stuff on One thing people say about you the tom cruise. okay, okay, . stiller Ben okay, like: Celebrity you most look meep.” Favorite cartoon: roadrunner! “Meep taking is easy, giving takes effort. Volunteering is important because:

Celebrity you most look like? i’m an original! Elaine Reyes, 37 Business banker Single spending time with family i am pretty easy going. i look forward to ng, the beach, or mountains. and friends, i like being outdoors, campi soccer for a club n’ Single? My daughter started playing What’s changed since you were a Sizzli for life. relay with d involve really am i s. game her for team this year, so we are traveling a little nship. relatio ingful mean a in ully Hopef from now? Where do you see yourself five years rock star? Yes, i of becoming famous and living like a Have you gotten any closer to that dream daily. live like a rock star ter. Love me, love my: Flaws and my daugh Myspace or Facebook? Myspace. with family and friends. Favorite thing to do in Bakersfield: Be beach somewhere. A great weekend would be: Being on a e. europ ion: vacat Dream i. What’s your astrological sign? gemin Signature first date outfit: low cut dress. in the ear and a kiss on the cheek. Signature first date move: Whispering have a good time. ty, loyalty, and someone who knows how to Hones : Three things you look for in a friend city for family and great a it’s : know to eld sfi Baker to rs One thing you want visitors/newcome friends. Just good people. me. How did you choose your career? it chose charismatic, loyal. What are your strengths? dependable, ting. What are your weaknesses? over-commit Pet peeve: Flaky people. Dog or cat person? dog.

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www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Dream Homes 008 51

52 Bakersfield Magazine - Celebrating 25 years!

John Gonzales and Michele Hill are now thriving after seeking help from our homeless center.

These hardworking families are proof that homelessness can happen to anyone. Thankfully, the Bakersfield Homeless Center is here to help.

A Place to Call Home

H H

is stained, ill-fitting jeans are an obvious sign. The greasy hair and dirt under the fingernails are good indications, too. But it’s the bent cardboard sign that’s the dead giveaway. In hastily scribbled Sharpie, he’s written “Homeless. Please help.” He’s a panhandler. You speed up a little, trying to make it through the green light; you don’t want to be the car stopped next to him at the corner; he might approach you, his hollow face torn apart by meth. Sure you have a couple bucks you could give him, but you know he’ll only use it to buy a fix. You tell yourself you’ll help the homeless in other ways...you’ll donate clothes, or something, when things aren’t so busy. You assure yourself that this man would just as soon rob you as ask you the time so you don’t feel the pang of guilt slowly creeping up in your throat. Thankfully, the light stays green and you speed through the intersection without giving another thought to the homeless man. You’ll never be in the same position he’s in. We’re so quick to depict the homeless population as villains. By imagining them as addicts and junkies, we don’t have to see them as human. We’re so scared of what life on the street is like, that we do everything in our power to avoid confronting it.

“I was terrified when I realized where we had to go,” Michele Hill said of the time she and now-husband, John Gonzales, along with 6-year-old daughter, Julia, were heading to the Bakersfield Homeless Center. After moving to Bakersfield, the couple lived with friends while they looked for jobs and a home, but a domestic disturbance (not involving them) left the three homeless. Rather than seek help, the family spent the first few nights living in their car. “I cried hopelessly,” Michele continued, horrified at what their options were. “I had no family here and we didn’t have a connection to John’s family, so we began trying church family programs.” However, many would only take in Michele and Julia. “We were so dependent on each other—we didn’t want to separate. I began thinking it was better to stay in the car than let anyone know we needed help.” But light came in the form of knowledge when they found out that they could stay together and get help at the Bakersfield Homeless Center. “They were all so kind. They listened to our story and never judged us. They immediately got us beds and set up a way for John to volunteer at the center so we could stay together during the day.” This was just the support they needed. “They asked what they needed to do to get us back on >>

“Rather than seek help, the family spent the first few nights living in their car.”

www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Dream Homes 2008 53

A Place to Call Home

The Maitz family happily stands outside their new home, thanks to the center.

track.” That help included seven days worth of clothing, including slacks, dress shoes, and a tie for John to go on job interviews. “The center got me signed up for classes at Bakersfield College. I went everyday and the center took care of Julia. When I got that first ‘A’, my confidence was back and I knew it was just a matter of us working hard to make a better life.” Michele started volunteering with Debra Lawson in the center’s Job Development Department, helping other clients build their resumes and fill out applications. “I never tried to build one for myself, but in giving examples to those I helped, including John, I found myself with an accidental resume.” John eventually went on to become fork-lift certified and now works at a facilities management company. Michele continued taking classes at BC and with help from the center, found a position at Greater Bakersfield Legal Assistance—where she has worked for the past year and a half. When Michele and John were ready to move into an apartment, more help came from Louis Gill, the center’s executive director. “He told us that if we saved enough for the first month’s rent, he would help us pay the deposit. Louis went and cut a check payable to the apartment for the full deposit. Now, we’re saving up so we can buy our own home.” Their story has come full circle: they went to the center with nothing, left with something, and now regularly give back and donate clothes when they get the chance. For Josh and Christina Maitz, life was good. Young, happy, with two children under the age of two, they were working hard, and their efforts paid off. “We were living in a two-bedroom apartment and driving a new Mazda,” Christina began. But happiness quickly turned to frustration and uncertainty when Josh lost his job in the quality assurance field due to downsizing. Almost immediately, Christina, a medical receptionist at the time, lost hers as well. This young family was trying everything to make ends meet, picking up minimum wage work where they could and living with friends. But the strain of raising their sons, Christian and Matthew, and trying to get their lives back on track on their own proved too much. They needed more help than their friends could offer; they needed more than a couch to sleep on. “It was a horrific thought...I couldn’t believe what we had to do,” Christina remembered thinking of their decision to move to the Bakersfield Homeless Center. Her impression of shelters was not unlike most: druggies, bums, and miscreants wandered in and out. Amidst the feelings of defeat and depression, Josh and Christina 5 Bakersfield Magazine - Celebrating 5 years!

Jennifer and Kelsie Potter are living a life of consistency after spending only two months at the center.

had their children to think of. How could they take them there? At least they had beds; that was more than the street could offer. So late one night—after hours and on a weekend—the Maitzes found themselves standing in the entrance way to their worst nightmare. On the other side wasn’t a bad dream, but a beacon of hope. “As soon as we walked in, we were treated wonderfully. We were served a late dinner and given a warm bed,” explained Josh, now 8. And the next morning, the staff stepped into high gear, helping this young family get back on their feet. The initial fear they had lived with was behind them. Christina, especially, wondered how her perception of the center could have been so far off. “We were immediately given a case manager who helped us make a plan,” she explained. That plan included parenting, finance, and skill-building classes. “They even pushed us both to go back to school and signed us up for classes at Bakersfield College. I’m taking summer classes right now,” Josh added, his voice full of confidence. And while they were taking classes, their sons were cared for by the teachers of the homeless center’s Rainbow Room for infants and the Discovery Depot, their licensed childcare program. It took only six months for the Maitzes to complete their journey at the Bakersfield Homeless Center. With the help of dedicated staff members, they cleaned up their credit, opened a checking account with Wells Fargo, composed resumes, made friends, and found an apartment. The lessons and support they received and the memories they made will follow them everywhere. “Matthew took his first steps at the center,” Christina recalled.“We were the perfect example of how it could happen to anyone. And if you’re taking it seriously and are ready to utilize their resources, it’s the best place you could go,” Josh mused. “There are a lot of misconceptions about homeless shelters, but they make it as easy as possible for families that find themselves there,” Christina added. “We were working for our future, and they were right behind us.” Jennifer Potter and her 11-year-old daughter, Kelsie, had moved from Arizona to Lancaster and had lived there for over seven years when the repeated rent increases began to affect Jennifer’s income. “I was receiving disability pay for Kelsie, who has high-functioning autism and other medical conditions, but it [along with her modest income] wasn’t enough.” Prices for apartments were up all over Lancaster, so Jennifer and Kelsie were forced to give a 0-day notice and hesitantly move in with Jennifer’s aunt and uncle. The single mother and daughter had a routine, they had each other, and in addition to

putting a strain on their family’s resources, they would have to interact in a new environment—something unhealthy for Kelsie. When her family relocated to Texas, Jennifer was left with few options. She couldn’t move with them but she had to live somewhere. As degrading as it seemed, she would have to move her daughter into a room at the local Motel . And so they struggled, using money received from disability to pay for the room on a weekly basis. Though they weren’t living on the street, trying to stay warm, or find food, motel living presented its own challenges. “There was no opportunity to save money and I had to start homeschooling Kelsie because the school buses wouldn’t stop at a motel.” They had no choice but to go to Lancaster’s homeless shelter when money ran out. And while she sought comfort and stability for her daughter, Jennifer worked to fight off depression. “You try and pull yourself up by your bootstraps and get moving, but it’s a real challenge,” Jennifer explained, crossing her hands tightly on her lap. Her eyes turned glassy with tears as she continued. “The center there was unacceptable for our needs; they couldn’t accommodate Kelsie.” So staff in Lancaster suggested Jennifer go to the Bakersfield Homeless Center, where they were equipped to help families. “It was definitely a scary feeling to leave,” Jennifer added, remembering leaving a city they had known so well, “but you can’t let pride get in the way.” When they arrived, Jennifer and Kelsie were given their own room because of Kelsie’s condition. It was exactly the thing this small family needed to regain some peace in their lives. Once Jennifer saw the resources at her disposal, she knew what she had to do. It was no time to wallow or get discouraged. If staff at the center could remain so upbeat, so could she. They helped Jennifer and Kelsie get new eyeglasses and made sure Kelsie had her medications. Jennifer quickly cleaned up her credit issues back in Lancaster with the center’s legal assistance and set out looking for a job that would allow her to stay home with Kelsie when she needed to. And while they were searching for a fresh start, the center offered consistency. “I was thankful that Kelsie didn’t have to watch

The Bakersfield Homeless Center has done more than give people a meal and a place to sleep, it’s given them a second chance at a better life. me worry about being evicted or buying food anymore,” Jennifer explained. “It was some much needed relief for her.” Luckily, this mother and daughter didn’t have to stay at the center long. “Diane [Oliver, Housing Development Director] found the job for me,” Jennifer said, smiling. And it was the perfect job for her. She would be the manager of an apartment building and live rentfree in the complex. Not only did she and Kelsie have a home, but she had a job. Kelsie could once again have stability in her day. Now 1 , and in middle school, Kelsie is thriving. “The center really works if you make goals and don’t rush,” Jennifer emphasized. “There are so many negative connotations of shelters, but ours does such a good job of offering safe alternatives to living on the street.” Like Michele and John, the Maitzes, and Jennifer and Kelsie, many families are helped by the selfless staff of the center. In the 34 years it’s been open, the Bakersfield Homeless Center has done more than give people a meal and a place to sleep, it gives them a second chance at a better life. There is always a light on for those who need it. All one has to do is ask. ❖ www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Dream Homes 008 55

chasing

hat is it like, we ask Bakersfield Police Detective Herman Caldas, to be in a room with someone you know is a cold-blooded killer, someone who may even be proud of the act, and who dares you to catch him? The veteran investigator sits, along with the leader of the Robbery/Homicide Division, Sgt. Joe Aldana, in a downtown Bakersfield Starbucks, speaking of cold cases. Caldas chuckles, folds both hands around his coffee cup, leans back a bit (without losing eye contact), and says, “Of course, it’s not easy, and that’s been the case more times than I can remember. But, it’s a matter of professionalism. I’m not going to jeopardize a twenty-year career, for one moment of irrational vengeance. Listen: you will not survive in this business if you let them get to you.” The “business” is murder, “they” are the human monsters who take other lives, and Kern County has seen plenty of both. Detective Greg Terry, a spokesperson for the Bakersfield Police Department, speculated that unsolved homicides for his agency number “in the hundreds.” Asked about how many unsolved murders fall under the jurisdiction of his agency, Special Deputy Mike Moore admitted that he had no exact figure, but that they also likely number more than two hundred. Beyond the statistics, however, lies the shadowy world of victims, who were living, breathing human beings, up until the moment when their killers, many of them still unidentified, took it upon themselves to end their lives. This is the story of five victims (four homicides, one disappearance), and of five soldiers fighting in the dark business of murder, each engaged in tireless battles that have been, and still are, being waged by Kern County law enforcement to exact justice for victims whose cases are cold.

The Sheriff

On Monday, April 3, 2008, Sheriff Donny Youngblood held a press conference and announced the formation of a cold case unit, to be led by retired Deputy Mike Moore. Moore, a seasoned criminal investigator, would bring “fresh eyes” to approximately 50 unsolved homicides, under the jurisdiction of the Kern County Sheriff ’s Department (KCSD). Information regarding the cases, said Youngblood, will be released “one case each, one at a time,” to focus attention on each case, “and not to confuse evidence in the cases. This unit is about cold cases,” Youngblood said later. “They’re very difficult to work, and time consuming, but I believe this is going to be successful.” The first case to be taken up by Moore is an unidentified homicide victim, known only as “Jane Doe,” whose body was found July 15, 1980, in an almond orchard adjacent to the 99 Freeway, and the intersection of Merced Avenue and Zerker Road. A victim of multiple stab wounds, the Hispanic or Indian woman, between 30 and 35 years old, was known to have been in the Delano area for several weeks before her death. Her body bore several tattoos which included the words “I love you,” “Shirley,” and “Seattle.” “These cases are near and dear to us,” Youngblood said of his personal review of unsolved homicides dating back to 1937. “If we can solve one or two, it will all be worth it. The victims and their families deserve this.” ©ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/SPXCHROME

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Linda Sue

The last known photograph taken of Linda Sue Adkins, the petite traveling sales rep, shows her standing and smiling with a young man in front of a Christmas tree.

the beast By Gordon Lull

The year was 1979, and Adkins was on her way from Riverside County to her parents’ home in Salinas where she was to celebrate a late Christmas with them. Bakersfield was to be a business stop. She stayed first at the Casa Royale Motor Inn, on Union Avenue, and then moved to the Hilton Inn (now the site of the Red Lion Inn). She was expected to meet her parents on the weekend of January 13, 1979. She never arrived, prompting a frantic search by friends and family members, including one male friend from Torrance who traveled to Bakersfield to search for her. Several days of rain had swollen streams and turned vacant lots to fields of mud. Like the vacant lot adjacent to the Hilton Inn. A narrow unpaved road bordered that lot, which led to a small business and storage facility, south of the hotel. At 2:20 p.m. on Tuesday, January 16, a UPS driver spied something not quite right, lying fewer than 20 feet from the Hilton Inn parking lot. Linda Adkins had been slashed and stabbed more than 40 times, her head essentially severed from her body, with nine very deep wounds in her chest. The front page of The Bakersfield Californian photograph shows a BFD detective, Les Vincent, pointing down toward Adkins’ body. “This was my first homicide case,” said Vincent, now retired, “and it turned my stomach. The really frustrating thing was, there was really nothing to go on at the crime scene, just that poor, brutalized girl. I had no weapon, no suspect, no motive, no witnesses, and no physical evidence, other than the body. We combed through the mud and debris in that field. All we found was one contact lens.” Vincent said he worked on the case for approximately two months, without making progress. Despite his dogged determination to solve the mystery of Adkins’ death, the case grew cold. Several years later, from an unexpected source, he was to get the break he needed. Vincent was attending a seminar in Sacramento, which focused upon the criminal career of the notorious serial killer, Henry Lee Lucas. Something caught his attention as he listened to the seminar leader trace Lucas’ dark path of murder from state to state. Lucas’ journey led straight up the 99 Freeway through Bakersfield. After the final session, >>

And I will show you something different from either Your shadow at morning striding behind you Or your shadow at evening rising to meet you; I will show you fear in a handful of dust. —T.S. Eliot, Waste Land

Sheriff Donny Youngblood www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Dream Homes 008 5

Vincent approached the instructor and confirmed the timeline: Lucas’ travels could have placed him in Bakersfield during the second week of January in 1979. After several telephone consultations with the Texas Rangers (who had custody of Lucas), he made arrangements to fly to Lubbock and interview the accused killer. Lucas had, by this time, become something of a media star, confessing to the murders of more than 500 women in two dozen states. Many of these murders were allegedly committed with his companion, accomplice, and (reported) lover, Otis Toole. (Toole, by this time, was imprisoned on murder charges in Florida.). Based upon what Vincent had learned in Sacramento, it was at least plausible that the demonic duo had the opportunity to kill Adkins. Motive would not be problematic for the twisted minds of Lucas and Toole. But, at the risk of one more conviction, would Lucas confess? “He admitted to me right away that he

Asked if he has any doubts regarding Lucas’ guilt, the veteran detective says, “None whatsoever.” The Kern County District Attorney, however, decided to not pursue a case against Lucas, so he was never charged with Adkins’ murder. If that was all there was to the story, it would end in sad closure. But there was more. Lucas, whose admissions had “cleared” hundreds of unsolved cases nationwide, had confessed to the murder of an 18-year-old girl in Lubbock, Texas. But when Texas Rangers announced his confession to the girl’s parents, they treated it

Special Deputy Mike Moore’s desk is littered with evidence from the cold cases he came out of retirement to solve.

was the killer,” Vincent said of his meeting, “and he knew things that you wouldn’t expect him to know. He knew too much. He knew that she had a yellow Volkswagen, that she was a saleswomen, and so forth. He said that he and Toole drove by the hotel after midnight, and saw her at her car. They abducted her and took her to Beach Park where they raped her, and then brought her back to that ‘field on the west side of the motor inn, where they killed her.’ ” Vincent said that Lucas later came to Kern County and walked him through the crime scene, showing him exactly where the body was found. “He was kind of proud of what he did,” the detective recalled. And how did it feel, talking with someone who could take pride in such an act of depravity? “You have to divorce yourself from the fact that this guy is one of the world’s sickest creations,” said Vincent, “and keep your emotions in check. You can’t talk to them like the scum they are.”

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with skepticism. Investigators, and the Texas Attorney General’s office, began raising their own questions, not only about Lucas, but also about the Texas Rangers special Henry Lucas Task Force, members of which had built high-profile careers around Lucas’ sick notoriety. Years later, confronted with a tangled skein of lies and inconsistencies, Lucas began to retract his confessions and, under the mounting pressure of public records and formal investigations, the man who had previously claimed the title of America’s most notorious serial killer, now seemed to have perpetrated one of the country’s cruelest hoaxes. In 1998, sentenced to die for the 1979 murder of a young female hitchhiker known only as “Orange Socks,” Lucas was granted a reprieve by then-Governor George W. Bush, under the pressure of overwhelming evidence that he was not even in Texas at the time of her killing. By 2001, when Lucas died of heart failure in prison, some doubted whether he had com-

mitted any of the ten murders for which he had been convicted, let alone the hundreds to which he confessed. According to the Bakersfield Police Department, the Adkins case is now closed. If Detective Vincent’s judgment and instincts are accurate (and Lucas’ confession genuine), her killer is known. If, on the other hand, the other Lucas is believed, the one who recanted, then Linda Adkins’ killer may still walk among us.

Special Deputy Mike Moore

A 30-year veteran of the KCSD, Mike Moore retired in March of 2006, with visions of classic cars dancing in his head. “That’s my hobby and my passion,” Moore said, speaking by telephone, “restoring those classic muscle cars. That was my goal when I retired; spend time with my family, and restore my cars. But I found out real fast that the second goal became really expensive. I guess it just takes a lot of money to entertain me.” So the call from Sheriff Youngblood, two years after Moore’s retirement, asking him to head the special cold case unit, was a welcome surprise. For one thing, he would now be able to fund his vehicle addiction. For another, he would be back on the hunt. “I didn’t hesitate at all when the Sheriff made that request,” Moore said. “I think that the ‘who did it’ aspect of homicide piques my interest. I’m no different than anyone else when it comes to the aura surrounding a good mystery. Just like everyone else, I watch CSI, Law and Order, and Cold Case Files. The only difference is, I have the formal training and skills to deal with these crimes. And with access to some of these new technologies available through the forensic lab, I can call upon the expertise of excellent criminalists, and make allies of these astonishing new technologies.” Moore’s job, as Special Sheriff ’s Deputy for the newly-formed Cold Case Homicide Unit, will undoubtedly involve the sort of unremitting drudgery that is typical of detective work. He will bring “fresh eyes” to the 50plus unsolved homicides chosen by Sheriff Youngblood. “To me,” Moore said, “a cold case is one which has failed to progress within the normal investigative process. You’re stymied. You’ve followed every lead and you’ve come up empty. The first thing I’m going to do, with each of these cases, is to comb through the file. What I’m looking for is any evidence that

would like to do is work with other homicide investigators from other agencies, work with the crime lab, the D.A., and the prosecutors. I need them all.” was overlooked, the smallest lead that, for whatever reason, didn’t pay off, or anything in the trace evidence process which should be submitted to the lab.” Moore said that he has followed the increasing sophistication of forensic technologies, and is anxious to see what applications may be appropriate for some of the cases he will review. He emphasized that the solving of cold cases sometimes occurs through a combination of hard work, technical expertise, logic born of experience— and criminal stupidity. Case in point. Five years ago, Moore got a tip from a confidential source that a Mojave man had been murdered by his former best friend, who had moved in with his girlfriend. The victim, Robin Hamilton, had been a missing person for several months, and the case had gone cold. Hamilton had previously been sent away on felony charges, leaving his friend, Frank Churchill, in the same town with his girlfriend. “The three had been close friends,” Moore recalled, “but after Robin went to jail, Frank moved in with his girlfriend. Robin got wind of this, and was furious, promising that when he got out, he would take care of Churchill. Well, when Robin was released, he drove straight to Mojave, but he was never seen again. We found his car abandoned in Lancaster, but there was not a trace of him.” The story from the confidential informant was almost too fantastic to be believed, Moore said, but somehow eerily appropriate in the age of television. Churchill, said Moore, had been watching an episode of CSI, and became convinced that a corpse with its head still attached was a conviction just waiting to happen. So Churchill, undoubtedly vying for inclusion in the annals of the world’s stupidest criminals, drove out to a desert job site with a friend, dug up the body of Robin Hamilton, removed the head, and threw it in his trunk, thereby eliminating any possibility that law enforcement would ever pin the murder on him. Unless law enforcement (in the person of Mike Moore and colleagues) had placed him under surveillance and followed him from Tehachapi, obtaining aerial surveillance footage of the men driving straight to the grave, and digging up the corpse. He now resides, as a guest of the People of the State of California, in Wasco State Prison. It had taken months, but the KCSD had their man. “Time is friendly in a cold case,” concluded Moore. “In a hot case, it’s your enemy. So, time, in a sense, is on our side here. What I

Dawn Ellen

On the same day that the UPS driver spied the savaged body of Linda Sue Adkins, just across town, the manager of the Real Road Apartments knocked on the door of one apartment, and made her own grim discovery: the nude body of a young female resident, strangled in her bathtub. This homicide would form a perplexing case that remains unsolved to this day, and for reasons not yet disclosed, reportedly attracted the continuing attention of federal authorities. The victim, 18-year-old Dawn Ellen Koons had come to Bakersfield from her native Yonkers, New York, just three months earlier. Initially, she worked at a local McDonald’s, then landed a position as a waitress at The Breakers Restaurant, located at the intersection of California Avenue and Stockdale Highway. In news accounts, co-workers spoke of Koons’ beauty, her stunning blond hair, willingness to work, and attractive personality. As the restaurant manager, Buena Zierer (now deceased) told The Bakersfield Californian (Wednesday, January 17, 1979, page A2) at the time, the pretty young waitress “was full of life…and a very good worker.” But what is not disclosed in news accounts are the reasons that the beautiful teenager gave up what was reportedly an active, glamorous,

party-going life in Long Island, for the relative banality of Kern County. “What you have to understand about my sister,” said Leland “Lee” Koons, now 45, and Dawn’s surviving brother, “was that she had what you might say was a very, very active social life. There were all of these weekend parties in the Hamptons, and when she’d come home from one of them, she was always referring to ‘a Prince’ this, and ‘a Prince’ that, some king, or royalty. She met all sorts of people. And, if I could put it this way, >>

Hard work, technical expertise, logic, and criminal stupidity help to solve cold cases. —Special Deputy Mike Moore

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my sister was 14 going on 24, 18 going on 28.” On Tuesday, January 16, 1979, Helen Hulsey, manager at the complex where Koons lived, knocked on the door of Koons’

Brenda Smith

apartment. She had been alerted by The Breakers Restaurant that Dawn Koons had failed to appear for work. With no response, Ms. Hulsey turned the lock and walked inside. In the bathroom, she found Koons’ nude body, a towel covering her head, and underneath, a telephone cord wrapped around her neck. Bakersfield Police, already mobilized over the murder of Linda Adkins, responded to the crime scene. (One police officer, who helped secure the scene, was current City Councilmember Irma Carson, who did not respond to several requests for an interview.) Inside the apartment, investigators found no signs of forced entry, no sign of a struggle, no indication of who had visited the young woman. Louis Bayus, now retired, was the lead investigator assigned to the case. When we spoke with him, he admitted that Koons’ murder may have perplexed and frustrated him more than any other he dealt with in his career with the department. “This was a case that bothered me a lot,” he said, “and, to be honest, it was very, very weird.” What was it that Bayus found “weird?” “We had reports that a man, some bigwig from South Africa, whom the victim knew back in New York, may have been visiting in Bakersfield at the time she was murdered,” said Bayus. “From the information I developed, this girl was very precocious, and from the time she was 15 years old, every time this guy would fly in to New

Criminalist and Forensic Biologist Brenda Smith employs new technologies to help law enforcement link potential suspects to their victims.

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York, she’d be waiting for him. “The really strange thing was,” continued Bayus, “a few weeks after I got involved in the investigation, I started getting these calls from the United States District Attorney’s office, in Los Angeles. For some reason, they knew all about who this girl was. I was getting calls almost daily from that office, and it was always a request to provide them with any new evidence, and how far along we were with our investigation. But the problem was, they never wanted to give me any information. It’s frustrating for the guy doing the investigation, when you get pressure to solve a case from another agency, which you know has information, but won’t share it. If you want my opinion, I think she [Koons] was involved in the federal witness protection program. That was my thought. Those guys don’t want to lose a witness, and they’ll never admit to it.” The U.S. District Attorney’s Office in Los Angeles would neither comment for this story, nor confirm that it ever took an interest in the 1979 homicide. However, spokesman Ted Morozek disputes Bayus’ account, insisting that Kern County was not under the jurisdiction of the Southern District USDC in 1979. When we pressed Bayus for details of his communication with federal authorities, and regarding other aspects of the case, however, he protested that his memory for details had faded. Then he cited another event which struck us as “weird.” Several years ago, Bayus said, he was approached by someone who asked him to

provide all documents and files regarding the Dawn Koons matter. “I think what he said was, he was writing a book about this case and other unsolved cases in California. He took everything I had on that case, and I never heard from him again.” Bayus said that he kept no copies of the documents he surrendered, and could not recall the researcher’s name. “I still maintain she was a protected witness,” concluded the veteran investigator, “and they failed to protect her. Why else would she have been here in Bakersfield and attracted their attention?” Lee Koons, however, had another explanation for his sister’s presence in Bakersfield: a boyfriend, not from South Africa, but from Yonkers. “She followed a guy out there to California, and she was crazy about him,” Koons said. “When he came back to Yonkers, about

two years after my sister was killed, me and my uncle confronted him at a bar, and we told him that we thought he killed her. I was 15 years old at the time. This guy denied everything, he was like, ‘No, no, no, I had nothing to do with it.’ Then he turns to us and he says that my sister gave him a sexually transmitted disease. That’s the kind of class this guy has. To this day, I believe he killed her.” [Note: While Koons provided the identity of his sister’s boyfriend, we were unable to locate and interview him for this story, and therefore have omitted his name. Also, because retired Detective Bayus had no access to his personal file on the case, we could not determine if the “boyfriend” he interrogated was the same individual referenced by the victim’s brother.] We asked Bayus if the victim had been assaulted sexually. His response took little account of sensitivity: He said, “From what I learned about her life in New York, she was very promiscuous, and from what her coworkers and friends said, it was the same out here. All her boyfriend would say was that they had sex on the day before we believe she was killed.” “You don’t know what this has been like for everyone in my family,” said Lee Koons, now the father of two young daughters. “It’s been nearly thirty years without any closure. She was such a beautiful, beautiful girl. This is just reopening a wound that never really healed.”

Brenda Smith the Criminalist

The Kern County Crime Lab, which works under the jurisdiction of the District Attorney’s Office, and serves all law enforcement agencies in Kern County, has three major units: Toxicology, Major Crimes (which includes Drugs, Trace Evidence, and Firearms/ Toolmarks), and Forensic Biology. Brenda Smith, who started with the Crime Lab in February of 1985, and has worked in each unit, now directs the Forensic Biology section and its ten employees. Smith said her group’s current work load totals approximately 60 pending cases. “The majority of the cases we work on,” she said, “involve some sort of violent crime, like a sexual assault, shooting, knifing, or homicide. We essentially handle all evidence that is biological in nature.” It is to Smith’s group that evidence from cold cases currently under examination has, and will, be sent for processing. The work is technically demanding, exacting, and intellectually challenging. Smith’s seven criminalists (including herself ), two forensic techs, and lab assistant must take account of both the legal and technological dimensions of their work. Each transaction point in the process, from worker to worker, unit to unit,

raises chain of custody issues which, if not properly addressed, can be exploited in the future by defense attorneys. And, within the process itself, lawyers are not the only sources of worry. The evidence itself is subject to deterioration and contamination. Only cautious protocols, rigidly adhered to, can ensure that carefully gathered evidence will be shepherded through to the genuine benefit of a case. And, as technologies for DNA, toxicology, ballistics, and an array of additional evidence types evolve toward increasing complexity, the criminalist’s job becomes increasingly demanding. It may have been fine for Sherlock Holmes to use “elementary logic,” and for Sam Spade to lift fingerprints, but in the new era of forensics, these foundational components are now supplemented with a growing army of analytical techniques, such as capillary electrophoresis, mass spectrometry, nuclear resonance spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and gas chromatography. Not so elementary, my dear Watson. Behind all of the science and the legal maneuvering, as always, are the victims’ families, who sometimes seem to inhabit a nether world, where they are simultaneously the victims deeply affected, and parties easily ignored. Not long ago, one of the families, knowing the work that Smith had done on a case involving their daughter, asked to meet with the criminalist. They wanted to thank her. The case involved the brutal homicide of a Rosamond girl whose murder defied law enforcement attempts to catch their main suspect, an across-the-street neighbor, whose front door faced the girl’s bedroom. Years after the killing, a bedspread from the girl’s room was submitted to the Crime Lab. Smith tested stains on the bedspread, which turned out to be semen stains. The DNA matched that of the neighbor, who had moved to Sacramento. “The family just wanted to meet with me,” said Smith, “and thank us. That’s when you know this job really means something, when you know you’re making a difference.” We decide to ask the investigators, Sgt. Aldana and Det. Caldas, about the homicide that so sickened Kern County more than a decade ago, the abduction and slaying of a four-yearold Bakersfield girl. Caldas had already said that he does not generally trust “the media,” and that he has been “burned” several times. What, we ask, can they tell us regarding the Jessica Martinez case? Caldas glares and leans back again. “Sarge” Aldana gives him a quick look. “On that case,” says Caldas, and then falls silent again, looking down at his cup. Then, suddenly, he offers, “No. At this point this is an active investigation. We are working on it, but we have to maintain the in-

tegrity of our efforts. We just aren’t going there.” “I agree,” Aldana says, with a stern look.

Jessica

It was to be a dark harvest for Eduardo Santiago. On a sunny May morning in 1990, he sat atop a new cultivating machine, planting a 56-acre field for Suburu Farms. The field sits west of Arvin, at the intersection of Bear Mountain Boulevard and Ashe Road. Santiago moved slowly but deliberately across the middle of the field, gazing behind at the straight furrows of black soil. He slowed when he saw, in the ground over which he had just passed, something white protruding upward. As he would later tell his son and co-workers, he thought he had unearthed a piece of plastic pipe, or vestiges of foam cooler. He pulled the brake, set the machine to a growling neutral and walked back to retrieve the object. As he moved toward it, however, he suddenly realized that he had turned up not plastic or foam, but a human arm and leg. “He was cultivating cotton,” remembers Donny Suburu, who managed the farming operation then. “He was operating one of our rear-end cultivators, with a steel spring hoop, that jiggled and kind of bounced around. The cultivator brought her up out of the ground. I knew who she was just as soon as Eduardo ran in and told me. The poor little thing. No one ought to end up like that.” Santiago

voices from the

COLD CASE FILES

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sometimes, when I’d walk to the mailbox. She liked to talk. She was a sweet little girl.” There were, according to published reports, no eyewitnesses to Jessica Martinez’ abduction. The last alleged sighting of her was at a convenience store five miles from her home. She was, according to an account in The Bakersfield Californian, reportedly seen in a green and white pickup truck with a wooden tailgate. Regarding the status of the investigation, although the passage of nearly two decades would suggest that the case is cold, there are indications that Bakersfield Police and the Forensic Science Division-Crime Lab may currently be at work assessing new opportunities in the case. “Nope, can’t talk about that one,” said Brenda Smith without hesitation.

er’s attorney has suggested that Caldas named Mowers a suspect after the Grand Jury failed to indict him a third time. Caldas simply smiles and says nothing when we repeat the charge. Caldas, a lean and muscular 51, is dressed nattily, in a white shirt and yellow silk tie. The veteran investigator grew up in Queens, New York, and, after a stint in the United States Navy, where he served during the Vietnam War, worked later as a draftsman, and then, after taking a “ride-along” with the New York Police Department, knew that his calling was in law enforcement. He served for 11 years with the Tulare Police Department and then, 17 years ago, came to the BPD. “I have to say that I loved it,” Caldas says, recalling the ride-along that sealed the deal. “You know, a lot of cops talk about ‘protect and serve,’ and they wanted to go into law enforcement to help the public and all that. I believe that too. I really do. But what they don’t tell you is what a turn-on this job is. It’s about the power you have, the respect you have, and the cat and mouse game you play with the bad guys. If you play the game right, according to the law, you can beat them. That’s a turn-on.” Aldana, a youthful 46, is well-chiseled and athletic looking, with shoulders the size of small German automobiles. He works at his high-octane house blend and bottle of water, while Caldas nurses the decaf. Then, somewhat out of image, he offers us a madeleine. “These are good for you,” he suggests. “They’re chock full of nutrition.” Aldana has spent his entire career in law enforcement, 20 years now, with the BPD. We ask the pair what they can say about the suspect in Azita Nikooei’s disappearance. They fall silent and look at each other, locked briefly in some sort of wordless comradeship. Then, Caldas speaks: “Sarge, what would you think of this? What if we say, ‘We have followed down, comprehensively, all leads in this matter and, at this time, the suspect remains Nathan Mowers.’ How does that sound?” Aldana nods in agreement. Then, we make a bad joke, suggesting that half of all Kern County’s missing person cases could be solved by searching the forgotten mountain mine shafts above Caliente. Again, they exchange quick, grim looks. Then Aldana smiles. “This guy’s pretty funny, isn’t he, Herman.” “Yeah, Sarge” says Caldas, not smiling, “he’s a real comedian.”

We ask Caldas and Aldana about another perplexing case: the disappearance of young mother and exotic dancer, Azita Nikooei, who vanished without a trace September 6, 2004. They have already warned, however, that this is not technically a “cold case,” since they have already named Nikooei’s boyfriend, Nathan Mowers, a suspect. In any case, they remain tight-lipped, even when we report that Mow-

By all accounts, everyone loved Azita “Azzy” Fatima Baydaghi Nikooei, the 29-yearold Iranian-born mother who came to America in1994 and made California her home. An arranged marriage to her Turkish husband ended in divorce six years after she arrived in America. During that time, Nikooei worked in the restaurant industry, and as a

CLIPPINGS: KERN COUNTY LIBRARY / The Bakersfield Californian

of May 10, 1990. When her brother decided to return inside, and Jessica remained, someone saw an opportunity. Who that “someone” was, has been a puzzle to Bakersfield police for nearly two decades now. “She was such a beautiful little girl,” remembers Lucille Penney, who resided at Pine Brook while it was home to Jessica and her family, “and she had these wide, beautiful eyes that you couldn’t forget. I would often see her playing under that tree. Her stepfather was out watching her most of the time, sitting in his wheelchair. I would talk to her,

62 Bakersfield Magazine - Celebrating 25 years!

Azzy

salesperson of beauty products, employed both at the Macy’s make-up counter, and with Cosmoprof, which markets cosmetics to commercial accounts. Sometime after her termination from Cosmoprof (which refused to comment for this article), Nikooei launched a new career. After breast enhancement and a tummy tuck the five foot, three inch, 110 pound Nikooei became an exotic dancer. Her new work site became the Déjà Vu Show Bar, an adult club located at 1524 Golden State Ave. Bakersfield Magazine obtained a copy of the contract, which Nikooei signed with the club on January 3, 2004. The contract copy was found, along with several photographs, at the Ambergrove Street home she shared with her fiancée, Nathan Alan Mowers, a former Macy’s make-up counter salesperson, and part-time insurance salesman for New York Life. The document identifies her stage name as “Natalie,” and her home address as being on Pebble Creek Drive, in Bakersfield. [Note: Employees with whom we attempted to speak at Déjà Vu declined to comment for this article.] On September 6, 2004, Azita Nikooei was seen for the last time, at The Marketplace, a Bakersfield shopping center. Her 1998 Nissan Pathfinder was found, abandoned, four days later in the same location where she had been seen. She had, to employ the cliché, vanished without a trace. Nikooei had either decided to exit the scene by her own will, or she was the victim of foul play. One factor favored the second theory: she had a fouryear-old son and not once had she missed a visit with him. Not showing up as arranged, on the day of her disappearance, was decidedly out of character. At the urging of her former husband, Babak Nikooei, fiancé Mowers reported her missing to police. Mowers also handed out missing person fliers to several businesses in The Marketplace. Nevertheless, Mowers himself soon became “a person of interest” in Nikooei’s disappearance. On or about September 16, Mowers disappeared himself, after apparently cleaning out the contents of his home safe. He packed two handguns, his dog, and $20,000 in cash, into his 2005 Mercedes Benz, and headed east. Bakersfield police discovered him missing when they went to interview him at the home he shared with Nikooei. On September 30, a Wisconsin State Trooper stopped Mowers for a registration violation and arrested him for carrying a concealed weapon. Once he returned to California, Bakersfield police seized Mowers’ Mercedes and text messaging device. Then, according to Ambergrove neighbors with whom we spoke, and television news accounts, they searched the couple’s home, looking

for evidence of what may have happened to Nikooei. If they came up with anything incriminating, it was not sufficient to convince the Kern County Grand Jury that it should hand up an indictment against Mowers. “They scrutinized this guy for two years,” said Richard Middlebrook, the attorney who represented Mowers in efforts to win the return of his seized property. According to Middlebrook, Bakersfield police sought to indict Mowers twice, regarding Nikooei’s disappearance, failing on each effort. “They simply went in, took everything they could find, vehicle, clothing, jewelry, and came up with nothing,” Middlebrook said. “One of the most disturbing things,” concluded the Bakersfield attorney “is that, coincidentally, after the third failure before the Grand Jury, Detective Caldas, the very next day, named Nathan as a suspect. Is that a coincidence? You decide.” We spoke with Nathan Mowers on a late, sunny May morning, at his Bakersfield apartment. We asked him what he could tell us regarding Azita Nikooei’s disappearance. “Unfortunately, there’s a lot I would like to tell you,” he said, “but my attorney has advised me not to speak with anyone about the case. I got in a lot of trouble before, because what I told the news media was misreported and taken out of context.” He directed us to speak with Middlebrook. Mowers spoke slowly and in measured tones, always smiling. As he spoke, a young girl scooted in front of him, grabbed his hands and looked up at him. “My daughter,” he explained. We asked what the greatest misunderstanding was surrounding his involvement with Nikooei. There were too many to list, he said, and again declined to comment. Did her disappearance surprise him, we asked? “Not considering the kind of people she was hanging around with,” he answered. “I could have predicted it.” What sort of people? Again, he offered no comment. Did he feel confident that she would ever be found? “Look, I haven’t any idea,” he said. “You can talk to the cop on this case, Caldas. He seems to know everything. As long as they continue concentrating on me, they won’t find anything,” he said, and concluded our discussion. We ask Detective Caldas, the cop who “knows everything,” if Azita Nikooei’s disappearance is considered a “cold case.” “A lot of these definitions, around which Hollywood builds movies and television shows,” he answers, “just don’t work. Whether you’re under the auspices of three years, or thirty years, it doesn’t matter. A case can be solved. Sometimes it takes just one break. A snitch in the next cell, a guilty friend whose conscience makes him pick up the phone, or a loudmouth who says the wrong thing to the wrong person.”

“Yeah,” agrees Sgt. Aldana, “the term cold case can be misleading. And with the advancement of technologies, we can always re-address some of these older cases.” “When things go wrong in a case,” adds Caldas, “and you hit a wall, you may just want a fresh pair of eyes to look at what you’ve been dealing with, or, sometimes, you just set it aside, clear your mind, and go back again.” “To me,” concludes Aldana, “you just can’t discount two things: the power of this new technology, and a tenacious investigator.” Is Caldas tenacious, we ask? “Him?” Aldana asks, pointing at Caldas. “Oh, yeah, he’s tenacious all right. He’s like – who’s that guy? – Lennie Briscoe, on ‘Law &

Order.’ He never quits. But he’s got this kind of refined manner about him? Wry and worldweary.” He again offers a madeleine. Is that the manner he used with Mowers? we ask. “I dealt with him just like I deal with anyone else in a murder investigation,” says Caldas. So, Nikooei was murdered? “Just a slip of the tongue,” Caldas says. “Nice try. Mr. Mowers is a suspect in her disappearance.” Our last question: what motivates both men to persevere in >>

Aldana and Caldas are following every lead, no matter how small, to ensure these victims and their families will one day find peace.

voices from the

Sergeant Joe Aldana Detective Herman Caldas

COLD CASE FILES

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an investigation, when the passage of time and drying up of leads portends escape? Caldas does not hesitate. “Divine justice,” he asserts.“They won’t get away with it.” “I agree,” Aldana says. “These people who have committed terrible crimes, they don’t know when it’s going to catch up with them, in this life or in the next. If he doesn’t get them first [pointing to Caldas], they’ll face justice somewhere else.”

Joe

CLIPPINGS: KERN COUNTY LIBRARY / THE BAKERSFIELD CALIFORNIAN

Roger and Tommy Yilek, ages three and seven, slept in the locked cabin of a sixteen-foot outboard cruiser, not gently adrift on a shimmering lake, but parked alongside Highway 99, three miles north of Bakersfield near the Olive Drive off-ramp. It was Sunday morning, July 16, 1961. Snuggled together on the deck of the boat were the boys’ parents, Joseph Yilek, 27, a foreman with the Etiwanda Steel Company, and Ordelta Yilek, 25. The couple and their two sons had left Saturday evening from their Fontana home, boat in tow, enroute to Lake Tahoe, where they were to meet two Fontana neighbors, Mr. and Mrs. C. E. Pilkington. Said Mrs. Pilkington, quoted in the Monday morning edition of The Bakersfield Californian (Monday, July 17, 1961, page 19), “We warned them about camping beside the highway.” As dawn was breaking, a middle-aged man, freckle-faced and with reddishblond, short curly hair, pulled off the highway and parked next to the boat. He asked the couple for water but, while Mrs. Yilek left, he pulled a 22caliber pistol on Joe Yilek, and demanded money. Yilek handed over several bills, but the stranger declared (according to the news account), “You’re holding out on me. I want all of your money!” He then pumped five hollowpoint bullets into Joseph Yilek, one of which penetrated his heart. As Mr. Yilek lay dying, his wife struggled with the intruder, managing to throw the pistol across the side of the boat into a thicket of oleander bushes. As she struggled to fight off his sexual assault, the killer beat her into unconsciousness with a flashlight. Sheriff ’s deputies found the murder weapon and determined that it had been stolen during a 1958 robbery in Los Angeles. Bulletins describing the assailant were dispatched throughout several western states. Law enforcement, working from Mrs. Yilek’s description, sought a Caucasian male, 5 feet 10 or 11 inches tall, light-skinned with freckles, and neatly kept reddish-blond hair. The Yileks, their neighbors later said, had been warned several times not to use the highway roadsides as a campsite. Four roadside murders in two separate incidents, had been reported within the previous two weeks, one in Seligman, Arizona, the other in Moab, Utah. Joseph Yilek’s murder remains unsolved.

Bakersfield Magazine - Celebrating 5 years!

While the victims of homicide live on only in memory, their killers often enjoy a reprise. Some, like Henry Lee Lucas and Otis Toole, enjoy sudden, short-lived notoriety. Others crawl back into the fetid shadows, awaiting the opportunity to kill again. Meanwhile, remembered by few beyond those who loved them, the voices of the dead become little more than whispers from ancient case files, their names affixed to fading, tattered labels. There are some, however, who make it their business to hear the voices and not forget the names. They seek the prize that often arises from the mysterious alchemy of persistence, luck, and science. Many of the shadow lurkers may well meet their matches in people like Sheriff Donny Youngblood, Special Deputy Mike Moore, criminalist Brenda Smith, Sgt. Joe Aldana, and Det. Herman Caldas. They may feel Eliot’s “fear in a handful of dust” while in this world. Or they may win respite until delivered into the hands of a justice for whom no case is cold. If you have any information regarding the murders of Linda Sue Adkins, Dawn Ellen Koons, or Jessica Martinez, or the disappearance of Azita Nikooei, please contact the Bakersfield Police Department, at (661) 327-7111. If you have information regarding the identity of “Jane Doe,” or the murder of Joseph Yilek, please contact the Kern County Sheriff ’s Department, at (661) 861-3110. ❖

S Requiescat in Pace Linda Sue Adkins, Dawn Ellen Koons, Jessica Martinez Azita Nikooei, Joseph Yilek.

S Cold Case Update: At time of press, Bakersfield Magazine is aware of recent developments in several of the cases we have reported on in this story. In an effort to ensure the active investigations are not compromised, we are choosing not to print any of these updated case details until they have been properly released by law enforcement. It is our responsibility to educate the public, but not at the expense of the victims, their families, or those working diligently to bring peace to our community.

voices from the

COLD CASE FILES

Great American

Dream Kitchen

whether living in a cabin or three-story home, the kitchen is where the heart is.

By Naomi Moss

he dream kitchen. Everyone has an idea of how it should be. Should the sink go in front of the window or on the island? Is the built-in griddle even necessary? Just as homes are unique to the individual, so are the kitchens in the homes. For some people, cooking can be a little intimidating, but for others, it’s their life! Everything from entertaining friends on the weekends and enjoying family nights together around the dinner table to preparing healthy after-school snacks and providing nutritious options for growing teens takes place in the kitchen. It should be an enjoyable room where memories are made. To give readers an idea of what a dream kitchen really entails, we talked to some local chefs to see how they spice it up at home. Whether you’re a first time buyer or remodeling a current residence, Chef Meir Brown at Café Med says, “Make it convenient to you. Many items are personal preference.” Meir adds that things should be close together. The sink, workspace, and stove should be spaced so they are within easy reach of each other. That is where most of the time is spent. And because cooking nearly always requires the use of one particular appliance— the stove—all of our chefs agreed that it’s the most important item to have in any kitchen. But not just any stove will do. Purchasing the best one you can will make cooking more enjoyable for everyone. Chang, owner and chef of Little Italy says, “Now, house stoves have everything. You can get a grill, broiler, anything for the home.” Russ Carter, co-owner and chef at RJ’s Bar and Grill adds, “Most companies are making professional series for homes.” Brown suggests the G.E. Profile Series for kitchen appliances. “They are good quality stoves at a reasonable price.” Carter uses a Wolf Professional Series stove in his Chef Chang recommends purchasing the best stove you can when putting house. With six burners, he is never out of your dream kitchen together. options (or space) for cooking up his favorite dish. And Brown likes having an indoor grill on his stove. “If I want to grill some peppers, I can do that without going outside.” Now, homeowners have more options as other product lines are expanding into the gourmet kitchen at home. If you plan on using it every day, Chang adds, “Make sure it’s easy to clean. Cooking is a mess!” Another thing to consider: does the appliance have features you do not want or will not use? For example, some stove units have a built in safety that >>

Dream

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Kitchens should be convenient. —Chef Meir Brown

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66 Bakersfield Magazine - Celebrating 25 years!

shuts the oven off if the temperature is raised more than fifty degrees. While small children may “accidentally” turn knobs, this feature is more of a nuisance to Brown than anything. “I want my stoves to work! I need it to maintain the temperature and if I turn it up, it should work.” Also, if you repetitively use an item, like an oven door, make sure it’s built well. You don’t want to have a door pop open in an untimely manner. Other than the stove, what features in a kitchen are worth purchasing? What about those fancy gadgets cooking shows use? Are they worth it? At RJ’s, Carter has an over-the-stove faucet that he encourages everyone to invest in. “It allows you to fill pots on the stove without having to carry them

A pantry should be only a few steps away. —Chef Russ Carter across the room. It’s nice to have. No more spilling water all over the place.” And while you’re at it, Carter also suggests having a faucet with a heavy duty spray nozzle or rinse hose. “A rinse hose allows you to easily wash produce.” While personal preference will dictate what sink goes where, Brown and Chang recommend having the prep area right next to the sink. Chang says, “Have them close by. That way there are no drips on the floor and you can easily wash what you need.” Look at cooking habits of the home chef to see if the sink needs one, two, or three compartments. “That’s all a personal preference,” says Brown. But all of our chefs agreed that deep sinks to wash produce for prepping and pots and pans during clean up is a must. What about the island sink? Well, that seems to be a personal preference, too. Carter likes to have the sink behind him when at the stove so he can quickly turn and use it. Brown and Chang say just to keep it close, within a few steps, so it is easily accessible when needed. Although, at times, a second or third sink works quite well on the island to aid in the food prep. Brown enjoys a large island in the kitchen if it doubles as a bar for guests to sit at while he cooks. “When entertaining, the island is good so you can face the guests while working.” It allows guests to be involved in the cooking process, even if it’s only to the extent of observing the chef. Or the host might even enjoy some group cooking while in the kitchen. What is good food without the wine? Of course all of our chefs suggested a wine cooler to maintain optimal temperature for the various wines that accompany succulent food. There are many styles available that will match the décor of every kitchen. Smaller coolers will keep a few bottles while saving space for other necessities. Larger ones take up more space, but if wine is your forte, it might be worth the investment. Carter likes SubZero wine coolers for the home because, among other things, he says they just “work well.”

We mentioned a few large, commercial, kitchen items our chefs recommend based on their experience but Chang also suggests using small appliances and utensils as well. “Since it’s just my wife and me at home, I tend to use the sauté pan a lot.” For anyone using the stove often, pots and pans are the next necessity. “I also use my pots to cook soups and the wood spatula—that gets used a lot too.” What is the one thing Chang says is a must? “A sharp knife! Everyone needs a sharp knife.” Although for Chang, curry comes in a close second. No matter if the kitchen is at home or doubles as their office, these chefs have everything in order. An orderly kitchen makes cooking more enjoyable and enjoyable cooking makes for one happy host. Carter says, “If you stand at the stove, all the spices should be in reach. I keep all of mine in the cabinet right next to me.” He also says the dry storage or pantry should be only a few steps away as well. Pots and pans are close by because, after all, they go on the stove. And above his stove are all the olive oils he

Chef Carter ensures clean veggies with a favorite gadget of his: a high-powered rinse hose. uses. Some are infused with flavors and others are just simple extra-virgin olive oil. With so many high-tech appliances and gourmet gadgets, a home kitchen is a huge investment anymore; every penny is worth it. Especially in the effort to make your kitchen into the dream kitchen you’ve always wanted. Whether entertaining or not, cooking becomes a pleasure, eating in is the norm, and family and friends will gather more often. No matter the size of your dream kitchen, anyone can cook a feast worthy of The Food Network. With these dream kitchen tips from some of our most talented local chefs, you can build the kitchen you desire, the kitchen of your dreams. Bring out the wine and enjoy the savory aromas of a warm, functional kitchen designed for you, by you. You deserve it. DH

Neighborhood

Norms

the Oaks

what does the area of town you live in say about you?

he neighborhood you live in says as much about you as the house you call home. It’s all about location, location, location, right? But how do you know which neighborhood is which; which one do you want to associate yourself with? We have a number of communities spread out across the city and some of them fall into bigger neighborhoods; others are big enough that they make the neighborhood. But what we wanted to find out was what makes them different? So we posed surveys to local home owners and did some research with local real estate agents to turn up the dirt. You’ll be surprised to find out some neighborhood quirks and not so surprised at other revelations*. Here’s the scoop:

Bakersfield Country Club

La Cresta

Prestigious country club living drives folks to this neighborhood. Houses range in price, averaging $450,000. However, many come in at well over the $1 million mark. Teens are driving BMWs; drop by any holiday party, and you won’t see a man without a jacket; and the store of choice is Green Frog. Set a ways away from the roads, homes and lots are immaculately cared for and residents (made up of more business owners and retirees than anything else) mostly keep to themselves, unless it’s time for the legendary 4th of July party at the Country Club—which has the whole neighborhood buzzing.

Just south of Panorama Drive lies the tranquil neighborhood of La Cresta where homes are modest (the average home goes for $230,000 but can reach $350,000) and comfortable. La Cresta is a great family neighborhood with lots of charm and unique detail-work differentiating the houses, which seems to be the draw for the city’s younger corporate class. The established yards with their big trees are a cozy feature. Panorama Park is close by as is the Kern River, so outdoor activities are also commonly boasted amenities here.

Laurelglen

Campus Park

Located south of White Lane and west of Gosford, Campus Park is a great place to raise a family. A majority of the houses are in the $200,000s with bigger pads in the low $300,000s. A mix of first-time home buyers, junior executives, as well as empty-nesters call this area home. Pride in home ownership and wide streets complement the cozy atmosphere. It’s a modest neighborhood so appeal comes from the location to many businesses as well as the proximity to a peaceful, well-manicured park and several newer, highly sought-after schools.

Sandwiched between Gosford and Ashe roads south of Ming, Laurelglen has a diverse group of homes (but all with that oh-so 70s aura). Many homes are valued between $200,000 to $300,000 which makes it an affordable area for young families. And the location itself is great. It’s next to highly populated streets making grocery stores, malls, movie theaters, and parks a stone’s throw away, as is the In Shape Sport Laurelglen Tennis Club. Still, you’ll smell grilled hamburgers in the summer more than steaks and see mostly pick-ups lining the streets.

Bakersfield Country Club

the Oaks

This neighborhood appeals to couples with older children or families settling down. While this area is close to Pin Oak Park and great schools, a lot of the appeal noticed by local real estate agents seems to be the proximity to the higher end homes of Seven Oaks and Haggin Oaks, giving the area stable value. Houses, though, are very reasonable, averaging $325,000, and the neighborhood is friendly, quiet, and heavily treed. >>

Haggin Oaks

If you like going all out for the holidays, this is your kinda neighborhood; the holiday light pageant alone is worth moving in for. Its convenient location across from The Marketplace makes it within walking distance to grocery stores, movie theaters, and high-end shopping, which must be why this neighborhood is ripe with large families and business executives. Residents enjoy similar amenities to a gated community, but without the gate or association fees. Homes themselves range from $450,000 up to customs in the high $900,000s, but every lot is well maintained.

Choose your lifestyle.

Haggin Oaks

Dream

Homes

www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Dream Homes 008

neighborhood norms

Old stockdale

seven Oaks

Old stockdale

Houses here are the pinnacle of Old Bakersfield. Naturally, it’s connected to the Stockdale Country Club (where golf is prevalent), and like the Bakersfield Country Club area, men wear jackets to holiday parties as well. Almost every home goes for over $600,000—some well over $1 million. Agents find that buyers, mostly physicians and retirees, are intrigued by the history and originality of the types of homes built inside the gates and are sold on the location and prestige.

Rio Bravo

Riverlakes

Oleander

Craftsman homes with character abound in this part of town, located near the legendary Bakersfield High School, where “Driller Pride” is an area motto. A majority of the homes, averaging $290,000, were built between 1900 and 1930, which gives the neighborhood its lasting value. A number of rustic, pueblo-style homes are peppered in to ensure an appeal to many types of families and couples, though most tend to be in corporate positions or academia. Dedication to yard care varies from street to street but most are well tended to.

Riverlakes

Oleander

seven Oaks

This gated neighborhood prides itself on sophistication. Strategically built around Seven Oaks Country Club, this area draws entrepreneurs and those in the medical field. You’ll pay somewhere in the $600,000s if you want to make this area home, though there are homes valued at $2 million or above. But the ambiance can’t be duplicated. Residents are friendly and courteous and you better bet lawns must be green and perfect here. If there was any neighborhood that preferred pearls, it’s this one.

8 Bakersfield Magazine - Celebrating 5 years!

Waterfront properties and the Links at Riverlakes Ranch set the standard for this neighborhood, filled with homes priced upwards of $230,000, though the many homes with water views are in the $700,000s. Located off of Calloway and Hageman, Riverlakes is in a growing part of town, with new high-end boutiques, wine shops, and restaurants. That may be why buyers are mostly small, corporate families. Neighborhood highlight: adorable “Duck Crossing” sign.

westchester

Located closer to downtown than any other neighborhood, this area has an energy that can’t be described. Many of the homes are folk Victorian-style, with tightly peaking roofs, large porches, and bay windows, but a large percentage are craftsman-style houses and some fixer uppers, so prices vary from the $140,000s up to over $500,000. Real estate agents see the area as a place for professionals and renters who like the close commute to offices downtown. DH

what part of town do you call home?

*The information provided herein is representative of prices obtained during interviews with prominent local real estate agents selling in the areas listed. Prices listed are averages and should not be construed as actual listing prices. In some cases, homes are more than the average advertised and in some cases, less.

silver Creek

With a close proximity to schools, close-knit neighbors, and a great price (up to $279,000), this newer neighborhood is growing fast and known to Realtors as a family-based community. Located off Gosford and Panama, this southwest Bakersfield area offers peace and quiet (due to the wall built around it) as well as a place for young families to purchase their first home and enjoy amenities offered at the central community center, Silver Creek Park.

Exclusively built in the Rio Bravo Country Club area, this neighborhood boasts amazing, expansive views of rolling hills, the Kern River, Lake Ming, and greater Bakersfield, which many will pay top dollar for. Still, buyers will find homes ranging from $260,000 all the way up to the high $400,000s and over for those within the gates of the Country Club. Its attraction comes from the secludedness offered as well as the fresh air found in the foothills. Not to mention the developmental boom the area is seeing. Because of the quick access to the downtown business area by way of Highway 178, many executives are calling this neighborhood home.

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©ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/SHELLPREAST/TALSHIAR

e know Tom Hanks lived in one in the ‘80s. The ladies from Desperate Housewives call one home. And where do you think the Brady Bunch set up camp? No, we’re not talking about a sound stage, but the seemingly elusive and always exclusive suburb. There’s the countless minivans, the notorious mailbox that’s shaped like a house, and the immaculate green lawns you swear have to be Astroturf. Not to 70 Bakersfield Magazine - Celebrating 25 years!

mention the hazards of the next-door neighbor whose never heard of knocking and the dog that thinks your lawn is the “loo.” There’s a lot to contend with living in the ‘burbs, so how do you keep from going crazy? Easy! Take your cues from us. We’ve done the research, found the facts, and present them to you in this handy-dandy Suburban Survival Guide. We just hope you don’t find yourself actually living next to the Bradys. That’s even too much for us!

Dream

Homes

www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Dream Homes 008 1

12% of pe ople say they don’t k now any thing abou t the ir ne xt-door ne ighbors

The moving van just pulled up. The brakes squeal and you stop mid-sip with your morning coffee. That’s when it hits you— you’re getting new neighbors. You’re just hoping they’re nothing like the last family; all those toys in the front yard, all the noise on Sunday mornings. We’ve all done it: we sigh and reluctantly think to ourself, “It’s time to get a box of brownie mix down from the cupboard.” Maybe some Hickory Farms smoked Gouda? It’s a safe, albeit archaic, way of welcoming them to the neighborhood without coming on too strong. But who says that’s all you should do? “Wow-ing” them with thoughtful, and more importantly, use-

OPEN HOUSE Whether to snoop around or get decorating tips, there’s nothing more tempting than an open house. Think about it: you’ve lived next to Jack and Jill Everyman for three years and have no idea what they’re like— more importantly, you have no idea what the inside of their house looks like! Suddenly, they’re moving to Florida and the doors are flung open. “Believe it or not, I always get neighbors that walk in,” explained Donna Barnes of Watson Touchtone Realty. “Sometimes they just want to be able to better understand what homes are going for in their area.” Darn, we thought it was something sinister. “Anymore, we ask how people found out about the open house, and they volunteer the fact that they are just neighof pe ople bors stopping by,” Barnes continued. admi t te d to Guess there’s no stigma attached with “dropping by” a ne ighbor ’s snooping anymore. Of course, you don’t ope n house have to be so obvious if you are. The

26%

Bakersfield Magazine - Celebrating 5 years!

ful welcome gifts doesn’t have to be a struggle. No one said you had to offer them your right leg, or even the clothing off your back. There is a simple, easy, and effective way to get off to a good start with that recently relocated couple next door. We propose this revised version of the Welcome Basket. Sharon Martinez, better known to most in town as the City Hostess, said Bakersfield residents are all down-to-earth and ready to lend a hand, so make your gifts practical and useful. “I always include a map of the city, a newcomer directory, and a coupon booklet with tickets to the Spotlight Theater or a Condors Hockey game,” Martinez added. Nothing boring about have he ard a rumor that! Additionally, inabou t a ne ighbor clude your own unique claim to have touches: put in a $10 gift spre ad a rumor ! card to Home Depot for those light bulbs and extension cords they’ll be needing. Take Martinez’s advice and include a map, but spice it up with stickers and notes about your favorite places in town to visit, or the best restaurants! Granted, you could give them all those tips with a very neighborly gift subscription to Bakersfield Magazine, but no pressure! Never underestimate how strange it can feel to be in a city you know nothing about, so offer suggestions and even a spatula when they need it. Of course, before you start spouting the history of Wool Growers to these neighborhood newbies, make sure they didn’t just move from across town.

87% 2%

craning neck, the creeping around in hesitation are both dead giveaways. Play it cool. “I’ll actually let the neighborhood know that I’m showing an open house,” Realtor Jo Rhodes, mentioned. “By telling people in the area about the house, they can let family or friends in the market for a new home know of the home for sale, and in a sense, get to pick their own neighbors!” Rhodes continued, laughing, “Of course, there are a few nosy people who just like to see how other folks live.” Get a peak at their stuff, see the infrastructure—all good reasons to step inside. You can even use other homes as a way to get inspiration when it comes to decorating or redesigning. Finally, open houses are even a source of entertainment. We heard a rumor that one local Realtor and his first clients of the morning stopped by an open house to check out the backyard view and came across a neighbor’s daughter and her boyfriend skinny dipping in the pool. Editor’s Note: Now we’re the ones ©ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/RUSSELLTATEDOTCOM spreading rumors!

TRASHCAN TREASURES

Why is it that we always secretly (and sometimes not so secretly) pine for the things we’ve thrown away in our lives? The girl who got away, the favorite sweater that didn’t make it back from the camping trip, or the retainer that accidentally found itself living next to an apple core and a week-old muffin at the bottom of a rubbish bin. The thing of it is, we’re so prone to clearing away detritus from our lives, we sometimes get garbage-happy and mistakenly throw away things we’re not ready to part with. And it’s this phenomenon that has many people looking for the treasures that sneak their way to the curb. Our city uses a variety of disposal companies to actually do the hauling, and Ray Scott, Services Manager of Price Disposal, says that contrary to some people’s beliefs, there is no weight limit to what you can shove in one of those -gallon bins you’ve got sitting at your curb. It’s based on volume, and anything and everything you want hauled away has to fit inside that bin with the lid closed. “Additionally, due to health regulations, the bin should only be out on the curb the day of service,” Scott noted. And once the bin has been emptied, there’s no going back. “We’ve had people try and find something they’ve thrown away, but once it gets picked up from your curb, it’s gone! It’s a point of no return.” Scott stressed the importance of not throwing out paint, batteries, broken TV sets, and other toxic items (for a full list, visit co.kern.ca.us/wmd/) with your regular garbage. Those can be properly handled by the Kern County Special Waste Facility. Believe it or not, everything from antique furniture to Blackberrys have been accidentally tossed aside with the morning garbage. Unfortunately for those doing the tossin’, our city’s waste management restrictions are pretty stringent. No dumpster diving for your lost bracelet. It’s too dangerous. But that usually doesn’t stop people from hikin’ up their trousers and standing ankle-deep in garbage to look for discarded cans, bottles, and even the occasional iPod. >>

38% have had a ne wspaper s tole n by a ne ighbor

23% have backe d into a ne ighbor ’s t rashcan

www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Dream Homes 008

(661) 477-1732 cell

(661) 617-3318 direct/eFax

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GAME RULES There comes a point when a confrontation is necessary. Every Sunday, at a.m., you’re forced awake by the sound of a lawn mower. You don’t want to be the bad guy, but you might have to be in order to get some sleep! It’s important to be “neighborly,” you think, but even Mr. Rogers couldn’t stand

12%

of pe ople say they are “good f rie nds” wi th the ir ne ighbors

31%

have argue d wi th the ir ne ighbor over propert y line s

©ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/TALSHIAR

living next to this guy! Still, there are some things you can do to keep the peace, and we suggest adhering to these six unspoken rules to avoid a squabble in the future.

GREEN ENVY pe ople say they te nd 64% ofto the ir yard themse l ve s

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A stray dandelion can cause an ulcer in the garden perfectionist. Those little, yellow, devils can pop up without warning and ruin even the most immaculate lawns. And you can bet having them is a good way to lose the respect of fellow landscaping neighbors. So instead of spending every waking minute in the yard with a magnifying glass looking for weeds, we suggest covering the basics of lawn care first. Only then can lawn care be a breeze and a delight, much to the chagrin of miserly Mr. Papadakis and his trusty can of Weed-B-Gone. But in order for your lawn to be the envy of your neighborhood, you have to start off on the right foot. And that means making sure

First, don’t mow your lawn at an unreasonable hour. Try and wait until you’ve got a sense that the neighborhood is waking up before creating a ruckus. Second, and similarly, do not host an allnight, music-blasting kegger on a week day. Unless your neighbors are all raging alcoholics, your party will not be appreciated by anyone on your street. Third, don’t feed a neighbor’s kid unless you have permission to do so. Ruined appetites are the bane of every parent’s existence, so dole out the Fruit Roll-Ups carefully...and maybe get the kiddos to bring over permission slips. Fourth, as a rule, never park in front of a next door neighbor’s house during the following times: when they are selling their house or when they have company over. That’s a can of worms no one wants to deal with. Fifth, if you’re going to grow a garden or plant a tree, make sure none of it encroaches on a neighbor’s property. Just because you paid for the tree, doesn’t mean they won’t give you a tough time for having the leaves fall in their manicured lawn. Strangely enough, few people will complain when ripe peaches are what’s falling. And Sixth, do not use a neighbor’s pool without their consent, especially if you plan to go au naturale (See “Open House” on page ). the right stuff is under your foot: the type of grass. “Hands down, the best type of grass for Kern County lawns is Bermuda,” said Tiffany Warner, owner of Lawn Doctor, a local landscaping company. “It can tolerate heat and is the best at repairing itself if damaged by insects or pets.” But Warner also suggests you keep it between 1/ ” and 1” in length so it will absorb waterings better. Any shorter and you risk exposing the roots to too much sunlight—the fastest way to a yellow yard, and the fastest way to exposing your grass to fungus and disease. To get that desired length, Warner recommends using a Front Row lawn mower; some people even prefer to use push mowers. And to keep it green and soft, water at least three times a week, preferably in the early mornings. It’s never a good idea to water late at night, Warner explains, because if the water isn’t able to evaporate quickly enough, these soggy areas can also lend themselves to breeding diseases. If you follow these steps, fertilize and weed occasionally, you’ll find yourself with the Gold-Winning lawn on the street. Try not to get too competitive about it— we heard Papadakis isn’t above sabotage.

THE BORROWERS 18% of pe ople bor rowe d some thing f rom the ir ne ighbor and ne ver re t urne d i t

have loane d money to a ne ighbor

Most of us have borrowed something. A cup of sugar here and there, maybe a fan when the AC was on the fritz. Those are all relatively normal things though, typical for any neighborhood. We all want to uphold a good relationship with our neighbors, on the off-chance that we might need to call on them one day to borrow candles for our kid’s birthday cake or maybe a can of WD- 0. There are some requests, however, that leave the loaners a bit puzzled, maybe even reluctant to hand over the goods. How would you feel if, come 10 p.m., you hear a knock at your door and find your neighbor out of breath and asking for your cat. Believe it or not, it’s happened. Of course, they were trying to catch a mouse that had found its way into their home, but the absurdity is still there. The following is a list of some other things Bakersfield residents have borrowed from their neighbors. Judging by a few of them, we wonder if the owner even wanted them back!

A can opener A sock A blow drier Toothpaste Bowling shoes Hand-tools A thimble A deck of cards A six-pack of beer A shovel Roses from a garden A truck A man’ s tie Toilet paper

Sun glasses Chopsticks and a tube of Vaseline (at the same time!)

A cell phone A can of hairspray $1 A green Hi-Liter A trashy romance novel A plunger

TALES FROM THE ‘BURBS

KEEP ON DUCKIN!

Okay, so despite our quirks, Bakersfield neighborhoods are pretty nice. Here and there, you’ve got the square peg neighbor who does his own thing, but for the most part, you’re happy watching kids learn to ride bikes and teenagers learning to drive. Okay, maybe not the latter. But it’s not always about finding the right ‘burb to call home, but about connecting to your fellow ‘burbites. It’s good to find common ground. That said, we’re choosing to wrap-up this guide on a lighter, and much stranger, note. One thing we have in common is that we’ve all seen some pretty strange things while living deep in our suburban jungles. These are just the ones we could print! eldery couple crouched down in a garden s Miniature horses and African bullfrogs. s An picking weeds in the middle of the night. (Haggin Oaks) (Rio Bravo) Two helicopters, the SWAT team, police, and s A miniature replica of the Statue of Liberty s sheriff officers storming across someone’s

s s s ©ISTOCKPHOTO.COMRUSSELLTATEDOTCOM

19% 7%

in front of someone’s yard. (Bakersfield Country Club) Grown men riding children’s bikes. (The Oaks) USC Trojan Marching Band marching down Haggin Oaks Blvd. at 10 p.m. (Haggin Oaks) A man bent completely over digging through his trashcan at the curb. (Oleander)

have calle d the police on one of the ir ne ighbors have seen a neighbor naked (Yike s!)

front yard chasing a bank robbery suspect. (Campus Park) Someone taking close up pictures of their grass. (Oleander) After a th of July cookout, and too many cold ones, all the men sitting around crying and professing their admiration for each other. (Silver Creek) The fire department joining in on a fireworks celebration. (Westchester) A guy walking a duck on a leash. (La Cresta) www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Dream Homes 008 5

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76 Bakersfield Magazine - Celebrating 25 years!

G ard e n i n g

with Mrs. P

‘‘Gardenessence’’ Hold on to your trusty trowels folks, it’s that time of year!

Q &A

By Lynn Pitts

Mrs. P offers some sage answers to your garden mysteries

This “zone” is a Climate Zone; an index that will tell you what plants will grow best in which area. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the American HorticulAnswer: How does 365 days a year tural Society (AHS) have a zoning system. It’s sound to you? Okay, Mrs. P is stretching the dandy for the rest of the country but not us. We point, but only a little. We have one of the lonWesterners use the “Sunset Climate Zones,” gest growing seasons in the world: 270 days a as it’s a more accurate system for our Califoryear! The planting period on the valley floor of Kern nia gardens. Developed in conjunction with Sunset County can be roughly separated into three time Magazine and experts in weather, soil, and horticulperiods. Fall and winter planting begins in Septemture, it will give you a leg up on gardening in our unique ber. Flowers such as chrysanthemums, pansies, stocks, ©ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/YVETTE_SANDHAM climate. This sounds more confusing than it is. Plants will snapdragons, English primrose, and violas can be planted. live or die by elements such as heat, cold, rainfall, drought, humidThe spring period begins in February. Early spring flowers include ity, aridity, and growing season. The “Sunset Climate Zones” are numbered dianthus, daisies, calendulas, and poppies. As the temperatures warm up, the list 1 through 24 and are featured in Sunset’s Western Garden Book, available broadens to include lobelia, marigold, petunia, salvia, alyssum, and celosia. Sumat most book stores or your local branch library. mer plantings that can withstand heat are vinca major, portulaca, zinnias, and Bakersfield is in Zone 8, with the eastern city limits falling into Zone 9. sunflowers. That brings us right up to what you can plant today, the “in-between” If you see a plant listed as growing well in Zones 1 through 9, you’ll know months; too late or too early to install great masses of new plants. However, Mrs. immediately that it will thrive here. Higher numbers won’t be impossible to P has never seen a late summer day too warm to plant something! Choose the grow, just more difficult. I highly recommend this book to every gardener early evening hours to pop in transplants and water well. Perennials that will be in California. Another reference source is the California Master Gardener fine to plant are agapanthus, Artemisia, aster, lavender, penstemon, scabiosa, Handbook, published by the University and salvia. Annuals for shady areas are of California. It’s available for purchase coleus, impatiens, and lobelia. Almost at the University of California Coopany herb can be planted now. Quick-eyed erative Extension office, 1031 South gardeners will notice I’ve not mentioned Mount Vernon Avenue, Bakersfield. roses. That’s because roses can be Armed with these books, you’ll be planted at any time of the year, whether able to determine whether or not the as bare root or potted. plants in your picture books will grow Question: After years of living in in Bakersfield. For instance, some of those eastern cold-weather specialapartments back east, I’m finally making ties you’ve known such as herbaceous my first garden in a real house. I’ve got peonies and lilacs won’t do well here. all these garden books. Looking at the It’s just not chilly enough. pictures makes me want to buy the same plants. Should I? ©ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/IGORSPB Question: I just hated my former Answer: First of all, welcome to Bakersfield! You’ll love living here garden. It was nothing but constant grunt work. I’ve just moved to a new and meeting the friendly people. As for duplicating the gardens you’ve seen house and have new places for growing all sorts of plants. What can you in picture books, let’s zone out. No, I’m not referring to a new yoga position. suggest to make my new garden less of a chore, more of a pleasure? >>

Question: What is the best time to plant flowers in Bakersfield?

Dream

Homes

www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Dream Homes 2008 77

Gardening with Mrs. P Answer: You’re not seeing the forest for the

trees! You’re focusing on the work, not the design. Think of your new garden space as an interior. You wouldn’t start decorating a bare room with throw pillows; you’d start with the walls and floor. A welldesigned garden is more than just putting in lots of plants. It’s possible to create a system that, for the most part, will take care of itself. The better the garden works, the less you work. Ipso facto! Consider the typical scenario: you plant 200 plants and call it a garden. Everything gets too big. You spend hours cutting and pruning them back. You continue to feed and water, encouraging even more cutting and pruning. You do this forever. Your neighbors do the same. It’s like being a gerbil on a treadmill in a cage. Stop! There is a better way. Plant fewer perennial plants and space them properly. Eventually, they’ll fill in the areas you’ve designed for them. No need to be constantly cutting back. Ever. They will look great because they’ve grown to their natural form. Don’t plant a 100foot plant when you only want a 6-footer. Believe the plant tags and garden books when they say, “X grows 40 feet tall, equally wide.” Use common sense. Plants advertised as “vigorous” and “fast growing” are euphemisms for invasive monsters. There’s an old German garden proverb that goes, “When I rest, I rust.” Let’s change that to, “When I space, I rest.”

Question:

Even though I scatter birdseed, I’m not getting many birds in my garden. What’s going on?

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78 Bakersfield Magazine - Celebrating 25 years!

Answer:

Your problem lurks inside those plastic bags of cheap birdseed sold in stores more focused on their bottom line than the birdies. Retailers, whether big box stores or neighborhood grocery stores can get a pile of cheap and poorly monitored seed and stack it on the shelf. The low price is appealing. There’s just enough goodies in each bag, highly visible sunflower seeds for example, to attract a few birds. And enough inedible filler to cause problems. What’s in filler, you may ask? Oh, let’s start with noxious weed seed like Russian thistle, pigweed, and crabgrass. Then there’s wheat and milo, which birds won’t eat. In fact, this cheap seed feeds so few birds that you end up with piles of moldy, festering detritus which could actually kill birds scratching through it. It’s not even good for mulch and definitely not good for our feathered friends. The best advice is to buy specific seed at specialty bird shops or feed stores. Safflower and black oil sunflower seed appeals to songbirds. Nyjer seed attracts finches. Nyjer seed is imported and, by law, must be sterilized. Don’t let discarded seed build up and decay into disease and fungus. The good seeds removed from their hulls won’t germinate and if you get a few volunteer sunflower plants (usually buried by Scrub Jays), so what?

Question: What can I do to stop being bitten by insects when I’m gardening?

Answer:

Let dragonflies help you! An adult dragonfly can eat as many as 600 insects a day. This

includes mosquitoes, gnats, flies, and anything else that catches their attention. Dragonflies live as long as five years in their immature nymph stage and only three months as adults. Talk about teenage angst! There are 5,000 species and 450 found in North America. They have four wings, which move independently so they can fly forward and backward, turn

©ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/MAEGG

©ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/LAURADYOUNG

quickly in midair, and stop on a dime. Their brilliant colors of green, blue, and red, flashing as they fly, add to our enjoyment of them. The best way to keep them around your garden is to build a pond or have a water feature such as a fountain, swimming pool, or birdbath. Dragonflies must have water. Moving water will draw an even wider variety of dragonflies. They can see better than any other insect, though they can’t walk. Next time you see a dragonfly, thank them for their hearty appetites. I wish you could purchase them like ladybugs, but you can’t. Just provide the water and they will magically appear. Dragonflies are traditionally a lucky omen, plus good feng shui!

Question: I’ve recently purchased a very large

glazed pot. What should I plant in it that’s not fussy?

Answer: Ah, a clean palette, what fun! Are you

wishing for color, height, or scent? Will the pot be in sun or shade? Off the top of my head, I would suggest scented geraniums in the sun or Japanese maple in the shade. Scented geraniums, available in an array of fragrances, will provide robust growth and charming little flowers all year long. Two of the varieties I grow are “Mrs. Taylor,” with small bright red flowers and crinkled leaves, and “Staghorn oak,” with hot >>

www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Dream Homes 2008 79

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Gardening with Mrs. P pink flowers and oak-shaped leaves with purple veins. Both have a pungent rose scent. I give them no fertilizer, average watering, and a once a year “haircut” for shape. If your large pot is against a north or east wall or under an overhang, the Japanese maple will provide brilliant red foliage in the fall. It’s deciduous, meaning it will lose its leaves for a few winter months.

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It will maintain feathery green leaves from February through October, when the crimson color takes over for a blast. Japanese maple, while pricey, is the perfect tree to grow in a container. My Japanese maple has been a happy camper in a large pot for umpteen years. The trick is to give it an extra heavy watering once a month, and to leach any accumulated salts and acid fertilizers several times a year. Mrs. P hopes these answers have given you food for thought during these waning days of summer. A friend of mine in short-season Vermont who is an excellent cook says gardening is much more challenging than cooking. As a cook, she says, one is in control, but as a gardener one must submit to nature. Naturally, I disagree with that “deck is stacked against you” attitude. Of course, I can play in the dirt 365 days a year in Bakersfield with no dishes. DH

Lynn Pitts, better known as Mrs. P, is a native Californian, master gardener in four counties including Kern, a garden writer, and professional botanical artist. She has been featured on The Art of Gardening on PBS and has conducted flower workshops throughout California for botanical gardens and arboretums.

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82 Bakersfield Magazine - Celebrating 25 years!

special advertising section

McMillin Homes McMillin Homes’ Tuscany Villas — Capture Your Own Distinctive Treasure!

Tuscany Villas offer ample room for all the amenities to make your home the elegant expression of your own personal style in the 2,142 square foot ‘Capaci’ master design. Nestled high in the tranquil rolling hills, with cool breezes and sweeping daytime views that give way to twinkling lights scattered across the horizon at nightfall lies Tuscany. Unique in its offerings and dramatic in its surroundings, the gated enclave of Tuscany is home to Tuscany Villas, one of McMillin Homes’ most popular communities. Surrounded by peaceful trails and located just northeast of the corner of Alfred Harrell Highway and Highway 178, this exquisite community is a welcome respite to the hectic pace of everyday life and a definite nod to one of Bakersfield’s best neighborhoods. Tuscany Villas offer ample room for all the amenities to make your home the elegant expression of your own personal style. Here, you can choose from three new and exciting floor plans ranging from 1,952 to 2,513 square feet and featuring handsome architectural lines. Priced in the high $200s, these flexible three- and fourbedroom villas boast up to two-and-a-half

bathrooms, plush master suites with walkin closets and dual vanity sinks, and a large gourmet kitchen with gas appliances and a bounty of custom cabinetry. You can even outfit your kitchen with double-ovens to make entertaining a cinch! And while you’re entertaining, you and your guests can enjoy the azure skies and rolling landscape that complement this captivating mixture of Mediterranean, French Country and Traditional home de-

Tuscany Villas exteriors boast romantic architecture reminiscent of a European hillside retreat and offer unique tower and rotunda options. signs. Whether you are busy business professionals looking to get away from it all or empty-nesters looking for a quiet retreat, McMillin Homes’ Tuscany Villas are ideal. As part of a gated community that boasts beautifully landscaped common ar-

eas alongside rustic natural scenery and peaceful meandering trails, Tuscany Villas residents become members of the Tuscany Homeowner’s Association to ensure the elegant lifestyle of this community is maintained for years to come. If you love the outdoors you will appreciate the wealth of nearby recreational experiences including nearby Lake Ming, Rio Bravo Country Club, Kern River Public Golf Course, Bakersfield Country Club, hiking trails and fishing along the Kern River. Also a short distance away are convenient shopping and entertainment venues including East Hills Mall and a multiscreen movie theater. To find your very own piece of Tuscan heaven, take Highway 178 east; turn north on Alfred Harrell Highway, then east on Tuscany Villas Drive. The Corky McMillin Company was founded in 1960 by Corky McMillin. Today the company is run by Corky’s sons, Mark and Scott McMillin. Visit mcmillinhomes.com. n

M cM i l l i n h o m e s • 5 3 5 1 O l i v e D r i v e • 6 6 1 - 3 9 1 - 2 7 0 0 • M C M i l l i n h o m e s . c o m

Bakersfield Magazine Builders Showcase

www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Dream Homes 2008 83

special advertising section

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“Meritage’s thoughtful planning also extends outside to create a diverse streetscape with an array of different exteriors in Spanish, Craftsman and Ranch designs that include covered front porches and varying roof styles.”

Each Saddleback II home boasts a gourmet kitchen and an array of customizing options. Plus, with grand opening pricing starting from the $200,000s, your dream home is now within reach. Meritage Homes knows that choosing the perfect dream home is one of the biggest decisions most people ever make. The debut of Saddleback II is a shining example of Meritage Homes’ penchant for providing their homebuyers with everything they’ve ever dreamed of and more.

“No matter which plan is your favorite, each homebuyer is privileged to generous amenities and a variety of optional configurations.” Located in the heart of Bakersfield’s highly desirable Tallus Ranch community, Saddleback II boasts a brand new collection of single and two-story home designs tailored to the needs and desires of today’s families. Here you’ll find spacious pool-size homesites that provide plenty of outdoor play space to take full advantage of the

region’s great climate. But oversized yards are just the beginning. The real attraction is the selection of thoughtfully designed home plans that maximize functionality, space and comfort. Whether you’re looking for lots of bedrooms, the ability to personalize your home or a dream kitchen, chances are you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for at Saddleback II. The homes range in size from 2,112 to 3,181 square feet and are offered with up to five bedrooms, three baths and a three-car garage. Best of all, with special grand opening pricing starting from the $200,000s, the community offers unprecedented affordability. No matter which plan is your favorite, each homebuyer is privileged to have generous amenities and a variety of optional configurations such as a den, master retreat, bonus room, additional bedrooms, a rear garage door and front courtyard. Homebuyers can further personalize their

An additional benefit to choosing a new home at Saddleback II is the ability to use Meritage’s in-house lender, MTH Mortgage. In addition to providing access to the best financing rates available, including FHA financing to those who qualify, MTH Mortgage works in concert with Meritage Homes to ensure your escrow process goes smoothly from start to finish. It’s one more way Meritage extends their homebuyers a level of customer care that ensures the very best homebuying experience possible. And now, for a limited time only, $500 is all you need to move into a brand new home at Saddleback II! Be sure to ask your sales representatives for more information! The Saddleback II model home and sales office are open daily from 10 am to 6 pm. To visit Saddleback II from Highway 99, take the Rosedale exit headed West. Go approximately 8 miles then turn right on Allen Rd. Turn left on Hageman Rd. Go approximately 1.5 miles and the community is on the left just before Heath Rd. For more information on this exciting new community, please call the Saddleback II sales office at 661-588-0004 or visit Meritage’s website at: meritagehomes.com. n

M e r i ta g e h o m e s • 1 5 7 3 2 S a n M a r c o P l a c e • 6 6 1 - 5 8 8 - 0 0 0 4 • m e r i ta g e h o m e s . c o m

Bakersfield Magazine Builders Showcase

84 Bakersfield Magazine - Celebrating 25 years!

special advertising section

Castle & Cooke Homes Castle & Cooke Quality Ensures Future Value Of Village Green Homes.

2579 Characters 420 Words

Architectural diversity gives Village Green a unique flair. Unless you have been away somewhere for the past 18 months, you are well aware of the turmoil the real estate market has been experiencing. And if you have been considering purchasing a home you are well aware how that turmoil can affect the value of a home. So how can you be sure that the home you buy will retain its value? The answer is surprisingly simple: Buy Castle & Cooke quality. A quality home, well designed, superbly built and surrounded by a well maintained neighborhood is the best insurance you can have that the value of your home will last. And you won’t find a better combination of all these elements than you will in Village Green, Castle & Cooke’s new master planned community at Stockdale Highway and Renfro Rd. Conveniently located close to excellent schools, parks and shopping, Village Green offers a wide variety of residential styles within the gated privacy of its picturesque tree-lined streets. A spacious central

park with a resort-style recreation center is the heart and soul of the community, incorporating wide lawns, a children’s water park, barbeque pavilions and a large swimming pool and spa. It’s all part of Castle & Cooke’s proprietary concept of Friendly Neighborhood Design™. Castle & Cooke created Friendly Neighborhood Design™ (FND) for the express purpose of adding value to their homes

“A quality home, well designed, superbly built and surrounded by a well maintained neighborhood.” and communities. And Village Green is an excellent example of it. FND is a commitment to creating places where belonging, gathering and living are everyday events. FND incorporates five key principles: Master-planning that fosters open space and a connection to nature; Homes with authentic architectural design and livabil-

ity; Creative site planning that inspires “community”; Landscape design that creates imaginative streetscapes; and a commitment to Green Building through energy efficiency, air quality, recycling and water conservation. Two series of residences are available at Village Green starting in the mid $200s. The first is the Harmony Series, with floor plans from 1,400 to 2,200 square feet, is designed for first-time buyers or young families. The second is the Festival Series ranging from 1,800 to 2,900 square feet and are perfect for growing or extended families. Visit Village Green today and see for yourself what real quality is all about. Model homes and sales office are open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the corner of Stockdale Highway and Renfro Road. Contact Erika Ramirez or Kristine Lucas at 866-561-4788, or visit us on the web at www.VillageGreenToday.com. n

C a s t l e & C o o k e H o m e s • Sp i r e a S t r e e t • 8 6 6 - 6 8 9 - 5 5 1 1 • c a s t l e c o o k e . c o m

Bakersfield Magazine Builders Showcase

www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Dream Homes 2008 85

special advertising section

The Heights at Rio Bravo There’s A Reason Why The Heights At Rio Bravo’s Motto Is “Dreams Don’t Come True. They’re Made True.”

Premier custom home sites, complete with stunning hilltop views, spacious lots, and nearby luxurious amenities, are waiting for people ready to build the home of their dreams at an affordable price. Naturally, it could stem from the careful and decisive master planning behind this extravagant and elegantly designed community high in the northeast hills of Bakersfield. However, it is the custom home sites, with stunning hilltop views, currently primed for those finally ready to make their dreams of building the ultimate home a reality that exemplifies what The Heights at Rio Bravo is really about: choice. There are no model homes or pre-planned designs that buyers are forced to pick from; no pressure to choose from the laid out, prebuilt tracks of cookie-cutter houses lined all in a row. Here, it’s the freedom to pick the location of their dream home in the roaming hills north of Bakersfield—within the expansive, luxurious Rio Bravo Country Club area—that has home buyers clamoring for their own space. Once they have chosen their perfect location, they can select from a range of award-winning builders, many within a two-mile radius of this future community, to begin building their home. Barbara Smith

Homes, Sweaney Homes, Gaskill Homes, Jost Custom Homes, CRT Land Company, and David Turner Homes are just a few of the high-end choices provided to potential home owners. And because of the variety of talented builders available, each home will have its own style and add to this already unique community’s value and appeal. Again, it’s about the buyer’s choice. And it’s this philosophy that allows The Heights at Rio Bravo to stand above and beyond other

Rio Bravo offers custom homes, rather than cookie-cutter houses lined all in a row. developers. It’s also what makes choosing a prime spot in the first phase of this development so comforting and so enticing. Whatever the design for your dream home, there is a perfectly suited location to meet your needs and desires. Whether you’re looking for a 34,000 square foot lot to fit a five bedroom home and space for a pool, or a cozy 12,000

square foot lot, perfect for that first home, you’ll find it here. Of course, the incentives are nice, too. Imagine a quick round of golf at the Country Club before brunch? It’s easily obtainable since not only does The Heights offer amazing Fairway lots, but they’re also offering complimentary golf club memberships with lot purchases. Additionally, Club facilities and other recreational activities are available on location. The home sites are also a short drive to Lake Ming and the panoramic views of the Greenhorn Mountains certainly complement the peaceful and romantic skyline available to buyers year-round. All of these amenities are helping The Heights at Rio Bravo redefine luxury living in Bakersfield. These truly are premier custom home sites for those desiring a greater degree of spaciousness and elegance. And with lot prices starting at $120,000, now is the perfect time to explore what options are available to you within The Heights at Rio Bravo. n

heights at rio bravo • jennifer@balljordan.com • 661-377-2903 • heightsatriobravo.com

Bakersfield Magazine Builders Showcase

86 Bakersfield Magazine - Celebrating 25 years!

special advertising section

Delfino Homes Offering Variety In Design, Experience And Skill In Construction, And Unrivaled Customer Service, Let Delfino Put Your Family In The Home You’ve Always Dreamed Of. George Delfino of Delfino Homes has been tion. The team relies heavily on Kirk due to his is maintainable that way.” Not only does it mean less hassle for the buyer, but having an integral part of Bakersfield’s development extensive construction knowledge. As the construction nears completion, the that small team allows the company to shift since 1993 and construction since 1998. His homeowners are quickly spreading the word fourth team member comes into play. Nick Del gears according to home trends. Nothing, on how his homes are making a statement Rio is in charge of Customer Service to en- from the design layouts to contracts, leaves about his attention to detail and functional sure that the home exceeds the homeowners’ their hands—which is comforting for many families looking to floor plans. If you were build a home for the to question one of his first time. “You’ll alcurrent or former howays be able to reach meowners, you would me or someone on the be hard pressed to staff,” Delfino adds. hear a negative comQuality in the conment. “We have an struction of a Delfino extremely close-knit home and the integriteam that each of our ty of the organization homeowners can comitself share the top municate with throughpriority with Delfino. out the construction Everyone on staff rephase and beyond,” alizes the importance Delfino says. of building a quality Todd Burley is the home while maintaincompany’s on-staff ing integrity with their draftsman/designer. homeowners. “My He came on board with entire team shares 20 years of experience this mission. That’s in the design and drafting field. “Having Todd Attention to details, no matter how small they might seem, is the trademark of Delfino why they are part of the team. I want each available with little or Homes. See for yourself at their luxurious model home. of our homeowners to no advanced notice for our potential buyers is priceless, making expectations. Recent new homeowner, Chad be able to say they would do it over again. my job much easier by enabling our buyer to Newton claims to be astounded with the at- We have buyers that are in their second sit with him from the onset, saving valuable tention he and his family received from Nick Delfino Home; two in the past year. That’s turn-around time,” says Delfino’s Realtor, after moving into their new Olive Park home. the type of referral that we strive for with each new home. Chris Cunningham. Chris joined the Delfino “Quality in the construction of a In an effort to accommodate buyers, Delteam and brings with her over 20 years in the real estate field; the last 12 were dedicated Delfino home and the integrity of fino currently has homes under construction exclusively to new construction. the organization itself share the top in Hart Flat, Rio Bravo and the Granite/Woody area. “Sometimes you have to go outside your “At Delfino Homes, our buyers are fortunate priority with Delfino.” comfort area to better serve the needs of the to have Kirk Gaither as the Superintendent, “Yes, problems come up during construc- client,” said Delfino. overseeing the construction of their home,” “A chain is only as strong as its weakest Cunningham continues. “He gives each of tion but we pride ourselves on working our buyers his cell phone number for their through these times with our homeowners,” link,” he continues. “I know that together, we concerns during construction.” Kirk brings Delfino explains. “There’s no middle man,” make the best team and I am proud to say with him over 33 years of on-site experience. he says of the company. Every step of the that our links are strong in this chain.” Delfino Homes’ model home is located at He started in the trade as a framer and could process is overseen by the efficient team at build the home itself, but he is much more Delfino Homes. “Everything is handled by 14525 Greatest Place, off Renfro Road, just valuable to this company in his current posi- us; we’re a well-oiled machine. Everything south of Rosedale. n

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Bakersfield Magazine Builders www.bakersfieldmagazine.net Showcase / Dream Homes 2008 87

special advertising section

Lennar Homes Lennar Home Showplace: An Achievement In Innovation

At the Lennar Home Showplace, homebuyers can preview all seven Lennar Communities under one roof. Ever since mid-January, thousands of new home shoppers interested in Lennar homes in the Bakersfield area have been visiting their new innovation to the home buying experience; the Home Showplace. Not only does it save on gas, driving from community to community, this remarkable facility provides the convenience of having everything they need to know about every Lennar Bakersfield community under one roof. The Lennar Home Showplace at 8700 Stockdale Hwy. is the first home preview center of its kind in America. Visitors can leisurely preview 35 floor plans and designs plus the site plans and recreational amenities at all seven Lennar Bakersfield communities in one visit. Lennar has also created a complete vignette design of a gourmet kitchen, which showcases many of the features and upgrades included in every Lennar home. Visitors can also take self-guided virtual community tours at state-of-the-art interactive kiosks, allow-

ing them to “visit” the sites to help them decide which homes they actually want to visit – again, saving gas and time. The Home Showplace also hosts a home loan and financing center where Loan Advisors can inform visitors about the many financing programs offered through Lennar Financial Services. Their easy steps to prequalify and secure the appropriate loan – thus providing “the simplest path to homeownership.”

Visitors can leisurely preview 35 floor plans and designs plus the site plans and recreational amenities. Lennar’s commitment in Bakersfield spans 30 years, hundreds of millions of dollars and several real estate cycles. Lennar has built homes for Bakersfield and developed the surrounding area. In turn, Bakersfield has made a home for Lennar. “We have a genuine commitment to our

local community. For Lennar, it goes much farther than building homes. It means getting involved in the community, helping those less fortunate, and generally participating as a ‘resident’ of our hometown,” said Gary Grumbles, Division President of Lennar and a Bakersfield resident. Looking forward, Lennar has many exciting and positive changes for current and future residents of the area. Grumbles also assures that with all the exciting changes planned, the only thing that will remain steadfast is Lennar’s unwavering commitment to the community of Bakersfield. Since being founded more than 50 years ago, Lennar has grown to become one of the nation’s leading homebuilders. With hundreds of communities nationwide and a product offering designed for firsttime, move-up and luxury homebuyers, Lennar has long distinguished itself by simply including everything as standard. Everything You Want, Everything You Need, That’s the Logic of Lennar. n

Lennar homes • 8700 Stockdale hwy • 866-904-2426 • lennar.com

Bakersfield Magazine Builders Showcase

88 Bakersfield Magazine - Celebrating 25 years!

special advertising section

John Balfanz Homes “If You Can Dream It, We Can Build It.” ers through the entire construction process. We build custom homes at an affordable price. Our motto is “If you can dream it, we can build it.” We help our clients design a home from scratch or modify an existing design to meet their needs. We can build in any neighborhood in Bakersfield. John is very proud to be from Bakersfield. “I have invested a lot into the town I grew up in. I want my homes to stand the test of time and I am continuously putting effort into our architectural designs to ensure that. Since 1988, I have built over 650 individual custom homes. That experience has been invaluable in helping my company be what it is today.” We are a local home builder that offers every level of customization; we listen to

The Camp family: Tom, Christine, and their three boys. “We are a new family to Bakersfield, and we feel very fortunate to have come out of the home buying/selling process with such a beautiful home and an equally dreamlike experience. We were transferred from Northern California with my husband’s job and while he was commuting, he found a wonderful Realtor and an amazing builder/ team here. They all worked together with us making the process seamless and easy. We

“The builder staff and our Realtor have been so helpful and almost like family.” really needed specialists in every aspect of the new home buying process that could integrate services across the board, such that we could literally move our family down and into a home when timing was right. We have three small children and are thrilled with all the amenities our John Balfanz home has to offer a family of five. My small business needed its own room and the fifth bedroom

worked perfectly. The quality of the features, lighting, materials and overall layout make it an ideal space that we are proud to call our new home. The builder staff and our Realtor have been so helpful and almost like family. If that’s a testament of Bakersfield authenticity and work ethic/morals etc., then we have landed in a great spot and look forward to meeting lots more people and raising our own dream team right here!” Here at John Balfanz Homes, Inc. our customers are our top priority. As one of Bakersfield’s premier homebuilders, we take tremendous pride in operating a business that is receptive to homebuyers, their needs and concerns. When building with the Balfanz family, you will enjoy not only exceptional service and a high-quality custom home, but also the honesty and integrity of neighbors who live and work within your community. Founded in 1989, John Balfanz Homes is a hands-on operation whose principals offer innovative design ideas, capable project management and the ability to guide homebuy-

“You will enjoy not only exceptional service and a high-quality custom home, but also the honesty and integrity of neighbors who live and work within your community.” the client and take their lead as to what their wants and needs are. We can build for you in The Estates at Northwood Ranch, Monterey Ranch, West Palm Estates, Quail Run, Brighton Estates, Seven Oaks, or on your own lot. It doesn’t matter if your price range is in the upper $300s or over $1 million, we have something for you. John Balfanz Homes has been building homes here in Bakersfield for 18 years and all of that experience has translated into the design and execution of a streamlined process for home building. Our homes offer the perfect marriage between quality and affordability. We never forget the personal element by remembering that this is probably the biggest investment our clients will ever make. The real estate market will experience highs and lows, but I firmly believe that purchasing a home for your family to live in will always be a good investment. n

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Bakersfield Magazine Builders Showcase

www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Dream Homes 2008 89

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Luxury Homes Spotlight

1.8 acres of Grand Park-like Grounds plus an incredible multi-level pool, tennis court, Japanese gardens, outdoor BBQ, gazebo, and magnificent landscaping designed by Charlie Harwell to create a fabulous setting for grand-scale entertaining! A rare opportunity to own one of Bakersfield Country Clubâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s finest estate properties. Seller will consider serious offers! Residence is 6,760 sq. ft. of living space, featuring 5 bedrooms, 4 full baths + 2 half baths, formal living with piano alcove, formal dining, family room with wet bar and 2-story high ceilings. Granite island kitchen, executive library/office. Upstairs Game Room, loft/study area overlooking family room and tennis courts, two staircases. The elegant Master Suite features an exquisite marble bath with sauna/shower, totally updated, and balcony with fabulous views! Amenities include alarm system, intercom, 3 fireplaces, 2 full wet bars, 3-car garage, 370 ft. of wrought iron fencing encloses the front yard with double wrought iron electronic gates, front fountain with circular driveway. No expense spared in landscape/

Mary Christenson Direct cell: 301-MARY (301-6279) www.MaryCrealtor.com

90 Bakersfield Magazine - Celebrating 25 years!

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Luxury Homes Spotlight

Seven Oaks Showcase—Live Among Legends! This classic traditional floor plan combines with a French Country exterior to create a gorgeous 2story, 5 bedroom, 5.5 bath estate residence—with pool, spa, outdoor kitchen and four-car side-load garage. Nestled in the heart of a Seven Oaks’ Showcase privacy-gated community, it is surrounded by multi-million dollar homes and only one available lot to build on. A dramatic arched heavy iron entry door invites you to step inside onto rich Brazillian-cherry hardwood floors that flow throughout all living areas. Formal living, formal dining and a family room are open and light. A stunning granite island kitchen with double appliances is the perfect venue for

D L O

gourmet cooks! The luxurious Master Suite + 3 bedrooms & office are downstairs; upstairs is a huge game room w/bar and balcony, plus a large home theatre equipped with leather stadium seating, and private guest bedroom and bath. This Jolliff-built home is tastefully elegant, with big spacious rooms, and tons of storage! Two walk-in pantries serve the kitchen, a wellequipped laundry room, plus huge attic storage. His and Her closets in the Master Suite are generous in size and all guest bedrooms have large walk-in closets. Granite walk-in showers in most baths are also this builder’s specialty. Offered at $1,952,500

Mary Christenson Direct cell: 301-MARY (301-6279) www.MaryCrealtor.com

11704 11704 Nantwick Nantwick Court Court Golf Golf Course Course Estate Estate www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Dream Homes 2008 91

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Luxury Homes Spotlight Bedrooms Baths Formal Living Family Room Great Room Formal Dining Breakfast Area Office Indoor Utility Split Wing Extended Living Bonus Room Three Fireplaces Alarm

9523 Laramie Spectacular Mediterranean Home on 1. 8 acre estate

parcel. This light-filled entertaining home with soaring ceilings and gourmet kitchen has every amenity possible. Exquisite Master Suite, Lutron one-touch lighting system, Eight HD TVs. Approximately 5, 00 sq. ft. in the main home with car garage and separate Guest House. Great , 5 sq. ft. shop. Backyard is a retreat with magnificent pool and landscaping. Wonderful indoor/outdoor living.................$ ,100,000.00

Bedrooms Baths Formal Living Family Room Breakfast Area Formal Dining Breakfast Area Office Indoor Utility Extended Living Swimming Pool Two Fireplaces Orange Orchard Alarm

11227 Mountain View One of a kind property! Immaculate 0 acre estate with 15

acres of income producing navel oranges. Nestled within the orange grove is a , 00 sq. ft. ranch-style home offering spacious bedrooms plus office or 4th bedroom, large kitchen & dining room, game room and bar, family rooms. Also included is a 1,000 sq. ft. guest house w/ ,000 sq. ft. hobby garage w/pit for car enthusiast. Lighted tennis court, gazebo, pool, spa, and cabana. Magnificent!..............................................................$1,495,000.00

Gary Belter • Coldwell Banker Preferred, Realtors • 1-8 - 0

Bakersfield Magazine - Celebrating 5 years!

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Luxury Homes Spotlight

17257 Panadero Court Exquisite home in Landmark Estates. Unbelievable custom

designer interior with French-European influence throughout this 6,034 sq. ft. home. $100,000 theatre room, 1,1 1 sq. ft. guest house complete w/kitchen, steam shower and sauna overlooking pool with lush landscaped park-like grounds nestled within this . acre estate. Climate controlled barn, 10,000+ sq. ft. shop w/A/C & heat & game room. Grounds keeper residence w/separate entrance...........................$ ,100,000.00

Jeffrey R. Jackson Coldwell Banker, Preferred Realtors 100 Ming Avenue #100 Bakersfield, CA 93311 Primary: 1-8 - 0 jeffjackson@cbbakersfield.com

速

LENDER INFORMATION Tisha Borda Direct: 1-8 5-5 1 Sales Manager Fax: 8 - -018 Countrywide Home Loans 5101 Ming Avenue Bakersfield, CA 93309 www.countrywidelocal.com/tishaborda

www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Dream Homes 008

94 Bakersfield Magazine - Celebrating 25 years!

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

home & Garden by debra blackmon

w hat is y o u r h o u s e sa y i n g ?

Dancing in Sync Some Americans succeed in their aspirations of owning a perfect dream home. Many more, like Bakersfield residents Terry and Linda Turner, set about converting the residence in which they find themselves, into a suitable substitute for the illusive dream address. More precisely, they abandon preconceived ideas about what constitutes perfection and adapt their dreams to the possibilities of the building itself. Goal? Blossom where you find yourself planted. When you’re in sync with the universe, balance and harmony fol-

After

low, making a house, and a life, more beautiful and completely enjoyable. The Turners seriously considered selling their long-time home during the last real estate high tide, but opted instead to stay put, enjoy the many benefits of the house, and address its flaws. Ultimately, with very few superficial furniture placement changes, and a slightly more radical adjustment to the kitchen counter top layout, Terry and Linda are living in a beautiful and comfortable dream home.

Blossom where you find yourself planted

Here’s how to do that:

Begin with a blank canvas. Because it is far more important to get the furniture into the right place in a room than it is to get the right furniture, begin with a blank canvas. Remove everything from the space so you can listen to what the room is trying to say.

Listen to the room. The room will speak to you (very softly) if you approach your project by creating a rapport with the space first. When it speaks, you will find its focal point, rooted in natural geometry and architectural bounds.

Use the focal point. You can now use that natural focal point to guide where the furniture will go in the room. Start with the largest piece of seating and place it where it addresses the focal point. Don’t worry about the other pieces that must fit into the space, like the television or hutch. These items will “find” their home within this space if you are faithful to the voice of the room, renouncing preconceived ideas about what constitutes perfection; make allowances for perfect imperfection.

Align the area. Ultimately, properly aligned interiors are perceived as having more space,

Before

and as the Turners discovered, appropriate furniture arrangement minimizes the room’s

flaws and highlights its positive attributes. Therefore, if you think radical changes to >> www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Dream Homes 2008 95

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the room’s walls, carpet, or window treatments will make a more perfect house, consider moving the existing furniture around first. Then, try a few ideas:

bring the outside in. use live plants when possible, faux plants if need be, and photos or pictures of plants or animals indoors to evoke nature and its imperfect perfection. Placing ourselves in real and virtual contact with nature reduces the stress of modern living, and is, in itself, a miniature dance with the universe.

Take the inside out. use sheer drapes and swags on patio walls and windows to impose man-made, perfect imperfection on outdoor spaces, increasing the enjoyment of patio time and the usable

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and back entrances creates essential transition time and space between house and yard. Impose a transition space on the garage entrance, too, if you normally use it instead of the front door. even something as simple as a welcome mat for yourself.

Replace it. Feature flaws that cannot be fixed or that are outside of the current budget. Outdated light fixture in an inconvenient space? Replace it with an over-sized, imperfect lantern ($10).

Get in sync. Finally, follow the advice of Paul of Tarsus, a very wise ancient, who once wrote, “…I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therein to be content.” dance in sync with the universe and

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blossom where you find yourself planted. n Debra Blackmon, interiors expert and author of the award winning book, IRIS in the House, is a member of IDS and a teaching member of IRIS, the 1-room, 1-day decorating and staging professionals. She has trained talented individuals to use their strengths in the field of decorating and Real Estate staging, so they could qualify to showcase their talents on Home & Garden Television. She travels frequently, transforming mundane space into sacred space, serving the world from Bakersfield, California where she lives deliberately with her husband and contentedly with herself. “When in doubt, decorate. Mindfully.” debrab@debrablackmon.com

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Biscuit Boutique caters to the needs and desires of all our furry canine friends, from the smallest one-pound Chihuahua, to the 175-pound Boudreauxs, Danes, and Mastiffs. Our retail store carries everything you’ll need to pamper your finicky pooch. Anything from Juicy Couture and Ed Hardy clothing, to Jonathon Adler beds, and b.b. Simon collars await your four-legged family member. I would also like people to know about the exceptional care and service that our groom shop and doggy spa provides to each and every client. We also carry a large selection of highquality dog foods that are made in the U.S.A. with human-grade ingredients, wheat- and corn-free made by Fromm, Merrick, Innova, and Evo. We are star ting a “Pet Friendly Business Directory.” If you are one or know one, call or email bonnie@ biscuitboutique.com. One visit to our store and our Doggy Day Care and you’ll see why shopping at Biscuit Boutique is like a little bit of Beverly Hills located in good old Bakersfield.

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GREAT

GETAWAYS

Oh, to See the Sea!

OCEANSIDE By Donna McCrohan Rosenthal

ou’ve probably driven right by Oceanside more than once, perhaps admiring the remarkably beautiful homes followed by a conspicuously unspoiled approach on I-5, with uninterrupted Pacific Ocean in the distance. But with gas prices climbing even faster than the temperature—and the concept of “staycations” increasingly in the news—traveling to Oceanside to chill out makes particular sense. A “staycation” means vacationing around home on less than a tank of gas. At about 200 miles from Bakersfield, this classic Southern California beach town qualifies as a first-rate choice with a year-round climate averaging in the 70s, 3.5 miles of wide, sandy beaches, four golf courses, scenic roadways for jogging and biking, the San Luis Rey River Bike Trail, art, culture, and San Luis Rey de Francia Mission, the “King of Missions.” For a while, Oceanside had a reputation as a drowsy military town, but that didn’t last. Now it conveys a sense of quintessential retro contentment combined with upscale lodging, dining, and shopping unfolding at an eye-popping pace.

PHOTO COURTESY OCEANSIDE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Once upon a time…

The area’s original inhabitants belonged to the Shoshone tribe. Franciscan friars passing through in the late 1700s named the river valley San Luis Rey in honor of the Patron of the Secular Franciscan Order, St. Louis, King IX of France–and called the locals Luiseños after the valley and the king. The friars established a string of missions along El Camino Real (“The Royal Road”) and, with the help of the Luiseños, constructed and dedicated the Mission San Luis Rey de Francia in 1798. At the height of its prosperity in the early 1800s, San

Luis Rey de Francia ranked as the largest building in California; with its six mission ranches, it was also the state’s richest mission. The San Luis Rey township west of the mission sprang up by the 1870s. Andrew Jackson Myers, who moved there, acquired a piece of the Oceanside mesa and founded Oceanside. When Oceanside incorporated in 1888, Myers cast the first vote. The little community revolved around lumber, fishing, manufacturing, a gristmill, and nearby farming. It had a furniture and undertaking business, three lawyers, three medical practitioners, three real estate agents, and the Oceanside Mill Company that did a brisk trade in hardware supplies and bee materials such as hives. It served as a railroad hub and consequently, enjoyed prosperity and...tourists. In 1914, it greeted legendary director Cecil B. DeMille. Cinema giants Douglas Fairbanks and Mary Pickford visited, and dubbed their retreat “The End of the World Camp.” City fathers coined the slogan, “Oceanside, California’s Pride.” Things slowed considerably during the Great Depression, but when the government bought land and transformed it into Camp Joseph H. Pendleton, USMC, Oceanside experienced a second boom.

Worth seeing and doing…

Today the atmosphere seems less military, instead showing off its laid-back charm. People stroll the paths of the protected bird estuary at Rancho Buena Vista Lagoon, the only fresh-water lagoon in California, and check out the handson exhibits at the Buena Vista Audubon Nature Center and Museum (760-439-BIRD). They promenade and play in the city’s 30 parks. They whale-watch from January through March. They snorkel and scuba dive. They surf, thanks to world-class surf conditions, and they come from all >> www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Dream Homes 2008 101

Great Getaways:

Oceanside

PHOTO COURTESY CALIFORNIA SURF MUSEUM

over for the US Pro Longboard Championships, NSSA Surf with a two-story, 16,000-square-foot edifice designed by renowned Competition, USSF Surf Competition, World Body Surfing Los Angeles architect Frederick Fisher. The new space premiered Championships, and other major events. Some sign up for les- in January with “Fifty Works from Fifty Years: Masterpieces of sons with the Oceanside Surf Camp provided by the city (760- San Diego Art, 1900-1950.” “Ancient Marks: The Sacred Origins 435-5222) –and some get “Smart Cards” at the Parks and Recre- of Tattoos and Body Markings” ran from April to August. Regular ation Department at city hall, 300 N. Coast Highway, for a free offerings include Southern California regional paintings, studio bike rental (760-435-5041). furniture, neon sculpture, art quilts, architectural glass, a culinary The beaches–Harbor Beach, Breakwater Way, Pier View North cinema series, and Vigilucci’s Jazz at the Museum (704 Pier View and South, Tyson Street, Wisconsin Street, and Buccaneer Beach– Way; www.oma-online.org; 760-721-ARTS). deliver an assortment of sea-lovers’ sports, from boating, kayakQuirky antique stores stock surprising finds, and two weekly ing, and jet-skiing at the New England-style Oceanside Harbor to markets on Thursdays–Farmer’s Markets (9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Coast dropping a line off Oceanside Pier, the longest over-water wooden Highway and Pier View Way) and Sunset Market (5 to 9 p.m. pier in California. Nature enthusiasts look for “sea hares” (Aplysia at Pier View Way and Tremont Street)–fill the streets with procalifornica) along the coast. Each sea hare, aka “sea cucumber” duce, crafts, and entertainment. Oceanside’s first microbrewery, (but in fact, a sea animal) can mate simultaneously as a male and Oceanside Ale Works, features Beach Break Brown, San Luis Rey female. Sea hares emit a purple dye that ancient Egyptian royalty Red, and other expertly handcrafted favorites, and has ale tastings prized as the color royal purple. If you spot a sea hare, observe but Fridays 4 to 8 p.m. and Saturdays noon to 4 p.m. (3800 Oceanic don’t handle, because they can sting. Drive #105; www.oceansidealeworks.com; 760-758-2064). Impressive fireworks burst over the Oceanside Pier on the Fourth Completing Oceanside’s list of something for everyone are of July. Harbor Days, falling on the third weekend in September, Antiques on Mission Street Fairs, performances at the Sunshine bring the Mayor’s Cup Regatta, the Fishing Derby, and the Nail Brooks Theatre (www.sunshinebrookstheatre.com; 760-529and Sail Competition, where teams must assemble and navigate 9140) and Star Theatre (www.startheatre.biz; 760-721-9983), seaworthy vessels around a brief but dicey course. In December, live music, plays, and holiday events at the Community Amthe Harbor sparkles with the Holiday Boat Parade of Lights. phitheater (www.ci.oceanside.ca.us, under “special events”; The California Surf Museum in downtown distinguishes it- 760-435-5540), art daily on Artist’s Alley (the 200 block behind self as the pre-eminent repository for California surfing memo- North Coast Highway), and at the Capa Art Show, Saturdays and rabilia and history, so much that it will Sundays by the lighthouse from Memorial Day through Labor Day, nonsoon relocate to larger quarters to better slot gaming at Ocean’s Eleven Casino display its treasures. Its final exhibit in (www.oceans11.com; 760-439-6988), the old storefront, examining 100 years and summer concerts at Rancho Del of surfing and its influence on SouthOro Park. ern California, debuted in July (223 N. Four miles outside of town, the Coast Highway; www.surfmuseum.org; inspiring Mission San Luis Rey de 760-721-6876). Francia maintains its regal appeal Each May, the Southern California with its churchyard, arched colonBeach Soccer Championship, the largest nade, and sunken gardens. Though it beach soccer event this side of the Mishad lapsed into disrepair along with sissippi, draws thousands of sand warother California missions, rescue efriors from as far as Brazil and Nigeria. forts restored it beginning in 1931. On multiple dates in the summer, Camp The museum has an array of early Pendleton rolls out the phenomenal, mission artifacts, the most extensive world-famous 10K Mud Runs. Individucollection of 18th and 19th-century als (military and civilian) and 5-member Spanish vestments in the United teams challenge themselves and each States, and programs such as hortiother over hills, tire obstacles, river cultural tours (4050 Mission Avenue; crossings, two 5-foot walls with mud on www.sanluisrey.org; 760-757-3651). both sides, a tunnel crawl, and slippery hill climb, culminating with a 30-foot mud pit (www.camppendletonraces.com; Oceanside has advantages as a des760-725-6836). tination hub, too. Pick a room by the The Historical Society has a museum shore with a balcony view and a sandy and maps for self-guided tours (downbeach a minute away, then drive or town on 305 North Nevada St., open take the commuter rail to Carlsbad and Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, from 10 San Diego. a.m. to 2 p.m.; www.oceansidehistoricalCarlsbad’s Museum of Making society.org; 760-722-4786). Music at 5790 Armada Drive presents The Oceanside Museum of Art just Catch a wave! Check out classic boards and other nostalgic trinkets an interactive memory lane with 450 finished phase one of its expansion plan from California’s surfing history at the California Surf Museum. innovative instruments and sample

102 Bakersfield Magazine - Celebrating 25 years!

Beyond Oceanside…

Oceanside tomorrow…

Oceanside has grown from sheep range to burg to village to sizable city, from a population of 600 or 700 to the current 150,000. Luxury hotels, condos, mixed-use resorts, and time-share (or “vacation ownership” or “fractional ownership”) properties already dot the terrain, with more upscale lodging, shopping, and restaurants in development–at the moment, about three dozen projects. Oceanside Residence Inn, Oceanside’s first Marriott hotel, has 125 one- and two-bedroom suites with fully equipped kitchens, complimentary wired and wireless Internet access, a free breakfast buffet, and outdoor fire pit (www.residenceinnoceanside.com; 760-722-9600).

PHOTO COURTESY OCEANSIDE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

of groundbreaking tunes (www.museumofmakingmusic.org; 877-551-9976). Carlsbad Flower Fields at 5704 Paseo Del Norte reveals 50-plus acres of springtime splendor, a sweet pea maze, and Santa’s Play Area for eight weeks between March and mid-May (www.theflowerfields.com; 760-431-0352), while the Lavender Fields farm and shops in the foothills of the Palomar Mountains enchant with free Walk & Talk tours, over 10,000 plants and a lavender labyrinth on May and June weekends (www.thelavenderfields.com; 888-407-1489). At Carlsbad’s Legoland®, a 16-foot-tall pharaoh fashioned from Lego® blocks guards the Lost Kingdom Adventure, a target-shooting-with-laser-guns jeep quest for stolen treasure. At Pirate Shores, expect to get soaked. Feel more monumental than the pharaoh in Miniland Las Vegas. Altogether, a total of over 50 rides, shows, and attractions puts the emphasis on family fun. Confirm schedules before going (www.LEGOLAND.com; 760-918-LEGO). At the Carlsbad Premium Outlets, you can indulge in a spending spree of epic scale (5620 Paseo del Norte; www.premiumoutlets. com/carlsbad; 760-804-9000). In San Diego, see where behind-the-scenes Cold War players discussed strategy, pace the decks of the Star of India (thought to be the oldest ship still afloat), and stand at the controls of a B-39 Soviet attack submarine at the Maritime Museum. For California history, go to Old Town; for cafés and nightclubs surrounded by Victorian elegance, don’t miss the sizzling Gaslamp Quarter. San Diego’s Balboa Park, America’s largest urban cultural complex, contains 15 different museums and the San Diego Zoo, where some 4,000 animals from koalas to rare Chinese pandas reside in natural habitats (www.sandiegozoo.org; 619-2343153). SeaWorld, on San Diego Bay, has its own famous resident–celebrity killer whale Shamu (www.SeaWorldSanDiego. com; 800-25-SHAMU). Not enough critters? Herds of giraffes, rhinos, gazelles, and lions roam at Wild Animal Park, closer to Oceanside than to downtown San Diego (www.wildanimalpark. org; 760-747-8702). The new Sprinter light rail that runs seven days a week can transport you from Oceanside to Escondido where you cross the parking lot, board the Breeze, and zip in comfort to the door of Wild Animal Park. Incidentally, remember when booking a hotel or motel by phone that the reservationist may try to put you in San Diego when you specify Oceanside (“It’s the same thing. It’s all San Diego County…”) but focus on what you want, and hold firm. Energizing, metropolitan San Diego has a busy harbor and a skyline; magical Oceanside counters with a quaint harbor, surf, solitude, and sea.

Oceanside’s sandy beaches are the perfect place for a weekend getaway with the family.

The Mediterranean-style Wyndham Oceanside Pier Resort sits steps away from the Oceanside Pier, has rooms and superlative suites and the fine-dining 333 Pacific Restaurant specializing in steak and seafood (www.extraholidays.com; 800-347-8182). Oceanside Marina Suites, situated on a private peninsula, treats guests to a Harbor Boat ride drop off and pick up, free of charge, during summer weekends (www.omnihotel.com; 800-252-2033).

When you go…

In another century, you would have set out on El Camino Real, a footpath that became a stagecoach route and then US Highway 101, arguably the most historic highway in California. Commissioned in 1926, US 101 went from the Mexican border south of San Diego to Olympia, Washington. More recently, US 99 and I-5 surpassed much of Hwy 101, yet 101 cuts through Oceanside between I-5 and the Pacific Ocean as North Coast Highway. For a little nostalgia and a nice meal, Historic 101 Café with its dinertype menu and ‘50s atmosphere merits a must-stop as the oldest continuously operating restaurant on Historic Highway 101 (631 South Coast Highway; www.101cafe.net; 760-722-5220). In this century, the trip from Bakersfield to Oceanside is a straight shot on the I-5. But for the time-crunched traveler, be aware that life on I-5 is crowded at certain points of the day. Plan on driving through the Los Angeles area in mid-morning, between 9 and 11 a.m. or wait until the lunch crowd has passed through and cruise (mind you, even in the wee hours of the night there is plenty of traffic and thus hard to cruise properly) on through after 12 p.m. But watch out for rush-hour, which lasts anywhere from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. That is, unless you want to sightsee. During bumper to bumper traffic, there is plenty of time to look around on your way to Oceanside. v Bakersfield Magazine’s East Kern editor Donna McCrohan Rosenthal has written for us since 2001. She has also contributed to Redbook, Cosmopolitan, AAA magazines, and newspapers throughout the Southwest. The author of 14 books, she has appeared on Oprah and A&E’s Biography. She lives in Kern County. www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Dream Homes 2008 103

❖

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104 Bakersfield Magazine - Celebrating 25 years!

Today, we are dealing with So, let’s look at how we Generation Y, also known as can take these accomplished the Net Generation. These youngsters, well-meaning but are also sometimes referred clueless, and transform them to as the millennial geninto quality employees. On eration and currently include which topics do we need to approximately 80 million concentrate for our Generation people between the ages Y babies? Obviously, we need of 8 and 29. As this group to start with the basics. enters the workplace, they First, training needs to are presenting unique chalbe directed at dressing and lenges to human resource acting appropriately and professionals and managers. professionally on the job. Most of them definitely do By Holly Culhane, SPHR While most of us were raised NOT need technical training with a sense of propriety and as they have grown up with cell phones, an intrinsic understanding of appropriate computers, the Internet, and personal elec- behavior and dress for different situations, tronics. However, because they have had all the current generation is woefully lacking of these technological advantages, many of in these skills. They have been raised in an them lack social skills and a sense of what is “anything goes” era where even at church appropriate in an office. They have always services, any type of clothing is okay and relied on their technology and are accus- audience participation is encouraged. tomed to interacting remotely, rather than This isn’t bad, but it is different. It simply on a face-to-face basis. As a result, many illustrates why young people may be unare grossly unprepared for working in prepared for recognizing when professional a professional office and dealing with a dress is appropriate. demanding public. Also, these young people entering the In fact, in some areas, businesses are workforce are masters at multi-tasking. demanding that institutions of higher They have grown up watching television, learning address this problem and offer working on the computer, listening to music, courses specifically designed to prepare and instant messaging their friends – all young people for entering the workforce at the same time. Therefore, they have after graduation. In HR Magazine’s article, no idea how offensive it is to be talking “Generation Gaps,” (January 2008), one with a client, face-to-face, and never look such course entitled “Professionalism at up from their computer. Again, they are Work” is discussed. This particular course competent to do several things at once, and covers such issues as “dressing as an office may actually be well aware of the personal professional and not as a student.” This interaction, not ignoring the customer at specific issue arose out of complaints from all. However, they must be taught that this employers that college-educated, highly simply is poor customer service and can be qualified young people were showing up construed as downright rude. to interviews so inappropriately dressed According to Barbich, the GBCC prethey were sent home, deemed unacceptable sentations emphasize the importance of for even an interview. Okay, so does this “showing up, on time, every day, dressed sound familiar? How many of you have appropriately for the position. Furthermore, had prospective employees with fabulous the second half of that presentation focuses resumes show up for an interview looking on communication skills, including spelling, like they were dragged in off skid row? grammar, and face-to-face communication.” Pathetic? Yes. Insurmountable? Sometimes. She agrees that the workforce is changing However, often these individuals can be and explains, “This new workforce learns taught the basics so their incredible exper- differently, and needs training in presentatise can be accessed in order to become an tion skills and work ethic. There is also a asset to your company. recognition that perhaps this training needs Locally, Sheryl Barbich, owner of a to start at a young age in order to become consulting firm, concurs, but believes it is incorporated into the thought process of this important to start earlier than college. She emerging workforce.” states, “Recently, due to rising complaints One more tip—conduct the training from businesses, the Greater Bakersfield face-to-face. Even though they may be Chamber of Commerce (GBCC) developed more comfortable with electronic training, important pointers to be provided through they need the modeling and social experischool presentations by business people, ence of personal training in groups with hoping students as young as those in junior other employees. high may listen when ‘outside’ business people tell them how to be successful in Contact Holly Culhane of PAS Associates for the business world.” your human resource needs, (661) 631-2165.

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BakersfieldMagazine’s

A Guide to Health & Beauty

Fitness Strategies for the Overachiever

By Sean Kenny One of the many wonderful things about living in Bakersfield is the abundance of unique restaurants: hometown institutions such as Wool Growers, Benji’s, Café Med, and Luigi’s just to name a few. It is easy to see why we don’t just have a Bakersfield Sound, we have a Bakersfield Taste as well. So it’s no wonder that one might get in the habit of over-indulging in their culinary experiences. Well, have no fear, we have a plan that will keep you looking good and feeling good all year long so you can feel free to explore all of the local ﬂavor Bakersfield has to offer. First, know the old saying is still relevant today, everything in moderation. There is a simple, three step process for weight loss and better health: Step one: reduce fuel intake (eat less) Step two: increase energy expenditure (move) Step three: repeat steps one and two often Weight loss is a balancing act: if you take in more calories than you use, you’ll start making additional body parts out of them. According to Cooking Light Magazine, the typical dinner out contains over 2,000 calories. With 3,500 calories in one pound of fat, it’s easy to see how calories can quickly add up with America’s portion distortion.

Don’t worry, in this article, I won’t judge your eating habits just yet; we’ll address that in the future. I will, however, offer some tips on the importance of step two. Cardio is King Aside from liposuction, there is only one way to reduce fat in the body: one must burn it off. Cardiovascular exercise uses fat for fuel. We all know where those fuel tanks are on our bodies: around the waist, under the chin and the back of the arms. There is no such thing as spot reduction: cardiovascular training will take the “fuel” from everywhere. Cardiovascular exercise is a full-body, multiple-muscle movement such as running, biking, swimming, and walking. The more muscles you use, the higher your caloric expenditure and the more stored fat you burn. Now that you know what cardiovascular exercise is and what it can do for you, let’s look at some guidelines. >>

Before getting started, it’s very important to stretch properly to avoid injury.

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Start with the Heart For cardiovascular exercise to be truly effective, one wants to elevate and sustain the heart rate. This is known as your target heart rate range or training zone. To determine your training zone, a basic and popular formula, called age-predicted maximum, can be used. Simply subtract your current age (please be honest here) from 220. The result is your maximum heart rate in beats per minute (BPM). You don’t want to work out at your maximum, but within 60% to 80% of that maximum. Next, multiply your maximum heart rate by .60 and then your max by .80. Those two numbers represent your low and high training range, respectively. This is the range you want to sustain your heart rate in for the majority of your workout. Spend a few minutes slowly getting your heart rate up, and then during the final few minutes of your session, slow down and allow your heart rate to slow as well. As far as duration, aim for at least 20 minutes of sustained activity three or more days per week. The 20 minutes cannot include filling your water bottle, looking for shoes, etc. Where can cardiovascular training take place? Anywhere. While a local gym can be nice, Bakersfield has many wonderful parks, bike trails, and walking paths to take advantage of. Cycling, running, in-line skating, and walking are ideal modes of exercise that will help keep you from paying the full price of over-indulgence from a night out. If you are exercising outside, aim for early morning or later in the evening to take advantage of cooler temperatures during the summer months. Also, with outdoor exercise, remember to drink plenty of ﬂuids and if possible, exercise with a friend. Having a fitness buddy is not only safer, but the accountability can help you adhere to a consistent regimen. Weight—There’s More “Not bad,” you think, “I over indulge, so I can just walk it off the next morning?” While that helps, think of your fitness plan in two parts: cardiovascular exercise gets the weight off—weight training keeps it off. According to the American College of Sports Medicine, one pound of muscle burns approximately 50 calories per day, even while you sleep! Thus, the more muscle you have, the faster your metabolism and the more calories you burn. What a deal! >>

Core strengthening is just as important as cardio workouts. www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Dream Homes 008 10

Weight or resistance training is how you build muscle. Unlike cardio, more isn’t better. Aim for a full-body workout every other day. One doesn’t build muscle while training, it’s when resting that you recover and strengthen. Plus, muscle soreness peaks 36-48 hours after the exercise. If you are exercising and are unsure which muscles you are working… I assure you, you’ll know the next evening. Again, having access to a gym can add variety to your training, but a gym membership is certainly not necessary. A simple full-body exercise routine can include lunges/squats (legs), toe raises (calves), push-ups (chest, triceps, and shoulders), and pull-ups (back and biceps). Along the bike path, at Truxtun and Mohawk, is a fitness circuit that offers all of the above exercises and more. By using this free resource and moving through each station at a brisk pace, you will not only get a great full-body resistance workout, but a heart-pumping, fat-torching one as well. If you have some dumbbells at home (no, not your family members) you can add bicep curls, lateral raises, shrugs, back rows, and many more simple, but effective, exercises. So there you have it. Living in Bakersfield could present a challenge to your waistline with all the tempting and unique food choices, but fortunately living in Bakersfield also means having great weather and access to free and fun fitness alternatives. While saving is great when it comes to money, it’s not beneficial to save excess calories. By incorporating safe and effective exercise into your life, you can still enjoy hometown eats while lessening the impact of those calories on your bottom line. ❖

(Above) Make sure to check your target heart rate before, during, and after exercising to ensure you’re getting an efficient and safe workout.

108 Bakersfield Magazine - Celebrating 5 years!

Sean Kenny is a certified fitness trainer by the American Council on Exercise as well as a state-licensed Emergency Medical Technician. He has recently been credentialed in exercise science by the National Strength and Conditioning Association and is currently the Wellness Coordinator for several Bakersfield hospitals. A nationally published author/lecturer on health and fitness, he lives in Bakersfield, California where he inﬂuences Kern County to eat better, exercise more, and live healthier. Send any fitness-related questions to comments@bakersfieldmagazine.net

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BARC’s 3rd Annual

Magical Forest is almost here!

The holiday-themed village will again cover the entire top floor of the Stockdale Tower parking structure and have food, gift shopping, and the Big Guy himself, Santa! No Holiday season is complete without it.

Open Dec. 5-28 Closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day If you’d like to become a sponsor or a volunteer, please call (661) 834-2272 for more information. Proud Sponsor, once again, of this fun, family event: ®

www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Dream Homes 2008 109

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110 Bakersfield Magazine - Celebrating 5 years!

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W H E E L S

O F

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Dare to be Different.

Not only beautifully suave and sophisticated, Audi’s Q7 is beefy strong too. By John Dickerson After three weeks driving three allnew luxury SUVs back-to-back-to-back, the Audi Q7 was my favorite for a number of reasons, particularly its Porschelike handling, sophisticated styling, and refined interior. Apparently, while other makers rushed lifted station wagons into the show, Audi was busy perfecting its concoction of style, interior refinement, performance, real towing capability, and (hold your breath) off-road prowess. The result is a pleasing first-model vehicle that bests most of the competing redesigns. For starters, just look at the front of this thing. Enough said. I could go on about the interior of the Q7 for pages, but I’ll start with a word of caution to buyers: “Third row seating” is the new

black in SUV sales lingo. Most of these third rows are no more practical than a folding chair in the trunk of a Civic. Given the length and girth needed to comfort so many passengers, I expected the Q7 to wobble like a behemoth through the turns. To my surprise, the Q7’s suspension felt downright Porsche-like. And for good reason; the Q7 shares its chassis and platform with Porsche’s adrenaline-infused Cayenne SUV. As large as the Q7 is, it dares you to keep pushing it through the turns, and Audi’s tuned all-wheel drive plants its hefty 20-inch wheels firmly on the asphalt. Around town the Q7 doesn’t look or feel nearly as big as it actually is. Yes, the Q7 is a driver and a looker. But it’s the inner beauty that won me

R I D E

O F

Y O U R

over. The Q7’s cockpit is refined, beautiful, and with the exception of the cup holders, nearly perfect. The not-so-smooth placement of the drink holders was mildly effective for a solo driver but worked terribly for a latte-toting twosome. Everything else in the Q7 makes for the most comfortable and practical interior I’ve experienced south of $60,000. With the possible exception of the moreexpensive Mercedes, no SUV interior rivals the Q7 inside. From the userfriendly navigation system and controls to steering wheel feel, wood finish, and leather stitching, the Q7 exists to serve. Ease your head back during bumper-tobumper traffic, and the headrest inflates with pillow-like comfort. Audi’s steering wheel audio and cruise >>

L I F E

www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Dream Homes 2008 111

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11 Bakersfield Magazine - Celebrating 5 years!

Inner Beauty: Q7’s opulent interior leads competitors, with one exception: the cup holders.

controls are among the most practical and ergonomic I’ve used. A second LCD screen between the speedometer and tachometer makes for easy radio adjustments while focused on driving, all with the gentle toggle of your thumb. Overhead, the Audi offers what is perhaps the largest moon roof ever built into a production vehicle. The retractable superdome roof is almost all glass from driver to third row passengers. A smart dial control makes for simple one-touch decisions that either open the convertible-like ceiling or retract the sunshade. The Q7’s amazing roof alone could entertain a car enthusiast for several hours. Audi’s backup camera also bests most competitors, with computer-calculated drafting lines, which predict with precision just where the Q7’s monster tires will tread. All in all, the Q7 is my favorite in this vehicle segment, worth every penny more than the Japanese competitors and the most beautiful of the Germans. If you’re shopping luxury SUVs, don’t go without a drive in the Q7. You’re certain to feel and smell the difference. ❖

Each issue John Dickerson tests worthy cars. From smoking teenagers at stoplights to cramming groceries and small appliances into the trunk, Dickerson examines the features you actually care about, like how well a spilled mocha cleans off the upholstery. Dickerson was raised on industrial pollution, deer venison, and American steel in Detroit, Michigan. His co-workers often find him in a trance, slumped over his keyboard, uttering words like “torque steer, horsepower-to-displacement ratio” and “nav system.” ©2008 JOHN DICKERSON, HORSEPOWER AUTO REVIEWS

2008 Audi Q7 Personality: Frank Lloyd Wright in serious hiking boots on a leather couch Best Gizmo: Superdome glass roof and non-truck road feel Most Annoying Feature: Lousy cup holder placement MPG (as tested):17 mpg City, 20 mpg Highway Safety: Dual-stage front airbags with occupant sensors, side airbags, SIDEGUARD inflatable curtain airbags, antiroll-over protection Performance: Tows up to 6,000 pounds. Handles and stops with minimal body roll. A little slow off the line Cars we smoked at stoplights: Not many 0-60: 8.2 seconds How Fast Is That? About as fast as a Ford Expedition. If you want a sports car, shop lower towing capacity and fewer seats How Much? Starts at $45k, closer to $60k loaded Serious Contenders? BMW X5, Mercedes ML, Lexus LX

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www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Dream Homes 008 11

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11 Bakersfield Magazine - Celebrating 5 years!

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www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Dream Homes 008 115

QUICK BITES WITH LOCAL FLAVOR

servin’ up an ace

Fresh, healthy, and delicious! What more could you want out of a fruit sal-

ad? How about a unique fruit salad with a cool twist, that’s made especially for you? Well, if you’re ready for a meal that satisfies your heart, belly, and mind, look no further. Because we’re still enveloped in summer’s warmth, everyone is still craving fresh, cool salads to keep our taste buds happy. That’s why we asked Carol Bianco from the Courtside Cafe at the Bakersfield Racquet Club to prepare a special fruit salad for our readers. And boy

not so ordinary

Fruit Salad

did she deliver. Not only is this salad chock full of fresh, homegrown fruits, but it’s on a bed of crunchy, crisp lettuce, giving it that extra kick. What’s more, she’s created a fruit salad with tender strips of roasted chicken! Made with locally grown fruits and vegetables (and heck, the chicken is local, too!), this is a real treat for a summer evening. Whet your appetite for this healthy, calorie-conscious, yet flavorful, fruity chicken salad. Oh, and did we mention it’s a breeze to make?

Courtside Cafe’s Refreshing Fruit Salad Fresh Crisp Salad greens (whatever kind you like) Roasted, boneless, and skinless chicken breasts, cooled and pulled into strips Your favorite fruit, cut into bite-sized chunks. Carol recommends cantaloupe, honeydew, strawberries, pineapple, blackberries, apples, and tasty peaches. Candied pecans • Citrus salad dressing To make the tangy citrus dressing: Add one cup of orange juice to two cups of Italian salad dressing. This is a good way to cut the amount of calories in your dressing and give it a sweet kick. Start by roasting (or grilling) your chicken. If you’re on a tight schedule, you can pick up pre-roasted chicken from the market. But make sure to remove any bones or skin. If you cooked your own chicken, assemble your fruit while it’s cooling. You can mix and match the fruits that appeal to you and your family and friends. Try exotic kiwis or papayas for a tropical twist. Make sure to rinse and dry the lettuce, preferably in a salad spinner. Pressing it gently between two moist paper towels works well too. Assemble the lettuce and fruit on your plate. Top with roasted chicken and toss. Sprinkle the candied pecans liberally. Add dressing to taste and dig in. Yum! n 116 Bakersfield Magazine - Celebrating 25 years!

Cuisine: sure to be a hit

WHAT’S COOKIN’

If you’re aiming for perfection, you have to start with the best ingredients.

quest to be the best By Mike Stepanovich

Most would agree that golfer Tiger Woods’ ascension to excellence, to the world’s best, has been due to his commitment to hone his game, his swing, his approach, to not settle for less. That same level of commitment is occurring right here in Bakersfield at a bistro where no aspect of the business is too small to analyze, and, if necessary, change. Valentien Restaurant and Wine Bar, at the northwest corner of Truxtun Avenue and Oak Street, is simply committed to being the best. Owners Jennifer Sanderson and Jeramy Brown are not interested in serving massive entrées, or desserts that would feed four. They’re not playing to market

Staff tastings ensure everyone knows the intricacies of the menu.

whims, or popular dining trends. Nope. They’re simply interested in providing you the finest dining experience you could possibly have. They’re succeeding admirably. Is Valentien the best restaurant in Bakersfield? That’s certainly a subjective question. At the very least include Valentien in the debate. Other local restaurants have their supporters, and for my money each one of them deserves credit for elevating Bakersfield’s dining scene, for pushing the envelope. My“best”list, in addition to Valentien, includes Uricchio’s, T.L. Maxwell’s, Café Med, The Bistro, Sorella, and Hungry Hunter. I think the list will only grow in the next few years. Here’s why: n Related stores are opening—One of the hallmarks of a fine-dining establishment is its

wine list. Wine adds to a meal’s ambiance. It elevates mere eating to dining. Bakersfield’s wine interest has always been strong: for years Bakersfield has supported two large wine clubs—the Bakersfield Wine Society and the Bakersfield Friends of Wine—plus numerous smaller wine-tasting groups. For wine classes that I teach, demand is off the charts. I have long thought that Bakersfield has been ready for specialty wine shops, and that is now occurring. In the last year or so, two wine shops have opened: Wine Me Up, owned by Don and Melynda Grimes, at 3900 Coffee Road Suite 2, offers a wine-bar experience featuring various wines that are also available in the store. It’s About the Wine, owned by Mike and Barbara Hefner, at 9500 Brimhall Road, offers a good selection of regional wines, and expects to open a wine tasting bar.

The cut of meat is just as important as what you put on it.

And a new, even more ambitious store is due to open later this year. Imbibe, owned by David and Tamera Dobbs, will feature possibly the largest selection of fine wines in the southern San Joaquin Valley. The Dobbs, natives of Bakersfield, for years ran Red Carpet Wines & Spirits in Glendale. But eventually the Greater Los Angeles area began to wear them down, and they decided to return to their hometown. Imbibe, which will be at 4140 Truxtun Ave., is scheduled to open in the fall. n more chain restaurants in Bakersfield—The number of chain restaurants opening in

Bakersfield continues to swell. The companies coming here don’t open restaurants unless they are sure of success. They are sure of that success because of their market research, and that research tells them that their brand restaurant will likely be successful in Bakersfield. The last years have seen the likes of Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar, Chili’s Grill & Bar, >>

Cuisine: total dining experience

www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Dream Homes 2008 117

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118 Bakersfield Magazine - Celebrating 5 years!

Macaroni grill, Chuy’s Mesquite Broiler, and Original Roadhouse grill come to town. Following the grill-and-bar places were a new level of chain restaurant: Red Lobster, p.F. Chang’s, BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse, California pizza Kitchen, Elephant Bar, and others. now we also have Heidi’s Brooklyn deli, and Famous dave’s barbecue. Additionally, a Hooters is due to open later this year, as is a Tilted Kilt pub & Eatery, places probably known more for their servers’skimpy garb than anything else. n An UndER-SERVEd pOpULATIOn—greater Bakersfield’s population is now more than half a million, yet recent news reports suggest fewer restaurants per capita than cities of comparable size. Also, many of the newcomers to Bakersfield bring with them expectations from their previous locales. In other words, there’s a vacuum here.The chains are already aware of that, and local entrepreneurs will also have opportunities. Locals will look at Valentien as a model. It’s a good one. nobody works harder at improving his or her restaurant than Sanderson and Brown. Innovation is their watchword. “I can’t worry about what other restaurants are doing,” Brown said.“I can only worry about our restaurant. I want more for this town. Our program is based on providing the finest food, the finest dining experience possible.” The quality focus doesn’t stop there. The two are committed to local produce. “We live in one of the greatest food-producing areas in the world,” Brown said. “I want to showcase that produce in our restaurant. I always order local produce.” He shops at Cal-Organic Farms, a local company that has a wide array of locally grown vegetables. “I get what’s fresh, what’s available, what’s in season,”he said. “It makes a difference.” The pair offers weekly wine tastings for the staff. The idea is that servers will be better able to suggest wines to patrons, and help them find a wine to match their meal. “If you learn wine and food, you’ll have that for the rest of your life,” he said. “We try to give that to people.” As part of the restaurant’s wine program, Brown is also studying to become a master sommelier. no one else in Bakersfield has earned that designation, and only 95 Americans have ever achieved it. Brown sees Bakersfield’s collective palate shifting. “Little by little I see it changing as people travel and become more cultured,” he said. “We’re seeing the elevation of the community palate. Thank goodness for The Food network and the Internet. Those two things have opened people’s eyes, and they’re finding different things to try.” Sanderson agrees. “I would love for Bakersfield to become a Mecca for dining, as it would encourage people to dine out

Brown and Sanderson sample everything before it’s served to maintain excellence.

more,”she said.“Maybe Bakersfield is still a steak-and-potatoes town, but I see a broadening of its palate. I’m not sure that by ourselves we’re enough to influence Bakersfield’s collective palate, we get the well-traveled person in here.” Brown also sees a younger clientele. “yes, there’s a new surge of younger people who are adventurous, but primarily ours is a clientele who understand what fine dining is all about. They’re no longer looking for massive portions. They’re looking for higher-quality ingredients, there’s a higher expectation, and that’s a refreshing change. Even young people—10 to 12 years old—with their parents are eating duck and quail. That influence is coming from their parents, and that’s nice to see.” Sanderson said that while their principal customer may be adventurous, they’re not about to ignore those who are less so. “Since we took over the restaurant (a year and a half ago) we’ve found that people are more adventurous than we thought,” she said. Restaurant founder “Robert (dixon) never had vegetarian entrées on the menu; we have two, and they sell well. We also offer fois gras, and have discovered an incredible demand for that. “But we still feel we need to have some core offerings; we’ll always have at least one steak dish on the menu.” The two focus on opposite ends of their business. “Jenn does the kitchen, I do the front,” Brown said. That may surprise some people because Sanderson has not been to culinary school. But she’s fascinated by cooking.“I try to work as much as possible in the kitchen, but I’m not formally trained,” she said. “It’s not exactly what I had in mind when we took over, but I’ve always had a passion for cooking.” She credits the Bakersfield College culinary arts program with providing excellent kitchen staff. “Ryan Steed is our kitchen manager, and a product of the BC culinary arts program. We’ve been blessed with BC program students.” Sanderson thinks her and Brown’s decision to buy Valentien was the best one they ever made. “I absolutely love it,” she said. “I knew it would be exhausting and with long hours, but I love it. I have a lifestyle where I can enjoy great food and great wines every day if I want to. I can’t imagine anything else.” n

EnTERTAInIng THE BAKERSFIELd WAy

open air indulgence Story and photos

by Miles Johnson

EnTERTAInIng OUT-OF-dOORS nEEd nOT BE FULLy AVOIdEd THIS TIME OF yEAR. In FACT, THE RIgHT COMBInATIOn OF COOLIng EATS, REFRESHIng BEVERAgES, And LIgHTER FARE CAn MAKE THE BAKERSFIELd SUMMER SEEM pERFECT.

pure ecstasy in a frosty glass!

For this article, I decided to give the local chefs and food experts—my normal source of inspiration—a break. Instead, I turned to some of the experts I know: friends and family. These are the people who crinkled their noses at some of my “experimental” dishes or raved over the simplest meals. My mother’s Chilled Shrimp recipe is what I turn to when needing to impress guests. My dear friend James’ grilled Chicken with polenta is a classic shoe-in for the cook without a lot of time. new friends or co-workers can be as tremendous a source of culinary inspiration as old acquaintances. As the days get longer, choosing the most comfortable time to dine is relatively easy. Inviting guests over just before sun-down will allow everyone to enjoy a simmering sunset over a glass of Classic Spanish Sangria with a twist.

Classic Spanish Sangria You will need: 1 orange • 1 lemon • 1 lime 1 1/2 cups spiced dark rum 1/2 cup white sugar 1 (750 milliliter) bottle dry red wine 1 cup fresh-squeezed orange juice Extra fruit for taste 1 cinnamon stick (optional) It’s important that all ingredients (except the sugar) are well-chilled prior to combining. Carefully slice the citrus into thin segments and place in a large glass pitcher. Add sugar, cinnamon stick, and rum—stirring to dissolve. Refrigerate for two hours so that flavors meld completely. As guests arrive, mull rum and fruit mixture. pour in wine and orange juice. Serve over ice in wine glasses or cocktail high balls with a sprig of mint or a fruit slice over the edge of the glass. Keep a few cans of club soda or Sprite on ice to make your Sangria into a refreshingly light spritzer. An adventurous host may also look to more dramatic flavors such as sliced star fruit, fresh pineapple, or pomegranate to really kick-start the palate. After your guests have relaxed, a pre-meal snack is definitely in order. From my own super-secret stash of fool-proof recipes comes a chilled shrimp appetizer that is guaranteed to please. This recipe is best made a day in advance so that the flavors have a chance to meld through—saving you plenty of time to visit with friends. >>

CUISInE: cool & refreshing

www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Dream Homes 008 11

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CUISInE : cool & refreshing My Mother’s Best Chilled Shrimp Ever You will need: 1 pound raw, peeled, and deveined shrimp of medium size (about the size of your thumb) 2 cloves freshly pressed garlic 1/2 cup white wine 2 tbsp. unsalted butter 1/4 cup capers, well-drained 1 lemon, cut into wedges Olive oil Chopped parsley (optional) Add a couple tablespoons of olive oil to large sauté pan and place over high heat until a drop

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of water bounces and pops (if the oil is smoking, it’s too hot). Carefully toss shrimp into the oil while vigorously shaking the pan to prevent sticking. don’t be alarmed if the oil catches a little flame while cooking. If the flame is too large, simply remove the pan from the heat until controlled. The shrimp should start turning

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light pink almost immediately. Squeeze a couple lemon wedges over the shrimp while cooking; then add in the wine, garlic, butter, and capers. Immediately remove from heat and continue to

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toss lightly until the butter is melted and the wine/butter sauce completely coats the shrimp. dust with a little salt and pepper to taste. drain excess moisture and refrigerate immediately by

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with the top slightly askew so that any remaining steam can escape. Serve shrimp over a generous pile of shaved ice and sprinkle with chopped parsley and lemon slices for garnish and a chilled bowl of cocktail sauce. don’t forget to have a couple of small dishes set aside to discreetly catch the shrimp tails. For the next dish, I took my cue from my friends at the department of Agriculture to fill me in on

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1 0 Bakersfield Magazine - Celebrating 5 years!

the ingredients best suited for harvest in the midsummer months. naturally, this led me to the only logical conclusion. Of course, I had a little help from

Chilled Shrimp

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olive oil, and garnish with a sprig of parsley. If you

San Joaquin Valley Chilled Gazpacho You will need: 4 or 5 large ripe tomatoes peeled, seeded, and chopped 1 Serrano pepper, minced 5 cloves garlic, minced 2 large cucumbers, peeled and diced 1 red bell pepper, seeded and diced 1 red onion, peeled and thinly sliced 1 ripe but slightly ﬁrm avocado, peeled and diced 4 cups light chicken or vegetable stock 2 tbsp. fresh lemon juice 2 tbsp. red wine vinegar 2 tbsp. chopped fresh basil 2 tbsp. chopped fresh Italian parsley 4 tbsp. chopped fresh cilantro Kosher salt and black pepper in a mill 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil

should have any remaining shrimp (and I doubt

ANDERSON ACRES

you will) feel free to toss them on top. given to me by my best friend, James (a sublime host in his own right, whose parties usually end up as melees of cocktail combat), this superb chicken dish combines the simplicity of grilling with note-worthy asparagus and a firm polenta. To make things a little easier, I suggest preparing the polenta a couple days in advance according to

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package directions. Right after you’ve sautéed off your shrimp, place the pan back on the stove to heat (don’t clean the pan). pour in one cup of vegetarian or chicken stock and bring to a simmer. Toss in one bunch of asparagus and allow the vegetables to steam-cook just until bright green (this will take only about a minute). Remove from heat and throw a couple handfuls of ice in the sauté pan over the asparagus. Set aside. This method is called “par-boiling” and is a staple in the busiest of

The number of ingredients in this delicious

restaurants to save on time during busy meal peri-

course is certainly compensated for by the ease

ods. now your asparagus is ready to be grilled. >>

SINCE

1942

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www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Dream Homes 008 1 1

Cuisine : cool & refreshing

Classic Italian Granita You will need: 1 cup cold water 1/2 cup granulated sugar 3 cups of your preferred fruit juice (orange, pineapple, or pomegranate) Place water in a large sauté pan and pour sugar into the center of the pool. Place over medium-high heat and bring to a rapid boil. Remove from heat and set aside to allow simple syrup to cool to room temperature. Add fruit juice and whisk to combine. Pour mixture into a large glass baking dish and place in freezer. Now here’s where a little attention needs to

Perfect Grilled Chicken

Grilled Chicken Breast

be paid: every so often, return to the freezer and stir up the Granita mixture with a fork. You DO NOT want one large frozen clump of juice. Instead, you want to break up the ice crystals as they form so that the mixture becomes slushy. This may require several

You will need:

trips to the freezer over a couple of hours so allow

4 skinless/boneless chicken breasts

plenty of time. While the Granita is freezing you can

1/2 cup olive oil

prep your other party cuisine so not all is lost.

1 1/2 tsp. dried basil

When it’s time to surprise your guests with this

1 tsp. dried oregano

crisp Italian treat, scoop into serving dishes. Feel

1/4 cup white wine

free to get creative by using chilled martini glasses

Salt and pepper to taste

and garnish with a sprig of mint. For a little extra

Combine chicken breasts and all other ingredients

kick, drizzle a half ounce of Chambord over the ice.

into a large Zip-Loc storage bag, squeeze out as much air as possible, and seal. Gently massage the contents

A dessert this simple, delightfully refreshing, and

to evenly distribute the marinade around the chicken

light will make even the muggiest of Bakersfield

breasts. Refrigerate until ready to grill. This can be

nights seem like a cool retreat to the far north. n

done up to two days in advance.

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We can help! 661.322.5234 1124 Baker St. In the heart of Old Town Kern www.cbvi.org

While you and your guests are enjoying the gazpacho, preheat your grill. Gather your marinating chicken breasts, asparagus, and polenta. Begin by grilling your chicken breasts first as these will take the most time. Two minutes before your chicken breasts are completely grilled through, slice the polenta into 1/2” slices or wedges, drizzle lightly with olive oil, and place on grill. Follow with the asparagus and watch carefully as both will warm through quite quickly. Layer your grilled chicken breast over the polenta and add the asparagus on the side and serve! After dinner, what better weapon to combat our

Independence and self-confidence for over 50 years

122 Bakersfield Magazine - Celebrating 25 years!

balmy evenings than an icy Granita?

Italian Granitas

THE LUNCH BUNCH

dining for charity

Last issue, we told you about big changes in store for the Lunch

opened in 1992 and has played host to many regal affairs, sporting tourna-

Bunch: Dining for Charity. You learned that three of our origi-

ments, wine-maker dinners, and even celebrities. Why, Charlton Heston, John

nal members were rotating off. Cynthia Hess, Gina Hartman,

Travolta, and other movie stars have graced the entrance into Seven Oaks and

and Paula Chaudry would be setting sail for new adventures.

dined in its opulent rooms. And now they can add the Lunch Bunch to that list!

But we also told you that three wonderful women would be joining

Cuisine: Everyone was eager to get a taste of what the Seven Oaks kitchen

the group, adding their unique opinions and passion for the community

has to offer. Among the items ordered were Crab Cakes, a light Cobb Salad,

to the mix. What we didn’t tell you was who those women would be.

and the table was delighted to see the Seared Ahi Tuna Salad ordered since

And so now, after months of whispers, they’re about to be revealed.

it was one of the specials. The Ahi was good, and the dressing was given

First, let’s cover the basics...

a rave review. Most of their cuisine is seasonal, but many of the items that

THE NEW LUNCH BUNCH: Patricia Loyd, Sue Benham, newcomers Robin Scott and Jillian Fritch-Stump. (not pictured: Judy McCarthy and newcomer Ann Hansen) The Lunch Bunch: Dining for Charity is an ensemble of ladies who lunch at

the kitchen creates become regulars on the menu. For example, when the

an area restaurant every other month. At each get-together they take, as their

season is right, almost every table will have one order of the Blackened

guests, people who place winning bids at charity events to win “Lunch With

Halibut; it’s a favorite at the club.

The Lunch Bunch.” The charity keeps the auction money and the winner gets

Ambiance and Service: Since we dined in the Oak Room, we had

a memorable lunch with these ladies, compliments of Bakersfield Magazine.

access to the many ledgers and books preserved on the shelves chroni-

The Restaurant: As this was a special lunch, we chose a quiet place. Seven

cling Bakersfield’s history in the agriculture and farming business. They

Oaks Country Club located at 2000 Grand Lakes Ave., was the perfect locale

were definitely a highlight of the lunch. The dining room also afforded

to match the class and refinement that the women of the Lunch Bunch pres-

us a nice, quiet location for everyone to get to know our new mem-

ent, and we were pleased to find that the Oak Room, a private dining area

bers. The soft floral décor and earth-tones enveloping the room made

and library, was reserved for our lunch. What a treat! Seven Oaks Country Club

for a very pleasant atmosphere while we ate and conversed. >>

CUISINE : the unveiling www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Dream Homes 2008 123

CUISINE: the unveiling The Inside Scoop: Behind the lines, Chef Aaron Johnson

dren and their families in our area. The BMH Foundation

Jillian Fritch-Stump has also joined us and we couldn’t

has been with Seven Oaks for almost three and a half years.

and the Children’s Miracle Network will be raising funds

be happier. Jillian is an educator and volunteer with BAM

According to Chef Johnson, Bakersfield diners have a very

for the Children’s Medical Center at our first “Cook-out

(Bakersfield Adventures for the Mind) Children’s Museum,

laid back palate but are adventuresome and will try a variety

for Kids,” on September 6 at Beach Park. Please call (661)

as well as being a member of their advisory board. De-

of flavors from cuisine around the world. But a big favor-

327-4647, extension 4640 for more information. The

veloped as a public/private partnership, and located on

ite of diners is the Cheese Tray, offering splendidly paired

hospital will also be holding the 6th Annual Larry Carr

the southwest side of the Cal State Bakersfield campus,

cheeses with fruit, nuts, and sauces. “Bakersfield is an area

Memorial Golf Tournament on September 15. For informa-

BAM will be a 32,000 square-foot facility with interac-

that really utilizes all the local produce,” Johnson said.

tion, call (661) 327-4647, extension 4539. Sue and her

tive exhibits for science, technology, engineering, and

That’s one of his favorite things about our city. In fact, all

family are looking forward to vacationing in August at the

mathematics as well as the arts. For more information

that local produce has gone on to serve the many political

coast, before son Thomas heads to UC Berkeley in the fall.

visit bamforkids.org. Jillian worked previously on the Kern

figures that have stopped by, including past presidents,

Judi McCarthy was unable to attend lunch at Seven Oaks,

County Museum Board, and helped found One Book, One

and Governor Schwarzenegger. Seven Oaks has multiple large dining rooms as well as private tables, so deciding where to sit can be a bit of a

but we’ll catch up with her next time.

Bakersfield, a city-wide reading program. Jillian and her

And now the moment you’ve been waiting for....

family are headed to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho for a summer

the unveiling of our new Lunch Bunchers.

vacation, where they’ll boat, hike, and ride horses while

challenge. You, of course, want to make sure you’re sitting

We’re delighted to announce that Robin Scott (though

in the best seat, somewhere Travolta sat and ate. “That’s

you might know her as Robin Mangarin) has joined the

We’re also thrilled to welcome Ann Hansen to the

easy,” Chef Johnson said, “table 4.”

Lunch Bunch. As an award-winning anchor with KGET

Lunch Bunch. Unfortunately, Ann was unable to make it

Chatter and What We’re Up To: It’s been an emotional

17, Robin will bring her knowledge of community

to the luncheon, but for good reason—she was welcom-

time for Patricia Loyd, who recently lost her father to a heart

goings-on to the table and share with us ways to get

ing a new granddaughter to the family in San Francisco!

attack at the age of 80. The funeral, held in the Pacific North-

more involved in local charities. Robin’s current passion

We’ll be sure to get a big update next time.

west, was a lovely and moving affair, with all four of his chil-

lies with organizations and charities working for chil-

Would you and a friend like to “do lunch” with

dren, ten of his grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren

dren. She is deeply involved with the American Cancer

the Lunch Bunch and Dine for Charity? Win this

in attendance. Patricia had been traveling back and forth to

Society and the American Heart Association and their

opportunity at charity events around town and you will

Washington state to help take care of her mother during the

local chapters, as well as the M.O.V.E. Program. The Kern

help a nonprofit, get to play restaurant critic, have your

month of June, but is happy to report that she has found

County Network For Children, CASA, C.A.R.E. (Children’s

picture in the magazine, and most importantly, have a

her mother a beautiful new home. Currently, she is involved

Advocacy Resource Endowment), and the Boys and Girls

great time compliments of the magazine. Where else

in the Alpha Canine Sanctuary, which is a nonprofit orga-

Club of Bakersfield are all very close to her heart. “I en-

can you get the inside dish (and lunch) with six of our

nization that takes care of homeless dogs. The sanctuary

joyed the company most of all—what a dynamic group

area’s V.I.W.s (Very Important Women)? Nowhere else but

also encourages visitors—those who are unable to own a

of women,” she said of the lunch. Welcome, Robin.

Bakersfield Magazine. n

dog—to come out and play! Not only can you donate your time, but if you are able to adopt a pet, the sanctuary lets you get to know the dog first. Patricia encourages everyone to donate what they can, be it time or funds, to help this charity take care of the animals in our community. For more information visit alphacanine.org. Sue Benham has been working diligently to form a donor society to help raise funds in support of the new Children’s Medical Center at Bakersfield Memorial Hospital. According to Sue, the center will include a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, an expanded Pediatric Department, and an expanded, state-of-the-art Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. This addition will be an immense source of pride for our community and will be a phenomenal resource for chil124 Bakersfield Magazine - Celebrating 25 years!

The refreshing Cobb Salad was an instant hit!

touring other children’s museums.

LIFE IS A CABERnET

varietal mastery

By Mike Stepanovich

My RECEnT SOJOURn TO pASO ROBLES TO pARTICIpATE In THE CEnTRAL

varietals some years back. In the early 1990s, paso Robles area vintners were

COAST WInE COMpETITIOn COnFIRMEd WHAT I HAVE FOR SOME TIME

at crossroads. They knew that they were in a great place to grow grapes:

SUSpECTEd: THE CEnTRAL COAST OWnS RHOnES.

they had the soils, they had the microclimates. And big players—gallo,

The competition, which comprises wines made from grapes grown in

Mondavi, Kendall-Jackson, to name a few—were planting huge parcels

Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Monterey, and San Benito counties, put an

to Bordeaux varietals cabernet sauvignon and merlot. Treana, then known

exclamation point on what was starting to be evident: Rhone varietals—

as Hope Farms, was in partnership with napa Valley star Caymus Vineyards,

syrah, grenache, mourvedre, viognier, roussanne, and others—have

providing multiple tons of cabernet for Caymus’s then Liberty School brand

certainly found a home in the mid-state.

(Treana now owns the brand).

While other regions in the state are growing Rhone varietals, no other

Few people, however, were aware of how much Central Coast fruit

place has embraced them like the Central Coast. Consider this: of all the

was augmenting wines labeled napa Valley. American wine law permits

wineries making syrah that are listed on the California Wineries Mall website, 37 percent are from the Central Coast. It’s no accident that the Central Coast is so Rhonecentric. growers there made a choice to embrace Rhone

15 percent of fruit from another appellation to be blended

gold medals abound for central coast wineries today

into wine carrying an appellational designation. (If your label just said napa County, you could have up to 25 percent from another appellation.) So, for example, >>

PHOTO COURTESY CLAVO CELLARS

Gold-medal winners like this Clavo Cellars 2005 Reckless Moment Syrah from Paso Robles is but one of many wines of distinction from the Central Coast.

CUISInE : winning taste www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Dream Homes 008 1 5

CUISInE: winning taste a wine labeled as napa Valley cabernet could actually have as much as 15 percent of its fruit coming from, say, paso Robles. That’s a significant economic advantage when you consider that napa Valley cabernet commands about twice the price of paso napa prices for a wine that is only 85 percent napa. Also, paso Robles may have been the victim of some dirty tricks. Early on the word from northern California critics and others was that paso Robles cabernet was vegetative. That simply was not true. That may have been a case of painting with too broad of a brush because Santa Barbara County cabernets did, in fact, taste vegetative and like

PHOTO COURTESY RANCHO SISQUOC WINERY

Robles cabernet. In other words, the winery is charging

Rancho Sisquoc Winery took the gold for their 2005 Santa Barbara County syrah, delicately grown along the Sisquoc River.

bell peppers. But those were the days when vintners were

Looking for a peg to hang their hat on, the paso Robles-

crushed in 1998 to 126,019 tons last year. Viognier has

still figuring out what grew where, and since cabernet was

area growers focused on Rhone varietals. At that point,

gone from 2,720 tons crushed in 1998 to 15,634 tons

the most popular red grape, it was planted virtually every-

no one had yet seized on those varietals. But it wasn’t

crushed in 2007, a 575 percent increase. (The biggest

where. growers soon figured out it didn’t do well in Santa

just a lucky guess. paso Robles wine pioneer gary Eberle

increase, though, has to be pinot gris, an Alsatian grape,

Barbara County, and today only a handful of Santa Barbara

had tried syrah with good success in the early 1970s. The

going from 1,237 tons crushed in 1998 to 79,254 tons last

County wineries produce a cabernet.

partnership of French Rhone producer Chateau de Beau-

year, a more than 6,400 percent increase.)

I recall people telling me that paso Robles could never

castel and American Robert Haas determined that the

What’s more, the biggest growth has occurred in

compete with napa Valley because its cabernets were too

paso Robles area was ideal for Rhone varieties. French

Central Coast counties. Santa Barbara and San Luis

“veggie.” I would have them taste a paso cab, and they

winemaker Stephan Asseo came to paso Robles for the

Obispo counties crushed 86 percent more grapes last

would tell me that clearly I was mistaken because that cab

terroir and because the area captivated him.

year than in 1998, and exceed napa County’s crush by more than 40,000 tons. In 1998, the two counties lagged napa by 2,000 tons. And napa hasn’t stood still: its harvest is up 33 percent over 1998. That shows how rapid the growth has been on the Central Coast. More to the point, San Luis Obispo County is by

PHOTO COURTESY EBERLE WINERY

PHOTO COURTESY SOL ROUGE WINERY

far the biggest producer of syrah in the state with

Eberle Winery boasts gold winners for their 2006 Cotes du Robles blend, and 2007 Mill Road Vineyard Viognier.

In the foothills of a dormant volcano, Sol Rouge Winery was the place for a gold-winning 2005 Santa Barbara County syrah.

didn’t taste vegetative at all. So much for common wisdom.

A blueprint emerged for the area: plant Rhone varietals

Furthermore, aficionados rarely—if ever—chose

and become known as the Rhone capital of California.

a paso Robles cabernet over a napa Valley one. napa

And plant they did. The numbers suggest that Central

has the cache. Central Coast winegrowers realized that

Coast Rhone wines should be winning medals, if for no

no matter how good the quality of their cabernet, they

other reason than increased production. According to the

would never supplant napa Valley as north America’s

California department of Food and Agriculture, California’s

cabernet capital. Central Coast cabernets were winning

syrah production has increased more than 570 percent

medals in big competitions, but it didn’t matter.

(not a typo) in the last 10 years, going from 22,017 tons

1 Bakersfield Magazine - Celebrating 5 years!

2,671 acres planted to syrah, as of 2007. San Joaquin County is second with 1,992 acres, followed by Sonoma County with 1,926. Monterey County is fourth, followed by Madera and Santa Barbara counties. In other words, for the award-winning Central Coast, the payoff is now. n Mike Stepanovich is an award-winning journalist who has been writing his Life is a Cabernet wine column since 1985, and reviewing restaurants for Bakersfield Magazine since 1997. Stepanovich has taught wine and food pairing classes for many years, and teaches a wine appreciation and history class for California State University, Bakersfield. He began judging wines in 1987, and now judges at major international wine competitions throughout the United States. A home winemaker, Stepanovich resides with his wife, Carol, in Bakersfield.

Hourglass Kitchen & Bar

Hourglass Kitchen & Bar offers a wide variety of choices to satisfy everyone’s tastebuds. Our popular appetizer, yellow tail tuna tartar served with avocado salsa, is just one of the many favorites. Not only can you build your own gourmet burger with Kobe Beef, or indulge in gourmet sandwiches and salads, but we have seafood, pasta, and entrées straight off the grill. For something with a kick, taste the sautéd halibut served over wasabi mashed potatoes. Located at the corner of Calloway & Brimhall. Open Mon-Sat 11am-10pm for dining and open for late night cocktails. Also available for large parties. Closed Sundays. (661)679-1977

Shogun Steak & Seafood House

Your dining experience is incomplete until you visit Shogun! With entertaining and delicious teppanyaki, sushi, sashimi, and tempura, you’ll find yourself transported to the Far East for a meal like no other. Try the “Land ’N Sea” for fresh shrimp or scallops with filet mignon, or one of our many Express Teppanyaki Lunch items including marinated boneless ribs with savory Oriental sauce. Don’t be afraid to bring the kids—we’ve got a Children’s Menu full of choices. For sushi lovers, try our Bakersfield Roll—a baked California Roll topped with salmon, dynamite sauce, spicy tuna, and spicy sweet sauce. Stop by our full bar before dinner to whet your appetite. Open 7 days a week, 11:30am-2pm, 5-10pm. Reservations required Fri & Sat. 5498 California Ave. (661)325-0007

Sorella Ristorante Italiano

Voted best Italian restaurant in 2005, come in and see why. Our beef ravioli, meatballs and lasagna are created with the freshest of ingredients. For something different we have grilled 18 oz. New York or Porterhouse steaks, seafood and chicken. Nancy and her family continue the tradition of making everything homemade daily. All items are available for take out. Hours: Mon-Thu 11am9pm, Friday 11am-10pm, Saturday 4-10pm, Sunday 4-9pm. Reservations recommended. 7800 McNair Ln. (661)396-8603

McGee’s at the Ice House

For a sumptuous dining experience and ambiance you won’t find anywhere else, get yourself to McGee’s today! Located in the historic Ice House, McGee’s offers the ultimate in fine cuisine; Chef Brian Kirkland makes sure of that. Sample the Grilled Elk Lollipops with a Brandy Peppercorn sauce, or the perfectly grilled, tender St. Louis-style Baby Back Ribs, smothered in a Blackberry and Bourbon B.B.Q. sauce. It’s guaranteed to please the palate. Or indulge yourself with the pan-seared Muscovey Duck Breast with Mandarin Orange demi-glaze. With an incredible list of daily specials, there is something for everyone at McGee’s, and the atmosphere is unrivaled. Open Mon-Thu 11am-9pm, Friday 11am-10pm, and Saturday 4pm-10pm. 3401 Chester Ave. #H. (661)323-8730

www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Dream Homes 2008 127

the dining guide

Mimi’s Café

When it comes to casual dining, Mimi’s Café exceeds all expectations. Mimi’s emphasizes quality, freshness, service and value. Our breakfast, lunch and dinner menus offer a variety of tastes to tantalize your palate; from our savory fresh omelets to our homemade soups and fresh-baked muffins, or you will certainly enjoy our succulent lamb shanks with a glass of one of our wonderful wines. We are happy to make reservations for you or our call-ahead seating may be the way to go. We have reserved spaces in front just for those of you who want to pick up that perfect dinner to take home to enjoy. Hours: 7am-11pm daily. 4025 California Avenue. (661)326-1722

Jake’s Tex-Mex Cafe

Celebrating its 22nd anniversary, this fast casual restaurant sets the standard for Tex-Mex in Bakersfield. “Cowboy Grub” is the description for slow roasted pit beef, mesquite smoked tri-tip, garlic chicken, multiple salads including the most popular taco salad. Chocolate cake nobody leaves without. “This ain’t no refried bean kinda joint.” Hours Mon-Sat 11am to 8pm. Closed Sundays. 1710 Oak St. (661)322-6380

t h ethe d dining i n i n guide g guide

The Orchid

If you’re looking for the perfect blend of traditional Thai flavors and modern twists, The Orchid is the place to try. With mouthwatering specialty dishes like Red Curry Rib-Eye Steak and our Lamb Chop with Spicy Mango Sauce, we dare you to find a restaurant offering more pow for your buck. We offer take-out and catering services, but our elegant dining room is perfect for a lunch meeting or an intimate night out—and you should get there early to find a seat by the soothing waterfall! Daily lunch specials include many classic Thai entrées like Panang Curry and Crunchy Cashew stir fry, a sweet and spicy dish made with onions, bell peppers, water chestnuts, and roasted cashews. Join us Mon-Thu from 11am-10pm or Fri-Sun from 11am-11pm. 9500 Brimhall Road. (661)587-8900

Wool Growers Restaurant

Come to Wool Growers downtown in Old Kern for a dining experience you won’t forget! We serve delicious Basque cuisine and also have an excellent wine list. Much more than a culinary experience, within the walls of this restaurant, you are our family and you’ll be served delicious & abundant food in a warm, inviting and relaxing atmosphere. Hours: Mon-Sat 11:30am-2pm, 6-9:30pm. Closed Sunday. 620 E. 19th Street. Reservations are accepted by fax, (661)327-4440, and phone, (661)327-9584

Café Med

For a cozy, intimate setting and fine dining with a unique atmosphere, Café Med is the place to go. Choose a selection from our extensive menu and your taste buds will surely be satisfied. Start off with an appetizer-perhaps you might try our Grilled Shrimp Cocktail or Hummus with Lamb Meat-a house specialty. Then choose from a variety of entrées including Mediterranean salads, steaks or even pasta. An excellent dish to try is our Fisherman’s Pasta-a mix of shrimp, scallops, mussels, clams & the catch of the day sautéed in a tomato, basil and mushroom cream sauce. Come by Café Med today for a delicious variety and friendly service. Open 7 days a week 11am-close. Live music on Friday & Saturday nights. Reservations accepted. Visa, MC, AE, DC. 4809 Stockdale Hwy. cafemedrestaurant.com. (661)834-4433

Sandrini’s

Looking for a restaurant with quality food and service with a bar that has a Cheers-like atmosphere in downtown Bakersfield? Walk down our stairs and that’s what you’ll find. Come for lunch or dinner and choose from an assortment of delectable Italian and Basque dishes, all prepared in house with the freshest ingredients. Come for drinks and find an excellent wine list with an exceptional selection of more than 100 beers and 75 premium whiskeys to satisfy your palate. Join us after 9:30 pm Wednesdays through Saturdays for live local talent. Hours: Lunch Mon-Fri 11am-2pm, Dinner Mon-Fri 5-9pm, Sat 5-9:30pm. Bar Mon-Fri 11am-close, Sat 5pm-close. All major credit cards accepted. 1918 Eye St. (661)322-8900

Valentien Restaurant and Wine Bar

Valentien...French cuisine with California fusion. The atmosphere at Valentien is unique; both laid back and elegant. Every dining experience is different with our ever-changing menu. Valentien offers something for everyone’s palate, from seafood, poultry, beef and exotic game to vegetarian options. Showcasing seasonal fresh and local produce, we utilize the bountiful agriculture that Kern County farms are known for. As often as possible our chefs use organic ingredients. We are constantly seeking out the freshest products available. For example, we often will have our fish flown in from Hawaii. No matter the origin, we always strive for a less than 24 hour sea to plate turnaround. Valentien also serves only the highest grade beef and premium meats and poultry. We feature an extensive wine list primarily focusing on boutique and artisan wines. Call for more information about our frequent wine tastings and other upcoming events. Valentien…a dining experience like no other in Bakersfield. Hours: Lunch Tue-Fri 11:30am-2pm Dinner Mon-Sat 5-9:30pm. Wine bar open until midnight on Friday & Saturday. All major credit cards accepted. Reservations recommended but not required. 3310 Truxtun Ave., Suite 160 (661)864-0397

128 Bakersfield Magazine - Celebrating 25 years!

El Portal West

We invite you to enjoy our newest Mexican Grill and Cantina, El Portal West. We offer a great selection of appetizers, soups & salads, seafood, and our specialties are chicken, steak and shrimp fajitas. Our full service bar features the best margaritas in town! Happy Hour Mon-Fri 3-7pm (bar only), Lunch specials everyday, 11am-2pm. Fabulous Sunday Brunch, 10am-3pm, reservations accepted. 1100 Calloway Drive. (661)829-2737

Randolph’s Lounge

For a good time and good eats come on over to Randolph’s Lounge. With delectable appetizers including bacon-wrapped scallops, chicken fritters, grilled shrimp, and stuffed mushrooms available, you’re sure to find something for everyone’s palate. Join us in the lounge for live piano music, or if you want to dance and eat, step into our nightclub where we offer hot wings, stuffed jalapeño poppers, and potato wedges. Come in for lunch from 11am to 2pm and enjoy tender BBQ pulled beef sandwiches and steakburgers or for dinner from 2-8pm. Lounge hours are 8pm till close Mon-Fri, and 3pm-2am Saturday and Sunday. The nightclub is open from 9:30pm-2am Thu-Sat. 7737 Meany Ave., A-5. (661)615-1490

Toro Fusion Sushi Bar and Grill

“Like no other sushi bar” we are a fusion of taste and elegance. Full menu for lunch or dinner, appetizers, sushi, and sashimi. Over 50 types of rolls from the traditional California Roll to our Toro Special Roll. Extensive menu offers everything from our Heart Attack and Monkey Brains to salads, entrées, barbecue beef ribs or Toro Fusion bowls. Experience the new Hot Rock, an exciting way to cook your own meal right at your table. Hours: Mon-Thu 11am-10pm, Friday 11am-11pm, Saturday 12-11pm, Sunday 3-9:30pm. 9000 Ming Ave. T-4. (661)663-7878

Wood’ys Grill & Bar

“We’re having a great time at Wood’ys!” For almost 25 years, Wood’ys has been delighting Bakersfield families with a menu of California favorites, a lively bar featuring exotic cocktails, icy Mondo beers and multiple screens for that special sports event. Enjoy a mini-vacation in a casual atmosphere while enjoying a wide variety of delicious appetizers, garden fresh salads, sandwiches, fish tacos, gourmet burgers, baby back ribs, juicy steaks and delectable desserts! Catch the wave into Wood’ys. Open daily at 11am for lunch, dinner, and late night dining. Happy Hour 4-7pm; 9pm-close. 5555 Truxtun Ave. www.woodysgrill.com (661)324-7400

www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Dream Homes 2008 129

the dining guide

Benji’s French Basque

Benji’s offers something a little different from Bakersfield’s Basque fare. In addition to traditional Basque entrées of lamb, chicken, veal and beef, Benji’s has pan-fried frog legs with garlic lemon sauce, lobster tail, roasted duck, escargots and calf liver. And the beef isn’t just tri-tip; Benji’s serves a scrumptious filet mignon and New York steak with pepper cognac sauce. All dinners are served with the customary Basque family style set-up. Don’t forget Benji’s specialty soufflés flavored with Grand Marnier, raspberry, chocolate or lemon. Basque family owned and operated for 20 years. Banquet facilities available. Conveniently located 2 blocks west of Highway 99 at 4001 Rosedale Hwy. Open daily 11:30am-2pm and 5:30-9:30pm except Tuesdays. Lounge opens 11am. (661)328-0400

Asia Market -Teriyaki Bowl

Asia Market & Teriyaki Bowl carries a wide selection of all Asian foods, including Chinese and Japanese favorites! The best part about our store is that after you have chosen your favorite item, you can either take it home and prepare a meal for yourself, or you can come into our restaurant and have us prepare a delicious meal for you using your selection! We have a full-service store and restaurant, so you can come in for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Join us today for excellent food provided by a friendly staff in a great atmosphere! Hours: 9am-9pm daily. 7701 White Lane. (661)837-0982

t h ethe d dining i n i n guide g guide

Prime Cut Meats & Eats

BARBECUE BREWS CAJUN SPIRITS...These four words say it all for our Restaurant & Bar along with our Butcher Shop, To-Go, and Catering Service. From BBQ Tri Tip to Prime New York steaks served hot off the grill in our restaurant, to ice-cold draught and micro brew beers in our stylish bar. From crawfish etouffee, award winning Jambalaya and other cajun dishes, to refreshing your spirits at our VooDoo Bar. PRIME RIB SPECIAL EVERY FRIDAY & SATURDAY. Visit us on line at primecutonline.com or mervburger.com. Hours: Sun-Thu 11am-9pm, Fri-Sat 11am-11pm. Happy Hour Mon-Fri 3-6pm. 9500 Brimhall Rd., #100. All major credit cards accepted. (661)831-1413

Grandview Asian Cuisine

Take a trip to the Far East in this amazing restaurant located on the corner of Ming and Ashe. Try Grandview’s for a delicious variety of Asian cuisine and a relaxing atmosphere. Dine on some of the best Dim Sum Bakersfield has to offer while listening to the gentle splash of a waterfall. Whether you have a craving for fine Asian dining, or desire a place to unwind after work, Grandview Asian Cuisine provides the perfect place to get away. Hours: 10am-9pm daily. Visa, MC, AE, DC. 2217 Ashe Road, Bakersfield. (661)832-2288

Cataldo’s Pizzeria

At Cataldo’s we prefer to do things “the old-fashioned way.” Unlike most of our competitors, we do not use dough sheeters, presses or conveyor belt ovens. Each of our pizzas is hand-tossed and baked in brick ovens. Each pizza must be rotated during the cooking process. Therefore, you will experience a wait during our busy hours. We also have a giant 30” pizza that’s great for parties, meetings and large family gatherings. All major credit cards are accepted. No reservations needed. Hours: Sun-Thu 11am-9pm, Karaoke Nights Thu-Sat 11am-10pm. 650 Roberts Lane, just east of Airport Drive off Highway 99. (661)387-0965

130 Bakersfield Magazine - Celebrating 25 years!

Red Pepper

A Bakersfield Institution – Newly Remodeled! For over 25 years, the Red Pepper has been doing the ordinary and the extraordinary in an exceptional fashion, from traditional Mexican favorites to gourmet Mexican cuisine. Owner Gilbert Sabedra has made some exciting additions to their critically acclaimed menu. Specialties include lobster, shrimp, crab and halibut dishes, or steak, pork, chicken, and lamb entrees, all with an extraordinary Mexican flair that the Red Pepper is famous for. Now offering Central California Coast wines, or enjoy one of the best margaritas you’ll ever have. Hours: Lunch daily from 11am, Dinner Mon–Thu until 9pm, Fri-Sat until 9:30pm, Sunday until 8:30pm, Sunday Brunch from 10am–2pm. Most credit cards accepted. Located just off Freeway 178 at 2641 Oswell Street, Suite G. (661)871-5787

Uricchio’s Trattoria

Nestled in the heart of Downtown in the historical Haberfelde Building. Steaks, chops, seafood, and classic Italian dishes, complemented by an extensive wine list, have made Uricchio’s a mainstay for over a decade. Uricchio’s San Francisco style setting is family owned and operated, and the perfect spot for a business lunch, or a romantic dining experience. After your meal save room for the fabulous desserts from LaMousse of Beverly Hills. Hours: Lunch Mon-Fri 11am-2pm, Dinner Mon-Thu 5-9pm, Friday & Saturday 5-10pm. Reservations recommended, lunch reservations for large groups only. 1400 17th St. Downtown. (661)326-8870

Cataldo’s Pizzeria

Cataldo’s Pizza is bringing its high-quality standards to its 2nd location in Bakersfield. Formerly a Sharkey’s Pizza, the new location features 20 video games, a big screen TV, and an all-you-can-eat lunch buffet Monday through Friday. They are also bringing the famous 30-inch pizza with them! Bring a truck to take it home, or stay and enjoy it with one of the 11 beers on tap. Cataldo’s is also home to the Jockey Club, Kern County’s monthly tribute to the best local high school and college athletes. Hours: Mon-Wed 11am-9pm, Thu-Sun 11am-10pm. 3611 Stockdale Hwy. (661)832-0750

Frugatti’s Italian Eatery

Real Italian by Real Italians! Whether dining in or al fresco on our new patio, come in and enjoy our new menu that’s bursting with flavor for lunch, dinner or just dessert. You’ll love our steaks, 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. (661)836-2000

Luigi’s Restaurant & Italian Delicatessen

Enjoy an old world Italian delicatessen since 1910 with over 200 wines to complement your lunch. From sandwiches to Pasta Bolognese, you’re sure to find flavorful choices to make everyone happy! Don’t forget to shop the gourmet delicatessen for unique gift ideas, wine and authentic foods. Restaurant Hours: Tue-Sat 11am2:30pm, Deli Hours: Tue-Sat 8am-4pm. 725 East 19th Street. shopluigis.com (661)322-0926

Pear & Gorgonzola Pizza

Izumo Japanese Restaurant & Sushi

Variety and style is what you can expect at Izumos. Experience our casual atmosphere where you have your choice of dining experiences. Visit us to enjoy the teppan-yaki, sample the sushi bar, or our more conventional order-off-the-menu setting. The teppan-yaki comes one dish at a time as the chef prepares it in front of you - they will amaze and impress with their skill and expertise. Our relaxed dining gives customers a chance to really enjoy our food and friendly service. Hours: Mon-Fri 11:30am-2:30pm, Mon-Sun 5-10pm. Reservations accepted. Visa, MC, AE. 4412 Ming Ave. (661)398-0608

Rocket Shop Café

“A Bakersfield Original.” With an outdoor patio, a banquet room that can hold 80 people, and a Nascar store, the Rocket Shop Café is the epitome of Bakersfield dining. Savor the flavors in our Rocket Omelette, including bacon, avocado, and mushrooms. For lunch, try the famous Rocket Burger or the Speedway Club— made with fresh, tasty cheeses and juicy meats. All of our burgers are made with Certified Angus Beef. Dinner is a class-act with succulent filet mignon wrapped in bacon or tender, smoky baby back ribs. Happy hour Mon-Fri 3-6pm—join us for $1 off appetizers and draft beers or for Karaoke Saturday nights with full bar service. Mon-Thu 5am-10pm, Friday 5-12am, Saturday 6-12am, and Sunday 6am-10pm. 2000 S. Union Ave. rocketshopcafe.com (661)832-4800

Bon appétit Bakersfield Magazine Dining Guide

834-4126

www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Dream Homes 2008 131

the dining guide

California Pizza Kitchen

California Pizza Kitchen is the leader in authentic California-style cuisine and is widely known for its unexpected menu items that draw inspiration from today’s broad cultural influences. California Pizza Kitchen provides a range of creative California dishes, from the signature California-style, hearth-baked pizzas to creative salads, pastas, soups and sandwiches. Children who dine at California Pizza Kitchen choose from an extensive menu, recently named “The Best Kids Menu in America” by Restaurant Hospitality Magazine. Located at The River Walk, corner of Stockdale Highway and Old River Road. (661)664-4603

Our Lady Of Perpetual Help Parish

Religious Schools & Worship Services Directory

Masses Saturday Vigil 5:00 PM Sunday - 7:30, 9:00, 10:30 AM, 12 Noon, 5:30 PM Every Weekday 7:00 AM ReconciliationSaturday 4:00 PM

124 Columbus Street

Parish: 323-3108 Voice Mail: 716-1002 Youth Ministry: 327-0712 Religious Education: 322-7200 RCIA: 716-1005 School: 327-7741 Pre-school through Eighth Grade www.olphbak.org – www.olph1.com – olphbaker@aol.com

Monsignor Michael R. Braun

You’re Invited If you like being involved in the direction of your community, and have an interest in seeing Bakersfield become all it can become, then you’re eligible for the A-List.

www.bakersfieldmagazine.net

First Assembly of God Steven Hunt, Senior Pastor Sunday Services: 8:15am, 10:45am and 5:30pm.

Completing its 0th year of Excellence in Catholic Education

Sunday School: 9:45am – All Ages Wed. Night: Family Dinner 5:306:30pm. Classes for all ages 7pm.

661.327.8446

4901 California Ave.

www.bakersfieldfirst.com

Spread the Good Word For Information on participating in the Religious Schools & Worship Services Directory

In Memoriam – Robert Garcia February 8, 1951 – June 14, 2008 Principal 2005-2008 1 Bakersfield Magazine - Celebrating 5 years!

834-4126

BakersfieldMagazine

Stand out in the crowd. BakersfieldMagazine

Medical Profiles • 661-834-4126 marketing@bakersfieldmagazine.net comfortable & affordable chiropractic services steven salyers, D.c., gregory heyart, D.c., & kristal shropshire, D.c. specializing in instrument adjustive techniques • 57 years combined experience specializing in instrument adjustive techniques, steven c. salyers, D.c., gregory r. heyart, D.c., and kristal D. shropshire put their expertise and 57 years combined experience together to make kern county residents move a little easier. “we are proud

to provide chiropractic care at affordable prices,” says heyart. “Many patients are hesitant over concerns of discomfort,” explains salyers, “but it’s a comfortable treatment experience for everyone from children to the elderly.”

661.327.2622

5300 california avenue, suite 320 • 1001 tower way - effective september 2008

Ashok M. Parmar, Md fellowship trained in interventional Pain Management

epidural • nerve blocks • facet blocks radio frequency• spinal cord stimulator

9610 stockdale hwy #b Ph: (661)663-3656 fax: (661)663-7909

2021 22nd st., bakersfield, ca 93301 (661) 633-baby (2229)

• neck/back Pain • cancer Pain

nandakumar ravi, M.D. Board Certified in Digestive, Liver, & Nutritional Diseases • special services include colonoscopy, endoscopy, video capsule endoscopy, ercP, cancer screening, esophageal ph and motility study, treatment of liver diseases, and ambulatory endoscopy center. 9870 brimhall rd. #100 - bakersfield, ca 93312 (661) 615-1934 fax (661) 615-1938 20041 hwy 202, valley blvd, unit 3, tehachapi, ca 93561 (661) 822-0377 fax (661) 637-1006 www.bakersfieldgi.com

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 • comfortable, relaxing atmosphere

• chronic Pain • sciatica

MOST INSURANCES ACCEPTED

the womens care center

Central Valley Pain Management • Back, Neck or Limb Pain? • Herniated or Degenerative Discs? • Sciatica or Post-Surgical Pain?

Non-Surgical Treatment J.R.Grandhe M.D. 661-327-9300

5339 Truxtun Ave. Bakersfield, California

• • • •

Arun Softa, M.d.

Diplomate, American Board of Internal Medicine • internal Medicine/general Practice • cardiovascular & Diabetes Management • weight reduction • complete Physicals • skin rejuvenation • auto accidents • Pain Management • Physiotherapy & Massage suite with chiropractic services available

2005 17th street, bakersfield, ca 93301

(661) 716-2600 www.doctorsofta.com

RAHUL SHARMA, MD Obstetrics / Gynecology Infertility ● Urinary Incontinence Surgery ● Menopausal & Alternative Health ● On Site 3-D & 4-D Ultrasound ● Weight Loss ● ●

(661)664-0314

9610 Stockdale Hwy, Suite B Viral Mehta, MD, FACC, FSCAI • Nasser Khan, MD, FACC Supratim Banerjee, MD, FACC • Taya Thayapran, MD, FACC Becky Sutton, RN

www.ccvmg.com

661-323-4278

Bakersﬁeld • Delano • Tehachapi • Lake Isabella

It’s never too soon or too late to take steps to protect your heart. www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Dream Homes 008 1

everafters... Melissa Sweet Winnie Couture Lela Rose Priscilla of Boston Greg Iger

Badgley Mischka

Mr. & Mrs. Enrique Valadez (Alejandra Serrano)

“For the dress you’ve been dreaming of your whole life” www.littlewhitedressbridal.com

1800 21st Street Corner of 21st & G

May 17th, 2008

633-2318

Mr. & Mrs. Tyler Harden (Kellie Garland)

www.paulwolverton.com

Seniors, Beach, & Children too

(661) 861-9545

20 YEARS IN BAKERSFIELD

May 31st, 2008

Over 85 International Award Winning Prints

 Saint Mary’s Church - Delano

Linda Hamilton Photography

 Stockdale Country Club

Cashman Photography

Mr. & Mrs. Alex Alvarez (Nicole Govea) May 19th, 2007

 Mandalay Bay

Artisan Photography

Mr. & Mrs. Adam Sullivan (Marissa Rios) June 6th, 2008

 Seven Oaks Country Club Picture This Photography

Mr. & Mrs. G.J. Lusich (Ruth Jones) June 7th, 2008

 Our Lady of Perpetual Help

Bell Tower Club Make Your Event Memorable Now Booking Weddings & Other Festive Occasions (up to 150 guests)

1 00 Truxtun Avenue • Suite 100

661-321-9597

1 Bakersfield Magazine - Celebrating 5 years!

With Love Photography

Mr. & Mrs. Adrian Nombrano (Audrey Cabral) March 22nd, 2008

 Four Points Sheraton

Omar Zamudio Photography

Mr. & Mrs. Esteban Lopez (Miriam Garcia) April 12th, 2008

 Bakersfield Museum of Art

To submit your wedding photography log onto www.bakersfieldmagazine.net

For more photos from these parties visit bakersfieldmagazine.net

Heidi & Jarrod McNaughton

Travis Dixon

Tammy Zamore, Mindi Lowe, Juliane Ranger

CASA Greyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Anatomy Party

Checking into the ER never felt so good! Guests arrived at San Joaquin Community Hospital to witness a comical reenactment of the hit showâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s finale. Then, the fire department escorted everyone to a reception at Kern Schools Federal Credit Union! From candy meds to sipping wine from specimen cups, this party, which raised funds for CASA, was heart-pumping!

Pam Dougherty, Jan & Kati Dovichi

Tyler Frost & John DiAntonio

Colleen McGauley, Joe & Jan Drew

Ed & Patti Taylor

Daniel Weiss & Blake Schiffman

Bob & Myrna Beehler

Ashley Roales & Sophia Chavez

Marissa Behill, Austyn Hernandez, Kristal Sanchez

Michael Arausa & Brittany Chacon

Angela Urias, Maria Trevino, Korri Rose

Magda Savuica

everafters on the web

Patty & Fernando Rodarte

Latin Food Festival

Julie Behill & Jose Trevino

With brightly decorated tables and delicious chili in every bowl, the Kern County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce hosted its 10th annual Latin Food Festival and Menudo Cook-off. With spicy aromas enticing guests, and live music, performances, and an endless selection of food and games for the whole family to enjoy, everyone was smiling. Proceeds benefit the KCHCC.

View more weddings online Brides! Submit your wedding at:

Diana Valdez & Norma Caraveo

Janet Cabrera, Janie Alvarez, Mark Delagarza

Tony Mireles

Chad Curry

BakersfieldMagazine.net

www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Dream Homes 008 1 5

For more photos from these parties visit bakersfieldmagazine.net

Pauo Prak & Bonnie Kuster

Scout Holt & Kathy Still

Katie Campbell & Kimberly Rasmussen

CALM’s 25th Birthday Bash

Bakersfield Magazine isn’t the only one celebrating 25 years! The California Living Museum celebrated their 25th birthday with tons of activities, games, and presentations that entertained children of all ages. From face painting to barbecues, there was something for everyone to enjoy. Families experienced the magic of wild animals and were rewarded with exciting give-a-ways.

Kerry Savee

Tammie Wagner

Cindy Contreras

Irene Pfeiffer

Jennie Marlborough

Party Planner/Organizer

www.creativethemedparties.com Scoopy’s Dog Waste Removal A clean & sanitary yard is just a phone call away...

Marilyn Radon & Desert Tortoise

Joni Sceales & Jerrica Terrazas

661.246.9614 License#103625

www.scoopysdogwasteremoval.com Lucia, Angela, Cecilia Hidalgo

TAEKWONDO CLASSES – ages 3 years & up

Betty Kyker & Great Horned Owl

Kenny Chanhmany

PILATES CLASSES – ages 13 years & up 5145 Ming - Corner of New Stine & Ming

833-3691 Carola & John Enriquez

Michelle Walker & Jill Field

Katie Kleier & Maggie Cushine

Jackie Brouillette & Sandy McMahan

Mekenna & Isabella Walker

Wellness Spa Judith A. Phelan, CMT, CFM Licensed Massage Therapist

• LA Stone Therapy • Reﬂexology • Therapeutic Swedish Massage • Nutritional Supplemental • Fibromyalgia Bodywork • Pure Encapsulations

2920 H St. #124 • 203-5327 • 322-4510

Colleen Head

Jeff Nickell

Sharah Woodman

Lori Brock Museum Ribbon Cutting

1(800) 496-4750 “Experience Makes a Difference” AMERICA WEST

1820 Westwind Drive

Elizabeth & Victoria Boyd

Eager to learn, children of all ages ﬂooded the Lori Brock Children’s Museum to attend the exciting ribbon cutting ceremony for the renovated Kitchen Science Center. Mayor Harvey Hall was there to do the honors, and wound up participating in the experiments, sampling the healthy snacks provided, and joining in on all the family fun himself.

Benjamin Walker, Philip & Alex Field

1 Bakersfield Magazine - Celebrating 5 years!

Suzanne Boyd & Marilyn Unruh

Patrick Frase

Ruth Stalcup

Advanced Women’s Health Center Unveiling Staff and special guests of Advanced Women’s Health Center celebrated the grand opening of a state-of-the-art new location with a ceremonious ribbon cutting. Invitees, including Mayor Harvey Hall, toured the new facility as they enjoyed live entertainment, hors d’oeuvres, and prizes, as well as participating in exciting give-a-ways, and toasting to the continued success of the center.

Debbie Hosken & Dana Ward

Jaime Ledbetter & Leslie Ayala

Sherry Setser & Charlotte Brandt

Chris Berry & Tom Hughes

Diana Romana & Roderick Patterson

Jennifer Aldridge & Myrna Arias

Janet Walker, Pauline Bartlett, Steven Bohn, Ryan Skaggs

Brenda Pulskamp

Beth Andal

Nancy Carr

Joan Dezember, Betty Wetteroth, Bonnie Fitzgerald

Gloria Hernandez

Phillis Van Boening

Sissy Taran Book Signing

Local author, Sissy Taran, read from her uplifting book, The Sun Will Shine Again, at an intimate and exclusive book signing hosted by Nancy Carr. Guests listened to heartfelt stories as Taran read excerpts from her very personal book, enjoyed fine wines and delightful hors d’oeuvres, and shared their own inspirational and touching experiences.

Sissy Taran

Caryl & Nanette Schweitzer

Hors d’oeuvres

661-324-7455

Siniva Kaneen,M.D.

3154 Landco Drive • Bakersfield

Jason Helliwell,M.D.

The Most Complete Outdoor Home Furnishings Store Anywhere.

Mayor Harvey Hall

–Randy Urner

Holly Campbell & Marlene Fanucchi

“BAAACKYARDITUDE: 365 Days A Year, Let’s Do It!”

For more photos from these parties visit bakersfieldmagazine.net

www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Dream Homes 008 1

138 Bakersfield Magazine - Celebrating 25 years!

www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Dream Homes 2008 139

BakersfieldMagazine v

速

1601 New Stine Road, Suite 200 Bakersfield, California 93309 www.bakersfieldmagazine.net

140 Bakersfield Magazine - Celebrating 25 years!