Bakersfield Life Magazine April 2015 by The Bakersfield Californian Specialty Publications

April 2015

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F E A T U R E S April 2015

Years of Community Action!

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Dream Cabins

Community Action Partnership of Kern turns 50! Join us as a sponsor or attendee at our Humanitarian Awards Banquet.

Beautiful and rustic, these homes hearken back to our country’s beginnings. Take a look inside some authentic cabins located across Kern County. Page 74

Humanitarian of the Year: President and Founder of Grimm Family Education Foundation

Barbara Grimm Marshall Community Partner of the Year: Valley Faith Fellowship Keynote Speaker: Kern County Superior Court Judge

The Honorable Jose R. Benavides

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Bakersfield Life Magazine

April 2015

Backyard Retreats Most people plan vacations and getaways to escape the daily grind. Other homeowners just have to walk out their back door. Check out some of the amazing backyards around Bakersfield. Page 68

Adding Character to Your Home Add authentic character to any space without breaking the bank. Page 72

Edible Gardens Local experts chime in on how you can grow your own vegetable, herb and salsa gardens so you can save money while eating healthy. Page 80

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Eat & Drink

People & Community

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36 Lifestyles 44 49 52 54 58 60

On the Road Health and Wellness In My Closet Fit and Fresh Pastimes Home and Garden

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Business Profile Bakersfield Matters Family Verdict Personality Hometown Hero Why I Live Here All-Star Athlete Talk of the Town Our Town For a Cause Inside Story History Power Couple Real People Prime Finds SNAP! Last Word

For the record Tiffani Alvidrez had her fourth child, Max, while working toward her masterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s degree at the University of La Verne. Alvidrezâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s name was misspelled and her child was misidentified in the March 2015 issue. We regret the inconvenience.

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Bakersfield Life Magazine

April 2015

PHOTO BY SHERRY KELLY

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S TA F F S H A R E S

WHAT WAS YOUR WORST DIY PROJECT? “I wanted to spray paint a dark wood end table. I primed, sanded, then painted it and let it dry for 24 hours, but the paint kept rubbing off. Its new home is the garage.” — Lisa Ybarra, niche publications intern

“My friend and I made T-shirts, and I forgot to put a towel down before ironing on the decals. We now have a nice imprint on our kitchen table. Oops!” — Shelby Parker, niche publications intern

“I thought I could build an enclosure that would allow me to put a camera in the back of the goal at Bakersfield Condors games. I was wrong.” — Mark Nessia,

assistant editor

“In elementary school, I attempted to make a coin purse out of construction paper and Scotch tape to replace a real coin purse I'd lost. Needless to say, it failed.” — Allison Escobar, graphic designer “In replacing the toilet seat, the wing nut holding it was too tight and I used a hammer to ‘tap it’ and missed, hitting the porcelain bowl. Crack! We had to replace the entire toilet.” — Linda Petree, advertising account executive

Bakersfield Life Magazine

April 2015

Bakersfield’s Premier City Magazine April 2015 / Vol. 9 / Issue 7 Bakersfield Life™ Magazine is published by TBC Media The magazine is inserted into The Bakersfield Californian on the last Saturday of every month. To subscribe, please call 392-5777. To advertise, contact Lisa Whitten at lwhitten@bakersfield.com or 395-7563. Publisher Ginger Moorhouse Associate Publisher Virginia Cowenhoven President/CEO Richard Beene Senior Vice President Chief Operating Officer Logan Molen Senior Vice President Revenue and Marketing John Wells Vice President, Administration and Operations Nancy Chaffin Interactive Sales Manager Gunter Copeland Advertising Sales Manager Lisa Whitten Advertising Traffic Manager Shauna Rockwell Market Research Lisa Beason, Jose Granados Editor Olivia Garcia Assistant Managing Editor Mark Nessia Specialty Publications Coordinator Katelynn Camp Art Director Glenn Hammett Graphic Designer Allison Escobar Editorial Interns Shelby Parker, Lisa Ybarra Photography Felix Adamo, Sally Baker, Henry A. Barrios, Benoit Camirand, Casey Christie, Brian Coleman, Gregory D. Cook, Rick Diamond, Bob Dickey, Nick Ellis, John Harte, Sherry Kelly, Katie Kirschenmann, Maxine Klein, Tanya X. Leonzo, Michael Lopez, Mark Nessia, Greg Nichols, Dan Ocampo, Christine Penner, Katy Raytis, Carla Rivas, Mike and Evie Shamoon, Jan St Pierre, Rodney Thornburg, Adriana Vega, Coby Wright Contributing writers Sally Baker, Angel Carreras, Elizabeth Castillo, Gregory D. Cook, David Gordon, Diana Greenlee, Lisa Kimble, Katie Kirschenmann, Stephen Lynch, Breana Oliver, Julie Plata, Katy Raytis, Eddie Ronquillo, Mike and Evie Shamoon, Anna C. Smith, Chris Thornburgh, Miranda Whitworth On the cover Photo by Mark Nessia The Stiers’ home in the Bakersfield Country Club area features a backyard with a free-form fresh water pool, over 300 palm trees, lounge area and an elevated tee box overlooking the Bakersfield Country Club golf course.

• 3 Dimensional Designing • Full Service Remodels • Cabinetry • Countertops / Backsplash • Flooring – Tile / Hardwood

Project Notes • Medallion Cabinetry Morel Burnt Sienna Glaze • Granite : Silars • Must save the floor

“My work is my passion.” - Rick Sorci

After twenty-seven years in our home, we were ready for a major kitchen remodel (the kitchen was ready too!). We also had a pretty clear vision of what we wanted. We knew about Rick Sorci’s reputation for timely, quality work from friends who had worked with him. When Rick came to our home to take measurements, his first comment to us was “Of course you want to raise the ceiling, right?” We were thrilled as that is exactly what we wanted although other contractors had discouraged us from making such a dramatic change. We knew then that Rick was the best choice to help us realize our vision! Rick and his team have been wonderful to work with. It did not take long for us to realize the innovation, creativity, dedication, and professionalism Stockdale Kitchen & Bath brought to our project. Designing the kitchen was a breeze with the 3-D software he uses. We had a great time interacting with Rick as we described our vision in detail and he brought it to life in virtual reality. He showed great respect for our ideas and aesthetic, and at the same time, made creative and expert suggestions to help us refine and finalize our design. The process was exciting and enjoyable.

Making decisions about finishes, granite, tile, fixtures, and accessories was also exciting and enjoyable thanks to Rick’s great personality and his enthusiasm as we shopped for everything we would need. Rick’s skillful guidance, easy manner, and positive attitude made difficult choices that much easier. We were constantly reassured that we would love our new kitchen owing to the personal investment Rick showed in our project. Tina and Jeff deserve special thanks for being such key players on the team. Tina kept us informed of everything as the process unfolded and was always available when we had questions. Jeff did an amazing job from the first day of demolition to the final installation of the cabinet hardware. His attention to detail and craftsmanship are of the highest quality. We were thoroughly at ease with Jeff in our home and he quickly felt like a member of the family. Our sincere thanks to Rick Sorci and the amazing team at Stockdale Kitchen & Bath. We love our new kitchen and look forward to enjoying it for many years to come! ~ Cheryl and David George

C O N T R I B U TO R S

E D I TO R ’ S N OT E

Charlie Walz has been the medical account executive for TBC Media since February 2014. He was born and raised in Tehachapi and still lives there with his wife, Leslie, and three kids, Benjamin, Finley and Josephine. They are expecting their fourth child in April – a boy. Walz is involved in the youth wrestling club in Tehachapi and spends most weekends traveling throughout California coaching youth wrestlers. Walz enjoys fishing, camping and playing with his kids.

HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS

She may have been born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah, but after spending the last 12 years in Kern County, Miranda Whitworth

is officially a California girl. She got her start in the media working for Clear Channel Radio and is currently the marketing manager for Kern Federal Credit Union. Whitworth has been a contributing writer for The Bakersfield Californian since 2010. Whitworth is a dedicated music traveler, an advocate for local arts and entertainment, and the proud mother of a 7-year-old son.

Bakersfield Life Magazine

April 2015

Spring calls for spring-cleaning and many of us will be busy with those projects soon. But what about making, adding or expanding on your outdoor garden? Greenlee catches up with local pros who have a few words of wisdom on how to make a delightful vegetable, herbal and salsa garden right in your backyard. Speaking of gardens, new historian writer Julie Plata takes us onto a journey in our past where she highlights community gardens in town during World War I. Don’t forget! We are still taking nominations for the 2015 Bakersfield Life 20 Under 40 People to Watch contest! We are looking for individuals who are improving our communities in various ways, but we need your help! If you have a friend, colleague, relative or maybe even yourself who is bringing life to our town or striving to make it better each day, then this contest is for you. We will review all nominations and select 20 who will be honored in our June issue and at a special ceremony. Nominations must be submitted online by visiting bakersfieldlife.com/contests before the deadline, which is April 20. We look forward to your nominations. PHOTO BY TANYA X. LEONZO

She proudly calls Bakersfield her hometown but Katie Kirschenmann was born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama. Always an “outdoorsy” girl, she met her husband of 13 years, Brian Kirschenmann, at Mammoth Lakes. After moving to Bakersfield, Kirschenmann called upon her Southern sensibilities and joined the Junior League of Bakersfield where she served as president. Kirschenmann is mother to her three children: 5-year-old Chase and twin baby girls, Annabelle Rose and Clara Ellen.

ne of my most favorite things to do is to cuddle up on the couch at my home and read a good history book, while my husband and teenagers catch up on a TV show and my little ones rumble in and out of the house chasing our dogs. Even though reading a book can require silence, my brain has been wired to work just fine around this hectic noise. Actually, I love being around this type of family noise as I know someday, when my boys are grown up and with lives of their own, I will miss it dearly. The point I’m trying to make is that there is really no place like home. Yes, I love our vacation getaways or being out and about, but at the end of the day, I love being home surrounded by my husband and babies. Our homes are the center of our lives, aren’t they? For that reason, Bakersfield Life decided to focus on home this edition. The Home and Garden Issue will take you on a journey where you will meet a few locals with breathtaking backyard retreats. Special thanks to writer Diana Greenlee for making it possible that we see how some locals know how to turn their backyards into paradise. Are you looking to upgrade or improve your home? Writer Anna Smith talks to local experts who have a few handy tips for you as you begin your spring improvement projects. Columnist Eddie Ronquillo shares his home improvement experience with us and explains why it’s always important to give your older homes makeovers. Even better is that some of our local experts are provided us some tips on solar, painting, roofing and more. Do you love cabins? Maybe you own one, share it or rent one in your getaways. Whatever you do, writer Katelynn Camp introduces us to some great people who have given their cabins lots of love and care.

Olivia Garcia Editor 395-7487 • ogarcia@bakersfield.com

Up Front Compiled by Shelby Parker

WORD ON THE STREET

Photos by Mark Nessia

WHAT WOULD BE THE MOST IMPORTANT ITEM IN YOUR DREAM HOUSE? A library with every subject, because reading is one of the best things on the planet. It would also have to have a sliding staircase, like "Beauty and the Beast.” — Misty Moore

Library. I love to read and I love collecting books. I already have books all around, so why not have a space to put them? — Grace Hamm

Small, quiet bedroom, because it’s quiet and I have noise sensitivity. — Eric Warnock

A skylight. It’s a natural way to light the room. It’s like you’re outside, but you’re in your house. — Marichel Mejia

A very green backyard. That’s because I grew up with one; I feel like it’s necessary.

A really good home office, so I can work on my blogs. — Mandy Wallace

— Katie Henderson

My art studio. I feel like having a creative space is important to search my drive and desire to do art. It’s a good outlet. — Cameron Werner

My backyard – a good place for my cats, and I like to hang out there. — Tom Taylor

L E T T E R TO T H E E D I TO R

PET ISSUE GIVES HOPE Dear Editor, I just wanted to tell you that the timing of this “Pet Issue” was perfect. We adopted a puppy from Marley’s Mutts 1 1/2 years ago. He is now 2 years old. Two weeks ago, he became very ill with multiple seizures. After seeing our vet and the emergency hospital twice, we took him to Los Angeles for a neurology consult. After an MRI, spinal tap, Valley fever test and a three-day stay in the hospital, he has come home. His diagnosis is possibly an autoimmune disease. He is on

multiple medications, and we are starting to seen some improvement. The article about Mike and Gail Gibson’s dog came at a perfect time. It gave us hope that with more time, our not-solittle lap dog will recover, also. We feel exactly the way the Gibsons feel. Our two dogs are now our children. In fact, when we got Bruno, I told our son he had a new puppy brother. I would like to thank the Gibsons for sharing their story at just the right time. Karen Boehning bakersfieldlife.com

Up Front

THE BIG PICTURE

Photo by Casey Christie

FIRE IN THE SKY Intense colors fill the sky as the sun sets over downtown Bakersfield on a warm spring evening.

Bakersfield Life Magazine

April 2015

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Up Front

M O N E Y M AT T E R S

IS A VACATION HOME RIGHT FOR YOU? By Chris Thornburgh

acation homes are becoming a hot ticket in the housing market. If you are thinking of taking the second-home plunge, consider these points before

you commit.

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WHAT IS YOUR TIME FRAME? If you’re buying a vacation home with the hope of selling it for a huge profit in the next few years, you may be doomed for failure. Like any investment, it takes time to start seeing a return. Depending on the area and how quickly homes appreciate, it can take anywhere from two to seven years to reach a breakeven point. If you’re not going to hold on to the house for at least five years, buying may not be smart.

Joseph H. Chang, M.D.

Before you sock money into a second home, consider first renting it or a nearby property. That quaint beach town may not be so appealing if traffic and unruly tourists test the limits of your tolerance. Renting gives you time to check the pulse of the area during various seasons.

April 2015

BENEFIT FROM THE BREAKS OF PERSONAL USE Vacation homes can provide a break from the grind and offer tax breaks as well. If you use the home exclusively for your pleasure, you can deduct property taxes and mortgage interest (limitations apply if combined mortgage debt exceeds $1,000,000). A second home, for tax purposes, is basically any property with sleeping, cooking and toilet facilities. Yes, even houseboats, trailers, yachts, RVs and timeshares can qualify.

KNOW THE RENTAL TAX RULES WITH MIXED USE Many vacation homeowners rent their property part of the year to help pay bills. The tax picture turns complicated when you rent your vacation home in the same year you use it personally. There are three categories in which you may fall and each has significant tax effects: You rent your home 14 days or fewer

during the year: The home is considered a personal residence so you can pocket all rental income, tax-free – no limits. Property taxes and mortgage interest are deducted just as you do your principal home. You rent your home more than 14 days annually and personal use is limited to 14 days or 10 percent of the days the home was rented: The home is considered a rental property. All rental income is reported to the IRS, but you can deduct rental expenses such as mortgage interest, property taxes, insurance, HOA fees, management fees, utilities, housekeeping, gardening, depreciation, maintenance and repairs. See IRS Publication 527 for more tips. By limiting personal use to 14 days annually or 10 percent, the vacation home is considered a business and up to $25,000 in losses might be deductible each year. It’s important to note that “fix-up days” don't count as personal use. Just make sure you have maintenance receipts to support the facts. You use your home for more than 14 days or 10 percent of the total days the home was rented: If you use the property for more than 14 days annually or more than 10 percent of the days it is rented (whichever is greater), the property is considered a personal residence and the rental loss cannot be deducted. Note that if a member of your family uses the property, those days count as personal days unless you are collecting a fair rental price.

BOTTOM LINE Owning a vacation home can be a rewarding investment if it is financially feasible, but tax implications are complex. Consult a knowledgeable tax adviser to discover the most favorable ownership strategy for your situation. — ChrisThornburgh isa CPA and partneratBrow n Chris Thornburgh Arm strong Accountancy Corp. Contactheratcthornburgh@ bacpas.com or 324-4971.

PHOTO BY CASEY CHRISTIE

NAMED AFTER

Most move to Havilah to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

HAVILAH By Lisa Kimble

he name of Kern’s original county seat was inspired by a Biblical story in Genesis that the town’s founder, a grifter and schemer, likened to the gold find there. The Biblical land Havilah – “where there is gold” – also means “stretch of sand.” Nestled between Bodfish and Walker Basin in the mountains along Caliente Bodfish Road, Asbury Harpending Jr., known by some as the “Father of Kern County,” founded Havilah in July 1864 when gold was discovered in the area. It remained the county seat until 1874 when government was relocated to Bakersfield. By the time he discovered Havilah, Harpending’s reputation was a dubious one. The youngest child of a landowner, Harpending was born in Hopkinsville,

Kentucky, in 1839. Described as a colorful character and precocious, he was sent off to college when he was 15, but ran away within the year to join a failed filibuster to Nicaragua. The group was intercepted on the Mississippi River and the teen was sent home. But his father thought it best to allow Harpending to sail to California. At the age of 16, with $5 in gold in his pocket, a revolver and a savvy business sense that would make him a millionaire many times over, he headed west. On board the ship, he was already wheeling and dealing. He spent the gold on fruit, which he sold to fellow travelers for a $400 profit. He arrived in California in 1857 before the Civil War and made his early fortunes in mining. Described as an opportunist with a penchant for adventure, he joined in an effort to seize San Francisco in 1861 and create a “Pacific Republic” in California and Oregon. The effort was a bust. Two years later, Harpending and others conspired to capture and carry

shipments of gold and silver back to the South to support the Confederacy. This, too, failed, and the group was tried and found guilty of treason. Harpending was sentenced to a decade in prison on the island of Alcatraz, but a few months later, President Abraham Lincoln granted a full pardon to political prisoners on the condition they pledge and keep the oath of allegiance. It was his get-out-of-jail free card, and upon his release in February 1864, he found his way to the mountains of Kern and tiny Havilah. He found infamy again in 1872 with the Great Diamond Hoax, one of the biggest scams in the state’s history. Harpending left California, the place that made him a rich man, albeit one of questionable repute, for his native state of Kentucky. A few years later, he moved to New York City and found success on Wall Street. In his memoir published in 1913, he wrote, “It would have been hard to find a more reckless secessionist than myself.” Harpending died in 1923. bakersfieldlife.com

Up Front

S H O R T TA K E S

CASA Derby Party

GREEK CULTURE TO BE CELEBRATED AT UPCOMING FOOD FESTIVAL

Ladies and gents put on their finest derby wear and best hats for CASA’s Derby Party.

PHOTO COURTESY OF WESTCOASTEXPOSURE.ORG

he St. George Greek Orthodox Church is set to host its annual Greek Food Festival on Saturday, April 25, from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. at the Hellenic Park, 401 Truxtun Ave. The celebration will feature live Greek music from the group Synthesi starting at noon. Traditional Greek foods will be served, such as souvlaki (shish kebab), gyro sandwiches, dolmathes, tiropites, along with yummy desserts, like loukoumades, assorted Greek pastries and baklava sundaes. There will be shopping vendors, Greek folk dancing lessons, children’s games (including a bounce house) and tours of the church led by the Rev. Joseph Chaffee. Admission is $5 and children under 12 are free. — Bakersfield Life

ASA has been supporting abused and neglected children in Kern County for over 20 years. Volunteers for CASA help these children by getting to know them and their unfortunate, involuntary situations. They give them a voice in court proceedings, so that they can be placed in safe, permanent homes. Last year, about 300 foster children had volunteer advocates to support them in their time of need through CASA. CASA holds many events throughout the year to raise the necessary funds to continue its important work in the community. Support CASA of Kern Coun18

Bakersfield Life Magazine

April 2015

ty by attending the fourth annual Derby Party at Gardiner Ranch on Saturday, May 2. Hosted by Keith and Jennifer Gardiner, the party will feature breathtaking scenery of horses, a barn and riding area. Take it all in while sipping on a Southern cocktail. The Kentucky Derbyinspired event will include dinner, live music, dancing and auction items. Last year, the event raised over $195,000 for local children in need. Ladies, bring out your fancy big hats and men, come dressed in the most dapper attire. The cost is $150 per person. For more information and reservations call 631-2272 or visit kerncasa.org. — Bakersfield Life

Baklava

GETTY IMAGES

OFF TO THE RACES FOR A GOOD CAUSE

RICHARDSON CENTER FUN RUN TO SUPPORT STUDENT DEVELOPMENT

he Claude W. Richardson Child Development Center will be hosting its second annual 5K Fun Run and 2K Walk on Saturday, April 11, at CALM, 10500 Alfred Harrell Highway. Early entry fee is $20 for 2K and $25 for 5K. Entry fee on race day is $30. Check-in is from 6:30 to

7:30 a.m. and the race starts at 8 a.m. All ages are welcome to attend. Proceeds from the event will help the school purchase new materials and equipment for student enrichment. For more information, call the Richardson Center at 336-5400. — Bakersfield Life

20TH ANNUAL SCOTTISH GAMES, GATHERING AND CEILIDH

he Kern County Scottish Society is returning to the Kern County Fairgrounds, 1142 S. P St. on Saturday, April 18, for the 20th annual Scottish Games, Gathering and Ceilidh. Guests of all ages can enjoy Scottish athletics, clans and family history, live music, dancing, petting zoo, food, vendors and much more. Also, for the first time, there will be a kilted 5K fun run/walk. The

games are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and include: traditional stone, weight and hammer throwing; caber toss; and haggis hurl. The ceilidh is from 6 to 10 p.m. and the fun run is from 2 to 4 p.m. Tickets are $17 for games, $15 for ceilidh or $28 for both. Admission for 5K is $45 in advance and $50 day of. For more information visit kernscot.org. — Bakersfield Life

Pat Lynch donates blood at the Houchin Community Blood Bank.

pril is Donate Life Awareness Month, and Houchin Community Blood Bank and JJ’s Legacy are celebrating with Donor Day, April 18, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the new Bolthouse Donor Center, 11515 Bolthouse Drive, in the Seven Oaks Business Park. The organizations hope to educate those interested in becoming donors. There will be activities and presentations from donor recipients and their

PHOTO BY HENRY A. BARRIOS

Drum major David Melton salutes during the 2013 Scottish Games.

PHOTO BY CASEY CHRISTIE

CELEBRATE DONATE LIFE AWARENESS MONTH BY ATTENDING DONOR DAY

families. Other affiliated nonprofits that work closely with donor awareness will also be present. A film titled, “The Wish,” will be shown, documenting the journey of a high school teacher through kidney failure and waiting for the transplant she needs to save her life. For more information, contact Carola Enriquez, director of community development with Houchin Blood Bank, at 6162526. — Bakersfield Life

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Up Front

S H O R T TA K E S

GRUPO FOLKLORICO ESCUELAS UNIDAS TO CELEBRATE MEXICAN CULTURE Ballet Folklorico Mi Tierra de Bakersfield and Ropers de Casa Loma. The nonprofit provides an arts program in Mexican dancing that will help students with their mathematics through the patterns learned. The program also teaches children to be more aware of their culture and have respect for others. Advance tickets are $10 at Martin’s Meats, 801 21st St. or $12 at the door. — Bakersfield Life

PHOTO COURTESY OF SYLVIA GUZMAN

ocal Mexican folk dance group Grupo Folklorico Escuelas Unidas will be hosting its 29th Annual Spring Performance on Saturday, April 11, at 6 p.m. at the East High School auditorium, 2220 Quincy Drive. The group’s mission is to enrich Bakersfield youth through dance and Mexican culture. Dances by both children and adult groups will take place during the evening, including Raices de Mexico,

LOCAL CELEBRITIES COME TOGETHER FOR BARC LUNCHEON

he 7th Annual BARC Celebrity Waiters’ Luncheon is coming up at the end of this month. Guests will be served by “celebrity waiters,” including TV personalities, politicians and business owners in the community. Prizes from Christine’s Brighton will be raffled off and a fashion show will take place in the afternoon. The luncheon will be held Wednesday, April 22 from 20

11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the DoubleTree Hotel, 3100 Camino Del Rio Court. Individual tickets are $50 and tables for eight and 10 with sponsorships are $500 and $600, respectively. Reservations required; register by April 17. For more information or to make reservations, contact Linda Hartman at 834-2272, ext. 268, or go to barc-inc.org to download the registration form. — Bakersfield Life

Bakersfield Life Magazine

April 2015

he American Society of Safety Engineers will be kicking off the month of April by holding its chapter meeting. The topic will be “fighting fraud,” which includes ID theft, contractor fraud and workers’ compensation fraud. The discussion will give tips and tricks on how to avoid being a victim in any of those cases and what to do if fraud does happen to you. Guest speaker David Wolf, deputy district attorney, has prosecuted many crimes from

misdemeanors to murders. He will talk about the steps that the district attorney’s office will take in fighting compensation fraud. Tickets are $12 per person, $5 for student members of ASSE and $5 for emeritus members of ASSE. The meeting will take place on April 1 at Hodel’s Country Dining Restaurant, 5917 Knudsen Drive, from 7 to 8:45 a.m. To RSVP, call Fred Hrenchir at 617-5286. — Bakersfield Life

Deputy District Attorney David Wolf, right, will be the guest speaker at the American Society of Safety Engineers event.

PHOTO BY CASEY CHRISTIE

BARC at an awareness rally on budget cuts affecting people with disabilities.

PHOTO BY FELIX ADAMO

FIGHT FRAUD WITH THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF SAFETY ENGINEERS

KEEP BAKERSFIELD BEAUTIFUL THIS EARTH DAY PHOTO BY ROD THORNBURG

his Earth Day, Keep Bakersfield Beautiful has many ways to beautify and give back to the city we love. On Saturday, April 25, KBB’s main event of the year, the 6th annual Greater Bakersfield Expo will be taking place, which will focus on cleaning up the city of Bakersfield from 8 to 10 a.m. A volunteer celebration will take place at Yokuts Park until 1 p.m., including an awards ceremony with Mayor Harvey Hall, free barbecue, old-fashioned picnic games and bounce houses. The expo will feature recycling and renewable energy businesses from Kern County and will

Volunteers help Keep Bakersfield Beautiful. feature booths and vendors from the community. However, KBB doesn’t just focus on helping the community in April, it focuses on many projects throughout the year, such as anti-graffiti, recycling

and more. For more information about the Greater Bakersfield Expo, visit keepbakersfieldbeautiful.us or call Jessica Felix at 326-3539. — Bakersfield Life

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Up Front

IN SEASON

LOCAL EASTER CELEBRATIONS By Lisa Ybarra

EASTER SERVICES Valley Bible Fellowship

Sunday, April 5: 8 a.m., 10 a.m. and noon 2300 East Brundage Lane Riverlakes Community Church

Sunday, April 5: 10 a.m. at the Bright

Children get a good start during the Springtime Egg Hunt a day before Easter. House Networks Amphitheater, 11200 Stockdale Highway

PHOTO BY CASEY CHRISTIE

aster is approaching and many families are making plans for how they are going to spend one of the most celebrated holidays of the year. Parents are leaving the lawns unmanicured for the anticipated egg hunt and churches are planning for full houses. Whether you are looking for a place to worship or somewhere to entertain the little ones, here are some suggestions.

St. Francis of Assisi Parish

Saturday, April 4: 8 p.m. vigil Sunday, April 5: 6 a.m., 8 a.m., 10 a.m. and noon; 2 p.m. (Vietnamese) 900 H St.

Valley Baptist Church

Sunday, April 5: 6:30 a.m., 8 a.m., 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. 4800 Fruitvale Ave.

New Life Center

Saturday, April 4: 5 p.m. (English) and 7 p.m. (Spanish) at SW campus, 4201 Stine Road; 7 p.m. (English) at NW campus, 1300 Jewetta Ave. Sunday, April 5: 8:30 a.m., 10 a.m. and noon (English); 10 a.m. and noon (Spanish) at SW campus; 11 a.m. (English) at NW campus The Bridge Bible Church

Sunday, April 5: 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. 12225 Stockdale Highway Canyon Hills Assembly of God

Friday, April 3: 12:15 p.m. Sunday, April 5: 6 a.m. at Hillcrest Memorial Park, 9101 Kern Canyon Road; 8:30 a.m., 10 a.m., 11 a.m. and noon at 7001 Auburn St. Kids egg hunt at 10 a.m.

RiverLakes Community Church Easter service at the Bright House Amphitheatre at The Park at River Walk.

Bakersfield Life Magazine

April 2015

PHOTO BY JOHN HARTE

Egg Hunts

City of Bakersfield Recreation & Parks Egg Hunt Saturday, April 4: 10:30 a.m. Early arrival strongly suggested MLK Community Center 1000 S. Owens St.

F I N D I N G FA M E

TILER PECK Bakersfield’s famous ballerina remains loyal to her hometown

PHOTO BY HENRY A. BARRIOS

hen Tiler Peck was 3, she was already dancing in “the big girls’ studio” at her mother’s dance studio off of Stine Road. Bakersfield moms just love to talk about their kids, and Georgia Peck was no exception. Georgia said Tiler was always a mature dancer with “a big heart that showed when she danced.” Georgia has a special corner on the “proud of her little girl” market as Tiler, 26, is now a principal dancer for the New York City Ballet and recently danced, acted and sang in the musical “Little Dancer” performed at the Kennedy Center. “It was seven weeks of standing ovations,” Georgia beamed. “But she’s still that little girl from Bakersfield.” Tiler’s all grown-up (she married Robert Fairchild, another principal dancer with NYC Ballet last June), but still remembers her roots. As a little girl, she attended Christa McAuliffe Elementary in the Panama-Buena Vista Union School District and mentioned a special teacher, Mrs. Ketchell, whom she had for third through fifth grade. “I loved her class,” Tiler said, especially Tiler Peck at her because Mrs. Ketchell mother Georgia Peck’s developed a correspondance studio. dence course for Tiler in

Tiler Peck Born Jan. 12, 1989 2 years old - Dances at mother’s studio 7 years old - Begins training with Alla Khaniashvili 11 years old - Trains at Conjunctive Point in Culver City with former NYC Ballet

dancers; moves to New York for a year to perform in “The Music Man” on Broadway and begins School of American Ballet 12 years old - Attends School of American Ballet 15 years old - Apprentice with NYC Ballet 16 years old - Joins NYC

fifth grade when the 11-year-old was off in New York City performing in the Broadway production of “The Music Man.” Bakersfield to New York was a big change for the young dancer. “It was exciting. There was so much to do. It was so big and so tall,” Tiler said. “I never thought I would live here. It was just a fun place to visit.” Tiler and Robert live together in a New York apartment to be close to their jobs, but Tiler says she’s back in Bakersfield often, teaching and choreographing for her mother’s dance studio and visiting her best friend since first grade. Tiler likes to visit The Marketplace, which she says seems like “the place to hang out,” and always loves eating local Basque food. “We really don’t have much of that here (in New York),” she said. Tiler’s mentor, Peter Martins, lists off her many accomplishments as a dancer, but always finishes by saying, “And she’s from Bakersfield!” Some just can’t believe the talent coming from a farming and oil town in Central California. Georgia says that’s actually a good thing. “What is special about Tiler is she’s so humble you’d never know that she’s done all of the things she’s done,” she said. “That makes me more proud of her than her stardom.”

Ballet as a member 17 years old - Promoted to NYC Ballet soloist 18 years old - Suffers back stress fracture 20 years old - Promoted to NYC principal dancer 25 years old - Marries Robert Fairchild, NYC Ballet principal dancer

Tiler Peck as Marzipan in the New York City Ballet’s production of “The Nutcracker.”

bakersfieldlife.com

PHOTO COURTESY OF PHOTO COURTESY OF SCOOP MARKETING

By Katelynn Camp

Up Front

MY PET

JACOB GONZALEZ, RAFAEL AND MICHELANGELO Compiled by Bakersfield Life

acob Gonzalez, 11, is the proud owner of two red-eared slider turtles, Rafael and Michelangelo, who are 4 and 2 years old. Jacob had always thought turtles were “cool” and being a big fan of the “Ninja Turtles” movie, the two turtles seemed like the perfect fit. While they can be fascinating to watch, Jacob adds that they can be “dangerous if handled by children, since they can carry salmonella,” so it’s always important to wash your hands after handling them. Jacob’s turtles have become a part of the family, and he enjoys watching them do what they do best, which is hiding in the dirt or grass. How long have you had your pet turtles?

First turtle, three years. Second turtle, one year. What are some activities you like to do with your turtles?

Watch them dig in dirt/grass. My pet's personality in five words:

Shy, active, funny, unique and cool. Favorite memory with Rafael and Michelangelo:

When they hide in the plants and it took all day to find them. What makes my turtles happy:

Food, clean water and sun. I know my turtles are moody when …

They are hungry. Favorite foods:

Favorite activities:

Digging in dirt and hiding in the grass. Talents:

Balancing on rocks.

Jacob Gonzalez and his two red-eared slider turtles, Michelangelo, left, and Rafael.

Antics:

Stacking on each other. 24

Bakersfield Life Magazine

April 2015

PHOTO BY MARK NESSIA

Green lettuce and aquatic turtle food that has turtle pellets blended with dry shrimp, mealworms and whole cranberries.

BY THE NUMBERS

A look at home and gardening improvements in Kern County Amount of activities devoted to outdoor projects

43%

47%

Gardening

Top home improvement projects within past 12 months

Under

More than

$1,000

Lawn care

43% of Kern adults do some type of gardening, such as planting vegetables or flowers

Interior paint or wallpaper

Landscaping

Installed pool, hot tub or spa

Replaced or repaired roof

43% of Kern adults did some type of home improvement in the past 12 months

Plumbing

Remodeled kitchen

60% of those who did a home improvement spent $1,000 or more Source: Scarborough Research - Sept. 2014

bakersfieldlife.com

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Bakersfield Life Magazine

April 2015

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W H AT I ’ M R E A D I N G

KATHY ROBINSON More than just a green thumb

upcoming events at

What I’m currently reading: I am currently

reading “Straw Bale Construction” by Steen, Steen & Bainbridge and “The Land of Painted Caves” by Jean Auel (from the Earth’s Children Series). Favorite book: My favorite books are “To Kill A Mockingbird” by Harper Lee, “The Diary of Anne Frank,” “The Great Gatsby” by F Scott Fitzgerald and “The Call of the Wild” by Jack London. Books I’ve read more than once: I read “The

Tale of Three Trees” by Angela Hunt every Christ-

A DAY IN HER SHOES Saturday, May 9 Come cheer on the men as they hoof it in high heels for a good cause.

Kathy Robinson, manager and co-owner of Robby's Nursery & Calico Gardens.

mas and “How to Prune Fruit Trees” by Sanford Martin each time I prune. Other materials I like reading: I love reading

books on landscape design and architecture, especially those with lots of photos. Where I enjoy reading: I read in my room or

when I’m on vacation.

PHOTO BY MARK NESSIA

lants are in Kathy Robinson’s blood. Robinson’s parents opened Robby’s Nursery in 1962, and she now runs the newest location at 4002 Terracotta Court under her parents’ watchful eyes. Robby’s Nursery & Calico Gardens offers a wide variety of trees, shrubs, perennials and gardening tools to help customers grow their dream gardens. The nursery also carries many drought-tolerant plants, perfect for the summer months, allowing customers to add color to their gardens while conserving water. Robinson’s reading list isn’t limited to gardening books, however. Here’s what she’s read and what she’s currently reading.

The book that’s been inspirational in my life:

Inspirational books are the Bible, “Western Landscaping” (a companion book to “Western Garden Book” that I use constantly for ideas), “Salvage in the Garden” by Marcianne Miller with Dana Irwin and “The Grapes of Wrath,” which has helped me understand my dad and his roots a little better.

MOM & ME $1,000 SWEEPSTAKES May 2 – 31 Enter for a chance to win one of four $250 gift cards and one grand prize $1,000 gift card! One lucky winner will be selected each week. Plus, receive a free gift just for entering. Enter on Facebook from May 2 – 31.

MEMORIAL DAY CELEBRATION Monday, May 25 Join us for entertainment, giveaways and family fun as we salute the men and women who proudly serve us. Show your military ID to receive special discounts and perks!

Any other thoughts on reading you wish to share with readers? I

love to read and look at outdoor books and magazines, and travel articles also intrigue me. “Sunset Magazine” is usually interesting. Oh yeah, can’t forget “The Definitive Donkey” that I read in reference when caring for my two miniature donkeys, Sassafrass and Nebrasska.

Easy access off I-5, just minutes south of Bakersfield.

For more details, visit TejonOutlets.com.

bakersfieldlife.com

Up Front

HAPPENINGS

CAN’T-MISS EVENTS IN APRIL

Find more community events at bakersfieldlife.com, or submit yours via email to bakersfieldlife@bakersfield.com or via our Facebook page: Bakersfield Life Magazine

Wednesday 4/01

Thursday 4/16

Saturday 4/25

Varekai from Cirque du Soleil through April 5. 7:30 p.m.

Pat Benater & Neil Girado, 8 p.m., Fox Theater, 2001 H St. $45$85 at box office, vallitix.com or 322-5000.

East High Poker Run 5K, 6:30 a.m. registration, 8 a.m. start, 9 a.m. kids’ run (12 and under) start. Rio Bravo Ranch, $20 BTC members, $25 nonmembers, $12 students at bakersfieldtrackclub.com. Merle Haggard, 8 p.m. Fox Theater, 2001 H St. $47-$97 at the box office, vallitix.com or 3225000.

Rabobank Arena, 1001 Truxtun Ave. ticketmaster.com or 8527309.

Saturday 4/18

Saturday 4/04 FARA Rabbit Run 5 and 10K and Kids’ Bunny Run, 8 a.m.

Bunny Run start; 8:30 a.m. 5/10K start, Yokuts Park. Registration includes T-shirt, barbecue meal, goodie bag and awards. $15 Bunny Run, $35 regular registration 5/10K. Register at bakersfieldtrackclub.com or ultrasignup.com. Mission Possible 5K Walk/Run to benefit The Mis-

sion at Kern County. CALM, 10500 Alfred Harrel Highway. $30 adult; $25 student.

Michael Peterson

Friday 4/10 Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night” performed by the Empty

Space through April 25. Times TBA. 706 Oak St. Donations accepted, esonline.org or 3277529.

Saturday 4/11

Kern River Trail Runs (5 and 10K and 10-miler), 8 a.m. start, Hart Park, Section 7, Alfred Harrell Highway and River Road. $30, 5K; $40, 10K and 10-miler. $5 discount for BTC members and $10 discount for students ages 10 to 19. ultrasignup.com. Kilted Beer 5K Run/Walk, 1 p.m. sign-in and registration, 2 p.m. start. Kern County Fairgrounds 1142 South P St. $50 includes general admission to the Scottish Gathering and Games and T-shirt. Free beer provided at finish line (root beer available for children). Eventbrite.com.

Dry River Classic bicycling ride by Finish Line Bikes to

raise funds for the Kern River Parkway Foundation, 10, 35 and 50-mile routes, 7 a.m. day-of registration; 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. starts. Finish Line Bikes. 8850 Stockdale Highway. $40 preride day; $50 day-of. Finishlinebikes.com or 833-6268.

CASA Superhero Run (10K, 5K and 2K

walk), 7 a.m. checkin., 8:30 a.m. start. The Park at River Walk, 11298 Stockdale Highway. Preregistration: 5/10K $35, Adult 2K $25, Child 2K $10. Day-of registration: 5/10K $40, Adult 2K $30, Child 2K $10. Register at active.com. Michael Peterson, Bull Shed Concert Series, 8 p.m. at The Bull Shed, 2400 Camino Del Rio Court. Tickets start at $15. Eventbrite.com

CASA Superhero Run

Monday 4/06 Fleetwood Mac, 8 p.m., Rabobank Arena, 1001 Truxtun Ave. $47.50-$177.50, ticketmaster.com.

Bakersfield Life Magazine

Sunday 4/12 Los 3 Ortiz presented by the Bakersfield Community Concert Association, 3 p.m., Rabobank Theater, 1001 Truxtun Ave. $40 single-concert tickets. Purchase tickets through BCCA at 2058522, 589-2478 or communityconcert@yahoo.com.

April 2015

Kern Schools Federal Credit Union’s 75th Anniversary at CALM, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Food, games, prizes, music and more. Free CALM admission. 10500 Alfred Harrell Highway. Visit ksfcu.org for more information.

“Varekai” from Cirque du Soleil

ON THE WEB HOME CONTEST Every home has something that makes it special. We asked our readers to share favorite parts of their homes and this is what they had to say.

SFIELD CALIF OR

2014

AN NI

“My husband and I downsized from our home to a mobile home. When we moved in all I could see when I went outside was my neighbor's rusty shed. With his blessing, I painted the shed yellow, put up an old door, two shutters and an old fence that we painted green. I put a raised garden where I grow tomatoes, peppers, lettuce and pumpkins for the grandchildren. All of this is just a facade of a potting shed, but everyone who comes over thinks it is a potting shed. Everything I used is recycled, even the paint!” — Virginia M .H offm ann

FAVORITE RE

“Sometimes it’s barbecuing for family, or having a glass of wine with one of our great neighbors, or spending Sunday mornings drinking coffee and reading the paper or doing crafts, but one thing is for certain, it all happens right here!” — M ichelle Seym our

MY MOM AND ME CONTEST Want to give your mom a little something extra this Mother’s Day? Send your favorite photo of you and your mom to bakersfieldlife@bakersfield.com and we just might include it in our May issue! Make sure to include the names of everyone in your photo and why it’s your favorite.

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Up Front

1 2 R A N D O M T H I N G S YO U D I D N ’ T K N OW A B O U T …

TOM JANNINO Design architect, chef, private Lego collector Compiled by Bakersfield Life

making someone’s living situation better.” The remodel design process begins with a visit to the home, where Jannino gets to know the family, measures the house, looks at the lot’s limitations and makes sure the family’s ideas are within reason. He always asks himself, “Is this really feasible?” Jannino is there to put ideas down on paper, but here are 12 random facts about this designer you may not have known.

7 I love to cook and pre-

I wanted to be an architect from the time I was 5 years old. I love my job and look forward to each day I can work with my clients.

fer preparing a meal to going out to dinner.

I make a mean carbonara that friends say is the best they’ve ever eaten.

I still do drafting by hand, never having learned to use a computer-aided drafting program. I wish I had learned, but that ship has sailed.

If I wasn’t an architect, I would want to be involved in farming or run a bike rental on Catalina Island.

I spent my last year of college in Florence, Italy and have retained my conversational Italian.

5 I love to travel but have a tendency to make repeat trips to favorite places.

6 I occasionally play with Legos, and because of the love my kids had for them, I have the largest private collection outside of Denmark.

Bakersfield Life Magazine

I wish I could eat several baked goods every day, and I would do most anything for a Butterhorn from Smith’s.

I get choked up at schmaltzy movies, shows and commercials, but try to keep it together if my children are present.

I have taught art projects in elementary schools and enjoy working with children.

12 From time to time, I crave the scent of the grade school “Weekly Reader” we had growing up, but I have no desire to eat white paste again.

April 2015

PHOTO BY MARK NESSIA

om Jannino, 62, absolutely loves his job as a design architect. He says a lot of his fellow designers avoid getting involved with residential design, but for Jannino, it’s an opportunity to improve a family’s quality of life. "Some architects stay away from residential design because it can be more emotional than commercial work,” he said. “Since I was a child, I loved designing and homes. I wake up every day looking forward to

Things to Remember When You Consider Buying or Selling a Second Home By Michael A. Kaia, Esq. • establishing a due diligence period to review the condition of the property usually 15 to 30 days; • financing the purchase by a third party lender or the seller carrying back part of the purchase price with a note secured by a deed of trust; and • review of title based on the preliminary title report and removing unacceptable liens and exceptions.

erhaps you are seeking a vacation retreat, a new investment opportunity, or are starting to plan for retirement; there are many reasons you may be in the market for a second home. As a real property lawyer in Bakersfield, over the past 28 years, I have been involved in a wide variety of real property sale transactions. Whether the transaction involves residential or commercial real property and whether it is the buyer’s or the seller’s side of the deal, well-orchestrated transactions and closings seem to have common factors. Accordingly, if you’re selling or buying a second home, here are some suggestions to make the transaction smoother which I have observed over time. Both sides of the transaction are well advised to each hire a good real estate agent familiar with the area where the property is located. For example, if you’re buying coastal or mountain property, hire an agent who knows the area where the property is located. An out of town agent

is less likely to know local issues involving property. Some transactions are between the seller and the buyer without the use of an agent. These for sale by owner transactions save the seller the brokerage fee (usually 6 %); however, they can get a little risky for the unwary so unless you are experienced in buying or selling real estate, have an attorney review any purchase agreement and/or escrow instruction presented to you for signature. Your agent (or attorney) will assist with the parties in entering into the purchase agreement covering the major deal points in a sale which customarily include: • the sales price consistent with values in the area and confirmed by your experienced agent or appraiser; • the amount of earnest money deposit large enough to matter and becoming non-refundable after the due diligence period expires;

The due diligence to be performed by the buyer is more than a review of the preliminary title report and an inspection of the land. It should also include a review of documents such as: • building permits from local building department • copy of plans and specs from architect or builder • any survey of property • list of personal property going with sale • loan documents for pay off to bank • last pest control report Following these guidelines should allow you to enjoy your second home with greater peace of mind. Plus I have observed that over time, many real estate acquisitions appreciate in value.

Michael A. Kaia is a partner at Young Wooldridge, LLP with 28 years of real estate law experience.

LLP

Eat & Drink

FOOD DUDES

WIKIâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S WINE DIVE & GRILL Dudes wined and dined by new executive gourmet chef

Sea bass 32

Bakersfield Life Magazine

April 2015

Cheese board

Compiled by Bakersfield Life

Mushroom and kale tacos

Lamb lollipops

Photos by Greg Nichols

estled in southwest Bakersfield is a classy joint with something on the menu to satisfy everyone. The location is great for those who don’t feel like dealing with the Marketplace or bigger shopping areas. Whether you’re in the mood for some fine wine and cheese, a delicious meal or tasty desert, Wiki’s Wine Dive & Grill is the place for you. The grill’s new executive gourmet chef Max Nazabal loves his food, and in his hands, cooking is both an art and a science.

APPETIZERS Adam Alvidrez on the cheese board: On the board were

R Kern

ive

ST OC

Wiki’s Wine Dive & Grill 11350 Ming Ave., Suite 260

Richard Collins on the mushroom and kale tacos:

These arrive as an open-faced threesome on a homemade flour tortilla. The combination of wild mushrooms, kale and Brussels flowers makes for a crunchy texture that is tied together with the heat of Fresno chili and cilantro cream.

MING AVE

1,000 FT

ALE H

BUENA VISTA RD

very generous servings of cheeses and meats, including my favorite, prosciutto. The mascarpone with honey made the board pop. This creamy Italian cheese is extremely addicting when plastered on toasted sourdough. Jason Cater on the lamb lollipops: A staple for a community that prides itself on its Basque heritage, these lollipops have meat so tender it could fall right off the bone. They will rival any lamb you can find in the Bakersfield area. One bite will have your taste buds screaming for more.

The Food Dudes, from left, Michael Lopez, Adam Alvidrez, Jason Cater, Richard Collins and Justin Cave in the wine room at Wiki’s Wine Dive & Grill.

Wiki’s Wine Dive & Grill 11350 Ming Ave., Suite 260 399-4547 wikiswinedive.com facebook.com/WikisWineDive Open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday

Continued on page 34 bakersfieldlife.com

Ghetto burger

Cajun shrimp pasta

der moistness of the white, flakey fish.

Continued from page 33 Richard on the black mussels: Black mussels aren’t on

every menu, but Wiki’s has some that you should try. They’re jazzed up with chorizo and saffron cream.

ENTREES Jason on the filet mignon: This delicacy was the treat of the night for me. The tender piece of red meat was lightly coated in Spanish Valdeon cheese, giving it a savory blend of flavors. Accompanying this centerpiece, was a side of crispy green beans sauteed in vinegar and fluffy, creamy mashed potatoes topped with butter and chives. Richard on the sea bass: One of

the great things about this Food Filet mignon Dude experience is learning new things. This time, the learning experience was farro, which formed the bed for the sea bass. Farro is a Mediterranean grain that lends a welcome nuttiness to the rainbow chard and pea tendrils. The sea bass was cooked to artistic and scientific perfection. Almost an inch thick, it had been eased onto a pan of smoking oil and cooked for a few minutes on each side to form a caramelized crust that kept in all the ten34

Bakersfield Life Magazine

April 2015

Michael Lopez on the ghetto burger: This burger reminds me of a burger joint in LA; it will take you back to the ’hood! It’s huge and just as mouth watering. Chef Max said that they not only grill the burger, but they deep-fry it also. The french fries are also just as fantastic. Everything has great flavor. Also, did I mention it’s a double-patty hamburger? But not just two small patties, two huge ones covered in cheese. After tasting it, I called all my friends and said, “You have to eat this burger!” Justin Cave and Adam on the Cajun shrimp pasta:

Who Dat? I’ll give you a hint: It’s not “N’awlins,” but after sinking your teeth into the succulent shrimp packed with spice and flavor, you’ll think you’re on Bourbon Street. Motivated from his dining experience at the Commander’s Palace when he was 19 years old, chef Max creates a Cajun shrimp culinary delight right here in our own backyard. The shrimp are pink and slightly firm with a delicate crunch. The cayenne pepper is beautifully incorporated in the white cream sauce atop a bed of fettuccine. All in all, this dish is fantastic times two.

DESSERTS Michael on the port brownies: This dish reminds me of my mom’s brownies. I always liked them nice and warm with a scoop of ice cream on top. Magnify that by 1,000 to get Wiki’s version. It doesn’t matter how many calories it adds or how much exercise I have to do tomorrow to burn if off, they made me feel like a kid again. Priceless. The flavor of the port wine also adds a dynamic that makes this dessert stand out. Richard on Max’s Belgian chocolate mousse: I was happy to start with the black mussels and end with Max’s Belgian chocolate mousse. It’s the perfect dessert: crunchy chocolate crust with a smooth chocolate ganache that has a delicate aftertaste of cocoa dust, finished with creme anglaise

Max’s Belgian chocolate mousse

and raspberry coulis. Save a sip or two of the red wine to wash this down (although a coffee would do in a pinch).

RESTAURANT WITH CLASS

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Wiki’s has upgraded its menu and chef Max has brought new ideas and flavors to Bakersfield. With its upscale atmosphere, modern decor and friendly service, Wiki’s serves up a fine-dining experience that rivals any you will find in the Bakersfield area.

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Eat & Drink

FOOD AND WINE

*Bakersfield Life would like to thank the friendly, knowledgeable baristas at Dagny’s Coffee Company who enlightened us uneducated coffee drinkers on the making of a perfect latte.

ODE TO THE LATTE A truly sophisticated drink By Katelynn Camp and Allison Escobar

Photos by Mark Nessia

ardcore, straight-black coffee drinkers say the latte is a froo-froo drink. We take offense. True, there is a considerable amount of milk added to the espresso shot – we’ll give latte-haters that – but, creating a good latte requires a deft hand that can delicately balance an

Barista and manager Andrew Winton drew a heart shape in this vanilla latte at Dagny’s Coffee and Company.

The espresso machine forces pressure through the espresso and the shot comes out in a light blond stream.

Barista Cameron Werner forms his latte art by pouring heated milk into the espresso shot.

Werner at Dagny’s Coffee Company drew two beautiful leaves with the microfoam and crema of these two lattes.

Bakersfield Life Magazine

April 2015

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espresso shot with just enough flavored syrup, steamed milk and thin layer of foam. True latte artists can even create swirling images within the light and dark shades of a latte’s espresso/milk mix. We see the latte as a sophisticated upgrade to the regular ol’ “cup o’ joe.” Creating the perfect latte is a scientific endeavor that begins with grinding the coffee that will form the espresso shot. “You can use different grinds for different flavors,” said Andrew Winton, nine-year barista and manager at Dagny’s Coffee Company in downtown Bakersfield. His fellow barista, Frank Salinas, said it is a much finer grind than the ones they use for straight coffee. The fresher the beans, of course, the fresher the grind, the fresher the espresso, and, therefore, the fresher the latte. Once the beans are finely ground, it’s time to dose the espresso. Baristas become pharmacists, choosing how strong to make the shot. The strength of the dose will affect the latte’s taste – a strong dose means bitter; a medium dose, a bit more nutty; a light dose and the milk may completely cover the espresso taste. Again, striking a middle ground is key. The next step is tamping. Baristas now become millers, mashing the espresso so that when they force pressure through it, the taste holds. “You want about 25 to 30 pounds of pressure (when tamping),” said Salinas, a six-year barista, now manager. Salinas masterfully ground, dosed, tamped and pulled the espresso shot while we looked on in wonder. “The pull needs to be about 27 seconds,” he said, setting a timer. The pull is when the $12,000 espresso machine works its magic. The espresso is attached to the machine and pressure is forced through the grind. The espresso shot pours out in a blond stream. “If it’s too dark or too runny, something has gone wrong and we need to start over,” said Salinas. While pulling the shot, baristas will steam the milk. “The milk should be heated to between 150 and 160 degrees,” said barista William Gross from Joe’s in Manhattan during his latte making video on about.com. “Any more, and it will scorch.” So milk is heated and steamed slightly and the espresso shot is pulled. After, the barista pours the espresso into the final cup. (If you’re adding flavored syrup, Salinas says he likes to pump the flavor at the bottom of the cup so that it will mix well when he pours the espresso on top.) Gross taps the cup of espresso and milk jar to remove the bubbles and then begins pouring the milk into the espresso. This is a crucial point for latte artists. They can show off their pouring design skills, ending with a flourish. Winton says he can form designs in the top of the latte by slowly piercing the top layer of espresso oil, or crema, filling underneath that layer with the heated milk, and then breaking the surface with the milk dregs, when it’s a bit lighter and more foamy. The white art on top is “microfoam,” the brown canvas is the espresso oil and everything below is delicious latte. You can sip the espresso underneath without damaging the top art if you want to stare at the swirling masterpiece a little longer. In summary, the latte is not just coffee mixed with milk. A latte masterpiece calls for the perfect espresso, steamed milk, microfoam trifecta. Add flavor as a way to make this refined drink your own.

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Eat & Drink

FOOD AND WINE

WINE, CULINARY, WAVES, OH MY! Explore Pismo Beach’s wine & culinary events this spring Compiled by Bakersfield Life

Photos by Bob Dickey

hen one thinks of the coastal mecca of Pismo Beach, many lovely thoughts come to mind: oceanfront resorts, pristine beaches, breathtaking sunsets, nearby worldclass wine regions, downtown wine tasting rooms, restaurants, boutiques, and celebrations. So mark your calendars for three extraordinary, can’t-miss wine and culinary events in Pismo. For starters, explore the 11th annual Taste of Pismo, a premier wine and culinary event from noon to 4 p.m. on April 25 in Pismo Beach. At the event, you will enjoy the pleasure and chance to taste the authentic savoirfaire of this charming town at this incredible event. There will be delicious samplings of local cuisine with premium Central Coast wineries and microbreweries – all in one exceptional location on the cliffs of Dinosaur Caves Park overlooking the sea. Visit PismoChamber.com or TasteOfPismo.com for more details. Pismo Beach, Avila Beach and San Luis Obispo will host the 6th annual Wine Waves & Beyond, celebrating both the art of classic California surfing and Central Coast winemaking from April 29 through May 3. Organizers say visitors will get to enjoy five days of fun events, embrace the love of California’s traditional surfing lifestyle and culture, experience Central Coast wines, artisan brews, local California farm-fresh and seaport-inspired cuisine, as well as great music and art throughout our amiable coastal communities. Highlights include Surf Film Night – Big Waves on the Big Screen, Central Coast Veterans Golf Classic, Rabobank’s Barrel to Barrel, Winemakers Dinner: Celebrating the Harvest with GleanSLO, Still Frothy Surf Contest, Annual VW Classic Car Show and the 805 Classic Beach Party. Proceeds are donated to Glean SLO, a program of the Food Bank Coalition of San Luis

Continued on page 42 40

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April 2015

Pismo Beach will be home to can’t-miss cuisine and wine events like the 11th annual Taste Of Pismo, the 6th annual Wine Waves & Beyond and the 7th Annual International Chardonnay Symposium from April through May.

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Continued from page 40 Obispo County, connecting farmers and backyard growers with volunteers, who harvest fruits and vegetables that would otherwise go to waste, for local food banks. For more information, visit WineWavesandBeyond.com. Then, from May 27 to May 30, Pismo Beach and Avila Beach will host the 7th Annual International Chardonnay Symposium 2015, bringing together top chardonnay producers from around the world. This in-depth, three-day immersion in the Chardonnay Symposiumâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vineyard-to-glass is a series of seminars including grand tastings, educational panels, winemaker luncheons and dinners, winery and vineyard tours, and winery tastings. The Chardonnay Symposium is proud to call Pismo Beach and Avila Beach home, partnering with several hotels in the these charming pair of beach towns and only minutes away from top-shelf wineries in the San Luis Obispo Wine Country. For more information, visit TheChardonnaySymposium.com Thinking about where to stay? Visit ClassicCalifornia.com for details.

Bakersfield Life Magazine

April 2015

The 7th annual Chardonnay Symposium will take place May 27 and 30 in Pismo Beach and Avila Beach.

Lifestyles

ON THE ROAD

2015 LEXUS RC 350 F SPORT RC Sport reveals one-of-a-kind prestige By Olivia Garcia Photos by Mark Nessia

tâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been a couple of years since Lexus introduced a new luxury coupe. That is until the RC model showed up, making heads turn on the lots and on the road. I was lucky enough to score a test drive of the 2015 Lexus RC 350 F Sport and discovered that the new kid on the block has certainly increased the premium coupe style a notch. Cherif Guirguis of Lexus, who went over some key details with me, noted that the RC F Sport delivers a sportier feel that complements its luxury presence â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a factor I later learned after test driving it for a couple of days. Its performance wowed me. I drove around in the V6 3.5-liter model, which was packed with 306 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. Guirguis mentioned that the

Editor Olivia Garcia hits the road with the latest 2015 Lexus RC 350 F Sport. 44

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April 2015

Clear, multifunctional display

V8 delivers a powerful 467 horseseats. power. Yes, this athletic yet sophistiOf course the grown up in me cated model has speed all the way was also comforted by its 10 airbags to the finish line. and great safety record. “For the enthusiast car driver, The all-new remote touchpad this is the sports car choice,” Guirthat allows you to switch to Blueguis said. tooth music, adjust climate temperIts gorgeous, prestigious frame ature, or tap into navigation and is designed for nice handling and more is seamless and flawless, better ride, and its signature front allowing you to rely on your finger bumper and spindle grille boasts its for precision and accuracy. The ease extraordinarily confident presence. of the controller’s functionality Thanks to the adaptive variable reminded me of the convenient suspension, the RC 350 F Sport touch screen of my iPhone 6. And offers dynamic the multifunchandling and tional dynamic response gauge cluster between speed gave me quick, adjustments easy-to-read and turning information on corners. Yet it details such as produced such drive mode, a quiet ride so odometer readyou could ing, current focus on the song titles and road, the conincoming calls. versation at My sons hand or listenalso give the RC ing to your 350 F Sport a favorite tunes. thumbs-up all The eightaround. For speed automatone, you know ic transmission you have hit results in better the popularity gas mileage yet zone when All-new touchpad still solid perteens actually formance. want to hang Driver mode with you as you choices are ECO, normal, sport and drive around town taking care of snow. errands. The interior says nothing but Added Antuan Goodwin of sophistication and class with a taste CNET in his March review of the of sportiness. model: “The 2015 Lexus RC 350 F My sons and I were blown away Sport looks like a boy racer, but it by the Mark Levinson audio system has the soul (and slightly soft perand the bolstered sporty leather formance) of a grand tourer.”

The attention-getter: stylish grille

It’s all in the details Five best features about the 2015 Lexus RC 350 F Sport: Powerful 3.5-liter, V-6 engine producing 306 horsepower and 277 lbft of torque. Supportive F-Sport seats. Rear-wheel steering for added performance and stability. Driver-friendly eightspeed direct shift semiautomatic transmission. Adaptive Variable Suspension. City and highway mileage and price tag: City: 19 Highway: 22 MSRP: $42,790 (FSport price as tested, around $53,280) The 2015 Lexus RC 350 F Sport perfect for: Those who feel performance should not have to come at the cost of luxury and vice versa. What makes the 2015 Lexus RC 350 F Sport stand out from others: Its bold new styling is the first of its kind.

Target customer: Consumers who want to add a bit of performance flare to their luxury car, regardless of gender or age. Three words that define the 2015 Lexus RC 350 F Sport: Unique Awe-inspiring Revolutionary What do you like the most about the 2015 Lexus RC 350 F Sport? I personally love the performance aspect of the car and am very impressed with the F Sport package. I am a huge sports car enthusiast and am very excited to see the brand going in that direction. For those of us who want more than just a smooth, quiet and comfortable ride out of their Lexus, I would say there is no better car in the lineup (except for the RC F of course!). Source: Parker Christian, delivery and technology specialist, Motor City Lexus of Bakersfield

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Lifestyles

ON THE ROAD

2015 MERCEDES-BENZ C300 4MATIC

German auto maker moves to the head of the class with its redesigned luxury sport sedan By Glenn Hammett

Photos by Greg Nichols

The sleek, elegant lines of the 2015 Mercedes-Benz C300 4Matic closely resembles those of the company’s pricier E- and S-Class models.

Eighteen-inch AMG five-spoke alloy wheels add to the C300’s perfomance-oriented persona. 46

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April 2015

Bakersfield Life Art Director Glenn Hammett was impressed with the C300’s aerodynamic design, which helps it achieve an impressive 31 mpg highway mileage.

he first Mercedes-Benz C Class cars hit showrooms in 1993, replacing the smaller 190 series and giving buyers the opportunity to enjoy the comfort, performance and prestige that comes with owning a Mercedes-Benz at a relatively modest price point. Last year, Mercedes-Benz introduced the CLA Class to hold down the entry-level niche, leaving the C Class free to grow and become a scaled-down, sportier version of the company’s high-end luxury cars. After driving the 2015 C300 for a couple of days, I can see why many feel that Mercedes-Benz has moved to the head of the luxury sport sedan class. Arriving at Sangera Automotive Group to pick up the C300 4Matic, I was given a thorough tour of its features by Campbell Cameron, a friendly, seasoned salesperson with an impressive knowledge of the product. He introduced me to the car by demonstrating the slick access system that senses the presence of the smart key and unlocks the car as your hand slides around the door handle. All doors lock with a simple touch of a small square on any of the handles. Once inside, I found the interior of the C300 nothing short of stunning, highlighted by the sweeping center console made of rich, black ash open-pore wood. Gauges and controls are intuitively located, including the touchpad that controls the navigation, sound and other technology systems by responding to gestures, swipes and even handwriting.

The ceterpiece of the C300’s interior is the console made of beautiful open-pore black ash.

The comfortable and infinitely adjustable seats are controlled by an interesting diagrammatic set of buttons on the door panel. If you are a music lover, you will appreciate the Burmester sound system, which is part of the $2,120 premium package (also includes heated front seats, SiriusXM satellite radio, LED headlamps and proximity entry). This seems like a real bargain, considering a Burmetster home audio system can set you back as much as $100,000. Mercedes-Benz has always been known for a tasteful and refined sense of design and the 2015 C300 certainly reflects that. Sleek, elegant and extremely aerodynamic, as evidenced by its admirable 31 mpg highway mileage, its styling looks a lot like that of the larger and pricier E and S Class, but in a more compact package. On the road, the C300 is silky smooth, without feeling like you are too far removed from the pavement. Mercedes-Benz has incorporated generous amounts of aluminum into the 2015 edition of the C300, making it lighter and more nimble than its

It’s all in the details Gas mileage: City: 24 Highway: 31 Combined: 27 Price tag: Base: $40,400; as tested: $51,150 Five best features: 1: Collision Prevention Plus System. 2: Agility Select. 3: 4Matic. 4: Pre-Safe. 5: Adaptive Brakes.

The C300 features a different take on seat controls and the Burmester speaker grilles are works of art.

Target customer: Those who will not settle for less than the best.

predecessor. Additionally, the agility settings (ECO, comfort, sport, sport+ and individual modes) allow you to adjust the throttle response, shift points and steering feel to suit the driving conditions and your current attitude. During my test drive, acceleration was never a problem. The 2.0-liter turbocharged engine delivers more than enough power (241 horsepower) and the seven-speed shiftable automatic transmission performed flawlessly. With Mercedes’ highly rated 4Matic all-wheel drive system, you can be sure that the C300 will perform at a high level on any road conditions. The competition in the luxury sport sedan category is incredibly stiff. BMW, Audi, Cadillac and Lexus, just to name a few, all have impressive horses in the race. But, with the newly redesigned 2015 C300, Mercedes-Benz may have a leg up.

The touchpad control navigation, entertainment and other tech features.

The 2015 Mercedes-Benz C300 is perfect for: Driving in style and at an affordable price point all while keeping your loved ones safe and allowing you to enjoy a customizable interface that suits your personal driving style. Three words that define the 2015 Mercedes-Benz C300: Compact S Class What do you like most about the 2015 Mercedes-Benz C300? Safety, luxury and performance – far beyond any other car in its price range. Source: James Whelden, product concierge, Mercedes-Benz of Bakersfield

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Bakersfield Life Magazine

April 2015

H E A LT H A N D W E L L N E S S

PHOTO BY MICHAEL LOPEZ

Lifestyles

Logan August, right, and Timothy Whitaker pose for a portrait inside their gym KC Crossfit.

LIFTING UP THOSE WHO NEED IT Deputy sheriff, CrossFit trainer aims to raise funds for fellow officer By Miranda Whitworth

t’s a physical fitness regimen that puts traditional workouts to shame and one CrossFit trainer is hoping his athletes have enough endurance to make a big difference for a young girl living with cerebral palsy. CrossFit is a high-intensity fitness plan that combines running and rowing with gymnastics and Olympic-style weight lifting for a full-body workout that creates muscle and incredible stamina. Deputy Sheriff Logan August got his first taste of the workout two years ago when he was training with the sheriff’s department SWAT team; after that, he was hooked.

“I had a bodybuilding background and I was bigger and bulkier. What caught my attention was the high intensity and the competitiveness of it,” said August. “Now I am a lot leaner, I feel like I am in 10 times better shape and my physical abilities have gone through the roof.” Within a year and a half, August became a certified CrossFit trainer and is now coordinating the athletic portion of the SWAT team’s biweekly training sessions. In addition to training and working full time for the sheriff’s department, August runs KC CrossFit

Continued on page 50 bakersfieldlife.com

Continued from page 49 and is hosting a “Lift-a-thon” this spring to help the family of one of his fellow officers, Deputy Sheriff Darren Wonderly. “He’s just the nicest guy ever; he never complains about anything. You’d never know what his family is going through,” said August. Wonderly’s daughter Kimber was born with lissencephaly and cerebral palsy and is restricted to a wheelchair. The Wonderlys’ van is in need of upgrades and August hopes his event can help raise funds to outfit the vehicle with electric lifts and elevators for her chair. The Lift-a-thon will be held at KC CrossFit at 4630 Easton Drive and will be open to advanced weight lifters. The public is encouraged to attend, especially those who are interested in getting involved with CrossFit. August says the workouts may be tough but his gym is open to anyone willing to make a

commitment. “We take pride in the fact that we can scale out workouts to any level. We can make routines that are really intense or they can be good, fun workouts for someone who is just beginning,” said August. CrossFit can also be a family affair. August has raised five children and his kids train at the gym alongside him and his wife. KC CrossFit welcomes young participants ages 3 to 18. “A lot of our kids are there for sports and are on the football team or baseball team. Like everyone else, they are there to get stronger and better,” August said. For those who can’t make it to the Lift-a-thon, August and the Wonderly family are accepting donations for Kimber through a GoFundMe crowdfunding campaign. For more information about Kimber, visit gofundme.com/liftkimberup. To learn more about KC CrossFit, visit kccrossfit.com or on Facebook: facebook.com/crossfitkc.

Logan August’s tips for those interested in CrossFit: Commitment The most important part of getting in shape is commitment. You have to decide that you are determined to get in shape and apply yourself wholeheartedly. Consistency You must be consistent with your workouts. If you are consistent, that is when you will see results. Applying yourself to the workout with regularity will allow your body to change and improve – the improvements will be evident. Have fun Getting in shape is not easy, but you have to enjoy what you are doing or you won’t be able to stick with a routine. Having fun is going to keep you committed and consistent.

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Lifestyles

I N M Y C LO S E T

SHARI STACY AND HEIDI WIEGEL Mother-daughter duo introduce high fashion to Bakersfield

Shari Stacy (top) and her daughter, Heidi Wiegel, pose inside their clothing boutique, Sugardaddy’s. Wiegel is wearing a calico peasant dress with a concho turquoise belt inherited from her grandmother.

Compiled by Bakersfield Life

Photos by Michael Lopez

hari Stacy, 61, and her daughter, Heidi Wiegel, 43, have an 1,800-square-foot business that doubles as their closet. Shari owns and Heidi works at Sugardaddy’s, a local clothing boutique off of Stockdale Highway. The two update their stock constantly with designer pieces almost no other local stores offer. “To stay ahead in this industry, you have to have new pieces every single day,” Stacy said. They especially love displaying the Joseph Ribkoff line (the same line worn by the queen’s court in England) and their collection of high-class jewelry. Wiegel remembers her mother buying the store and diving into the fashion world, which was something new for a hard-working oil family like theirs. They found, 52

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though, that they had an untapped fashion sense in Stacy’s mother, Wiegel’s grandmother, who hosted fancy parties for oilers when Stacy was young. “I would sit in her closet and watch her get ready,” Stacy said. “She would put on these gorgeous lace dresses.” Stacy and Wiegel define their own style as “leaning toward the glitzy and glamorous” and sat down with us to give readers a few fashion tips. What are the most prized possessions in your closets? Shari: My mom’s Chinese jewelry box filled with her collection of vintage turquoise jewelry and what I’ve collected over the years. Also, my Anuschka handpainted leather purses. Heidi: Granny’s calico peasant dress with silver and turquoise concho belt. All my Swarovski crystal earrings, flip-flops (I have 30 pairs) and bracelets. And my JAG jeans.

Anuschka handpainted leather purses

Heidi Wiegel loves her Swarovski crystal accessories.

Vintage turquoise jewelery

What are your personal styles?

What have others said about your attire?

Our styles are different due to our body types and sizes. We both tend to be gypsy-like in our dress and our jewelry.

We would hope they say we are always put together and stylish. When we are together, people sometimes stare. We are constantly being complimented on our attire and jewelry.

Where do you get your fashion inspiration?

We have both been influenced by our moms and grandmothers, who both dressed like Hollywood glamour. They never went out without their makeup, hair and clothing to perfection. We also read all retail publications and attend worldclass fashion shows two times per year in Las Vegas.

What are your biggest fashion faux pas? Shari: A flannel nightgown. Don’t ask! (She threw it out when a certain special someone was a bit put-off by the thing.) Heidi: Wearing sheepskin slippers to the grocery store, which totally grosses my mom out.

Where do you two shop locally and out of town?

We have an 1,800 square-foot closet called Sugardaddy’s. When out of town, we find the biggest antique mall and usually spend most of the day there, but please don’t make us look for clothing – that’s our job.

What are a few staples every woman should have in her closet?

A good-fitting black pant, the little black dress and a great-fitting jean. bakersfieldlife.com

Lifestyles

FIT AND FRESH

SPRINGTIME FITNESS AND FOOD

PHOTO BY KATIE KIRSCHENMANN

Poker, peas and planks

English pea quinoa primavera

By Sally Baker and Katie Kirschenmann

ig things come in small packages. This spring, let peas power your healthy lifestyle. An English pea quinoa primavera is a healthy take on pasta primavera that features one of the world’s healthiest foods. Don’t miss a chance to explore the Rio Bravo Ranch during the Poker Run/Walk 5k. Get your exercise, “play” some poker and help raise money all at the same time!

POKER RUN/WALK 5K April 25, 8 a.m.

Any opportunity to run on the beautiful Rio Bravo Ranch east of town at the mouth of the canyon is worth the entry fee alone. It’s even more fun running or walking 3.1 miles in the scenic hills, picking up sealed envelopes along the course and “playing” your hand after you cross the finish line. Don’t open those envelopes! The poker run was held decades ago out in rolling orange orchard hills toward Porterville, and 54

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April 2015

we’re thrilled to see its return, this time benefiting the East Bakersfield High School Scholarship Fund. There is also a half-mile kids’ run for $5. Visit bakersfieldtrackclub.com for a link to the entry form. For race and course information, contact Leslie King at runless@gmail.com or 872-9554.

GREEN PEAS A tiny veggie with huge health benefits

These cute little versatile guys may be overlooked as a strong source of nutrition, but the pea is one of the world’s healthiest foods, loaded with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory nutrients. Their sweet, starchy texture is delicious, and they are easy and quick to prepare. The pea offers a unique assortment of health protective phytonutrients and has recently been associated with assisting in protection against stomach cancer. Half a cup of peas contains only about 55 low-fat calories, so add them generously to salads, stews, soups, etc. They also add a reliable source of omega-3 fats in the form of alpha-linolenic acid.

Continued on page 56

PHOTO BY KATIE KIRSCHENMANN

A CLUB FOR LEADERS Established in 1952, the Petroleum Club of Bakersfield is an integral part of the heritage

English pea quinoa primavera Start to finish: 20 minutes Servings: 4 This recipe is a healthy take on pasta primavera, which oftentimes is served with too much cream and butter. Instead of pasta, we use our favorite substitute: quinoa. The real star of this dish is fresh English peas. They are currently in season and full of spring flavor. 1 cup quinoa, dry (follow cooking instructions on the package) 2 cups fresh English peas 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped Lemony Vinaigrette: 2 tablespoons olive oil 4 tablespoons lemon juice 1 teaspoon honey or agave syrup 1 to 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard 1/4 teaspoon sea salt 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes Optional: 1/4 cup freshly grated pecorino cheese Follow the cooking directions on the package of quinoa. Feel free to substitute low-sodium chicken stock for the water. Let your quinoa sit for a while after cooking. Fluff it up with a fork before adding remaining ingredients. While the quinoa is cooking, steam or blanch the peas until they are tender, but not overcooked. They should be bright green. Plunge into an ice bath to stop them from cooking out of the pot and to keep the vibrant green color. Transfer to a large bowl and mix the peas, quinoa, pine nuts and basil. In a smaller bowl, whisk together the remaining ingredients to create the lemon vinaigrette. Pour over the pea and quinoa mixture and toss to combine. Add option pecorino cheese if you please.

and history of Kern County. Our Club is a member-owned local facility with a philosophy that reflects our commitment to excellence. Today, we are the premier private business and social club of Bakersfield. Our members are leaders of our community spanning from single to married, young to mature, and working to retired. We are proud to serve not only our many fine members but the city of Bakersfield.

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PHOTOS BY SALLY BAKER

Spider-Man plank crunch

Continued from page 54

EXERCISE OF THE MONTH Spider-Man plank crunch

Assume plank position. Slowly lower the body by bending elbows until the

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April 2015

body is low to the ground. Hold. In the lowered position, slowly bring one knee to one elbow, then return to plank position by straightening arms. Repeat on the other side. Start with 10 reps each side, then build up to 20 reps each side.

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PA S T I M E S

FUN WITH FURRY FRIENDS Locals enjoy agility classes with their four-legged companions By Elizabeth Castillo

ndividuals interested in a hobby to share with their furry friends should look no further than agility classes with Kern Canine Activities. The classes, which typically meet up once a week for six weeks, are open to dogs of all skill levels. The classes begin with introduction courses and are available up to the advanced level. Agility classes give dogs the chance to participate in an obstacle course composed of tunnels, tire jumps and other dog-friendly tasks. “It’s just to have fun with our dogs and train others to learn and have fun with their dogs,” said Sherry Kelly, an organizer and agility trainer with KCA. Kelly said that agility is a great way for dogs to socialize with other dogs. Sometimes dogs may begin agility classes and have certain behavioral problems, but agility helps to get the problems solved. KCA offers a wide assortment of classes for dogs, and many dogs may

begin in other classes and end up learning agility as well. Dog owner Ty Grove began taking his dog to obedience classes but also started agility classes with his dog. Nouey, a Tibetan terrier, had aggression issues and needed to learn basic obedience. Eventually, Grove put Nouey in agility classes and the 3-year-old terrier has been better with his aggression issues and is doing well in agility. Grove also introduced his fiancee’s dog, Korra, into agility as well. Korra is a 2-year-old German shepherd. According to Grove, Korra likes to get a little lazy on sunny days but is also enjoying agility. “Korra took to agility quickly,” said Grove. “At first, I joined KCA as a companion activity and to have a dedicated time to work with the dogs.” Grove is a reservoir engineer for Aera and ensures to continually take his dogs to agility training in his spare time. Competition is not a major priority for Grove and his pets, but some dogs begin to do well at the competitive level. Makana, a 6-year-old border terrier, has won titles in agility. Makana’s human companion, Shan Stubbs, said that Mak began agility when he was 2. Mak has been through several KCA classes. Stubbs said that Mak likes agility but found his true passion with the barn hunt workshops. Barn hunt is a sanctioned sport that allows dogs to find rats in tubes hidden in hay. No harm is done to the rats during barn hunts, according to Chris and Dawn Stubbs. Chris teaches barn hunt workshops for KCA and also trains his beagle, Belle, in the competition. Belle was rescued from a backyard

From left: Jill Adams, Sherry Kelly, Sharon Clark, Maxine Klein, Priscilla Schultz, Linda Fussel and Mary Stewart with their dogs at an ASCA agility trial in Fillmore, California. 58

Bakersfield Life Magazine

April 2015

PHOTO COURTESY OF SHERRY KELLY

Lifestyles

breeder and was sick at 5 weeks with worms. Belle also began in agility. Dawn wanted Belle to give agility a try, but, ultimately, Belle preferred barn hunt. Many dogs that participate in agility classes also have fun in other classes offered by KCA, such as barn hunt. Agility is a great way to see what a dog can handle and is open to many types of breeds. Currently, KCA’s agility classes have 30 to 40 dog participants. The breeds participating in agility vary, with chihuahuas participating and dogs up to 100 pounds getting involved as well. Willow, Kelly’s dog, is an all-American border collie cross. Willow was dumped at the bluffs on Panorama Drive. She was 11 months old at the time and Kelly saved her. Now, Willow is talented in agility and does well on the courses. Another four-legged member of the agility classes of KCA is Jodie, a border collie mix. Jodie’s human counterpart, Priscilla

Baley, a Pembroke Welsh corgi, climbs the A-frame.

PHOTO BY MAXINE KLEIN

Latte, a miniature poodle, jumps over an obstacle.

PHOTO BY SHERRY KELLY

Sasha, a boxer, navigates the weave poles.

PHOTO BY SHERRY KELLY

Nouey, a Tibetan terrier, races out of the tunnels.

Schultz, began taking Jodie to agility training to calm her down. “Jodie needed something to blow off steam,” Schultz said. “She’s smart and needs lots of attention.” Schultz, now retired, was a teacher with Bakersfield City Schools. She said that Jodie would be bored while Schultz would grade papers. Schultz knew Jodie needed something where she could exercise and use her brain. Jodie was also rescued and is very people shy. Schultz said that KCA has helped Jodie with socialization and she wins titles in agility. Kelly said that dogs and owners alike can learn many different things in agility classes. “The dogs get exercise and learn better communication with their owners,” she said. “We want people to do something with their dogs and it’s great for dogs and people too.” To learn more about agility classes and other classes offered by KCA, visit kerncanineactivities.com bakersfieldlife.com

HOME AND GARDEN

The majority of energy costs generally come from the cooling and heating system, so look at ways to reduce usage or maximize efficiency in that area.

SUMMER ENERGY SAVINGS Stay cool, save money By Gregory D. Cook

ith Bakersfield’s hot summer months just around the corner, the season of higher power bills is almost

upon us. For most homeowners, the power bill is the second-largest expense in owning a home, after the mortgage payments. The electricity flowing into your home is normally measured, and billed, in the form of kilowatt hours. Simply put, a kilowatt hour represents 1,000 watts of power flowing through the wires for one hour. One kilowatt hour can keep a 100-watt light bulb shining for 10 hours, a 50” plasma TV playing your favorite show for about two hours 60

Bakersfield Life Magazine

April 2015

or a central air-conditioning unit blowing cool air for around 20 minutes. Under Pacific Gas and Electric’s current rate schedule, the price for one kilowatt hour starts out at around $.16, which may not seem like a lot, but when you consider that the average residential customer in Bakersfield burns through over 700 kilowatt hours per month, and often much more in the summer, energy costs can start to add up quickly. Fortunately, there are a number of ways to lessen energy usage and get the most for your energy dollar.

THE HIGH PRICE OF STAYING COOL “A majority of energy costs generally come from the cooling and heating system,” explained PG&E’s Katie Allen, a corporate relations representative. “So it’s always a good idea to look at ways to reduce usage or maximize efficiency in that area.” Thermostat control can often be the first step in saving energy costs. “Three

PHOTO BY GREGORY D. COOK

Lifestyles

to 5 percent more energy is used for each degree the air conditioner is set below 78 degrees,” said Allen. Keeping the air-conditioner maintained is also an important step in saving energy. “A lot of people go without servicing their equipment until something goes wrong,” said Greg Flanagan of Econoair. “The dirtier it is, the harder it is to transfer the heat to the outside, so the more it costs to operate.” Of course, few things last forever, and at some point, it may be a better option to replace an old air-conditioning unit with a more efficient one. Most manufacturers recommend replacement at around the 15-year point, as older motors and compressors begin to lose efficiency and newer technologies become available. Air-conditioning units are rated for their seasonal energy efficiency ratio, which measures the unit’s cooling output and divides that by the amount of energy required to run it. “So if you have 20-year-old equipment that’s eight SEER, if you replace it

with a 16-SEER system, it’s going to cost you half as much to operate,” explained Flanagan.

THE POWER OF THE SUN Supplementing some of a home’s energy requirements with solar power can also be a way to reduce energy bills, but there are a few things that potential buyers should keep in mind. “The biggest thing to know about solar is that leasing is a joke,” advised Flanagan. “When you look at the amount of bank interest, you wind up paying two to three times the amount you would pay and you don’t even own the system.” That lack of ownership can also lead to the homeowner missing out on the tax credits – up to 30 percent of the system’s cost – associated with upgrading to a solar system. That, combined with issues surrounding selling a home with a leased solar system, or even maintain-

ing the roof beneath it, can lead to headaches that can be avoided by financing the system personally. A little prior planning can go a long way when deciding on the size of a solar system. “A lot of companies push 100 percent systems, and you may not need that down the road,” said Flanagan. “Say you have a couple kids that are going to go off to college in a couple years. Your energy requirements are going to drop, so you can save a lot of money on your system if plan ahead.”

TOOLS TO CONTROL YOUR BILL To encourage its customers to use only the electricity they need, PG&E uses a four-tiered usage system to determine the cost of each kilowatt hour of energy. As the amount of energy a home uses increases, so does the cost of additional kilowatt hours, until the price at tier four is nearly double the

price it was at the base level, and they also offer some tools to help homeowners stay in the lower tiers. “For Kern County residents, the free Home Energy Tune-Up Program is a great resource,” explained Allen. “A free home assessment is done and specific recommendations are made by a certified energy expert that are tailored to each unique situation.” The program was originated in Fresno but is also offered to residents of Kern County. More information can be found at cvetu.com. Additionally, Energy Upgrade California is a statewide program that offers rebates up to $6,500 when you make energy-saving improvements in your home. And PG&E’s Home Money Saver Web page provides guides and information on rebates and incentives for common measures like insulation, pool pumps, HVAC equipment, appliances and more. These and other resources can be found by visiting pge.com.

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Go & Do

E N T E R TA I N M E N T

THE END IS ONLY THE BEGINNING ‘Varekai’ continues story of well-known myth through drama, acrobatics By Mark Nessia

ometimes the roads we take in life lead to unexpected turns. Do we follow them or forge our own paths? Waking up in a strange land surrounded by mysterious creatures, a young man must rediscover himself, embrace his new situation and let go of the past. This is “Varekai.” “Varekai” is a production of Cirque du Soleil, which will be coming to Rabobank Arena for the first time April 1 through 5. A word meaning “wherever” in the language of the gypsies, “Varekai” tells the story of Icarus’ rise from his infamous fall.

THE STORY Ignoring his father’s words, Icarus flew too close to the sun and his wax wings melted. He plummeted toward the earth, but his story didn’t end there. Icarus lands in a lush forest at the summit of a volcano – the land of Varekai. Unable to fly and unable to walk, Icarus must rediscover himself and decide whether or not to accept his new fate.

“Varekai” April 1, 2, 3: 7:30 p.m. April 4: 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. April 5: 1:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. Rabobank Arena, 1001 Truxtun Ave. Tickets range from $35-$150, available at ticketmaster.com or 852-7309 cirquedusoleil.com/varekai

“Varekai” revolves around four main characters: Icarus, The Promise, The Guide and The Skywatcher. Icarus is captivated by The Promise’s sensual beauty upon meeting her. She becomes his guiding light while he, with the help of The Guide and The Skywatcher, becomes the catalyst for her metamorphosis. But they are not alone. 62

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Cirque du Soleil comes to Bakersfield for the first time ever with “Varekai,” which continues the myth of Icarus after his infamous fall. April 2015

PHOTO BY BENOIT CAMIRAND

THE CHARACTERS

Fun facts Cirque du Soleil currently has 18 shows, nine resident shows (eight in Las Vegas, one in Orlando) and nine touring shows. “Varekai” first premiered in Montreal in 2002 and has visited more than 65 cities in over 18 countries. The cast consists of 50 performers spanning 19 nationalities. There are 330 poles that make up the enchanted forest of Varekai and another eight “acrobatic poles” that are made out of 100 percent carbon fiber. Approximately 60 loads of laundry are done per week. “Varekai” visited 44 cities in 2014, driving 450,000 miles and booking 29,260 hotel rooms. Cast and crew consume an average of 50 pineapples per week.

Varekai is a living, breathing environment inhabited by over 60 unique creatures. Each has a name and each has a purpose.

THE ACTS Cirque du Soleil is known for its fusion of drama and acrobatics and “Varekai” is no exception. The show features over a dozen acts, some of which have never been seen before in the Cirque world. Designed specifically for “Varekai,” the “Flight of Icarus” is a performance that combines agility, deftness and sensitivity, as Icarus tries to escape the net that holds him captive. “Varekai” also features a single-point trapeze act and a swing-to-swing performance on Russian swings – acts not seen in any other Cirque show. A brand-new synchro-tumbling act may also make its debut in Bakersfield. “It’s a way to keep the show fresh and exciting and to elevate the levels of acrobatics,” Artistic Director Fabrice Lemire said. “The show is almost 13 years old. You have to keep it fresh so it can continue to live today.”

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THE MUSIC Composer Violaine Corradi combines the sounds of Hawaiian ritual, 11th century troubadours, traditional Armenian melodies, and gospel music performed by a seven-piece band and two vocalists (one male, one female) to transport the audience to a completely different universe. “The music is as rich as the costumes,” Lemire said.

THE EXPERIENCE The story of “Varekai” is what audience members make of it. It is open to interpretation and accessible to anybody. Some go for the acrobatics, others look at the main story, and some will get the deeper message and layers hidden within the show. “We have a show within a show,” Lemire said. “We have an easy plot to understand, but we feed the plot with different layers of information that the audience can seek and interpret how they want. “What I love about the story is it’s the way you should see life. It’s a lesson to the ego. (Icarus) can be anybody.”

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Go & Do

TRIP PLANNER

Mike and Evie Shamoon swam with stingrays, snorkeled with tropical fish and petted a shark during their Caribbean cruise.

Bakersfield Life Magazine

April 2015

7 REASONS WHY A CARIBBEAN CRUISE IS A MUST Food, shopping, sightseeing and more Story and photos by Mike and Evie Shamoon

his past January, my wife and I were fortunate enough to cruise the eastern Caribbean as part of our honeymoon. We both love going to the beach and enjoying warm weather, so this was perfect for us.

WINTER MONTHS ARE OPTIMAL While most people are wearing layers to stay warm, shorts and T-shirts are the norm in the Caribbean, with its warm and usually dry weather. It is a great time to get out of the cold and into the warm, clear waters.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT CRUISE LINE There are so many different cruise lines, and each has its specialties. We chose Hol-

Cruises allow passengers to visit different islands and countries.

land America Line for its great hospitality and fairly low guest count. Friendliness and attention to detail is what they strive for, from everyone saying “hi” when passing by, to the cute animals folded from towels left on our bed. The customer service is above anything we have experienced before.

Friendliness and attention to detail is what Holland America Line strives for, from everyone saying “hi” when passing by to the cute animals folded from towels left on guests' beds.

THINGS TO DO ABOARD Staying on the same ship for seven days or longer can cause some to go wild of

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Continued from page 65 boredom. Luckily there is plenty offered. Whether you want to just relax by the pool all day or see a musical, there are options for everyone. Most of our time was spent either lying out in the sun or exploring the different entertainment options.

ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT FOOD If you love to eat like we do, there are many options to fill your appetite. Food is served nearly 24/7 and includes everything from small snacks to four-course meals at a five-star restaurant. With food to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters, and the majority of it being included in the cruise price, you are sure not to go hungry.

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The best part about cruising is visiting different islands and having once-in-a-lifetime experiences. We swam with stingrays, snorkeled with tropical fish and even petted a shark. Crystal clear waters allowed us to use our GoPro camera to capture great pictures and videos.

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VISITING DIFFERENT ISLANDS With visiting different islands and countries, we were able to take in different cultures. Puerto Rico had a great vibe and amazing food! St. Maarten had great weather, beautiful waters and luxury shopping. Half Moon Cay had a lot of fun activities and an amazing beach to relax on.

SHOPPING Another reason to go on a Caribbean cruise is because of all the shopping options! The majority of places had discounted retails compared to the U.S. on items like watches, diamonds and even alcohol. A great advantage to cruise shopping is some islands do not charge sales tax.

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The Stiers’ massive backyard features a free-form fresh water pool, over 300 palm trees, lounge area and an elevated tee box overlooking the Bakersfield Country Club golf course.

FIVE-STAR BACK Proud locals share backyard retreats with resort appeal By Diana Greenlee Photos by Mark Nessia

ne of the nicest parts of any vacation is returning to the comforts of home. But some Bakersfield residents have figured out a way to have the best of both worlds, constructing backyard retreats reflecting their own personalities and styles. This month, local residents invited us in to take a look at their innovative, aweinspiring outdoor escapes.

Bakersfield Life Magazine

April 2015

Whether a tropical vacation beckons or an outing in a national park, these locals have created striking environments conducive to rest, relaxation and entertaining.

CATHI AND MIKE STIER The palatial estate of Cathi and Mike Stier, owners of Barry’s RV, is built on a double lot tucked into a pocket of the winding, inclined streets of Bakersfield Country Club. Their oversized backyard sits on the sixth hole and

boasts an elevated tee box above the golf cart garage, perfect for viewing the course, practicing long drives or betting. A free-form freshwater pool and spa sits nestled in a grove of over 300 palm trees, with eye-catching turquoise tile that enhances the sparkle and clarity of the water and matching chaise lounges. Hundreds of flowers and plants cover the landscape, and a fire pit, perfect for roasting marshmallows, is located nearby. A hammock invitingly

YARD RETREATS hangs in the shade for a lazy afternoon nap. An outdoor restroom with a sauna is just a few steps away from the magnificent pool, which features a custom shallow end designed with future grandchildren in mind, according to Cathi. The couple has a collection of bronze statues, including a life-size bull, a symbol of their German surname. On the east side of the property, the winter patio is a cozy haven for enjoying a toasty fire and watching television. A few steps away, a summer patio with a kitchen and bar provides optimal accommodations for full-scale

entertaining, including an area for a speaker, performer or for dancing when they host political or charity events. Changing the many light bulbs is Mike’s biggest pet peeve.

VIRGINIA AND ED CHILDRES When Virginia and Ed Childres want to get away from it all, they don’t need to go far. A step into their backyard is a walk in the park. A free-form pool with crystal-clear water is set against a breathtaking backdrop of furrowed rolling hills, peppered with wildflowers and views of Kern River and Lake Ming.

“The yard was designed to be like a national park,” said Virginia, 62. She said her architect husband, Ed, 60, used river rock acquired from the pool excavation throughout the yard, including on pillars and facade on the back of the house. The rustic pool house was modeled after public restrooms but with an upscale feel. A pathway sweeping toward the rear of the three-quarter acre lot leads to a step-down semi-private lounging area with wooden Adirondack chairs and a rock fireplace. Virginia, a local teacher, said the secluded seating offers an extra measure of privacy.

Continued on page 70

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Continued from page 69 In keeping with the national park theme, the couple has horseshoe pits, grass for mini golf and a dartboard. The pool is shallow at both ends for volleyball, with a large step for little ones to wade. Neutral-toned tiles and blue and brown gel coating mimic a natural body of water. The landscape enhances the illusion. The couple chose drought-tolerant native vegetation, including eyecatching eastern redbud trees and several species of oak. A quiet stillness pervades the atmosphere broken only by wildlife stirring. It’s a short walk to nirvana. Said the teacher, “We call this Childres Retreat.”

TRICIA AND BRANDON EATON Stepping into the backyard of Tricia and Brandon Eaton is like slipping away for an exotic vacation.

The free-form saltwater pool features a beach entry designed with a two-toned pebble tech and gemstone finish, mimicking the tint of a Fijian sand and surf. The pool has a cave for added privacy and a stairway to an inconspicuous tube-shaped slide jutting out of the rocks. Looking fresh out of the jungle, an enormous concrete Tiki statue with acid stain stands guard at the top of the steps. Two gentle waterfalls pour over rugged boulders – many from local areas such as Keene, Cuyama and San Emidio – but those created by the Eatons, owners of Cascade Pool and Spa, for safety and design purposes are indistinguishable from the native rocks. Lush greenery punctuates the landscape and the sights and sounds provide a relaxing tropical ambiance that feels like an island getaway. The adjacent spa and decking are built with flagstone and stamped concrete and are situated next to a full kitchen with granite counters, a gas barbecue and Evo grill, perfect for an

A pathway sweeping toward the rear of the Childres’ threequarter acre lot leads to a step-down semi-private lounging area with wooden Adirondack chairs and a rock fireplace. 70

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April 2015

The Childres’ free-form pool with crystalclear water is set against a breathtaking backdrop of furrowed rolling hills, peppered with wildflowers and views of Kern River and Lake Ming.

outdoor breakfast on a cool spring morning. Room service is the only thing missing.

WENDY AND MIKE HORACK Wendy and Mike Horack, owners of Mike’s Fencing Inc., created their own backyard oasis with a rustic feel of a mountain resort. They added 600 square feet to their patio, which faces the 18th hole of the RiverLakes golf course, altering their hip roof to a gable. The rich beamed cedar ceilings, walnut counters and teakwood cabinets emanate a warm and homey vibe that complements the ledge stone walls in the full outdoor kitchen. The couple installed stainless steel appliances, including a dishwasher, warmer, stove and Evo grill. There’s a gas fireplace and flat-screen television, surrounded by seating with a laid-back feel just right for entertaining. The outdoor kitchen counter is concrete with polished glass, an upscale look rivaling marble, and it’s insanely durable. They opted for highquality turf, which could be easily mistaken for grass. The couple has installed a putting green for practice sessions, a permanent outdoor heater and stamped concrete decking throughout. The Venetian-style freshwater pool was designed with two shallow ends for volleyball since the couple has three high school and six adult children. The Horacks’ backyard is the perfect blend of craftsmanship and style.

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Enhance your home’s charm in small ways over time

By Anna C. Smith

to add authentic character to any space. We spoke with local interior designer Robert Moseley of House of Moseley, and Daniel Cater, an architectural designer at BAR Architects, a San Francisco firm. Moseley states that he is inspired when designing his clients’ homes by his world travels that allowed him to personally experience original works of art and varied architecture. Inspired by his time studying abroad in Copenhagen, Denmark, Cater learned to incorporate human-scaled design into developments of any size. Cater is especially proud to have recently worked on behalf of BAR to complete the design of 17th Place, a luxury urban town home project in his hometown of Bakersfield; the development is scheduled to open next year.

esign is local, emotional and personal. As Frank Lloyd Wright once said, “I never design a building before I’ve seen the site and met the people who will be using it.” Adding style and character to your home may seem like a luxury reserved for the rich and famous. However, Bakersfield Life spoke with two design experts who disagree with this sentiment. Our experts were tasked with sharing their favorite approaches to add character to a home. Many of these tips do not require a design overhaul but rather a slow progression of layering memories and moments over time, which many say is the best way



Moseley explains that it is important to incorporate into any space existing items with meaning, such as furniture or artwork, that have been handed down for generations. A space will feel too cold and stark if impersonal. Cater adds that a home should celebrate the story of the family that lives in it. As an example, 72

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April 2015



Daniel was raised by parents who are both mathematicians, and his favorite objects in his family home are the multitude of cardboard mathematical models his father has constructed and thoughtfully displayed. These models add character and authentic charm that have deep meaning to Daniel and his family.

Moseley says, “Lighting is everything!” He suggests dressing windows to let light in. Moseley says that lighting is not always necessarily a fixture, and lighting is best done with a layered approach. Cater adds that natural light has the ability to elevate a space in remarkable ways. While in Denmark, Cater observed the Danish tradition of lighting candles in windows through the long, cold winter months as a way of creating an atmosphere of “hygge” (pronounced “hooga” and meant to convey coziness, warm ambiance and well-being).

Molding in all its forms – including cove, crown, casing, batten and baseboard – is a great way to add architectural interest to any room, Moseley states.

Moseley encourages the use of wallpaper to add character. Wallpaper’s use on ceilings, in bathrooms or on an accent wall, can enhance the entire feel of a room, he says. Wallpaper allows a family’s own personality to shine through in the home they create. Ceiling wallpaper is one of Moseley’s favorite tricks for big impact when on a budget.

Drapery can make a huge impact in a room, explains Moseley. Drapery can add softness, texture and pattern to a space and can visually connect the floor to the ceiling.

Cater thinks it is important to include tactile furnishings with varied textures that have a quality feel for a room to exude character.

Cater loves older homes because of the rich use of materials and level of detailing. This intensity of craft is rarely exhibited in newer homes but can be mimicked by following many of the tips listed above.

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PHOTO BY MARK NESSIA

Noel Lohrâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cabin in Bear Valley Springs.

N O T Y O U R TY P ICA L LI TTLE H O U S ES O N TH E P RA I RIE Compiled by Bakersfield Life

Bakersfield Life Magazine

April 2015

e’ve come a long way from the four-wall, one room and dirt floor cabins of pioneering days. No longer stacks of logs slapped together with mud and cow pies, modern log homes hold a special “awe factor.” Owners spend years crafting the perfect design, deciding what types of logs they will have shipped in, what size, how they want them to fit together — will it be chinking or no? What color stain will we use? Will we accent with river rock? What about adding brick? How many thousands of square feet will we need to host friends and family? Mouths drop open and eyes fixate when passing these beautifully crafted havens. They seem like year-round vacations. For owners, though, the constant upkeep and headaches of protecting the logs from sun, bug or woodpecker damage and the extensive upkeep of their homes cast a bit of a shadow over that romantic ideal. Still, the following owners of log homes in Kern County say it’s all worth it. The beauty and majesty of the logs, the rustic nature of the home that hearkens back to our country’s beginnings and the opportunity to live a bit more secluded are what make these log homes truly unique retreats.

S ECLU D ED H O LLO W

Noel C. Lohr, 49, never thought she would own a log home, but she fell in love with a rustic, woodsy cabin in Bear Valley Springs, just 15 minutes outside of Tehachapi. “This special house stole my heart the moment I saw it,” Lohr said. “I loved the warmth of the wood and the uniqueness of the design. It is a one-of-a-kind home.” Lohr bought the home from the original owner and builder. Her favorite features are the large deck and openconcept design, oh, and the gourmet kitchen. “This home is a both a sanctuary that provides a respite from the stresses of life when needed and a great place to gather family and friends together for food, wine and laughter,” she said. The logs were reclaimed from burned down trees in the Yosemite Valley, and the rustic charm of the home is augmented by the remaining char marks. Some of the logs have been skip-peeled, meaning the hand-peelers skipped over certain parts of the logs when peeling, which has created an eye-catching mix of lighter and darker woods. Lohr cautions that a log home is an investment of not just money, but time to care and maintain. She says her biggest nuisance is the woodpecker that makes it a habit to bore

Continued on page 76

Noel Lohr’s cabin in Bear Valley Springs features a gourmet kitchen. bakersfieldlife.com

PHOTO BY MARK NESSIA

The master bedroom in Noel Lohr’s cabin features a ladder that leads up to her office.

PHOTO BY MARK NESSIA

A custom door made by the original owner as a gift for his wife next to an antique stove current owner Noel Lohr turned into a bar.

home

PHOTO BY MARK NESSIA

Location: Bear Valley Springs, CA Floor plan: Approx. 4,200 square feet; 2 beds, 2 baths, 2 lofts Property: 5.25 acres

Type of logs: Lodgepole pine with chinking Log company: Constructed by a private builder as his own

PHOTO BY CHRISTINE PENNER

The Camps designed their entryway to fit directly next to a natural oak tree. They preserved several of their property's oak trees, not wanting to destroy the natural vegetation.

Continued from page 75 holes in her walls. But she’s happy she chose a log home lifestyle. “It is more of a responsibility to care for this kind of a home, but it can definitely be worth the trouble. It is a true labor of love,” she said.

CAmP gROUNDS Location: Tehachapi, CA Floor plan: 3,000 square feet; 4 beds, 2.5 baths Property: 20 acres Type of logs: Engelmann spruce from British Columbia,

Canada Stain used: Milguard Log company: Pedersen Logsmiths, Inc. in Challis, Idaho

Bakersfield Life Magazine

April 2015

For Diana and Cliff Camp, 57 and 58, building a log home meant connecting to their North American heritage. “We chose to build a log home because we liked the rustic feel and it reminded us of our country’s roots,” Diana said. “We admire the pioneering spirit that settled this nation.” It was also a chance to bond with their children. Diana and their two daughters tied the foundation’s rebar in the dead of winter, and their then 7-year-old son helped the crane operator delicately place each log. Cliff wanted to create something truly unique, and he especially liked large logs. Pedersen Logsmiths, Inc., located in Challis, Idaho, had just what he wanted: hand-peeled Engelmann spruce from Canada with up to 39-inch diameters. “We counted up to 184 rings in some of the logs, dating them back to the Civil War,” Cliff said. Pedersen Logsmiths built the base of the Camp’s log

PHOTO BY CHRISTINE PENNER

A log rocking chair captures the rustic feel of the Camps’ log home.

PHOTO BY CHRISTINE PENNER

Pedersen Logsmiths, Inc. in Challis, Idaho, constructed the base log structure of the Camps’ home in two weeks.

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PHOTO BY COBY WRIGHT

Pine Mountain Inn

“One-of-a-kind luxury log cabin” 1632 Alta Sierra Road Alta Sierra, CA 661-706-1609 cobywright@hotmail.com altasierragetaway.cooprentals .com Features: Sleeps 10 people: Four bedrooms, upstairs loft, beautiful spiral staircase, granite countertops, wrap-

PHOTO COURTESY OF DIANA CHASE

Pine Mountain Inn

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home in Idaho, numbered each log, disassembled them, shipped them out on semi-trucks to Tehachapi, and two of the company’s logsmiths assembled the base structure again on the Camps’ property in two weeks. The rest of the construction process took about three years to complete. The Camps did most of the work themselves, including constructing a solar energy system to power their home. “All in all, we love the many lessons our family learned as we worked to achieve this goal,” Diana said. “The value of hard work and the feeling of accomplishment in creating our home together are remembered each day living here.”

C O U N TRY LI v IN g Location: Wofford Heights, CA

Continued on page 78 bakersfieldlife.com

John and Midori Taylor’s cabin contains original features, like a staircase built from a dead tree found in Long Meadow on the Greenhorn Plateau.

Continued from page 77 Floor plan: Approx. 3,000 square feet; 4 bedrooms, 2.75 bath,

with dining, living room and large open area at guesthouse. Property: 4 acres Type of logs: 12” Lodgepole pine Swedish cope (dead forest

harvested) Stain used: Perma – chink water-based stain (cedar) Log company: Teton Peaks Log Homes in Rigby, Idaho

John and Midori Taylor, wanted a log cabin somewhere in the Kern River Valley area because of its country feel and the people who live there. After searching and looking at many different options, John narrowed it down to a few places and decided to bring the family along to look with them. “When the rest of the family saw this home, they just were so excited – it was pretty much what we had envisioned, with the possible exception of not being alongside the river,” he said. 78

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The split-level house was built by contractor Scott Hinkle, his sons and a few neighbors over a four-year period for original owners Tom and Connie Gilbert. “This place was truly a labor of family love and friendship,” said John. The home contains original features, like a staircase built from a dead tree found in Long Meadow on the Greenhorn Plateau and the hearth for the soapstone stove. The Taylors have installed slate floor in the living room and are in the process of selecting hardwood floors to replace the carpet, but for the most part, everything was to their liking and has remained the same, including the furnishings and Stetson straw hat near their front door. If others are thinking about purchasing a log cabin or want that kind of lifestyle, John encourages them to do it. “For us, it is just wonderful to be in something so connected to nature and really unplug a bit from the daily grind,” he said.

PHOTO BY CASEY CHRISTIE PHOTO BY CASEY CHRISTIE

John and Midori Taylor’s cabin in Wofford Heights is made with 12" lodgepole pine Swedish cope.

PHOTO BY CASEY CHRISTIE

John and Midori Taylor wanted a log cabin somewhere in the Kern River Valley area because of its country feel and the people who live there.

PHOTO BY CASEY CHRISTIE

John and Midori Taylor’s cabin in Wofford Heights is approximately 3,000 square feet with four bedrooms, dining room, living room, guesthouse and more.

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bakersfieldlife.com

How does

your

garden grow? Local nurseries share tips on vegetable, herb, salsa gardening By Diana Greenlee

his time of year, the formidable Bakersfield sun takes on a gentle glow, and folks can enjoy a crisp breeze. It’s time to roam outside and start planting your garden. Bakersfield is an agricultural mecca. Robby’s Nursery manager Kathy Robinson said you’d be hard-pressed to find vegetables or fruits that won’t grow in the Golden State. “We grow practically everything in California,” she said. Planning and soil preparation are vital first steps for any successful garden. Robinson says potted plants need only fertilizer and potting soil, such as Kellogg’s, but for in-ground planting, it’s best to go with a 50-50 mix of mulch and native soil. Eric White, White Forest Nursery vice president of marketing, recommends Harvest Supreme planting mix for inground planting and a “clear slate,” so be sure to nix the weeds. White suggests using Garden Max soil treatment after mulch. “If there’s anything missing in the soil, this (Garden Max) is going to fix that,” he said. Folks need to fertilize all plants and inspect for pests. When selecting plants for a garden, White has a rule of thumb: “I’m looking (to plant) things that are expensive in the (grocery) store or don’t taste as good from the store,” he said.

Vegetable Garden “Veggies are super hungry,” said White. “They need to be fertilized every six to eight weeks.” The VP suggests an organic fertilizer 80

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April 2015

Photos by Mark Nessia

spread directly on the soil. Full sun is advised for vegetable gardens, and taller plants such as those with vines or needing support, like tomatoes, should be placed toward the back of the garden so they don’t block the sun for other plants. A day or two without water in a Bakersfield summer can leave plants wilted or crisp, but folks can mitigate that obstacle with drip lines. “Vegetable gardens are one of the few times I recommend a drip system,” White said. Robinson advises planting coldweather vegetables, such as artichokes, cauliflower, broccoli and cabbage, through March and warm-weather vegetables, such as tomatoes, peppers, squash, cucumbers and watermelon, early in April. Intermittent sowing ensures ongoing crop production. “You can stagger plant your garden so you have them coming up continually,” she said.

Herb Garden Growing herbs will enhance your dishes and also save you some green. Robinson said folks can start herbs in their windowsills but move them into gardens when they begin to mature, as most enjoy full sun. Once they take off, they are “mostly permanent” and will be ready when needed; they can be used for cooking right after clipping or drying. “The taste is stronger if they’re fresh,” she said. White says basil is the most popular herb, followed by oregano. Rosemary can be grown as a shrub and clipped as need-

Continued on page 82

Blueberry plants not only provide delicious blueberries when they bloom, they add color to a garden as well. bakersfieldlife.com

Continued from page 80 ed; thyme and mint are popular options, too, according to Robinson.

Salsa Garden The choice of tomatoes for a salsa garden depends on when you’re making the salsa. Robinson said Celebrities and Romas are great choices for canning, as they come out all at once, but other types produce continually, making them more appropriate for fresh salsa. Robinson said they have 25 or 30 different types of peppers available, with jalapenos high on the list. Pepper choice comes down to how high folks want to turn up the heat. And some like it hot. “Last year we carried a ghost pepper; it’s supposed to be one of the hottest peppers in the world,” said White. “We sold out.” He says peppers are easy to grow, as are cilantro and onions. And don’t discount the mild-mannered bell pepper. White says once they are seared, they are a tasty addition to any salsa.

Bakersfield Life Magazine

April 2015

Robby’s Nursery offers a wide variety of fruit and vegetable plants.

bakersfieldlife.com

How To MAKE YOUR HOME PERFORM FOR YOU! Sponsored by Oasis Air Conditioning

ho doesn’t want more comfort and lower utility bills? Many of us have already made some home improvements to try to achieve that. The problem isn’t what you’ve done but rather what you haven’t done yet. Most houses today lose as much as half of their cooled or heated air because of poor insulation, inefficient heating and cooling systems, leaks in the attic and around the doors and windows. In fact, if you add up all the little cracks and crevices, your house likely has a hole the size of a hula hoop. For most people, the energy bill is the second-largest expense of owning a home, second only to the mortgage payment. With a little knowledge, you have the power to lower your energy costs and create a better home in the process. Home Performance is just one of the tools designed to help improve your home’s comfort, indoor air quality and safety, while lowering your utility cost. Our comfort advis84

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April 2015

Oasis Air Conditioning 1000 East Truxtun Ave., Suite 1 Bakersfield, CA 93305 661-322-2665 www.322cool.com

ers are educated in identifying health and safety issues and give you personalized recommendations to increase your home’s energy efficiency. Also, many local utility companies offer incentives to homeowners who complete energy efficiency improvements. Oasis Air Conditioning is a certified contractor participating in Energy Upgrade California. The first step is to assess how much energy your home consumes and evaluate what measures you can take to make your home more energy efficient. An assessment will show you problems that may, when corrected,

have significant amounts of savings over time. When trying to determine your home’s energy loss, one of the key factors is a duct assessment. By testing your ductwork, we can evaluate the performance of your air conditioning and heating system. Most units are not operating at maximum capacity due to the poorly designed duct system. The cost for corrective measures may seem high, but the long-term effects will bring significant benefits to your health, safety and comfort. There are tax breaks, rebates and incentives available to offset the expense. Oasis Air Conditioning is an approved PACE financing contractor. In conjunction with a home performance assessment, having your equipment serviced regularly will help maintain operating efficiency and increase your home’s comfort while extending the life expectancy of the equipment. Although any mechanical system can break down at any time, having your system serviced may prevent that from happening on the hottest day of the year!

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How To CHOOSE A PAINTING CONTRACTOR Sponsored by Whitestone Painters

ainting the exterior of your home isn’t just about looks; it will also raise the value of your home and protect it from the weather. A fresh coat of paint is one of the best ways to change the look of your home. It can completely alter the way you see your house and leave a strong impression with visitors. Unfortunately, a terrible paint job will do the opposite. Uneven lines, streaks, drips and color inconsistencies will ruin the look of your home. That’s where many inexperienced do-it-yourselfers go wrong. Sometimes, if you want a job done right, it is better to call a pro.

PREVIOUS WORK When looking for a painting contractor, one of the first things to consider is their previous work. It will give you a good indication of the quality you can expect. For exterior paint jobs, ask the contractor for a list of buildings he or she has painted in the past. You can easily inspect his work yourself by visiting the location. A quality paint job should last for several years without showing signs of deterioration. Samples of interior work can be more difficult to review. Paint contractors may offer photos of their previous jobs, but it is usually better to ask your friends and family who painted the interiors of their homes. When you see work you like, try to get contact information for the contractor. You may also get references from realtors or builders in your area, since they have relationships with contractors.

DESIGN HELP The best painting contractors will help you avoid the costly mistake of choosing wrong colors for your home. A shade that is too light, dark or just “off” can ruin an otherwise good paint job. True professionals will be patient with you. They will put several options on the wall so you can decide the best color and sheen. They will develop good relationships with 86

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Whitestone Painters 4100 Easton Drive, Suite 17 661-347-2627 www.whitestonepainters.com

you and an interior designer, if you’ve hired one. Some painters are as good at design as they are at applying the paint, so it helps to find one with these extra skills as you plan your project.

DETAILS Consider all the details before signing a contract.

You should have all the specifications in writing. This contract should include deadlines, along with specifying costs and materials to be used. When you have narrowed your choices down to one or two contractors, ask plenty of questions. Inquire about what kind of insurance policy they carry, who will be doing the work at your home and what kind of preparations need to be made. If they are working on the interior of your home, you will likely need to move or protect your furniture before they arrive for the job. After these questions have been answered satisfactorily, you can be confident you’ve chosen the right painting contractor. Then you can relax while your home gets an updated, fresh new look. — Green Shoot Media

Business Profile

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Bakersfield Hyundai is located at 5300 Wible Road.

BAKERSFIELD HYUNDAI WHAT SETS BAKERSFIELD HYUNDAI APART FROM ANY OTHER NEW CAR DEALER IN BAKERSFIELD? We represent a world-class automobile, but the most important thing is our employees. We have the greatest group of friendly, courteous, competent and motivated people that I’ve seen, and I’ve seen a lot! This group will do almost anything to help our customers, and that makes BH a place people want to Bakersfield Hyundai come to, to do business. Bakersfield Hyundai is a place where people fight 5300 Wible Road to come to work and stay at work. We 661-834-5300 are so fortunate. Because of this Patrick Beck, Operating Partner employee attitude, Bakersfield pbeck@bakersfieldhyundai.com Hyundai is benchmarked by dealers www.bakersfieldhyundai.com and factory personnel from all over the country. Our customer satisfaction index scores and online reputation are consistently in the top 5 percent nationally. Our customers are happy and they tell everybody. Sometimes we make mistakes. When that happens, we own it, we fix it, we apologize and we learn from it. People, process and product are some keys to our success.

YOU SAID YOU LOVE THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY IN BAKERSFIELD. WHY IS THAT? I was speaking mainly about the new car dealers. I was elected to be president of the Greater Bakersfield New Car Dealers Association. I have witnessed firsthand that they 88

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April 2015

want the best for this community, and they are a charitable group of business owners. As a group, they support scores of churches, youth sports, charities and philanthropies. Individually, they are competitive and represent their product lines admirably – all that is good for the local consumer.

SPEAKING OF COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT, WHAT ARE SOME OF THE ORGANIZATIONS YOU SUPPORT? We focus mainly on those organizations near and dear to our customers and employees. If you are a legitimate philanthropy, we try to find a way to help. I believe that giving anonymously is important, so 90 percent of our local philanthropic support goes out that way. Whenever I hear a business owner tell me publicly how much he gives, it makes my heart sink. I don’t think that’s the way it’s supposed to be. I am so grateful to Bakersfield that I feel an obligation to give back.

WHY IS HYUNDAI A WORLDCLASS CAR? Sometimes we make fun of our old reputation. Hyundai was a derogatory term used as a punchline in more than one movie. Today, we have America’s best warranty (10 years/100,000 miles), JD Power No. 1 rating in initial quality, the first manPatrick Beck ufacturer to boast a five-star safety rating, Hyundai is the most fuel-efficient car company, and, oh yeah, we still have the most affordable prices! That’s why.

Business Profile

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

THE VILLAGE AT SEVEN OAKS

uthor Julia H. Gulliver once said, “Let us never be betrayed into saying we have finished our education because that would mean we had stopped growing.” These are profound words that have great meaning. At The Village at Seven Oaks Assisted Living and Memory Care, under construction at 4301 Buena Vista Road, we will be redefining senior living in Bakersfield. Regardless of age, the opportunity to learn new things, to broaden one’s horiThe Village at zons, is an important part of a healthy Seven Oaks lifestyle. Frontier Management, LLC A brand-new community designed 4301 Buena Vista Road for both assisted living and memory 661-837-1337 care, we know that there is more to prowww.villageatsevenoaks.com gramming than bingo and scenic rides. Too much of what is available to seniors today focuses on a perceived notion of what you “can’t do.” Although unintentional, the reality shows this to be true. By incorporating a program based in 90

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Montessori principles, we challenge those who will choose The Village at Seven Oaks to be engaged in their lives, to be adventurous and to rethink what senior living can be. Engaging our minds and challenging our intellects support a more vital presence and, simply put, it’s just plain fun. You’ve always wanted to learn more about that song that should have been written, you know exactly what it should have been. You have strong opinions about democracy and yearn for more knowledge about this uniquely American form of government. That special author that paints a picture with words, hear her speak about the journey that brought the story to life. The Village at Seven Oaks believes that now is your time. By bringing a form of continuing education into the retirement setting, our goal is to redefine the “old school” identity of senior living. We’re not satisfied to “think outside the box;” we are throwing the box away. Every day we learn new ways that we can enhance how we age, ways to minimize the impacts of aging on the body and how we can improve the lives of those living with cognitive impairment by exercising our brains. When something as simple as this can contribute so much to a healthier life, the choice is simple. We’re often asked if it can really be different. Our answer? Yes. It can be different. Let us show you how! If you would like to get more information about reserving your apartment at The Village at Seven Oaks, please call 837-1337 today.

Now Accepting Reservations A new option in senior living is coming to Bakersfield, where every service is designed to support your independence and well being. You will find extraordinary life enrichment programming, innovative supportive health services, and a refreshing concept for Assisted Living and Memory Care.

Special rates for Early Depositors reserve your apartment today. It can be different...we can show you how!

Sales Office Now Open at 4301 Buena Vista Road RCFE License Pending

(661) 837-1337 villageatsevenoaks.com

Business Profile

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Rick and Ernie Montoya

BSW ROOFING & SOLAR

akersfield natives Ernie and Rick Montoya are proudly carrying on a legacy started by their father and mother over 70 years ago. As the proprietors of BSW Roofing & Solar, the brothers are now at the helm of a company that was started in 1942. “Rick and I came into it shortly after college in 1973,” explained Ernie. “My father asked, ‘Would you boys like to lose a little BSW Roofing & Solar baby fat and load roofs for a sum4 P St. mer?’ and we’ve been here ever since.” 661-327-7663 At that point, the business was www.bswroofing.com primarily a roofing service and supply, but over the years it has expanded into insulation, gutters and solar. Even though both brothers were business majors in college, they both acknowledge that there was no better teacher than the experience their father gave them. “He started us out with all the grunt work, just the dirtiest there was,” said Ernie. “We had gone to school for business, but we had never put it into use the way he did.” “Practical experience is 100 percent more valuable than book-learned experience,” added Rick. 92

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While the technology behind roofing has changed over the years – pneumatic nail guns replace hammers and new materials have taken the place of shake shingles – both brothers credit their success to the core principles they learned when first starting out. “Solar has had a positive effect on our business, because almost all the panels that are applied on homes today go on the roof and 97 percent of all solar failures are roof leaks,” said Ernie. “If you’re considering solar, do yourself a favor call BSW Roofing & Solar, we will find your best option.” “I know you’ve heard it a thousand times,” said Rick. “But customer satisfaction is absolutely the most critical aspect of our business. You don’t stick around over 70 years unless you have totally delighted your customers.” And just what is it that keeps a person doing the same job for over 40 years? “For me, what keeps me coming in each day is the people I work with,” said Ernie. “I work with the best and most knowledgeable people in the roofing industry.” The brothers take pride in building their company from the inside, promoting their employees up the ranks the same way they learned the business. “The guy that sells your roof was probably installing roofs five to 10 years ago,” said Rick. “He’s not just a salesman.” “We live and work here also and it’s important for us to be able to say hello to our customers at the grocery store,” said Ernie. “We couldn’t do that if we weren’t proud of what we do.”

Kern County’s “Best” Roofing & Solar Company

We Have A Better Idea 327-ROOF

Our Showroom is open M-F 8-5, Sat. 8-12 #4 P Street, Bakersfield, CA Lic # 828481 www.bswroofing.com www.facebook.com/bswroofing

Business Profile

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Mike George, owner of Agape Mortage (NMLS #226626).

AGAPE MORTGAGE

national company. If our bank does not have the necessary program, we can also broker loans. This gives our families the choices necessary to achieve their goals.

SO, YOU NEED A HOME LOAN?

WHAT DOES GETTING “PRE-APPROVED” MEAN?

Agape Mortgage can help. Mike and Shari George opened Agape Mortgage over a decade ago to help people with the process for a home loan. Their tagline is “Serving Others.”

This is the opportunity for us to review employment, income, assets and credit history so that you have the confidence that when you start looking for a home, you know that you qualify for the loan that is necessary to purchase it. We also coach our clients in things they can do to improve their opportunity to be approved. Whereas employment and income are very important in the approval process, credit will play a big part. We advise on how to address current credit lines, as well as how to approach any adverse credit issues they may have. Getting pre-approved is essential before looking for a home so that you don’t find the home of your dreams only to find out that you do not qualify.

WHY THE MORTGAGE BUSINESS?

Agape

We wanted to help people through the process of achieving the American dream of home ownership. We try to provide the best possible information so they can make the best decision for them and their families. Mortgage

5001 California Ave., Suite 200 661-324-2427 www.agapemtgco.com

WHAT TYPES OF LOANS DO YOU DO?

We have conventional, FHA, USDA, jumbo as well as VA for those who provide the freedoms we have in this great country. We also have some great down payment assistance programs for those who need a little help. We do loans for a new purchase, vacation home, investment property and refinancing anywhere in California.

Sierra Pacific Mortgage Company, Inc. dba Agape Mortgage, NMLS #1788. Licensed in California by the CADBO/RMLA #417-0015 under the Residential Mortgage Lending Act. Equal Housing Lender.

WHY SHOULD SOMEONE USE AGAPE MORTGAGE? We are a locally owned and operated branch of Sierra Pacific Mortgage Company, Inc. – one of the largest mortgage bankers in the nation. We can provide the personal touch – by being local – with the support and competitive programs of a 94

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SHOULD YOU REFINANCE? To make the decision to refinance depends on the goals and objectives of the clients. If they are trying to lower their interest rate or reduce the term of their loan, it still has to make sense. For instance if they have recently refinanced, they may not have enjoyed the savings they planned on versus the cost of the first refinance in such a short amount of time. We look at refinancing as you would any other investment. You want to achieve a good “return on investment” as there is a definite cost of refinancing, whether it is added to your loan or absorbed in the rate that is quoted. Also, if you are taking equity out of your home to pay other debts, you have to remember that you are taking short-term (one to five years) debt to long-term debt (15 to 30 years). We will assist you with this decision-making process to make sure you thoroughly understand all of the numbers and how they impact your budget.

SFIELD CALIF OR

2014

AN NI

FAVORITE RE

E R S’

CH O IC E

Mike George

Allyn Medeiros

Diane Barnett

NMLS#226626

NMLS#214606

NMLS#1022364

Visit Us At: www.agapemtgco.com

661-324-2427

5001 California Ave. Suite 200, Bakersfield, CA 93309 Sierra Pacific Mortgage Company, Inc. dba Agape Mortgage. License by the Dept. of Business Oversight under the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act. License #8171169 • Branch NMLS #354349

People & Community

B A K E R S F I E L D M AT T E R S

Jerry Castillo, left, and Darrel Kosinski, right, stack frozen turkeys that were dropped off by the public in dowtown Bakersfield during the Volunteer Center of Kern County and KGET annual holiday food drive.

PHOTO BY DAN OCAMPO

By Lisa Kimble

VOLUNTEER FOR THE SELF OF IT Take some time off social media, do some real-time working for common good through volunteerism

n the eve of National Volunteer Month, I am reminded of one of my favorite quotes from theologian and philosopher Albert Schweitzer: “Wherever you turn, you can find someone who needs you. Even if it is a little thing, do something for which there is no pay but the privilege of doing it. Remember, you don’t live in a world all of your own.” Were he on social media today, those words might very well drown in a sea of selfies or hashtags. Not just during the month of April, but year-round, why not take a break from the daily grind and stress by swapping out some Facebook and Twitter time for real-time working for the common good? The word “philanthropy” is often misunderstood, considered by some to be a blue-blood sport of the affluent. While many people are content to give with their checkbooks, nonprofits are dependent, too, on those willing to give of their time and talent. Consider these impressive numbers: According to the U.S. Bureau of 96

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Labor Statistics, about 62.8 million people volunteered through or for an organization at least once between September 2013 and the 12 months after. That’s about 8.1 billion hours clocked to a wide variety of organizations, says the Corporation for National and Community Service. In the last 25 years, the number of volunteers has increased by 60 percent. Baby boomers are 40 percent more likely to give a hand than the same age group was in 1989. Don’t think there is any real economic worth to all this? Think again. The value of a volunteer hour stood at $22.55 during 2013, according to a report from Independent Sector in Washington, D.C. The amount was 79 cents higher in California and well above the national minimum wage. That calculates to more than $173 billion. Locally, the Volunteer Center of Kern County, a centralized clearinghouse since 1972, estimates its thousands of volunteers in its database provide some $78 million worth of volunteer services here annually and are vital to agencies’ existence. “Although the

economy seems to be on an upswing, the funding streams for many nonprofits has dried up, forcing them to scale back on employees even though the demand for services is rising,” said Brenda Ratliff, executive director of Volunteer Center of Kern County. The local center counts among its volunteer workforce young students to those 55 and older, some of whom are well into their 80s and 90s. Beyond the fiscal rewards, there are the proven health benefits of being a do-gooder as well. From lowering blood pressure, extending lifespans, greater happiness and sense of self-worth, to lessening depression, the giving of oneself is a win-win proposition. “Those who volunteer are healthier and have a more positive outlook. The aren’t compensated monetarily, but their reward comes from helping to address the needs of the community,” Ratliff added. “Older volunteers live longer. We have also found that the people in the Court Referral/Community Service program like that they are now part of the solution instead of being part of a problem.” With more than 3,500 nonprofits in Kern County, the need is great, especially with older programs aiming to connect with younger volunteers through social networking. “It is also important for parents to instill this in their children so they can continue a legacy,” Ratliff emphasized. “A switch doesn’t just go off one day.” Maybe not, but the need to be appreciated is universal, and it is hard to beat the feeling of being valued in some way. So from soup kitchens to litter removal, as Schweitzer suggested, look outside the protective walls of your own insular world and ask yourself, whom can you help and how? Don’t know where Lisa Kimble to start? Contact the Volunteer Center of Kern County at 395-9787 or visit volunteercenter.info.

FA M I LY V E R D I C T

Story and photos by Katy Raytis

CLEAN HOUSE OR DIE TRYING When it comes to springcleaning, mom never wins

pring-cleaning was easier before I gave birth to three small hoarders. Last weekend, we cleaned out the playroom. I filled three garbage bags with old Happy Meal toys. Happy Meals might be like hoarder training. I’m not even talking about the 400 plastic SpongeBobs and Ninja Turtles I had to throw out. My kids won’t even throw away the box because it has riddles on one side and a maze on the other. Spring didn’t always involve hauling mountains of plastic, made-inChina treasure to the trash. Long ago, the spring agenda centered on bikini shopping instead of Lego organizing. I don’t even know if there was springcleaning then, unless you count cleaning the orange stripes on my body where the self-tanning cream made me look like a dirty zebra. Then, the hoarders were born. Now spring-cleaning is a matter of survival. I’m not talking about cleaning the house in general. I’m talking about cleaning the playroom. There is a real risk of being crushed in an avalanche of Play-Doh tubs, plastic jewelry and Hello Kitty accessories. I’m amazed that a sinkhole hasn’t formed. It doesn’t seem possible that the earth’s crust could support the weight of all the stuff that gets jammed into that room. I don’t know how my kids got the hoarding gene, but it wasn’t from me. I have a distinct childhood memory of happily throwing away my favorite Barbie after my little sisters cut off all her hair so they could make an Annie Lennox doll. Sadly, my kids didn’t inherit the “I can throw out a bald/headless/armless Barbie” gene. In fairness, the messy playroom may not be the kids’ fault. They have

no money and they can’t drive, so they are somewhat limited in their ability to accumulate stuff. Perhaps it’s a teeny bit mom’s fault. And a lot bit grandma’s fault. I used to have the kids help when it came to playroom cleaning. That might top the list of stupid mom ideas. Having the kids as part of Team Clean requires spending hours explaining why we don’t have to save every broken crayon in the bottom of the drawer, or keep the robot dog that is missing two legs or never part with the empty nail polish bottle (notwithstanding that it has a sparkly residue inside). Turns out, persuasive reasoning doesn’t work on a 6-year-old hoarder. The bright side to playroom cleaning may be that it can extend your life. At least it can make it feel like your life has been extended. My mom tells me to treasure the time when my kids are young because it flies by so quickly. Here’s a secret: Time doesn’t fly by when you are scraping bubble gum off of a Lalaloopsy dollhouse. Time moves very slowly. If I ever get diagnosed with a terminal illness, I am going to clean the playroom every day and it will feel like I’m living forever. The good news is that the playroom did, in fact, get cleaned. Sadly, the “clean” part only lasted about 45 minutes. By the time I was done hauling Happy Meal bags to the trash, the room had already started filling up again. We seem to have a magical playroom where toys replicate faster than hangers in a closet. So begins our new cycle of junk accumulation. Bring on the birthday parties, the goodie bags, the Easter eggs. Our playroom is open for business, ready to absorb every ounce of sparkly pink Katy Raytis plastic within an 80-mile radius. And next spring, when I’m wading through Toy Mountain, time will slow once more. That’s my secret to living forever.

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People & Community

PERSONALITY

LANDSCAPE BUSINESS A PLEASURE TO SEE Business owner Olga See turns longtime love of landscaping into career By Diana Greenlee

“

lga See said she turned her brown thumb green and transformed a hobby into a booming business. Her company, Oh-SeeEm-Bloom offers full-service landscaping and includes a nursery. See, 64, said her fascination with gardening began when she lived in Southern California. “It really started in Long Beach,” she said. “Take a twig and stick it in the ground, and it will sprout there.” Hailing from Namibia, South Africa, See’s retained a subtle British accent, though she’s been in the U.S. for almost 40 years. She called Louisiana and Missippi home for three years before heading west to Bakersfield. The trilingual entrepreneur attended the International Business College in Cape Town, South Africa, and worked for Tenneco Oil in Bakersfield. But See, the consummate nurturer, sought certified nursing assistant training at Bakersfield Adult School and went to work at Memorial Hospital; she had planned to pursue an RN degree but a back injury ended that career. “I was really disappointed,” she said. A couple of years later, See moved to Long Beach where she started an African import business, selling gifts and decorative items. When she moved back to Bakersfield a decade later, she brought the business. Thereafter, an economic downturn put the kabbash on the company.

We can show people the way they can have an attractive, flowing garden without cacti and lava rock. There are a lot of plants that have low water usage.

— Olga See

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April 2015

“In 2000, the whole gift industry declined,” she said. “I closed the business.” Unbeknownst to See, the seeds of her new venture had already taken root years before, when she tackled her own landscaping. She did the research and managed the projects with success; by the time she got to Bakersfield and was faced with yet another landscaping project, she acted with authority and folks began to catch on. “People started asking for my help (with landscaping),” she said. See continued to increase her horticultural knowledge through research, training and querying other nurseries. She’s developed a wide variety of expertise, including xeriscaping, which focuses on drought-resistant plants and flowers. “We can show people the way they can have an attractive, flowing garden without cacti and lava rock,” she said. “There are a lot of plants that have low water usage.” Client Kristin Varner, 51, says she can attest to See’s expertise and attention to detail; See has done colorscaping for the Varners over the last six years. “She’ll go the extra mile,” said Varner. See is an active member of the local Trinity Anglican Church. Her longtime friend Dorothy Fitzgerald, 86, who also attends Trinity, says See is a fixture at the church, taking on multiple roles on an as-needed basis. Fitzgerald says See is a wonderful, dedicated friend, and she is in awe of her energy and devotion. “She’s working around the clock,” Fitzgerald said of See. “She finds the word ‘no’ unacceptable.” The big-hearted See is also involved with Shared Blessings, a ministry that supports African orphans. She journeys to Africa every few years on mission trips and corresponds regularly with her pledge, Sam Gidudu, 15; she also cosponsors another Ugandan student,

“I’m a plantaholic,” says Olga See, owner of Oh-See-Em-Bloom.

Isaac Tabu, 15. “Through Shared Blessings, we sponsor them to go to boarding school,” she said. “It’s a way for them to get the best education.” The landscaper said public schools in Uganda have 100-plus students in their classes, and they still use antiquated black boards. She’s sponsored the

PHOTO BY MICHAEL LOPEZ

boys for almost 10 years and she’s watched Sam develop into an enterprising and industrious young man. “I bought him a goat one year, and it had kids. He sold three goats and bought a cow,” she said. “He’s very entrepreneurial, growing and selling vegetables since he was 7 or 8 — probably before that even.”

The business owner says she keeps in touch with Sam by snail mail since they have no Internet. But much of her time is devoted to clients, many of whom she works with individually. See offers plenty of options, such as colorscaping; hardscaping, which involves sod installation, patios and paths, rock and concrete, as well as garden struc-

tures; and waterscaping – including koi. See enjoys puttering in her own yard when she can, but says she gets as much joy from working in other gardens. She attributes her achievements to hard work and the grace of God, along with a love of the business. “I’m a plantaholic,” she said grinning. bakersfieldlife.com

People & Community

H O M E TOW N H E R O

JEFFREY DAVID BURUM Retired Major, US Air Force Compiled by Bakersfield Life

Photos courtesy of Jeffrey Burum

etired U.S. Air Force Maj. Jeffrey Burum served his country in Desert Storm and is proud to have been “part of an international community that attempted to curb the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction in the Middle East under U.N. resolutions.” Yet his pride came at the cost of exposure to chemical binary weapons, like sarin mixed with mold that are destroying his body. Excruciating chest pain, migraines and mouth abscesses are just some of his symptoms – symptoms that the Department of Veteran Affairs first diagnosed as post-traumatic stress disorder. He initially accepted the diagnosis, but later, when checked into the VA War-Related Injury and Illness Center at Palo Alto, he was told he did not have PTSD. The staff couldn’t discuss the cause of his illnesses. Gradually, facts are emerging about the chemical weapons exposure suffered by soldiers in the Middle East. The New York Times published an article documenting findings of chemical weapons between 2004 and 2011, and Burum, having been exposed to these chemicals a decade earlier, feels dismissed by his government.

Jeff Burum, right, served as a deputy in the strategic nuclear intercontinental ballistic missile combat crew (ICBM) at the Grand Forks Air Force Base in North Dakota, 1984.

“It’s outright despicable,” he said. Thankfully, he has found ears at U.S. Rep. Kevin McCarthy’s office, which has begun a dialogue with Desert Storm vets. According to Burum, those affected are a huge group – 25 percent of the 7 million soldiers who have served in the Middle East. Burum, though suffering, says he is proud to have served, and “no matter where I went, I was always proud to say I was from Bakersfield.” Why I joined: (To) serve (my) country following Vietnam and to get a college education. (I also) like the color blue and fast jets. Lessons learned: There must be a bond between the American people and its military veterans; if the country asks its military to go to war, then it is obligated to take care of its veterans. What are some of your greatest accomplishments in the service? Being part of the strategic combat crews that were critical to our victory in the Cold War in 1989. Challenges to serving: During the 1990s, budgets were reduced to below-record low Korean War levels, but worldwide, deployments significantly increased due to more global conflict. Favorite memory: As a young airman in the delivery room at age 18, the doctor and I were able to save one of two twins during a difficult delivery. Having an American flag flown over the nation’s capital in my honor upon retirement in August 1998.

Jeff Burum, flight commander circa 1988, served in the ICBM combat crew at 321 Strategic Missile Wing, 447 Strategic Missile Squadron in Grand Forks, North Dakota. The wing was deactivated the next year with the end of the Cold War.

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Most frightening moment in the service: Twenty-three years after being deployed to Saudi Arabia (and 15 years after retirement), I learned I was a victim of chemical and biological warfare, which accounted for 15 years of torturous neuromuscular disorders and two surgeries.

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People & Community

WHY I LIVE HERE

PHOTO BY MARK NESSIA

An avid runner and mountain biker, Alejandro loves barbecuing and entertaining people at his home in northeast Bakersfield.

ALEJANDRO DAZA Making memories in the place he calls home Compiled by Bakersfield Life

orn and raised in Colombia, South America, Alejandro Daza has lived in numerous places around the world. Daza has lived in San Diego and Santa Maria and has worked for various

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companies in Australia and Latin America as an independent water resources engineer and consultant. Work brought Daza to Bakersfield eight years ago, where he now resides with his wife, Angelica Rodriguez; two children, Sofia, 6, and Mateo, 4; three dogs, Moncho, Blue and Gigi; and cat, Szary.

What is your favorite place in Bakersfield? The hills on the east side of Bakersfield and the mountains to go running in to find the highest, quietest place to breathe and admire the place that my family and I now call home. What is your favorite part about living in Bakersfield? Being so close to so many natural attractions in California. What is your neighborhood like? Tuscany Villas is a very peaceful neighborhood to live in and I recommend it to all. What is your favorite restaurant in Bakersfield? Bakersfield has many good restaurants that compete with being my favorite. I cannot decide which one. For that reason, home always wins. What surprises you about Bakersfield? I come from a hot and humid country, but every summer I get reminded and surprised of the heat in Bakersfield. How would you describe Bakersfield to people? I would start by telling them to not believe what others say about Bakersfield. Come to Bakersfield with an open mind and make “your Bakersfield.” What is one of your favorite memories in Bakersfield? I don’t have a favorite one – I have two. They are when my daughter, Sofia, and my son, Mateo, were born. What is the best-kept secret in Bakersfield? For me not being local, every day I discover new places to see, visit, eat, run, ride and more. I think that Bakersfield itself is its own best kept secret. What three words best describe Bakersfield? Home, opportunities and community. Where do you like to vacation? Colombia is the place I love to vacation. On every trip to Colombia, I try to visit a new place, and I get so amazed every single time by the beauty my country has to offer. Visit Colombia; don’t be afraid. You will love it. What is your favorite community event? I try to participate in as many running and mountain biking events in town throughout the year, but my favorite one has to be the Rio Bravo Rumble.

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Taft High’s Caitlyn Emberson catches a strike during the Central Section Division IV softball championship game against Liberty-Madera Ranchos in Taft.

DYNAMIC DUO Taft’s pitcher-catcher tandem a tall task for opposition By Stephen Lynch

aitlyn Emberson and Arizona Pilgrim are Kern County high school softball’s equivalent of Batman and Robin. They are the dynamic duo of the prep fast-pitch diamond. Combining their vast talents together, the Taft High seniors have led the Wildcats to back-to-back Central Section Division IV championships the past two seasons. Their freshman year, Emberson, a hard-hitting catcher, and Pilgrim, a flame-throwing pitcher, came up just short in the section title game, losing 1-0. This season, the longtime teammates hope to end their stellar high school careers on one final high note. 104

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Taft High’s Arizona Pilgrim winds up to deliver her pitch against Wasco High.

PHOTO BY HENRY A. BARRIOS

A L L- S TA R AT H L E T E

PHOTO BY NICK ELLIS

People & Community

Even though Taft has been moved up to Division III for the playoffs this year, the Wildcats are a solid bet to three-peat because of Emberson and Pilgrim, who have been playing together on the same softball team since they were 9 years old. Emberson, the daughter of Taft coach Russell Emberson, enters her senior campaign with an eye-popping .587 career batting average and an impressive three-year total of 29 home runs and 165 runs batted in. “We’re going to keep going and pushing for another Valley title,” Caitlyn said. “We’re just going to work as hard as we can and hopefully come out on top. We want to prove to everyone that even though we got moved up, we can still win it all.” Pilgrim’s pitching numbers are just as gaudy. The imposing right-hander has a 77-9 win-loss record and 0.94 earned run average during the past three seasons. Over that same timespan she has struck out 735 batters in 469 innings pitched. “I have a lot of spin on the ball and I have a lot of movement,” Pigrim said when asked what she believes makes her such a successful pitcher. “I just work really hard and practice all the time.” The two have been First Team All-Area selections every

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Caitlyn Emberson facts Family includes parents Russell and Diana and older brothers Blake and Mitchell. Has a 4.1 grade-point average. Varsity starter in three sports; volleyball, basketball and softball. Has led the Wildcats in home runs and RBIs in each of the past three seasons. CALIFORNIAN FILE PHOTO

CALIFORNIAN FILE PHOTO

year of their high school careers. And at the conclusion of last season, both Caitlyn and Pilgrim were chosen for the MaxPreps 2014 Small Schools AllAmerican team. Taft has won 89 percent of its games since the pair, of whom Russell rates the best pitcher-catcher combination he’s ever coached, joined the program. “It’s been a blessing having them,” he said. “They are both very talented kids and they work hard. They both play travel softball.” Both girls acknowledged that it helps a great deal that they’ve worked together as battery mates for such a long period of time. “I know her tendencies and when she’s getting mad herself or when she’s not hitting her spots exactly right,” Caitlyn said. “We make like an eye contact and she knows she needs to fix something because it’s not right.” Pilgrim acknowledges that she feels really comfortable when Caitlyn is catching her. “She knows my pitches and I know she can catch them,” Pilgrim said. “I just have trust in her.” Over the years Caitlyn, who is outgoing and vocal, and Pilgrim, who is generally quiet and reserved, have become best friends. Even after their high school careers conclude Caitlyn and Pilgrim will continue on together since both have accepted scholarship offers to play at NCAA Division I school Charleston Southern University. Pilgrim said that she and Caitlyn made the decision to attend the same college individually. “Caitlyn actually (verbally committed) to Charleston Southern first,” Pilgrim said. “I hadn’t visited there (yet) and I had barely just started talking to the coach. I went back there in September and just really, really loved it and felt like it was the place for me. So it just worked out perfectly.”

Arizona Pilgrim facts Family includes parents Billy and Tessa and younger sisters Sierra and Willow.

Was BVarsity Co-Player of the Year in 2014. Has hurled 41 shutouts during past three years. Enjoys hanging out with friends and family during free time.

Arizona Pilgrim

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TA L K O F T H E T O W N

COURTESY OF DAVID GORDON

People & Community

A countryside painting by Bryan Mark Taylor. Bakersfield is a dream for landscape artists.

CREATING SOMETHING OUT OF THIN AIR Kern County Plein Air Painting Festival to capture area's landscape By David Gordon

akersfield sits in the center of a landscape painter’s dream as far as subject matter goes. Bakersfield and its surroundings have

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valley vistas dotted with oaks, big groves, winter and spring rolling green hills; farms; small towns; a famous river; and deserts – just about everything a painter might want to capture in a landscape. Given that I am a landscape painter myself, this got me thinking: Why not invite some of California’s best landscape painters to Kern County and turn them loose for three days and see what they come up with? As a result, and with the support of the Arts Council of Kern, I am introducing the first Kern County Plein Air Painting Festival. “Plein Air” simply means painting on site or out in the plain air, on the side of the road, out in a meadow or on a downtown sidewalk. I wanted to develop a unique local fundraiser focused on art that celebrates what our county has to offer.

I've seen this type of festival before in places, such as Laguna, Carmel, Catalina Island and Sonoma, where famous artists descend on a community and capture the landscape in all of its glory. Paintings are gathered and exhibited at a sales event followed by a morning where artists paint pieces that are live auctioned in a downtown setting. I thought we could develop this cultural event here. So far, I've discovered there is plenty of interest from artists and art appreciators throughout. At the first Kern County Plein Air Painting Festival, 15 of California’s best landscape painters are taking a leap of faith and coming to Kern County April 22 to paint for three days before they turn in three pieces each to be judged for the awards and sales gala from 6:30

COURTESY OF DAVID GORDON

A painting of downtown Bakersfield by Bryan Mark Taylor, one of the artists attending the Plein Air Art Festival.

to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, April 25, at the Metro Galleries, 1604 19th St., in downtown Bakersfield. Tickets are $95 per person and include meeting the artists, dinner,

awards presentation and time to peruse and buy artwork. The evening will be catered by Chef’s Choice Noodle Bar. Also, at 9 a.m. Sunday, April 26, all 15 painters will meet downtown and

have two hours to paint a piece that Plein Air Artists: will be live aucKeith Wicks tioned in the midBryan Mark Taylor dle of 19th Street. Robin Purcell The public is Elizabeth Tolley welcome to watch Debra Huse them create and Robert Sandidger have a crack at taking one home. All Paul Kratter proceeds benefit Anton Pavlenko the Arts Council’s Sergio Lopez Education proJosh Clare grams. Jeff Sewell Visit Simon Addyman kernarts.org or call Jeff Horn 324-9000 for tickets Aimee Erickson or more informaClark Mitchell tion. — David Gordon is the newly appointed Arts Council of Kern executive director.

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People & Community

O U R TOW N

SUPERHEROES RESIDE AMONG US

Charlie Wilmot and Lili Marsh represent Honor Flight Kern County, which was recognized as the 2014 Community Partner Hero recipient of the American Red Cross Real Heroes award. Rep. Kevin McCarthy introduced the recipients that evening.

By Breana Oliver

hat does it take to be a hero? Do you have to be bitten by some radioactive spider? Do you have to moonlight as a neighborhood vigilante? Not in the slightest. A hero can be anyone – a mother, a law enforcement officer, a paramedic, a high school student, a firefighter, a teacher, your neighbor, etc. A hero is really an ordinary person who displays extraordinary courage in times of emergency. Lucky for us, we have a slew of heroes in Bakersfield and one local humanitarian organization is honoring these heroic individuals in a

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PHOTO BY HENRY A. BARRIOS

American Red Cross celebrates local heroes at annual awards event

truly elegant fashion. Each year, the Kern County chapter of the American Red Cross holds a fundraiser called the Red Cross Real Heroes Celebration in which the organization recognizes seemingly ordinary people who have touched the lives of community members through their selfless acts of courage. Hosted by Rep. Kevin McCarthy, this annual event brings together the who’s who of Kern County to commend local citizens who have shown signs of bravery for no risk of reward or greater purpose other than to help their fellow man. “The Real Heroes event helps exemplify what the Red Cross’ mission is all about: service, as well as humanitarian efforts,” said Red Cross Kern County Chapter Executive Director Amy Smith. “These heroes were nominated by

members of the community, went through a committee selection process, then notified in February of their award win.” Though from different backgrounds and lifestyles, these heroes all have one thing in common: humility. Their selfsacrificing actions were not out of character for them; instead, they were all in a day’s work. Held on Saturday, April 18, at the Paramount Citrus Aviation Hanger on Skyway Drive at Meadows Field Airport, the 1940s-themed Real Heroes event will feature thematic performances, vintage cars and planes for viewing, and a silent auction, in addition to the heroes’ award presentations. In a world filled with mostly negative messages, these local supermen remind us that we all have the power to be a hero, if only we look within ourselves to be courageous.

This year’s Real Heroes include: Youth Hero: Madison Ridley Good Samaritan Hero: Max Coryell Fire Rescue Hero: Firefighter Glen Maki Law Enforcement Hero: Officer Gilbert Valdez Community Partner Hero: Tammy Wallace Community Partner Hero: Bakersfield Fire Department – Reserve Firefighters Healthcare Hero: Tony & Sharon Mejia First Responder Heroes: Adam Bickford & Armando Lazaro Animal Rescue Hero: Angela Stevens Spirit of the American Red Cross: Cindy Huge

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People & Community

FOR A CAUSE

PROMOTING LITERACY, CREATIVE MINDS Richardson Center participates in Read Across America Compiled by Bakersfield Life

Photos by Mark Nessia

he Claude W. Richardson Child Development Center once again participated in National Read Across America Day on March 2, which is also Dr. Seuss’ birthday. Guest readers visited classrooms and read a variety of classic children’s books. Children’s author James Horvath, who was one of the guest readers, also held a drawing demonstration in the multipurpose room. Horvath taught students how to draw Jinx, a character from his books. The Claude W. Richardson Child Development Center is a preschool campus operated by the Kern County Superintendent of Schools that serves children with and without special needs.

Sgt. Chris Johnson of the Bakersfield Police Department reads to students at the Claude W. Richardson Child Development Center as part of Read Across America.

Children's book author James Horvath teaches the students at the center how to draw Jinx, a character in his books. 110

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Johnson passes out stickers to students of Kendall Heisey's class at the center.

Students attempt to draw Jinx, a character in Horvath's books.

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Children celebrate Dr. Seuss' birthday by participating in Read Across America and even dressing up as wellknown characters from his books. bakersfieldlife.com

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FOR A CAUSE

BMOA'S ARTMIX OFFERS CULINARY, CULTURAL AFFAIR Spring affair captures local culinary creations, crafted cocktails

ArtMix attendees enjoy signature cocktails and food by popular local restaurants inside the BMOA galleries.

By Angel Carreras

akersfield often gets a lot of flak from outside (and sometimes local) critics for lacking “culture.” The Bakersfield Museum of Art is looking to change that perspective with its ArtMix curated cocktail party event on Friday, April 17. “BMOA is part of the cultural fabric of Bakersfield,” said Catherine Kuuskraa, BMOA’s director of development. “For nearly 60 years, we’ve celebrated the visual arts. Our ArtMix fundraiser is one more way to support the museum.” Infused with local culinary creations and crafted cocktails that will treat participants to an equally unforgettable evening of spring socializing, the second annual fundraiser will feature local restaurants providing light bites and specialty drinks amid the museum’s current art exhibitions. In addition to food and drink offerings, ArtMix will also feature a silent auction with over 25 various art pieces donated by artists and local collectors. ArtMix net proceeds, including sponsorships, ticket sales and the silent auction, will go to benefit BMOA’s education 112

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programming and art exhibitions. “We are lucky to have so many local businesses participating,” said BMOA board member and ArtMix Chair Katie Werdel. “They share our passion for promoting the visual arts in Bakersfield.” This year’s participating restaurants are some of Bakersfield’s most popular destinations, including Bord A Petite, Valentien, La Costa Mariscos, Sandrini’s Italian & Basque Restaurant, Mama Roomba, Goose Loonies, Chef’s Choice Noodle Bar, Pyrenees Cafe and Sweet Surrender. Imbibe Wine and Spirits will provide wine and spirits for the evening, along with W.A. Thompson, which will offer a selection of premium craft beers. New to this year’s ArtMix is the addition of a benefactor preview reception, taking place one hour before the general event begins. Attendees who purchase tickets at the benefactor level will have the opportunity to view the silent art auction items early, enjoy a champagne bar hosted by Imbibe and hors d'oeuvres by Bord A Petite. “We think this limited-ticket benefactor reception is going to sell out quickly,” added Kuuskraa. Last year’s ArtMix was slated to take place in the museum’s

PHOTO COURTESY OF MATT MUNOZ

spacious sculpture garden, but with the arrival of an unexpected thunderstorm, the event was moved permanently indoors. That move proved to be a good one, as it allowed ArtMix attendees to enjoy all of the museum’s exceptional art exhibitions and learn more about the extensive educational programming offered by BMOA. “The rain storm turned out to be a great thing. It was a positive twist to the night,” said Werdel. Those interested in participating in the ArtMix silent auction can do so through a special mobile bidding auction link sent to them via text message to their smartphones by BMOA prior to the event. BMOA staffers will also circulate to help with the bidding process during the event. General admission tickets for ArtMix are $75 per person and $125 per couple. Event time is 6:30 to 9 p.m. Early entry to the benefactor preview reception is from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $125 per person and $200 per couple. The event is for those 21 and over only with proper valid ID. Tickets are available at bmoa.org/artmix or by calling 3237219. Tickets limited to 350. The Bakersfield Museum of Art is located on 1930 R St.

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I N S I D E STO RY

DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen combines space and function in a clean, modern design.

The wine refrigerator offers dual temperatures for whites and reds.

MAKING DREAMS COME TRUE DreamMaker goes above and beyond for its customers Compiled by Bakersfield Life Photos by Mark Nessia

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help of its own interior designer, and select the necessary materials to complete the project under the guidance of a professional project manager. The team recently finished a project in northwest Bakersfield that showcases what DreamMaker is all about: making customersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; dream kitchen and baths a reality. DreamMaker is located at 5880 District Blvd., Suite 19. For more information, go to dreammakerbakersfield.com.

A pot filler over the stove is perfect for filling large pots without having to carry it across the kitchen floor. 114

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The kitchen features a four-door French

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Deep drawers are great for organization and storage.

DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen replaced a bedroom and turned it into a dining room, tearing down a wall and raising the ceiling to open up the layout of the house.

Spice pull-outs give function and flare to a kitchen while maintaining storage capacity. bakersfieldlife.com

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H I STO RY

COURTESY OF JULIE PLATA VIA THE LIBRARY OF CONGRESS

People & Community

America’s youth were called upon to serve their country and join the United States School Garden Army during World War I, and Kern County answered the call of duty.

SCHOOL CHILDREN ANSWER NATION'S CALL TO SERVICE Kern County children enlisted as soldiers of the soil By Julie Plata

s the chorus of "Over There" and the slogan "Food Will Win the War" rang across the homefront of World War I, another call to duty was issued: "A garden for every child, every child in a garden." America’s youth were called upon to serve their country and join the United States School Garden Army. A joint venture of the Bureau of Education and the War Department, the program intended to utilize the gardening skills of the nation’s young citizens to help alleviate food shortages and free up existing food supplies for the soldiers. School-supervised gardening allowed

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children to do their patriotic duty and gain important practical skills as food prices increased and the value of the dollar decreased, according to a Bakersfield Californian article published Jan. 31, 1918. In another article, “Children plan to increase work in gardens,” which ran in The Californian on June 6, 1917, Bakersfield’s school children were eager "to serve our country by planting and caring for home and school gardens;" the results were almost immediate. Produce sales from Lincoln school netted a $5.25 profit in just one week! The garden saved food resources, provided income and facilitated a donation to the Junior Red Cross. The students of Lincoln and Fremont also enjoyed gardening’s additional benefits of “clear skins, rosy cheeks and steady nerves,” as noted in the Feb. 25, 1918 Californian article, “School children are digging war gardens.” The work of the USSGA was not limited to school grounds – it was a community effort. On Sept. 23, 1918, Secretary of the Interior Franklin K. Lane appealed directly to Californian Editor-in-Chief Alfred Harrell to use the "methods so well known to newspaper

men" to encourage the children of Kern County to increase the number of war gardens, according to a Californian article published on Oct. 1, 1918. The paper enticed the children with $50 in cash prizes for the top five war gardens. The first Fordson tractor arrived in Kern County during the fall of 1918 with the task of “preparing war gardens for the children of Bakersfield,” according to an Oct. 12 1918 Californian article, “Fordson Machine helps the kiddies get seed beds ready for planting.” The young gardeners of McKinley, William Penn, Washington, Jefferson and Hawthorne schools all benefited from the quick and efficient work of the tractor. The children's shelter displayed patriotism through the cultivation of its own war garden. The 30-by-125-foot plot produced several 100-pound sacks of potatoes and a multitude of tomatoes, cucumbers, beans and corn to fill its dinner tables. The Fremont school PTA voted to purchase garden tools for the students and reported a remaining balance of $50 in the treasury from profits earned from the previous year’s garden. Just four months after its inception,

COURTESY OF THE BAKERSFIELD CALIFORNIAN

the USSGA had 1.5 million participants. In less than a year, the number doubled to 3 million, including over 150,000 from California. The Armistice of Nov. 11, 1918 did not immediately end the USSGA. Children were asked to continue their patriotic duty. As the war gardens of Bakersfield's schools transformed to liberty/victory gardens, they continued to generate abundant crops. Food from the garden meant food for the people affected by war overseas. According to the U.S. Bureau of Education in 1919, every garden planted by Kern County’s young soldiers of the soil ensured "another step toward lasting peace," serving as a reminder that thrift was essential to the economy, and demonstrated the patriotic spirit of America’s youth. According to Lane, the boys and girls who participated in the creation of the gardens provided “a patriotic service to be compared only to that of the men who won the war.”

An October 1918 article in The Californian highlights the equipment used for the school war garden.

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PHOTO BY MICHAEL LOPEZ

People & Community

Rolanda & Toure’ Tyler in The Cross Christian Church.

TOURE’ AND ROLANDA TYLER Local pastors count on faith and family to pull them through Compiled by Bakersfield Life 118

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ocal pastors Toure’ and Rolanda Tyler first met on a Southwest Airlines flight from Chicago on Christmas Eve 1995. The rest of their story is something that they agree could be turned into a movie. These days, the couple has a heart for sharing the Gospel at The Cross Christian Church and serving their community with the food bank they host, TLC (Turkey, Love and Clothes), every Thanksgiving. For the Tylers, faith and family are the most important things in life. The pair has two children, Zoe, 9, and Houston, 5, who love getting involved with the ministry as well.

Bakersfield Life: How did the two of you meet? Rolanda: I was heading back to Bakersfield from Chicago, where I was visiting family, and Toure’ was leaving Chicago heading to San Antonio on a family trip. For some reason that we still don’t know today, Toure’ was asked to leave his seat and was seated next to me. In casual conversation, we discovered, we lived no more than eight minutes away from each other (in our younger years). We were both scheduled to change flights in Houston, Texas. Once we arrived, the airport shut down due to the holiday. It was there that I met his family for the first time, not knowing it would be the only opportunity to speak with my future mother-in-law, due to her illness. It wasn’t until two years later that I returned to Chicago and gave Toure’ a call. From the initial conversation on the phone, I knew he would be a friend for life. We had our first date the very next day and spent every day together for the remainder of my trip. BL: Toure’, how did you know Rolanda was the one? Toure’: I knew she was the one because of the wonderful conversations and great topics we had over the phone, not missing a single day for a year. BL: What is Toure’s best quality? Rolanda: His best quality is his strong desire to see everyone around him succeed. He has the ability to make you want to become better. I personally, because of him, have been stretched outside of my comfort zone to do what I didn’t originally think I could accomplish. He is a great motivator!

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BL: Toure’, same question. Toure’: That’s easy. I love everything about her. But what I love most is her beautiful spirit. BL: What’s your favorite weekend activity to do together? Both: Our favorite weekend activity, whether it’s a family or date night, is finding something to laugh about. No matter where we are, we can find something humorous. We just connect that way. If we’re in stitches laughing just before I go in for brain surgery, it’s evident that laughter is a favorite pastime. BL: What are you most proud of about Rolanda? Toure’: I’m most proud of my wife for her ability to multitask. She is an awesome wife, an outstanding mother, a super phenomenal first lady, a well-developed co-pastor, as well as keeping me laughing and having fun and enjoying life. She is a 2015 Wonder Woman! BL: How does Toure’ make you proud? Rolanda: What makes me most proud of him is how amazing he is as a husband and a father. He’s fun, funny, loving and a man of integrity. I honestly couldn’t ask for anything more. BL: What is your secret to a happy marriage? Both: Our secret to a happy marriage is loving God more than anything else, including each other. We’ve learned if you love God most, you’ll do what pleases Him first, which is loving each other even when our spouse is not most lovable. bakersfieldlife.com

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REAL PEOPLE

Bakersfield roofers Ernie, left, and Rick Montoya pose as one of their crews replaces the roof on a downtown building. The brothers have been at the helm of BSW Roofing & Solar, a company that was created by their father and his brother in 1942.

AN HONEST LIVING Ernest Montoya gives insight to the life of roofer By Shelby Parker

f you Google what a roofer does, you’ll get a basic answer, like “a roofer’s job is to maintain, install and repair roofs.” While that is true, the day-to-day life of a roofer can be grueling, working long hours, often in the Bakersfield heat. Ernest Montoya, owner of BSW Roofing knows how that can be. Starting as a contractor at his father’s business, Montoya, along with his brother and business partner, Rick, had some of the dirtiest and most interesting jobs around. They’ve worked on a variety of projects, from commercial

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buildings and shopping centers to residential areas. Generally, people don’t realize they have a bad roof until they notice the leak when it rains. That’s when Ernest and his team of roofers come in. Wood shingles were commonly used in the ’70s, ’80s and even the ’90s. As houses move into new and improved ways of designing, it is then the roofer’s job to reroof, stripping off all of the old shingles and laying down new tiles. Many opt for the energy efficient ways, like solar paneling and insulation, which also save on their bills. Ernest notes that people like to save money. While it was a lot of hard work, Ernest’s time as a roofer also included working on many cool projects, like the officer’s quarters at Fort Tejon, using sugar pine shakes and nails dated from the 1800s along with timber slices out of trees. Another house called for ocean waving, consisting of thin cedar shingles sliced cards with A, B, C, D cuts, which helped form the wave. “I learned a long time ago if you take care of the customer, the customer will take care of you,” he said.

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It’s more than just reroofing a house, it’s about taking care of the customer, making sure that the jobs are finished in a timely manner Ernest adds that every day is different, depending on the project they’re working on. “Every day is different. Every home is different. Every business is different. Every building is different. Every customer is different,” he said. There are many different options that customers can choose, and that’s just part of what keeps the job so interesting. “I think the ones I enjoy most are the historical ones,” said Ernest of the projects he has worked on, like his experience in Fort Tejon, knowing that generals from the Army used the building and Indians had actually walked the grounds. He says that roofing is an honest living. He loves what he does and the people he works with, which is what it’s all about. Ernest mentions the expression, “If you find a profession that you truly love, you never work a day in your life.” “They were right,” he said.

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PRIME FINDS

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CSUB Alumni Hall of Fame Banquet Date: Feb. 28 Held at The Petroleum Club Photos by Carla Rivas View these photos and more at bakersfieldlife.com.

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877.314.7511 BakersfieldHyundai.com

JJâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Legacy Gala Date: March 7 Held at Seven Oaks Country Club Photos by Brian Coleman View these photos and more at bakersfieldlife.com.

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Victor Martin, Jennifer Burger and Richard Collins April 2015

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LAST WORD

By Eddie Ronquillo

HOME SWEET HOME

ost of us know that buying a home is a process that requires much thinking and debating. Originally, I was against the idea of buying a new home. I was happy with our current house, but my wife was ready for a new home, and as the saying goes, “A happy wife is a happy life,” so it’s safe to say what my decision turned out to be. As we explored the idea, some close friends informed us that their grandmother’s house was just recently listed on the market. I told our agent Alicia Beckner, who is a wonderful real estate agent I might add, about the home and asked if we could look into the property. Built in 1966, the home was awesome in my eyes. It had a ton of character and lots of potential to build on in the future. I must admit that since this was a foreclosed home, I Eddie Ronquillo had to get to work on improvements right away, especially since some people felt it was okay to help them130

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Eddie Ronquillo recently upgraded his kitchen to include new stainless steel appliances, 2-inch white Subway tile and absolute black granite on the counters.

selves to some of the property’s belongings, such as light fixtures, the diving board that went to the pool and other miscellaneous items, as it sat empty during the foreclosure stage. So far, I have been able to landscape most areas of the yard and install new light fixtures around the entire house, including some ambient lighting that makes our summer nights really nice and sets a great mood. On the inside of our home, we ripped out all of the old carpet and installed a mixture of 18-inch tiles that surrounds some areas of carpet that we had double-padded just in case the our kids wanted to lie on it. But my proudest achievement has been our kitchen. Unfortunately, our kitchen was victim to the foreclosure as well. All of the appliances were stolen, and by law, a kitchen needs to have a stove to sell, so the bank did get us a stove. But the stove they had given us

wasn’t real pleasing to the eyes. As for the rest of the kitchen, it was nice but really outdated, which makes sense because it’s an older home. So we did a complete makeover to our kitchen. We got rid of all of our old appliances and replaced them with stainless steel appliances. We installed a new sink with an awesome new faucet and replaced the old tile countertops with black absolute granite countertops. A few weeks ago, I attended the local annual Home & Garden Show at the Kern County Fairgrounds. That is a great place to network and find some deals if you are looking to hire out all of your home improvement needs. Personally, I like to try and do most of my home improvements myself. It saves money, plus it can give you a great sense of pride once you have finished your goal. Of course, I am no expert in general construc-

PHOTO COURTESY OF EDDIE RONQUILLO

Making improvements to humble abode brings couple closer to family, friends

tion so some of my projects needed the hand of an expert, and I have made plenty of friends in the world of general construction. If you are looking to improve on your home, then I recommend you check out some cool apps for ideas. Pinterest and Houzz are great apps. Even your local hardware stores, such as Lowe’s or Home Depot, offer really cool ideas and projects, which can be affordable and fun to do. We’ve been in our home for a few years now, and while I am pleased with the home improvements thus far, I have come to learn that our home is in a constant makeover mode because we love to entertain, and we want our guests to feel relaxed and comfortable. In fact, I feel that my motivation to improve our home has little to do with pleasing myself but more toward pleasing my friends and family. To us, that is what life is all about: friends and family.

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