Bakersfield Life Magazine August 2014 by The Bakersfield Californian Specialty Publications

August 2014

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Star Wars re-enactors have landed in Bakersfield • Meet the mayors of Kern County • Photographers capture Kern’s beauty • Explore local wilderness areas • Divas, dudes drive to Tehachapi, Kernville for eats • and more! $3.95

Local fave

Monty Byrom goes on tour Farmer’s daughter leads Farm Bureau

F E A T U R E S August 2014

Capturing Kern County Find mountain vistas, snapshots of rural life and insights into the industries that keep Kern County humming in this photo spread. Pictures were pulled from Capture Kern County, an online photo sharing community. Page 90

Wilderness galore Desert, mountains, wildlife and more. Find out what the wild lands of Kern County have in store. Page 102

Meet the mayors Say hello to men (and one woman) who lead Kern County’s cities and towns. Guess who has the most ribbon cuttings under his belt? Page 108

A sneak peek at a local instructor’s artwork honoring the families of the Dust Bowl-era labor camps in connection with Cal State Bakersfield’s celebration of the 75th anniversary of “The Grapes of Wrath.” Page 122

Bakersfield Life Magazine

August 2014

Wildflowers carpet the Kern County mountains after spring rains.

PHOTO BY REED KAESTNER

Remember Dust Bowl days

TH RE

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PO CH O IC E

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SFIELD CALIF OR

2014

AN NI

2014

I’m so proud of the people here at our firm. Not only are they top notch in their field, but they go the extra mile for each and every one of our clients. Thank you Kern County for bestowing this wonderful recognition on my co-workers and friends here at Rodriguez & Associates.

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D E P A R T M E N T S

Up Front Bakersfield Matters The Family Verdict Dining Divas

44 48 52 58 60 64 68 70 74

Food Dudes Food and Wine Foodie Faces of Philanthropy On the Road Why I Live Here All-Star Athlete Talk of the Town Our Town

PHOTO BY MARK NESSIA

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Power Couple For a Cause Business Profiles Pastimes Home and Garden History Inside Story In My Closet Real People Personality

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S TA F F S H A R E S

Bakersfield’s Premier City Magazine August 2014 / Vol. 8 / Issue 11

PHOTO BY ALEX HORVATH

Bakersfield Life™ magazine is published by The Bakersfield Californian.

An employee sorts Royal Ranier cherries at Murray Farms.

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 President/CEO Richard Beene

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE KERN COUNTY PRODUCT?

“Dewar’s peanut butter chews. Wait no, Dewar’s peanut butter ice cream. No, the chews. No, the ice cream ...” — Chelsea Brewer, contributor

PHOTO BY CASEY CHRISTIE

“My favorite Kern County product is fresh cherries from Murray Family Farms. Fresh, sweet and you can do a million things with them. There’s cherry pie, cherry cake, cherry salsa, cherry smoothies, cherry margaritas ...” — Linda Petree, advertising account executive “Pyrenees Bakery bread! If you have never tried their ‘pound and a half round sourdough,’ go pick one up at the 18th Street bakery and follow the heating instructions. Heaven on earth!” — Susan Cortez, advertising account executive “Dewar’s chews. Anyone who says anything different is wrong.” — Mark Nessia, contributor Bakersfield Life Magazine

Dewar’s chews

“We are fortunate to have so many locally made products that it’s difficult to choose just one. There’s Luigi’s homemade sauce and seasoning, Dewar’s ice cream and chews, and an abundance of produce from our farmers’ crops.” — Hillary Haenes, specialty publications coordinator

“Chile verde at Arizona Cafe.” — John Wells, senior vice president, revenue & marketing.

Vice President, Administration and Operations Nancy Chaffin PHOTO BY CASEY CHRISTIE

“La Rosa ice cream, lemon lime flavor. The best, especially after a hard run or to cool off this summer!” — Olivia Garcia, editor

Senior Vice President Revenue and Marketing John Wells

“I think that Kern County produces some of the best microbrewed beers around, and they sure hit the spot on a summer afternoon.” — Gregory D. Cook, contributor “Dry Creek Mini Barns are my favorite Kern County product; they are made locally, have great service and they will custom build just about anything you want!” — Tamarra Harms, real estate account executive

“Not sure this counts but the song ‘Streets of Bakersfield’ is my favorite thing to come out of Kern. I always listen to it (and sing along) in the car when I’m on the way home from an out-of-town trip.” — Rachel Cook, assistant editor

August 2014

Interactive Sales Manager Gunter Copeland Advertising Sales Manager Lisa Whitten Advertising Traffic Manager Shauna Rockwell Distribution and Marketing Representative Patrick Wells Editor Olivia Garcia Assistant Managing Editor Rachel Cook Specialty Publications Coordinator Hillary Haenes Art Director Glenn Hammett Photography Felix Adamo, Sally Baker, Henry A. Barrios, Casey Christie, Gregory D. Cook, Tara Douhan, Nick Ellis, Jet Faba, Alex Horvath, Katie Kirschenmann, Mark Nessia, Greg Nichols, Carla Rivas, Christy Roseander, Adriana Vega Contributing writers Sally Baker, Chelsea Brewer, Cody Brutlag, Gregory D. Cook, Kelly Damian, Courtenay Edelhart, David Gordon, Diana Greenlee, Philip Guiry, Lisa Kimble, Katie Kirschenmann, Stephen Lynch, Mark Nessia, Jeff Nickell, Jeff Pickering, Katy Raytis, Chris Thornburgh, Miranda Whitworth Interns Elizabeth Castillo, Alana Garrett, Zach Esparza On the cover Liberty High School biology teacher Navdeep Singh took this photo on a March evening in 2010 in the Arvin foothills along Highway 223. Singh enjoys taking landscape photos in the morning and evening, and loves shooting in the foothills, Wind Wolves Preserve and Hart Park. “(Kern County) is a beautiful place to take pictures… Have passion for photography and you will do great,” he said.

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T H E H O S P I TA L I S PA R T I A L LY O W N E D BY PH YS I C I A N S

EDITOR’S NOTE

MEET OUR CONTRIBUTORS

Tamarra Harms is a Kern County native. She spent the first seven years of her life living in the mountains in Hart Flat, and then moving southwest of Bakersfield to live on her parents’ two-and-a-quarter acres. Harms spent much of her adolescence raising animals, showing horses in 4-H, showing dairy heifers in Future Farmers of America, barrel racing and competing in Gymkhana. She now enjoys her northwest home with Josh, her boyfriend of 10 years, and attributes all of her drive and success to her grandparents on both sides of her family and her parents. She enjoys hot rods, target shooting and a great barbecue. Harms has spent more than seven years with The Californian and is proud to have the opportunity to work as an account executive with an amazing team of sales reps, assistants, artists and, especially, customers. Bakersfield Life intern Zach Esparza is currently studying at Arizona State University with plans to earn a journalism degree. Born and raised in Bakersfield, he takes pride in the city he calls home. To stay busy during his summer break, he also works at Dewar’s and is studying for a real estate license. With the last name of “Esparza,” he believes he should understand more of the Spanish language and continues to learn at a rather slow pace. He also sporadically pushes himself to write pieces for his blog. In his spare time, Esparza likes to spend time with his friends and family. He also loves to dance, stemming from his senior year high school rallies. He continues to perform his favorite move “the dougie” every chance he receives, much to the annoyance of his family.

Bakersfield Life Magazine

August 2014

KERN COUNTY LOVE

s someone who was born and raised in Bakersfield, I have to say that there are many things I have grown to love about this not-too-big, yet not-too-small town. For instance, the summer can bring challenges with its sizzling temperatures. But it takes a certain group of people who can withstand and take the heat — just like the saying goes, “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.” Kern County is diverse in its landscape and people, but its sheer strength is what ties this community together. I hope you get an understanding of that drive with this edition of Kern Life. As one example, we catch up with a number of mayors from Kern County’s big and small cities and find out what makes their communities so special and what led them to represent their towns. Discover the varied stories of these mayors. In another, we learn about the family behind Raymond’s Trophy & Awards. It is a story that shows the passion, commitment to community, and true family-affair dedication that comes with running a locally owned business. The familiar face of Bakersfield talent Monty Byrom also takes a spot in this issue. And for the Star Wars lovers, boy, do we have a surprise for you. Turn the pages and get to know the San Joaquin Squad, a local branch of the 501st Legion, a worldwide club dedicated to Star Wars costuming. The San Joaquin Squad makes appearances at public and private events to benefit local charities. Our county is filled with longtime residents and families but also newcomers, such as Ken Ouellette of Advanced Beverage whose family hails from the East Coast. The Kern Life edition also seeks to capture insights about all things that make our county neat and interesting. In one feature, we introduce you to

some areas where you can explore the beauty of nature within decent distance. Examples are Isabella Lake and Breckenridge Mountain. Bakersfield Life Art Director Glenn Hammett also pulls a variety of breathtaking photographs showcased on our Capture Kern County website to give readers a visual flavor of the beauty of Kern. Capture Kern County is a local website where area photographers submit some of their best work. We decided it was fitting to showcase their work here. To check out more, visit capturekerncounty.com Last, in this issue, you will find a new section called “Power Couple” that highlights local lovebirds who are familiar professionals in town and active in our community. The section kicks off with yours truly and my better half, Julio.

PHOTO BY MARK NESSIA–––

Bakersfield Life intern Alana Garrett, a Louisiana native from the small town of Franklinton, has always had a special place in her heart for Bakersfield. Garrett moved to Bakersfield in 2006 and attended Bakersfield High School. She is studying broadcast journalism and will attend California State University, Fullerton in the fall. She found her passion for writing and communications while working as a server at the age of 18. Garrett decided to major in journalism after taking a journalism class at Bakersfield College. She chose to focus on celebrity entertainment after she attended award shows as a seat filler. Garrett likes to spend her free time writing stories, painting, reading, or cooking a delicious meal for her family. Her first book, “Love Drunk,” was published in July.

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

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WORD ON THE STREET Compiled by Rachel Cook

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT SUMMER? “Being able to get a summer job. I’m actually an explorer for the Bakersfield Fire Department.”

“Going to the beach cause I get to go play in the sand and go swimming.”

“It’s a tough choice. So far, it’s this (Bakersfield Blaze) game.”

— Wade Hall

— Benjamin Regpala

“Yesterday’s game. I love baseball, that’s why.”

“Going on a bike ride. We were going to a park and after that park, we were going to get ice cream.”

— Landon McCullough

“Going to parties.”

— Heaven Avalos

— Trenton Favrow

— Elliott Armendariz

“Going swimming.”

— Hayley Boudakian

“Getting a hamster (named) Hammett.”

“Swimming in the pool (at Grandma’s house).”

— Faith Boaz

— Alina Armendariz

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THE BIG PICTURE Photo by Richard Newland

BLUE LAGOON Richard Newland captured this serene photo of Bright House Networks Amphitheatre just after sunset in September. “If I see a nice display of clouds in the late afternoon, with some blue sky and sunshine peeking through, I grab my camera and head to The Park at Rivewalk about 30 minutes prior to sunset. Around 25 minutes after sunset, the sky will turn blue. You won’t see it with the naked eye, but the camera will record it,” Newland said. You can see more of Newland’s photos of Kern County, as well as pictures from many more local photographers, at capturekerncounty.com.

Bakersfield Life Magazine

August 2014

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NAMED AFTER By Lisa Kimble

offord Heights, regarded as the “heart” of the Kern River Valley and the gateway to Greenhorn Mountain in the Sequoia National Forest, is named for pioneering rancher Irven Wofford — by all accounts a colorful character — and his wife Martha. Located on the western shore of Isabella Lake, Wofford Heights is just over six square miles and adjacent to the original Kernville, now known as Old Kernville. Irven Larkin Wofford was born July 3, 1884 in Texas. Like so many, he found his way to California and the riches it promised. He raised cattle and worked his way to the rich Kern River Valley where he felt very much at home. He married Martha Naomi, who hailed from Indiana and was nine years his junior. The couple had two children, a son, John, and a daughter, Naomi Lucylle. Irven has been described by locals as a gravel-voiced, rough and tumble, beer-bellied Texan who never shied away from a fight. A no-nonsense fellow, Irven the poker player once took out his six gun revolver, placed it on the table and raked in the pot when he suspected another player of cheating. In the 1920s and ’30s, Hollywood found the area to be the perfect backdrop for many of its best Western movies featur-

Looking down on Wofford Heights and Isabella Lake from Greenhorn Mountain.

Bakersfield Life Magazine

August 2014

PHOTO BY CASEY CHRISTIE

WOFFORD HEIGHTS

ing the likes of John Wayne, Roy Rogers and Gene Autry. Irven provided livestock for the films, along with wagons and buggies, and he even acted in some of the productions. Irven’s ranch was at the north fork of what is now the lake bottom. His property became the bull’s eye of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ plans to build a dam and lake. Many of the residents of the Kern River Valley were shocked when they were told their homes were in the way of the new lake and the entire towns of Kernville and Isabella would be underwater when the dam was completed. Some inhabitants of Old Kernville moved north to the Burlando Ranch and started present-day Kernville. The community of Isabella relocated south to what was historically known as Hot Springs Valley and became the town of Lake Isabella. Wofford sold his range property for a pretty penny. He used the proceeds from the sale and a vast ranch he owned off Old Kernville to create a new community in 1948, the same year ground was broken for the Isabella Dam. A post office opened in 1953, and some of the Old Kernville buildings, including the Elks Lodge, were moved to Wofford Heights. Irven Wofford died on April 8, 1961 at the age of 76. His wife Martha and daughter Lucylle passed away four years later in 1965. Son John, who had become a partner in the ranching business in 1936, ran the operations until his death in 2003. Irven’s granddaughter and her family still live in the area.

MONEY MATTERS

GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR ENTERTAINMENT DEDUCTIONS

hether you play golf, tennis, or fish, you may have a host of business deductions available from your favorite pastimes. Harvesting the write-offs requires some knowledge and documentation. I’ll use golf as an example to make the rules easy to understand, but you can substitute the word “golf” with your favorite activity around Kern County instead. Regardless of the activity, the rules remain the same.

BUSINESS SETTING For the first step to qualify golf as a deduction, you need to have a business discussion in a business setting. Discussing business only on the golf course puts your golf deductions in jeopardy. A simple solution is to have a business discussion in the clubhouse before or after the game. Discussing business with a prospect in your office, then heading to the golf course also works. The “business setting” rule is important. The IRS says you cannot deduct entertainment when it occurs where you have little or no possibility of engaging in business. The IRS uses examples of nightclubs, sporting events, theaters, country clubs, and athletic clubs to name a few places where you have little possibility of conducting business. We could argue that more business is done on the golf course, but the deduction will be challenged if not done properly. This is why you need the business discussion in a table and chair environment so you can claim your golf deduction as “associated entertainment.”

ASSOCIATED ENTERTAINMENT The IRS allows a deduction for golf when it is “associated” with a business discussion. Drilling down, this includes golf on the same day as the discussion, as well as golf the day before or after the business discussion when your prospect is out of town and must stay the night.

Without these notes, you risk an auditor tossing out your deductions. Make sure your documentation is timely, generally within a week.

DOUBLE YOUR DEDUCTION Entertainment, such as golf, gets a 50 percent haircut as a tax deduction (groan). One could argue that you had a good time on the golf course or wherever your business entertainment lands you, so a 50 percent business deduction seems fair. OK, maybe beginner golfers aren’t having as much fun, but what if you could double your deduction? You may deduct 100 percent of your expenses when golf is organized as a charity event that benefits a 501(c)(3) charity, gives the entire net proceeds to a charity, and uses volunteers for the event. Make sure your tax preparer knows this entertainment is 100 percent deductible and not subject to the 50 percent haircut.

DUTCH IS OKAY, SPOUSE IS, TOO Dutch treat golf is deductible when you meet the “associated entertainment” rules. To secure the business deduction, you don’t have to pick up the tab for everyone in your party. You may score more brownie points from prospective clients, but that’s a marketing strategy, not a tax strategy. Your spouse’s golf is also deductible if their presence is necessary at the business discussion or the entertainment. Perhaps the prospective client brings their spouse and your spouse is instrumental in nurturing the business relationship with the couple.

DEDUCTION DOCUMENTATION

THE BOTTOM LINE

As easy as this step is, many fall short of the required documentation to snag the deduction. To deduct your golf, jot down the following in a calendar, a log, or a receipt: • Date • Name of prospect, colleague, customer, vendor, or professional advisor • Where it took place • Business purpose For example: Golf at The Club on July 27, 2014, with Bob and Lori, clients, dinner at the Grille, asked for referrals.

Remember that simply talking business on the golf course will not land you the deduction. Knowing the rules and having a good tax advisor can help you harvest your business entertainment deductions. — Chris Thornburgh is a CPA and partner at Brown Armstrong Accountancy Corp. Contact her at cthornburgh@bacpas.com or (661) 324-4971.

Thornburgh

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SHORT TAKES

BIG CAREER STEPS FOR LOCAL TEENS

een interns are taking over! From June through August, 55 teen interns landed their first jobs with 35 businesses and nonprofits, including the Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra, CALM, and Nestle. With some help from the Pacific Gas & Electric Co. and the Boys & Girls

Clubs of Kern County, nearly 300 local high school students graduated from the “Career Launch” stage of the 2014 PG&E Summer Jobs Program. Out of these students, 150 of them moved on to apply and interview for a paid summer intern job. Many of the nonprofits and companies involved in the program are even offering mentoring as a part of the package. It’s an understatement to say these students may be ahead of their peers on their way to career success. — Zach Esparza

RAISE CASH TO HELP IMPROVE VALLEY FEVER TREATMENTS

xperience the rich art of Latin culture with Bakersfield’s Latination. This fall, Latination, a term that has become well known in Bakersfield over the last few years, will celebrate its sixth year. Latination will be held from 5 to 10 p.m. Sept. 5 at Metro Galleries. Mento Buru will perform, and El Pueblo Restaurant of Lamont will provide food. Artists can submit works to be featured in this unique show. Submissions can be paintings, mosaics, sculptures, and other mediums. Anyone is eligible to enter as long as the artwork is original and created within the last four years. For those who still need a push to enter their work, remember that cash rewards will be given to best in show. Last year, many artists honored figures who made an impact on Latin culture, such as the late Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. But artists can submit any works of art that express Latin culture. “I want artists to give me their interpretation of what the Latin experience means to them ... Is it color? Heritage? Family? Food? It can be anything,” said Don Martin, president/creative director at Metro Galleries. Metro Galleries is located downtown at 1604 19th St. For information on Latination, entry forms and guidelines, visit themetrogalleries.com or email info@themetrogalleries.com. — Alana Garrett 18

Bakersfield Life Magazine

August 2014

any people who contract valley fever do not become ill, but for some people and pets, the fungal disease is fatal. This month, the Valley Fever Americas Foundation will hold its third Annual Walk for Valley Fever to raise money to develop better treatments for this disease. The walk will be held at 8 a.m., Aug. 9, at the Kern County Museum, 3801 Chester Ave. There will be plenty of fun games and activities for children, adults, and furry canine companions. Registration begins at 7 a.m. Tickets are $20 per person and include a light breakfast and goodie bag. Early birds that register by Aug. 1 will receive

The inaugural Walk for Valley Fever was held in 2012.

a free shirt. According to Jessica Einstein, executive director of the Valley Fever Americas Foundation, all proceeds from the walk go to improving treatment options for valley fever. “Our ultimate goal at Valley Fever Americas Foundation is to fund a vaccine, but we realize that many people already have the disease, and we decided to fund (a treatment project) because it has shown potential to provide improved treatment, and (in mice) has indicated it may even be a cure,” Einstein said. To register, visit valleyfever.com or to sponsor the walk, email info@valleyfever.com. — Alana Garrett

PHOTO BY CASEY CHRISTIE

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12 RANDOM THINGS YOU DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT…

KEN OUELLETTE By Zach Esparza

lthough Bakersfield is his new hometown, Ken Ouellette still has strong feelings for the East Coast, particularly for his favorite basketball team. The New Hampshire native is the director of marketing for Advance Beverage. His journey to his current profession began after he

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earned a degree in sports management and marketing and had a few internships under his belt. In a job at an amphitheater in New Hampshire, Ouellette was thrust into entertainment marketing. Eventually, he landed far from home, working at Bakersfield’s own Rabobank Arena. Just three years ago, he happened upon the “beer business.” One of the great pleasures of Ouellette’s job is working with many local charities and their fundraising events. His all-time favorite is the Bud Light Designated Driver program, which gives free taxi rides after holidays and events, including New Year’s Eve. In his off time, family and basketball are Ouellette’s two top priorities, as evidenced by the artwork in his office.

1 I met my best friend when I was 4. He was fishing with his mother across from my house. I really liked airplanes, and he was wearing pants with planes on them. The logical thing to do was ask him if I could have his pants. While I was begging for pants, our parents spoke with each other and found that we were attending the same kindergarten. 2 Ouellette is pronounced Wool-Let.

August 2014

3 I played basketball at Daniel Webster College in Nashua, New Hampshire. My position was small forward, No. 55, and I was named the team’s MVP my senior year. 4 The Celtics are my favorite professional team. I grew up going to the Boston Garden with my family and fell in love with the team and sport. In my office, you will find a large picture of the Celtics logo with the Boston city line in the background; I can’t let it go, even being 3,000 miles away. 5 I started off my schooling as an X-ray tech. 6 My favorite animal is a panda. We would vacation often to Washington, D.C., and as a child, the monuments and history just don’t resonate like they should. So my highlight of the trip each year was not only getting to see these most loveable creatures but to also getting a panda T-shirt. That shirt wouldn’t come off for days! 7 Because of this, my brothers have found it amusing to sign me up for every panda website or subscription known to man. 8 My closest relatives are in Virginia. 9 One of my pet peeves is hearing stories about other people’s fantasy football teams. Before you tell a fantasy story, you should one, remember it is fantasy, and two, remember people don’t want to hear about your close loss/victory. 10 Yet at the same time, I am mildly addicted to playing. I believe I scaled back to six teams and three pick’em leagues this past season. 11 The first six months of working at Advance Beverage, I shared a small office with Tom Maples (general manager) and Dennis Muleady. 12 I am the selfproclaimed king of the card game 45’s (Merrimack Valley game only).

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ON THE WEB

WE WANT YOUR ARTWORK, FOODIE PHOTOS

huge thank you to the shutterbugs who submitted their photos to Capture Kern County. We had an enormous selection of great shots to sift through for our Kern Life cover and photo spread. Enjoy just a few of our favorites on page 98. Check out capturekerncounty.com for more beautiful photos of Kern County and to share your stunning photos.

WORKS OF ART For all our other artistic readers, now is your chance to showcase your work in Bakersfield Life. Send us photos of your own artwork to bakersfieldlife@bakersfield.com with the subject line “Reader Art” by Aug. 8. Please include your name, age, address and a brief description of your work, 75 words or less. No more than two submissions per artist. Select submissions will be featured in the September issue.

FOODIE PHOTOS We’re cooking up our annual food issue, and we want you to serve us your best homemade food photos. Snap a shot of a dish, dessert or main course you made and email it to us at bakersfieldlife@bakersfield.com with the title, “Foodie photos” in the subject line by Sept. 1. Include your name, age, address, and a short description of the pictured delicacy. We’ll feature the best shot in the October issue and give you a delicious meal for your hard work.

WHAT I’M READING

MICK GLEASON Kern County First District Supervisor

iven his propensity for flying to great heights, it’s no surprise that first-term Kern County Supervisor Mick Gleason favors tales of great adventures. Elected in 2012, Gleason represents Kern’s First District, which covers the northeast corner of the county, stretching from Ridgecrest to Delano and down to Shafter. Gleason graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 1976 and joined the Navy in 1981. He flew attack jets for most of his career and flew in the initial strikes into Iraq to support Operation Desert Storm. Gleason earned a master’s in astronautical engineering in 1999 and retired from the Navy in 2008 as the commanding officer of Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake. Gleason continues to take to the skies Mick Gleason in his personal plane, which helps him make it to meetings across the county all in one day. He and his wife Robynn have been married since 1979 and have three children, Wes, Paddy (Patrick) and Jeff. They are proud 22

Bakersfield Life Magazine

August 2014

grandparents of Teagen Gleason and are looking forward to welcoming a grandson to their family this month. What I’m currently reading: “Great Expectations” by Charles Dickens Favorite author: Leon Uris Favorite book: Bible Books that I’ve read more that once: “The Hardy Boys” series and “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy Other materials I like reading: Newspapers and summer thrillers. Where I enjoy reading: Anywhere. The book that’s been inspirational in my life: “Papillon” and adventure stories.

FINDING FAME

MONTY BYROM By Miranda Whitworth

PHOTO BY CASEY CHRISTIE

e’s a Bakersfield music legend who’s tasted fame plenty of times. Now, this songwriter is about to hit the road with a new album and a lot of old friends. Monty Byrom is just weeks away from a national tour and his new album, “Monty Byrom and The Road Pilots,” is slated to hit store shelves in October. While releasing music and playing stages outside of Bakersfield is nothing new for this veteran musician, Byrom said there’s something special about this latest endeavor. “I don’t mean to brag, but it’s kind of a big deal,” Byrom said. “I’ve been doing this for a long time and to get another major deal after basically coming home and doing the [Crystal Palace] for seven years, I never expected it.” Byrom was born in Corpus Christi, Texas, and raised in Bakersfield. He first found fame in the 1980s, fronting the Bay Area rock group Billy Satellite. The musicians saw one album released before changes at Capitol Records left them without a label. Byrom and the boys parted ways, and he found success as a songwriter and landed back in the band leader’s seat with the group Big House. Byrom’s professional history is dotted with star-studded Monty Byrom at Julie’s Branding Iron collaborations. His during rehearsing resume includes for a 2012 benefit names like Eddie concert. Money, Barbara Streisand, David Lee Roth, Don Felder and Bakersfield legends Merle Haggard and Buck Owens. But in 2007 he came back home to Kern County and has regularly played The Crystal Palace with The Buckaroos. Between dates at the Crystal Palace, Byrom tours with his band The Road Pilots, which includes former Billy Satellite drummer Tom “Fee” Falletti, keyboardist Chris Neufeld and bassist Ray Sadolsky. The four were performing in Nashville, Tennessee when they were spotted by an old friend who worked for a subsidiary of Universal Music Group. “He came up to me after the show and said, ‘I think I’m going to sign you.’ I didn’t think he was serious but he said, ‘No, I’m going to get you a deal.’ He wasn’t joking,” Byrom

Monty Byrom performs on First Look with Scott Cox in the Dignity Health Studios. said of the encounter. Now Monty Byrom and The Road Pilots are under the Universal Music Group umbrella and have just completed work on two music videos to support their new album. They’ll kick off their tour on Aug. 10 at the Bakersfield Museum of Art. Then it’s onto the tour bus for shows in Arizona, New Mexico, Texas and Tennessee. It’s a daunting trip that Byrom said will be a true test at this stage of his career. “Oh my God, it’s going to be crazy. I haven’t toured on this crazy of a schedule in over a decade, so it’s like let’s see if Monty still has it in him,” Byrom said. Though he’s still a little shocked that he and The Road Pilots have a new record deal and are facing another rollercoaster ride of tour dates, Byrom knows that when it comes to success in the music business, you may not always be looking for the spotlight when it finds you. “It happens when you least expect it. That night I wasn’t nervous, I was in Nashville, just there to have fun. That’s what I do all of the time now. I just try to have fun; that’s my M.O.,” he said. bakersfieldlife.com

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MY PET

JOSHUA FRENG AND P.J., HANK, BOOTSTRAP BILL CINDER AND ETTA By Elizabeth Castillo

I named my pet… P.J., a cocker spaniel, already had his name when I adopted him. He had disk disease in his back and because of it, he was paralyzed. His original owners could no longer afford his medical expenses, but I wanted to give him a chance and try to help him. If he did well, I would keep him, but if he didn’t get better I would have made sure he didn’t suffer. Thankfully, P.J. has since made a full recovery, and I’ve had him for six years. I originally wanted to name Hank — a schnauzer cross — Henry but that wasn’t fitting for him. He is a wild schnauzer. Bootstrap Bill Cinder was named by a friend. Bootstrap Bill comes from the movie “Pirates of the Caribbean” and Cinder from a fire. I mainly just call him Bill. I adopted him from the hospital as a kit24

Bakersfield Life Magazine

August 2014

Dr. Joshua Freng with his cat Bill, cocker spaniel P.J. and schnauzer cross Hank. Etta the cat was unable to make it to the family photo.

PHOTO BY MARK NESSIA

or a veterinarian, sometimes finding a new pet is as easy as going to work. “When you work in a vet hospital, you tend to adopt your pets from there,” said Tehachapi veterinarian Joshua Freng. Freng grew up in Tehachapi and earned his doctor of veterinary medicine from Kansas State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. After receiving his degree, he returned to Tehachapi to be close to his family. Freng enjoys the sense of community in Tehachapi and loves everything about his job. “I get to help people by helping their pets. It creates a really strong bond with their family,” he said. Three of Freng’s four pets were adopted from his workplace, Tehachapi Veterinary Hospital. Freng adopted P.J., Hank and Bootstrap Bill Cinder — two dogs and a cat — from the hospital. He adopted his fourth pet, a cat named Etta, in Kansas.

My pets are happy when… They can spend time with

I know my pets are moody when… They don’t want to see me, and they’ll sit at my feet with their back turned to me. That’s when I can tell they’re grumpy. Favorite foods: Hank and P.J. love carrots. I have to chop them up so they don’t just swallow them whole. Etta loves ice cream. Bill is a fan of coffee. If there is a cup sitting there with coffee, he’ll try to drink from it. Talents: P.J. loves to play fetch. Hank is my running buddy. Etta is an excellent back scratcher. Bill is the game hunter. What my pets mean to me… They are my family, for sure. My pets in five words: Spoiled, loyal, high energy, loving, family. Anything else you’d like to share with our readers about your pets? Pets are important to our daily life. It’s important for us to do all that we can for them. We owe it to them to take care of them because pets enrich our lives.

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Favorite memories with my pet: P.J. was initially paralyzed, so when he was able to go up and down the five stairs that led to my house, that was very memorable. Hank is so crazy. One time, we took a day hike up in the Sequoias, and we had stopped to let the dogs use the bathroom. Somehow, Hank managed to find stinky, rotten leaves and rolled around in them. He is such a troublemaker! That was a smelly ride home that I still remember. When Etta had flea medications tested on her, my job was to comb out all the fleas from her fur and count them. She would sit and love to get them all combed out, and I fell in love. She was so sweet and friendly. Last summer, Bill escaped from my house and hunted rabbits. He brought in a rabbit that was alive, and the rabbit was our partially injured house guest.

me. I’m busy with work, and I have a hectic schedule so any time we get together is quality time.

ten. He came from a house fire and his ears were singed. The family he came from wanted to put the fire behind them and keeping the kitten was too painful. He also made a full recovery. Etta gets her name from Etta James; I’m a huge jazz fan. I adopted Etta from vet school. She was a research cat who had flea medications tested on her. I adopted her once she was finished with the research.

SHAFTER

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Your True Color

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August 2014

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IN SEASON

READY FOR FOOTBALL SEASON By Zach Esparza

Photos by Henry A. Barrios

t’s almost time to don our T-shirts and caps from the glory days and root for our favorite high school teams. Football season is upon us again. With two trips to the state championship in the last year alone, Bakersfield high school football remains competitive. Meet Highland’s new head coach and try on these tips to keep your athletes healthy and give them the best chance to succeed this season.

SAFETY FACTS 1. Remember your gear and wear it. Players may scoff at this, but there is nothing more depressing than a preventable injury. A well-fitted helmet with a tightly secured facemask and chin strap is crucial to protect against concussions. Mouth guards, cleats, pads, and an athletic supporter with cup are also important for the players’ safety. Keep in mind, every pad has its purpose.

2. Maintain a healthy diet and drink plenty of water. Eating vegetables isn’t just for looking good. These foods provide nourishments to sustain vigorous activity, translating into a better performing athlete. Water makes up more than half of our body composition, so it just makes sense to drink a lot of it. It’s especially important to drink water throughout practices and games, as well as before and after them. 3. Know the fundamentals of the game. Football may seem like a madman’s sport, but it has important rules that everyone has to follow. Illegal tackling such as grabbing facemasks, tripping, and blocking below the knees are very dangerous to both the tackled and the tackler. Learn how to tackle and block properly to remain injury free. If you are in an offensive position, train to safeguard against tackles when throwing or catching the ball. 4. Memorize the ins and outs of your playbook and practice them — a lot. In every play, every single person

Michael Gutierrez, only 28, was an assistant coach for more than 10 years. on the field has job to do. If everyone performs their duties, a touchdown may be scored or an effective tackle or inception may be made. With each repetition of a play, confidence will increase, leading to a safer and greater athlete. 5. Have the time of your life. For many former players, high school football was the best part of their teenage years. Live every moment of the season with passion. Through all the weight lifting, twoa-days, sweat, tears, and blood, the real reason to push through is the love of the game. It’s easy to forget, but in times of great struggle, this thought can carry even an average player to victory. Source: kidshealth.org

NEW KID ON THE BLOCK At only 28-years-old, Michael Gutierrez is the head football coach of Highland High School. Born and raised in Bakersfield, Gutierrez graduated from Foothill High, Bakersfield College and Cal State Bakersfield. With more than 10 years of coaching experience under his belt split between Foothill and Miramonte high schools, he is more than ready to tackle the challenges that come

Highland High football coach Michael Gutierrez watches his team during an early season workout. 28

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SHORT TAKE with his new position. Focused not on winning, but on creating men with values that lead to success on and off the field, Gutierrez has high standards for his team and himself. Early on in his coaching career, he knew he wanted to be a part of the magic, and it only took a couple of years for Gutierrez to build his own program. Football has taught him many things. As a student athlete and captain in his playing days, he learned teamwork and leadership were two crucial elements to an outstanding team. As an adult, his ability to touch players’ lives and make young men become better people remains a big reason why he loves to coach. With emphasis on integrity, Gutierrez has advice for first-time football players. “Don’t hold back. If you’re giving everything that you have, the coach will have to find a spot for you, and you’re going to be the guy that the coach wants to keep around,” Gutierrez said. As the kids take the field, Gutierrez also encourages parents to put their faith in coaches come game time. “We’re working hard to ensure [your] kids are successful on and off the field. So always [trust] in us and what we are doing,” Gutierrez said.

EVENT CONNECTS BUSINESSES, HISPANIC CONSUMERS

he public is invited to attend the 20th annual Business and Consumer Trade Show from 1 to 5 p.m. Aug. 28 at the Bakersfield Marriott. The free event is hosted by the Kern County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and designed to connect Hispanic consumers with area businesses. A big highlight will be the business workshops, including health care reform for businesses, financial planning, access to capital and marketing strategy development, organizers said. Several business and consumer booths will also be on hand throughout the day. For information, call the Hispanic chamber at 633-5495 or email officeadmin@kchcc.org. — Bakersfield Life

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Find more community events at bakersfieldlife.com or submit yours via email to bakersfieldlife@bakersfield.com

HAPPENINGS: Can’t-miss events in Kern County 2014 AUGUST 47th annual Fiesta Days, Aug. 13, Frazier Park. Carnival, pet show, battle of the bands, VFW annual pancake breakfast, horseshoe tournament, fishing derby, logsawing contest and more. For details on locations and times, visit frazierfiestadays.org 2014 Fabulous Feline Follies Fundraiser, dinner, silent auction, no-host cocktails, raffle, prizes, 5 p.m. Aug. 9, Exotic Feline Breeding Compound Feline Conservation Center, 3718 60th St. West, Rosamond. $75. 256-3793.

Kern County Fair, Sept. 17-28, 1142 P St., Bakersfield. kerncountyfair.com Kern River Revitalization Barbecue, noon to 4 p.m. Sept. 27, French Gulch Marina, Highway 155. Free, raffle drawing. krvr.org/BBQ

OCTOBER Wine, Women & Shoes, food, fashion show, shopping, live and silent auction, 2 to 6 p.m. Saturday Oct. 4 at the home of Jay and Davisha Patel. $125-$175, benefitting CASA of Kern County. kerncasa.org or 631-2272.

Tehachapi Wine, Craft Beer & Food Festival, acoustical music, tapas, silent auction, 6 to 10 p.m. Aug. 9 Veritas Tapas & Wine Bar, 765 Tucker Road, Tehachapi. $50, includes souvenir tasting glass. Tickets at eventbrite.com.

SEPTEMBER 6th annual Latination Art Exhibit, opening Sept. 5, Metro Galleries, 1604 19th St. metrogalleries.com or 634-9598. Wasco Festival of Roses, Sept., 6, Wasco. Activities include rose parade, children’s rose show, rose queen pageant, wine and roses reception and more. i.wasco.ca.us or call 758-3081

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Altares de Familia, Nov. 2, Bakersfield Museum of Art. bmoa.org Festival of Trees, 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Nov. 23, Rabobank Convention Center. Lunch, fashion show. Organized by Bakersfield Women’s Club. 325-7889. Nuui Cunni Native American Gathering and Fundraiser. Located at the Native American Cultural Center, French Gulch Area, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. November date tba. kernrivervalley.com or 760-549-0800.

JANUARY 26th annual Victim/Witness Auxiliary Fog Run, Lake Ming. Usually scheduled in early January. Proceeds benefit crime victims of Kern County. Visit active.com, search “Fog Run,” or bakersfieldtrackclub.com Annual Prayer Breakfast, Rabobank Convention Center, 1001 Truxtun Ave. Usually in late January. Email bakprayerbreakfast@gmail.com Weddings 2015 Bridal Show, Kern County Fairgrounds. Usually in late January. kerncountybridalassociation.com

DECEMBER Delano Chamber of Commerce Christmas in the Park, Dec. 1119, Heritage Park, Lexington St, Delano. delanochamberofcommerce.org

Whiskey Flat Days

Via Arte

FEBRUARY

15th annual Via Arte, Italian street painting festival. Oct. 10-12, the Marketplace, 9000 Ming Ave. bmoa.org or viaartebakersfield.com 2014 NHRA California Hot Rod Reunion, Oct. 17 through Oct. 19. Drag racing and hundreds of cars, Auto Club Famoso Raceway, 33559 Famoso Road, McFarland. For ticket prices: nhratix.com California City Renaissance Festival, Oct. 18-19, California City Central Park, 10460 Heather Ave., California City. calcityrenfair.org

Village Fest 2014, includes 15 drink samples and unlimited food samples, 6 to 10 p.m. Sept. 6, Kern County Museum, 3801 Chester Ave. $70, $75 at the gate. 21 and over only. vallitix.com or 322-5200.

NOVEMBER

2015

Annual Christmas Parade, Lake Isabella. Late November. kernrivervalley.com or 760-379-5236.

Sixth annual Center of the World Festival, opening ceremonies 7:30 to 10 p.m. Friday, Aug. 15, playwright competition 1:30 and 7:30 p.m., music, songwriting competition, awards, closing ceremonies 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Pine Mountain Club, 1626 Askin Trail, Pine Mountain Club. 242-1583. 51st annual Tehachapi Mountain Festival, arts and crafts, rodeo, food and carnival, PRCA rodeo, pet parade, VFW dinner and dance, 5k/10k run and more. 6 p.m. Monday Aug. 11; 6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 15; 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 16; and 9 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 17. Locations vary. tehachapimountainfestival.com or call 8224180.

Dust Bowl Days, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Oct. 18, Sunset School, Weedpatch. Free. Dust Bowl Festival Facebook page

Holiday Lights at CALM HolidayLights at CALM, runs through December. See more than 2 million lights, colorful displays, carousel, train ride around zoo, and more. CALM zoo, 10500 Alfred Harrell Highway, Bakersfield. calmzoo.org or vallitix.com

Wasco Festival of Roses August 2014

Whiskey Flat Days, Feb. 13-16, Kernville. Parade, rodeo, wild west entertainment, carnival, pet parade, gunfighter skits, kids activities and more. kernvalley.com/news/whiskey.htm Central Valley Sportsman Boat & RV Show, Feb. 27-March 1, Kern County Fairgrounds, 1142 S. P St. $10; kids age 5 to 10 $5. Tickets at calshows.com or at gate.

MARCH 2015 Bakersfield March Meet, drag racing festival with manufacturer’s exhibits and a vintage auto parts swap meet. Tentatively set for early March. famosoraceway.com Bakersfield Fiesta, March 20-22, Kern County Fairgrounds. Bakersfieldfiesta.com

APRIL 20th annual Kern County Scottish Society Gathering, Games, and Ceilidh (Scottish Party), April 18, at Kern County Fairgrounds. kernscot.org 26th annual Lake Isabella Fishing Derby, fishing derby contest. Held in mid-April, Lake Isabella. 760-379-5236. 26th annual Bakersfield Women’s Business Conference, all-day event, usually held in late April at Rabobank Convention Center, 1001 Truxtun Ave. bakersfieldwomen.org Annual Kern River Whitewater Festival, scheduled for late April. 10 a.m. Riverside Park. Whitewater races, vendors, food and more. Kern River Council. kernrivervalley.com or 760-376-3745.

Annual Menudo Cook-Off. Usually the first Sunday in June, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Kern County Fairgrounds. Organized by the Kern County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. 633-5495 or kchcc.org

JULY Concerts by the Fountain, Listen to a variety of music coming from live bands on certain summer nights at The Marketplace, 9000 Ming Ave. Twilight at CALM, bring a picnic dinner and dine with the animals and enjoy them during their active dusk hours, 5 to 8 p.m. Typically held on Saturdays in July through August, CALM, 10500 Alfred Harrell Highway. $5; $3 ages 3 to 12; CALM members are free. 8722256.

MAY Annual Stampede Days Rodeo, Kern County Sheriff’s Reserve Association. Bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping, saddle bronc riding, bull riding, barrel racing and more. First weekend in May at Kern County Fairgrounds, Grandstand, 1142 P St. Stampededaysrodeo.com Lilac Festival, Pine Mountain Village. Third weekend of May. Activities include lilac festival parade, acrobatic skydivers, food, music, golf and horseshoe tournaments, children’s activities, and more. Admission is free. For information, stop by any Village Center shop or contact Robert DeLoach at 242-1132. Bakersfield Craft Beer Festival, featuring wide selection of breweries, along with great food. Usually held Memorial Day weekend at California State University, Bakersfield Amphitheater, 9001 Stockdale Highway. bakersfieldcraftbeerfestival.com

Philippine Weekend 2014 Philippine Weekend. Month-long activities that culminate toward the end of the of the month for a big three-day weekend celebration: pork adobo cook-off, Saturday and Sunday: grand parade (Saturday only), barrio fiesta, basketball tournament, cultural entertainment, live performances, dance and singing contest, bingo, most events take place at Cecil Park, 17th Ave., Delano. Free. 679-9698.

JUNE 65th annual Glennville Rodeo Roundup. Weekend long event, usually the first or second weekend in June. GMVA Rodeo Arena, 196 Pascoe Road, Glennville. Glennvillerodeo.org

Glennville Rodeo Roundup

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MY MOBILE LIFE

DIANE WHITE By Alana Garrett

s a tax partner at Brown Armstrong CPA and an active community member of the Bakersfield Breakfast Rotary Club, Diane White relies on the right set of apps to complete her day. White loves to spend her time giving back to the community and is on the board of the Kern Community Foundation and the Bakersfield Women’s Business Conference. Some of White’s hobbies include traveling, reading, shopping, and taking trips to Disneyland with her husband, John. These apps help her whether she is working or on a vacation.

Bakersfield Californian e-Edition – I like to keep up with the news while at home and away. This app is an interactive replica of the daily newspaper. It is easy to access previous editions. I download it to read offline and on the go if I don’t have time to read the print edition.

AOL – The latest stories and videos are in a news stream format. I have customized it to stream what I am most interested in. Articles can be saved and shared. Browsing the news stream is a fun way I relax at the end of the day.

Amazon Music – This app allows me to play music from my own iTunes and MP3 collection stored on my iPad and in the cloud. All of my music is accessible in one place. It’s very handy as I use it at the office, home, in my car and while traveling. Numbers – This is a spreadsheet app that I use almost every day. I have spreadsheets for tracking my list of things to do, travel itineraries, shopping lists, etc. Microsoft Excel spreadsheets can be imported, which is perfect for work documents I want to access out of the office.

Adobe Reader – I am on several nonprofit boards and I download the board packet to my iPad, which I use during the meetings. I have used it to download continuing education materials. Anything in a PDF format can be accessed, password protected, and managed.

Union Bank – I use this app to check my account balance, transaction details, and transfer funds. It is a quick and easy way to monitor the activity on a daily basis. The app has security controls available so I know it is safe and reliable.

TripCase – I love to travel. This app arranges all of my trip details. I email my airline and hotel confirmations and the app stores the info. I receive flight change notifications. Weather, directions, seat maps, and more are all accessible within the app. TripAdvisor – As a picky person, this app allows me to browse reviews, photos, fun things to do, hotels, restaurants, shopping, etc., before I make my travel plans. I can compare airfare and hotels for the best deals. The reviews are real and straightforward. By using the app, I have avoided a travel mistake or two. 32

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Starbucks – This app is one of my favorites. It keeps me connected to my Starbucks Card and rewards program. I can easily pay for purchases, leave a tip, or send a gift via email. I receive special offers for drink purchases, free apps and music downloads.

Genius Scan – This is the perfect app for me to take a “picture” of a document, receipt, business card or anything else I want to save in either JPEG or PDF format. It’s a scanner in my purse. I have used it mostly for receipts, business cards and coupons.

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

JAMES KEMMLER “KEM” ROGERS, RANCHER, PIONEER AND INNOVATOR

PHOTOS COURTESY OF JENNIFER ROGERS- ETCHEVERRY

descendant of American cowboy royalty, James Kemmler “Kem” Rogers was accustomed to the inevitable comparisons to his famous grandfather, Will Rogers. But unlike Kem’s uncle who followed in the famed humorist’s footsteps and onto the set of Hollywood Westerns, Kem Rogers felt most at home on the range where his love for ranching helped revolutionize the cattle feeding industry. The younger Rogers, who died June 11 in Bakersfield at the age of 75, eschewed the trappings of celebrity that dogged his relatives, and found his passion and purpose rescuing struggling feedlots that harkened back to his days growing up in Caliente, 100 miles away from his birthplace in Los Angeles. The oldest child of James and Astrea Rogers, and the first grandchild of Will and Betty Rogers, Kem was born May 3, 1939. He attended elementary school in Pacific Palisades, where his famous grandfather built the family ranch that today is the centerpiece of the Will Rogers State Historic Park, and played polo. Kem’s father bought property on Bear Mountain and

James Kemmler “Kem” Rogers

moved his family away from the glamorous lifestyle of Hollywood and the Palisades. Kem grew up in foothills of Caliente until the 8th grade when he was sent to boarding school in Tennessee. Kem returned to Kern County and spent his senior year at Bakersfield High School. He attended Bakersfield College and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo where he studied agribusiness. After college, Kem enlisted in the U.S. Army, and in 1963 married 34

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his cowgirl sweetheart Nancy Schneider, the daughter of a California rancher and rodeo champion. Throughout the Midwest, Kem helped feedlots find their financial footing again. As a partner in Agri-Tech, one of the largest cattle feeding companies in the nation, he helped pioneer the introduction of Holstein dairy cattle into the beef feeding industry, providing consumers with leaner meat. Using a Holstein, a milk cow, was a game changer for the industry, but a chance and risk that worked, according to Kem’s daughter, Jennifer Rogers-Etcheverry. “The country was used to traditional feeder market beef, like Angus and Hereford,” Rogers-Etcheverry said. “Then they began breeding Holsteins for beef consumption.” Rogers was also instrumental in using ultrasound technology to measure the performance potential of cattle, and at one point, even began raising tilapia, a mud-sucking fish, on his feedlot. Neither Kem nor his father James had any interest in the limelight Will Rogers basked in. But after James’ death in 2000, Kem, with the signature Rogers grin and effusive personality, replaced his father as the family representative on the Will Rogers Memorial Commission and the Will Rogers Memorial Foundation, enthusiastically keeping the legacy of his beloved grandfather alive. Kem spent his retirement years back in Tennessee where he took up polo again. He became a certified umpire and refereed inter-collegiate polo games in Texas. Kem promised his children two things: straight teeth and a college education, insisting that anything in life could be accomplished with a good smile and knowledge. He had an unquenchable thirst for information and when he didn’t have horse reigns in his hands, he held a book. Kem returned to Kern County in 2012 following an automobile accident and lived out the remainder of his life with his family in Bakersfield. A member of the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum and the Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Foundation, Rogers is survived by his daughter Jennifer RogersEtcheverry, son James of San Diego, a brother, sister and three grandchildren. Lisa Kimble

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FA M I LY V E R D I C T By Katy Raytis

RUN THROUGH THE NEIGHBORHOOD FEELS LIKE HOME

ecently, I took up running. Well, I call it running. According to Google, my pace only counts as a “brisk walk,” but I know better than to believe everything that I read online, so I still call it running. Anyway, I am not one of those runners who uses the bike path. I have seen enough episodes of “Forensic Files” and “Cold Case Files” to know that running alone on a trail somewhere (paved or not) is sure to end with me getting murdered. Instead, I run in my neighborhood. We live downtown, and even though downtown is arguably less safe than the bike path, at least it feels safer. Mostly that’s because it feels like you know someone at every turn. I usually start my run from my house and head down the street. First point of interest is passing the home of my semifamous, semi-funny neighbor, Herb Benham. Next comes our old house. Across the street, the home of the neighbor who is the reason that I have to run in the first place after she fattened me up with all of her homemade cookies and zucchini bread.

Next comes Monsignor Craig’s house. This road marker is actually very well-placed because once I have cleared about two blocks, I am usually in desperate need of some divine intervention. Craig’s house comes along right about the time when I start praying for God to put me out of my misery. Down the road comes my hopeful future sons-in-law circuit when I pass the Bikakis and Kirschenmann homes. Then a quick turn around and it’s off to see the business neighbors — NYFotography, The Green Thumb, House of Talula, Rami at Ramco, and Poise Pilates + Barre. And then, at last, I am at the highlight of my route — the fire station. I am really glad that way back when, in a cave somewhere, man first invented fire, so that now we can have firemen. My normal route takes me around the fire station twice. But if they are washing the fire trucks then I make a third lap, just for good measure. And really, by this time, I am usually so hot and sweaty that there is a good chance I might actually spontaneously combust, so it’s undoubtedly wise to

“

I am really glad that way back when, in a cave somewhere, man first invented fire, so that now we can have firemen.

”

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stick close to the fire house. Coming back around toward home, I will hit my husband’s office, my doctor’s office, our orthodontist, four different Bellue families, our pharmacist, my co-worker, and the houses of four of my dearest girlfriends in the world. Not many neighborhoods can boast this kind of camaraderie. People downtown know each other. They bring you lemon bars and invite you over to sit in their front yard to have a glass of wine. They get your mail and rescue your dog when he gets out. They have parades on holidays and potlucks when new people move in. And, when I’m out running (or briskly walking), they wave and smile as I pass their windows. Norman Rockwell might be dead in most parts of town, but at least he’s still on life support in Westchester. This is why I love to run in my neighborhood instead of running on the bike path. It feels friendly and happy to be surrounded by familiar faces. It feels like I’m accepted, like I’m part of the group, like I belong. The world feels small when you know everyone you pass by, and sometimes small feels really really good. I’ll take that over the bike path every time. — Katy Raytis is a local attorney and mother of three. You can email her your comments at Katy Raytis kraytis@beldenblaine.com.

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D I N I N G D I VA S

Dining Divas, from left, Amanda Reade, Tanya Hutson, Norma Diaz, Nina Ha and Aryana Mosley, arrive at Don Juan’s Latin Fusion restaurant in Tehachapi with Tim Dobbs of Distinctive Limousine and Chauffeur Service and Executive Car Service of Bakersfield.

DON JUAN’S LATIN FUSION CUISINE Divas fall in love with Tehachapi restaurant’s creative charm Photos by Greg Nichols

f you’re thinking about visiting Don Juan’s Latin Fusion restaurant in Tehachapi, you’re in for a unique culinary adventure. As we made our way up the mountain and arrived at this quaint restaurant in northwestern part of town, we weren’t sure what to expect. But after being greeted by the friendly owners, Juan and Yolanda Acevedo, and smelling the savory Latin American seasonings that filled the restaurant, we knew that we would be driving back to dine here again. And as the night went on, more and more patrons arrived to enjoy the experience that Don Juan’s creates for its patrons. But the group that left the happiest was our gang of Dining Divas.

Bakersfield Life Magazine

August 2014

APPETIZERS Tanya on the ahi steak salad and watermelon chimichurri salad: It was such a pleasure to escape the sum-

mer heat in Bakersfield for a couple of hours and enjoy Tehachapi’s cool breezes. What’s even better than the 10degree temperature difference? Don Juan’s Latin Fusion restaurant, of course! One glance at the menu and it is apparent that this is not your typical Mexican restaurant. As we decided what appetizer to order, I think I was the first one to claim the grilled ahi tuna, and I’m glad I did. The tuna was seared perfectly on the outside with a pepper crust, and the inside was delightfully rare and tender. A sauce served on the side for dipping was made with fresh mangoes, champagne vinegar and a few secret ingredients. This appetizer was also served with a watermelon relish that was so refreshing on a warm day. Cubes of watermelon were covered in a chimichurri sauce, and while I would never think of putting these two ingredients together, it was absolutely fantastic. Norma on the Caribbean shrimp cocktail: With my love of seafood and shrimp cocktails, Don Juan’s choice of flavors is an absolute winner! The presentation made my mouth

Ahi steak and watermelon chimichurri salad

water. Once I tasted this delicious appetizer, I was tempted not to • 20700 South St. in Tehachapi share. Six citrus • 822-6612 poached white • donjuansgrill.com shrimp lay draped • 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through over the dish Thursday; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday accompanied by and Saturday fresh slices of crispy cucumbers and pineapple. They were complemented with a cantaloupe cocktail sauce, pico de gallo and chayote, which is a pearshaped tropical squash, a common staple in Central America. The skin, root, seeds and leaves are all edible, plus its mild flavor allows it to blend into recipes. Overall, this is the best shrimp cocktail to hit my taste buds.

Don Juan’s Latin Fusion Cuisine

sweet fruit paired well with the juicy, flavorful pork. Nina on the chipotle wings: I've had wings covered in garlic parmesan, teriyaki glaze, honey mustard, atomic spices and even Cajun style. Don Juan’s chipotle wings fly high enough to hold their own against the best of them. Instead of the jarring crunch of deep fried chicken skin, you’re treat-

Aryana on the beef empanadas: Absolutely the perfect pastry for all meals! These empanadas have a hearty beef and vegetable filling. Don Juan’s take on this classic Central and South American pastry, which is traditionally eaten as street food, draws on a number of influences. These empanadas are ideal for snacking on the go but are just as satisfying to eat as a simple dinner. Amanda on the pork Panama: The tender pulled pork with a sweet and spicy sauce melted in my mouth. The best bite included a fried plantain that’s served alongside this dish. The slightly crunchy and

Caribbean shrimp cocktail

Continued on page 40

Continued from page 39 ed to a surprisingly tender immersion of delightful flavor. They’re marinated in orange and lime juices for a subtle, yet pleasant taste. The sauce contains chipotle adobo (smoked dried jalapeno peppers), which can really turn up the heat. But when coupled with a creamy ranch chipotle sauce, the spice is diffused for those who like to walk on the mild side.

ENTREES Tanya on the Buenos Aires grilled chicken: Juan, the owner, presented us with several main dishes of his choosing. Although I have a feeling that isn’t the norm, I enjoyed eating family style, with us ladies sampling a bit of everything. I think I took more than my fair share of the Buenos Aires grilled chicken entree. A glaze of aji chile and guava gave the chicken a great flavor that wasn’t too spicy for my tender taste buds. Served on a bed of cabbage and Cuban white rice, the chicken was tender. Black beans and a melange of vegetables (zucchini, green beans, mushrooms and collard greens) accompanied the chicken. Although I have no idea how to prepare plantains at home, Juan certainly knows a thing or two about them. As we were stuffing our faces with wonderful fare, Juan

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told us a little more about how he got into the restaurant business and what inspires his recipes. As he was speaking, we could tell Juan has a passion for cooking and creating inventive culinary dishes. Norma on the chile glazed salmon: Imagine this: orange chile glaze finely drizzled over a skillet grilled salmon with Don Juan’s signature seasonings. Nestled next to it was a wonderful tasting mango salsa. I love this dish not only because it’s a “marisco dish,” but also because it has so many different flavors. The chile glaze consists of sweet chile sauce, chile flakes and fresh orange to give any seafood lover a new experience in flavor. Aryana on the bacon-wrapped shrimp: The name says it all. What’s better than bacon? Shrimp wrapped in bacon! Each bite of shrimp was mingled with a hint of heat and a touch of sweetness. The meal was served with a fresh seasonal vegetable medley and Cuban white rice. Amanda on the Zacatecas chile verde: This dish consists of tender pan-seared morsels of pork simmered in a fire-roasted jalapeno, poblano and tomato sauce. Juan explained how many traditional Latin dishes are served

Continued on page 42 Chile glazed salmon

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ness. The custard made of cream, egg yolks and vanilla was not cloyingly sweet and was a perfect ending to a wonderful meal. Every bite, from the appetizers to the dessert, was a testament to Juan’s creativity.

Continued from page 41 with Cuban white rice and black beans, which are meant to complement a meat that is just spicy enough. Nina on the butternut snapper fillet: Don Juan’s prides itself on its originality. They don’t serve chips and salsa, nor do they serve up predictability. The restaurant’s snapper fillet is a sauteed fish covered in a warm duvet of butternut cream sauce. It’s an innovative departure from the standard nutencrusted, beer-battered, lemon-peppered fish dish. The pureed winter squash has an effervescent effect on the taste of the dense, hearty fillet. Cooked in olive oil and white wine, the butternut snapper fillet is sprinkled with scallions and served with fresh collard greens, carrots, mushrooms and fluffy Cuban white rice. This well-balanced plate, created with an array of Latin American influences, tastes like comfort food from the sea.

DESSERTS Tanya on the creme brulee: The appetizers and entrees

were so delicious that it was a challenge to leave room for dessert. One of my favorite treats is creme brulee, so I was delighted when it was brought to the table. Under the perfectly browned white sugar crust was a creamy ramekin of good-

Norma on the drunken plantains: As a young girl, my grandma cooked plantains and I just loved them, so I was excited to order this dessert. Of course, my grandma didn’t drench them in homemade Puerto Rican rum like these ones, but that’s what made these so delicious. The flavor of rum was not overwhelming, and I didn’t want to use a fork because I wanted to use my hands to scoop up all the sauce! Amanda on the chocolate chimi: This was delightful. A tortilla filled with gourmet Chocolate El Rey, coffee liqueur and brandy was a true treat. I especially liked how generous the chef was with the filling. There was a lot of chocolate to soak up with the warm tortilla. Nina on the flan tres leches: More than a decade ago in Mexico, Juan Acevedo's younger sister made a flan that captivated his taste buds. It was a Spanish-style flan made with heavy cream, condensed milk, vanilla and cream cheese. That unforgettable dessert is now a staple at his restaurant. The fresh ingredients are lightly whipped, baked and then covered

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with artistic strands of caramel coffee sauce. This homemade flan boasts a firm, cheesecake-like texture with a bottom layer soaked in buttery dark, sweet flavors. And, if you’re a sauce lover like me, you can request extra caramel coffee syrup from their friendly staff. They work hard to exemplify their motto: “It is all about you, the customer — for without you, we are nothing.”

CONCLUSION As you can see, we loved the Latin fusion experience Don Juan’s offers. From the owners’ knowledge of the food and culture to the pleasant atmosphere, this was a memorable dining experience. It was especially a fun trip to dinner because Tim Dobbs, owner and driver of Distinctive Limousine and Chauffeur Service and Executive Car Service of Bakersfield, chauffeured us. He picked us up in a large SUV that was clean, comfortable and perfectly fit us five ladies and our wonderful photographer Greg Nichols. Tim was gracious and very funny, which made the ride to Tehachapi even more enjoyable. We highly recommend Tim’s service for basic airport runs to weddings and other special events. We hope he’ll give us a lift to another Divas’ dinner! If you’re interested in a ride from Distinctive Limousine and Chauffeur Service and Executive Car Service of Bakersfield, contact Tim Dobbs at 334-1400.

Juan Acevedo, owner of Don Juan’s Latin Fusion restaurant in Tehachapi.

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FOOD DUDES

CHERYL’S DINER Dudes declare this diner’s worthy of a drive to Kernville

Hot and spicy omelet with blueberry pancakes 44

Bakersfield Life Magazine

August 2014

Cheryl’s Diner

Bakersfield Food Dudes with the staff of Cheryl’s Diner. Left, Vince Fong, Robert Rodriguez, Chris Berry, Cheryl Borthick, David Rous (back), Borthick’s granddaughter Mandy Eastes, and Jay Tamsi.

Photos by Greg Nichols

f you’re looking for fun weekend getaway or just a nice day trip, you should jump in the car and take a trip to the Kern River Valley. The outdoor activities are endless whether you’re tubing, rafting, mountain biking, rock climbing, camping, fishing or a hitting round of golf. Before you start your adventure or after your day of fun, stop in and have a meal or dessert at Cheryl’s Diner. Owner Cheryl Borthick embodies the essence of the Kern River Valley — commitment to her family, neighbors and community. Her boundless energy flows throughout the diner, and you can see her staff feeds off of it. After greeting us at the door with a warm smile, she escorted us to our table where we were introduced to our waitress, her granddaughter Mandy Eastes. Cheryl and her family focus on providing you with a great oldfashioned, home-cooked meal with fresh ingredients and food made from scratch. You’ll hear patrons laughing and joking, sharing stories from the day.

comes with a choice of three sides. I ordered mine with country potatoes, scrambled eggs and a biscuit. While each item tasted great on its own, I decided to mix everything together for a perfect marriage of crunchiness and gooiness in every bite. This was easily one of the best chicken fried steak dishes I have ever had. Robert on the hot and spicy omelet with blueberry pancakes: I love having breakfast for dinner, too! I mixed it up

and spiced it up with the hot and spicy omelet. At first sight, I thought, “Whoa, this omelet is huge!” Monterey Jack cheese and spicy slices of jalapenos topped this bad boy. It was stuffed with bell peppers, onions, salsa and ground beef. I have to admit, when I first asked Mandy, our server, about the omelet, I was a little skeptical. “Ground

Continued on page 46

ENTREES Chris on the chicken fried steak and eggs: Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day. When we arrived at Cheryl’s Diner around dinner time, I was pleased to discover they offer their breakfast menu all day. After hearing that, I knew that I would be ordering breakfast for dinner. Cheryl personally suggested one of their most popular items — the chicken fried steak and eggs. When the dish came out, I couldn’t believe the enormous size. Each generously sized steak is double-breaded, seasoned, fried to a crispy golden brown and topped with a healthy serving of their homemade sausage gravy. The dish

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notch! My sirloin steak was about one-inch thick and two pounds, prepared medium well, and seasoned just right. My fried eggs were cooked over-easy, yolk was slightly runny and the whites fully cooked. They tasted amazing along with wheat toast and strawberry jam. The dish comes with your choice of hash browns or country fried potatoes. I chose the potatoes, which made my meal over-the-top delicious! I nearly devoured my meal — one of the best I’ve ever had but had to make room for dessert.

French dip sandwich

DESSERTS Continued from page 45 beef in an omelet, I don’t know.” I was so wrong! The ground beef with peppers and onions was the perfect combination. The meat wasn’t too heavy, it was seasoned perfectly with a little kick from the salsa. Speaking of mixing it up, along with my spicy omelet, I had an order of blueberry pancakes. Might I say, them are some pretty darn good eats! These pancakes were completely homemade, definitely not out of a box. The edges of the pancakes were slightly caramelized and had a little crunch to them. They were loaded with blueberries and a lot of TLC! Vince on the French dip sandwich: The French dip was simply fantastic. It was recommended to have with Swiss cheese and onions, which provided some great flavor to an already delicious sandwich. The beef was cooked to perfection and very tender, and the au jus had great beef flavor. This entree is served with a generous helping of seasoned fries that you can fill up on alone. If you’re looking for a hearty sandwich, you can’t go wrong ordering the French dip. Just be sure to save room for the homemade desserts! David on the big bleu burger: I spoke up too late to claim a “breakfast for dinner” item. Before I even opened the menu, the other Dudes were discussing omelets and pancakes. This turned out to be a blessing in disguise as it gave me an opportunity to sample the big bleu burger. Mandy smiled and nodded her head in approval at my choice. A beautiful, hand-formed patty was topped with a generous portion of bleu cheese crumbles that were just starting to melt. Resting on top of that was a heap of thin, fried, crispy onions. Sometimes finding the right condiment to compliment a bleu cheese burger is difficult, but Cheryl struck gold with a spread of thousand island dressing on a toasted bun. The dressing, combined with the cheese and the onions, kept the burger moist and flavorful for every delicious bite. As one would expect, french fries are served hot and fresh alongside this burger. Jay on the steak and eggs: From sunrise, Cheryl’s serves an array of breakfast dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner. I couldn’t decide what to order, everything on the menu was so tempting. I finally decided on the steak and eggs, and man was it great! On top of Cheryl’s wonderful hostess skills, the customer service was top-

Bakersfield Life Magazine

August 2014

Chris on the chocolate peanut butter pie: Being a chocolate lover, I decided on the chocolate peanut butter pie. I was expecting it to be the kind of dessert that is very sweet and too rich. To my surprise, it was the complete opposite. The pie was very light and not overly sweet, which allowed me to appreciate the subtle chocolate and peanut butter flavors. Cheryl said one of the secrets is the use of crunchy peanut butter in the filling, which gives it a nice contrast to the creamy chocolate. She also mentioned they add a “secret ingredient” to the recipe. Despite my best efforts and threatening to write a bad review, she refused to disclose it to me. Robert on the Dutch apple pie: I went with a slice of Dutch apple pie. Of course, I had to do it up Food Dudes style, so I ordered mine with a heaping scoop of vanilla ice cream. The pie was layered with tender slices of apples covered in a silky brown sugary cinnamon spice mixture. Topping the apples was a rich buttery cinnamon crumble. Sorry guys, I tried to get the list of ingredients, but Cheryl shot me down. Trust me, you won't be disappointed when ordering this dessert, you just have to save room because you’ll want to eat every bite. Vince on the coconut cream pie: All of the pies at Cheryl’s are homemade, so you can’t go wrong with any of them. But if you’re a fan of coconut cream pie, you have to order yourself a piece. The coconut cream pie is a great combination of shredded coconut, whipped cream and a coconut custard filling. This will get you to stop at Cheryl’s just for dessert.

Dutch apple pie

Cheryl’s Diner is the perfect place to satisfy your appetite after a day of outdoor fun in the Kern River Valley.

David on the chocolate no-no: The chocolate no-no is quite large. So large, that it needs to be treated with respect, and it should also be shared. I claimed this dessert, and while I won’t say it is superior to any of Cheryl’s wonderful pies, if you aren’t in the mood for pie, try her take on the classic chocolate sundae over a brownie. The brownie is served warm and split into four pieces. The chocolate syrup drips between each piece as the scoop of vanilla ice cream is given a perfect little nest on which it sits ensuring that it doesn’t slide off to the side when you dig in. Cheryl topped it off with whipped cream and two cherries. After my big burger, I came nowhere near finishing this sundae, but the other Dudes took care of that. Jay on the lemon meringue pie: My piece of lemon meringue pie was excellent — the combination of homemade crust, lemon custard filling and fluffy meringue topping was pure perfection. It was prepared with a bottom of piecrust, then meringue right on top of the lemon filling. You must order this from the list of Cheryl’s homemade desserts. I could tell that not only are her entrees made with lots of love and from the heart, but so are her desserts.

A COMFORTABLE RIDE Tim Dobbs, owner of Distinctive Limousine and Chauffeur Service and Executive Car Service of Bakersfield drove most of the Food Dudes up Highway 178 to Cheryl’s Diner. Tim provided a smooth and comfortable ride for our hourlong journey up the canyon. If you’re looking for a car service

Owner Cheryl Borthick, giving Jay Tamsi a goodbye hug, treats all of her customers like family. around town or wanting to take a limousine trip to the Central Coast for wine tasting (or anywhere for that matter), be sure to give Tim a call at 334-1400.

ONE BIG FAMILY Whether it’s your first time visiting Cheryl’s or if you’re a regular, you’ll be treated like one of the family. We had a nice time at Cheryl’s Diner and we think you will, too. Open seven days a week, just drop in, you’ll feel right at home! bakersfieldlife.com

FOOD AND WINE

WINNING WINES

Retired insurance brokers Bob and Patty Souza started a new life as winemakers in Tehachapi. 48

Bakersfield Life Magazine

August 2014

PHOTO BY MARK NESSIA

Kern locals, transplants pour their hearts into the local wine business

CALIFORNIAN FILE PHOTO

Martin and Patti Croad on the porch of the tasting room at Croad Vineyards.

By Miranda Whitworth

PHOTO BY MARK NESSIA

he days are sunny and hot, the nights are cool and dry, and the grapes are thriving on the vine. In the distance, a villa stands guard over an estate, inside wine is being poured, tasted and enjoyed. It feels like a scene from an Italian romance novel but look a little closer. This isn’t Tuscany, it’s Tehachapi, and those Vespas have California license plates. While the wine country of Italy is on the other side of the globe, Kern County residents are making vino their business. Whether they are Bakersfield natives with second homes in Paso Robles or transplants from the southland who have rolled the dice on grapes and Tehachapi, vineyard culture is growing in our own backyard, and the weather has a lot to do with its success. “It turns out, at the end of the day, Tehachapi is a prime growing area for wine grapes. It’s a fact, but we didn’t know that getting into it,” said Bob Souza, who owns Souza Family Vineyards in Tehachapi with his wife, Patty. The Souzas planted their first grapes in June 2003 and opened their tasting room in July 2008. Souza Family Vineyards offers a primitivo zinfandel that is grown and processed organically with no sulfites added — a wine that Souza said is not that easy to find. “We made a decision early on: If you can’t be cheaper, be better; if you can’t be better, be different. We are different, and so far it has worked,” he said. While the Souzas are retired insurance brokers from Los

The Souzas with their award-winning wines. Angeles who planned a new life and a new business in Tehachapi, Michael Gill is a Bakersfield dentist who splits his time between his local practice and his labor of love, Michael Gill Cellars in Paso Robles. Built on a plot of land he purchased 35 years ago, Michael Gill Cellars started as a grape growing operation in 1998. The fruits of his labor were impressive and 10 years later, he decided to keep those grapes for himself.

Continued on page 50 bakersfieldlife.com

Continued from page 49 With a long list of awards won on a regional and national level, Gill has never regretted the decision to strike out on his own. Running a busy dental practice does not seem like a relaxing profession, but Gill said he welcomes his trips back down Highway 99. “When I come back to Bakersfield, I get the stuff I have been doing for 40 years taken care of. I get to rest up, and it’s a controlled pace in Bakersfield,” Gill said. Gill’s vision for his winery is less Italian and more French. His years as an experienced hunter show in the décor he and his wife selected. “We decided to put in the polar bear and some of my other big trophies and have the theme of a French hunting lodge… Once the winery came about, I didn’t have the time to spend hunting like I used to,” he said. The wines poured in the tasting room will also grab your attention. They are currently pouring four award winners, a syrah, viognier, counoise and tempranillo. The Gills harvested their first zinfandel harvest this year, and Gill promises some more unusual varieties will be bottled in the early spring. Gill isn’t the only Bakersfield businessman who splits his time between Kern County and Paso Robles wine country. When he isn’t running Croad Electric, Martin Croad is hard at work at Croad Vineyards. Much like Gill, Croad is happy split50

Bakersfield Life Magazine

August 2014

PHOTO COURTESY OF MICHAEL GILL

Shelley and Michael Gill

ting his time. “The busy time for electrical is during the week, and the winery is the weekend. So the only downside is you can’t get a day off,” Croad said. “We really enjoy going back and forth. Bakersfield is a part of our life and a part of our lifestyle.” Croad purchased the distressed vineyard in 2004. He, his wife and just one other employee picked their first harvest. It was a one and one half ton harvest, a small haul, according to Croad. As the yield increased through the years, so did Croad’s knowledge base. “I had friends who were winemakers in Paso Robles and I learned about winemaking from them. I would go over to their wineries, and I would help out,” he said. “I gained my experience that way; it was all direct from other winemakers and hands-on.” Now Croad Vineyards is producing 40 to 50 times the amount of grapes they did during their first harvest and focus primarily on zinfandel, Rhone blends, grenache, syrah, mourvedre and petite syrah. They also have a special wine coming soon that has Bakersfield written all over it. “We made a wine called 661, and it’s made primarily from our estate vineyard. It’s a red blend, and we are going to start getting it into retail areas throughout Bakersfield,” Croad said. “We mainly sell our wines out of our tasting rooms, but this is a wine for Bakersfield, and you’ll be able to get it in the Bakersfield area.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF JIM AND SALLY ARNOLD

Croad, Gill and the Souzas have been in the winemaking business for years, but there is a newcomer to the Kern County vineyard scene who’s taking the reigns of an established label. Jim Arnold closed escrow on Triassic Legacy Vineyards in Tehachapi less than a year ago. He and his wife, Sally, are Orange County natives but have been visiting the Tehachapi area for decades. While he’s still a novice in the business, Arnold said he’s learning a lot from the previous owner and the staff members who remained on board during the transition. While the task may have seem daunting, Arnold said he’s putting his trust in a higher power. “If you told me a year ago I’d be running a vineyard, I wouldn’t have believed it. But, when I retired, I asked God to show me the way and here I am,” Arnold said. In 2008, a group of more than 100 volunteers helped plant the first grapes on Triassic Legacy lands, and Arnold hopes the community of Tehachapi and Bear Valley Springs will continue to support the effort. It’s a hope that Souza Family Vineyards also had in the early days and one that Souza said has come to fruition. “This town has embraced us since the day we moved here. All of our success is the result of the folks here,” Souza said. “Small town people have a tendency to pull together, especially in hard times. They have sustained us.”

Triassic Legacy Vineyard owners, Jim and Sally Arnold.

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FOODIE

Cook Patrice Cadiz, left, owner, Emmy Medina and Mario Reyes operate Nanay’s, a popular Filipino restaurant in Delano.

MARIO REYES A chef honors his Filipino family with flavors By Hillary Haenes

Photos by Casey Christie

rowing up in Delano wasn’t easy for Mario Reyes’ family. His parents, Efren and Lolita Reyes, migrated from the Philippines in 1984 with Mario and his two younger brothers. Throughout his childhood, Reyes’ family struggled to make ends meets. But somehow, they made it work — his dad earned less than $4 an hour washing dishes at a Chinese restaurant where he often brought home leftovers for dinner. Starting at age 13, Reyes worked in the fields during the summer until he graduated from high school, when he decided to enter the U.S. Marine Corps to serve his country. Today, Reyes is the procurement supervisor at The Garlic Company in Bakersfield and also helps out in the kitchen at

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August 2014

Nanay’s, a Filipino restaurant in Delano that his sister-in-law Emmy Medina opened in 2010. (Nanay translates as mother.) Reyes cooks the traditional recipes from his home province that were passed down from his father and fills in as the chef when needed. “I (have) been cooking for the restaurant off and on, training others to cook with my recipes that I gained mostly from my father,” said Reyes, 39. “I am grateful to be able to serve many people with our own cuisine. Having the restaurant is a blessing to our family.” Instilled with a strong work ethic early in life, Reyes finds the time to give back to his Delano community through Team Bootcamp, which he created in January 2013. Reyes and volunteers help train and teach a healthier fitness lifestyle to more than 200 Delano residents.

COOKING ADVICE Cooking is important to me because: I am the cook in the house and my family relies on the cook to feed them. I developed an interest in cooking when: My father would cook his chicken adobo.

Filipino Adobo Fried Chicken Wings

Ingredients ready to cook Filipino adobo fried chicken wings.

Building on the sharp and tart garlic and vinegar combo, which is a Filipino standard, these wings are sweet and spicy, pushing them beyond their adobo influence. Fried adobo chicken wings is my Filipino version of America’s popular buffalo wings.

How often I cook for family and friends: I cook every day, so basically they eat too often. I typically prepare sweet and sour chicken, pancit palabok (noodle dish), mami soup, Filipino spaghetti or fried adobo chicken. Everything goes better with: Soy sauce. I always mess up: Cooking on high heat. I rock at making: Pork adobo. My go-to ingredients: Soy sauce, vinegar, garlic and bagoong (sauteed shrimp paste). There are many Filipino dishes that depend on shrimp paste for flavor. I buy this in bulk: Garlic, only from The Garlic Company. One of my cooking secrets: Never rush into it; don’t take shortcuts.

Ingredients 1 pound chicken wings, trimmed 1/4 cup vinegar 1/2 cup soy sauce 1 garlic clove, crushed 2-3 bay leaves 1 teaspoon peppercorns, crushed 1 teaspoon chili powder Cooking oil

How I find inspiration to create a new dish: When eating in other restaurants. One ingredient that I love to use in my recipes: Garlic. If I could spend a day with a famous chef or fellow foodie, it would be: My father,

Efren Reyes, because he had more cooking recipes that I didn’t get from him before he passed away. Advice I would ask him: What is the secret ingredient in his special adobo?

TOOLS OF THE TRADE My favorite piece of cooking equipment:

Wok.

Mario Reyes in the kitchen at Nanay’s restaurant in Delano. Must-have kitchen tools: Cutting board, sharp meat knife, stainless steel bowls, measuring cups, peeler, spatula set, tongs, citrus juicer,

Directions In a big bowl, mix all the ingredients together, except the cooking oil and let it marinate for 30 to 45 minutes. Next, transfer the marinated chicken to a saucepan. Add 1 to 1 1/2 cups of water and bring to a boil. Simmer for 15 to 20 minutes or until most of the liquid has evaporated, stir occasionally. When done, remove the chicken and drain excess liquid and remove residue that has stuck to the chicken wings. In a deep frying pan, fry the chicken in batches for 2 to 3 minutes and serve.

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Continued from page 53 wooden and stainless steel spoons. Go-to cookbooks: I use YouTube. Spice cabinet necessities: Pepper, salt, basil and bay leaves. Ingredients that I dislike: Ginger. Dream kitchen appliance: Stainless steel wok stove.

GLOBE-TROTTING Favorite cuisine: Pad Thai. Best food memory: My parents, two brothers and

Reyes prepares the chicken for the Filipino adobo fried chicken wings at Nanay’s restaurant in Delano.

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I moved from the Philippines to Delano in 1984, where we lived in a small, 450-square-foot room. My mother would cook soup bones with cabbage, onions, green onions, salt and pepper. It was a cold winter, and she would feed us this soup that just hit the spot. Best culinary destination: Thailand. Most expensive meal: $55 for a rib-eye at Strip House in Las Vegas. Weirdest food I like: Garlic ice cream. I love garlic! Most surprising food I’m not crazy about: Anything spicy. I sweat like crazy when I eat hot foods. I

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Continued from page 54 can tolerate it for a while, but it is the sweating that won’t stop for a while that gets me. I will be drenched even in cold weather.

A FEW OF MY FAVORITE THINGS Always in the fridge: Milk. I’m addicted to: Garlic. Farmers market finds: Eggplant, calabasa and

bitter melon. Comfort food: Before bed, I have nuts to snack on while reading — pistachios, almonds, walnuts and cashews. Family recipe: Pork and chicken adobo and kare-kare. The single tastiest thing I’ve eaten this month: Pinoy Spaghetti is the Filipino version of the

ever-popular pasta of Italian origin. This version of spaghetti requires the use of sugar, hot dogs and banana ketchup. It might seem peculiar to some, but these ingredients bring a whole new flavor that is totally Filipino. Even fast food chains like McDonald’s has their own pinoy spaghetti version that they call McSpaghetti.

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August 2014

Mario Reyes, procurement supervisor at The Garlic Company, fries up chicken wings.

Popular Filipino foods Pork adobo: Considered the Philippine’s national dish because of its popularity, pork adobo is easy to prepare and has a long storage life. Pork is cooked in soy sauce, vinegar and garlic. Adobo is not limited to only pork and chicken — you can use seafood, vegetables, squid, goat meat, veal, beef, hipon (shrimp) or kang kong (river spinach).

Pork adobo

Pancit canton: A noodle dish of Chinese origin that closely resembles chow mein, but preparation and some ingredients vary.

Kare-kare: A traditional Filipino stew with a thick, savory peanut sauce. The meats that are commonly used in this dish are oxtail, tripe or pork leg. On some occasions, goat and chicken meat are used. Besides peanuts, this dish depends on the shrimp paste (served on the side) to be fully enjoyed. Traditionally, a palayok (clay cooking pot) is used to cook this dish.

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Dinuguan: A dish that is mainly comprised of pork meat, pork innards — such as small and large intestines — and pork blood. This is also known as blood stew. Even though some Southeast Asian and European countries have their own pork blood dishes, Dinuguan is considered unique due to the use of vinegar and long green pepper.

Kare-kare

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Dinuguan bakersfieldlife.com

FAC E S O F P H I L A N T H R O PY

DAVID MOORE AGRICULTURAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND By Jeff Pickering

Editor’s note: Bakersfield is brimming with generous individuals, many of whom choose to create a lasting legacy through the Kern Community Foundation. Since its establishment in 1999, the Foundation has awarded more than $10 million in grants to improve Kern County residents’ quality of life. In this monthly column, President and CEO of the Kern Community Foundation Jeff Pickering will introduce readers to the faces behind these generous gifts that improve our community.

The David Moore Agricultural Scholarship Committee, Kern Community Foundation President and CEO Jeff Pickering, Scholarship Committee Members Claire Caratan, Dominick Buck, Oliver Sill, Kyle Richardson, John Moore III, Garrett Ming, and Kristin Moore. 58

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF JOHN C. MOORE III

ifts made in memory of a local farmer are blossoming into bright futures for Kern County students. When farmer and agriculture leader David Moore died in 2001, Western Growers Association gathered contributions from friends, family members and business associates to establish a permanently endowed scholarship fund at the Kern Community Foundation in his memory. Through the years, the Fund’s assets grew as a result of careful investing by the Foundation. In May, under the leadership of David’s grandson, John Moore III, the David Moore Agricultural Scholarship Fund awarded its first scholarships to two graduates of Kern County high schools pursuing careers in agriculture. “My grandfather was my hero,” Moore said when asked why a recent college graduate and busy young farmer like himself would get involved in overseeing the scholarship fund. “There is a person in each family that binds everyone together, and my grandfather was that person for our family. This scholarship fund is a way for me to help carry on his legacy,” Moore said. Moore, 25, was born and raised in Bakersfield. He gradu-

ated from Garces Memorial High School and attended Texas Christian University. Today, he is farm manager at Moore Farms and White Wolf Potato Company. In addition to his involvement with the scholarship fund, John serves on the board of directors of the Kern County Farm Bureau. “A lot of people think about agriculture and have an image of a farmer riding a tractor in a field moving five miles per hour. Based on my experience, that’s not how production agriculture works,” Moore said. “It is much more fast-paced and requires an ability to make informed decisions using technical knowledge of engineering, of crop and environmental science, as well as public policy.” The two young women who received the inaugural awards from the scholarship fund are exactly the type of students Moore imagined would benefit from gifts made in his grandfather’s memory. A scholarship committee chaired by Moore selected their competitive applications. Scholarship recipient Madison Zittel will enter her freshman year at Fresno State this fall and plans to major in plant science. Alexandra Ruettgers will enter her junior year at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo studying agricultural and environmental plant science with a concentration in fruit science. Both students are from Bakersfield and would like to return to their hometown to pursue careers in production agriculture. John’s advice to Zittel and Ruettgers about a career in agriculture is simple, and what one would expect from a young man who spent his teenage years moving sprinkler pipe and running a vegetable stand. “Get your boots on the ground,” he told them over a celebratory lunch at Wool Growers. “Get your hands dirty, study the science, learn how to grow a crop and pay attention to ag and environmental policy.” Moore’s example to these students and the rest of us about what it means to be philanthropic is profound, and what we all hope to see from future generations. David Moore would be proud. — Jeff Pickering is president and CEO of Kern Community Foundation and of its subsidiary Kern Real Estate Foundation. To learn more about the foundation, visit kernfoundation.org or call 616-2617.

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ON THE ROAD

2015 LINCOLN MKC Lincoln hits luxury market “sweet spot” with this first-of-its-kind car

Bakersfield Life assistant editor Rachel Cook drives the 2014 Lincoln MKC. 60

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It’s all in the details By Rachel Cook

Photos by Mark Nessia

here’s a special kind of nervousness that comes with driving a car with less than 40 miles on its wheels. And for some reason, it only increases when you realize the vehicle is remarkably special in many more ways than just low mileage. The 2015 Lincoln MKC is the first of its kind. Make no mistake, this car is distinctive from its Ford relatives. It’s the first Lincoln to have its own, separate design team. And the Lincoln MKC that I drove happened to be very first one available for purchase here in Bakersfield. “First generation, first one on the lot, first one to drive it,” reminded Lincoln Brand Champion Sam Olson, as we walked around the pearly white MKC. The ride, comfort and customizable features of this particular vehicle quickly put the jitters to rest when I drove it off the lot for a one-day test drive. In the last year, I’ve also spent time at the wheel of Lincoln’s MKX crossover and MKZ sedan, and I can vouch that the MKC will appeal to a new set of customers. Bridging the crossover-sedan gap, I can see it attracting to mature customers who appreciate the finer things in life but still want space to bring all their gear. “It’s right in the sweet spot for the luxury market,” said Jim Burke Lincoln General Manager Joe Hay. Of course, the Lincoln MKC boasts the latest safety features that new vehicle buyers expect - blind spot monitoring, collision alert, adaptive cruise control. Its park assist not only guides you to parallel park the car, it will also get you out of tight spots by pulling the MKC out of the parking space as well. It’s the small, personalized touches that made the vehicle feel luxurious to me. The wood trim inside is real, so real that you can feel the grain when you run your fingers over it — a nice earthy touch in a high-tech car. You can pick and change the color of the ambient interior lighting, including shades of green, blue or red. The power fold mirrors tuck themselves in neatly when you lock the car. And this Lincoln greets you with a mat of welcome lighting when you walk within eight feet of the car.

The 2015 Lincoln MKC's sunroof is simply stunning, extending all the way over the back seat. The panoramic glass roof actually lives up to its name, giving passengers an uninterrupted sky view. I’m sure this stunning feature would make a drive through the skyscrapers of downtown Los Angeles or the towering trees of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks especially delightful. You can drive the MKC in sport, comfort or normal mode. In sport, the suspension stiffens, the steering tightens and the MKC lets you hear more exhaust noise as you cruise. “That sport mode really makes you feel connected to the ground,” Olson said. The MKC handles all kinds of roads with ease, as Christian Wardlaw noticed in a June review for the New York Daily News detailing a lengthy California test drive of the car. “Our driving day started with city and expressway jaunts, where the zippy little Lincoln MKC is fun, nimble, and equipped with a tall driving position and excellent outward visibility,” Wardlaw wrote. “The Lincoln Drive Control system’s adjustable shocks come in handy in urban areas; switch from Normal to Comfort mode, and the MKC soaks up bumps, cracks, and holes on deteriorat-

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Mileage: 29 highway, 20 city Price tag: $33,100 Five best features: 1. “MyLincoln Mobile App, an industry-exclusive feature that allows you to lock/unlock doors, find your car in a parking lot, and remotely schedule start/stop from virtually anywhere in the world,” said General Manager Joe Hay. 2. Active park assist with park out assist. Not only will the MKC parallel park itself, but it will pull out of the parking spot as well. 3. 2.3-liter ecoboost 4-cylinder engine, 285 horsepower and 305 lb-ft. torque 4. Approach detection with welcome mat. The MKC awaits your return and when approached within an 8-foot radius, the MKC illuminates a welcome mat at the entrance of the driver and passenger doors. 5. Hands-free lift gate. To open the tailgate of the Lincoln MKC, you can motion your foot under the bumper. Target customer: Progressive luxury customers, age 35 to 45. The Lincoln MKC is perfect for… those who desire unique styling and quality. For many MKC buyers who desire the self expression the MKC has to offer, this will be their first luxury vehicle. The MKC is fuel efficient but also fun to drive; there is no reason to sacrifice a fun driving experience for fuel efficiency. Also, the small premium utility segment offers room for cargo and passengers, while still delivering the driving characteristics of a sedan. The MKC exceeds these expectations. Three words that describe the MKC: Luxury, sporty and sophisticated. What I like most about the MKC is that it offers an unexpected unique and personal driving experience that no other vehicle in this segment has to offer. Source: Lincoln product specialist Sam Olson, Jim Burke Lincoln

The adjustable ambient lighting is just one of the many luxurious touches in the 2015 Lincoln MKC. bakersfieldlife.com

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ing streets.” With all the perks of this new car, anticipation for the MKC’s arrival has been building in Bakersfield, and rightly so. “People have been asking me for months, ‘When is this car gonna come out?’” Olson said. At last, the inquisitors will get the answer they’ve been hoping to hear.

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Bakersfield Life Magazine

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WHY I LIVE HERE

ISOBEL MACAULAY Awesome Aussie enjoys the Bakersfield lifestyle

Isobel MacAulay shown here at Cal State Bakersfield, has played ultimate Frisbee for 10 years. 64

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How difficult was the transition from Australia to Bakersfield? The main challenge was driving on the other side of the road! What is your favorite restaurant in Bakersfield? I like the new wine bar that has opened in downtown, Wall Street Cafe. Great wine and bruschetta!

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oming to California all the way from Down Under, Isobel MacAulay has taken a liking to life here in Bakersfield. MacAulay was born in a town called Armidale in the southeastern state of New South Wales, which is also Australia’s most populous state. She was raised in the capital city of Sydney and received an environmental degree at the University of Sydney in 2008. MacAulay works as a field safety specialist in the oil and gas industry, a gig that brought her to Kern County. She moved to Bakersfield in March 2013 for her job with Chevron. This adventurous Aussie has played ultimate Frisbee for 10 years and still practices her airbending skills in her off time at Cal State Bakersfield. To compensate for the unforgettable beaches and seafood in Sydney, MacAulay vacations to the California coast and San Francisco to fulfill her love of the sea and its tasty delicacies.

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What is your most memorable Bakersfield experience? Going to my first ever baseball game to watch the Blaze play. How do Bakersfield and Australia differ? So many people drive big trucks here!

MacAulay’s job as a field safety specialist with Chevron brought her to Bakersfield last year.

How would you describe Bakersfield to outsiders? A little bit of Texas cut and pasted into California. Where do you like to relax in Bakersfield? By the pool with a local craft beer in hand!

Did you have any preconceptions before coming to Bakersfield? I thought it would be a quiet country town with poor air quality. How has your first perception of Bakersfield differed from your perceptions now? It’s a diverse city with a lot of young people and new, exciting things going on. The air quality is all relative! bakersfieldlife.com

WHY I LIVE HERE

GORM HERON Dane appreciates peaceful living in Keene

Gorm Heron stands next to his horse Regitze that was brought to the United States from his native Denmark. At his home in Keene, Heron is surrounded by oak and pine trees, along with his horses, dogs and a beautiful view.

By Elizabeth Castillo

lthough Gorm Heron grew up in Denmark, he’s proud to have called Keene home for the past nine years. Heron was born in Copenhagen and lived in Randers, Denmark for most of his life. Working as an environmental engineer has given him opportunities to live and work in places all over the world, from Berkeley to Vietnam. Currently, Heron is the chief technology officer for TerraTherm, a small company dedicated to cleaning up chemical spill sites in the U.S. and internationally. Heron’s next project will be in Vietnam cleaning up chemicals left from the Vietnam War. When Heron’s not hard at work protecting the environment, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Bettina, traveling and appreciating nature. Although Heron has no children, he jokes that his pets — which include five dogs, five horses, two cats and one steer — have fulfilled that role, and he is glad to have many nieces and nephews. What do you like most about living in Keene? The outdoors and all of the nature that’s around. If Keene weren’t so relaxing and undisturbed, we’d move closer to Bakersfield where Bettina trains horses. 66

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What is your home like in Keene? I live on the north side of Bear Mountain on 800 acres of land. It includes a barn and a 20-acre pasture for horses. A lot of Native Americans used to live here, so there are granite boulders that have holes in them from Native Americans grinding acorns. It’s interesting to see. What is your favorite restaurant in Keene? The Keene Café is my favorite and the only restaurant in Keene. I can see what goes on around the neighborhood and listen to all of the latest local news. They have good chorizo and eggs and good burgers, too. What is your favorite thing about Keene? No traffic. The road that leads up to our ranch from the highway is six miles long. At the bottom part, there are houses and sometimes a few cars and a school bus. But further up, you see a cow, deer, maybe a bear and some wild bore, but other than that, it’s very desolate. But it’s also only 40 minutes from Bakersfield, so there is still a lot to do close by. Where do you like to vacation? Italy, for sure. I love to cook and entertain and try to impress people who visit my home with good food. I like to go to Italy to

PHOTO BY HENRY A. BARRIOS

learn about cooking and get inspired. I also have a cousin who lives there. What is your favorite thing to do in Keene? Mountain biking. Are there any downsides to living in Keene? You need to be a person who likes doing maintenance and having tools and a tractor; otherwise, it’s difficult to live here. The land here is private so the government doesn’t maintain anything. (The residents) of Keene repair roads and fix holes. Since I grew up on a farm in Denmark, I love to do the practical things. What is one of your favorite memories in Keene? When we run into the wildlife up here, that is very memorable. I once stood 10 feet away from a mountain lion. I was riding my mountain bike around a corner, and it was in the middle of the road. I would have run into it if I didn’t brake. It got scared and ran off. You never know what you’ll run into. How would you describe Keene to outsiders? I would describe it as the old Wild West. It’s almost like being back in time. People behave that way. If there is a rule, they really don’t care too much. bakersfieldlife.com

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

TYLER WILLIAMS Local cyclist enjoys international success after switching from go-cart racing

Tyler Williams trained in the mountains near Denia, Spain in December and January during the BMC Development Team’s training camp.

By Stephen Lynch

Photos courtesy of BMC Development Team

yler Williams’ racing career path has taken some major twists and turns since it began 15 years ago. Once an aspiring race car driver, the 20-year old from Bakersfield is now one of the top amateur cyclists in the world. Last month Williams, a U.S. National Team member, took fourth place in the U23 division at the USA Cycling Amateur & Para-cycling Road Nationals. Williams raced cars, mainly go-carts, from the age of 5 until he was 14. Soon afterward, he bought a road bike and began competitive cycling. "I was getting burnt out (on racing cars)," Williams said. "I was equally as good at that as I am at racing a bike, but there's a financial aspect of that. You can really only go so far without having tons of money to spend." Williams won his bike first race in 2010. But it wasn't until the following year after joining a junior development team, Team Swift in Santa Rosa, that his racing career took off. He won three out of his first four races in 2011. Overall during his five-year career, Williams has posted 14 wins. But Williams said the highlight of his time on a bike was a second place finish in the U23 division at this year’s ParisRoubaix. 68

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August 2014

“I knew I could do well there, but I didn’t expect to get on the podium at all,” Williams said. “That was just one of those days when everything kind of goes your way … I was ecstatic. I lost my mind. It took a while for it to sink in. That was a really, really big deal.” At the end of August, Williams, now a member of the BMC Development Team, will race for second time in the prestigious Tour de l'Avenir, a French road race for amateurs and semi-professionals that is run on much of the same course as the Tour de — Tyler Williams on his France. second place finish in the U23 Paris-Roubaix road race A year ago Williams competed in four stages of the event before crashing out and breaking his collarbone. Even though it didn’t end well, Williams said the experience he gained from last year’s race will be extremely benefi-

“

That was just one of those days when everything kind of goes your way… I was ecstatic. I lost my mind. It took a while for it to sink in. That was a really, really big deal.

”

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Serving Ser ving Kern County Cyclists For Over Over 110 Years

Tyler Williams is one of four Americans riding on the BMC Development Team. It is the official feeder team to the professional squad, BMC Racing Team, which recently competed in the Tour de France.

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www.sniderscyclery.com www.sniderscyclery.com cial this time around. “This time I know more what I’m getting into,” Williams said. “Plus, I’m a year older, a year more experienced (and) a year a stronger. All of those kind of things play a part in helping you be more prepared.” The event features only national teams and the top 20 countries send Tyler Williams Facts six riders each. Williams, Born Nov. 17, 1994 in Chandler, who stands 6 feet tall and Arizona. weighs 157 pounds, Parents are Mike and Kathy struggles climbing big Williams. Has one younger sister, Michelle. mountains because of Attended Centennial High School his size. for two years, homeschooled for “I don’t really have a his final two years of high school. set goal for that race,” Graduated in 2013. Williams said. “It’s not a Became interested in cycling race the necessarily suits by watching it on television. me all that well because Training regime includes 700 to there are four stages that 800 kilometers of cycling per week. finish at the top of big mountains in the Alps. Won sprinters jersey during Tour du Pays de Vaud in SwitzerSo trying to do someland in 2012. thing in the overall at Won elite division of California that race is not really State road race championships goal of mine.” held in Bakersfield last year. Williams’ long-term Has two more years to compete goal is to earn a spot on in the U23 division. After that, he the World Tour team and hopes to join the World Tour. compete against the Favorite thing to do with his sport’s top riders. spare time is spend time with his girlfriend. “The next goal is to Favorite food is pizza. get on the team that does the Tour de France… It’s not really that unreasonable to even think about right now,” Williams said. “It’s ways off, for sure. But I’m on the right path to be able to do something like that.”

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Beatris Espericueta Sanders is the first woman to lead the Kern County Farm Bureau as executive director. 70

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PHOTO BY CASEY CHRISTIE

TA L K O F T H E TO W N

New executive director looks to harvest fruitful future for Kern County farmers as Bureau turns 100

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Proudly Serving Bakersfield for 75 Years!

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s the daughter of a Shafter farmer, Beatris Espericueta Sanders is no stranger to the agriculture industry. As the new executive director for the Kern County Farm Bureau, Sanders hopes to use her past to create a new and exciting future for the farmers of Kern. Sanders grew up watching her father work tirelessly to preserve his land in Shafter. After earning a college degree in Arizona, she came back to her roots in Shafter to work for Assemblywoman Nicole Parra. In 2004, she moved to New York City to pursue a career in finance at a global consulting firm, McKinsey & Company. Sanders then spent six years as a stay-at-home mother raising her two children. When she isn’t representing more than 1,000 farmers for the Kern County Farm Bureau, Sanders spends her free time running marathons and leading a healthy lifestyle for her children. She joins the Kern County Farm Bureau at a unique time, as the organization celebrates its centennial this year. Sanders shared her plans for leading the Kern County Farm Bureau with Bakersfield Life this month.

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How do you think being the daughter of a farmer will help you as the executive director? I often find myself running ideas or thoughts through conversations with my father. He is a very level thinker and is wise beyond his years… After a full day of work at the Farm Bureau, I can always drive out to our farm for a good brainstorming session with my parents. These brainstorming sessions often take place out in our fields, turning on water valves or handing my father tools. I have a wonderful opportunity as a daughter of a farmer to have this firsthand perspective on farming. I can sit at a desk all day, debating agricultural issues on the phone or researching new ideas. However, farming becomes most real to me when I put my boots on and follow my father’s lead for an evening.

“

I have a wonderful opportunity as a daughter of a farmer to have this first-hand perspective on farming.

”

How do you hope to get younger generations/children of farmers more interested in the agricultural industry? Every year, the KCFB hosts “Farm Day in the City” at the Kern County Fairgrounds. It’s a two-day event where we invite all the Kern County students in grades second, third and fourth to participate in a day of agriculture and education. Many of the groups that participate in hosting this event with us bring their booths to educate children

Continued on page 72 bakersfieldlife.com

Continued from page 71 with a “hands-on learning” approach. Every year, this event is attended by more and more schools, educating thousands of children in Kern County of the importance of agriculture in the world. With the popularity of farmers markets and farm-totable foods, do you think these trends will have a positive affect on Kern County's farmers? I do believe farmers markets and farm-to-table food trends have a positive affect on Kern County’s farmers. Farmers markets promote healthy eating through fresh and locally produced fruits and vegetables. When I visit the local farmers markets, I see younger generations get excited about picking fruit from a selection in a white tent. Piquing that interest in children is where the sustainability begins for agriculture. A nation that demands a healthy lifestyle of fruits, vegetables and nuts keeps Kern County agriculture in business. Will the Kern County Farm Bureau do anything special this year to recognize its 100th anniversary? The Kern County Farm Bureau will be celebrating our 100th year this October at our “Bounty of Kern County” event held at the Kern County Fairgrounds. We are collecting stories

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and photos from our local farming families that have been farming in Kern County for generations; we are creating a 100th Year anniversary book to commemorate this amazing milestone. The history of Kern County agriculture is dense and full of struggles and success in farming. I look forward to completing this book to have for a historical record. How does it feel to be the first female leader to hold this position? It is an honor to be a part of this organization. Being the first female to hold this position can be a little intimidating at times, especially during our board meetings where the maleto-female ratio is eye-opening. I welcome the challenge every day to work within this male-dominated field of professionals and be successful in every detail … The most important person I hope to influence with this role is my 6-year-old daughter, Sophia. I was a stay-at-home mother for six years with my two children, working around the clock as a mom before returning to a career. My goal is that Sophia can expect to be successful in any professional role as a female. Through my example, I want her to feel she can choose any future career path without limitations. She can be a professional, a mother, an athlete all at the same time and do it well … and hopefully even better than her mother did.

OUR TOWN

Trainer Heather Giragosian coaches student Emily Tomlinson as they make their way around the arena during a lesson. The basics of safety and controlling the horse are stressed early on in horseback riding lessons.

GETTING IN THE SADDLE Take a test ride in the saddle before you pony up for a horse Story and photos by Gregory D. Cook

or some, it's about the bond that forms between a horse and its rider as they work the ranch, or the beauty and majesty of a horse at full gallop as it leaps over obstacles on a jump course. For others, it can simply be about a leisurely ride on a lazy afternoon. Whatever the reasons, there’s no denying that Bakersfield is a horse town, and for many of us, there is a magic about the idea of riding a horse that stirs something deep within us. Of course owning a horse is a commitment that comes with a long list of responsibilities. Fortunately, there are a few places in Bakersfield that can “show you the ropes,” so to speak, and teach potential horsemen and women the basics before they commit to owning. “I always recommend that person take lesson before they even think about buying a horse,” said Heather Giragosian, a trainer at PDM Stables. “You need to know what you are get74

Bakersfield Life Magazine

August 2014

Cole receives a cooling shower from rider Melani Thrasher after a lesson at PDM Stables. Students are responsible for grooming their horses before and after each lesson.

Continued on page 76

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Atop Titan, Caroline Murch heads over a fence jump during a lesson at PDM Stables. After learning basic riding skills, many students progress to jumping and go on to compete in equestrian sports.

ting into and learn how to control a horse and be safe with it.” Giragosian trains her students in English riding, which refers to the style of saddle used in many of the equestrian and dressage events seen in horse shows and the Olympics. English saddles differ from their western counterparts in a number of ways, including how the rider sits. “English saddles are a lot flatter and put less leather between you and the horse,” Giragosian said. “With a western saddle, you are going to sit back a little bit more on the horse, where with English, we want you with your heels right under you hips to be in perfect balance.” English saddles were developed in the 1700s and are designed to give the horse more freedom of movement than the heavy military and working saddles of the day. According to Giragosian, learning to ride in an English saddle is better. “You are going to learn a little better balance and a little more control,” she said. “Then if you decide you want to go western, it’s easier to switch that way than going western to English.” Whatever the style you choose to ride, learning how to sit on the horse is just a small part of what it takes to become an accomplished rider.

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Continued from page 75 “Horses aren’t bicycles,” Giragosian said. “They have feelings, and they have personalities, and you have to learn how to respect and care for the animal.” Lessons also teach riders how to care for their mounts. “We talk about trailering, stall cleaning, grooming and taking care of the horse,” Giragosian said. “If one day you are going to own a horse, these are things you are going to have to know.” After learning basics, many riders are content to just ride for pleasure, but other riders challenge themselves by competing in some of the various equestrian sports. Many events involve jumping courses made up of fences and other obstacles, which demand the utmost control from the rider and high levels of athleticism from their horses. “You really have to be a team with your horse,” said Caroline Murch, one of Giragosian’s students. “You have to know what the horse is going to do before it does it.” Riders can often train with their horses for years before being ready to compete together with

Emily Tomlinson rewards her pony, Prince, with a peppermint after a riding lesson. Students not only learn to ride but also are taught how to care for their horses.

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Bakersfield Life Magazine

August 2014

Horseback riding lessons You can learn to ride at these local places, even if you don’t own a horse: PDM Stables Private and group lessons in English saddle riding, Hunter/Jumper training and summer training camps. 7500 Muller Road, Bakersfield, 366-4034

any chance of winning. “It’s hard work to get to that level. You struggle and persevere, and you build that bond between you and your horse,” Giragosian said. “When you finally get to that point where you are successful, it’s a lot more than just winning a soccer game. It’s a true feeling of accomplishment.”

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OUR TOWN

Ethan Perez with his family, brother Cole, left, and parents Debbie Landry-Perez and Tony Perez.

MOVING ON Family, boy thankful for community support after son’s amputation surgery By Alana Garrett

Photos by Henry A. Barrios

t has been almost two years since the amputation of Ethan Perez’s left leg. In 2012, the then 9-year-old was suffering from arteriovenous malformations. The condition him caused extreme pain, and he was unable to walk with his left leg, but he faced every day with a great sense of humor and positive attitude. The Perez family decided to share their story publicly, and Ethan entered the hearts of many in the community. After viewers saw Ethan on television and read about him in the newspaper, community support poured for the family. Even after an unfortunate event before Ethan’s surgery, the Perez family kept a positive attitude. And the communi-

Continued on page 80 78

Bakersfield Life Magazine

August 2014

Ethan Perez heads outside to ride his scooter. His new "running leg" gives him more mobility.

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Ethan Perez catches a little air as he rides his scooter in the street in front of his house.

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ty’s encouragement only got stronger after someone broke into the family’s house and stole Ethan’s scooter, a present he was looking forward to riding after amputation surgery to remove his left leg above the knee. Amazing members of the community reached out and a teacher at Ethan’s school replaced the scooter. Ethan has since recovered from his surgery and is living everyday as an active 11-year-old. He attends Endeavor Elementary School and is involved in many activities, from drama to student council. He has even started wrestling and loves swimming. In his free time, Ethan enjoys riding his scooter, something he couldn’t do before his surgery. “I like riding my scooter to Taco Bell by my house,” Ethan said. Ethan’s mother, Debbie Landry-Perez, still feels amazed by all support they have received. “It’s really positive and nice to feel the love and prayers. Bakersfield is nice town filled with nice people,” Landry-Perez said. Landry-Perez said many people still support her family and people often inquire about Ethan’s condition. Ethan now comes to the aid of others who suffer similar conditions. After hearing Ethan’s story, a family in San Diego contacted the Perez family about their son, who had a similar medical problem to Ethan’s and decided to have an amputa-

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tion. “We drove to San Diego to show support to them while the 13year-old boy was recovering from the surgery,” Landry-Perez said. For other families who may be going through the same thing, Ethan’s mom said, “Every day, it gets better and easier.” When asked what he would like to do in the future, Ethan said he hopes to become a doctor that is successful and helps others. He is an amazing example of a young boy with motivation and drive, who has already accomplished so much.

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OUR TOWN

RUNNING WITH EAGLES The Edwards Air Force Base first Run with History Half Marathon

Two runners the near the halfway point during the 2014 Edwards inaugural Run with History Half Marathon.

By Chelsea Brewer

T About 460 runners participated in the inaugural event.

Bakersfield Life Magazine

August 2014

Photos by Jet Faba

he folks at Edwards Air Force Base definitely know a thing or two about being up in the air. But it’s what they have happening on the ground that is sparking some new interest. Bright and early at 7 a.m. on May 17, Edwards Air Force Base began its inaugural Run with History Half Marathon, an event designed to promote community relations between the public and personnel on the base. The marathon acted as an open house event, where residents from the area could visit the base and get to know their Air Force neighbors better. “It is important for the public to see their Air Force and meet the people in it. The (event) gave us the chance to do something good in that regard,” said John Haire, chief of public affairs operations at the base. “We recognize how important it is for us to interact and meet folks in the local area.” The half marathon began with an F-18 Mission Support Aircraft fly-by from the NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center. About 460 of the total 500 registered runners showed up and took off onto the Edwards flight-line and then onto the Rogers Dry Lakebed and the Edwards runway. Runners got to enjoy the lovely desert sights, not to mention passing several aircrafts on display.

It was also a great opportunity to promote health and fitness, an important principle to the Air Force regime. Anyone interested in the event was welcomed to participate, but they had to purchase a ticket at an affordable cost — $25 to $75 depending on which the race and when participants registered. “With the way our budget is, we just could not afford another open house this year. The entry fee took care of insurance and souvenirs, so it really supported itself,” Haire added. The event included a half marathon, a 10K, a 5K, and even activities for children. After the event, awards were given to the top female and male finishers, most from California, and even one from Kern County’s very own Tehachapi. “It was not designed solely for the super athlete either. One did not have to be a ‘jackrabbit’ to do it. There were some shorter distances as well and with ample time to run them,”Haire said. There were approximately 200 spectators who cheered on friends and family — not to mention the countless people who volunteered at different stations. The event was helped along by several personnel stationed at the base, including personnel from the 412th Security Forces Squadron; the 412th Medical Group; the 412th Civil Engineering Directorate, Media Fusion; the 412th Force Support Squadron; the 412th Operations Group; the 412th Safety Office and various 412th Test Wing organizations, just to

This F-35B was just one of many aircrafts that were on display for runners to see while they ran. name a few. The marathon was considered a great success. Event coordinators are happily planning on holding a second half marathon next year although the date has yet to be determined. They are hoping to spread the word to more half marathoners ready to run with history.

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Common ambitions and a love for running are two of the ingredients in Olivia and Julio Garciaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s happy marriage. 84

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August 2014

PHOTO BY MARK NESSIA

POWER COUPLE

JULIO AND OLIVIA GARCIA A â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Semper Fiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; kind of love still running strong Compiled by Hillary Haenes

Editorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Note: Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no surprise that many of Bakersfieldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s movers and shakers happen to be coupled to each other. In this new feature, we highlight our townâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s power couples, starting with our very own Olivia Garcia and her husband, Julio.

t was love at first sight for Julio and Olivia Garcia, who met in 1994 when they were both home for the weekend visiting family in Bakersfield. Olivia was attending Fresno State and Julio was stationed at Camp Pendleton with the U.S. Marine Corps. After dating for a year, the lovebirds ran off and married in Las Vegas. Today, Olivia is the editor of Bakersfield Life and B Well magazines and a parttime college instructor. Julio stays busy as a local law enforcement officer and a sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves. This â&#x20AC;&#x153;power coupleâ&#x20AC;? stays involved in the community and enjoys keeping up with their four sons â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Diego, 17; Mateo, 15; Joaquin, 7; and Cruz, 5. Together, they share a passion for hiking through Hart Park hills and running in that area, as well as along the Panorama Bluffs where they first exchanged their hopes and dreams. How did the two of you meet? Julio: Olivia and I met at a bar. I know it sounds corny, but it was like in the movies â&#x20AC;&#x201D; she was standing across the way in a crowded room. She was so beautiful. I couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t help myself from staring at her. And for a moment, our eyes met and it was instant love at first sight for me. I worked my way to be near her hoping to at least get her name, which I did. From there, we were friends and after a few days, I was madly in love with her. How did you know she was the one? Julio: Olivia and I went to the Panorama Bluffs where we walked together and talked about our lives. I learned who she really was and what her hopes and her

dreams were. I loved that she was driven to succeed in life, a motivator and a doer just like myself. After a long and personal conversation about our lives, I found that we had several things in common. And because of those commonalities, I thought to myself, â&#x20AC;&#x153;She is the one I have been looking for all my life.â&#x20AC;? There was no way I was letting her go. What are you most proud of about your husband? Olivia: Everything. He has accomplished just about everything he told me he wanted to since we met nearly 20 years ago, and he keeps creating new goals. I love his ambition, and that pushes me to be better at everything I do. Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s your favorite weekend activity to do together? Olivia: I love to run. He actually got me into it when we were newlyweds. I could never keep up with him at the time; now I can, and we pace each other just fine. My favorite activity is running trails with him, in or out of town. I just love being on the trails caught up in the moment with him at my side. How do you balance work, kids and time together? Julio: Everything we do, we do togetherâ&#x20AC;Ś After work, it seems like our life revolves around our kids. Football practice, swimming class, track, going out on hikes, watching movies, traveling, and just simply spending all of our time together. We work hard, and we play harder. Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s your secret to a happy relationship? Olivia: Love and respect each other. Always make time for laughter and cuddles. Have passionate debates about things around you. Push each other to achieve greater things. Aside from being a spouse, you need to be each otherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best friend and soulmate. Be that anchor. Never forget the values you built early on in your marriage â&#x20AC;&#x201D; itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s your foundation. Talk to each other, all the time. Go on dates. And love, love, love.

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FOR A CAUSE

GIFTS OF SIGHT, INSIGHT Nonprofits offer training, community and eye care to Kern County

Advanced Center for Eyecare and the Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired are separate nonprofits that share the same executive director, Justin Cave.

Bakersfield Life Magazine

August 2014

By Elizabeth Castillo

Photos by Mark Nessia

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otentially losing a vital human sense can be nerveracking alone. And things only get worse when an individual has to worry about insurance issues as well. Thankfully, watchful nonprofit organizations Advanced Center for Eyecare and the Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired are ready to helping the community with vision needs. Justin Cave, executive director for both of the separate organizations, is proud to be a driving forces behind them. His journey with the organizations began with the Advanced Center for Eyecare. “I was hired in July of 2011. I came out of grad school and was recommended for the position. At the time, there was no office location, no phone, and no computer,” Cave said. “Starting a nonprofit organization was no easy mountain to climb.” When Cave began working for the Advanced Center for Eyecare, the charity was still just a vision. Dr. Joseph H. Chang, an ophthalmologist and CEO of the Empire Eye and Laser Center, wanted a resource for Kern County residents who couldn't afford proper eye care. In 2010, Chang founded the Advanced Center for Eyecare, and he currently serves as chairman of its Board of Directors. “Dr. Chang had a vision of what he wanted the Advanced Center for Eyecare to become. I saw the need and was passionate about his vision,” Cave said. The issue of insurance and proper eye care hit close to home for Cave. “I had just finished college, and I was uninsured for vision. I needed glasses, and the cost for healthcare was very expensive,” Cave said. The Advanced Center for Eyecare has come a long way since 2010. Today, it's a major asset for people with limited resources who need proper eye care in Kern County. “The Advanced Center for Eyecare has become a comprehensive institute for the uninsured and underinsured members of Kern County. We offer eye exams on a sliding scale based on income,” Cave said, adding that an eye exam and prescription from the center can cost as little as $45. The Advanced Center for Eyecare conducts exams and preventative procedures at its office location at 1721 Westwind Drive. The organization also helps children all over Kern County by partnering with the OneSight Vision Van. The van comes to town once a year, and most recently visited schools in Lamont, Delano and Arvin, as well as schools in the Standard, Panama-Buena Vista Union and Bakersfield City school districts. The Advanced Center for Eyecare relies on donations and grants to provide its services at low prices. The organization’s largest annual fundraiser is Appetite for Sight, a dinner that will be held this fall. In addition to an auction, unique dishes are a main feature of the evening. “The food changes every year. We work with a chef to create a one-of-a-kind menu that folks have never been offered before,” Cave said. Last year’s event raised $62,000, and Cave hopes the event will bring in more than $100,000 this year.

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The Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired operations supervisor Julie Higginbottom with Ian Kennedy, an 18-year-old graduate of Ridgeview High School, Anthony Rodriguez, a 26-year-old Bakersfield College student, and Executive Director Justin Cave.

Continued from page 87 Proceeds from Appetite for Sight also help the Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired continue services for those with more complex vision needs. The organization offers Braille training, computer technology and independent living

lessons to those who are blind. Founded in October 1950, the Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired began as an entirely volunteer-run organization and was in danger of shutting down in recent years. In 2012, Cave convinced the board of directors of the Advanced Center for Eyecare to undertake his vision to completely revamp the Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired. Cave helped revitalize the organization, and it remains a separate nonprofit that focuses on independent living and training services. The center also provides a comfortable environment for those who are coping with their vision loss. The Center hosts Rec Day every Tuesday from mid-August through late May, and attendees try their hand at games like Bingo and Uno. Anthony Rodriguez, who was born totally blind, visited the Center to learn new computer skills. But he also gained friendships along the way. “The Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired is a great place to be when I’m not in school. I enjoy coming over and hanging out with everybody,” he said. Rodriguez, 26, enjoys meeting new people at the Center and sharing his confidence with those who need a boost. “Every time a new person comes in, I want to talk with them about my experiences. A lot of friends say I inspire them, but I think they inspire me. I don’t let being blind stop me from achieving my goals,” he said.

*EPA estimated MPG with 9-speed Automatic Transmission. Actual mileage may vary. 88

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Sherryl Clendenen and her dog Luna enjoying the beauty the morning after a winter storm near the southeastern corner of Wind Wolves Preserve, above Grapevine Canyon. Interstate 5 can be seen in the bottom right corner of the frame and the mountain across the canyon to the left is Grapevine Peak on Tejon Ranch.

Bakersfield Life Magazine

August 2014

CAPTURING

KERN he familiar phrase, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Beauty is in the eye of the beholder,â&#x20AC;? is quite fitting for this issue of Kern Life, especially for this special feature. In a tribute to what makes Kern County visually unique and special, we looked through the Capture Kern County website and selected a number of beautiful photographic pieces to tell the story of the beauty of our home. Sponsored by The Bakersfield Californian, Capture Kern County is a website where area photographers can upload their best images on all sorts of topics. Here, our topic is Kern County, and here, they answer in many breathtaking ways. Enjoy.

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PHOTO BY DAVID CLENDENEN

LIFE T

The 4th of July fireworks as seen from Tehachapi Boulevard. 92

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PHOTO BY GILBERT VEGA PHOTO BY EDWARD ROMERO

View of the valley from above Wind Wolves Preserve.

SFIELD CALIF OR

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PHOTO BY CASEY CHRISTIE

Youngster plays in the fountain in front of the Rabobank Arena.

Oil and farming, Kern County’s staples.

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Rafters take on Sundown Falls on the Kern River.

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Refinery at sunset.

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Sunset over Bakersfield from Breckenridge Mountain.

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PHOTO BY SARA BRUS

Boy waiting for the train at the Tehachapi Loop.

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Wildflowers carpet the hills after spring rains.

PHOTO BY COURTNEY WOOLDRIDGE PHOTO BY REED KAESTNER

Full moon behind the wind farms outside of Tehachapi.

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PHOTO BY WILLIAM STECK

Sinister clouds hanging above the wind turbines near Tehachapi.

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Mill Creek Park at dusk.

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KERNâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S GREAT

outdoors Take a hike to Kern Countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s desert, mountain and grassy wild lands

Wind Wolves Preserve offers stunning views and paths for hikers and bikers. 102

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hink that you have to go far away to experience the beauty of nature? Not true! Kern County is home to many wonderful locations known for their fascinating wildlife, fun outdoor activities, and fantastic events, not to mention some pretty marvelous views. This summer and fall, get outside and discover these great corners of our county. Continued on page 104

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PHOTO COURTESY OF TARA DOUHAN/ WIND WOLVES PRESERVE

By Chelsea Brewer

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Continued from page 103

Just about an hour’s drive from Bakersfield lies the beautiful Wind Wolves Preserve. At 90,000 acres, it is the West Coast’s largest nonprofit preserve. It’s also where several different ecological regions converge, resulting in a wide array of wildlife. This land is home to Tule elk, California condors, and kit foxes, just to name a few of the animals you may encounter on a hike. Kids can enjoy any number of art and education programs offered throughout the day. Mountain biking and picnicking are also welcome at the preserve. The area even has night hikes where naturalists will show you the wonders of nocturnal animals and fluorescent minerals that can be found on the land and lead discussions on the constellations in the beautiful night sky overhead. When your family is done exploring for the evening, you can pitch a tent and camp overnight. Just remember reservations are required for camping.

Explore the natural world at the Wildlands Conservancy’s Wind Wolves Preserve, about an hour’s drive from Bakersfield.

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This is a great place to take your family camping in the Mojave Desert right off Highway 14. Named for its mandibular shape, Jawbone Canyon was a popular spot in the late 1800s for gold mining. Nowadays, the beautiful desert landscape is covered with trails for anyone to explore freely. If you’re an off-highway vehicle enthusiast, then you’ll enjoy the many paths available for you. There’s also a wilderness area just for hiking, no motorized vehicles allowed, so you can take in this gorgeous land without any noisy disturbance. Camping is free, no registration required, and you can stay up to 14 days. A short distance away is the ghost town of Randsburg, also known for gold mining. You can visit the general store and enjoy a fizzy from the still-functioning soda fountain from 1904. Or make your way to Boron, home of the world’s largest source of boric acid, and visit several museums. Both locations are less than an hour away.

With lots of trails to pick from, Jawbone Canyon is a great spot for off-highway vehicle enthusiasts to let loose.

PHOTO BY CASEY CHRISTIE

Jawbone Canyon

Jawbone Canyon is home to kit foxes, coyotes, bobcats, and its own 116-year-old tortoise resident, Mr. Bob. Be sure to bring him strawberries and watermelon when you visit!

Continued on page 106

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PHOTO BY CASEY CHRISTIE

Several black-crowned night heron rapidly fly from tree to tree in a marshy area of the Kern National Wildlife Refuge.

Continued from page 105

A coyote on the hunt at the Kern National Wildlife Refuge. 106

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PHOTO BY CASEY CHRISTIE

If hunting is more to your liking, you might want to head out to the Kern National Wildlife Refuge. Located in Lost Hills about 40 miles away, the Refuge has more than 1,800 acres dedicated to free roam hunting. Waterfowl hunting is allowed October through January, and hunters can take a crack at ducks and geese that reside in the habitat. Established in 1960, the Refuge was meant to protect damaged ecosystems and is home to elk, coyotes, and lizards. Take a six-mile auto-tour for sightseeing, or go for a hike. Photography is encouraged, so feel free to take some wonderful pictures of the surrounding wetlands. Just beware: the Refuge is also home to rattlesnakes!

A fisherman casts into the lake during the 25th annual Isabella Lake Fishing Derby.

PHOTO BY CASEY CHRISTIE

Kern National Wildlife Refuge

Isabella Lake About an hour away from Bakersfield, nestled between here and Kernville, is Isabella Lake. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s plenty of room to set up camp, then head out and partake in any number of fun activities for anyone in the family. Try out hiking, fishing, swimming, and windsurfing all at this site. In the winter, come back for skiing. The larger Kern River Valley area has strongly knit communities and is home to popular events, such as the Whiskey Flat Days in Kernville, a fourday event celebrating the Wild West days, held every year on Presidents Day weekend. You can check the calendar at the Moose Lodge to see if a game of poker pool is playing, or you can stop by the downtown swap meets on the weekends. Or just take a nice walk around the shore and take in the breathtaking view of the lake on a clear day.

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Breckenridge Mountain If you’re up for an uphill adventure, Breckenridge Mountain, located approximately two hours northeast of Bakersfield, could be the best choice for you. You can set up your camp for free — you will need a campfire permit, which can be obtained for free through any Bureau of Land Management — and once you’re settled in, get your scrambling gear together and get to rock climbing! Among the gorgeous landscape of sugar pines, white fir trees, and manzanitas, you might be lucky enough to see a spotted owl or a woodpecker, or even the rare Breckenridge Mountain Slender salamander. Amazing views are yours to behold on a nature hike up to the lookout tower, where you can spend some time chatting with the on-duty lookout about the history and the sites of the mountain.

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MEET THE

MAYORS OF KERN COUNTY FROM ARVIN TO WASCO, THESE SMALL TOWN AND “BIG CITY” LEADERS KEEP OUR COUNTY MOVING TOGETHER

S T O R Y B Y

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A N D

G R E G O R Y

P H O T O S D .

C O O K

Arvin “The garden in the sun”

MAYOR JOSE FLORES When people ask Jose Flores if he’s a politician, his normal answer is, “No, I am not a politician, I am a common-sense person.” Flores was born in Zacatecas, Mexico, one of nine brothers. His family moved to Mexico City, where in addition to working for his grandfather, Flores attended school and studied business management and accounting. Facing dismal job prospects, he came to California. “The first day that I got here, I got up 5 a.m. and started work,” he said. “I’ve been working since day one.” Flores first got involved in local politics in 2002 after an accident in front of his house left his 3-year-old son critically injured. “At the time, I disagreed with the way the Arvin Police Department was performing,” said Flores. “I didn’t want to get involved, but my friends and family said, ‘You should run for city council and make a difference.’” Flores did run and won his first election by 17 votes. In addition to serving as the mayor of Arvin, Flores works as a mechanic. He also enjoys martial arts and playing keyboards. “There is no drink or pill that I can take that gives me what music does,” he said How many ribbons have you cut as mayor? “I would say maybe 15. They are good for the community.” What makes Arvin special and unique? “Arvin has a lot of potential, and we are always working hard to make things better for everybody.” What is the most important characteristic for a mayor to possess? “Honesty. You can tell people anything you want, but your actions will speak for themselves. Where do you draw your inspiration? “My inspiration is my son. After the accident, the doctors said he was not going to be able to play sports, or even turn his head. When he turned 5, he wanted to play baseball, so we signed him up, and that year, they won the championship.”

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Bakersfield “Sun, Fun, Stay, Play” (according to the longest serving mayor in Bakersfield)

MAYOR HARVEY L. HALL Harvey Hall is a Bakersfield boy through and through. He grew up in Bakersfield, graduating from Bakersfield High School and attending Bakersfield College before moving on to San Francisco City College. In 1971, he borrowed money to buy an ambulance and founded what is now Kern County’s largest medical transport provider. In 2001, Hall was sworn in as Bakersfield’s 25th mayor, after winning out over nine other candidates. At the end of his current term, he will have served 16 years, making him the longest serving mayor in the history of Bakersfield. “When people ask me what it’s like to be mayor, I say, ‘It’s the greatest job in the world,’” Hall said. It’s also a job that keeps him busy. It takes two personal assistants to schedule the hundreds of speeches, ribbon cuttings, ground breakings and other appearances the mayor makes each year. “But that’s my commitment,” he said. “I try to do everything and be everywhere for everybody.” How many ribbons have you cut as mayor? Since becoming mayor, I have done 841 ribbon cuttings. I always think well about ribbon cuttings because people are investing in our community, and most of the time, it’s small businesses and what that does is help create jobs and opportunities for people that need work. What makes Bakersfield special and unique? Without a question, it’s the people. It’s the people who care about each other, who care about the less fortunate in our community and who constantly give to great degree to make life better for the people in our community. It’s all about the people and the dedication they have to make this a better city. What is the most important characteristic for a mayor to possess? In my particular case, I have always committed myself to being a mayor for all of the people. And I think you have to have a passion for the job and recognize the needs of your presence, and how valued you are as a public official. Where do you draw your inspiration? I’m driven by helping people. I don’t have any one particular person I can point to, but before I announced (I was) running for mayor, I went and met with Mayor Don Hart. I’ve tried to follow many of the things we discussed in my efforts as mayor. Believe it or not, my inspiration is just doing a good job and making sure that people get the public recognition they deserve.

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California City “Land of the sun”

MAYOR PATRICK BOHANNON Originally from Louisville, Kentucky, Patrick Bohannon attended the University of Louisville. “When I was 20 years old, I just said, ‘The heck with it,’ and came to California,” he said. “And I’ve been here ever since.” Bohannon worked for 21 years for the Reynolds Metals Company, first in southern, and then northern California before leaving to start his own contractor business. “I didn’t want to be in a factory anymore; I wanted to be outside,” said Bohannon. “I wanted to be back in southern California – not necessarily in the desert, but that’s where I ended up. I didn’t want to be in the rat race, so here I am.” Bohannon originally ran for mayor because he didn’t like the way the city was being run. “To me, government should run like a business,” he said. “So I talked to a few people and they convinced me to run.” While he is nearing the end of his second term as mayor, Bohannon still doesn’t consider himself a politician. “I’m not a politician, and I won’t play the game,” he said. “And that’s gotten me in trouble. I won’t lie, but I can handle it.” How many ribbons have you cut as mayor? “Not many. I don’t (hold) babies, and I don’t kiss hands. I told them when I started, ‘I’m no politician, I say what I think and I’m going to do the best I can for the city.’”

need to know what’s going on. You may not like what I’m going to tell you, but I’m going to tell you the truth. That’s my way of looking at it.” Where do you draw your inspiration? Rudy Giuliani (former New York City mayor). I kind of like some of the things he did and said, even though he’s a politician. Also my father and mother, although I’m a lot different than they ever were.

Continued on page 112

A clean room is one thing. A clean home is a different game.

What makes California City special and unique? The people. We have some great people. And we have inexpensive land and we still have plenty of it, and I’ve seen more businesses come here in the last three and a half years than I’ve seen in the last 20 because we’ve become business friendly. What is the most important characteristic for a mayor to possess? “Be honest and transparent. Your people bakersfieldlife.com

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Delano “Good to great … it can be done.”

MAYOR GRACE VALLEJO As one of seven children, Grace Vallejo lived in Earlimart when she was young. “My dad was a farm worker so we were raised as migrant workers because we traveled the valley to sustain ourselves,” she said. In addition to working in the fields with the rest of her family, Vallejo attended multiple schools throughout each school year. “Because we were following the crops, we attended maybe six or seven schools a year,” she explained. “I think it was something that made me a very stable person from a young age.” Vallejo went on to a 30-year career with Pacific Bell before retiring and then going to work for the Delano Joint Union High School District. “What started as just something to keep me busy became a full-time job,” she said. “After April, I retired after 14 and a half years at the school.” She first became involved in local government when she was asked to serve on the Kern County Human Relations Commission and also served on the Delano’s planning commission for seven years before running for city council because “that’s where you can make a better quality of life for the community.” Vallejo has been on the city council for a total of 12 years and has served four terms as the city’s mayor. How many ribbons have you cut as mayor? I’ve cut maybe 20 ribbons, probably more since we have had a lot of growth in the retail area. What makes Delano special and unique? I believe Delano became special when we realized we were growing, but the heart of Delano still has the small town feeling. What is the most important characteristic for a mayor to possess? To listen to the residents of your city, listen to your council members and staff, and then take all of the information and make the decisions that give your community the better quality of life that we all deserve.” Where do you draw your inspiration? Cesar Chavez. I worked with the United Farm Workers, and he always said that we could be anything we put our mind to. He showed us how to be compassionate while still getting things done.

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so I decided I was going to run again,” he said. “My heart’s here with the city.”

Maricopa “Gateway to the sea”

MAYOR VIRGIL BELL Born in Parkin, Arkansas, Virgil Bell’s family moved to Maricopa when he was 12 years old. “I come from a big family. There was 10 of us,” he explained. “Most of my family back there were sharecroppers.” It was a rugged life, and children were expected to work, which made school a challenge. “When school would start, your parents would hold you out for the first six weeks to help pick the crops,” Bell said. “That’s just the way life was back there.” After moving to California, Bell found work in the oilfields and has been in the petroleum business ever since. “I’ve been in the oil patch for almost 40 years,” he said. Along with being mayor, Bell is an independent contractor for an oil company and also serves as board president of the West Side Mosquito and Vector Control District. Bell was first elected to city council in 1996, and after serving a number of years, he took a hiatus from local government. But in 2010, the situation in Maricopa drew him back into public service. “Things started going bad, and we had a lot of problems,

How many ribbons have you cut as mayor? Well, there isn’t a lot here. I would say two or three. What makes Maricopa special and unique? There’s a lot of history here. This a good town, and we have great schools and low crime. I love it here. What is the most important characteristic for a mayor to possess? Leadership, getting along with the people and when people call with a problem, trying to get things done. Where do you draw your inspiration? I think it was being brought up here in Maricopa, going to school here and some of the great teachers we had.

Continued on page 114

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Design center credit varies by community, see sales associate for full details. Pictures and other promotional materials are representative and may depict or contain floor plans, square footages, elevations, options, upgrades, extra design features, decorations, floor coverings, decorative light fixtures, custom paint and wall coverings, window treatments (such as shutters, drapes, etc.), landscaping, pool, spa, sound and alarm systems, furnishings, appliances, and other designer/decorator features and amenities that are not included as part of the home and/or may not be available in all communities. All promotional, marketing, and advertising estimates and claims related to energy savings or performance are created exclusively by third party suppliers, rating services, utility companies, and/or certified auditors, based on U.S. Department of Energy methodology and average energy use and scores. Actual energy savings and performance of any home or any of its features may vary widely, and may be more or less than indicated savings and performance, depending on the personal energy consumption choices of the occupants and changes in energy provider rates and programs. Not an offer or solicitation to sell real property. Offers to sell real property may only be made and accepted at the sales center for individual Meritage Homes communities. Home, community information, promotion offerings and pricing is subject to change, and homes to prior sale, at any time without notice or obligation. ©2014 Meritage Homes Corporation. All rights reserved. CA DRE License#01078820

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McFarland “Tradition, Unity, Excellence”

MAYOR MANUEL CANTU JR. McFarland native Manual Cantu’s farm-working family migrated north to Washington when he was 7, where the young Cantu worked alongside the rest of his family harvesting crops like asparagus, strawberries and cherries. “My dad would always tell me, ‘If you want to ever have a career in life outside the field then you have to go to school,’” Cantu said. “But that was very complicated when you have to work in the fields all morning.” Still, it was advice he would take to heart, balancing both school and field work. Cantu earned a degree first in airframe and power plant maintenance, then continuing to earn a bachelor’s in organizational management and finally a master’s in educational leadership. He was working as a human resources manager for Paramount Citrus and an assistant football coach at McFarland High School when he was asked to take a full-time teaching position. The decision was an easy one for Cantu. “A teaching career is very rewarding,” he said. “When you work with kids, you feel like you are giving back, and at the same time, you are connecting with people you are going to see flourish.” In addition to serving as mayor, Cantu was recently named principal of McFarland Middle School. How many ribbons have you cut as mayor? Just this year alone, we’ve had six, and many more to come. What makes McFarland special and unique? We are still very humble, we are still a very smalltown community, and we all have the same vision to make McFarland a better place. What is the most important characteristic for a mayor to possess? I think you have to be a visionary and to know that without your staff, your vision will never be realized. Where do you draw your inspiration? Historically, there are two people that I would love to emulate. One of them, from the scriptures, is Joseph. He went from nothing – his brother sold him as a slave – and he became second only to pharaoh through his hard work and faith. The other person is Abraham Lincoln. I’ve collected a lot of his writings and quotes, and he’s really impressed me.

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Ridgecrest “The place to be”

MAYOR DANIEL CLARK Dan Clark was born in Neenah, Wisconsin, but his family relocated, first to Arizona and then again to southern California. He earned a bachelor’s in political science from Long Beach State, and went on to the University of Santa Monica, where he received his master’s in psychology. Clark started his career in education as a teacher and sports coach in Trona, California, northeast of Ridgecrest. He then took a job as the principal of an elementary school for two years, before settling into teaching at Ridgecrest’s Mesquite High School for 26 years. He also served six years on the city council. After retiring, Clark and his wife spent three years traveling. “We did the perimeter of the United States the first year,” he said. “It was 19,100 miles in six months.” In his third year of retirement, Clark received a call asking him to come back and chair a committee dealing with the restructuring of Ridgecrest’s local government. He was later voted in as the city’s first elected mayor, a position previously appointed by the city council. Clark is currently serving the last year of his term as mayor, and according to him, he doesn’t have any plans for re-election. “In December, the new council gets sworn in, a new mayor gets sworn in, and I ride off into the sunset,” he said. How many ribbons have you cut as mayor? Maybe 20 to 25. More so recently. This community is really in a growth pattern and positive things are happening. What makes Ridgecrest special and unique? We are a ‘base of excellence’ for the Navy, and we have one of the largest brain trusts of any community in the nation in terms of scientists and engineers doing research. Ridgecrest supports the Navy, and the Navy supports Ridgecrest. What is the most important characteristic for a mayor to possess? Vision. There are a lot of managers, but leaders are hard to come by, and to move a community forward, you have to be a risk-taker and a visionary. Where do you draw your inspiration? My faith commitment inspires me. I consider this service to my community a part of my faith commitment. I also happen to be lucky enough to work with four other council members that are stellar individuals, and I draw from them as well. 116

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Shafter “Pursuing our vision, preserving our values”

MAYOR JON JOHNSTON Jon Johnston was born in Wasco but came to Shafter at a young age and stayed. His father was a grocer and also served as Shafter’s city clerk for 25 years, and his mother worked as a seamstress. Johnston was drafted in 1963, and spent two years in the U.S. Army. After the Army, he too worked as a grocer, and in 1996, he retired. It was then that he made his first attempt to enter city politics. “I ran for city council, and I didn’t win,” Johnston said. “But I didn’t quit, and in two years, I ran again and was elected.” In 2012, he was elected mayor by his fellow council members. Besides working to make Shafter a better places, Johnston enjoys photography and woodworking, How many ribbons have you cut as mayor? Seven or eight, but we’re getting ready to cut more soon. We have two industrial areas that are going to create a lot of jobs for Shafter. What makes Shafter special and unique? Probably the most unique thing about Shafter is that we’re always in the black. Our budget is always balanced, Shafter is run more as a business instead of a government agency. What is the most important characteristic for a mayor to possess? Honesty and integrity. I just think that when somebody asks you a question you need to be open and above-board about it. It may not be something they want to hear, but that’s how it is. And above all, don’t have secrets. Where do you draw your inspiration? The president that I have the most admiration for was Harry Truman. He was honest, ethical and when something was his fault, it stopped right there. As far as just everyday people, our former city manager John Guinn is just a good Christian man and a fine person.

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Taft “Energized for the future”

MAYOR PAUL LINDER Paul Linder grew up on the west side of Kern Country. Born at hospital in Taft, he spent most of his childhood in Maricopa. “I had a great life in Maricopa,” Linder remembered. “You could go out and beat the bushes, and I just had fun.” He attended Taft College and got a job driving a school bus. “Driving a school bus kind of turned into my career because the Maricopa School District offered me mechanic and maintenance-worker jobs,” Linder said. He worked there nine years before coming to work for Taft High School for the next 20 years, rising through the ranks to become the maintenance operations and transportation supervisor. “And then the Kern County Superintendent of Schools made me an offer I couldn’t refuse,” said Linder. “I finished my career with them as the director of transportation services.” In 2000, Linder joined Taft’s planning commission, and two years later, he threw his hat in the ring for a seat on the city council. “I was very honored that people encouraged me to do that,” he said. “Because I didn’t have an ax to grind, they just felt that I might be good for the city.” Linder is currently serving his second term as Taft’s mayor. How many ribbons have you cut as mayor? I don’t keep count but if I would have to say 10 to 20. Fortunately for Taft, we have been on the upswing. People are opening businesses in Taft, and they see it as a viable place to do business. What makes Taft special and unique? First of all, we have premier education out here. A child can ... get a wonderful education, and then move on if they choose. We have very little crime, and we don’t see the gang influence like some other areas. What is the most important characteristic for a mayor to possess? Don’t take yourself too seriously. At the end of the day, we’re just the same people who are out there in the community. We just happen to be sitting up here trying to make the right decisions. Where do you draw your inspiration? I have to go back to my mom and dad. They raised a total of seven children and the work ethic my dad put in to feed us, and the care my mom put into the family – we didn’t know it, but we were poor. But there was always food on the table, and we always respected others.

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Tehachapi “Live Up!”

MAYOR PHIL SMITH The son of a railroad signalman, Phil Smith spent the first 10 years of his life living in railroad housing next to the Woodford Depot in Keene, before his family moved to Tehachapi in 1960. “My wife Becky was born in Tehachapi,” Smith said. “So basically, we have lived in the area all our lives.” After college, Smith served six years in the Coast Guard before embarking on a career with Xerox that has spanned 38 years and counting. Smith got his first taste of politics when he was elected student body president while attending Tehachapi High School. But it wasn’t until the 1980s that he would enter city government, first on the planning commission, and then running for city council in 1986. Smith was elected, and has been on the city council ever since. He is currently serving his fourth term as mayor. “It’s been really fun being on the council, and being part of the changes that have occurred here,” he said, “We’ve raised all five kids here, and it’s a really good place.” How many ribbons have you cut as mayor? I could probably count them on both hands. I’m kind of a shy mayor. I don’t believe that a mayor should be in the limelight, I (think) a mayor should be the one behind the scenes allowing things to happen. But for the big events, things that would be life changing for the community, I try to make it to those. What makes Tehachapi special and unique? Tehachapi is special and unique because of its people. We have a community that is very giving, very generous, and caring about every little thing. It’s a very involved community, and that’s what makes it special. What is the most important characteristic for a mayor to possess? You have to be available, listen to people and seek out their point of view. I think communication is the centerpiece in being a good mayor. You have to include everyone in the decision making process. Where do you draw your inspiration? The people of this community inspire me, and I think they would inspire anyone who comes here. I’m here to serve them and they’re the ones that inspire me to do good things for everybody.

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Wasco “Grow with us”

MAYOR TILO CORTEZ As is the case with many of the mayors of Kern County, Tilo Cortez was born and raised in the city of which he is now mayor. “I was born in the hospital here, back when we had one,” he explained. “And I went through all of the schools here, right through high school.” His parents were first-generation immigrants — a farm laborer and a nurse. After high school, Cortez went into real estate and has been a broker for the last 19 years and owns a local brokerage. As the father of three, Cortez volunteered as a coach for various sports, roles that he credits for making him a recognized figure in the community. In 2002, he ran for city council and was elected. He became mayor in December. “I’ve always had a sense of community,” Cortez said. “I think most people in Wasco do, and I want to represent our town the best I can.” How many ribbons have you cut as mayor? I think close to a dozen. We are excited about our possibilities right now. What we have in front of us is fantastic as far as economic growth is concerned.

What makes Wasco special and unique? I think the fact that we are still a tight-knit community is the biggest advantage to our city. I think that aspect of being close and still caring about each other is what makes Wasco so special. What is the most important characteristic for a mayor to possess? I think being open to the public, being open to criticism and open to suggestion is the toughest thing for a mayor. Sometimes you feel like you should have all of the answers, but no one has all of the answers, so having an open mind is the secret to being a mayor. Where do you draw your inspiration? I think the community inspires me because I don’t want to let them down. I see the people that live here every day, and I want to be sure that they still trust me and the position I hold. That’s what motivates me.

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Remembering

DUST BOWL D

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DAYS

BC instructor brings labor camp memories to CSUB campus By Kelly Damian

Photos by Casey Christie

hen students return to Cal State Bakersfield this fall, they will discover some new structures on campus. A small encampment of tents and steel buildings will sit just off Roadrunner Drive. Unlike the freshly constructed dorms on the northeast side of campus, these structures are not meant to house current students, but rather to invite them to think about the people who came to the Central Valley two generations ago. Cameron Brian, an artist, sculptor and teacher at Bakersfield College, created the work titled “Federal Work Camp Experimental Model Project.” It’s part of university’s visiting sculptor series, a yearly competition that invites artists to create outdoor sculptures and temporary installations of outdoor artwork for display on campus. For the 2014 competition, artists were asked to create a work that would celebrate the 75th anniversary of the publication of “The Grapes of Wrath.” When his proposal was selected, Brian knew he wanted to create something both artistically satisfying and historically accurate. “I did not want to contrive anything,” Brian said. “I didn’t want a fanciful image or part from the text. No sculpture of the Joads. I didn’t want to take so much creative license that I wasn’t true to the people who lived during that time.”

FASCINATED BY THE PAST

Cameron Brian is in the middle of building an art project on Cal State Bakersfield’s campus in recognition of the 75th anniversary of “The Grapes of Wrath.”

Brian has always been fascinated by the 1930s. As a child, he collected old bottles and keys from the era. When he was 14, Brian bought a radiator cap made of nickel and shaped into a woman’s face, reminiscent of figurehead from the prow of a ship. Among many other collectibles, Brian has a Stetson Playboy hat, a field sack found at a yard sale in Oildale and a toy called “Dolly Dimple.” The doll came printed on a flour sack. Once the bag was

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Local artist Cameron Brian has been busy working on his art project, “Federal Work Camp Experimental Model Project,” at Cal State Bakersfield this summer.

Continued from page 123 empty, the doll pattern could be cut out and stuffed. “The culture was so different,” Brian said. “There was no excess of anything. People lived absolutely at subsistence levels.” To build a sculpture that honored the real history of the internal migration of the 1930s, Brian turned to books. His reading list started with “The Grapes of Wrath,” but also included “American Exodus: The Dust Bowl Migration and Okie Culture in California,” by James N. Gregory, “Children of the Dust Bowl: The True Story of the School at Weedpatch Camp,” by Jerry Stanley and even a Dust Bowl cookbook. In the online archives of The Library of Congress, he found 13 hours of recordings called “Voices from the Dust Bowl.” The An old flour sack doll is recordings capture a wide swath of labor one of the many items camp life, from loudspeaker announceCameron Brian has colments to recited poems and songs, and lected from the 1930s. even the metallic clacking of a tap dance. For Brian, listening to the recordings was “as close to time travel as it gets.” In October, Brian visited Sunset Labor Camp. Also known 124

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as Weedpatch Camp or Arvin Federal Government Camp, the site was immortalized when Steinbeck used it as the model for his fictional Wheat Patch Camp, a place of sanctuary in the Joad family’s westward odyssey. Migrant workers still live in the camp today, albeit in stucco houses instead of tents or steel buildings. A handful of original buildings remain and are being refurbished by the former residents of the camp, many of whom are well into their 70s. Brian visited the camp with the intention of gathering authentic details for his project but was so inspired by the site itself and the dedication of the volunteers working there that he found himself returning week after week to help restore the community building. Today, Brian is an integral part of the work at the old labor camp, but it took a while to earn the approval of other volunteers. “After they handed me a broom, they handed me a brush. These guys are great craftsmen,” Brian said. “They were afraid I would mess things up. I had to work to prove myself.”

SPARKING INTEREST Brian’s careful research will culminate in a sculpture that is a collection of 20 steel houses, 20 tents, a community center and gatehouse, all built to approximately one-sixteenth

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Martin Urrutia, left, documents Brian’s work on the Cal State Bakersfield campus.

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Continued from page 124 the size of the originals. The work also features a full-size tent with a wooden floor that Brian and his students built. Though it is not a ’30s era tent, it is very similar to the ones found in federal labor camps at the time. As visitors walk through the installation and stand in the tent, the “Voices from the Dust Bowl” recordings will play on two horn speakers, allowing the people of today to hear from those who made that westward migration 75 years ago. For now, the camp is still a work in progress, but Brian hopes his artwork will be the beginning of a continued experience for the public. “I hope people go out and visit Sunset Labor Camp, and go to Dust Bowl Days,” he said. “Kern County should be proud; people have really sacrificed to be in this place.”

Cameron Brian has been collecting items to be used in his project at Cal State Bakersfield, including this old brim hat.

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BUSINESS PROFILE

PHOTO BY CASEY CHRISTIE

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The Walter Mortensen Insurance /INSURICA Management team, from left, Mona Millington, Ranee Findley, Ron Burcham, Monique Eubanks, Michael Moore, Mike Hay, Pam Binns, and Vickie Wright.

WALTER MORTENSEN INSURANCE

alter Mortensen Insurance, Kern County’s leading independent insurance agency, was founded in 1919 by a 26-year-old entrepreneur. Walter Mortensen set up his first office in booming downtown Bakersfield at the southeast corner of 21st Street and Chester Avenue. Mortensen and his partner, Phil Collins, had several oil field contacts and built a successful business selling accident insurance to oil industry employees. In the roaring 20s, the men Walter Mortensen Insurance were quite successful, but when Walter Mortensen Insurance the crash came in 1929, their partnership dissolved. 8500 Stockdale Highway, Suite 200 Mortensen continued the insur834-6222 ance business and formed a insurica.com new partnership with James Coit. The Prohibition Era was in full swing, but the partners didn’t lose their thirst for business. They succeeded by selling general liability and auto insurance for those new Fords rolling off the assembly line. In 1929, they moved their office to 1515 20th St. Mortensen retired in 1949 but continued to consult for many years. Herb Vaughan took over as manager from 1949 to 1959, and Walter Lindecker became manager in 1959. Ray Bass, a young captain from the U.S. Army Air Corps, came to Bakersfield via Minter Field in Shafter and joined Walter Mortensen Insurance in 1967. Bass became general manager in 1967. The business continued to grow, so the agency built a new 128

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building at 4701 Stockdale Highway in 1977. Bass retired in 1984 and turned over the reins to Bill Durall, who remained president until 1992. Ron Burcham, the current president, began his career with Walter Mortensen Insurance in 1977. Burcham became president in 1992 and continues to lead the agency today. He is well respected in the community and has led the agency to become one of the top in the nation. In 2005, Walter Mortensen Insurance became part of the Guaranty Insurance Group while maintaining local service and relationships. The agency grew rapidly, and in 2007, the agency moved to a new building at 8500 Stockdale Highway, where it remains today. In 2011, Walter Mortensen Insurance partnered with INSURICA Insurance Management Network, a network of independent insurance agencies that specialize in core industries. This gives Walter Mortensen Insurance unparalleled access to the most unique coverage and risk management expertise, while maintaining the local agent relationship. It’s not just about selling an individual policy, but rather understanding the entire business structure and developing a comprehensive insurance management plan for clients. Walter Mortensen Insurance strives to have a deep understanding of clients’ needs and uncover solutions that lead to greater opportunities and savings. We pride ourselves on having an in-depth understanding of the California market. Our colleagues are local residents and many have more than 20 years of experience. The local management team, pictured above, is Ron Burcham (33 years of experience), Michael Moore (27 years), Mona Millington (46 years), Vickie Wright (29 years), Ranee Findley (17 years), Mike Hay (10 years), Monique Eubanks (two years), and Pam Binns (16 years). Staying true to the vision their founder had so many years ago, this friendly staff is always there to help with your insurance needs.

BUSINESS PROFILE

American Jewelry Company has provided fine jewelry to Bakersfield residents since 1898.

THE AMERICAN JEWELRY COMPANY

at Solomon founded The American Jewelry Co. in 1898, opening his shop on 19th Street in Bakersfield. At the turn of the century, the area of 19th Street near Chester Avenue was a bustling retail center with boarded sidewalks and horse drawn carts. Solomon was a respected jewelry craftsman and businessman for many years. When Solomon died suddenly in 1947, Paul Campbell, his grandfather L. W. Cheney, and great-uncle Jim Cheney purchased The American Jewelry Co. from Solomon’s estate. Campbell learned the jewelry business by working as an The American apprentice in his grandfather’s store in Jewelry Company Oakland, and his longstanding reputa3200 21st St., Suite 500 tion for integrity and ethical business 325-5023 practices continues to this day. americanjewelrycompany.com In 1949, the business moved from its location on Chester Avenue to 20th and Eye streets, where it remained for 39 years. Then in 1988, the store moved to its present location in the fifth floor suite atop the Oak Park Tower. Paul Campbell’s son-in-law, Carl Saenger, joined the firm in 1975 and soon completed the coursework to become a certified gemologist appraiser awarded by the American Gem 130

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PHOTO BY HENRY A. BARRIOS

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Society. Through the years, Saenger has learned a multitude of practical lessons about the jewelry business from his father-in-law (who died in 2010), but two precepts still resonate: “Treat the customer as you would like to be treated” and “Be true to your word.” The staff at The American Jewelry Co. is exceptional. Each one of them is knowledgeable, professional, and dedicated to providing the customer with an enjoyable shopping experience. They treasure being a part of the special events that mark their customer’s lives, and are proud to say that some families have been coming to them for three generations. The American Jewelry Co. has maintained a successful presence in Bakersfield by having a strong focus on customer service. They are prepared to take whatever time is needed to assist their customers. They offer in-house custom designing, manufacturing and repairing as well as appraisal services, and at times, even delivery. Shoppers will find a wide variety of innovative jewelry, including the legendary Rolex timepieces and popular Tacori engagement rings. Customers can be assured of finding that special piece of jewelry for any occasion. The most rewarding part of the business is connecting with the customer and helping them make their jewelry dreams come true. The American Jewelry Co. is committed to maintaining their core values that originated over 100 years ago: providing high quality merchandise at a fair price and attention to customer service. From the mahogany walls to the antique display cases adorning the fifth floor shop, there is an authenticity that customers have come to know, trust and appreciate.

THE AMERICAN JEWELRY COMPANY 3200 21ST STREET SUITE 500 BAKERSFIELD, CALIFORNIA 93301 661.325.5023 WWW.AMERICANJEWELRYCOMPANY.COM

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tion from sales throughout the total ownership experience.

MERCEDES-BENZ OF BAKERSFIELD PART OF THE SANGERA AUTO GROUP How long has the Sangera Automotive Group been in business? The Sangera Automotive Group has been in business for 42 years. What do you feel are the dealership's strengths? Commitment to total customer satisfaction not only during the sale but throughout the ownership process.

Mercedes-Benz of Bakersfield

You recently received the 2013 Best of the Best Award from MercedesBenz. What is the significance of the award for the dealership as a whole? This is the second time in three years that the dealership has achieved this distinction. It is a testament to the quality of people that make up our organization.

• 5600 Gasoline Alley Drive, 93313, 836-3737 • sangera.com

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General Manager Damon Culbertson

What exciting vehicles can customers look forward to seeing from Sangera this year? They will get to see an impressive list, from Subaru, the new 2015 Outback and Legacy Sedan and from Mercedes-Benz, the all-new GLA crossover for 30K and the S Class coupe.

How do you and your employees work to give customers the best possible experience when they step onto your lot? Personal attention to all the customer’s needs and requests.

The image of Subaru seems to have changed dramatically over the years. What do you think has spurred this change? The Subaru product has always been reliable and dependable and is now more pleasing to the eye.

What keeps customers coming back to Sangera? A commitment to total customer satisfaction and developing a relationship with the customer.

How would you describe the dealership's business philosophy? Once again, a commitment to total customer satisfac-

Where do you see yourself in five years? Celebrating the Best of the Best distinction for the sixth consecutive year, as well as receiving Subaru’s stellar Care Award for the fifth consecutive year.

Bakersfield Life Magazine

August 2014

BUSINESS PROFILE

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

COLDWELL BANKER PREFERRED, REALTORS You’ve been voted Bakersfield’s Best Real Estate company for the last five years. What does that mean to you? Receiving this award says a lot about our commitment to be the best. It’s a reflection of our agents and the tremendous work they do every day. We believe in Bakersfield and the great people who live here. It is an honor to be voted the “Best of Bakersfield,” and we will continue providing the best service. Define Coldwell Banker Preferred, Realtors as a company and your busi• 1810 Westwind Drive, 327-2121 ness model? • 9100 Ming Ave., Suite 100, 836-2345 We are a locally owned • 3820 Coffee Road, Suite 1, 616-3600 real estate company and an cbbakersfield.com independently owned franchise of Coldwell Banker. The owners of our company were born and raised in Bakersfield. Our business model is simple: to be honest, ethical and be the best at what we do. We strive to have the best agents and provide the best service. Our ongoing training program is extensive and as the markets change, we make every effort to prepare our agents.

Coldwell Banker Preferred, Realtors

A lot of companies transfer employees in and out of Kern County, how important is it to have a department dedicated to relocation? Relocation is a large part of our business. Companies rely on offices like ours to work with their employees coming in and moving out of Bakersfield. As one of the only companies in Bakersfield with a relocation department, we handle all types of transfers and relocation tours. Many people coming into Bakersfield have never been here 134

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before. We introduce them to our city, even if they have not yet accepted a position, to help them in their decision to relocate to Bakersfield. Our team of associates also helps integrate our clients into our community by putting them in touch with the right networks. You have several associates involved in the local Association of Realtors. Why is this important and how does it affect your clients? The agents working at Coldwell Banker Preferred, Realtors all carry the Realtor status. Being a Realtor means they are held to a code of ethics to which a licensed real estate individual, without the status, is not held. The local Association of Realtors is a very important part of our industry and how we conduct our business. We not only rely on the local association, but the state and national associations as well, to stay informed of changes in our industry. Real estate has seen many changes in the last couple of years. How does Coldwell Banker handle change and progression? Real estate is an industry that requires those involved to understand and know what changes occur each and every day. We place a lot of energy in keeping our agents informed, trained and prepared for these changes. When a consumer is looking for a company to assist them in buying or selling real estate, it is important to choose a company that understands the current market. We feel we offer this support to our agents and staff, which in turn is passed on to the client. Realtor is a registered collective membership marks owned by the National Association of REALTORS®.

BUSINESS PROFILE

GIANQUINTO ORTHOARTS

The friendly staff of Gianquinto OrthoArts are ready to meet customers’ orthodontic needs with a smile.

hile a resident at Temple University in Philadelphia, Bakersfield native Dr. Jared Gianquinto considered practice opportunities across the nation, never thinking his research would lead him back to the Golden Empire. But after a short visit home, he was convinced that Bakersfield was the right place to be. “I reconnected with old friends who had become parents and talked to local dentists. I asked what they were looking for in an orthodontic office,” Gianquinto said. Although Bakersfield had grown, focus group members were surprised that their choices for orthodontic treatment had remained very much the same. Offices had Gianquinto changed hands, but over 20 years had OrthoArts passed since an orthodontist had 1400 Calloway Dr., Suite 206 started a new private practice in Bak829-7970 ersfield. The findings were simple. orthoarts.com Parents and dentists in Kern County were looking for the latest orthodontic treatment in a comfortable, friendly and punctual office, with an orthodontist they could relate to and trust. In 2012, the Gianquinto OrthoArts team opened their doors to meet the needs of the next generation of active families in Bakersfield. When asked about what makes Gianquinto OrthoArts different from other orthodontic practices, Gianquinto said stateof-the-art care, education and tailored treatment options are only part of the equation. “Being involved in our patients’ lives is a privilege, and we want every experience with us to be a positive one,” Gianquinto 136

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PHOTO BY APRIL MASSIRIO

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said. A graduate of Garces Memorial High School, Gianquinto understands the family values our community holds dear. “It’s about taking care of each other. It’s just how we do things around here,” he said. Having accompanied humanitarian missions to Haiti, Guatemala and the Philippines, Gianquinto understands the meaning of service on local and global level. He recently completed 11 years as dental officer in the U.S. Navy, serving aboard the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan for two deployments, followed by six years attached to a Marine Corps Reserve unit. This military and general practice background helped Gianquinto develop a unique approach to orthodontics, often coordinating treatment with other specialists and general practitioners to deliver the best care possible. Gianquinto OrthoArts isn’t your typical orthodontist’s office. Surfboards, classic guitars and coastal themed art are found throughout the space, and the team creates a relaxed environment for a full range of orthodontic treatment options including braces, Invisalign, and Invisalign Teen. “Surfing and playing music are my favorite things to do aside from building smiles,” Gianquinto said. “I wanted OrthoArts to feel more like a getaway than just a day at the office.” Outside of work, Dr. Gianquinto is active in several local organizations to stay connected with the community, including speaking at schools, hosting continuing education events, and raising funds for youth and service-oriented charities. He currently serves as the secretary-treasurer of the Kern County Dental Society and provides free orthodontic treatment to local children in need through the Smiles Change Lives program.

PA S T I M E S

You never know who might show up for happy hour when the San Joaquin Squad is in town. Darth Vader, portrayed by Sam Kisselburg, visits with convention attendees at the Bakersfield Marriott.

BAD GUYS DOING GOOD Local Star Wars lovers get in character for good causes Story and photos by Gregory D. Cook

ew movies can claim to have such lasting impact on pop culture as the original “Star Wars” film. More than 35 years later, people still instantly recognize the white armor of a stormtrooper, or the sound of Darth Vader’s voice. For the men and women of the San Joaquin Squad, bringing those iconic characters to life is a way to both celebrate their love of the movies and give back to the community. A local branch of the 501st Legion, a worldwide club dedicated to Star Wars costuming, the San Joaquin Squad makes appearances at events like the Walk for Autism, Bakersfield Comic-Con, Condors games and a long list of other public and private events, all to benefit local charities. “We don’t ever get paid for our appearances, ever,” said 138

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Bounty hunter Boba Fett, portrayed by squad leader Anthony Bailey, patrols a local convention. The San Joaquin Squad of the 501st Legion makes appearances at events throughout the year to benefit various charities.

Attendees of the Bakersfield Collector’s Convention check out the realistic costumes and detailed props of the San Joaquin Squad.

member Sam Kisselburg. “Instead we ask that they donate money to a charity of our choice.” That is part of the deal the club has with Lucasfilm Ltd., which owns the characters the club represents. “They said, ‘You can go ahead and do this, as long as you’re doing something good with it,’” said Kisselburg. “The rule is we can’t make any money from it.” The other part of the deal is that because the various stormtroopers, Tusken raiders and other characters portrayed by members of the club interact face-to-face with the public, the costumes have to measure up to some very demanding scrutiny. “There is a specific set of guidelines your costume has to meet in order to get into the 501st,” Kisselburg explained. “You can’t just walk up and say, ‘I want to join.’ Your costume has to be approved first.” Painstaking attention goes into putting together a costume that will measure up to the club’s strict requirements, and the process can take months. “Not everybody has the wherewithal to put one of these together,” said Anthony Bailey, who often appears as notorious bounty hunter Boba Fett. “It’s not just some plastic you glue together and there’s a stormtrooper. It doesn’t work that way.” That’s where the San Joaquin Squad has a couple of aces up its sleeve, so to speak, in club members and longtime costumers Scott Graham and Erick Main, owner of Iron Goblin Masks. “When I first got into it, this was the stormtrooper that was mainstream,” Graham said, holding up a flimsy mask. “It’s not accurate, and it’s just terrible looking.” Graham put his expertise in costuming and prop making into creating a more durable and authentic-looking costume. “Our stormtroopers are as accurate as you can get,” he said. The molds used to create the more than 60 individual pieces that go into a suit of stormtrooper armor are made from molds cast from the armor used in the films. For instance, the stormtrooper helmet Graham creates is cast from the trooper that calls out, “There’s one, set for stun,” at the beginning of the first movie. All of the hard work and expense is worth it for the club mem-

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Members of the San Joaquin Squad pose for a group photo at their booth at the Bakersfield Collector’s Convention.

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bers when they strut their stuff at one of the many events they support throughout the year. “For some reason, you put on one of these costumes and you’re a rock star,” Kisselburg said. “It’s really a rewarding

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feeling to know you are helping to make a difference.” While the 501st Legion portrays the Imperial, or bad guys, that doesn’t seem to matter to the fans that show up to see them. As Kisselburg, who normally portrays arch villain Darth Vader, points out, “the 501st motto is, ‘Bad guys doing good.’”

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HOME AND GARDEN

Getting rid of your lawn doesn’t mean your yard will be bland. As this home in the Bakersfield Country Club proves, a garden of low-maintenance plants can help save water, while adding color to your home.

AXE THE GRASS Make the most out of our climate by xeriscaping your yard By David Gordon

Editor’s note: With high temperatures and drought beating down on us, we turned to the trend of xeriscaping — landscaping to conserve water — to shed light on how homeowners can save water in a big way. For a professional perspective on xeriscaping, we asked local landscape designer David Gordon to share his thoughts with us.

eriscaping, the wave of the future. Wave is not the right word, water being scarce. Future, well, we don’t have that luxury — the time is now for xeriscaping. Xeriscaping scares the bejesus out of people. I get it. Our first thought is of Liberace’s Palm Springs house or a

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dry streambed, and nothing says drought like a dry streambed. But the time is now to responsibly embrace the strategies and benefits of xeriscaping, because when and if we recover from this extreme drought, we owe it to our environment to be better stewards. Clients tell me that they don’t want a lot of maintenance. The highest maintenance element in a yard is the lawn and the most drought intolerant element is, you guessed it, the lawn. If you want to be water conscious and have less maintenance, rethink the lawn. Reconsider the front lawn from a practical perspective. When was the last time you used the front lawn for anything other than a place to sit when you locked yourself out of the house and needed a spot to pout? Front lawns are a waste of water, space and seriously, not interesting. Few people use their front lawns for bocce ball, so get rid of it. Do your mail carrier a favor, and give them something besides Bermuda to look at when they deliver your birthday card from mom. It takes guts to rip out your front lawn, and my goodness what will the neighbors think? Well, do it and hire a landscape designer to help because the money will be well spent. What does it mean, xeriscaping, a drought-tolerant land-

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PHOTO BY MARK NESSIA PHOTO BY HENRY A. BARRIOS

David Gordon has designed residential landscapes for more than 16 years.

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Day lilies add lots of color to any garden and don't require much water to maintain.

PHOTO BY MARK NESSIA

Continued from page 142 scape? Xeriscaping is designing to survive using less water. When I create a xeriscape, I design with more plants, less dirt. I mass plants together, which means using a large number of the same plant that shades the earth. A sun-loving plant basically buffers the ground from the sun, thus requiring less irrigation. Add two to three inches of isolating mulch and guess what you have? Water savings. When the mulch breaks down over time, it delivers nutrients to the soil, eliminating the need for chemical fertilizers. Plant more, water less. When I approach xeriscaping, I also amass a variety of plants with contrasting leaf shapes, textures and color that carry interest throughout the yard. This also gives the illusion of a larger space. The maintenance of a well-planted yard is minimal, especially once it grows together and shades out weeds. No more paying gardeners once a month. Your new drought tolerant design will require maybe a biannual prune job, and isn’t that what the kids are for? We are lucky to live in a climate that is suitable for growing a ton of plant material. Now is our chance to capitalize on that good fortune, push our gardening limits and respond creativity to extreme drought. So I say, stop fretting about what the Jones’ will say and rip out your lawn. Just say no to dry streambeds and

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HISTORY

The Bakersfield Badgers, pictured here in 1941, were Bakersfield’s first minor league team.

BIG LEAGUE DREAMS Eight teams, thousands of players have called Sam Lynn Ballpark home By Philip Guiry

Photos courtesy of Kern County Museum used by permission

he Bakersfield Badgers, charter members of the California League, opened the gates to Sam Lynn Ballpark for the first time on April 22, 1941, defeating the Fresno Cardinals 9-3. Since then, Bakersfield summers have seen almost 300 major league players call the quirky ballpark home, wearing eight different team names. From three dances with the Dodgers to a corral of Outlaws and Indians, the ballpark has entertained thousands of major league dreams. The Badgers, taken from the Spanish word “tejon,” would last only two seasons before World War II suspended minor league operations. When the team and league returned in 1946, a deal with the Cleveland Indians was struck. The Bakersfield Indians would be affiliated with the Cleveland squad until 1952. The Bakersfield Indians were a hit right off the bat, making the playoffs in 1946. Though they fell in the first round, they boasted the best pitcher in the league, Mike Garcia, who enjoyed a long career in the majors. Garcia helped carry the Cleveland Indians to the 1954 American League pennant. In 1953, the Detroit Tigers came to town, replaced in 1954 and 1955 by the Brooklyn Dodgers, though the Indians name would stick around for all three years. The Indians would produce a number of major leaguers, 146

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including Don Mossi and Hank Aguirre. Legend has it that Mossi, who some would say holds the title as the ugliest man to ever play the sport, was wed in 1950 at Sam Lynn Ballpark’s home plate to a woman who must have thought highly of his character. Don Drysdale pitched as an Indian in 1954. The Dodgers left town after the 1955 season. The franchise almost folded and in order to save the local club, members of the community pitched in, buying shares at $100 a piece. The Bakersfield Boosters lasted one year before the Chicago Cubs picked up the affiliation. The Bakersfield Bears settled in for the next decade, though the Cubbies would be gone by 1958, replaced by Philadelphia Phillies. The Bears also produced big league talent, most notably Bakersfield resident Johnny Callison, who was signed by the Chicago White Sox and made a career with the Phillies. Callison, an East High grad, was named MVP of the 1964 MLB All-Star Game. In 1968, the Dodgers, now of Los Angeles, rekindled their interests in Bakersfield and remained until 1975. The Bakersfield Dodgers of the ’70s produced three legendary LA Dodgers: Bill Russell (1968), Ron Cey (1969), and Rick Sutcliffe (1975). They even delivered the 1970 championship, the first in the franchise history. Glenn Burke, the first openly gay player, was a Bakersfield Dodger in 1974 and James Van Der Beek pitched for the ’73 B-Dodgers. Though you may not know James Van Der Beek, his son, “Dawson’s Creek” actor James Van Der Beek, Jr., might wrest some ’90s nostalgia from the banks of your memory. The ball field sat fallow for two years before another farm team would crop up in Sam Lynn Ballpark. The Bakersfield Outlaws were an unaffiliated, ragtag team led by Bakersfield native George Culver in 1978 and featuring major league player Onix Concepcion in 1979. The name refer-

enced outlaw country music, then stealing across the country from Bakersfield honky-tonks. The Outlaws folded after the 1979 campaign, and it would be two seasons before the Mariners arrived in 1982. The Mariners sent pitcher Mark Langston that year and outfielder Donnell Nixon the next. Nixon set baseball’s stolen base record with 144 in 1983, before Vince Coleman stole his record 145th for the Macon Redbirds of the South Atlantic League the same week. The year 1984 would see the return of the Dodgers for the last time. During the next decade, the B-Dodgers’ prospects would earn five straight National League Rookie of the Year awards. The 1989 team, featuring Eric Karros, would bring home Bakersfield’s second Cal League Championship. Seventy-two LA Dodgers toiled in Bakersfield at some point in their career. The 1991 team alone featured Mike Piazza, Raul Mondesi, Pedro Martinez, and a rehab stint for Orel Hershiser. The final Dodger season wrapped up in 1994 and the team became the Blaze. The Blaze have had four affiliations (the Giants, Rays, Rangers, and Reds) and seen 115 alumni make the majors, including Josh Hamilton, C.J. Wilson, Chris Davis, Jonny Gomes, and Reds rookie sensa-

Continued on page 148

This aerial view shows the racetrack, Sam Lynn Ballpark and the fairgrounds, circa 1945.

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The view from home plate at Sam Lynn in 1947.

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tion Billy Hamilton, who swiped 104 bases in his time with the Blaze, on his way to setting a new stolen base record of 155. In 73 years at Sam Lynn Ballpark, more than 3,000 players have etched their name into the history of the game. Some

have been called up for a cup of coffee, some for just a sip, and some for a whole pot. For every Drysdale and Piazza, there is a Wimpy Quinn or Brick Smith. No matter the team name or affiliation, though, every hit still drops, every run is still scored, and every name remains.

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HISTORY

Standard Oil headquarters in Taft in 1924.

THE LAND OF OIL Black gold drew people to Kern, Taft

n the late 1800s, discoveries of oil made Kern County a hot spot for folks looking to strike it rich. Old Sunset field was one of the earliest oil fields. It was located on Kern’s westside and named as such for the beautiful sunsets seen from its elevated location. The name was given by Judge Josiah Lovejoy of Tulare County who organized the Sunset Oil Company in the late 1880s. The first rig placed in Old Sunset by Lovejoy and his partners only produced one barrel per day. Another well dug to a depth of 300 feet produced sulfur water. Solomon Jewett and Hugh A. Blodget became involved in Old Sunset. They filled in on the Sunset Oil Company’s claims, and Blodget also bought out interests surrounding those held by the company. The JewettBlodget partnership was an agreement of a few lines written on a half sheet of paper that eventually became a multi-million dollar business. 150

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Taft, pictured here circa 1910, was named after William Howard Taft. Due to the amount of oil flowing from western Kern County, the Southern Pacific Railroad (Sunset Railroad) was built through what was originally named Siding Number Two. The townspeople asked the Southern Pacific Railroad to name their community Moro. However, they were denied because a railroad official determined it could easily be confused with Morro Bay. Thus, the railroad added an ‘n’ to the end of the name on the depot and post office. This was before American psychologist Henry Goddard coined the

August 2014

PHOTO COURTESY OF KERN COUNTY MUSEUM USED BY PERMISSION

By Jeff Nickell

word ‘moron’ in 1910 with the definition being an adult who had the metal capacity of an 8- to 12-year-old. The Taft Chamber of Commerce’s website indicates the depot and subdivision north of it were named Moron, and the name stuck around until 1912. The area south of the depot was named after William Howard Taft in 1909. The two came together as Taft. The Midway-Sunset oilfield continues to be extremely productive today. According to a 2013 report by the state Division of Oil, Gas

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and Geothermal Resources, the Midway-Sunset is the largest producing oil field in California. Estimates from the report show the field produced 28.8 million barrels of oil last year. According to the Petroleum Archives Project, Standard Oil purchased Pacific Coast Oil Company in 1900, but their operations were kept separate. The dissolution of the Standard Oil Trust in 1911 made Standard Oil Company of California an independent company. They, in turn, merged with Pacific Oil Company in 1926.

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Standard Oil Company of California, now part of Chevron, took over the 11 – C Camp with this merger and had its headquarters in Taft until the late 1960s when it moved many of its administrative departments to Northern California. The 11 – C Camp, originally constructed by Pacific Oil Company, housed not only all the things needed to run a large oil company (offices, machine shop, etc.) but also homes, bunkhouses, a swimming pool, tennis courts, playground, and cook house open to both employees and the public. Standard Oil Company employed some 6,000 workers and many of them lived in the 11 – C Camp. According to Taft historian Pete Gianopulos, Taft and its vicinity had 10,038 residents in 1930 compared to Bakersfield’s 26,015. In 2010, Taft had about 9,300 residents within its city limits compared to Bakersfield’s 347,400 some. The evolution of the automobile played a big role in keeping Taft small, as people could liver farther and farther from where they worked. Jeff Nickell is executive director of the Kern Adult Literacy Council. If you would be interested in becoming a volunteer tutor, please call 324-3213.

This 1913 photo shows a gusher at a Standard Oil Co. well near Taft.

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INSIDE STORY

ADVANCE BEVERAGE COMPANY Photos and story by Mark Nessia

he next time a bartender pours you a cold 805, or you crack open a Budweiser from your neighborhood grocer, consider tipping your hat to the behind-the-scenes folks who brought you your beer. The workers at Kern Countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s distributor Advance Beverage Company do everything from count kegs to create signs for brews. Advance Beverage Company has been family owned and operated since its purchase by the William K. Lazzerini family in 1971. At the time, the company employed 13 people and boasted about 450,000 cases a year in sales. Today, Advance Beverage employs 142 folks with whooping annual sales exceeding 5 million cases. They receive products from 12 different suppliers, including AnheuserBusch, Monster Energy, Firestone Walker and Heineken. Advance Beverage sells and serves all throughout Kern County and also has a distribution area in Los Angeles, Santa Barbara County, Ventura and Kings counties.

Michelle Odle counts the number of 805 kegs in draft storage at 5200 District Blvd. Her tally came to 762.

Advance Beverage constantly rotates its supply to ensure the freshest products are shipped to local vendors.

Advance Beverage receives products from 12 different suppliers, including Anheuser-Busch, Monster, Firestone Walker and Dos Equis.

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Advance Beverage designs, prints and fabricates its own signage used throughout Kern County.

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IN MY CLOSET

Tehachapiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Linda Rasmussen Lubic nurtures her love of fashion at her mountain boutique, Dahlia. 156

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Capri pants

LINDA RASMUSSEN LUBIC Dahlia, a boutique offers a bit of bling, lace and crochet By Hillary Haenes

Photos by Felix Adamo

fter working in the retail industry for more than 30 years, Linda Rasmussen Lubic put her love for fashion to work and opened her own women’s clothing and accessories store. Since 2011, Dahlia, a boutique (named after Rasmussen Lubic’s favorite flower) has been the hot spot to shop for Tehachapi residents seeking the latest seasonal styles in all sizes. “We cater to every generation, from young adults to great grandmothers, with most focus on customers from ages 22 to 50,” Rasmussen Lubic said. This store owner gets a fresh fashion perspective from her 23-year-old daughter, Ashley Rasmussen Lubic. When Ashley isn’t attending classes at Cal State Bakersfield, she is at the store helping her mom with merchanCoach dising and online marwristlet keting. The motherdaughter team enjoys buying pieces for the boutique together. They both like classic and trendy feminine pieces with bit of lace, crochet and other fun details. “I enjoy the process of seeking unique and fun styles to bring into the store ... Each item should make a customer’s day a little more special ...,” said Rasmussen Lubic, 60. “When you please a customer, an immense sense of gratitude and pride is experienced, and we love to see our customers full of confidence.” Besides operating her business, Rasmussen Lubic has been involved in her mountain community for many years. She was an ambassador for the Greater Tehachapi Chamber of Commerce and helps the Tehachapi Rotary Club plan special events. Prized possessions in my closet: 1. I can’t live without my

Euro bling capri pants. I would wear these every day if it didn’t snow here in the winter! 2. Mephisto sandals — I can stand all day and never feel an ache in my feet and still be ready to go out at night. 3. Nikibiki Apparel tank top — let’s be honest, it keeps me from jiggling when I walk. 4. I make my own earrings, so they complement my outfit perfectly. 5. Coach wristlet — I

have no need to carry around a cumbersome purse. My money, phone, lip gloss and almost anything else fits inside. 6. Boom Boom dark wash skinny jeans — I can wear these with anything, and they are so comfy. They look great with my collection of flats. My style philosophy: Your clothing and accessories should get you a day full of compliments. How long it takes me to get ready: Usually 30 to 35

minutes. My fashion icons:

Audrey Hepburn is a classic, as well as Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and Betsey Johnson! The trick to looking put together:

Accessories always put the finishing touches on an outfit. My favorite designer brands: Betsey Johnson, INC International Concepts, Coach, White House Black Market and Nike shoes. Where I shop both locally and out of town: Anthropologie, Nordstrom, Nordstrom Rack, Coach, and, of course, my own boutique. My biggest fashion faux pas: Oh God — the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s! The pictures still haunt me ... clearly I embraced everything! One staple every woman should have in her closet: Nikibiki Apparel tank

tops because they keep everything where it is supposed to be. Fashion advice: Make

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Newmark Grubb ASU & Associates Principal Matthew Starr, 35, enjoys watching the leadership styles of local business leaders and his son’s budding baseball skills when he’s off the clock.

AN ALL-STAR AT WORK AND HOME Real estate man enjoys sports and the small town feel of his hometown By Diana Greenlee

hat do you get when you cross an award-winning real estate agent with a certified public accountant? The answer is Newmark Grubb ASU & Associates Principal Matthew Starr, 35. The Bakersfield native is the youngest son of local real estate agent Nila and the late Martin Starr. Matt Starr earned a business and finance degree from Cal State Bakersfield, and after a short stint in the Bay area, he joined his brother Martin Starr at the locally owned commercial brokerage more than 12 years ago. 158

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PHOTO BY MARK NESSIA

REAL PEOPLE

The firm handles all phases of commercial real estate work. Employees help facilitate selling and leasing of retail, industrial, and multi-family properties, as well as undeveloped land. They also represent tenants, landlords, buyers and sellers. Starr works with office properties and one of his favorite parts of the job is working with local business leaders. “You touch a lot of different industries in my job,” he said. “I get to see a lot of different leadership styles.” This principal’s interest in leadership extends beyond work. For him, family is a priority, and he takes a hands-on approach with his sons, Andrew 7, and Jacob, 4. His mother, Nila Starr, a Watson Realty agent, admires her son’s parenting style. She said he is strict with his boys, but he leads by example – taking them to church, not just sending them. “He is a man who lives his faith,” she said. The boys attend St. Francis Parish School, and they participate in music and art lessons, as well as sports. Of the many activities Starr and his wife of 10 years, Briana, have planned for their children, Starr has a soft spot for baseball. His eyes light up when he talks about the game. Both of his parents are from Pennsylvania and Starr spent

a decade of his childhood there, so this sport fanaticâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s loyalties lie back East. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m an avid baseball fan; Pirates, Steelers â&#x20AC;&#x201C; all Pittsburgh teams because our roots are there,â&#x20AC;? he says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;My dad was a big baseball fan.â&#x20AC;? The ties between baseball and family are clear when Starr revisits his childhood memories. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I grew up everyday with the game on [the television] in the background,â&#x20AC;? he said. Briana, 34, said she and her husband have had rewarding moments on the baseball field watching Andrewâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s improvements this year. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Andrew has come a long way â&#x20AC;&#x201C; watching him from season to season,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;(Starrâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s) really excited to see him progress as a young athlete.â&#x20AC;? In addition to watching his son play baseball, Starr plays golf at Seven Oaks, Stockdale Country Club and RiverLakes. Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been playing since his late teens, but said his game is more fun than serious, classifying his skill level as â&#x20AC;&#x153;intermediate.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m not an extremely good golfer,â&#x20AC;? he said, chuckling. â&#x20AC;&#x153;But I enjoy it.â&#x20AC;? Starr likes to vacation with his family at the beach in Santa Barbara or in Mammoth snowboarding. At home, he appreciates Bakersfieldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;small town feelâ&#x20AC;?. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s almost like a Midwestern town,â&#x20AC;&#x153; he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s unique for California.â&#x20AC;? Starr said Bakersfieldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s convenient location and proximity to the beach, Las Vegas, and other fun spots makes it a great place to call home. Having the opportunity to live on both the East and West Coast has given him perspective on his hometown. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Things are more buttoned up [in Bakersfield]; kids donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t roam the neighborhoods,â&#x20AC;? he said. Although Starr is the youngest of five, Nila said heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s always been mature and intelligent, even as a young child, and he holds sway with his elder siblings. Starr was close to his father, and when Martin Starr died suddenly three years ago, his son stepped up to pick up the slack. Nila still remembers when the late Dr. Romain Clerou broke the good news about her pregnancy and told her that this fifth child would be exceptional, â&#x20AC;&#x153;a gift from God.â&#x20AC;? She said she believes the doctor was right. â&#x20AC;&#x153;He has always been a very good son to me and his dad,â&#x20AC;? she said.

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Joe Raymond, Megan Raymond and Randy Raymond Jr. of Raymond’s Trophy & Awards are proud to serve the community with personalized trophies and plaques.

A WINNING FAMILY Trophy business owners prize their longevity By Lisa Kimble

n a day and age when a gentleman’s word and a handshake don’t count for much, it is nice to know that’s still the cornerstone of the Raymond family’s commitment to service at Raymond’s Trophy & Awards. Chances are good there is a personalized trophy or plaque in your home or office from Raymond’s. It’s Kern County’s largest trophy shop, and this summer, the familyrun business celebrated 20 years in business. Two decades ago, a former Kern County Sheriff’s homicide detective took a

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PERSONALITY

leap of faith and left the job security of working for the county to become his own boss and buy a trophy shop. His family, including sons Randy Jr. and Joe who now own the business, prizes the shop’s longevity and that fateful decision their patriarch made in the summer of 1994. Moss Henken started the trophy shop in 1952. It was sold to G.R. Reynolds in 1971, and for many years was known as Reynold’s Trophy. But after 23 years, Reynolds decided to sell the business and retire to Colorado. He didn’t have to look very far for a prospective buyer. Good friend and neighbor Randy Raymond was ripe for the picking. Raymond had worked for the Kern County Sheriff’s Office for 20 years, and retirement was only 10 years away. But the lifestyle, unpredictable hours, and nature of investigating murders were taking their toll. “As my dad puts it, by the time Reynolds and my dad got to Chester and California avenues, they shook on it, and my dad owned a trophy business,” Randy Raymond Jr. said

recalling a transaction made and sealed with a handshake. “(My father) made an incredible life decision,” Randy said. The decision to go from working in law enforcement to working for himself was life changing for Randy’s mom Sheri as well. “My mom had been a housewife for 20 years and then my dad said, ‘Let’s go, we are going to run a business together,’” 40 year-old Raymond recalled. Back then, the shop had one employee. Today, there are nine. Fifteen months ago, Randy Sr. and Sheri turned the business over to their sons. Although semiretired, the couple still comes down to the store to help with the accounting. — Randy Raymond Jr. Randy’s wife, Megan, and Joe’s wife, Holly, are also involved in the family business. “Everybody who comes in is doing something good for somebody. Ninety-nine percent of it is happy work,” Randy Raymond Jr. said.

“

Everybody who comes in is doing something good for somebody. Ninety-nine percent of it is happy work.

”

The other one percent, creating a memorial plaque or urn, is often emotional for everyone involved. That’s when Randy quietly steps aside to allow Megan to finish the order. A lot has changed in the trophy industry in two decades. Today, keepsakes are personalized, thanks to laser engineering, and inscriptions can be etched onto everything from wood to wine bottles. Because Raymond’s builds, assembles and engraves on-site, re-dos are a quick turnaround, family members said. The true, old-fashioned way of hand engraving is a dying art, Megan Raymond said, but something this business family hopes to revive. The shop’s archrival is Internet business, which has only strengthened the family’s resolve to provide what the web can’t — in-person customer care. “We are asked all the time to sponsor something, and we are happy to, but it is our hope that those seeking our sponsorship will buy local in return,” Megan said. “All we have to stand on is our customer service. As fast-paced as life is nowadays, no one looks at anyone any more. That is what we do with our customers.” And harkening back to the day Randy Raymond Sr. agreed to buy the business on a promise and a handshake, the business offers this Randy’s Handshake Guarantee: “We remember when a handshake meant your word, and your word was good enough.”

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FIT AND FRESH

SAVOR SUMMERâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S BOUNTY

PHOTO BY KATIE KIRSCHENMANN

Explore Rancheria Road, make a savory summer salad, and try this gut-busting exercise

Katie Kirschenmann and Sally Baker conquer Rancheria Road.

By Sally Baker and Katie Kirschenmann

Take in scenic views on the Rancheria Road hike.

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hen talking about the best hikes in Kern County, Rancheria Road comes to mind as one of our favorites. From a trainer or coach standpoint, this is a perfect training playground. Each year, we take our cross-country team out to Rancheria for an incredible rolling uphill long run. The athletes are amazed by the stunning views and mountainous terrain as they wind uphill alongside Rattlesnake Creek, cross three cattle guards, and head up into the denser, tree-lined terrain. Rancheria Road is a scenic 35.3 mile path linking Bakersfield and Alta Sierra. Head east from Bakersfield on Highway 178 toward the mouth of the canyon. Look for the Rancheria Road sign as you drop down the hill before reaching the canyon and make a left turn, crossing the river, and winding uphill. Keep driving a few miles until you reach the cattle corrals on your left. Park here, from this point you can run or hike all the way up to the historic Oak Flat Fire Lookout, approximately 11 miles up the hill. Please be aware this is bear, mountain lion and rattlesnake country. One year approaching the lookout, running with some friends, we encountered a mother bear and her cub wandering across the road

TH PHOTO BY KATIE KIRSCHENMANN

It’s the peak of summer in Kern County. Watermelons, tomatoes, pepper, berries and herbs abound. If you are like us and keep a summer garden, chances are you’re overrun with the fruits of your labor. Recently, I was inspired by a divine heirloom tomato and red onion salad at Luigi’s. I went to work in my kitchen, recreating the lushness and ripe summer flavors with fresh, local ingredients in hand. In addition to my own garden tomatoes, I used a few Valpredo Farms heirloom tomatoes, a field fresh Thomson family watermelon, a crisp, sharp red onion and a pint of farmers market blackberries.

about 15 feet in front of us. They just kept on going, but we kept an eye on our surroundings a little more acutely after that. For a family hike, pack a picnic and the kids and hit the trail. It’s peaceful and beautiful, with rarely any traffic; you won’t believe you are just a short drive from our flat city.

GET A SUMMER RUN IN Yokuts Park Fun Run, 7 a.m., Aug. 9 Come on out to Yokuts Park at about

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Ingredients ½ Thomson International Watermelon 1 handful cherry tomatoes 2 to 3 Valpredo Farms heirloom tomatoes 1 to 1 ½ cups blackberries 1 red onion, coarsely chopped 2 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar 1 tablespoon (or so) olive oil Salt and pepper to taste ½ cup chopped cilantro, parsley or basil (optional) Once you have assembled your local ingredients, cut the watermelon and tomatoes into bite-size pieces and coarsely chop the red onion. Gently fold the tomato and watermelon with the blackberries into a large bowl. Add a few splashes of white balsamic vinegar, a hefty drizzle of olive oil, and a generous pinch (or two) of salt and pepper. Serve immediately.

6:45 a.m. for this family-friendly, free event. Everyone runs a mile warm-up. Choose from a 2-mile, 3-mile or 5-mile run. No medals, awards or T-shirts, just fun training with friendly folk. Refreshments after from the Bakersfield Track Club. Summer Series No. 6, Aug. 12 The last 5K of the summer series always proves to be a large, happy group, despite the heat and the tough course; $3 for students, $5 for the one race. If it’s your first time, arrive around 6:30 p.m. to sign up.

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PHOTO BY SALLY BAKER

The super plank exercise is an advanced exercise for your core abdominals, glutes and shoulder stabilization.

Continued from page 163 Mountain Gallop 5K/10K, 7:30 a.m., Aug. 16 This event is held in cooperation with the annual Tehachapi Mountain Festival, and it’s a delightful way to spend a day up in cooler temperatures with lots of interesting things to see and do. Race day registration and packet pickup is 6:30 a.m. at Phillip Marx Central Park. $35 for the 5K, $40 for the 10K. For information, visit tvrpd.org or active.com, or contact L.Williams@tvrpd.org

EXERCISE OF THE MONTH Super plank with leg raise The super plank with leg raise is an advanced exercise for your core abdominals, glutes and shoulder stabilization. Assume the raised plank position. If you prefer, come onto your forearms instead of on your hands. Make sure your back is straight, and your core is engaged. Lift one leg 12 to 18 inches, hold briefly and bring down. Switch to the other side. Repeat 10 times on each side. Keep your movements smooth and controlled, navel drawn up toward your spine. For a super strengthening exercise, add a push up while one leg is raised. When your set is concluded, bring the body back to child’s pose (butt to heels, forehead on the ground) for relaxation.

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PHOTO BY CHRISTY ROSANDER

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

Christy Rosander’s students try out their hiking skills on the Pacific Crest Trail in April.

CLIMBING TO GREAT HEIGHTS By Elizabeth Castillo

inding through Kern County’s scenic mountain and desert wilderness is the Pacific Crest Trail, a 2,650-mile hike that inspires outdoor lovers’ dreams. The Pacific Crest Trail, also referred to as the PCT, is a nature trail that extends south to the Mexican border and continues north to the Canadian border. The parts of the PCT located in Kern County provide beautiful views to travelers from around the globe. Hikers can see everything from desert landscapes to renewable energy sources along the PCT. “The area of the PCT located in Kern County is very unique,” said Jack Haskel, a trail information specialist for the Pacific Crest Trail Association. “It’s important because it introduces people to the western United States and allows 166

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A trail sign near Walker’s Pass provides mileage to sites along the Pacific Crest Trail.

PHOTO BY CASEY CHRISTIE

Hikers know the magic of Kern County’s stretch of the Pacific Crest Trail

hikers to learn about renewable energy pipelines and see the communities that are near the PCT.” Trailheads that intersect with highways are the best way to reach Kern County’s portion of the PCT. Scott Erwin, a Bakersfield PCT enthusiast, said the easiest trailheads lie between Sand Canyon and the westbound CHP weigh station on Highway 58. He also recommended accessing the trail at the crest of Walker Pass on Highway 178 east of Lake Isabella. You can also hop on the trail at a spot called Hiker Town

off of Highway 138. KERN Many PCT 46 Ridgecrest COUNTY 33 hikers begin the Bakersfield trail at the Mexi14 58 can border and Taft Tehachapi hike continuous166 Mojave 5 20 MILES ly to the northern LOS ANGELES COUNTY edge of the trail, THE CALIFORNIAN an undertaking known as thruhiking. Tehachapi plays an important role as a stop for thruhikers coming from the south because it’s close to the trail and one of the last major civilized areas as hikers travel deeper into northern California. “The community of Tehachapi is extremely friendly! They put hikers up in their homes, feed them, help with medical issues, and even drive people around the town,” Haskel said. Christy Rosander is one of the many Tehachapi residents who provide a comforting rest for hikers before they must face isolated conditions further north. “I’ve taken hikers down to Bakersfield to replace phones, go to urgent care or get proper shoes for the trail that aren’t available in Tehachapi,” Rosander said. Rosander not only helps weary PCT hikers, she’s also an avid solo hiker. She has hiked most of the trail in sections TULARE

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Kimberly Overgaauw, of Norwalk, and Samuel Jones, of Chula Vista, hike along the Pacific Crest Trail near Walker’s Pass. They met on the trail near Mexico and decided to travel together all the way to Canada, a trek which takes several months.

PHOTO BY CASEY CHRISTIE

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and hopes to complete the last 800 miles of the trail in the coming months. “My oldest daughter was my biggest advocate. She said, ‘If you have a dream, you have to do it,’” she said. Rosander has seen almost all of the PCT, yet she still loves the portions of the trail located in Kern County.

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Continued from page 167 BA K ER S F I EL D ’ S ZO O & G A R D EN

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“The first part of the PCT I hiked solo happened to be very waterless! It’s those first miles north of Tehachapi ... It’s one of my favorite parts because I love the desert,” she said. Rosander stresses the importance of hiking Kern’s portion of the PCT when the weather is cooler, since the stretch is located in the desert with very few water sources. Hiking the PCT provides lasting memories for nature enthusiasts of all ages. Rosander is a teacher for the Valley Oaks Charter School in Tehachapi and she leads a 10week course on the PCT for fifth and sixth graders. This past academic year, Rosander took her students on a hike along the PCT. “The kids hiked seven miles on the trail. That’s a really big accomplishment since most of them have never walked more than a mile,” she said. Rosander hopes the PCT class inspires her students to follow their dreams as well. “I want my students to have a dream for themselves. I used my dream to show them they could make things happen and to help them see everything is possible if you work hard enough,” she said.

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THE HESITANT HIKER A city gal’s guide to braving the great outdoors Story and photos by Courtenay Edelhart

am from Chicago. When Chicagoans want to see grand vistas, we look down at trees from skyscrapers and go, “Hmmm, they look like broccoli from up here.” This is how God intended humans to behold nature. It is my spectacularly bad luck that after coming to work for The Bakersfield Californian, I befriended fellow reporter John Cox, who does not share my take on nature. I cringe every time he cheerfully saunters over to say, “Hey, we’re going camping/fishing/hiking this weekend. Wanna come? The kids’ll love it.” And that’s where he gets me. When I adopted a daughter and son sans husband, I promised myself I’d find a way for my boy to do, well, boy stuff. So I gotta go, but ahead of each trip, I tell John several times a day that I hate him. Our last trip was an epic hike, 2.6 miles each way on the Cedar Creek Trail in the Sespe Wilderness. The wilderness area is part of Los Padres National Forest and lies southwest of Frazier Park, off Grade Valley/Mutau Flat Road. John brought his two youngest sons and dog Goober packed so tightly in a gearstuffed SUV that you could hardly see them. I followed in a sensible sedan that Ford did not design to depart from pavement. Just short of the trailhead, we stopped at a flooded section of a dirt road. The SUV could cross, but my sedan’s prospects were dubious. John walked over to my driver’s side window and suggested I park “over there” and join him in the SUV. After my threesome climbed in, John told me he’d actually been pointing somewhere else, and maybe that wasn’t a good place to park. I shrugged. Dirt was dirt. I didn’t anticipate a parking ticket. We rumbled through the water and 170

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Marching through Sespe Wilderness. The hikers were not consumed by wild animals, as the author feared.

On a break from a hike in Sespe Wilderness last summer, from left, Aiden Cox, 7; John Cox; Jake Edelhart, 8; Courtenay Edelhart; and Arlo Cox, 9.

arrived safely at the trailhead where John loaded enormous backpacks on the adults in our party. He’d figured out a way to get two tents, six sleeping bags, and two days’ worth of food and water into those packs. My children Kenya, 11, and Jake, 8; and John’s sons Aiden, 7, and Arlo, 9, donned small backpacks filled mainly with snacks and water bottles. Then it was my turn. My backpack was borrowed from John (why would I own such a thing?) and sized for the flat stomach of an avid runner and hiker. My stomach is decidedly not flat, so every time I exhaled, the buckle came undone and all my supplies toppled to the ground. After three awkward attempts to re-secure it, I told John I’d just hold onto the belt while I hiked and try not to breathe. That wasn’t a problem. My asthmatic son didn’t touch his inhaler once as he scampered over rocks. Me, I was out of shape and gasping. John said it was important to sandwich the children between adults, lest an animal decide to pick off a little one for lunch. So he was first, and I was last. I wondered if anyone would notice if I collapsed. As we marched, John not only breathed but sang. He had a pleasant voice, it turned out, and I commented on it. “It’s important to sing so you don’t startle any animals,” he offered. “Lets them know you’re coming so they give us some space.”

Second mention of wild animals in an hour. I was suddenly immensely grateful for Goober, who periodically stood at attention and barked in random directions. You tell ’em, Goober. At the campsite, John produced a radio that miraculously picked up a Los Angeles traffic report. We chuckled as we ate s’mores Sespe Wilderness is the biggest wilderness around a campfire, miles area in Los Padres from the nearest car, National Forest. beneath a canopy of stars. Giant trees towered over us like sentinels. Other than us and the radio, the only sound was an occasional bird, the babbling of a nearby creek, and the beating wings of flying insects. I had to admit, it was lovely. The hike back the next day was easier, as it was mostly downhill. We loaded up the SUV again and John turned the key. Nothing. In the bustle of unloading the previous day, John had acci-

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John Cox goes over safety rules at a Sespe Wilderness trailhead with sons Arlo and Aiden and family friend Jake Edelhart.

dentally bumped on the inside light, and the battery was dead. We hiked again, another half hour to my sensible sedan, which we discovered had sunk about six inches in soft sand. John, being chivalrous, attempted to dig it out, but it was slow going so after a while we all chipped in with rocks and sticks. Far from escaping, we quite literally lost ground. Every time I tried to drive out, the wheels spun in still deeper holes. Some heavily tattooed off-road vehicle riders whizzed by noisily and then made a U-turn. They had a truck nearby, they said, and a chain. Would we like a cold beer? And tell those kids to watch it around the boulders. They’d seen rattlesnakes there earlier. Sweating and caked with dirt, I gratefully took the beer even though I rarely drink and cheered when my car was successfully hauled out of the sand. They even gave John a ride to his SUV, where his battery was revived with jumper cables. In spite of it all, the kids had a blast. And that’s why John has begun hovering around my cubicle again, making noises about a fishing trip. Every time he approaches, I slink a little lower in my chair, as if somehow he might not notice me there quivering with dread.

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28Years Years 28

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Est. 1986 1986 Est.

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Thank You to all our loyal customers for voting Luigi’s…

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ITALIAN FOOD RESTAURANT

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DAILY SPECIALS AVAILABLE WWW.SHOPLUIGIS.COM

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Stylish and trendy Fabulous Corky’s Shoes. Sugardaddy’s. 5512 Stockdale Highway, 325-8300.

A colorful personal touch Retro-inspired women’s and children’s aprons, clothing and accessories. Kamnation Clothing. etsy.com/shop/KamnationClothing, facebook.com/KamnationClothing.

Inspirational decor Vintage decorative wood sign. $35. Uniquely Chic Florist & Boutique. 9500 Brimhall Road, Suite 701. uniquelychicflorist.com

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Latina Leaders of Kern County Date: July 12 Held at Bakersfield Marriott at the Convention Center Photos by Adriana Vega View these photos and more at bakersfieldlife.com.

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Date June 1 Held at Kern County Fairgrounds Photos by Olivia Garcia View these photos and more at bakersfieldlife.com.

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Bakersfield Light Brigade Celebrity Golf Tournament Date June 19 Held at Bakersfield Country Club Photos by Felix Adamo View these photos and more at bakersfieldlife.com.

Dianna Gandy, Charlie Hough and Teri Graf

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Elaine Solan and Gus Theodore Vernon Gunning, Jennie Samarripas and William Graham

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Jon Harding and Richard Arias

Brandon Hallum and Chad Hoggard

Pat Pierce, Bill Elrod and Nathan Smidt

Bakersfield Lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 20 under 40 reception Date June 27 Held at The Mark Restaurant Photos by Casey Christie View these photos and more at bakersfieldlife.com.

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NAPWâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Fashion 4 Charity Purse Drive and Luncheon Date July 9 Held at The Mark Restaurant Photos by Carla Rivas View these photos and more at bakersfieldlife.com.

Diane Monsibais-Rivera and Claudia Holderness

Riley Massey and Kelly Brown

Sarah Hendrick, Ellie Fergon, Irma Cervantes and Mickey Dooley

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Laf-A-Lot BBQ Fundraiser and USO Dance

Evelena and Robert Rupert

Linda Haggerty and Donna Armstrong

Kelly and Boyd Binninger and Alice Brown

Larry Melton and Carolyn Morris

Date July 5 Held at Kern City Town Hall Photos by Carla Rivas View these photos and more at bakersfieldlife.com.

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Kern County Law Enforcement Foundation Officer of the Year Awards Dinner Date July 11 Held at Stockdale Country Club Photos by Olivia Garcia View these photos and more at bakersfieldlife.com.

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Donny Youngblood, Robin Mangarin Scott, Mike and Linda Hopkins, Phillis and Jon Van Boening and Beverly and Jim Camp

LAST WORD

By Cody Brutlag

know what you’re thinking: it’s Bakersfield. It’s August. It is hot. But, along with the hot weather comes plenty of summer activities. Believe it or not, thousands of tourists from all over the world flock to Kern County year-round to take in the sights, sounds and adventures. In July, a group of 20-somethings from Switzerland stopped by the Kern County Board of Trade & Film Commission Visitors Center on their way to Sequoia National Park. This worldrenowned destination doubles as a great place to cool off during the hot summer months. We often meet families and large groups of travelers from Asia, Europe and Australia heading to Death Valley in the heat of summer. We remind them that temperatures can reach upwards of 120 degrees during the summer season. But hey, if you travel 4,000 miles to get here, you might as well take it all in. The surrounding areas aren’t the only attractions getting attention this summer. Kern County is in the midst of its own tourism boom. Tourist spending was up 4 percent in 2012, according to the Dean Runyan Report released this May. Out of the 58 California counties, Kern ranked 16th in tourism dollars spent. That’s not too bad, considering people often think of beaches when they think of California, something we don’t have. But that’s the thing — Kern County has literally everything else and that keeps tourists coming back to our area. Perhaps one of Kern County’s best qualities is that it appeals to every age and demographic. We have no shortage of outdoor adventures to be had, and we’ve got great golf courses for those

The Exotic Feline Breeding Compound

CALIFORNIAN FILE PHOTO

who don’t necessarily have the stomachs to skydive at Skydive Taft or go whitewater rafting on the Kern River. The Exotic Feline Breeding Compound in Rosamond is a perfect day trip for all ages. If you prefer one-stop events, Tehachapi hosts a slew of festivals throughout the year, from the Apple Festival to the 4th of July Hot Dog Festival. There’s even a festival for movie buffs — the Outside the Box Bakersfield Film Festival — that is returning for its second year in November. This event brings independent filmmakers from across the country to Bakersfield for a weekend of red carpet film premieres. If the outdoors are calling you, answer the call with one of Kern County’s nature excursions. Red Rock Canyon State Park is just a short drive northeast of Mojave and features breathtaking landscapes of desert cliffs against backdrops of endless blue 186

Bakersfield Life Magazine

August 2014

Red Rock Canyon State Park

PHOTO BY FELIX ADAMO

EXPLORE KERN

skies. Stick around until nightfall and those skies are dotted with thousands of brilliant stars. So brilliant, in fact, that the Kern Astronomical Society hosts some of its star viewing parties there. While you’re out exploring east Kern, visit the Maturango Museum in Ridgecrest to discover the history of the upper Mojave Desert. This area is also home to the largest known concentration of petroglyphs in this hemisphere. Tours of the petroglyphs take hikers onto the Naval Air Weapons Station at China Lake. If you’re a shopper at heart, surround yourself with retail at the brand new Outlets at Tejon Ranch. The 325,000-square-foot shopping center is located at the junction of Highway 99 and Interstate 5. Continue south past the outlets, and you’ll soon be in the mountains of the Los Padres National Forest. Take in the beautiful views from the 8,800 feet of elevation on Mount Pinos. So, while the kids are still out of school, hop in the car and experience one of Kern County’s treasures. Better yet, go any time during the year. All of these attractions are just a short drive from every part of the county. If you’re looking for some travel inspiration, head over to VisitKern.com. You can even download a digital copy of the official Kern County Visitors Guide while you’re there. Our visitors center, located at the corner of 21st and Oak streets in Bakersfield, is stocked with maps and information on all of Kern County’s activities and destinations. — Cody Brutlag is a media services coordinator for the Kern County Board of Trade & Film Commission. Email him at cody@visitkern.com.

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