®
August 2016
A ME MBER OF THE
bakersfieldlife.com
TBC MEDIA FAMILY
Divas go to Crest Bar & Grill
HOW to
GUID E
EAS YW AYS YOU TO IM PRO R LI FE VE Celebrating
summer at spray parks $3.95
Sam Ames Real People: on pursuing Pedicab your passions driver
Actual Remodel
2
IT’S THE BEST THING I’VE EVER DONE FOR MYSELF. I’ve always been good about doing healthy things for myself, but getting a Heart Health Checkup was one of the best. The checkup was simple and fast, and I learned things about heart disease I never knew. Did you know your heart age can be older than your actual age? Neither did I! I feel a lot better knowing my risk factors for heart disease and the things I can do to prevent it. You will too, with a Heart Health Checkup at the Bakersfield Heart Hospital Women’s Heart Center.
Heart Health Checkup
25
$
only
Not covered by most insurance plans.
Includes:
- Screenings - Evaluation - Personalized Report
3001 SILLECT AVE. BAKERSFIELD, CA 93308 - 852-6200 - BAKERSFIELDHEARTHOSPITAL.COM
It’s time to fall in love with a Castle & Cooke community all over again. Introducing
New Homes by Castle & Cooke California, Inc. GATED PRIVACY | SWIM & FITNESS CLUB | PRIVATE PARKS
The Seven Oaks Tradition Continues. Model Homes Opening August 6th Ming Ave. and Allen Rd. Beginning August 6, schedule a private tour by calling 664-6039. Open Wednesday – Saturday 10 AM to 5 PM and Sunday 11 AM to 5 PM. For the latest information join our interest list at HighgateSevenOaks.com
AUGUST 2016
FEATURE
For the record: The “Inside Story” in the May issue featuring Pyrenees French Bakery incorrectly stated that its dough is imported from General Mills. The flour is imported from General Mills, and the dough is made in-house. In our July issue, the “Real People” feature had a name spelled incorrectly. The correct spelling is Andy Escobar.
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Bakersfield Life Magazine
How To Guide ... Life is full of tough decisions and whether you decide to do something or not, one question still remains: How do you do it? These guides will help point you in the right direction. Page 50
August 2016
AUGUST 2016
DEPARTMENTS Up Front
- 15
Check out our new Arts & Culture page highlighting what events are happening in August. Also, get the lowdown on how to protect yourself from mosquito bites.
Eat & Drink - 24 Mango, mango, mango. Looking for a new recipe that involves summer’s tastiest fruit? We have something just for you.
DEPOSITPHOTOS.COM
Lifestyles - 30
38
80
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE LIBRARY OF CONGRESS USED BY PERMISSION
Up Front
23 Short Takes
Go & Do
People & Community
15 16 18 19 20 21
Eat & Drink 24 Dining Divas 28 What’s Cooking
34 Entertainment 36 Out & About 38 Trip Planner
Lifestyles
B Well
30 On the Road 33 Pastimes
42 44 46 48
70 71 72 74 76 78 79 80
My Pet The Big Picture Money Matters In Season Arts & Culture 12 Things You Didn’t Know About ... 22 Happenings
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Journey to the Altar What Happens When... Your Body Love and Life
August 2016
Bakersfield Matters Family Verdict Personality All-Star Athlete Talk of the Town Philanthropy Matters Why I Live Here Our Town
Local book club blossoms into flourishing group of well-read members.
Go & Do - 34 The path to “traditional” Japan passes through Kyoto.
B Well - 42 GREG NIHC OLS
Follow Nick and Katie on their journey to the altar with just 50 days left.
PHOT O BY
PHOTO BY REESE STRICKLAND -USA TODAY SPORTS
PHOTO BY MARK NESSIA
86
Take a test-drive with the all-new 2017 Mercedes-Benz E300 Sedan.
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82 83 84 86 88 90 98
Hometown Hero For A Cause Real People History Prime Finds SNAP! Last Word
What happens when you lose lots of weight, yet the old saggy skin is still hanging around?
People & Community - 70 Talk about a fun way of getting around downtown. Check out our “Real People” story on Think Green Pedicabs. Did you know before the days of Google, Bakersfieldians used the TBC Information Bureau to find out all kinds of information? Read more in our “History” story.
bakersfieldlife.com
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STAFF SHARES What’s on your DIY list?
Bakersfield’s Premier City Magazine August 2016 / Vol. 10 / Issue 11 Bakersfield Life™ Magazine is published by TBC Media.
Publisher Ginger Moorhouse
“I’m excited about my custom light-up tree branch arrangement. The branches are from our family tree in Los Angeles so it’s a reminder of my heritage here in Bakersfield.” —Nina Ha, contributing writer
Associate Publisher Virginia Cowenhoven
President/CEO Michelle Chantry
Chief Marketing Officer
oN ThE covER Cover design by Glenn Hammett
Mike Skrocki
Sales Manager Joey Zachary
Sales Manager Tamarra Harms
Market Research
Coming Next …
Jose Granados
Editor
10-Year Anniversary issue celebrates Kern Life
Louis Amestoy
Assistant Managing Editor Mark Nessia
To Advertise, contact Mike
Specialty Publications Coordinator
Skrocki at mskrocki@bakersfield.com or 395-7563.
Art Director
Laura Liera Glenn Hammett
Graphic Designer Holly Bikakis
While putting this issue together ...
Photography
1
Felix Adamo, Teresa Adamo, Henry A. Barrios, Nick Bikakis, Olivia Garcia, Greg Iger, Jori C. Kinney, Sylvia Lomas, April Massirio, Mark Nessia, Greg Nichols, Jan St Pierre, Carla Rivas, Reese Strickland, Derek Smith, Rod Thornburg
Specialty Publications Coordinator, Laura Liera found a second career as she got to pedal around a Think Green Pedicab for our “Real People” story.
2 After a Fourth of July that really brought the dogs out, Bakersfield Life Magazine has teamed up with City of Bakersfield Animal Care Center to bring you a new pet of the month, every month. Here’s to you, Charlie! 3
Every day, “Pokemon Go” players are milling about The Bakersfield Californian building. Thanks for entertaining us and being so easy to spot.
10
“My house was built in 1912, so I wondered what the hardwood floor looked like that lay under all the linoleum and plywood subflooring. After exposing a small section, I realized this was NOT a DIY project!” —Linda Petree, advertising account executive “A busted main water pipe forced us to rip out the westside landscaping of our house, leaving us with a blank canvas. So now our DIY project is a new front yard landscaping plan that incorporates droughttolerant plants that need little maintenance, look great year-round and have lots of color. No problem.” —Holly Bikakis, graphic designer “Our sprinkler system. Actually, it’s not on my do-ityourself list but my husband’s. I’ll just pretend I know what’s going on and throw in my two cents every now and then.” —Olivia Garcia, contributing writer
Contributing writers Teresa Adamo, Kristen Beall Barnes, Herb Benham, Nick Bikakis, Jennifer Burger, Diana Greenlee, Nina Ha, Lisa Kimble, Stephen Lynch, Shelby Parker, Julie Plata, Gabriel Ramirez, Katy Raytis, Roland Reyes, Cheryl Scott, Chris Thornburgh
“I make my own glass cleaner (water and vinegar in a spray bottle) and vanilla syrup for coffee (boil 2 cups water with 1 cup sugar; add 1 to 2 tablespoons vanilla).” —Jennifer Burger, contributing writer
Subscribe –
We want to hear from you –
Contact us –
The magazine is inserted into The Bakersfield Californian on the last Saturday of every month and available with The Californian through its digital subscription. For business subscriptions, please call 392-5777.
Send comments or letters to the editor to Louis Amestoy at lamestoy@bakersfield.com. Please include name, city and phone number. We reserve the right to edit letters for clarity and to excerpt them.
1707 Eye St. Bakersfield, CA 93301
Bakersfield Life Magazine
August 2016
661-395-7500
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AUGUST 2016
EDiToR’S NoTE
TEAch ME how To …
Mark Nessia Assistant Editor 395-7383 mnessia@bakersfield.com
Earlier in the year, a little bundle of joy entered my life. I remember holding my baby girl for the first time never wanting to let her go as she slept peacefully in my arms. I adored everything about her, from her big brown eyes, her stubby nose constantly covered in snot, tiny feet and her curly tail. I was the proud dad of an adorable, borderline psychotic pug named Tina Louise. I took my 2-month-old fur baby home Feb. 12 not really knowing what I was getting myself into. I scoured the internet for advice on raising a puppy the right way but was overwhelmed by how much information was available with just a click of a mouse. That’s why we’re excited to bring you our first-ever How To issue. Inside, you’ll find guides on topics such as how to start your new puppy off on the right foot (or paw), how to purchase your first car, how to select a quality home for you and your family, how to choose a mortgage lender when you do find that perfect home and so much more. These are written by local businesses that know the needs of the community and its residents, and they’re bringing their knowledge and expertise directly to you. Keeping up with this month’s theme, Kristen Beall Barnes gives readers tips on how to create a charitable giving plan and Katy Raytis talks about how to keep your composure when life throws you an unexpected curveball.
Also in this issue, Stephen Schrepfer, owner of Think Green Pedicabs, talks about how his company is changing the way people get around in downtown Bakersfield. Lisa Kimble writes about the Singing Sisters, who are striking chords with Alzheimer’s and dementia patients at local senior centers, and Shelby Parker highlights back-to-school drives that help equip underprivileged students for the upcoming school year. Bakersfield’s spray parks reopened after a two-summer hiatus to the delight of the community, giving families a fun and free way to beat the heat. For those looking to take the fun inside, Jennifer Burger gives the lowdown on the city’s indoor playgrounds. Make sure to check out the newand-improved Up Front section. Art Director Glenn Hammett and graphic designer Holly Bikakis gave the opening segment of the magazine a fresh look and Laura Liera kicks off the brand-new Arts and Culture page, listing this month’s shows, events and exhibits. We also worked with the Bakersfield SPCA and City of Bakersfield Animal Care Center to feature Charlie, a Chihuahua available for adoption. He’s full of love and ready to find a forever home. Herb Benham closes out this issue by talking about the joys of DIY – specifically, powerwashing. With all the services available to us on a daily basis, there is still no better feeling than doing something yourself with your own two hands ... and a 2,200-PSI water cannon.
Connect with us – bakersfieldlife.com facebook.com/BakersfieldLifeMagazine instagram/bakersfield_life twitter.com/BakersfieldLife
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Bakersfield Life Magazine
August 2016
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Up Front
oN THE WEB
vAcATioN PhoToS
Thank you to our readers for sharing your vacation photos.
Nothing like a trip to Ventura beach with the family. – Nima Patel
Long Lake in the eastern Sierras above Bishop, California, at about 10,725 feet elevation. – Tamarra Harms
The views on our way to Hana, Hawaii. – Joey Zachary
Enjoying a vacation in Costa Rica. – Lorena Liera and North High School students
Our cat Yosemite loves to swim. – Ellyn Dagostino
Next issue:
Back to School It’s that time of year again when kids across Kern County return to the classroom. No first day of school is complete without the first-day photo. Share with us your tears and cheers. Send your photos to bakersfieldlife@bakersfield.com titled “Back to School” along with your student’s name, grade and your name.
Grow your own way. You never stop growing. So why should your retirement lifestyle? At Rosewood, you’ll find a community where friendships, activity and learning flourish. Do what you love. Leave the rest to us. It’s easy with maintenance-free living, helpful staff and priority access to a full continuum of on-site care.
Come see the benefits of Bakersfield’s only nonprofit continuing care retirement community. Call 1-866-588-6266 today. ExperienceRW.com Rosewood in Bakersfield, California, is owned and managed by ABHOW, a California nonprofit public benefit corporation. ABHOW is a nonsectarian corporation, serving seniors through quality retirement housing since 1949. State of California License #150400536, DHS License #120000165, Certificate of Authority #203.
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Bakersfield Life Magazine
August 2016
UP FRoNT
See what’s happening in August on page 22.
PHOTO BY MARK NESSIA
My Pet / Money Matters / 12 Things / Arts & Culture / In Season / Happenings
C H A R L i E T H E C H i H UA H UA This month, Bakersfield Life Magazine paired up with the Bakersfield SPCA and City of Bakersfield Animal Care Center to help find forever homes for the dogs and cats in the city’s shelters. This month’s pet is Charlie. • 9 years old
• Weighs 6 pounds • Came to the shelter June 18 • Spayed and ready to go • Loves to cuddle • Extremely portable – he can fit in jacket pockets, bags and purses • Perfect for older couples • Gets along well with other dogs
If you are interested in adopting Charlie or any of the animals at the shelter, visit 201 S. Mount Vernon Ave. from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. All animals are microchipped, vaccinated, spayed or neutered, and flea treated. August features a back-to-school adoption special where all dogs are $25 and all cats are $5. Did you recently adopt a pet or are interested in adopting? Go to page 62 and find out how to start them off on the right paw.
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THE BiG PiCTURE
DEER FiRE
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Bakersfield Life Magazine
August 2016
PHOTO BY FELIX ADAMO
An air tanker drops a load of fire retardant on a hot spot at the Deer Fire off Highway 223 between Highway 58 and Arvin.
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Up Front
M o N E Y M AT T E R S
How to turn your miles iNTo MoNEy wiTh lESS hASSlE By Chris Thornburgh
If you haven’t been tracking your businessrelated mileage, you are likely missing out on a robust tax deduction or a reimbursement from your employer. Good news – modern technology can help calculate and document your miles in a snap. What is it worth to you? In a nutshell, business-related miles are worth $.54 in 2016. If you drive 100 miles, that’s $54. Commuting miles aren’t eligible, but you’ll find that the numbers add up quickly. Miles driven for charity, medical or moving may also yield a tax write-off. Specific rules apply for each deduction, including good record keeping.
AUDIT-PROOF YOUR RECORDS If you want your mileage deduction to stand up in an audit, you must have accurate records. Simple but tedious if manually tracked, you must record the following for each trip: • When you drove. • Where you drove. • How far you drove. • The purpose for the travel. If you are missing a mileage log in an audit, it’s low-hanging fruit for an auditor. No records, no tax deduction.
MOBILE APPS DO THE WORK FOR YOU Thanks to today’s phone apps, you can spend a fraction of the time producing bulletproof records necessary to defend any audit. Your phone’s GPS and mileage-tracking apps can detect when you drive, then save and classify it as business or personal. The apps provide IRS-friendly mileage log records for tax time.
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Several apps have caught on to this taxsaving tracker, so more choices are now available. When choosing an app, consider the annual cost and the impact on your phone’s battery. The better apps cost money. The free ones tend to require more manual input for each trip. Here are a few popular tracker apps.
MILEIQ A popular app for iPhone and Android is MileIQ. Capturing the date, time and mileage for each trip, MileIQ logs your travel. To designate business or personal, swipe your screen right or left. Next, all you need to add is the business purpose. Custom categories can be set up for various business purposes, but its super quick categorization makes this app a breeze. A free version of MileIQ only tracks 40 drives each month, while the unlimited trips subscription is available for $5.99/month or $59.99/year.
TRIPLOG Triplog is available for iPhone and Android users. This app offers, for the most part, the same features as MileIQ but for a lower price. To get the most from it, you want to upgrade to either the Personal or Business plan, which costs $1.50/month ($15 annually) and $2.50/month ($25 annually). Plan options provide Chris support such as Thornburgh automated
mileage tracking, cloud backup, receipt photos for expenses and unlimited IRS-ready reports. This app is not quite as intuitive as MileIQ, but for less than half the annual price, you get a highly rated, versatile mileage-tracking tool.
EVERLANCE MILEAGE LOG, EXPENSE TRACKER Everlance is a new, totally free app with a simple, attractive interface. It’s available for iPhone users, but Android users can request early access at everlance.com. Like MileIQ, Everlance is user friendly. For each recorded trip, swipe right for business and left for personal. This app also lets you manually log expenses (with receipt photos) and revenue. There are a few limitations. Your only data-export option is a CSV file (delivered via email), and the app cannot automatically classify drives based on the time of day like other apps. Battery life is another temporary issue.
THE BOTTOM LINE Mileage can add up to a hefty deduction. Mileage tracker apps greatly ease record-keeping hassles; however, if you are uncertain about the deductibility of miles, consult with a tax professional who can evaluate your situation. Chris Thornburgh is a CPA and partner at Brown Armstrong Accountancy Corp. Contact her at cthornburgh@bacpas.com or 324-4971.
iN SEASoN
The lowdown on the
ZikA viRUS By Laura Liera
Utter the words “Zika virus” today and almost everyone has something to say. But it hasn’t always been a topic of conversation in households or doctors’ offices in the United States. Until now. On Feb. 1, the World Health Organization declared Zika virus a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. Zika – a virus spread to people primarily through the bite of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes – is causing concerns in many countries and territories around the world. Although Kern County has not received any confirmed cases, Kiran Loewen, primary care physician with San Joaquin Community Hospital, said local doctors are answering questions about the virus. “One of the biggest things about Zika virus is that it’s predominately found in South America,” Loewen said. “But there are certain areas that are more prone to be high-risk areas.” Locals traveling to South America on cruises are encouraged to look at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for updates on high-risk areas. Countries like Brazil, Colombia and Ecuador are just a few tourist destinations that have active Zika virus transmissions.
“I am recommending that no pregnant women travel to South America in general,” Loewen noted. Females who are pregnant, even if they visit low-risk areas, are at risk. Zika is not a deadly virus. But WHO has confirmed that Zika infection during pregnancy can cause fetuses to have a birth defect of the brain called microcephaly. Defects of the eyes, hearing deficits and impaired growth can also occur. Loewen said the virus can be carried in the sperm of men for up to two months. So for couples that have traveled to high-risk areas and are planning on conceiving, it’s recommended they wait six
months before trying. For people who aren’t getting pregnant anytime soon and are bitten by a mosquito carrying the Zika virus, symptoms will either be none to mild flu-like symptoms. The most common are fever, rash, joint pain or red eyes. Symptoms can last several days to a week. A trip to the hospital is usually not necessary. In general, Loewen advised people continue to use repellent for any kind of mosquito prevention. “The higher dosage of DEET in the repellent, the more it will prevent mosquito bites,” she said.
STEPS TO PREVENT MOSQUITO BITES
• Wear longsleeved shirts and long pants.
• Stay in places with air conditioning and window and door screens to keep mosquitoes outside.
• Sleep under a mosquito bed net if you are overseas or outside and are not able to protect yourself from mosquito bites.
• Reapply insect repellent as directed. • Do not spray repellent on the skin under clothing.
• Do not use insect repellent on babies younger than 2 months old. Source: cdc.gov
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Up Front
A R T S & C U LT U R E
DONNA SCHUSTER, FISHERMEN’S WHARF [DETAIL], 1929 AUTOMOBILE CLUB OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA ARCHIVES
THiS MoNTH’S PiCkS
Theater
“42nd Street”
“Eurydice” 1930 R St.
Theater meets art as BMOA hosts “Eurydice” by Sarah Ruhl, directed by Jennifer Sampson. In this modern retelling of the classic Greek myth of Orpheus, the viewers are taken on the journey of the heroine, Eurydice, as she travels to the underworld after an untimely death on her wedding day. Where: Bakersfield Museum of Art, 1930 R St. Dates: Aug. 27 at 7 p.m., Aug. 28 at 2 p.m.
This is the story of hard work, being in the right place at the right time, talent and love. “42nd Street” focuses on aspiring chorus girl Peggy Sawyer and takes us along her journey. Find out more on page 34. Where: Stars Theatre Restaurant, 1931 Chester Ave. Dates: Aug. 19 to Sept. 10
Entertainment 53rd Annual Tehachapi Mountain Festival Traditionally held on the third weekend in August, the Tehachapi
Mountain Festival is the largest family event within the community and includes fun for the entire family. There will be an arts and crafts show, food, live entertainment, a carnival, a parade, PRCA rodeo, a pancake breakfast and more. Price: Free Where: Philip Marx Central Park, Mojave and E streets in Tehachapi Dates: Aug. 19 to 21
Exhibits “Scenic View Ahead: The Westways Cover Art Program, 1928-1981” Presented by The Bakersfield Museum of Art, “Scenic View Ahead” is one of the largest exhibitions of works from the Westways cover art program ever mounted. With 50 artworks on view, BMOA’s exhibition traces prominent styles of art through most of the 20th century, such as California scene painting, pop art and assemblage art. Where: Bakersfield Museum of Art, 1930 R St. Dates: May 12 to Aug. 21
“Shark Week” Learn everything you need to know about sharks during “Shark Week.” Where: Buena Vista Museum of Natural History & Science, 2019 Chester Ave. Dates: Aug. 1 to 4 When: 8 a.m. to noon, Monday through Thursday
MOST ANTICIPATED MOVIE RELEASES IN AUGUST
“Max Steel”
“Pete’s Dragon”
“Mechanic: Resurrection”
“Ben Hur”
“The Space Between Us”
“Florence Foster Jenkins” Source: Movie Insider
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August 2016
12 T H i N G S Yo U D i D N ’ T k N oW A B o U T … By Laura Liera
SElliNg A hoME Are you ready to sell your home? Maybe you only think you are. We chatted with Jon Busby, real estate broker who has been in the business for 30 years, and he shared tips homeowners need to check off their list before selling.
7
Interior paint and carpet are probably the two most common upgrades that a homeowner can do.
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Once suggestions have been made, I show homeowners a price range and I show them the advantages of pricing – pricing correctly, not a giveaway price.
1
9
2
10
In order to give a homeowner accurate value, you literally have to go out and look at the property. You can’t give accurate value over the phone. I evaluate the home itself based on its condition, location and I’m able to determine an accurate price.
The goal is to make the home look good, so when a buyer walks in, and they are looking at 10 homes, they are looking at our home first as far as writing an offer. For interior paint, I suggest earth tones because it’s more neutral.
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I believe in the old saying “You don’t get a second chance for a first impression.”
If there is anything that has been advantageous of this career, it’s when we get an offer; I screen that offer thoroughly before I even call the seller.
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3
The exterior and entrance are first impressions.
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I’m at a home 45 minutes to an hour evaluating.
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I look for any defect malfunctions of the property. Grooming, cosmetic and interior issues.
Negotiations are the best part. I recently negotiated $15,000 higher because of multiple offers. That’s what I do behind the scenes and I’m very good at it.
bakersfieldlife.com
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Up Front
HAPPENiNGS
August
Find more community events at bakersfieldlife.com or submit yours via email to bakersfieldlife@bakersfield.com or via our Facebook page: Bakersfield Life Magazine
Saturday, 9 a.m., Sunday, Philip Marx Central Park, Mojave and E streets in Tehachapi. Free.
BRiDAl EvENT oF ThE yEAR
Aug. 20 Racing 4 Ronald, rock wall, interactive gaming, face painting, photo booth, lunch, noon for carnival and 6 p.m. racing, Bakersfield Speedway, 5001 N. Chester Ave. Extension. $15 adults, $8 children 6 to 12 years old, $3 toddlers 3 to 5 years old. rmhcsc.org/bakersfield.
Save the date for the Ultimate Bridal Event happening Sunday, Aug. 14, at the Bakersfield Marriott at the Convention Center. There will be a fashion show, cake tastings, flower arrangement ideas, live music, inspirational decor ideas and everything else to make your special day an unforgettable one. Brides who register early will be entered into a drawing for an eight-day, seven-night honeymoon to any destination in the world. The winner will be announced after the fashion show. Only 200 spots are available for the VIP experience. VIP brides will receive a complimentary swag bag, a glass of champagne and a chance to win a $10,000 mystery wedding. Doors open at 3 p.m. General admission is $15 and VIP is $25. For more information, visit ultimatebridalevent.com. – Bakersfield Life
Aug. 3, 4
Aug. 4
Aug. 9
Boz Scaggs, 7:30 p.m., Fox Theater, 2001 H St. $35-$100. thebakersfieldfox.com. UB40 and The Wailers, 7 p.m., Bright House Networks Amphitheatre, 11200 Stockdale Highway. $27.50-$47.50. visitkern.com.
WWE Smackdown, 4:45 p.m., Rabobank Arena, 1001 Truxtun Ave. $15-$95. rabobankarena.com.
Aug. 5
o Movie” “The Legs Summer Reel Kid Series Film y and
“Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” movie 8:30 p.m., Liberty Park, 11225 Brimhall Road. Free. Frazier Park Fiesta Days, carnival, food, pet show, games, horseshoe tournament, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday through Sunday. Free.
Aug. 6
NGA Natural Mr./Ms. ednesda Western America Pro 10 a.m. W ading Cinemas Re Qualifier Bodybuilding, Thursday, ey Plaza 16, Physique, Figure and Bikini Vall . d a o R le Championship, 10 a.m. 2000 Wib prejudging with 6 p.m. event, $1. 2201 V St. $25 main event or $35 both events. 916-704-3747.
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Aug. 13 John Michael Montgomery, 7:30 p.m., Fox Theater, 2001 H St. $25-$125. thebakersfieldfox.com. 5th Annual Walk for Valley Fever, 7 a.m., Kern County Museum, 3801 Chester Ave. $20 individual ticket or $65 for family of four or more. eventbrite.com.
Aug. 19 Tehachapi Mountain Festival, 6 p.m., Friday, 6:30 a.m.,
Aug. 27 Exclusive Whiskey Dinner, five courses paired with some of the best whiskey, bourbon and moonshine. 6 p.m., Padre Hotel, 1702 18th St. $150. eventbrite.com. Laughs and Drafts presents Tony Hinchcliffe, 8 p.m., Temblor Brewing Company, 3200 Buck Owens Blvd. $20 presale, $25 at the door. temblorbrewing.com. Nick Gimler Memorial Celebration Dinner, hosted by the Driller to Driller Foundation, 6 p.m., Coconut Joe’s Banquet Hall, 4000 Easton Drive. $45. eventbrite.com.
S H o R T TA k E S
PHOTO COURTESY OF SUSAN BURT PHOTOGRAPHY
Cheers to Charity in Tehachapi
Hispanic Business Conference returns to address important topics
Eat, drink and help change the world. That is the motto behind Cheers to Charity, a fundraising event featuring music, food, wine and craft beer on the summer night of Aug. 13 at 6 p.m. in Tehachapi. Aviator Park, located on the Tehachapi Airport property, will be transformed into the venue. All proceeds from the event will benefit Tehachapi nonprofit organizations like Gateway Connection and Tehachapi
kern County Heart and Stroke Walk registration now open
Veteran’s Collaborative, among others. Admission includes event entry, a souvenir tasting glass, a lanyard, beer and wine tasting, cigar lounge entry, a plate of food from select restaurants and a judging card for the annual homebrewed craft beer competition. General admission is $55 or VIP for $100. For those not interested in alcoholic drinks, a designated driver admission is $25. For more information, visit eventbrite.com. – Bakersfield Life
Registration has officially opened for the 24th annual Kern County Heart and Stroke Walk, hosted by the American Heart Association’s Kern County Division. The walk will take place Saturday, Oct. 22, at 8 a.m. at Cal State Bakersfield, where an estimated 2,000 people will lace up their sneakers and make lifesaving strides. The heart walk, the largest event of its kind in the area, brings the community together to raise awareness and funds to fight heart disease and stroke, the leading killers in the United States, including Kern County. Those interested in forming teams or walking individually can register at bakersfieldheartwalk.com. Pets are welcome. Admission is free, but a minimum $25 donation is encouraged. The goal is to raise $265,000. To join or learn more, visit bakersfieldheartwalk.com. – Bakersfield Life
PHOTO BY HENRY A. BARRIOS
Cheers to Charity organizing committee for 2016.
Business owners, working professionals and students are invited to attend the 22nd annual Hispanic Business Conference and Expo Thursday, Aug. 25, from 1 to 7 p.m. at the DoubleTree Hotel by Hilton off Rosedale Highway. The event is free. Hosted by the Kern County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the business conference’s presenting sponsors are Kaiser Permanente, San Joaquin Community Hospital and Wells Fargo Bank. It will feature business workshops, an exhibitor expo and social networking. Workshops include health care, banking, energy, social savvy business world, cyber security and more. A popular session is expected to be on understanding the new consumer: millennials. To obtain tickets, reserve a booth or become a sponsor, please call 663-5495 or email officeadmin@kchcc.org. – Bakersfield Life
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Eat & Drink
D I N I N G D I VA S
Crest Bar and Grill Serving fresh, creative dishes since 2007 Filet mignon
Compiled by Bakersfield Life
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Photos by Greg Nichols
estled inside the Bakersfield RV Resort, Crest Bar and Grill is the place to relax after a long day with delicious food and drinks. This southwest gem has taken its place among Bakersfield’s top locally owned restaurants. Learn what luxury RV living is all about.
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APPETIZERS Carla Barrientos on the stuffed mushrooms: The mushrooms were large and stuffed with three different types of cheeses – Parmesan, the creamiest of cream cheeses and Gouda, a personal favorite of mine. The first bite revealed one the best flavors known to man: bacon, followed by a cheese combination, made these mushrooms absolutely mouthwatering. I also liked the addition of chives to the mushrooms that provided a mild, delicate onion flavor. The Parmesan was sprinkled on top and toasted to a nice golden-brown color. You don’t have to be a mushroom lover to enjoy these tasty gems. Michele Bryant on the Baja grilled salad: You can order this salad with either steak or chicken, and I chose chicken. This salad includes a bed of romaine lettuce, tortilla strips, pepper jack cheese, corn, large avocado slices
Top: Dining Divas from left: Michele Bryant, Trish Reed, Nima Patel, Carla Barrientos and Kathryn Mears. Left: Baja grilled salad Right: Crest cocktail
PACHECO RD
Crest Bar & Grill 5025 Wible Road HARRIS RD
500 FT
GASOLINE ALLEY DR
Crest’s popular signature Mexican shrimp cocktail. It is a large portion of chopped fresh plump shrimp, diced cucumber, tomato and tender avocado in a slightly spicy tomato sauce. It came in a large cocktail bowl with freshly made crisp tortilla chips and a large shrimp off the side. It was beautifully displayed and definitely a crowd pleaser. Nima Patel on the Cajun chicken poppers: These poppers were unlike any others I have ever had. Imagine a piece of boneless chicken breast stuffed with pineapple and wrapped in bacon. Yup, it’s exactly as good as it sounds. The chicken was moist, the pineapple was sweet and the bacon had the perfect amount of crunch. The poppers were served with a ridiculously flavorful
WIBLE RD
and pico de gallo. Crest makes all their sauces and dressings, so you won’t get this delicious specialty salad anywhere else. The creamy chipotle pepper ranch dressing definitely has a little kick, and the half order was a generous size. Trish Reed on the coconut shrimp: Six sweet jumbo shrimp were rolled in sweet coconut and lightly fried to a golden brown. The shrimp were paired with a cold napa cabbage salad with tricolored carrots and tossed in a sweet-and-spicy honey Dijon sauce. The texture of the cabbage and carrots mixed with the honey Dijon was the perfect combination for the succulent shrimp. Hint, hint: This would make an amazing entree salad for dinner on a hot summer night! Kathryn Mears on the Crest cocktail: This is
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AUTO MALL DR
Crest Bar and Grill 5025 Wible Road 661-833-9998 Open 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day
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Clockwise: Fried chicken, New York Strip, red, white and blueberry New York cheesecake and beef stroganoff. Facing page: Big brownie sundae.
Continued from page 25
homemade barbecue sauce that made this appetizer remarkable and unique.
ENTREES Nima on the beef stroganoff: I must admit that there is something nostalgic about stroganoff for me. It takes me back to my childhood and memories of an important person in my life, so for stroganoff to impress me, it has to be out of this world. This dish did not disappoint. The fettuccine noodles were smothered in homemade sour cream sauce mixed in with mushrooms, onions and garlic. And as if that was not enough flavor, there was a generous portion of chopped prime rib, cooked to perfection, served atop the fettuccine noodles. The taste of meat, garlic, veggies and that sauce was the perfect
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medley and melted in my mouth while providing the ultimate comfort meal. Trish on the New York strip: The New York strip was succulent and cooked to perfection. Eating the steak on its own would have been enough. This strip was topped with a rich Gorgonzola cheese sauce and thick tempurafried onion strings. The steak was accompanied by creamy whipped horseradish, mashed potatoes and freshly cut asparagus coated in a goat cheese sauce. This dish left me in a delicious cheese coma. Michele on the fried chicken: The boneless breaded chicken breast was moist and the seasoning was perfect. It was served with mashed potatoes and brown gravy and sauteed green beans. The mashed potatoes were the perfect consistency, and the flavorful sauteed green beans were just the way I like them. It was truly like having an old Sunday home-cooked meal.
Carla on the filet mignon: It was evident that the chef at Crest Bar and Grill knows what he’s doing. The steak was so tender it could have been cut with a butter knife. The first cut revealed a pink, juicy center; the steak was truly grilled to perfection. It was topped with a cabernet reduction demiglace that complemented the meat perfectly and packed the filet with flavor. I would not hesitate to recommend this satisfying meal to anyone. Kathryn on the eggplant Parmesan: If you want a classic, filling Italian tomato dish to comfort you, this is the one. It starts with two large, thick round slices of eggplant dipped in an Italian breadcrumb batter and fried just enough to maintain meaty consistency, then layered with cheese, smothered with homemade marinara sauce, topped with more cheese and served with a side of fettuccine and, of course, sprinkled with Parmesan cheese. You don’t have to be a vegetarian to love this one.
DESSERTS Trish on the red, white and blueberry New York cheesecake: This cheesecake was thick, moist and delightful. The New York-style
cheesecake was accompanied by sweet strawberries and plump blueberries. The graham cracker crust was thick and buttery. Normally, the crust is my favorite part of the cheesecake but pastry chef Frank made the marriage of crust and cheesecake a perfect union. Nima on the big brownie sundae: I am not a fan of brownies, but this brownie was a game changer. The Crest’s pastry chef knocked it out of the park. The chocolate fudge brownie was moist and sweet. It was served alongside vanilla bean ice cream and topped with Ghirardelli syrup. I certainly made room for dessert after my first bite. The atmosphere at Crest Bar and Grill is open and inviting. We imagine regulars coming in knowing the waitresses by name and families traveling through Bakersfield taking a swim in its pool and ordering their favorite meals after a long day of driving. The menu is extensive and it might be difficult not to eat there for every meal if you were there for an extended stay.
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Eat & Drink
W H AT â&#x20AC;&#x2122; S C O O K I N G
Grilled chicken fettuccine with mango cream and butter sauce A seasonal twist on a classic dish Recipe and photo by Nick Bikakis
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Grilled chicken fettuccine with mango cream and butter sauce Ingredients • • • • • • • • • • •
1 1/2 pounds boneless/skinless chicken thighs 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 pound fettuccine 2 fresh, ripe mangos 1 cup heavy whipping cream (divided into 2/3 cup and 1/3 cup amounts) 3 tablespoons unsalted butter 3/4 cup grated Parmesan (plus a little more for serving) 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg Salt and fresh-cracked black pepper to taste Parsley, chopped (Optional) red pepper flakes and/or Sriracha to taste for a little “kick”
Instructions In a large pot, bring 6 quarts of water (seasoned with kosher salt) to a boil for the fettuccine. Find the cook time on the pasta packaging and add pasta to the boiling water. Shorten that time by approximately two minutes. Reserve 1/3 cup of pasta water, prior to straining to add to the buttercream sauce. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken however you prefer (I always try to use the grill). For the stovetop method, place a skillet over medium heat and add olive oil. When oil starts to smoke, add chicken and cook 10 to 12 minutes (five to six minutes per side) until juices run clear. Remove from heat and set aside. Meanwhile, peel the mangos and slice off as much of the fruit from the seed as you can. Add the sliced mango and 2/3 cup of heavy whipping cream to the blender/food processor and puree until smooth. In a large, heavy skillet (large enough to hold the sauce and all of the pasta together) over medium
heat, melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Add 1 teaspoon of freshly cracked black pepper to the melted butter while swirling pan until toasted for about 1 minute. Add the 1/3 cup reserved pasta water and the mangocream mixture to the skillet (also, this is where the optional Sriracha and red pepper flakes go in) and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and add the pasta, nutmeg and remaining 1/3 cup of heavy cream to the sauce. With large tongs, continuously stir pasta in the sauce until pasta reaches al dente and sauce thickens. Remove skillet from heat and add salt and pepper to taste. Tasting the food at this point and adding more salt or pepper to taste is very crucial to getting it right. Also, if at this time, the pasta gets too thick and it feels like the sauce is “seizing up,” add a little cream to thin it out. Serve pasta right away. Slice the chicken and place on top of the pasta. Finish the dish with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese and parsley. Enjoy!
www.reddoorinteriors.com 2300 Eye Street (Across f rom Rite Aide)
661.327.9999 www.reddoor-interiors.com HOURS: MONDAY-FRIDAY 10-6 • SATURDAY 10-5 • SUNDAY CLOSED
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Lifestyles
ON THE ROAD
Above: With 241 horsepower and a nine-speed transmission, the E300’s acceleration is quick and smooth.
2017 Mercedes-Benz E300 Sedan
Facing page, clockwise from top left: The cabin is quiet and luxurious. Thumb-sized control pads make interacting with the car easier and safer. A retractable storage bin in the trunk keeps groceries and loose items in check. Seat adjustments are on the door panel. The command pad is another option for connecting with the car.
Glenn Hammett
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A technological wonder with the heart and soul of a Mercedes Photos by Mark Nessia
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lready one of the finest cars in the world, the latest version of the MercedesBenz E-Class is roomier, lighter, more comfortable and more efficient than last year’s model. Despite across-the-board improvements, the midsized luxury sedan’s most remarkable achievement is its unprecedented level of safety and autonomous driving technology. The new E-Class includes many features never seen on a MercedesBenz and a few are firsts to the auto industry. Drive Pilot, Mercedes-Benz’s intelligent cruise control system not only maintains a predetermined distance from the car in front of you and keeps the E-Class traveling be-
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August 2016
tween the lines at speeds up to 130 mph, it also changes lanes automatically. Just hit the turn signal and, when cameras and radar sensors determine it is safe, the car steers itself over into the next lane. Pre-Safe Sound activates when sensors monitoring the perimeter of the car detect an imminent collision. The car’s sound system emits a specific sound, which triggers a natural defense mechanism in the human ear, thus limiting eardrum injuries that commonly occur from the sound of the impact and/or airbag deployment. An impending collision also activates the Impulse Side system, which rapidly inflates the outside bolsters on the front seats, moving the driver and passenger several inches away from the door to help lessen the
force of impact. While it’s is easy to be mesmerized by all of its cutting-edge technology, the 2017 E-Class is, above all else, a magnificent luxury sedan that is an absolute joy to drive and compares favorably to anything in its class. The exterior styling is sporty, yet elegant, and the interior is luxurious and extremely well executed. The incredibly quiet cabin is highlighted by a 12.3-inch display screen that is more gracefully integrated into the dash and center console than any Mercedes I have previously driven. The screen displays everything from navigation and entertainment information to ambient lighting settings, which gives the driver a choice of 64 different colors. Although it still has the command pad and rotary knob on the center
It’s all in the details Price tag: Base: $52,150. As tested: $59,025. MPG: 30 highway, 22 city, 25 overall The five best features on the 2017 Mercedes-Benz E300: • Radar- and camera based Active Brake assist with Pedestrian Recognition. Standard. • Superlative nine speed transmission. Standard. • Convenient touch pad steering wheel controls. Standard. • Pre-Safe side impact side bolsters and Pre-Safe Sound. Standard. • The delightful Dynamic Select with five drive modes. Standard. What makes the 2017 Mercedes-Benz E300 stand out from other luxury sport sedans? More standard luxury and safety features than any other vehicle.
console, I found the new thumb-sized control pads on the steering wheel spokes a more convenient and safer way to scroll through menus and make selections. They allow you to access and control all of the car’s entertainment, navigation, climate and safety systems, and settings without removing your hands from the steering wheel. In keeping with the industrywide trend of utilizing advanced engineering to get more power out of smaller, more fuel-efficient engines, the 2017 E300 is powered by a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder motor that produces 241 horse-
power, 273 pound-feet of torque and gets 30 mpg on the highway. All of that power is transferred to the wheels via Mercedes-Benz’s silky-smooth ninespeed transmission. With the release of the 2017 E-Class, Mercedes-Benz has moved ahead of the pack in the auto industry’s race to adopt innovative technologies and eliminate human error from the safety equation. Mercedes’ chief engineer Michael Kelz calls the car “one of the most intelligent machines ever made.” Personality, good looks and intelligence – the new E-Class has it all.
Target customer: The engaged driver who values luxury and state-of-the-art safety systems with no compromises. Three things that define the 2017 Mercedes-Benz E300: Mercedes-Benz luxury. Mercedes-Benz safety. Mercedes-Benz driving experience. What do you like most about the 2017 Mercedes-Benz E300? It does everything better.
Source: Bobby Guererro, sales manager, Mercedes-Benz of Bakersfield
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PA S T I M E S
The beginning of a new chapter Local book club blossoms into flourishing group of well-read members
“It is what you read when you don’t have to that determines what you will be when you can’t help it.” – Oscar Wilde Story and photo by Teresa Adamo
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ook clubs are alive and well in Bakersfield, and, according to proponents of reading “when you don’t have to,” that’s a plot you always want to thicken. The pastime of picking up a book for pleasure certainly isn’t a new trend, but modern conveniences – e.g., email, blogs, tablets, audio books and social media – have made the book club concept a whole lot easier. Although they can differ as widely as the books themselves, in general, book clubs bring together robust readers (usually on a monthly basis) to discuss, dissect and delight in all sorts of stories. And yes, to socialize, too! For Sophia Huang McKenzie, starting a book club 12 years ago helped her transition to a new hometown. McKenzie, a former newspa-
per reporter and freelance writer, moved to Bakersfield from Louisiana, where she enjoyed an active dinner and book discussion group. “When I couldn’t find a similar group here, I decided to start one,” said McKenzie, 48, a stay-at-home mother of two teenage boys. “As an homage of sorts to that Louisiana group, our first book selection was ‘Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood’ by Rebecca Wells. I served chicken and sausage gumbo and bread pudding.” What began as a small gathering among some of McKenzie’s fellow Moms Network of Kern County members – a support and social group for stay-at-home moms – would eventually blossom into the flourishing group it is today. The monthly e-blast for the “Book Club” – attempts to give it a formal name just never worked – comes from the next appointed hostess. The group communication includes a recap of the previous meeting (including a description of the meal), then the new hostess chooses the next book and selects the meeting date/time. The December meeting is used for a club holi-
day party and lively white elephantstyle book exchange. This casual style is key to the club’s longevity, according to Heather Tkac, a core member of the Book Club, which includes 25-plus members, although the average attendance is 10 to 12 women. “I think one of the most significant reasons that Book Club has thrived is that it is so open to change,” said Tkac, 43, a mother of three boys. “It’s continually evolving, adding new members, changing the night we host and adapting to the needs of the members – we don’t have any hard-and-fast rules that we try to play by.” While most meetings are hosted in a home, that isn’t a requirement. “We’ve met at restaurants and a coffee shop,” McKenzie said. “We keep it simple and flexible.” As a result, the Book Club has enjoyed a dozen years of engaging discussions, while adding chapter after chapter of fun and friendship. “The positive effects are limitless,” Tkac said. “To be a part of a group of well-read ladies helps keep me on my toes. … I’m always learning something new and it leaves me wanting to learn even more.”
From left: Donna Chaffee, Debbie Pappe, Christine Saldivar and Jane Couperus.
Book Club Tips • Determine a meeting schedule • Be open to change • Prepare discussion questions • Make an easy meal (theme it to the book, if possible) • Vary the book choices (fiction, biographies, etc.)
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Go & Do
E N T E R TA I N M E N T
Music, dance and the American dream on ‘42nd Street’ ‘Triple threat’ production takes the Stars stage By Mark Nessia
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roducing a successful stage production on Broadway is a challenge in itself, but to do it during the Great Depression is a task only the brave – or crazy – are willing to take on. Enter director Julian Marsh, a well-respected, nononsense director who has his sights set on mounting a musical extravaganza during a time of economic hardship. Marsh is putting together a production of “Pretty Lady” and must overcome all sorts of obstacles to see this musical come to fruition. Audiences can witness Marsh’s efforts when “42nd Street” comes to Stars Theatre Restaurant Aug. 19 through Sept. 10. “42nd Street” is a musical comedy about chasing the American dream, featuring classic songs like “I Only Have
Eyes for You,” “We’re in the Money” and, of course, “42nd Street” and dance numbers based heavily on tap and ballet. “We were asked to take on this project shortly after they selected the shows,” Director Adam Cline said. “We like to do the impossible ones.” Nearly two dozen performers make up the show’s cast, presenting a challenge of squeezing so many onto the Stars stage as they dance, sing and act. “In theater terms, we call this a triple threat,” Cline said. “This is a dancer’s show.” The production is kid friendly and family oriented, upbeat and constantly moving with high energy, catchy musical numbers and colorful costumes taking audiences back to the 1930s. While casting for his show, Marsh enlists the services of one-time star Dorothy Brock but also notices Peggy Sawyer, a starry-eyed aspiring actress who moves to New York from
Allentown in hopes of making it on Broadway. “She’s faced with a lot of barriers and she doesn’t even realize how much talent she has for the stage,” said Madeline Engel, 18, who will bring Sawyer’s character to life. “Her humility in her situation is incredible and her drive to keep trying is something I’m honored to play. I love that she remains sweet and true to what she believes in.” Marsh casts Sawyer but her youth and experience cause a few headaches for the famous director. “He’s a no-nonsense guy and everybody looks up to him because he knows what he’s doing,” said Bob Anderson, a 30-year veteran with Bakersfield Music Theatre Stars portraying Marsh. “He’s very successful in what he does.” What ensues is an underdog story of hard work, being at the right place at the right time, talent and love.
“42nd Street” Stars Theatre Restaurant, 1931 Chester Ave. Aug. 19 through Sept. 10 Tickets range from $25 to $63 per person Menu consists of barbecue beef brisket, chicken Parmesan, penne pasta bake and trio salad. For tickets and showtimes, go to www.bmtstars.com.
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Go & Do
OUT & ABOUT
By Jennifer Burger
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Taking the fun indoors
akersfield may have its fair share of parks, but sometimes the weather just isn’t conducive to outdoor play – especially during the heat of summer. While the swings idle and the slides bake in the midday sun, a handful of indoor playgrounds offer respite for families with children bursting with energy. Three facilities in Bakersfield cater directly to young guests and their adult companions: Rush Air Sports, Hide N Seek and The Wild. Vary up your summer fun by trying all three.
Facilities give kids, parents place to escape the heat
RUSH AIR SPORTS 3200 Buck Owens Blvd. 661-864-7874 www.rushairsports.com
benches if I need to sit down and nurse.” During Toddler Time, the children have access to the “Rush Elevated” multi-level play structure, two dodgeball courts, the entire trampoline area and the foam pit. During regular hours, the “Rush Elevated” area is open to children ages 3 to 12. Parents and caretakers get into the action, tossing the children into the pool of foam blocks and bouncing with them on the trampolines. “We hear it all week long: ‘Jumpy. Jumpy,’” said Kevin Cline as he took a short break from jumping with his 2-yearold daughter Ralynn. “We have a trampoline at home and she uses it all the time. But we love the interaction here.”
PHOTO BY MARK NESSIA
Toddler Time: 10 a.m. to noon, Tuesday and Thursday; 9 to 10 a.m., Saturday Cost: $10 children ages 3 to 5 and adults; free for children ages 0 to 2 with paid adult Special: $65/month membership (one adult, one child; $15 each additional child)
Above: Six-year-old Karess Qualls, left, races to the top of the faceoff wall against 5-year-old Jaxon Shiner at Rush Air Sports. Right: Hide N Seek
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This indoor trampoline park is all about jumping. Rush sets aside three times during the week during in which no children over 5 are allowed – except for accompanying adults. “Our toddler time offers a chance to play without big kids to worry about,” said Tashauna Gray, the assistant general manager. On a recent Thursday morning, Alicia Rice watched her 3-year-old son Gavin run around and jump on the dodgeball court with other toddlers as she held her 3month-old, Austin, in a front carrier. “He has a blast when we visits here,” she said. “It gets his energy out and it’s easy to take him here, too. I love the
HIDE N SEEK 4301 Resnik Court, B-5 661-735-8671 www.facebook.com/hidenseek bakersfield Hours: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sunday through Thursday; 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday through Saturday Cost: $10 children 3 and over, $8 children under 3, free for accompanying adults Special: $49 monthly pass
This is the newest of the three indoor playgrounds and it’s already expanding – with a completion date aimed for the end of July. For now, Hide N Seek offers one multi-level play structure with a ball pit, slide, foam air guns, a trampoline on the bottom level and an obstacle maze on the top level. The
facility also offers a mini-climbing wall and playmats for toddlers. The facility is for children ages 6 months to 10 years old. Tables and chairs provide plenty of seating for adults to visit while their children play. On a recent weekday, a group of moms from Valley Baptist Church MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) chatted while keeping watchful eyes on their little ones. “My kids are safe up there and I can see them everywhere they go,” Betsy Ocampo said. “It’s not like a park where they can run off into the street,” Heather Gonzales said. “And it’s air-conditioned,” Ocampo added. “We’ll be here a lot more in summer because of that.” The expansion will add another 5,000 square feet to the already 3,000-square-foot facility, said Mark Mikhael, who serves as president of the local company. A wall will be removed to access the adjoining space. The expanded area will feature a second multi-level structure with a large slide, an obstacle maze and floor-level play areas for toddlers and children with disabilities. In addition to the play areas, Hide N Seek also offers ceramic painting similar to Color Me Mine and a small video arcade. “This place really caters to moms and to kids,” said Sara Rodriguez, who was also with the MOPS group.
THE WILD FUN CENTER 8500 Harris Road 661-663-3753 www.wildbakersfield.com Hours: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week; Toddler Tuesday for children under 5 only, all day Cost: $10 children 2 and over, $8 children under 2, free for adults and children under 1 with paid admission
In its eighth year of operation, The Wild is the longest-
running of the local indoor playgrounds and is also geared the most toward the littlest ones. It is owned and operated by James Acton, 46, who quit a “jet-setting” career with a security company to open the business so that he could spend more time with his children. The tipping point came when his middle child, Hero, was diagnosed with cancer. He made a full recovery and is now a healthy 10-year-old. “I opened this play center where I can see my kids every day if I want – and offer something to the community because there was not a whole lot like this in town,” Acton said. The Wild is for children ages 1 to 8 and offers smallpeople-friendly inflatables, ride-on scooters and small play structures. Acton keeps two to three inflatable slides and obstacle courses on the floor at all times, rotating them every three months for maintenance. On a recent weekday morning, Hannah Rodriguez brought her sons Samuel, 5, and Mason, 3, to play with Joemy Silva’s son, Liam, 2, while the two friends visited at one of the tables. “We needed a place where the kids can play and we can see them but we can also sit and talk – and this is the place,” Rodriguez said. “And I use this place as an incentive. My kids call it ‘the prize.’ If they’re good, they get to go to ‘the prize.’” Silva said she likes the inflatables because they provide soft landings for her son. The play area is clean, as opposed to outdoor parks. And there is ample floor space for toddlers to run with the push-toys and ride the scooters. Rodriguez said there’s one more benefit. “This is good because I’m a stay-at-home mom and they get to play with other kids their age and get some social skills,” Rodriguez said. bakersfieldlife.com
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Go & Do
TRIP PLANNER
Kyoto, Japan The path to ‘traditional’ Japan passes through Kyoto By Roland Reyes
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had been in Japan for about a week and I had yet to go to Kyoto, Japan’s former capital about 280 miles west of Tokyo.
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あのう、すみません。京都へ行くバ スがどこにありますか (Excuse me, where are the buses that go to Kyoto?) I asked after finding a train station staff member to help me. I was in Shinjuku Station in Tokyo, the
world’s busiest train station, walking around lost. After asking a few other people for directions along the way, I was finally able to find the bus terminal where I would buy my overnight ticket to Kyoto.
COURTESY OF ROLAND REYES PHOTO COURTESY OF ROLAND REYES
For any visitor planning a trip to Japan and looking for “traditional” Japan, Kyoto is sure to be on your list. In fact, Kyoto is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Japan. Kyoto was once the former Imperial capital of Japan and held this role for more than 1,000 years; there are many things to see here that can provide a glimpse into ancient Japan. There are many things to do in Kyoto, from visiting some of the many Buddhist temples and shrines scattered throughout the city to enjoying a nice
Bakersfield Music Theatre & Stars Theatre Restaurant 1931 Chester Avenue | Bakersfield, CA, 93301 www.bmtstars.com | Box Office: (661) 325-6100
Facing page: Kinkaku-ji Temple This page top: Bamboo grove Left: Bike parking Right: Sign pointing to the Tenryu-ji’s garden
evening stroll and admiring the traditional architecture of the famous geisha district known as Gion. When getting around town, the bus and the subway will more than likely be your go-to modes of transportation. You can purchase day passes for the city bus at a very reasonable price and use the bus all day to go to and from destinations. I bought these when exiting the bus on my first ride of the day; in Kyoto, you pay when exiting the bus. At times Continued on page 40
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Clockwise from top: Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine Travelers use rickshaw for tour around Arashiyama. Shinjuku Train Station Philosopher’s Walk Facing page: Yasaka Shrine
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you might want to opt for the subway instead, especially when going to areas that have lots of traffic. There are reportedly more than 1,000 Buddhist temples in Kyoto and hundreds of Shinto shrines. Although seeing all the temples on one trip wouldn’t be the best strategy, there are definitely some famous temples that you should put on your list. Kinkaku-ji is perhaps the most popular temple visited by tourists. Covered in gold and set amidst a beautiful reflective pond and scenic garden, it almost looks as if it is floating just above the water. Another popular attraction
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is Tenryu-Ji. This temple is located in the Arashiyama district, not far from the famous bamboo grove. During the evening, take a stroll through Gion. Gion is a famous entertainment district. It is also one of the few places left in Japan where you can still see geisha, or as they’re called in Kyoto, geiko, walking to and from engagements. In the same area, you will find one of the most beautiful streets in Japan, Shirakawa Dori. Perhaps it is the charming alleys, housing traditionallooking restaurants with welcome signs greeting guest to enjoy a delicious meal that make this area so appealing. Or perhaps it is the willow trees that line the street. Either
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way, you are sure to enjoy taking a leisurely stroll through this street. And speaking of taking a leisurely stroll, the pathway known as The Philosopher’s Walk is also a must for anyone who enjoys peaceful, tranquil walks. Along the path, there are many small shops and restaurants. The path is also lined with cherry trees. It follows the path of a canal, which I am told was built during the Meiji Period after the capital was moved from Kyoto
to Tokyo. According to one of the shop owners I spoke to, it was one of the things that was done to boost morale among the population of Kyoto. Japan isn’t the cheapest country in Asia to visit – on the contrary, it is one of the more expensive countries to visit in East Asia – but it doesn’t have to be over your budget. With careful planning, you can visit Japan on a modest budget and still experience the culture of the country.
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J O U R N E Y T O T H E A LTA R
Vacation temptations canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t stop us Healthy lifestyle changes follow you wherever you go Compiled by Bakersfield Life
NICK I am starting to realize how much more difficult it is to stay on track during these summer months. Giving up a refreshing poolside beverage at a barbecue has been the least of my worries. The trouble I am running into at this point is staying on track while vacationing. Katie and I are absolute
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Photos by Mark Nessia
foodies so trying food from new places, and even some of our favorite beach spots, is nearly impossible to avoid. We just go back from a nice weeklong trip in Cayucos, but this trip ended up being a little different for us. We were able to incorporate a couple of our favorite restaurant dishes since we implemented a daily beach workout regimen.
It was really rewarding to workout and eat healthy while being on vacation. The best part about it was the simple reminder that came along with it. The reminder that the accomplishment we made was not working out at the beach while on vacation, but that we have accomplished a healthy change in our lifestyle.
KATIE This month has definitely been a challenge! We’ve had several vacations, with both mine and Nick’s families and, as Nick mentioned, we are both absolute foodies and love to try new food in new places, as well as enjoying our favorites in our happy place – Cayucos. We went fishing in Idaho and stayed at a fabulous riverfront lodge, so we decided to run a 10K in Wyoming, last minute, to make up for our all-inclusive package and overabundance while there. With no training, it was a challenge – the start was good and at the midway point it was a struggle and I thought, “Look around at God’s gorgeous creation surrounding us – the Tetons, the wildflowers and the rivers – you can do this!” Nearing mile 4.5, God decided to challenge us even further with a pouring rain, splattering hard on us, but we made it in just over an hour and were proud to finish. On our Cayucos vacation, we used some of the beachside jungle gym set to create an obstacle course and also utilized a mini workout plan that Tim created for us.
DING • WED
CO UN TDOWN
•
50 DAYS
“It’s all about remembering this is a marathon, not a sprint, and incorporating little changes into our everyday lives, which has become the norm. Only 50 days until the wedding!” – Katie Camp
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W H AT H A P P E N S W H E N . . .
You lose weight
By Laura Liera
T
here is no greater feeling than realizing you’ve dropped a few sizes while shopping. Whether it’s inches off your waist or torso, that sudden grin on your face when you look at yourself in the mirror is priceless. For many, documenting their fitness journey on social media helps keep them accountable. Scroll through Instagram using #fitness and you’ll find more than 1 million pictures, videos or inspirational quotes to keep you moving. But what happens when you reach your goal weight and are left with saggy skin? The recent growing trend in the fitness world to fix this issue is body lifts. A body lift, also known as a belt lipectomy, is a procedure to raise and reshape unsightly, sagging body contours. Bakersfield plastic surgeon Dr. Vip Dev said when people hit 30,
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skin elasticity changes. Areas in the body begin to sag and it’s more noticeable in places like your cheeks, neck, breasts, arms, belly, buttocks and inner thighs. “You have people adding up to 14 years of life after losing a lot of weight but then reality hits and they feel insecure because now they have saggy skin,” Dev said. There are people whose abdomen skin can hang to the middle portion of the thigh after losing 100 pounds. And no matter how many hours they spend at the gym, the saggy skin is not going to disappear. That’s when surgery becomes the next step. One of the best methods is surgical incision of the skin and fat. According to Dev, that means removing the excess skin and pulling the skin tight. Because the skin is the largest organ in the body, cutting into it makes it a critical surgery. And with a critical surgery to remove excess skin comes scars. “There are so many places we
can hide the scar,” Dev said. “What doesn’t change is the length of the scar.” Three of the most common procedures that patients who have lost weight want done are breasts, arms and abdomen. Dev said on average, when insurance does not cover the procedure, he performs two to three body lifts a month and five to six when it is covered. A body lift does not happen after one consultation. Patients meet with Dev a few times to go over the procedure and review current health conditions. Everything has to be cleared before moving forward. Although the phrase plastic surgery continues to have an attached negative stigma, Dev said patients who have worked hard to lose weight should not feel like they are taking the easy way out. “They are doing something courageous,” Dev said. “It’s not easy to go to sleep under anesthesia by someone you’ve only met a few times.”
Food and nutrition quiz
See how savvy you are about food and nutrition by taking this little quiz. Some questions have more than one answer. 1. Only one juice is high in iron. Is it: (a) orange (b) prune (c) carrot (d) apricot 2. Trimming the fat eliminates most of the cholesterol from meats. True or false 3. Vitamin E is one of the few major nutrients not listed on nutrition labels, in part because only a few foods contain significant amounts. What are the best sources? (a) eggs (b) wheat germ (c) safflower oil (d) nuts 4. Sulforaphane, a compound thought to protect against cancer, is found in: (a) broccoli (b) cabbage (c) tea (d) kale 5. If you're looking for the most fiber in a loaf of bread, the operative words are: (a) unbleached (b) enriched wheat flour (c) whole-wheat flour (d) twelve grain 6. Pink grapefruit usually costs more than white, but it's more nutritious. True or false
7. Say “calcium” and most people think milk, but other foods are rich in calcium as well— such as which of the following? (a) dried figs (b) broccoli (c) dried beans (d) almonds 8. The label on a frozen dessert tells you that a serving has 110 calories and 3 grams of fat. Is this a high-fat food? Yes or no
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9. Honey and brown sugar are more nutritious than white sugar. True or false 10. Despite some rumors, a lime juice marinade cannot really “cook” raw fish or shellfish and kill all bacteria. True or false 11. Yogurt is as nutritious as milk – often more so. True or false 12. Which of these provides enough vitamin C to meet the daily RDA? (a) an ounce of Cheddar cheese (b) a cup of orange juice (c) a cup of broccoli (d) a medium-size baked potato with its skin
Answers: 1. b, 2. False, 3. b, c, and d, 4. a, b, and d, 5. c, 6. True, 7. all, 8. No, 9. False, 10. True, 11. True, 12. b and c Source: http://www.kdheks.gov/hcf/healthquest/download/resource_downloads/ntrnquiz.pdf
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YO U R B O DY
Prevention: Key component for fight against diabetes By Laura Liera
T
Laurie Wallace, diabetes program manager with Memorial Hospital.
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he number of people living with diabetes has almost quadrupled since 1980 to 422 million adults. At the World Health Day this year, the World Health Organization said factors driving this dramatic rise include being overweight and obesity. Kern County is 58 out of 58 counties in the state when it comes to diabetes as a cause of death, according to the 2016 California Department of Public Health, County Health Status Profiles. Type 2 accounts for the vast majority of people living with diabetes in Kern County, said Laurie Wallace, diabetes program manager with Memorial Hospital. There is a preconceived notion that if diabetes runs in a family, it will affect everyone. But that’s false. “Unhealthy lifestyle choices make diabetes common in families,” Wallace said. Type 2 diabetes starts with insulin resistance, which means the cells in your body don’t pull sugar out of the bloodstream like it’s supposed to. That sets off a chain of events that end up involving all of the organs in the body and you end up with serious health problems. Because diabetes is linked to obesity, losing weight and body fat is one of the first recommendations doctors may
August 2016
prescribe a patient. But there is a window of time before a person gets to that point of diagnosis. Diabetes does not develop in two months. “If you can reverse it and get the blood sugar back to normal, the damage hasn’t been done yet,” Wallace said. Sadly, many patients who begin to have kidney failure or significantly clogged arteries, get to the “now I’m ready to exercise” phase too late. Prevention is key. Something Americans are not good at, Wallace notes. “Prevent it because once you discover it, once you already have the symptoms, it’s already progressed,” she said. Symptoms for diabetes usually include frequent thirst and urination. In Kern County, Wallace said she is surprised at the number of people who eat the Western diet way but don’t stay up on health and prevention. Bringing awareness to low-income communities is one of the hospital’s priorities. “We tell families they have control over this,” Wallace said. “They can make choices that will not lead them in the same direction.” Of the 450 patients Wallace and her team sees, there has been a reduction in weight, improvement of blood sugar control and reduction in cholesterol. “Prevention is hard to teach, but we are doing our best,” she said.
Y O U ’ R E A LWA Y S W E L C O M E A T
Gables Residential Care Homes
GREAT RECIPE FOR DIABETICS
Lasagna-stuffed spaghetti squash
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INGREDIENTS • 1 spaghetti squash, cut in half, seeds removed • 1 tablespoon olive oil • 1 pound ground turkey • 4 garlic cloves, minced • 2 teaspoons dry basil • 1 1/2 teaspoons dry oregano • 1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds • 28 ounces diced tomatoes • salt to taste • 1/2 cup cottage cheese • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese INSTRUCTIONS 1. Place prepared spaghetti squash halves flesh side down in a glass baking dish. Fill the dish with about 1 inch of water. 2. Cook spaghetti squash on high for 10 to 15 minutes in microwave. Until the squash is tender. 3. Preheat broiler to high. 4. Heat large skillet to medium-high heat, add olive oil and ground turkey. Sautee turkey until no longer pink;
be sure to chop the turkey with a spatula to break the turkey into small pieces. Cook for five to seven minutes. 5. Next add garlic gloves, dry basil, dry oregano, fennel seeds and salt. Stir to mix and saute for one minute. 6. Add in the diced tomatoes, stir and cook for an additional five minutes to let flavors cook together. 7. Remove the pan from the heat and add cottage cheese to meat mixture. Gently toss. 8. Add spaghetti squash to a baking sheet, flesh side up. Fill the hole in the squash with the meat mixture (you will have some left over). Top each squash with 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese. 9. Place baking sheet in oven under the broiler for five minutes or until the cheese is slightly browned. 10. Using a fork gently scrape the flesh of the spaghetti squash to create spaghetti looking pieces. 11. Serve!
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In these elegant, family homes, you will find: • Comforts of home in a beautiful surrounding • Caring and competent staff on duty 24 hours a day • Only six residents in each home – companionship with others • Personal assistance with activities of daily living – bathing, dressing, grooming, meals, medication supervision, transportation – whatever is needed. • Delicious, home-cooked meals and snacks • Lovely patios and secure walking paths • Alzheimer’s/Hospice Waivers
Source: www.julieseatsandtreats.com
661.631.2036 bakersfieldlife.com
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LOV E A N D L I F E
A do-it-yourself life
PHOTO COURTESY OF NINA HA
Creativity is just a Google search, YouTube tutorial away
A
s a kid, I loved taking things apart, examining the pieces and putting them back together again. Back in the day, when cassette tapes ruled and landline phones dominated, all broken household items would soon end up on my do-it-yourself operating table. As an adult, I’ve reupholstered old chairs, built storage systems and turned a treadmill into a walking desk. But the most fulfilling DIY project I’ve ever done is to create a homemade music video with dear family and friends. It all started with a parody song I wrote about my husband who’s a family doctor passionate about the health benefits of a plant-based diet. For fun, I used my smartphone, a free video editing app and my laptop to create a short music video. I had never done anything like that before. But any problems I encountered, I Googled and YouTube tuto48
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rialed my way through them. By the way, I think I just made up a word. Anyhow, our family’s first music video went mini viral and was even screened at the ninth annual Food Film Festival in New York City. We just finished “Super Veggies” on YouTube and can’t wait to encourage kids to eat healthier through a fun song complete with flying vegetables. If you’re a budding director, producer or musician, multimedia editing is indispensable. However, with any DIY undertaking, research is key. You can easily look up myriad stepby-step instructions on shooting video (always horizontal, never vertical), editing clips (dissolves, special effects and lower thirds) and even marketing your film (withoutabox.com for film festival submissions). For beginners, Apple’s iMovie or Windows Movie Maker is either preinstalled on most devices or available as a free download. Advanced users will appreciate the extra control from Final Cut
Pro for Mac or Adobe Premiere Pro for PC or Mac, but will pay considerably for the added features. Fortunately, most applications allow you to download a free trial before you buy. Taking advantage of that could help you find the right program for your needs and save you money as well. In everything I do, I always try to seek guidance from God, do my homework and then let creativity take its course. Whether you’re a future Oscarwinning filmmaker or a mom who just wants to remember a time when her babies were little, don’t be afraid to create your own story in your inspired do-ityourself life. Check out our YouTube channel at youtube.com/ superhafamily. PHOTO BY APRIL MASSIRIO
By Nina Ha
Nina Ha
Opinions expressed in this column are those of Nina Ha.
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I
n the more age of G o Maga results t ogle, a s h you w zine aims an one k imple sea serve rch fo ith "H to ma nows w o o k u h w e r you n the p at to d r instruct comm To" g well- eed to be unity. Fr uides wr rocess a o with. B ions lead inform com s lit it om a ed de e a hom buying ten by tho tle easier kersfield L to yo cision se b if e s to s owner, th ur first ca in the in y present e in d ome e r of life se guide to gettin ustry wh g o g 's big s will help the loan gest y ques tions ou make .
HOW to
GUID E EAS YW AYS YOU TO IM PRO R LI FE VE
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SPECIAL PROMOTION SECTION
HOW to
GUIDE
How to manage snoring and sleep apnea without CPAP, drugs or surgery ne-fifth of adults have nightly sleep apnea, which causes repeated stoppages in breathing and lack of oxygen that affect the brain, heart and rest of the body. These breathing interferences cause the brain to panic and disrupt the deep sleep we need for health. Apnea airway problems frequently cause loud snoring and gasping for air. Many people have insomnia, poor sleep and daytime tiredness as a result of unrecognized sleep apnea. For many years, the standard treatment has been CPAP. A mask worn at night pushes air into the nose and mouth to keep the airway open. However, the majority of sleep apnea patients refuse to wear CPAP or rip off the mask while asleep. Studies show that half of all people prescribed CPAP quit within a few months. Now an alternative to CPAP is gaining popularity: oral appliance therapy. Oral appliances prevent the tongue and soft tissues in the back of the throat from collapsing. By supporting the jaw in a forward position, the airway stays open during sleep. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine now includes oral appliances as a first-line treatment for sleep apnea and requests that physicians discuss them with patients. Research shows that oral appliances are acceptable for any patient who cannot use CPAP or would prefer an appliance to CPAP. Worn only during sleep, an oral appliance fits like an orthodontic dental retainer. Medical studies show that oral appliances are an effective treatment approach for both snoring and sleep apnea. To be properly FDA-approved, an oral appliance must be custom made to fit the patient’s teeth precisely and have rigorous research showing that it stops sleep apnea in
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CPAP
Oral appliance
addition to snoring. Typical boil and bite “snore mouthpieces” don’t meet these criteria and cannot be billed to medical insurance. If you and your physician decide that oral appliance therapy is the ideal treatment, your doctor can refer you to a qualified dentist trained in dental sleep medicine. These dentists will recommend the best type of appliance for you. Medical insurances frequently pay for part of this treatment. Oral appliance therapy is a process of treatment, like orthodontics, and the key to success is the series of regular follow-up visits so your appliance can be fine-tuned to your mouth and correctly adjusted over time. For many people, this is more important than which appliance is used. Treating your snoring or sleep apnea with oral appliance therapy can help you feel like a new person. You will find that your symptoms, and your quality of life, can improve dramatically when you remain committed to your treatment and use it nightly. It is likely that you will sleep better, have more energy and feel sharper throughout the day. You may find that your bed partner gets better sleep, too. After all, your sleep breathing problems affect their rest also.
omas F. Armstrong DDS Learn more about oral appliances for snoring and sleep apnea at BakersfieldSmiles.com or contact Dr. Thomas Armstrong, board certified in dental sleep medicine, at 631-5580.
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SPECIAL PROMOTION SECTION
HOW to
PHOTO BY MARK NESSIA
GUIDE
Spacious living areas and plenty of large windows are featured in Castle & Cooke’s Village Green neighborhood.
How to select a quality home omes are like snowflakes. While they may be similar, no two are ever alike. Once occupied and furnished, a home is as unique as the people who inhabit it. But distinguishing quality may not be as easy as it seems. These tips will help you find the perfect place to call home. A great place to start on your search for a quality home is to research the builder, finding out the details and characteristics that set them apart from others. For example, Castle & Cooke has been dedicated to building communities of quality new homes for more than 28 years that contain everything homebuyers look for. A home should have all the features you want, such as a large central kitchen that opens to a spacious and inviting living area and large bedrooms and dens for more comfortable living. A home’s design should increase its quality and provide homebuyers with long-lasting, energy-efficient products. Large windows that let in plenty of natural light can keep electricity costs low and energy-efficient features, like Rinnai tankless water heaters, not only deliver continuous hot water, but also conserve it at the same time. Another energy-
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efficient feature not found in most homes is an insulated garage door – something that Castle & Cooke homes have for added heat reduction. Using the proprietary GreenWise building philosophy, these energy-efficient homes help lower energy bills while conserving natural resources. The quality of a home doesn’t end the moment you step outside, however. The community the home is located in should also be taken into consideration in the selection process. Gated entryways and security are important hallmarks of every Castle & Cooke community, giving residents added peace of mind. Another is the professionally managed homeowners association that ensures each community maintains its high standards. Other features to consider include parks and playgrounds, swimming pools, barbecue areas and recreational communities, so homeowners and their families can enjoy the great amenities right outside their front doors!
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SPECIAL PROMOTION SECTION
HOW to
GUIDE
How to buy your first car or most people, a car is their first BIG purchase. It’s a life-changing event that signifies freedom, expression and independence. However, it is also their first experience with anxiety, debt and long-term commitment. Hopefully, this will serve to eliminate some of those concerns and help make the process more enjoyable so you can focus on the freedom, expression and independence. New cars are usually more affordable than used cars. Jim Burke Ford has an awesome first-time buyer program. It is specifically designed for first-time buyers who have little or no credit. As long as the buyer meets some minimal requirements, they can drive away in a zero-interest loan! Compared to used car interest rates that can be substantially higher, the first-time buyer program makes driving a new car affordable. The requirements are: • No prior auto loans. • No major derogatory credit. • Six months at current job. • Payment to income ratio of 18 percent. • $500 down (Ford provides an additional $500 matching rebate).
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Enter the market at the entry level Auto lenders are focused on your ability to make the monthly payment for the term of the loan. Your payment should be no more than 18 percent of your gross monthly income. If your income is not enough to justify the payment, a co-signer may be required to approve the loan. But buying or leasing an entry-level car like the Ford Fiesta or Ford Focus will require less monthly income for Ford Credit to approve the loan and will most likely mean you can buy without needing mom, dad or auntie!
Honor commitments It is important that once you purchase or lease your first 54
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vehicle that you make those payments on time. Auto loans that are paid as agreed build strong credit scores and will allow you to continue to purchase vehicles at the lowest possible interest rates. Manufactures, like Ford, often offer current owners loyalty incentives toward the purchase of their next vehicle in addition to all other incentives. It is also important to purchase from dealers that will honor their commitments to you. Dealers like Jim Burke Ford that have been in business for 103 years rely on repeat customers and are focused on building that loyalty.
Ask questions about additional incentives that may be available Most salespeople will ask the appropriate questions. If they don’t, it is important that you ask it of them. Manufactures generally have special incentives that you may qualify for in addition to the first-time buyer rebate. For example, Ford Motor Company is currently offering rebates for active military, first responders, and college students and recent graduates among others. In fact, current college students are guaranteed tier one interest rates and college graduates are guaranteed tier zero! Tier zero is the best rate available. Your first car is one you will remember for the rest of your life. Buying that first car should be just as memorable.
$
500
The College Student Purchase Program Incentive on all eligible new Ford purchases or leases to full-time and part-time (4-year and 2-year) undergraduate and trade school students, recent college graduates and graduate students.
FORD BONUS CASH ON TOP OF ALL OTHER INCENTIVES
COLLEGE STUDENT PURCHASE PROGRAM
2016 FORD FOCUS
0
%
FORD CREDIT APR
$ PLUS
1,000
FORD SMART BONUS
CASH ON SPECIALLY TAGGED VEHICLES
DOWNTOWN 2001 Oak Street, 328-3600 AUTOMALL 5300 Gasoline Alley, 837-6400
jimburkeford.com
Open everyday & weeknights â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;til 8pm Local family owned & operated since 1913
Not all buyers will qualify for Ford Credit financing. For all offers, take new retail delivery from dealer stock by 8/31/16. See dealer for qualifications and complete details. Supply of vehicles qualifying for Smart Bonus Cash is limited. bakersfieldlife.com
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GUIDE
How to choose and maintain your vacuum A ■
vacuum cleaner may be a mundane object and its use may not be the most favorable chore, but let’s face it, it’s a necessary task that we all must do. However, purchasing a vacuum or maintaining your current machine doesn’t have to be a chore. With personal, local service and a place to go to get your questions answered and cleaning problems solved, dealing with vacuums is much easier and more convenient. One stop into your local Oreck store and you’ll get expert service in a boutique-like atmosphere. Many people don’t put much thought toward their vacuum cleaners, but with proper care, this handy device could make cleaning easier for years to come.
Choosing a vacuum Not all vacuums are created equal. There are many machines in the “disposable market” that are inexpensive and last one to two years before needing to be replaced, but a serviceable vacuum can last decades with proper maintenance. When shopping for a vacuum cleaner, you want to make sure it is easy to use and doesn’t make the chore harder. Vacuums should work on multiple surfaces and have an option for attachment cleaning for hard-to-reach, tight spaces. A vacuum should also maintain suction and power over time. There’s also the option of bagged versus bagless vacuums. A common misconception surrounding bagless vacuums is that they have little to no consumable cost, however, it is more than likely that the cost of replacement parts, such as filters, may be higher than their bagged counterparts because most bagless vacuums have one to two filters per unit that must be washed or replaced on a regular basis. While emptying a dirt cup may be easier and more convenient than changing a bag, today’s bagged vacuums are quite easy to empty. The type of floor surfaces in one’s home should also be considered when purchasing a vacuum. Revolving bristles are mainly for carpet cleaning. The roller brush agitates the carpet and is the most important part of a vacuum when it comes to loosening and collecting debris on carpeted surfaces. Roller brushes are not necessarily needed for hard-surface floors. Many vacuum cleaners offer the ability to turn the roller
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brush off or lower its speed for easy transitions from carpet to hard floor. Pay attention, because some vacuums are not approved for use by carpet manufacturers and can void carpet warranties. Oreck has a wide selection of vacuums that are approved.
Maintaining your vacuum Vacuums should be maintained to keep optimal performance. At home, owners should empty bags and dirt cups on a regular basis – at least once a month – and check the filters, which should be replaced or washed at least every six months. Hair and debris can get wound around the roller brush, impeding the performance of the machine. Oftentimes, vacuum owners will come across a problem with their vacuums and replace the unit entirely instead of getting it repaired because they believe the cost to fix it is not worth it. However, the most common problems with vacuums – broken belts and clogging – are fairly inexpensive to fix. Differences in noise level and burning smells should also be looked at by a professional. The Oreck store gives free estimates for any type of repair on any brand of vacuum cleaner, inspecting all moving parts and airways. They also carry vacuum parts, accessories, bags and belts for most brands right there in-store. Avoid vacuuming over wet surfaces. When moisture gets into a vacuum cleaner, dust and dirt stick to the moisture and “mud” is made on the inside of the vacuum and can create clogs, reducing suction and performance. Vacuuming may be a dirty job, but with proper care and maintenance, your vacuum cleaner will work better, last longer and even smell better.
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How to choose a mortgage lender othing quite symbolizes the American dream like owning a home. Buying a home is one of the biggest, and most rewarding, investments one can make and choosing the right mortgage lender can make the experience easy and enjoyable.
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Debunk the myth Common misconceptions people have when it comes to buying a home are that it requires a large down payment and perfect credit. That is not the case. Mortgage lenders like Summit Financial Services can work with credit scores as low as 560 where others may require a 620 or higher. There are also grant programs in the state of California that allow zero down for those who qualify. Time restrictions can also be reduced for those who have a bankruptcy or short sale on their record due to extenuating circumstances.
When clients first sit down with a mortgage lender, they’ll be required to bring paperwork (tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, etc.) and run a credit check to paint a financial picture. Prospective homebuyers should know what they are comfortable paying. What someone qualifies for and what he or she is comfortable paying are two completely different things.
Experience matters
Don’t be discouraged
When it comes to purchasing a home, you don’t want to leave anything to chance. An experienced loan officer will be able to find the right product that best suits your needs and fits your budget. Summit Financial Services’ loan officers are the most experienced in the area, with the “least” experienced member garnering 10 years of service in the industry. Local lenders are also more closely tied to the community and know how to best serve its residents.
Sometimes clients don’t initially qualify for a home loan, but that shouldn’t stop them from trying again. Summit Financial Services can show clients what they need to do to repair their credit and qualify for a loan in the future.
Know your options The most common loans are Federal Housing Administration loans, Veterans Administration loans and conventional loans. FHA loans are good for first-time homebuyers, with a low down payment around 3.5 percent, but only goes up to $271,000 in Kern County. VA loans are for those who have served in the military and can include zero down, no mortgage insurance and phenomenal rates. Conventional loans (Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac) are typically 30-year, fixed-rate loans
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that go up to $417,000. Anything above $417,000 is a Jumbo loan, which is privatized through banks and investors and typically carry a higher interest rate. Fifteen- and 30-year loans are the most common in terms of length.
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Find your comfort zone
Pick the best When it comes to selecting a mortgage lender, the most important factors are a good reputation and a proven track record that you feel comfortable with and trust. Experience and knowledge are invaluable when it comes to such an important life decision and being confident that your lender will go above and beyond for your needs can make purchasing a home an unforgettable experience.
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GUIDE
How to create a garden you’ll love red Monji, the founder of Monji Landscape Companies, would often say, “Yards are in prisons and gardens are in homes.” For us, the distinction is as clear as day. A garden is much more than a patch of lawn and a few bushes. A garden is a place to rest, to entertain and to enjoy the beauty of nature at home. Crafting your perfect garden may seem overwhelming, but here are a few simple rules that can help ensure that you are “wowed” by the final result.
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Start with a wish list A great place to begin designing your garden is by creating a list of your “must haves.” These items could be as general as shade or as specific as an outdoor kitchen. What is crucial is to list them in order of importance so you know where to prioritize.
Design big to small Begin laying out your garden with the largest elements first. Decide where the pool, outdoor kitchen or fountain will go. Next, decide on the best location for your large trees (always keep in mind shade patterns). Finally, you can begin to decide on the location of your smaller plants and shrubs.
Color is crucial Color gives life to the garden. Decide on a definite color
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palette for your landscape. Splashes of red and yellow will add excitement to the space, while cooler colors, such as blue and purple, will relax the eye. Play with complementary colors to create a vibrant display season after season.
Keep it simple Resist the temptation to have one of every plant variety. Planting too many varieties can make your garden look like a cluttered mess. Remember: Less is more. Pick your favorite plants and use them in large groupings for a powerful visual impact.
Hire the best professionals For more than 60 years, Monji Landscape Companies has been the premier landscape design, construction and maintenance firm serving the Central Valley and beyond. Our experienced team of professionals will work with you to ensure that every step of the way – from initial design to finished project – is seamless. Contact our offices today for your design consultation and we’ll begin creating a garden that you and your family will love.
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SPECIAL PROMOTION SECTION
HOW to
GUIDE
How to start your new pet off on the right paw very day, dozens of people across Kern County decide to bring a new cat or dog into their home. Adding a new four-footed family member can be one of the most rewarding experiences a family can have. Pets provide comfort, companionship and love. As a pet owner, there are a few simple steps you can take to ensure that your life with your dog or cat is a long and healthy one.
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to vaccinate your pet, whether through your regular veterinarian or through one of the low-cost clinics offered in town.
Fix ’em Tag ’em Please take a minute and invest in identification for your new pet as soon as you bring them into your home. Every day, there are dozens of postings on social media about beloved pets who managed, despite the owner’s best efforts, to escape from the yard or house. The fastest, cheapest way to get your dog or cat home safely is to have identification information on them, either by way of an ID tag or a microchip, and to keep that information updated should you move.
Stick ’em Puppies, kittens, cats and dogs all need regular vaccinations in order to maintain their optimal health. Puppies and kittens need a series of vaccinations, beginning at 8 weeks old, then updated as they reach adulthood at intervals determined by your veterinarian. Proper vaccine schedules exemplify the adage of “an ounce of prevention” being worth a pound of cure. It is far less expensive to vaccinate your pet than to be faced with a bill of hundreds (or thousands) of dollars to treat for conditions like parvo or feline distemper, both of which are highly contagious. There are numerous options available
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Congratulations to you if you are one of the thousands of people who acquired a pet by taking in a cat, dog, kitten or puppy who would otherwise not have a place to go – you are one of the forces for good in our community and a true lifesaver. Since you’ve made the effort to save one life, take that last step to save hundreds more and have your pet spayed or neutered. Every dog or cat that is fixed stops dozens more from entering our already overcrowded shelter system, leaving room, time and resources for the pets in true need of sheltering. For information about low-cost vaccination and spay/ neuter services, go to our website, critterswithoutlitters.org. We look forward to seeing you and your new family member.
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SPECIAL PROMOTION SECTION
HOW to
GUIDE
How to harness the power of the sun here has never been a better time to switch to solar. With Bland Solar & Air, solar electricity has never been more affordable. While California homeowners see their annual utility rate increase by 6 percent each year, Bland customers are locked into a fixed kWh (kilowatt-hour) rate. Purchasing a solar energy system from Bland can provide a full return on your investment in as little as five years and nearly eliminate the cost of electricity!
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The real cost of leasing versus purchase Leasing a solar system my sound appealing but buyer beware. Many leases contain an escalator clause that increases 3 percent per year, so over the years, the kWh rate increase significantly. Add up 20 years of monthly lease payments, the sum is generally three times greater than a purchase price. In addition, a lien is placed on your home for the term of the lease making it difficult, if not impossible, to sell the property. Also, at the end of the lease term, you still do not own the system. Purchasing a solar energy system insulates you from skyrocketing utility rates by locking into a fixed kWh rate. You receive a 30 percent federal tax credit, the solar system adds value to your home and your return on investment is in as 64
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August 2016
little as five years and nearly eliminates the cost of electricity. Another misconception is that a lease has a better warranty. Not true. A 25-year manufacturerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s warranty is provided on all solar panels industrywide. Also, Bland Solar & Air is the only company that offers a 25-year warranty on micro inverters, whereas most Glenn Bland other companies just offer the traditional inverter that has a warranty for 10 to 12 years.
How to select a solar contractor Educate yourself by reading Google reviews, consumer reports and experience. Bland Solar & Air has over 30 years of experience and has the only solar showroom in the Central Valley.
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SPECIAL PROMOTION SECTION
HOW to
GUIDE
How to find the home improvement contractor that best matches you here are many things to consider when choosing a contractor. Are they state licensed? Do you need a specialist? Who’s in charge? Do they agree to staying within an agreed upon budget? Is the timeline to completion reasonable? What warranty is offered? To begin with, look for a state-licensed contractor who is a specialist for your particular home improvement project and be sure to check out his or her license number (do not make assumptions that the contractor is insured properly and has a clean record). The remodeling industry, particularly the bath and kitchen industry, has become very specialized over the past 20 years. To achieve a professionally done end result, look for a contractor who has years of experience behind them, is creative and has the technology to present the project visually. Knowledge of current trends and product offerings is also necessary and with so many options available, your contractor needs to understand what is driving the homeowner’s project (everyone’s objectives are not the same) – aesthetics, square footage, storage and physical limitations, especially when designing a bathroom. A master bathroom is the most personal space in your home and may need to be remodeled with the aging years in mind. DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen has more than 30 years of experience in the remodeling industry as a design/build company and a Certified Aging-In-Place contractor. From designing the project and providing the material, DreamMaker also produces its projects with in-house labor and reputable trade partners. Another important element in finding the right contractor is to make sure that there is a designated person or project manager in charge. So often, the contractor of choice is trying to wear multiple hats, which can cause delays and overages because he is spread too thin and not an expert in every role he is filling. Many times, homeowners will try to directly hire
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subcontractors themselves. Unfortunately, at times, subcontractors do not work well with the homeowner without consistent accountability from a third party. Keeping the budget in line, the project on time and having correct knowledge of the city and county building codes is also very important. To keep the budget in line, sign a contract with the contractor who has every product and model number listed right down to the paint color. This will keep the project moving in a timely manner and protect the homeowner’s budget. Budget overages often occur when decisions are not made or clearly defined in the contract. Seldom do homeowners like to be financially surprised with change orders. Producing a project on time and in a timely manner requires systematic organization from the demolition all the way through to completion. Knowledge of building codes can also prevent costly mistakes or do-overs and will prevent time delays. When dealing with key areas of the home, such as bath or kitchen, applying these tips can save the homeowner a lot of unnecessary frustration. And finally, remember you are buying a service as much as a product. Too many times, the contractor is nonresponsive because they cannot afford to go back to repair. Sad to say, this is when the homeowner finds out what they really paid for. Be persistent to receive a written warranty for your protection before signing a contract. For an informative and enjoyable evening, please join our Remodeling Seminar on Sept. 22 in our Urner’s display area on Wible Road. This is an RSVP event. Call 837-1117.
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2015-2016 MEMBERS Cherie Aaron Maureen Andrew Antonette Anich* Marcelle Ansolabehere* Rosemary Anspach* Sandy Banducci* Kay Beavers Mary Berry Edith Bianco Tricia Bland Doreen Boylan-Abrams* Brenda Brown Alissa Buckey* Vicki Burger JoAnn Burris Sharon Bush* Laurie Bustamante Beverly Camp Izetta Camp Pat Campbell* Debbie Cappello* Naida Carlton Patti Carroll* Sylvia Cattani* Susan Cerri-Buck Jennice Cerrina Julie Cesare Becky Clark Terri Collins Janet Craft Kathy Crettol Sarah Crowley Joan Dezember* Fern DiNicola* Joyce Downs Jennifer Drake Adel Durando* Dana Edwards, MD Mesha Elliott Cherilee Ezell Katherine Fahy Gina Fanucchi Judith Fanucchi Christine Farr Kimberly Fiorini Melissa Fortune Sandra Foster Debbie Fowler Marilyn Fowler Judy Franconi* Jan Froehlich Sheila Fry Penelope Fulton Mary Gamboni Catherine Gay Cynthia Giumarra Marcia Giumarra Pamela Giumarra Keri Gless Jan Glinn ;QNCPFC )TKHƂVJU
Carol Grumbles Lavonne Hall Susan Hamilton Catherine Haupt Jane Haupt Mikie Hay* Elizabeth Hedden Lauren Helper Ann Hine Patricia Houchin Debbie Hull* Christine Icardo Cynthia Icardo* Nancy Johnson Cynthia Jones Germaine Kimm Lisa King Karen Krausse-Roesle Diane Lake* Valerie Lallo Dee Ann Lantz* Marianne Laxague
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Mary Lewis Robin Mangarin-Scott Lori Mariani Mary Mazzei* Ronda Mazzei Louise McCarthy Theresa McNally Cynthia Meek Mary Ann Mulkay Beth Nahama Lilly Nahama Marjorie Nixon Maria Paine Cheryl Palla Beth Pandol Carolyn Pandol Mona Pankey* Laura Pascoe Barbara Patrick Becky Porter Lila Ray Sandra Reider Mary Richardson Monique Roberts Linda Rojas Chris Romanini Erika Romanini Alexis Roy Barbara Sandrini* Florence Schroeder* Joellyn Schroeder Sandra Serrano Sandi Shepherd Juliet Smith Karen Stanley Sherry Stone Mora Tang Terry Thelen Mary Lou Thomson Brooke Trybul Jane Uhalt* Marilynn Unruh Joan Wallace Lynn Ward Stephanie Weber* Evelyn Weddle* Kathy Wells Katie Werdel Lynn Westhoff Susan Williams Anne Wolfersberger Agnes Wu, MD Patty Young Jennifer Zahry Dominique Zaninovich Katy Zaninovich Tammie Zaninovich* Theo Zaninovich Florence Ziemann* Honorary Members Sister Cris Caballero Sister Sherry Dolan Sister Josie Gonzales* Sister Judy Morasci* Sister Mary Hope Sanchez Jane Toller* Memorial Members Patricia Eagleson* Bebe Burke Jacqueline Coppola Patty Plank* Margaret Philippe Joan Pracy Ruth Ann Montgomery* Judith Schwebel* Caroline West
*Charter Members
The Friends of Mercy Foundation and Mercy Hospitals thank the 144 members of the 2015/2016 Catherine McAuley Society for their support and commitment to quality healthcare in our community. In the ten years since this group’s founding, more than $1,137,000 has been raised in support of technology, equipment and education for Mercy Hospitals. Your contributions echo Catherine 4J(\SL`»Z ZLSÅLZZ HJ[Z VM kindness, compassion, generosity and commitment to those less fortunate. For more information about the Catherine McAuley Society, please visit us at www.SupportFriendsofMercy.org or call (661) 663-6700 For pictures from Catherine McAuley Society luncheons, please visit our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ FriendsofMercyFoundation
2015-2016 MEMBERS
â&#x20AC;&#x153;Timeless Commitment to Local Healthcareâ&#x20AC;?
Hal Aaron Atul Aggarwal, MD Alpha J. Anders, MD Steve Anderson Jeff Andrew* Kevin Andrew* Robert Anspach* Tim Banks, II Antonio Beccari* Michael Beckwith* E. G. Berchtold* Thomas Berry, DDS Rabinder Bhogal, MD Leonard Bidart* Greg Braun Michael Burger William Bush* Javier Bustamante, MD* Donald M. Camp, Sr.* Edwin Camp James Camp Mike Campbell* George Cappello* Arnold Cattani Jim Cesare P.R. Chandrasekaran, MD Steve Chen Anthony Ciarolla, MD* Michael Cooper Alfred Coppola, Jr., MD* Mark Costa Larry Cox Steve Del Papa* Tunde Deru Kirit Desai, MD William DiNicola, MD* Gordon Downs David Dougherty, MD Brian Ezell Bill Farr, MD* Franco Felizarta, MD Greg Gallion David Gay Barry Goldner* Brandon Grimm Mike Hair* Mayor Harvey L. Hall* Kent Halley Chris Hamilton, MD Sam Hardy, MD Bruce Haupt* Steve Haupt* Dan Hay Tyler Hedden Thomas Hoffmann Ed Hopple* Donald Houchin Adam Icardo Gary Icardo*
Kamalnath Iyer, MD Tom Jamieson* Ray Karpe* Gurvir Khurana, MD Geoffrey King Hemmal Kothary, MD Wayne Kress J.P. Lake Ron Lallo Bill Lazzerini Tony Lazzerini John Mastalski Angelo Mazzei Livio Mazzei Sean McNally Jarrad Merriman, MD Donald Montano, DDS* Mark Mulkay Joe Nahama Logan Newton David Norris Edward Paine Jack Pandol Ravi Patel, MD Andy Pederson Bruce Peters Lloyd Plank* Dick Porter* Willy Reyneveld Randy Richardson* Joseph Roberts Chas Sanders Bob Severs* Robert Sheldon, MD* David Shepherd Joe Smith, MD Sandys Tang, MD Tim Terrio Jack Thomson Uma R. Varanasi, MD George Wahba, MD Doug Weber* Jim Weddle Thomas Werdel, Jr. Gordon Westhoff David Williams John Young, MD* Jon Zaninovich* Joe Ziemann*
The Friends of Mercy Foundation and Mercy Hospitals thank the 110 members of the 2015/2016 William Howell Century Club for their support and commitment to quality healthcare in our community. This year your cumulative gift funded the purchase of a stateof-the-art digital mobile C-Arm, making Mercy the only hospital in Kern County to provide the Total Anterior approach Hip Arthroplasty; a revolutionary procedure resulting in shorter recovery time, less pain and reduced scaring.
For more information about the William Howell Century Club, please visit us at www.SupportFriendsofMercy.org or (661) 663-6700 For pictures from William Howell Century Club dinners, please visit our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ FriendsofMercyFoundation
Memorial Members Bob Abrams George Ansolabehere Romain Clerou, MD Ray Dezember* Warren Haupt*
*Charter Members
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People & Community
B A K E R S F I E L D M AT T E R S
By Lisa Kimble
The Singing Sisters
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n a recent Wednesday morning, seven local women walked into the Brookdale Senior Living facility on Calloway Drive in southwest Bakersfield. The facility’s memory care residents gathered around them in the common area as Cathy Ferris’ fingers hit a few notes on the piano. The six women with her begin to sing, and soon, this group affectionately known as the Singing Sisters, is also striking chords with the Alzheimer’s and dementia patients there. As the group belted out numbers, like their rendition of “Let Me Entertain You,” their audience perked up like thirsty plants that had just been watered. Maria von Trapp once said, “Music acts like a magic key, to which the most tightly closed heart opens.” The Singing Sisters, who alternate weekly between two Brookdale locations, hope their upbeat melodies will also trigger musical awakenings. “We are not a professional singing group,” said member Jean Chapman. “But we love what we are doing.” And so do the residents.
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“They do love it. One of the last things they lose is the music memory,” said Barbara Davis, who manages the Clare Bridge Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care program at the facility. “The Singing Sisters are fantastic!” The catalyst for the group was Ferris, a pianist in her church who played for a friend during a visit four years ago. Other memory care residents listened in and Ferris realized she needed a chorus. She enlisted Chapman, who in turn called on her sisters June Hardcastle and Joan Horack. Friend Barbara Keith, who was caring for her dying husband at the time, came on board. “I needed an outlet; I needed to sing,” Keith said. “These ladies are my sunshine.” Denise Phelps and soprano and lifelong friend Jackie Cook rounded out the ensemble and the Singing Sisters were born. In the beginning, Davis said the ladies were referred to as the Singing Grandmas. The impact music has on memory and recovery is well-documented. But these crooners need only look at the faces of the men
August 2016
PHOTO COURTESY OF LISA KIMBLE
Crooners trigger musical awakenings
and women in the audience Chapman said. The days are interto know that something minable and dark for those powerful is taking place. in memory care. But with “It is like a miracle to the help of these songbirds, watch some of the resiif only for a short while every dents who are drooping other week, it is harmony, over begin to sit up, smilsunshine and rainbows. ing,” Chapman added. “It “The residents are able is the most amazing thing to sing along and it lights to see their transformaup their lives,” Davis said. tion.” For the Singing Sisters, Somewhere, in the the pleasure is all theirs. deepest recesses of their “We want to give them minds, the melodies are a little joy in their long day, stirring memories and tugbut it is us who ging at heartget so much out strings. of it,” Chapman “Some careadded. givers tell us a patient who Opinions suddenly sings expressed in this along hasn’t column are those uttered a word Lisa Kimble of Lisa Kimble. in a long time,”
FA M I LY V E R D I C T
By Katy Raytis
How to strip fast at Fastrip When life throws you a curveball, run for the bathroom
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ow to do laundry naked at a gas station. That’s the lesson I learned a few months ago. Work was busy. I had backto-back meetings scheduled at off-thegrid oil field locations in the middle of nowhere. “Back to back” meant I had about six minutes of wiggle room between finishing one appointment and having enough time to get to the next. The first meeting started fine. A group of about 20 roustabouts, welders and drillers gathered around the field trailer. I looked sharp in my crisp white slacks and matching blouse. I’d wager that they had never seen a more fetching or finely starched Tahari suit. I had a rapt crowd. We marched through my talking points right on schedule. Then it hit. Life sometimes throws curve balls. For us ladies (specifically nonpregnant ladies) those curve balls can be more like paint balls. It took about a millionth of a second for me to realize what was happening as I stood there in my now not-so-white or fetching slacks. PANIC. In moments of fight or flight, I go on fast-forward. In 14 seconds, I covered 20 minutes of material, asked for questions, and dismissed the group. This was the work equivalent of speed dating. Most of the guys looked at me like I was on methamphetamines that had just kicked in. I had no time to go home and change clothes, so I drove my car at light speed to the first place I could find, a Fastrip gas station, and raced backward at full speed into the bathroom.
This wasn’t a single bathroom. It was a stall-lined public restroom with an unlocked outer door. Lovely. Fastrip is appropriately named. That’s what I did. Fast. Strip. I took off my pants and started scrubbing. Here’s an important detail: Underwear shows through white pants. Ladies know this, so they know you sometimes skip the panties. That works, just not on days when you need to disrobe at the gas station. I was in an unlocked public bathroom with no pants on. I rinsed and scrubbed, rinsed and scrubbed. Guess what? The pink sandy stuff in the soap dispenser is not soap. It’s closer to real sand. Nevertheless, I scrubbed with that fake sand-soap like this was the Laundry Olympics. It was about that time that I realized the towel dispenser was out of towels. I felt sick to my stomach. The one thing that kept my nausea at bay was a fear of having to clean up anything else. With no towels, my only option was the hand dryer that was strategically mounted right by the door. Beyond that door, I could hear an incessant chime from the main entrance, which rang as each new customer came in. Ding. Ding. Ding. This was like Grand Central Gas Station. I was certain a parent from church was about to walk in. What could I say? “Don’t mind me. Just warming my pants at the hand dryer.” No one does this. I looked like some deranged, half-naked professional doing God-knows-what with the wall blower. Time stops in these moments. It’s like
that nightmare where you are back in high school and suddenly realize you are naked. Except this wasn’t a nightmare. I was naked at the busiest Fastrip on Earth. There was nothing to do but pray. This is where you blindly promise things to God. Please God, don’t let anyone open that door. I will read the Bible to wounded orphans. I will hand wash the tattered T-shirt pieces of every homeless person in town. I will give half my income to buy Fresh Scent Tide for refugees. It took nine minutes standing naked at the hand dryer. Naked hand drying time should be measured in dog years. Nine minutes is roughly eight months. I sweated more in those nine minutes than I would have running a marathon. I bought Gatorade on the way out because I was so dehydrated. There must be a patron saint of laundromats or gas stations because no one came into the bathroom until my clothes were mostly clean, mostly dry and mostly back on my body. Sometimes we run into lessons we’d rather not learn. Even so, I did glean something useful that day, aside from learning how to use sand to clean clothes while standing naked in a public restroom. I learned to count my blessings, particularly when I am home doing laundry, because I know it could be a whole lot worse.
Katy Raytis
Opinions expressed in this column are those of Katy Raytis.
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People & Community
PERSONALITY
Follow your passions Sam Ames proves that careers can be made by doing what you love
Sam Ames (right) calls himself beyond blessed when he talks about his many careers. “I love the diversity and bringing everything together,” he said. “But I want to do it all well; it’s important not to drop any balls.”
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ost people only dream of “following their bliss” and making a career out of their true passion. Bakersfield’s Sam Ames has proven that it’s not only possible to do what you love every day, he’s managed to turn passion into profession not just once, but many times over. Ames has created a name for himself in the world of cycling (as a racer, a master bicycle fitter and a cycling event promoter), he’s worked in various aspects of the local restaurant arena, and he’s a violin repair expert and a woodworker, too. Most amazing, perhaps, is the way Ames has layered one career on top of the other, rather than changing directions completely. The result can be a juggling act, but Ames makes it work.
CYCLING & RESTAURANTS As a teenager, Ames developed a lifelong love for the sport of cycling. After graduating from Garces Memo-
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PHOTO BY JORI C. KINNEY
Facing page bottom: A few of Sam’s custom-made wooden beer caddies.
By Cheryl Scott
PHOTO BY DEREK SMITH
Facing page top: A dining room table crafted by Sam Ames.
rial High School and Bakersfield College, he traveled to Spain, where he spent a year racing before returning to Bakersfield. He continued to race in the U.S. while working at Action Sports, sharing his affinity for the sport with others. He can still be seen there now and again, “fitting” customers to their bikes. Ames also discovered that he has a knack for the restaurant business. He’s worked at Frugatti’s, the Crystal
Palace and Lengthwise Brewing Company (where he helped build the kitchen and menu for its first pub).
INSTRUMENT REPAIR Something new caught Ames’ eye (or ear) while working at the Crystal Palace. “I met a fiddle player, and my mom had played, too, so I picked up an interest in the instrument,” he said. Once again, his “interest” turned into a fascination and before long,
PHOTO COURTESY OF SAM AMES PHOTO BY JORI C. KINNEY
another career was born. After taking lessons at the world-renowned Hans Weisshaar’s violin shop in Los Angeles, Ames “fell even more in love with the instrument itself than actually playing it.” Then-owner Margaret Shipman took him under her wing and taught him the art of instrument repair. “She gave me some really good advice and would actually let me bring work down for her to evaluate. I started picking up small repair work, then one thing led to another and I began handling repairs for school districts,” he said. That was 14 years ago, and today, he’s the only person doing violin repair work in the area. “Even if they’re not very expensive instruments, it’s so rewarding to repair an instrument that allows a student to make music,” he said.
WOODWORKING Twelve years ago, Ames began to consider trying his hand at woodworking. As he sat with friends around a 19th-century dining table, he admired
the intricate craftsmanship. The seed was planted. “I liked the idea of making a table where families gather and share meals,” he said. That seed was watered and took root when Jeff Williams of Lengthwise needed furniture for his first pub and he told Ames, “I bet you can make the tables.” Turns out he was right. Since then, Ames has created tables and other furniture for Lengthwise and Wiki’s Wine Dive & Grill and a growing list of other private and commercial clients. Ames is modest, though, and he points out that in the world of woodworking, he’s by no means a master. “I took an unusual path, as an adult, to woodworking,” he said. “There are some really accomplished cabinet and woodworking people in town; I know my place. I’m not really a woodworker; I’m a guy that works with wood.” Ames almost exclusively uses reclaimed wood collected from various Kern County sources, which are perfect for “farmhouse rustic” items. He does his instrument repair and woodworking in the shop he built in his backyard. Ames hasn’t forsaken his original passion for cycling. He also promotes a handful of cycling events in Kern County each year. He even put his restaurant experience to use when the pair purchased two trailers to provide food at their cycling events.
JANE’S JEWELERS Where Bakersfield Gets Engaged
The Hoffmann Hospice Home WINNER OF THE
BEAUTIFUL BAKERSFIELD AWARD f o r Arc h i t e c t u re a n d D e s i g n
Hoffmann Hospice allowed our mom and the family to regain a sense of dignity and control, and with that came peace. The beautiful room and warm inviting patio (which mom loved) were only surpassed by overflowing compassion and loving care from all the competent staff. We are truly grateful for The Hoffmann Hospice Home. — Robin Plumb (Daughter of Hoffmann Hospice patient, “Nana Pie” Valeta Avery)
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People & Community
A L L- S TA R AT H L E T E
Playing from the shadows Bakersfield local chases NFL dream despite lack of recognition
Left: Iowa State Cyclones defensive end Dale Pierson (45). Right: Dale celebrates a sack against the Kansas Jayhawks at Jack Trice Stadium.
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By Stephen Lynch Photos by Reese Strickland-USA Today Sports
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hroughout his time on the Independence High School football team, Dale Pierson was largely an invisible man to people outside of the Falcons locker room. Opposing coaches were well aware of his skills as an offensive and defensive lineman, but the
Bakersfield Life Magazine
August 2016
three-year varsity starter didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t garner much attention from the media or college scouts. Pierson graduated from Independence in 2012 having not been selected initially to play in the U.S. Army All-Star Bowl and without a single scholarship offer from an FBS (Division I) college football program. Feeling slighted by the lack of recognition, the Bakersfield native became a man on a mission.
He wanted to demonstrate to everyone in Kern County and beyond that he was a player worthy of acclaim. After two years of hard work and stellar play at Pasadena City College and then another two highly productive seasons at Iowa State, Pierson captured the attention of people at the very top of the football food chain. Immediately following the 2016 NFL Draft held in late April, Pierson got a call from the Green Bay Packers,
Though it took him until the 10th game of his junior year to crack the starting lineup, Pierson’s stellar play continued on at Iowa State, where he terrorized opposing quarterbacks. He had 8.5 sacks his senior season and was selected Second Team All-Big 12. “Once I got the opportunity (at Iowa State), I was ready because of how hard I was working in practice,” Pierson said. “I was the hardest worker on the team and was in the best shape of my life.” Pierson now hopes the strong work ethic that made him successful in college will help him land a spot in the NFL. “Wherever God takes me is where I’ll be,” Pierson said. “Where I would like to be is with an NFL team doing well and providing for my family.”
• Born Sept. 2, 1993, in Bakersfield. • Parents are Gary and Valerie Pierson. Has four older siblings (two brothers and two sisters). • Is scheduled to marry his fiancee, Jazelle, next June. The couple has a 2-yearold daughter named Jazlynn. • Graduated from Pasadena City College with an associate degree in sociology. Earned a bachelor’s degree from Iowa State in liberal arts. • Was a two-time All-Northern Conference selection at Pasadena City College. • Received a plethora of accolades at Iowa State. In 2015, he was selected to be on the watch lists for the Lombardi Award and Ted Hendricks Award. That same year, he was
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Pierson is hopeful the Packers will reconsider or another NFL team will give him a shot at making its roster for the upcoming season.
Facts about Dale Pierson
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any history or tradition, Pierson rarely attracted media attention. “In high school, I was overlooked and didn’t get the exposure that a lot of the other guys in town got,” Pierson said. “I don’t think it was anyone’s fault. I was coming from a brand-new school. I’m happy with the way it worked out. High school was a time for me to discover who I was. It wasn’t the final step for me.” Away from Bakersfield for the first time, Pierson flourished at Pasadena City College. The 6-foot-2, 250-pound defensive end led the Lancers in tackles his freshman year and then had 12 sacks during his sophomore season.
also chosen to play in the College Gridiron Showcase and named the Arthur Floyd Scott Outstanding Defensive Lineman.
• Had three sacks and an interception during the Cyclones’ 2015 season opener against Northern Iowa. • Began a ritual at Iowa State in which he pointed to the sky and thanked God after every sack he registered. • Enjoys giving motivational public speeches to young people. • Hobbies include working out and hanging out with his family.
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which had him fly to Wisconsin for a free agent tryout with the team. According to Pierson, his audition to play for arguably the NFL’s most storied franchise went well but ended without him being offered a contract. “I did everything I was supposed to do (during the tryout),” Pierson said. “I went out there and I killed it. They told me it was basically a numbers issue. The problem is that they drafted someone at my position (defensive end) and they have another free agent that they had already signed.” Pierson is hopeful the Packers will reconsider or another NFL team will give him a shot at making its roster for the upcoming season. He’s currently back in Bakersfield working out in order to stay in tiptop physical condition and be ready for when NFL teams begin training camp in late July. “I just have to work hard and stay on my path,” Pierson said. “Let God control what happens in my life.” Playing in the NFL has been a dream of Pierson’s ever since he was a small child. He began playing tackle football when he was 8 years old. While growing up, Pierson also competed in basketball, soccer, baseball and wrestling. But once he got to Independence, his focus was almost solely on football, though he did wrestle for the Falcons in order to stay in shape during the winter. It didn’t take long for Pierson to become entrenched as one of the mainstays of the Independence football team. Starting at both offensive tackle and defensive tackle/end, he helped the Falcons reach the Central Section Division III semifinals his junior year. However, playing in the rugged Southwest Yosemite League, Independence fell on hard times during his senior season and went 1-10. Playing positions where he rarely, if ever, touched the ball and for a school without
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People & Community
TA L K O F T H E T O W N
From the ground up Riverlakes Galleria brings new, old favorite businesses to northwest
Riverlakes Galleria is a neighborhood shopping center located at the corner of Olive and Calloway drives.
By Diana Greenlee
Photos by Jori C. Kinney
I
f we build it, they will come. That’s what brothers Cyrus and Darius Mojibi thought when they purchased the 23acre plot of land on the southwest corner of Calloway and Olive drives from Karpe Realty in 2008. Cyrus, 36, said the market was still shaky then, and they realized it wasn’t going to improve overnight.
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“We knew we’d sit on it a while,” he said. “It’s actually taken a little longer than we thought it would.” After years of speculation, Cyrus, chief operating officer for San Joaquin Refining, said the project began to take shape. About 18 months ago, they broke ground and, today, the Riverlakes Galleria is a bustling retail center. It’s 90 percent leased with high-profile tenants such as Wal-Mart Neighborhood
Market, In-Shape Fitness, Les Schwab Tires and The Habit Burger Grill all open and doing business. Offering a variety of sandwiches, salads and desserts, the northwest newbie is gaining popularity. Habit Burger Grill shift manager Jasmine Favela says they’ve been well received at the location. “We opened June 22, and we’ve been busy ever since,” she said. On the other side of the counter
with receipt in hand, repeat customer Terry Mills says he thinks he knows why the tables are full.
Cyrus says Starbucks, PetSmart and Pieology Pizzeria are slated to open at the center in the upcoming months, and there’s a frozen yogurt shop also in the works. “They aren’t like the runof-the mill hamburger place. It’s good enough that I brought my wife back with me,” he said motioning to his spouse, Diana. Cyrus and Darius operate as DCM Assets Management LLC. The brothers are Bakersfield natives, both graduating
from Highland High School and attending Pepperdine University. A San Joaquin Refinery employee also, Darius, 40, said they were eager to hire local folks for the project, and many of the tenants are Bakersfieldians. “We were pretty adamant about using local contractors,” he said. “Klassen broke the dirt, and S.C. Anderson did the buildings. Sully’s (Chevron) is local; Fit Pantry and Sugar Twist, too.” Cyrus says Starbucks, PetSmart and Pieology Pizzeria are slated to open at the center in the upcoming months, and there’s a frozen yogurt shop also in the works. Some of the other storefronts remain a mystery but are certain to fill in fast. Darius said they have an interest in several other local properties, but this venture meant turning a dirt field into a long-held dream. “Riverlakes is the first one we’ve developed from the ground up,” Darius said.
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People & Community
P H I L A N T H R O P Y M AT T E R S
By Kristen Beall Barnes
How to create a charitable giving plan A three-step guide to philanthropy
Kielah Holmes shows a project she is working on in the robotics activity at The Boys & Girls Club Summer Camp. The Boys & Girls Club is a recipient of Kern Community Foundation.
1. WHAT DO YOU CARE ABOUT? Identify two or three causes that are most important to you. If you are working with a partner or as a family, limiting the list to two or three may be difficult. Try identifying a solid handful. Knowing what you value, what you are passionate about or the change you would like to see happen in the world is the first step in developing your plan.
2. WHAT IMPACT DO YOU HAVE? Select one or two individual charities that directly support each of your causes. There are many ways to select charities that you want to support but linking the cause you care about to an organization’s mission and then using tools to measure their effectiveness will help you to narrow what often begins as a lengthy list. A great starting point for this step is the charity’s website. Next, 78
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PHOTO BY HENRY A. BARRIOS
C
ollectively, Americans gave $373 billion to charity in 2015. Given such a large number, it is not surprising that most people automatically think that the bulk of giving comes from foundations and corporations. In reality, however, individuals accounted for 80 percent of that giving. Clearly, your philanthropy makes a difference. But when was the last time you stopped to consider the impact of your giving or the underlying causes that prompted your donation? Creating a charitable giving plan is a relatively quick and easy way to bring clarity to your philanthropy. Using three simple steps, you can organize your annual giving, increase your connection to the charities you support and have a greater impact on the things that matter most to you. If you have a partner or spouse, you may want to develop a plan together. This can also be an excellent project to involve the whole family, teaching children the power of giving. Simply start by considering what is important to you.
access additional information about the selected charities using Guidestar.org or CharityNavigator.org. Finally, consider answering the following questions for each charity: What does the organization do? How do they do it? How do they know if they are making a difference? If coming up with that initial list is a challenge, you can always access the Charity Giving Guide on Kern Community Foundation’s website (kernfoundation.org). There you will find over 140 charities serving our community, organized by areas of service.
3. HOW MUCH DO YOU WANT TO SPEND EACH YEAR? Set an annual target. Unlike traditional household “budget” items where you set an upper limit and sometimes struggle to stay under, giving/donating/philanthropy budgets are targets to get up to. Within the overall target, decide how many dollars go to each charity. Once you have identified the charities you want to support and determined the total amount available to spend, setting individual donation amounts should be easy. Does creating a plan make sense to you? Give it a try. There are rarely perfect answers and I know you will learn from doing it. Good luck!
Kristen Barnes
Kristen Beall Barnes, Ed.D., is the president and CEO at Kern Community Foundation. Contact her at Kristen@kernfoundation.org or 616-2601. The views expressed in this column are her own.
WHY I LIVE HERE
In search of home From the Midwest, to Orange County to Bakersfield By Gabriel Ramirez
PHOTO BY JORI C. KINNEY
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n search of what she wants out of a place to live, Sheryl Moss has traveled from the Midwest to Orange County and finally found her way to Bakersfield. Her search for a place to make friends, find a great church and to experience the true feeling of community brought her to Bakersfield almost two years ago. Now working as a server at The Padre Hotel, she has been able to experience the friendly nature of this big city with the smallcommunity feel. Moss has become very active in at her local church working with the church’s production team, but has also found time for herself as she works out and spends some time hanging out by the pool.
SOME OF SHERYL’S FAVORITE THINGS
What’s your favorite thing to do in Bakersfield?
Where is your favorite place to vacation?
Hang out with friends.
The Midwest where I have family.
What surprised you most about Bakersfield when you first came here? Two things surprised me about Bakersfield. One is how friendly the people are here and the other was the genuineness of Christians.
What’s your favorite Bakersfield restaurant?
What is your favorite place in Bakersfield? In cool weather, The Park at River Walk.
What compels you to stay in Bakersfield? The people and low cost of living.
BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse.
What’s your proudest Bakersfield moment? How would you describe Bakersfield to people? I would describe Bakersfield to people by talking about the sense of community, kindness of people and the low cost of living. I only mention the bad air quality and never-ending heat if they are considering moving here.
The first winter I lived in Bakersfield, I was sick for a couple weeks. During that time, I had several people check in on me to see how I was doing and offering to bring me anything I might have needed. That is only one of the stories I like to tell others about Bakersfield people.
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People & Community
O U R TOW N
Spray ’n’ play Spray parks reopen after two-summer hiatus Story and photos by Mark Nessia
F
amilies looking for a fun and free way to beat the heat this summer need look no further than one of the city’s many spray parks. The Bakersfield Recreation and Parks Department and North of the River Park District operate nine and eight spray parks, respectively, and Kern County Parks and Recreation operates spray parks in and around the city limits. The parks reopened after a two-summer hiatus due to the drought, but recent changes have made the parks more efficient and drought friendly. “It is great to see the 80
families and children enjoying the spray parks once again,” said Bakersfield Recreation and Parks Director Dianne Hoover. Park staff continues to research ways to conserve water by adjusting the water flow valves and cycles, introducing features like activation switches that only allow water to flow when pressed. “Spray parks provide free, open-water play areas where entire families can come together for an afternoon in the park,” Hoover said. “Many residents in Bakersfield do not have easy access to pools or even air conditioning, so this is a great way to cool off.”
Bakersfield Life Magazine
August 2016
Top: Greystone Park Middle left: Emma Eaton jumps around at Greystone Park. Middle right: A soaked Allissa Lopez at Greystone Park. Bottom: Quinntyn Shepherd sprays his sister Aryana Alfred at Saunders Park. Facing page: Saunders Park
BAKERSFIELD RECREATION AND PARKS DEPARTMENT PARKS
Riverview Park 401 Willow Drive Noon to 4 p.m.
OPEN DAILY UNTIL LABOR DAY.
San Lauren Park 4101 Mohawk St. Noon to 4 p.m.
Beale Park 500 Oleander Ave. 1 to 5 p.m. Greystone Park 5709 Mountain Vista 1 to 5 p.m. Jastro Park 2900 Truxtun Ave. 1 to 5 p.m. Jefferson Park 801 Bernard St. 1 to 5 p.m. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 1000 S. Owens St. 1 to 5 p.m. Planz Park (currently under repair) 1601 Planz Road Saunders Park 3300 Palm St. 1 to 5 p.m. Siemon Park 3300 Redlands Drive 1 to 5 p.m.
Silver Oak Park 15855 Opus One Drive Noon to 4 p.m. Emerald Cove Park 4303 Patton Way 3 to 7 p.m. North Meadows Park 3300 McCray St. 3 to 7 p.m. Polo Community Park 11801 Noriega Road 3 to 7 p.m. Sears Park 444 Norris Road 3 to 7 p.m.
COUNTY OF KERN PARKS AND RECREATION PARKS OPEN DAILY.
Casa Loma Park 1 to 5 p.m.
Wayside Park 1200 Ming Ave. 1 to 5 p.m.
Lost Hills Park Noon to 7 p.m.
NORTH OF THE RIVER PARK DISTRICT PARKS
Mojave East Park Noon to 7 p.m.
OPEN DAILY UNTIL LABOR DAY.
Pioneer Park Noon to 7 p.m.
Madison Grove Park 10115 Norris Road Noon to 4 p.m.
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H O M E TOW N H E R O
PHOTO BY CASEY CHRISTIE
People & Community
Dick Taylor PHOTO COURTESY OF DICK TAYLOR
Veterans advocate learns identity during time in Marines
Top: Kern County Veterans Services Department Director Dick Taylor during a Memorial Day Service at Bakersfield National Cemetery. Bottom: Dick Taylor served four years on active duty in the Marine Corps and three years on reserve.
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By Laura Liera
T
he Marine Corps is not easy. It’s not meant to be. But once you’ve signed the papers and are hundreds of miles away from home at boot camp, there is no turning back. For Dick Taylor, director of the Kern County Veterans Service Department, the decision to enlist as a 19-year-old wasn’t a lifelong dream. While working in the family tire business, Taylor happened to crash a New Year’s Eve party that would ultimately shape his life. At the party, hosted by his now-wife, Cheryl, Taylor chatted with a few Marines. After some talk about which branch would be a better fit for Taylor, the Blue
Bakersfield Life Magazine
August 2016
Dress uniform triumphed. Taylor’s first thought as he faced the first week at boot camp: “I’ve made a horrible mistake. What was I thinking?” But what got him through the three-month training was his positive mentality. Taylor remembers thinking, “Yes, it’s hard; yes, I think I’m going to die; yes, my heart is going to jump out of my chest when I’m done running, but I’m going to make it.” That self-motivation got Taylor into infantry training as a mortarman. He was one of the select few Marines who provided nuclear weapon security on the aircraft carrier USS America and manned the ship’s brig. Before returning to sea duty, Taylor was part of “Operation New Arrivals” in May 1975 at Camp
Pendleton. Vietnam evacuees were brought to the base and the Marines were responsible of keeping them fed and safe. “At 19 years old, I can remember thinking how totally disoriented it would be to have to just leave your country, thinking everything is going to be OK, and now you’re left living in general-purpose tents on a base,” Taylor said. In June 1976, Taylor was deployed to the Mediterranean Sea for “Operation Fluid Drive” to support the evacuation of Americans from Beirut after the assassination of the U.S. ambassador to Lebanon. Taylor’s mom even saved a clipping from The Bakersfield Californian that highlighted two Kern County men aiding in the evacuation, one of which
was Taylor. After serving four year on active duty and three years on reserve duty, Taylor worked as a field representative for Kern County Supervisor Mike Maggard before he became the head of the local veterans department. The Kern County Veterans Service Department sees an average of 1,500 veterans a month. “Our role is to be advocates for veterans,” Taylor said. While reminiscing about his military experience, Taylor adds that it was truly an opportunity for growth. At a young age, you’re given big responsibilities. “You are in charge of other men’s lives, their welfare and taking care of them,” Taylor said. “You learn to trust and you learn who you are.”
FOR A CAUSE
Tools to excel in the classroom Back-to-school drives give back to students in need By Shelby Parker
I
f there’s one thing to know about Bakersfield, it’s that it is a community that loves to give back. Its people are generous of their time, money and resources. As another school year approaches in Kern County, various organizations are stepping up to the plate to help students acquire the necessities they need to succeed in the classroom.
UNITED WAY OF KERN COUNTY The ReGIVE Project of United Way provides household items, new and gently used, and will also receive backpacks donated by JC Penney, which are given to homeless children. “It is crucial to their emotional success and in school that they maintain day-to-day life without being singled out,” said Director of Homelessness Resources Christine Lollar. While ReGIVE is around throughout the year, backpacks and school supplies are only requested around this time. If there are any extras, they work to connect with their resources and other community partners. Lollar said that regardless of the situation for homelessness, “the children should not suffer from it.” To donate school supplies or household items to ReGIVE, call 834-2734 or email Christine.L@UWKern.org.
RUDY SALAS’ OFFICE In partnership with United Way, Assemblyman Rudy Salas and his team are organizing a school supply drive to collect the proper tools a student needs to be successful. Salas’ office understands that it can be financially tough for many families to go back to school. The “Stuff the Bus” drive will be held on Saturday, Aug. 6, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Shafter Dollar General parking lot at 337 E. Lerdo Highway. The goal is to “help those families and their students feel confident and prepared for a successful school year,” as stated in a press release regarding the event. “We know how important it is to start off the school year with the supplies needed to succeed,” Salas said. “With the new school year ramping up, parents and families are already juggling to prepare their students. It is my hope that these
school supplies will help them start the new school year strong.”
BAKERSFIELD POLICE ACTIVITIES LEAGUE The Bakersfield Police Activities League is currently collecting items, such as backpacks and other school supplies, which will be distributed on Thursday, Aug. 18, from noon to 3 p.m., at 301 E. 4th St. Sgt. Frank Gonzales said it’s important for the league to provide this service to at-risk youth. Part of their program is to help collect the right tools needed. Gonzales also added that education is a “big part of stopping the cycle” when it comes to drugs, alcohol and other paths that could lead to crime. Call 283-8880 to find out how to donate.
BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB OF KERN COUNTY Aera, a longtime partner of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Kern County, will be joining forces once again to help provide school supplies, such as markers, pencils, notebooks and more, to those at the center. The drive will be held Aug. 12 at 801 Niles St. at 3:30 p.m. According to Maggie Cushine, resource development director of BGCKC, members sit in rows by age and staff will introduce the groups who are giving supplies. This is an Aera-driven event for employees to donate items to; they have raised more than 1,545 school supply-related items over the past three summers of this event. The Aera Black Employee Network and Aera Asian Network sponsor the drives and are supported by Team Aera. “Aera partners with the Boys and Girls Club because we believe that supporting education in our youth is one of the best investments we can make,” said Aera Public Affairs Specialist Traco Matthews.
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People & Community
REAL PEOPLE
Cruisin’ on three wheels How local pedicab drivers are thinking green By Laura Liera
T
Residents in the Westchester area are the pedicabs’ regulars. Whether it’s a dinner run, pub crawl or meal delivery, locals are opting for the green choice. Schrepfer appreciates the local support from organizations like Bike Bakersfield and the DBA. “Bike Bakersfield has been pushing for safer downtown streets and we couldn’t be more blessed to have a program like that in our community,” he said. And as downtown Bakersfield continues to expand with housing developments slated to open later this year, Schrepfer is excited to build relationships
with new downtown residents. A benefit of the pedicabs is an entire group can jump on board. One of the pedicabs can become a nine-seater. The frame of the pedicabs are built super lightweight, meaning it can carry up to 2,500 pounds. There are no motors, only a few batteries to operate the lights at night. When it’s hot out, there are misters that keep passengers cool. And there are a few more ideas Schrepfer has up his sleeve to make the ride even more unforgettable. Although you can’t hail a pedicab to make a trip from downtown to the Rosedale area yet, it’s in the works. The ultimate goal would be to have pedicabs in all parts of the city. “We want to go anywhere you need to go,” Schrepfer said.
PHOTO BY MARK NESSIA
hey are the limousines to your wedding. Or the Ubers to your pub crawl. No. We aren’t talking automobiles. Bakersfield’s Think Green Pedicabs are cycling in the streets downtown and its limegreen means of transportation are easy to spot a mile away. Hail them like a cab and they’ll take you where you need to go as you enjoy the breeze. And there’s a bonus. “We are the only pedicab in the industry that serves adult beverages,” owner Stephen Schrepfer said. Yes, that means you can enjoy a glass of wine or craft beer and relax in the backseat
as you wave to the crowds in the streets, like royalty. What started nearly three years ago as a solution to Schrepfer’s disability has turned into an entrepreneur’s success story. Working construction most of his life left Schrepfer with severe back problems. Swimming and cycling were the only exercises that made the pain tolerable. A few meetings with Downtown Business Association President Cathy Butler led to Think Green Pedicabs, with an office on 2101 16th St. “We went from one cab to a total of six today,” Schrepfer said. At any given time, five pedicabs are making their rounds in the downtown area.
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Businesses, subscribe and share Think Green Pedicabs fun facts • There is no set fee for rides. It’s a tip-based ride. • On a busy night, a pedicab driver will make 50 runs. • Pedicab drivers are independent contractors. They rent the bike from Think Green Pedicabs and they keep their earnings for the night. • Female pedicab drivers are wanted. According to Schrepfer, one local female driver averaged $135 an hour. • Coming soon is a 15-passenger pedal bus for downtown pub crawls, private party bookings and promotional events. • Schrepfer lost 40 pounds after starting Think Green Pedicabs. • Think Green’s office also contains Green Light Gallery, where local artists can display their work at reasonable prices. Visit www.thinkgreenpedicabs.com or call 661-900-3399 to hitch a ride.
with your clients. Know what’s going on in the community by getting a business subscription to Bakersfield Life. Distribute them at your place of business or share with friends.
661-392-5777
To get your multiple copies, call the TBC Media Circulation Department to get started!
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When you or someone you love requires assistance in the home due to illness, surgery, or age, you can trust Alternative Care to provide the helping hands you need with carefully screened, qualified, compassionate caregivers. Free In-home Care Assessment • 24 Hour Service
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People & Community
H I STO RY
By Julie Plata
A time before Google
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE LIBRARY OF CONGRESS USED BY PERMISSION
No question too tough for TBC Information Bureau
Top: Information Bureau researchers Bottom: Frederic J. Haskin
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE LIBRARY OF CONGRESS USED BY PERMISSION
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L
ong before the internet, Google or smartphones provided instant answers to practically any question, the information superhighway consisted of the local library and the daily newspaper. Readers depended on The Bakersfield Californian to provide the latest local news and they turned to The Bakersfield Californian Information Bureau for answers to their questions. Under the direction of Frederic J. Haskin, The Bakersfield Californian Information Bureau operated out of Washington, D.C., as a cooperative between other leading daily newspapers’ information bureaus. The service was created to help editors with readers’ questions. A team
Bakersfield Life Magazine
August 2016
of researchers answered more than a thousand questions a day and readers were encouraged to ask about anything they wanted to know, as no question was too difficult. And that is exactly what The Bakersfield Californian’s readers did. From 1920 to 1967, loyal readers mailed inquiries to The Bakersfield Californian Information Bureau to learn the answers to vexing questions. For the cost of return postage, readers received personal responses as well as information in the daily “Answers to Questions” column. Readers could also send in for hundreds of free publications. The July 8, 1935, Bakersfield Californian informed readers they could request easy-to-read pamphlets from its Washington bureau to “help the reader help himself.” The information in the pamphlets was obtained
from “the limitless informational resources of the Library of Congress and the departmental archives, the rich daily findings of hundreds of government scientists and research scholars.” Some of the popular “how to” publications included tips on how to get a job and how to combat garden insects. If you wanted to learn how to salute the flag, The Bakersfield Californian Information Bureau could help with that, too. Household stains were tackled in 180 different methods with “Stains – how to remove them from fabrics; a guide to undreamed economies.” One practical answer provided by The Bakersfield Californian Information Bureau was given to Mrs. Jeanie R. Mott of 1032 Oregon St. on Dec. 27, 1924. Worried about a road trip she was taking with her children
BAKERSFIELD’S MUSIC DEALER for more than 37 years years 40
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE BAKE RSFIELD CALIFORNIAN
• Pianos and Keyboards • Band Instruments/ Rentals • Music Lessons • Acoustic/Electric Guitars • Piano Moving/Tuning • Repair Department • Sheet Music
from Bakersfield to San Antonio, Texas, she asked Haskin’s advice on the best travel route.
In the days before instant answers on Google, Bakersfield’s citizens turned to The Bakersfield Californian Information Bureau for reliable answers. Anything you wanted to know was just a postage stamp away. His quick and personal response informed her to travel “east through the Tehachapi Pass to Mojave; from there continue east to Barstow and from
100 Oak Street (corner of Oak/Stockdale) 327-5397 • californiakeyboards.com
Barstow follow the National Old Trails road through Amboy, Needles, Kingman, Winslow, Holbrook, Springerville, Magdalena and Socorro. From Socorro, go south through San Antonio, New Mexico, and across the Rio Grande River via Elephant Butte Dam, south to Las Cruces and Mesilla Park. From this point, follow the Old Spanish Trail through El Paso, Fabens, Sierra Blanca, Van Horn, Kent, Balmorhea, Fort Stockton, Sheffield, Ozona, Junction, Kerrville, Boerne and San Antonio.” Fortunately, today’s travelers can simply drive along Interstate 10 to their Texas destination. bakersfieldlife.com
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People & Community
PRIME FINDS
Paintings featuring Kern County and the Central Coast For your home or office, watercolor and oil paintings by local artist Charlotte White. To contact the artist, call 661-3302676.
Don’t let summer end! Bring the kids and “paint a memory” together before school starts! This personalized dinner plate will be the perfect reminder of your summer vacation--all year long! Color Me Mine at The Marketplace 9000 Ming Ave. 661-664-7366 www.bakersfield.colormemine.com
Clear skin boot camp summer program Start school in the fall with clear skin! Our program works by putting together the right products for your type of acne and the right treatments for your skin. A program designed by Nondy Llewellyn, licensed esthetician and certified acne specialist. Bakersfield Acne Care, 4949 Buckley Way, #103 661-319-3568
Pretty and practical for back to school Who said badge clips have to be boring? This will “Brighton” your ID and make you smile! Also makes a great gift for a co-worker! Silver plated. Christine’s 4915 Stockdale Highway, 661-8343068.
Vintage treasures Farm Girls Vintage Finds 2113 Q St., Open Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., www.farmgirlsvintagefinds.com
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Anuschka handbags Each bag is individually hand painted and made with only the finest grade of soft supple cowhide. Find the bag of your choice at Sugardaddyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. 5512 Stockdale Highway, 661-325-8300 www.facebook.com/sugardaddys
Gone to the dogs and then some! Visit Rags to Rescue, a novelty store with a repurpose. Hand-selected, gently used items for the creative home designer. Every purchase helps save a rescue dog! Shop Tuesday through Friday, noon to 4 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., 234 H St.
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877.314.7511 BakersfieldHyundai.com
Tigerfight Casino Night 2016 Date: June 11 Held at The Padre Hotel Photos by Silvia Lomas
Mark and Nicole Delmarter, Amy and Jason Johnson
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Rob and Debora Hill, Dayvea and Kory Mays
Mike and Nicole Sprague, Alexis and Mike Roy, Michelle and Aaron Hunter
Kevin and Elizabeth Henry
Brian and Sherri Branson, Chris and Melissa Branson, Christy and Brad Newburg
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KCHCCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Latino Food Festival and Menudo Cook Off
Jacob and Noe Garcia
Christina Ruiz, Danielle Garza and Maria Ozuna
Denise Ornelas, Jay Tamsi and Olivia Garcia
Mitzy, Rafael, Nidia and Mavira Zamudio
Date: June 5 Held at Kern County Fairgrounds Photos by Olivia Garcia
Crescencia Penaloza Morron and Alfredo Morron
Valorie Candelaria, Nicole Brockway, Leesa Benavidez, Rosario Perez and Rosemary Mireles
Delia and Antonia Barboza
Tania Guerra and Sam Brandon
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Red, White and Blue Fourth of July Parade Date: July 4 Held at Stockdale Estates Photos by Greg Nichols
John Bassett, Phoebe Ball and Libby Bassett
Henry, Patsy, Isla, Fletcher, Jack Hislop and Stanely Cohin
Tye Bassett and J.L. Betts
Alexis, Tracy, Claire, Justin and Jack Burnaugh
Michelle and Dennis Thelen
19th & N Street, Downtown Bakersfield www.emporiumwesternstore.com
Jim and Anne Kirkpatrick
Mylissa, Hunter, Adam and Susan Hopkins
(661) 325-8476 Tim McCrary, Verlin McGehee, Vince Fong and Chris McGehee
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877.314.7511 BakersfieldHyundai.com
1940s Front Porch Swing Date: July 9 Held at Kern County Museum Photos by Greg Nichols
Linda Sullenger and Tim Acosta
Vince Fong, Emry Crawford and Karen Goh
Jessica Waldrop and Annie Harakka
Cheryl Taylor, Bob Gagnon and Shari Punt
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Edith Ruiz, Leslie Jiles, Barbara Mejia and Alicia Martinez
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John Zaragoza and John Haberlander
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20041 Hwy 202, Valley Blvd., Unit 3, Tehachapi, Ca 93561 (661) 822-0377 Fax (661) 588-8749
www.bakersfieldgi.com bakersfieldlife.com
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Catherine McAuley Society 10th Anniversary Celebration Date: June 16 Held at Mercy Hospital Photos by Greg Iger
Cherilee Ezell and Joan Dezember
Chris Romanini and Kathy Wells
Linda Rojas, Mary Richardson and Ann Hine
Barbara Sandrini, Ronda Mazzei and Marilyn Unruh
Susan Hamilton, Beth Pandol and Julie Cesare 94
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Carolyn Pandol and Izetta Camp
Gina Fanucchi, Alissa Buckey, Mesha Elliot and Jennifer Zahry
Theo Zaninovich, Sylvia Cattani and Judy Fanucchi
Pat Campbell, Catherine Gay, Sister Judy Morasci and Stephanie Weber
877.314.7511 BakersfieldHyundai.com
Toys for Tots Inaugural Night at Krush
John Fowler
Shane and Shannon Thompson and Paul Smith
Sandra Self and Don O’Dell
Sgt. Munoz, Sgt. Guerrero, Brooke Oscarson and Sgt. Aleman
Don, Jackie and Jolene Bonbilliard
Jonny and Reina Perez
Date: July 17 Held at Krush Wine Bar Photos by Jan St Pierre
Casey McBride and Thuy Vi Vu
Juan Martinez and Ora Stephenson
Wine & Paint Events Kids Art Classes Private Events Fundraisers Birthday Parties 2623 F STREET, SUITE M • 661-348-9860 Gary Jackson, Jason Moronnolte, Jay Clark, Joel Helms and Randy McCormick bakersfieldlife.com
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Princess Breakfast Date: July 23 Held at Stars Theatre Restaurant Photos by Greg Nichols
Stacia and Nia Hall
Jennie and Avery Quach, Kathy and Mia Veon
Kristen and Taylor McCutcheon
Khloe, Amanda and Juliana Feil
Yonui and Kilee Wallace
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Yajaira and Mia Torres, Ileana and Anaeli Avila
Ari and Lisa Cruz
Vanessa and Annabelle Sierra
Maribell Ramirez, Addy Nunez, Emma Ramirez and Denise Nachor
877.314.7511 BakersfieldHyundai.com
KidsFest Date: July 16 Held at Kern County Museum Photos by Carla Rivas
Anthony Munoz, Gracie Boronda, Hope Payne, Angel Munoz and Aiden Munoz
Brooklynn Pounds, Ashley Hill and Ben Pounds
Dave, Arthur, Mary Ann, Peter and Christian Asignacion
Sophia, Nicole and Preston Matthews
Ginny, Olivia, Xander and Rhett Stacey
Dawson Manning, River Perry, Jude Manning and Penny Manning
Shannon and Brooke Gormley, Jack and Brenna Charatsaris
Joi and Chuck Babbitt, Nathalie Gonzaga and Savannah Babbitt
Lily and Kenna Johnson, Whitney Trevino, Brayden and Andrew Johnson and Dominic George bakersfieldlife.com
97
People & Community
LAST WORD
The joys of DIY Once you power-wash, you can’t stop
By Herb Benham
W
e live in an old house, in an old neighborhood, in an old part of town. What the houses share, in addition to charm, is that most are falling apart. What many of us strive for is to maintain our houses in a state of graceful decay. Start with the outside of the house. Besides some rotten eaves that can be pushed in with a finger, numerous open crawl spaces much loved by rats, stray cats and small children, the house is in dire need of new paint. I’ve taken a knee on some of the other challenges, which seem larger than life, but I can paint. There are good, professional painters but painting is low on the food chain for the homeowner. People of my ilk who can’t plumb, do electrical wiring or carpentry can paint. It’s therapy for the lightly skilled. I called a painter friend and asked for advice. He said one word: powerwash. I repeat: powerwash. “I’ll loan you mine,” Steve said. “You can’t paint a house without powerwashing it first. It’ll save you a lot of prep time.” A powerwasher is not small. Not at 100 pounds. A pressure washer, as it is sometimes called, is a big, 8-horsepower engine sitting on two good-sized wheels that machine guns out 2,200 pounds per square inch. There are two fittings, one for a garden hose, which supplies the water and one for the small, tough black hose that shoots the water. At the end of the black hose is a wand-like thing with a trigger on it. Once you powerwash, you lose all respect for a garden hose. A garden hose is to a powerwasher what a kitty cat is to an African lion. We’ve all been there. Standing there with a garden hose wishing we had another thousand pounds of pressure so we could really blast off the cobwebs or move the leaves and heavy dirt off the driveway. A garden hose is a water version of a peashooter. “You’ve got to watch it,” Steve said. “You can knock a hole in the side of your house with this thing. You have to have protective eyewear.” I love protective eyewear. The only thing that makes me feel more manly is my tool belt. Armed with a tool belt and my protective eyewear, I feel like a Chippendale dancer. I turned on the water, flipped on the choke and pulled the cord. The powerwasher fired right up. It was loud.
98
Bakersfield Life Magazine
August 2016
Maybe I needed some protective earwear to complement my protective eyewear. “You’ll completely lose track of time with this thing,” Steve warned. “You’ll start powerwashing everything.” I took the wand and pulled the trigger and was knocked backward two feet by the tremendous kick from the surge of water coursing through the gun. This was a two-hand, spread-the-feet-apart, get anchored job. Imagine Luke Skywalker in “Star Wars” or Clint Eastwood wiping out half the town in “Unforgiven,” and you’ll get a mental picture of the stance. I pointed at some loose paint. Bam, gone. Dirt, grime and spiderwebs streamed off the side of the house like it had been drenched by a Biblical rain. I could almost feel the house quivering as I banished 60 years of Bakersfield dust storms, peeling heat and grimy winters. Resist no more. The powerwasher is on you. I tried it on the barbecue, the sidewalks and the basketball backboard. It was a rout everywhere I went. Everyone needs a good powerwashing. I can think of half a dozen people who ought to be power-washed whether they like it or not. This not only gets rid of the dirt, powerwashing takes care of meanness too. We could power-wash kids, dogs, telephone solicitors who call during dinner and England for pulling out of the EU. I finished the house in less than two hours. Even with the lousy paint job that I eventually splattered on, it looked sharp. Graceful decay has never looked better. Herb Benham
Opinions expressed in this column are those of Herb Benham.
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