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February 2018
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A M E MB E R O F T HE
T B C ME D I A FAMI LY
PET ISSUE
www.bakersfieldlife.com
• 350+ readers’ pet pics in our 2018 Pet Parade • Kern Canine Activities: Active classes for dogs • Nick Cullen on county’s no-kill efforts
McFarland Police Chief Scot Kimble, Mirko and Angela Barton, president of the Kern County Law Enforcement Foundation $3.95
Dining Divas enjoy Slice of Italy Food Dudes hit Crab in a Bag
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Lennar is excited about the debut of the Skye Series at Gossamer Grove: bright white kitchens, large windows and all single story floorplans, these beautiful homes are designed to wow! The Skye series marries contemporary shapes with modern comforts, lots of light and great flow, creating an invitingly functional, fresh home design. Reserve your home now at pre-model pricing. The Skye Series starts in the low $300,000’s.
661.836.8601 | www.Lennar.com/GGSkye The specific features in a home may vary from home to home and from one community to another. We reserve the right to substitute equipment, material, appliances and brand names with items of equal or higher value, in our sole opinion. Color and size variations may occur. The prices of our homes, included features, and available locations are subject to change without notice. Please see the actual home purchase agreement for additional information, disclosures and disclaimers relating to the home and its features. Photograph is solely for illustrative purposes and should never be relied upon. You should never rely on the accuracy of photographs or videos in making any decisions relative to purchasing any property. We reserve the right to make changes at any time without notice. Models/lifestyle photos do not reflect racial or ethnic preference. Price subject to change without notice. Visit Lennar.com or see a Lennar New Home Consultant for further details and important legal disclaimers. This is not an offer in states where prior registration is required. Void where prohibited by law. Lennar Fresno, Inc. d/b/a Cambridge Homes - License #821180. Lennar Homes of California, Inc. License #728102. Lennar Sales Corp. California Bureau of Real Estate License #01252753. Copyright Š 2018 Lennar Corporation. All rights reserved. Lennar, the Lennar logo, Gossamer Grove and the Gossamer Grove logo are registered service marks or service marks of Lennar Corporation and/or its subsidiaries. 1/18
FEBRUARY 2018
FEATURES
PET PARADE •
2018
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Baxter
Tally
Momma Kitty
Leon
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Pets on Parade
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Eleven pages of pets for your viewing pleasure! Page 52
For The Record: Dr. Andrew A. Pounds, a member of the Top Dentists list in the January issue, was incorrectly identified as an oral and
maxillofacial specialist. His specialty is periodontics. 4
Bakersfield Life Magazine
February 2018
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FEBRUARY 2018
DEPARTMENTS Up Front Read up on Brian Chartrand, lead singer of Live from Laurel Canyon. They stop in Bakersfield as part of the Guitar Masters series on Feb. 22. For more information, go to Page12.
Eat & Drink
PHOTO BY MARK NESSIA
Meet our new 2018 Dining Divas as they start off the year at Slice of Italy. Also the Food Dudes dig in at Crab in a Bag.
PHOTO BY MARK NESSIA
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PHOTO BY GREG NICHOLS
39 18 Up Front 12 Arts & Culture 13 12 Things ... 14 Short Takes 16 Happenings Eat & Drink 18 Dining Divas 22 Food Dudes 26 Lunchtime Pick 28 What’s Cooking
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B Well 46 Your Mind 47 Your Body 48 Feature – RX Dog: the healing powers of dogs 50 Love and Life
76 All-Star Athlete 78 Personality 80 Our Town 82 Philanthropy Matters 86 SNAP! 91 Last Word
Go & Do 39 Out & About 40 Entertainment 42 Trip Planner 44 Gambling Getaways
People & Community 64 Business Profiles 72 Bakersfield Matters 73 Millennial Voices 74 History
The Marketplace 83 Prime Finds 84 What’s Haute
February 2018
Are you in the online dating scene? Get tips on avoiding being “catfished” and what that even means on Page 34. The new tax law for 2018 affects most taxpayers. See what changes you may experience on Page 35.
Go & Do
Feel like getting away? We highlight trips to Cambria with your pet and Don Laughlin’s Riverside Resort Hotel & Casino in our “Trip Planner” starting on Page 42.
B Well
Lifestyles 30 On The Road 34 Tech Talk 35 Money Matters 36 Fashion Outlet 38 Pastimes
Bakersfield Life Magazine
Lifestyles
Get some sweet tips on desserts you can make this Valentine’s Day without blowing the beltline on Page 47.
People & Community Luke is your typical canine. He likes to play and go on walks and loves his family tremendously. He just can’t see. Read his incredible story on Page 78.
Project Notes: • Cabinetry: Diamond Rothshire Maple Square, in Amaretto on Coconut • Granite: Audax , with Flat polish eased edge • KitchenAid 36’ Range, dishwasher and island hood • Sharp Microwave drawer • Flooring Stone peak Crate , hardwood look alike
AFTER PHOTOS
My husband loves to cook and wanted to remodel our 23 year old kitchen. I have never wanted to remodel because i had heard only horror stories about the process. But, with Rick, that is not what happened. The experience was enjoyable because Rick educated and guided us through each and every detail, from the design process to the end product, We still remember our shopping trips with pleasure. They were a fun experience and Rick made it easy to choose between the vast choices of cabinets, appliances, countertops, flooring and more. The team that came to work in our home each day were respectful and professional. And now our Kitchen has turned into the favorite gathering place in out home! Thank you Stockdale Kitchen and Bath for making it happen.
BEFORE PHOTO
~ Tim and Lois Anderson
www.stockdalekitchenandbath.com
STAFF SHARES Bakersfield’s Premier City Magazine February 2018 / Vol. 12 / Issue 5 Bakersfield Life™ Magazine is published by TBC Media
Publisher Ginger Moorhouse Associate Publisher Virginia Cowenhoven
Michelle Chantry Editor
McFarland Police Chief Scot Kimble and Angela Barton, president of the Kern County Law Enforcement Foundation, pose with Mirko.
Sales Manager
Jim Lawitz
Diana Bolin Assistant Managing Editor
Coming Next …
Mark Nessia
Home & Garden
Specialty Publications
To Advertise, contact
Kasey Meredith
Coordinator
Diana Bolin at dbolin@bakersfield.com or 395-7521.
“Alexandra Hamilton Ha, aka Hammy, is our rambunctious puppy who loves to chew on power cords and break all our stuff. But she always snuggles her way back into our hearts.” – Nina Ha, contributing writer “Tina Louise will ‘die’ on command. I give the order and she rolls onto her back and stays there until she’s allowed to continue living again.” – Mark Nessia, assistant managing editor
Art Director Glenn Hammett Graphic Designer
Watch for this icon throughout the magazine to know which stories have videos.
“My dog Xena used to steal peanuts, take them out of the shells and would eat the insides.” – Alejandra Torres-Rubio, advertising account executive “My cat Skoshe likes to climb up on the very top ledge of the back door in the summertime and frighten me. My dog Jake, a border collie, will talk back to me.” – Linda Petree, advertising account executive
President/CEO
ON THE COVER
What funny thing does your pet do?
Holly Bikakis Photography
Bakersfield Life videos this month on our Facebook page and at www.bakersfieldlife.com. 1) Meet our new 2018 Dining Divas as they start off the year at their first restaurant, Slice of Italy. 2) In “What’s Cooking,” see how to make up chocolate pot de crème from The Kitchen.
Felix Adamo, Casey Christie, Nick Ellis, Kasey Meredith, Mark Nessia, Greg Nichols, Carla Rivas Contributing writers Kristen Beall Barnes, Erica Byrd, Asha Chandy, Nick Cullen, Li Gibbs, Nina Ha, Lisa Kimble, Stephen Lynch, Julie Plata, Chris Thornburgh, Liarida Yoakum
3) This month, “Kasey in K.C.” heads to Tehachapi. See where she went and what yummy treats she found.
Connect with us – www.bakersfieldlfe.com facebook.com/BakersfieldLifeMagazine Instagram/bakersfield_life twitter.com/BakersfieldLife
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Bakersfield Life Magazine
“Our puppy Cali likes to stick everything in her mouth. Like our face, hands, feet, shoes, socks and anything on the street.” – Holly Bikakis, graphic designer
February 2018
Barney, our Maltese mix, is strongly motivated by food. He jumps and spins when I start preparing dinner and will enthusiastically snap the ends of carrots, chopped apples or anything else I toss his way, out of the air. – Glenn Hammett, art director
We want to hear from you – Send comments or letters to the editor to Mark Nessia at mnessia@bakersfield. com. Please include name, city and phone number. We reserve the right to edit letters for clarity and to excerpt them.
Contact us – 1707 Eye St. Bakersfield, CA 93301 661-395-7500
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EDITOR’S NOTE
PUPPY LOVE I’ll be the first to admit that I’m a hopeless romantic (with an occasional emphasis on the “hopeless”). To me, there’s nothing better than a love story – how boy meets girl and girl meets boy, the overcoming of obstacles and adversity in pursuit of romance, the harmony of two hearts becoming one. Unfortunately, reality isn’t so straightforward. Relationships are hard, a roller coaster ride full of ups, downs, twists, turns, loops, rapid starts and sudden stops. Some parts are exhilarating and fun while others leave you sick and make you think twice about getting back on. But we do because love is the greatest thing we can experience in life. I say this despite none of my relationships having worked out thus far, but I consider them all to be successful in that they teach me something new every time. The best lesson, however, comes from the most unlikely teacher. She taught me what it really means to care for someone, to love them during times when they’re not very lovable. A kind of love that is quick to forgive and never forgets the kind of person you are, always choosing to see you in the best possible light. A love that we don’t really deserve but is given to us anyway. A love that makes you believe in the improbable. Think about it: Finding someone who catches your eye is not uncommon; it’s merely physical attraction. That’s how it typically starts but it’s such a small piece of the whole because looks can only go so far. People are complex creatures so what are the odds one will possess all the traits you find appealing in a partner? I don’t necessarily believe in a soulmate, but I do believe in an ideal match. This is the person who checks all the necessary boxes and then some. The one who occupies your thoughts, the one you want above all others. But that’s only half of the equation. They have to feel the same way about you, too, and that’s beyond your control, which makes it scary and intimidating. Mathematical estimates for finding “the one” during a person’s lifetime put the odds at 1 in 10,000.
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Bakersfield Life Magazine
February 2018
Tina Louise
That doesn’t look promising at all, yet 2.3 million couples in the U.S. say, “I do,” every year, which means love is a miracle we can actually attain. We may not get it right the first time, but it’s always worth fighting for. There’s no emotion more powerful. I know because I see it every day in the way Tina Louise, my 2-year-old pug, looks at me like I am the only person on the planet who matters. I experience it every time I come home from work and am greeted by uncontrollable spasms of excitement, her way of saying, “I missed you.” I witness it in the way she refuses to sleep on car rides because closing her eyes means I “disappear.” It’s evident in how she says, “I’m sorry,” and, “I still love you,” by licking the hand that disciplines her. It’s in the way she finds joy in doing nothing simply because we are doing nothing together. This is what we should strive for. This is how we should love. The world is a better place when we choose to love ourselves and each other the way our pets do, to draw inspiration from those who spend their whole lives looking up to us. A sort of puppy love. A love that requires no words – just an adoring look and a wag of the tail. Mark Nessia Assistant Editor 395-7383 mnessia@bakersfield.com
UP FRONT
Get your entertainment lineup for this month in “Happenings” on Page 16.
The Big Picture / Arts & Culture / 12 Things / Happenings
ARTIST WORKSHOP PALETTE A palette of colors were available to kids at the Kids Winter Art Workshop held recently at the Bakersfield Museum of Art. Check out “Great Escapes” in our March issue for kids camps and activities for spring break this year. By Felix Adamo
www.BakersfieldLife.com
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Up Front ARTS & C U LT U R E
THIS MONTH’S PICKS
Music Brian Chartrand – Guitar Masters Brian Chartrand might know Laurel Canyon’s legacy more than anyone else. The lead singer and founder of Live from Laurel Canyon had the idea for the show in 2012 when preparing for a cruise ship tour as a singer-songwriter. “I’ve always been a James Taylor, Jackson Browne and Eagles fan but I didn’t know they were all connected,” Chartrand said. “There’s a ton of music, great stories and such a tightly knit community.” Upon his return, Chartrand and musician friends started Live from Laurel Canyon. “It’s not a tribute show; we do reinterpretations of the music,” Chartrand said. “We give them new life and present them in a new way. The goal isn’t to play the songs like you know them.” Chartrand is excited to take his show to Bakersfield through the Guitar Masters series, as it’s close to the birthplace. Chartrand said Laurel Canyon was a haven for artists living in Los Angeles as it offered a peaceful and serene escape as well as a natural muse. A front runner of the Laurel Canyon movement was Mama 12
Arts Jenny Schrader – Acrylic Painter
Cass from The Mamas and the Papas, whose “California Dreaming” starts off the show. “The goal is to educate that Laurel Canyon is on the same level as places like Graniteville or Ashbury,” Chartrand said. Crosby, Stills & Nash, united by Mama Cass according to Chartrand, is also a huge component of Live from Laurel Canyon. Other artists’ work featured in Live from Laurel Canyon are Carol King, James Taylor, Jackson Browne and the Eagles to name a few. “I want to share this music and still influence new artists to-
Bakersfield Life Magazine
February 2018
day,” Chartrand said. “Also, it’s just fun to hear people say, ‘This is my music; I was listening to this when it first came out.’”
Live from Laurel Canyon
will stop in Bakersfield as part of the Guitar Masters series on Feb. 22, from 7 to 9:30 p.m. at Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace. Admission is $35. For more information, visit: www. guitarmasters.org/ cevent/live-atlaurel-canyon and www.livefromlaurelcanyon.com.
Jenny Schrader knows Bakersfield iconography more than anyone. “I used to walk to Dewar’s for lunch – well, it was actually ice cream,” Schrader said. “I remember when east Bakersfield and downtown Bakersfield was just empty land.” The 72-year-old has been painting acrylic Bakersfield scenes for 10 years now. She first started her endeavor by creating a calendar for her 50-year high school reunion at Bakersfield High School, full of Bakersfield designs. “I didn’t really know I could do it,” Schrader said. “It took me a while to call myself an artist.” Schrader is currently working on an upcoming exhibit for the Arts Council of Kern based on old motorcycles and cars of Bakersfield. “A few years back at the Kern County Fairgrounds, I found these old motorcycles attached to a trailer and I went nuts,” Schrader said. She and her husband used to ride motorcycles when they were younger, so Schrader has always been fascinated by motorcycles. Schrader said she can paint the cycles but not tell you about them. “He keeps me in check,” Schrader said of her automobile enthusiast husband, who validates what parts were maybe added onto the car. “So many people are moving to Bakersfield and don’t realize the history here,” Schrader said. “I can educate them with my art and also bring back memories to others.”
Upcoming exhibit: Jenny Schrader’s work can be seen at the Access Center, 1330 Truxtun Ave., Suite B, during February and March. Featuring motorcycles and Bakersfield iconography.
12 T HI NGS .. .
Simple activities to try with your significant other the sound of your voice.
6 Fall in love again – It’s easy to get complacent in a relationship as time passes. Keep the spark alive by pursuing each other once more, going on “first dates” and getting to know one another all over again. 7 Get crafty – Create something together, whether it’s something artsy or a DIY project around the house.
Compiled by Bakersfield Life
1 Cook breakfast together – Start things off with the most important meal of the day. Work together or cook separately and surprise one another with your culinary creation. 2
Take a hike – It’s reinvigorating, it’s healthy, it’s fun and it’s free.
3 Go on an old-fashioned picnic – Pack a basket and settle down in your favorite park as you drink, eat and people watch. 4
Volunteer – Find a cause you both care about and look at opportunities to get involved. Not only are you spending quality time together, you’re benefiting your community as well!
5 Read to each other – Have a favorite book? Give Netflix the night off and read it to your significant other, entertaining them with only
8 Learn a new skill – Neither of you know how to ballroom dance? Well, there’s only one way to fix that! 9
Make a scavenger hunt – Leave a series of clues that lead to a special prize. It can be contained within the home, neighborhood or city; your only limitation is your imagination.
10 Put together a couple’s bucket list – Compile a list of items both of you would like to accomplish and work your way toward checking off every entry. 11 Do something you said you’d never do – Find something you’ve been hesitant to try and just do it. Having your significant other by your side is guaranteed to raise your courage.
https://www.skinrnaesthetics.com/
12 Create a scrapbook – It’s easy to document adventures on social media for all to see but making a scrapbook of your outings together is something intimate that only the two of you can enjoy. www.BakersfieldLife.com
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Up Front SHO RT TA K ES
DEADLINE FAST APPROACHING FOR 2018 BEAUTIFUL BAKERSFIELD AWARDS Time is running out to recognize the efforts of those who bettered Bakersfield in 2017. The Greater Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce is accepting nominations for the annual awards, which honor individuals, businesses and organizations that, through their efforts, improve the quality of life in the community. This 28-year tradition is presented by Kern Schools Federal Credit Union. Eleven categories – ranging from architecture to art to education to health – will be judged by community members. Four other categories – Nonprofit, Corporation, Small Business and Business Person of the Year –
will be judged by the chamber’s executive board of directors. Nomination forms can be submitted online at bakersfieldchamber.org. Forms must be received by Wednesday, Feb. 7. Awards are based on work that occurred or was completed in 2017. Winners will be announced at a gala event on Saturday, June 2, at the DoubleTree by Hilton.
Hispanic chamber honors locals with awards The Kern County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce will welcome the new year by recognizing local community leaders and installing its new board of directors at its annual awards dinner, 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 3, at the Bakersfield Marriott at the Convention Center downtown. According to Jay Tamsi, president/CEO of the Kern County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the following are the list of business
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Bakersfield Life Magazine
award honorees: • Business Man of the Year: Dr. Horace Mitchell, California State University, Bakersfield • Business Woman of the Year: Pam Alvarez, Beautiful You Medical Aesthetics • Small Business of the Year: Godinez Law • Large Business of the Year: Luis Aguilar, El Pueblo • Corporation of the Year: Trans-West Security • Nonprofit Organization
February 2018
of the Year: Patriots of Kern • Community Service Award: Beverly Camp, Catholic Charities In addition, the Hispanic chamber will also install its new slate of directors.
Tickets are still available for the event. For more information, call 633-5495, email mail@kchcc.org or visit its Facebook page: @KCHCC.
JJ’s Legacy celebrates ‘Gift of Time’ with gala Celebrate the “Gift of Time” with JJ’s Legacy through the power of kindness and generous acts of those who are making a positive difference in the lives of others. Perhaps no act is more emblematic of this than becoming an organ, eye or tissue donor. Join us as we celebrate the power donation has on an individual’s life by giving the Gift of Time at the annual JJ’s Legacy Gala Dinner on Saturday, March 3, at Seven Oaks Country Club. The evening will be filled with raffles, silent and live auction, dinner and dancing starting at 6 p.m. The funds raised will enable JJ’s Legacy to continue to educate our community on the importance of organ, eye and tissue donation. Tables of eight are available for $1,200 or individual tickets at $150 and can be purchased online at jjslegacy.ejoinme.org.
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4. Expanded search power.
6. Up-to-date experience.
Sometimes properties are available but not actively advertised.
Even if you’ve purchased a home before, laws and regulations change.
5. Negotiation knowledge.
7. Your rock during emotional moments.
There are many factors up for discussion in a deal. A REALTORÂŽ will look at every angle from your perspective, including crafting a purchase agreement that allows enough time for you to complete inspections and investigations of the property before you are bound to complete the purchase.
2. An expert guide. Buying a home usually requires dozens of forms, reports, disclosures, and other technical documents. A knowledgeable expert will help you prepare the best deal, and avoid delays or costly mistakes.
3. Information and opinions. REALTORSÂŽ can provide local information on utilities, zoning, schools, and more.
You’re invited to an
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Up Front HAPPENINGS
February
Find more community events at bakersfieldlife. com or submit yours via email to bakersfieldlife@bakersfield.com or via our Facebook page: Bakersfield Life Magazine.
Jan. 26 - March 17 “Anything Goes in Arvin,” 7 p.m. at The Gaslight Melodrama Theatre and Music Hall. $14-$25, the melodrama.com Feb. 1 Distinguished Speakers series with speaker Dr. Michael Eric Dyson in the Edward Simonsen Indoor Theater at Bakersfield College. The lecture runs from 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Feb. 9 Comedian Asif Ali at Temblor Brewing Company from 7 to 10 p.m. Tickets are $20 and can be bought online at eventbrite.com. World Famous Buckaroos at Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace, from 7:30 to 9 p.m. The Buckaroos perform every Friday and Saturday evening at Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace. Feb. 10 The Music Man closing show, Stars Theatre, dinner at 6:30 p.m., show at 7:30 p.m. Tickets range from $44$69 for adults and $25-$40 for those 18 and under. Immortal Beethoven presented by Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra at Rabobank Theater. Doors Open at 6:15 p.m., show at 16
Bakersfield Life Magazine
PHOTO BY CASEY CHRISTIE
Feb. 3 Brotherhood Men’s Conference at Charis Bible Fellowship, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Lunch is provided and admission is free. Whiskey Flat Days in Kernville.
Feb. 16-19 Kernville Whiskey Flat Days Festival, Kernville. For more information, visit gotokernville.com/whiskeyflatdays.
7:30 p.m. Tickets range from $20-$45. www.bsonow.org. Feb. 13 WWE Smackdown Live at Rabobank Arena, starting at 4:45 p.m. Tickets start at $15 and can be bought online at axs.com. Feb. 15 Joe Rogan’s Strange
February 2018
Times Tour 2018 at the Fox Theater. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the show starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets range from $49-$59. California Native Plant Society meeting at the Hall Ambulance Community Room, from 6 to 8 p.m. It’s free to attend and for more information, visit kern.cnps. org.
Feb. 17 Family Day at Buena Vista Museum at Buena Vista Museum of Natural History and Science, 2018 Chester Ave., from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. All-day admission for two adults and up to six children is $20. Feb. 19 The Original Harlem Globetrotters at Rabobank Arena from 2 to 4 p.m., doors open at 1 p.m. Tickets start at $90.
Joe Rogan’s Strange Times Tour
Feb. 22 First Annual Kern County Career Expo, 1001 Truxtun Ave., from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. For more information, visit kernhighnow. org/careerexpo. Art After Dark at the Bakersfield Museum of Art, from 7 to 9 pm. Admission ranges from $5-$10. For more information, visit bmoa.org/artafterdark. Feb. 24 Handel’s “Messiah,” The Complete Oratoria with the Bakersfield Master Chorale, at St. John’s Lutheran Church from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Tickets range from $15-$20. For more information, visit bakersfieldmasterchorale. org. Wayne Garner at Sandrini’s Public House, 1918 Eye St., doors open at 9 p.m., tickets are $5. Must be 21+ to attend. Feb. 24 Tour de Meow, Yokuts Park, 9 a.m. to noon. The tour is a charity walk or run that raises awareness for saving abandoned cats and kittens from euthanasia and promoting forever homes. You can register for the Tour de Meow on runsignup.com.
www.guitarmasters.org
The Original Harlem Globetrotters
www.BakersfieldLife.com
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Eat & Drink
DINING DIVAS
SLICE OF ITALY Compiled by Bakersfield Life Photos by Greg Nichols
The restaurant was beautifully decorated, with its interior described as modern rustic by owner Dupree Brar. Great service, delicious food, cozy booth, nice wall hangings and a few succulents. I think I’ve found a new favorite!
APPETIZERS Olivia Garcia on the slide poppers: Slide of Italy takes the meaning of jalapeño poppers to a new level of exquisiteness. The jalapeños were freshly cut, crisp and seedless, and then filled with cream cheese. Bacon was carefully wrapped around the jalapeño as if it were a perfect suit. But it didn’t stop there. A touch of spicy-sweet Sriracha and ancho chili sauce complemented the jalapeño poppers, leaving you wanting more. I couldn’t stop eating them. Doretha Jones on the zuppa di mare: This soup starts out as a lobster bisque, but then the chef makes it better! The soup is thinner and less filling than a traditional lobster bisque. In place of the all-toomuch cream and butter, you experience the lighter and more flavorful sautéed shrimp, scallop and salmon with chopped onions and green peppers. It’s delicious as a cup before a meal, but satisfying enough for a bowl at lunch or a light dinner. Erin Koehler on the honey Sriracha shrimp: I love seafood, so was looking forward to trying this dish. There were four shrimps sitting in a honey Sriracha sauce. Buttery and perfectly cooked, the shrimp were plump and savory. Though the Sriracha part of its name might make spicy-sensitive customers wary, it was very mild and somewhat sweet, though it stayed true to the Sriracha flavor. Although you might not want to, this dish is easy to share! Presentation was beautiful, with basil and mint sprinkled on top and plated on a simple, rectangular dish. This appetizer is definitely a favorite for me and would be for other shrimp lovers! Tamara Baker on the ahi poke nachos: I’m a huge fan of sushi and all things seafood, so when our server, Aurora, presented the ahi nachos, I was a little excited. The ahi tuna was served poke style, loosely translated as Hawaiian fish salad, over wonton chips, with avocado, thinly sliced jalapeño, cilantro, and a hoisin and Sriracha sauce to top it all off. The entire dish was amazing, but the things that I appreciated the most were the wonton chips. They were light and perfectly fried. Wontons can very easily be overcooked and extremely oily, but these were cooked to perfection. Also, head chef Ruben said that they marinade the ahi overnight, which really added some flavor to the already fresh and delectable fish. 18
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February 2018
Promotional Content
Facing page: Caprese salad This page clockwise: Dining Divas from left to right: Tamara Baker, Lynn Agabashian, Doretha Jones, Olivia Garcia and Erin Koehler. Honey Sriracha shrimp Zuppa di mare Slide poppers
Tamara Baker on the herb and dill salmon: I found the herb and dill salmon to be flavorful with the seasoning, but not so much that it masked the already delightful taste of the salmon. It was cooked to where it had a crunch on the outside, but was still moist on the inside. Anyone who has cooked salmon knows how easy it is to dry out when cooking, so kudos to the chef! The salmon was served on a bed of basmati rice, seasoned with fresh parsley, butter and salt. The simplicity of the rice effortlessly complemented the herb seasonings on the Promotional Content
Continued on Page 20
CALLOWAY DR
Slice of Italy 10524 Hageman Road
MEACHAM RD
HAGEMAN RD VERDUGO AVE
ENTRÉES
salmon. The entrée was also served with fresh, sautéed green beans, with its crunchy freshness intact. This meal is perfect for someone trying to heed their New Year’s diet. Lynn Agabashian on the bone marrow chimichurri: Growing up on a Mediterranean diet, we were no strangers to some unusual delicacies. My first memory was using a handy nut pick to extract the succulent, gelatinous treat from the bones of mom’s roasted lamb shanks. The use of beef bones was new to me, intentionally sawed on the length and prepared with chimichurri. The halved bones were marinated for hours in a blend of olive oil; some splashes of vinegar; a couple pinches of salt; sprigs of oregano, cilantro and parsley; and then roasted at 500 degrees. The intention is to spread the marrow on a toasted, garlicky crostini. Surprise yourself – you might find it appealing. Erin Koehler on the healthy slice: This gourmet pizza was simply delicious! Thin
JEWETTA AVE
Lynn Agabashian on the caprese salad: A perfect, cylindrical stacking of alternating layers of thinly sliced vine-ripened tomatoes and discs of fresh mozzarella. That’s the beginning of a caprese salad. The ending is its topping with ribbons of basil drizzled with a reduction of balsamic and hints of honey. Presented beautifully, I favor this salad’s simplicity; it is a heart-healthy must and tastefully pleasing.
1,000 FT
Slice of Italy 10524 Hageman Road 661-589-1000 Open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Sunday through Thursday; 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Friday and Saturday www.mysliceofitaly.com
Watch the video on our Facebook page or at www.bakersfieldlife.com.
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crust held the entire dish together, literally and figuratively. Well cooked, the crust was soft, yet had a nice crunch on the edge. It was crisped to perfection, golden browned with a scrumptious texture and flavor. This pie had a fresh taste, which is characterized by its name, the healthy slice. Not your traditional pizza, its pesto sauce was flavorful but not overpowering. Toppings included feta cheese, fresh spinach sautéed in garlic, artichoke hearts, rosemary and tender grilled chicken. If you’re looking for a savory pizza with the health benefits of a salad, look to the healthy slice as your go-to! Doretha Jones on the creamy
Meet the 2018 Dining Divas based workshop of Premier Gem Designs, with my daughter Alexi, where we collaborate and incorporate natural gem, mineral and organics into cast or hand-fabricated jewelry art.
Lynn Agabashian Hi all! I’m Lynn Agabashian, an honest-to-goodness native of the San Joaquin Valley! Born and raised in Bakersfield, the idea was to set out to broaden my horizons. It was on this extended journey throughout Japan, Thailand and China, to name a few, that my fascination with the refractive beauty of gems and minerals led me to the San Diego County Pala Mining District. Ultimately, I received my degree as a graduate gemologist from the Gemological Institute of America, or GIA. These days, I prefer working from my home20
Bakersfield Life Magazine
sociology. After moving to San Francisco and completing an internship with the Pachamama Alliance, she moved back to Bakersfield in 2009 to be closer to family and pursue a career more involved with the development of her hometown.
Tamara Baker is the
manager of research & marketing at Kern Economic Development Corporation and has been with the organization since 2015. She is a Bakersfield native who graduated from California State University, Bakersfield in 2008 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science and minor in February 2018
Erin Koehler Hi, I’m Erin! I was born and raised in Bakersfield. I graduated from college last May with a degree in exercise science from a small school in Pennsylvania called Grove City College. Moving home to Bakersfield has been a huge blessing. I
am currently working as a physical therapist aide and am thrilled to be a part of the Dining Divas for the year of 2018!
Doretha Jones, 63,
Olivia Garcia is a history professor at Bakersfield College. Some also may know her from her teachings at CSUB or as the former editor of Bakersfield Life Magazine. The wife and mother of four sons says journalism has been in her blood for 20 years, and she’s excited to reconnect with readers again, this time, as a Dining Diva.
wife of Chuck, mother of six, grandmother of seven and a retired administrator or controller. I enjoy volunteering with the underprivileged and am very involved with Hoffmann Hospice. My hobbies are: bridge, traveling, reading, cooking, gardening and being outdoors. I’m a life learner and planner and have never met a Bible study I didn’t like. I enjoy investing in young women and passing down qualities I learned from my mother and grandmother, like being organized, using resources wisely and working with goals in mind. We were green before it was a term, let alone a party. Promotional Content
garlic chicken specialty pizza: Good pizza has to have good crust, and this one is delicious. Not too thick or thin, with crusty edges and bottom and soft middle. This crust is the perfect canvas for the rich and creamy garlic sauce and mozzarella cheese. The chicken breast, mushrooms, black olives, green onions, broccoli and cooked tomatoes are then so finely chopped you experience the flavor of each ingredient in every bite. This will be on my reorder list!
DRINKS AND DESSERTS Doretha Jones on the Almond Joy cocktail: Bartender Chase Leonard’s Almond Joy cocktail was beautiful and tasted like a liquid Almond Joy, but with a kick! I’m a coconut lover, so, personally, I would choose this drink over any dessert. Lynn Agabashian on the tiramisu: In Italian, tiramisu means “cheer me up.” The taste of liquor-soaked ladyfingers, light and airy under and over a foamy mascarpone layering, makes that true. A dollop of whipped cream and a whoosh of cocoa powder for a finishing touch can be just enough for a heavenly slice of Italy. Erin Koehler on the melting chocolate sphere: If you’re looking for dinner – or dessert – and a show, the melting chocolate sphere is entertaining and mouthwatering. The presentation was sophisticated, yet had recognizable ingredients: semisweet chocolate, ice cream and fruit. At first glance, it looked like a chocolate sphere with a sprinkling of powdered sugar sitting on a circular dish. Alternating strawberry and banana slices fanned out around the chocolate, sitting on top of a tastefully applied chocolate drizzle. Our waitress, Aurora, then gently Promotional Content
poured a caramel sauce over the chocolate. The chocolate shell melted away to expose a scoop of vanilla ice cream hiding in the center! The flavors were well balanced, sweet caramel, semi-sweet chocolate and vanilla ice cream. The chef added an adventurous twist with thinly sliced almonds and a mint leaf garnish, which add fresh flavor and color! After the first taste, this dish could aptly be named the “disappearing chocolate sphere.” Olivia Garcia on the cannoli: The cannoli was definitely a popular dessert for the Divas. Chef Ruben Rivera and his staff used their artistry skills to create this beauty. The cannoli can be described as a Sicilian “little tubed” crispy pastry, stuffed with sweetened ricotta and topped with chocolate chips and chopped pistachios. I highly recommend ordering this dessert to impress a date or to simply treat yourself and your girlfriends after a long day at work. Go ahead. You deserve it. Tamara Baker on the Hendricks kiwi martini: Slice of Italy bartender Chase Leonard started our afternoon dining experience off with a kick! He served us the Hendricks kiwi martini, made with Hendricks Gin and fresh kiwi puree. This drink was delicious and DANGEROUS. It was extremely refreshing, with the kiwi puree providing a sweet and light flavor that perfectly complemented the gin. When I say dangerous, I mean that I could have easily had two or three, which wouldn’t have been good for anyone. Chase garnished the martini with a lime as well, which added a bit of citrus to the already impeccable cocktail. I will definitely be having one of these the next time I visit the lounge!
Facing page clockwise: Ahi poke nachos, pizzas, and herb and dill salmon. This page top to bottom: Tiramisu, melting chocolate sphere and cannoli.
www.youngwooldridge.com www.BakersfieldLife.com
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Eat & Drink
FOOD DUDES
Crab in a Bag Compiled by Bakersfield Life Photos by Greg Nichols
They say you can’t judge a book by its cover. It’s equally true that you can’t judge a restaurant by its exterior. Crab-in-a-bag is unassuming from the outside, but give it a try and you’ll be amazed at your dining experience! If it weren’t as new as it is, I could totally see Crab in a Bag being a “hometown secret,” with a cult following. It’s the type of place that may be unassuming from the outside, but those who have tried it immediately fall in love with it. From the bibs, to the casual décor, to the communal dining, a meal at Crab in a bag is more than just “dinner”; it’s a dining experience to share with family and friends.
STARTERS AND SIDES Traco Matthews on the corn: Typically at a restaurant like Crab in a Bag, the sides are just thrown in as fillers. Not the case here. The corn was quite delicious, cooked to just the right, hearty consistency. Soaked in the Cajun sauce from the bag, 22
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February 2018
it offered a textural contrast to the crab, mussels, prawns and other dishes that were served. Corn is usually pedestrian, but this hot, spicy vegetable was good enough to go for two to three pieces. Josh Fitzpatrick on the fried shrimp: One of my pet peeves with fried shrimp is when there’s too much batter, so when you take a bite, all you taste is the “fried,” but not the shrimp. That was definitely not the case with Crab in a Bag’s fried shrimp appetizer. First of all, the shrimp were huge, about 16 to 20 “extra jumbos” for those in the shrimp-know. And they were fried perfectly in a light, tempura beer batter (the owner, Carlos, wouldn’t tell us the secret kind of beer he uses). The only reason I stopped eating these was to save some room for the main course. Jeremy Hearron on the crab fries: So you would think french fries should be great everywhere, but it’s sad to say that is not always the case. You get fries that don’t have enough breading, or too much breading, or too soft, or no seasoning. We’ve all been there, but not at Crab in a Bag. They do fries right. They are the perfect thickness, a little bigger than Promotional Content
Clockwise from facing page: Crab, mussels and crawfish in bags with vegetables and Cajun sauce. The large, succulent shrimp at Crab in a Bag. The Food Dudes (left to right): Jeremy Hearron, Josh Fitzpatrick, Henry Sanchez and Traco Matthews. Fried shrimp, with just enough batter.
a No. 2 pencil. The crunch is ideal, and the seasoning – nailed it. I only have one complaint: I wanted three times as much in my order. Not Carlos’ fault; his portion was generous. I just loved them. Henry Sanchez on the shrimp in a bag: Next to hit the table was a bag full of shrimp immersed in the house garlic butter Cajun sauce. The shrimp themselves were huge; you needed a few bites to take one of these bad boys down. They were succulent and had the right amount of chewiness. The Cajun sauce was the kicker: full of minced garlic and spices that complemented each other perfectly. I love garlic, so this sauce was my personal favorite of the night. We chose the medium spice level, so we got hit with a little heat in every bite. But I’ll be back soon to try the hotter sauce. The best way to eat this is to grab a shrimp, peel it and drench
Crab In A Bag 1641 Union Ave. 661-527-2229 Hours: Tuesday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. www.crabinabagca.com
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Clockwise, from above: Mussels in a bag. The Food Dudes taking a selfie. Fried cod. Chalk is the medium of choice for the menu at Crab in a Bag.
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it in the Cajun sauce. Just don’t forget your bib.
ENTREES Jeremy Hearron on the crawfish in a bag: Crawfish at Crab in a Bag is an experience you cannot often find in Bakersfield. Getting messy while I ate brought me back to my childhood. It was great pinching the tail and the head and slowly turning until they separated, releasing the tail meat. One great bite of crawfish meat and then a slurp of the head to get the goodness left inside. All the while having Carlos’ butter-and-spice sauce run down your hands and arms. The sauce contained a generous amount of chopped garlic, rich butter and a spice oil that gave the right amount of heat. Enough heat to make your mouth feel the burn for a couple seconds, but not overpowering Crab in a
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February 2018
Bag’s unique flavor profile. If you want an experience you cannot get anywhere else in Bakersfield, you’ll need to get messy. Josh Fitzpatrick on the crab in a bag: The signature dish of Crab in a Bag did not disappoint. This is where the real experience begins. Alaskan snow crab boiled and soaked in a Cajun sauce? Yes, please! This is definitely a meal to share – but not with a potential employer during a lunch interview. If you don’t know the people you’re sharing this crab with before the meal, you definitely will afterward! I wore the bib, but passed on the gloves – and that was a mistake. But in the end, the mess was worth it. The legs had an abundance of meat, and the flavor was spectacular. Traco Matthews on the mussels: I’ll be the first to admit, I’m not a big mussels guy – just your average skinny nerd. However, the steamed Italian-style mollusks served at Crab in a Bag changed my mind. They were fresh, hot and tender, replete with smoky flavor. The buttery garlic base they were steeped in was sensational. The sauce was so good, I could have drunk a cup of it and been happy. I ate a dozen at least, which was a record for me. It felt good to be persuaded off of my no-mussels platform by a dish so memorable. Henry Sanchez on the fried cod: Before the bags of crab came out, we started off with some deep-fried
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Alaskan cod. The cod came straight from the fryer with a side of fries and the house tartar sauce. The fish was beer battered and the batter itself was crisp, which gave the fish a nice crunch with each bite. When you break the fish in half, you get that instant puff of steam and snap. The cod was moist, flaky and tasted like it was fresh out of the sea. I hit the fish with a squeeze of lemon and a dab of tartar, making it one of the better fried fish dishes in Bakersfield.
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Eat & Drink
LUNCHTIME PICKS
ROLLS AND GRILL Story and photos by Mark Nessia
Ming Plaza, just west of Highway 99, is slowly becoming a mecca for delicious ethnic cuisine. Already home to Indian, Mexican and Greek eateries, the newest player to enter the field is Vietnamese fusion restaurant Rolls and Grill. Named after its selection of spring rolls and entrées cooked on the grill, the menu boasts a variety of fresh, healthy options void of deepfried, stir-fried, greasy items. There is a heavy emphasis on quality, as everything is made to order and all the sauces are prepared in-house, from the marinade to the chili oil. Loan Nguyen, who owns the restaurant with her husband, Danh, boasts a menu that stems from her love of cooking, her original recipes perfected over the years spent in the kitchen. The Vietnamese influence is prevalent in the restaurant’s spring rolls, bánh mì (Vietnamese sandwiches) and pho, but Rolls and Grill also offers dishes from other Asian cuisines, such as kalbi (Korean barbecue) and
poke bowls. They also serve a variety of beverages, such as Thai tea, passion fruit drinks and French-filtered coffee. Constantly looking to provide more options to customers, Loan said new items, like pan-seared salmon with mango salsa and rice, may be added to the menu. Kalbi Bowl ($13.45): This remarkable dish
Grilled Pork Bánh Mì ($6.45): On the outside, a bánh mì looks like a typical hoagie. But what’s inside the lightly toasted French roll is a combination of ingredients that creates a different flavor profile not found in your average sandwich. The mixture of pickled carrots and daikon, onion, jalapeño, housemade mayo and pork is subtly sweet
Top: Grilled pork bánh mì Bottom: Kalbi bowl
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features a stack of Korean barbecue ribs, white rice and a salad. Rolls and Grill marinades the meats overnight in their own blend, which is not as sugary as its Korean counterpart. There is no need for sauce here as the flavor of the marinade is enhanced on the grill with the meat receiving just the right amount of char. The beef is tender, sweet and juicy, complemented by a light saltiness, and easily falls off the bone. It’s no surprise that this is a customer favorite.
February 2018
with a nice kick at the end. It’s an extremely satisfying sandwich that tastes healthy and fresh because it is healthy and fresh. It pairs very well with one of the nine different types of spring rolls offered – a welcome substitute to the standard fries or chips. Rolls and Grill is a breath of fresh air in the local dining scene with all of its items on the lighter and healthier side of the spectrum. You won’t have to struggle to find something that is friendly to your diet and waistline, proving that you can eat healthy without sacrificing quality and flavor.
Rolls and Grill 3803 Ming Ave. 661-735-5830 www.rollsandgrill.com
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Eat & Drink
WHAT’S COOKING
The Kitchen’s Chocolate Pot de Crème Ingredients • 3.5 ounces whole milk • 5 ounces heavy Cream • 2.25 ounces egg yolks • 1.5 ounces sugar • 4.5 ounces chocolate • Raspberries for garnish Directions Chop the chocolate into small fragments and set aside into a pitcher. Combine milk, cream and half of the sugar in a small pot and bring to a simmer. Separate the eggs and measure the yolks.
When the cream mixture comes to a simmer, turn off the heat. Whisk in the remaining half of sugar to the yolks. Temper the yolks by whisking in a ladle of the hot cream mixture. Pour the yolk mixture into the hot cream mixture and set it to medium heat. Stir constantly until thickened. (When you dip the spoon into the mixture, draw a line with your finger across the back of the spoon. If the line does not drip, it is ready.)
Pour the hot custard over the chopped chocolate and allow to sit for a minute. With an immersion blender, combine the custard and chocolate until silky smooth. Pour into desired vessels, (ramekin, sundae glass, soup cup, etc.) and place in refrigerator for at least five hours. When the pot de crème is set, top with whipped cream, shaved
chocolate and raspberries. All of the measurements of the ingredients are by weight, not by volume. Please use a kitchen scale to prepare this recipe. This insures the consistency of the finished product since eggs come in various sizes and chopped chocolate can be of various shapes and sizes. Watch the video on our Facebook page or at www.bakersfieldlife.com.
PHOTO BY MARK NESSIA
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February 2018
Lifestyles
The crisp, clean lines of the newly redesigned Enclave.
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ON THE ROAD
2018 Buick Enclave Avenir By Glenn Hammett
Photos by Mark Nessia
If one were to make a list of the things buyers are looking for in a large SUV, passenger and cargo space, comfort, safety, ease of driving, quiet interior and good looks would likely be at or near the top. The totally redesigned 2018 Buick Enclave Avenir puts a check mark in the box for all of the above. After 10 years with nothing more than a facelift or two, the 2018 Enclave represents a
Bakersfield Life Magazine
February 2018
clean-slate redesign that Car and Driver’s Mike Sutton says is a “marked improvement over its predecessor in every meaningful way.” Though I have not driven a first-generation Enclave for comparison, the exterior style, quiet luxurious cabin and solid driving characteristics of the new Buick offering rank right up there with those of a few of higher-priced European luxury SUVs I tested last year. The 2018 Enclave marks Buick’s introduction of the Avenir sub-brand. Not unlike GMC’s Denali, Avenir denotes the company’s top trim Promotional Content
The Enclave’s controls and gauges are logically arranged and easy to access. The second-row captain’s seats and third-row bench creates numerous seating and cargo options.
It’s all in the details Price tag: Avenir trim level base price: $53,415. As tested: $54,725. Fuel economy: 26 highway, 18 city, 21 combined. Five favorite features on the 2018 Buick Enclave Avenir: • Hands-free power liftgate • Keyless entry • All-new body style • 9-speed transmission • New instrument cluster
level and, in the case of the Enclave, includes touches like a unique mesh-pattern grille and standard 20inch pearl nickel aluminum wheels not available on lesser models.
Exterior The bulbous shape of the first-generation Exclave has been trimmed down and sculpted for 2018. The front end is more defined and the body lines are crisper. The new design also features a floating roof, an element that reinforces the SUV’s sleek posture. Promotional Content
Interior Despite its svelte exterior, the Enclave’s cabin is incredibly spacious. With second-row captain’s seats and a third-row bench, six adults would be more than comfortable on a long road trip. The interior space is beautifully designed and teeming with luxury features, such as heated front and second-row leather seats, tri-zone automatic climate control, Bose premium audio system and a power
What makes the 2018 Buick Enclave Avenir stand out from other full-size SUVs? Better fuel economy, high output V-6, start/stop technology, LED headlamps, power dual moonroof, surround vision cameras, rear cross-traffic alert, forward automatic braking and forward collision alert, front pedestrian braking, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, optional intelligent AWD, premium Avenir interior with real wood accents, wireless charging pad. Three words that best describe the 2018 Buick Enclave Avenir: Exceptional. Efficient. Excellent. Source: Ryan Benak, Motor City product specialist
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FEBRUARY 2018
Saturday Class Schedule
Come Cook With Us A L L S A T U R D AY C A L S S E S MEET 11 AM - 1 PM U N L E S S OT H E R W I S E N OT E D
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LITTLE SWEETS
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COUPLES IN THE
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SOUPS & STEWS
Cookies for Kids (and parents). In this interactive side by side class, you and your little sweet or sweets will have Valentine’s Day fun making and decorating your very own batch of cookies. A light kid-friendly lunch will be served. $45 for one parent and one child. $15 for an additional child. Please no more than two children per adult.
Spend your Saturday lunch cooking up some romance. Our Valentine’s Day dinner menu, perfectly scaled down for lunch. $90 per couple.
Beat the last of the winter blues with the warmth of homemade soups. You’ll learn the basics and a few advanced tricks too. $35 per person.
1317 20th Street Bakersfield, California 93301 661.827.7811
The sleek rear end of the Enclave. A premium Bose sound system comes standard with the Avenir trim level.
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February 2018
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moon roof and rear skylight. I really appreciate the simplicity of the dash layout and the intuitive placement of the controls. The lack of clutter adds to the upscale feel and I felt pretty comfortable operating the car’s tech features within a few blocks of leaving the dealership.
Driving experience The Enclave’s 3.6-liter engine provides more than enough power and the ninespeed transmission takes it through the gears seamlessly. And while it is no sports car, the Enclave was remarkably stable through corners, exhibiting very little of the body sway that is typical of large SUVs. The newly introduced Avenir trim level brings with
it a ton of tech and safety features. Adaptive cruise control, front and rear parking assist, 360-degree camera, lane departure warning, OnStar (and all of its safety and convenience features), navigation and 4G LTE Wi-Fi hot spot all come standard. The most striking thing about driving the new Enclave was how little engine and road noises make it into the cabin. Buick employs an active noise cancellation system, generous amounts of sound-deadening materials and acoustic-insulating glass in the windshield and frontside windows to keep the interior quiet and peaceful. The redesign of the Enclave hits the mark on all counts and, with the debut of the Avenir trim level, Buick’s flagship SUV can now compete with the world‘s best.
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Lifestyles
Experts Say: If they meet someone online who sounds too good to be true, they probably are. If they decided to meet up in person, do it somewhere very public. Ideally, with cameras, good lighting and witnesses – and don’t go alone. I try to encourage people to think rationally and not emotionally, like if someone says their webcam is broken for weeks on end or if they refuse to speak over the phone, they’re probably not who they say they are. Also, never send pictures you don’t want shared with every other person on the internet. — Bakersfield Police Department Sgt. Ryan Kroeker
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TECH TALK
FISHING FOR LOVE: the dangers of online dating Tips on how to avoid being ‘catfished’ By Kasey Meredith
These days, dating can look a lot more like flirty text exchanges, rather than sharing a bite to eat at the new gastropub. Approaching your crush might be less intimidating than face-to-face interaction, but that two-way anonymity can also be dangerous and deceiving. The term “catfish” is used to describe someone being fraudulent about their identity online. Catfishing can lead to heartbreak and anger, but could also put your safety in danger. Here’s how to avoid them:
1 Sleuthing: If you meet them online, take note of their social media. How many pictures are they posting? How many friends
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February 2018
do they have? Who’s commenting on their social media? What do their conversations look like? Some dead giveaways are not wanting to talk on the phone and video chat; either of these could give away their identity.
2
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder: Reverse search their picture using Google image search. Search their name everywhere.
3
Once upon a time: Everyone loves a good and catfishes are no exception. Be wary of outlandish sob stories or anything that sounds overly embellished or dramatic. It’s human nature to empathize, but sometimes catfishes will make up these stories when they fear losing you.
4 Face it: To not completely waste your time trying to meet Mr. or Ms. Right, weed out the imposters early on: Ask for a faceto-face meeting. Most catfishes will try and make excuses. A huge red flag is if they live within driving distance of you. 5
It’s elementary: Sometimes these red flags are just instances of coincidence. But if they keep adding up, err on the side of caution.
6 Be skeptical: Don’t meet up with this person for the first time in a private setting – definitely not your own home. A good venue is well-populated, like a coffee shop. Ask a friend to stake out your potential beau meeting if you’re still feeling uneasy.
MONEY MATTERS
NEW TAX LAW FOR 2018 AFFECTS MOST TAXPAYERS By Chris Thornburgh
Kiss the old tax rules goodbye after you file your 2017 tax return. Tax laws were majorly overhauled for 2018, which will likely affect you. In fact, it is the most significant change in the U.S. tax code in 30 years. Out of 1,000-plus pages of the new tax law, below is a list of highlights.
REDUCED INDIVIDUAL TAX RATES The new law retains seven tax brackets with lowered rates across the board. New rates range from 10 percent to 37 percent as of 2018, which revert back to the old rates in 2026.
PERSONAL EXEMPTIONS AND STANDARD DEDUCTION – TAKE THE BAD WITH THE GOOD As expected, personal exemptions are eliminated, but only through 2025. On the other hand, the standard deduction nearly doubles to $12,000 for single individuals, $24,000 for married taxpayers filing jointly and $18,000 for head of household taxpayers. The head of household filing status managed to survive – a win for single taxpayers supporting children and other dependents.
EXPANDED CHILD TAX CREDIT The child tax credit
doubles to $2,000 for tax years 2018 through 2025. This credit is available for each qualifying child under age 17. Modified income limits make the credit available to more families and a $500 credit is available for a nonchild dependent such as a parent.
FEWER ITEMIZED DEDUCTIONS This is arguably one of the most painful sections of the new tax law for Californians. State and local taxes are capped at a meager $10,000, which includes property taxes deducted as itemized deductions. Other changes include the complete elimination of itemized deductions previously subject to the 2 percent AGI limitation including unreimbursed employee expenses, union dues and investment fees to name a few.
MORTGAGE INTEREST CAP Homeowners can deduct mortgage interest on acquisition indebtedness up to $750,000 for their personal residence and second home. For mortgages taken out before Dec. 15, 2017, the limit is $1,000,000. Interest on home equity loans is no longer deductible.
POPULAR ELIMINATED DEDUCTIONS Alimony payments are no longer deductible for divorce decrees dated after Dec. 31, 2018. Starting in
2018, moving deductions are scrapped, except for the military. Casualty and theft loss deductions were also chopped.
ALTERNATIVE MINIMUM TAX (AMT) REVISION
PASS-THROUGH INCOME PERK Pass-through income gets a big tax break. This includes income earned by sole proprietorships, LLCs, partnerships and S-corporations. Taxpayers can deduct 20 percent of their passthrough income, subject to a few limitations. If you are a doctor, lawyer or accountant, don’t get too excited. There are phaseout income limits that apply to “professional services.”
CORPORATE REDUCED RATE The top corporate tax rate has been cut from 35 percent to a flat rate of 21 percent.
IMMEDIATE EXPENSING OF BUSINESS ASSETS
Unfortunately, the wretched alternative minimum tax for individuals made it through tax reform. On the plus side, exemptions have been raised so fewer taxpayers are subject to this additional tax.
ESTATE TAX CHANGES The estate tax survived tax reform. However, it is effectively eliminated for most people thanks to the increased exclusion from $5.6 million to $11.2 million per individual. A married couple can shelter $22.4 million from the estate tax. Good news: The step-up in basis at death is still allowed.
THE BOTTOM LINE
The new tax laws are a Businesses can immemixed bag of give-and-take diately expense the cost for individuals. Talk to a tax of new depreciable assets professional now to plan for (other than structures) the implications of these purchased after Sept. 27, new 2018 rules. 2017, through Chris Thornburgh 2022 rather is a CPA and partner than depreciating them at Brown Armstrong over a longer Accountancy Corp. period of time. Contact her at cthornburgh@bacpas.com This generous or 661-324-4971. The expensing will Chris views expressed in this be phased out Thornburgh column are her own. by 2026. www.BakersfieldLife.com
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Lifestyles
FASHION OUTLET
DATE NIGHT OUTFITS
Date night done right For her: A little black dress goes a long way. Add style and edge with a colored leather jacket, just draped over the shoulders (a new way to wear!) and sparkling details. We love the multi-metal drop earrings as they give you freedom to mix and match your jewelry tones. For him: Separate your suit! Pull out your favorite suit jacket or blazer and style that with your best denim. Your look will be dressed up and comfortable at the same time. It’s that simple!
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Celebrate in style For her: Go for wine! Give a style nod to the traditional Valentine’s Day red by wearing a the more sophisticated color: Wine. Accentuate your style with a pop of ivory and jewelry that shines. Include a
Photos by Mark Nessia Location: Sorella Restaurante Italiano Stylist: Laurie Brucker, style ambassador for the Outlets at Tejon Wardrobe: The Outlets at Tejon Hair and makeup: Kara Reynolds Models: Kara Reynolds, Scott Reynolds
• Kara outfit 1 (facing page) Dress: Express Factory Outlet Jacket: Express Factory Outlet Earrings: Express Factory Outlet Bracelet cuff: Express Factory Outlet Heels: Express Factory Outlet Heart necklace: Kevin Jewelers Handbag: Express • Scott outfit 1 (facing page) Blazer: Van Heusen
skin tone heel and you’ll complete the look. For him: Leave the tie and blazer at the office! Instead, make a statement with a leather jacket. Pair with slim slacks and a classic button-down. Don’t forget to cuff up the sleeves!
Dress shirt: Van Heusen Belt: Express Factory Outlet Denim: Express Factory Outlet Shoes: Express Factory Outlet • Kara outfit 2 (above) Blouse: Express Factory Outlet Skirt: Express Factory Outlet Heels: Express Factory Outlet Earrings: Van Heusen Necklace: Van Heusen Bracelets: Express Factory
Outlet Necklace on table: Kevin Jewelers • Scott outfit 2 (above) Leather jacket: Express Factory Outlet Chambray shirt: Van Heusen Slacks: Van Heusen Belt: Van Heusen Heart socks: Express Shoes: Express Factory Outlet www.BakersfieldLife.com
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Lifestyles
PASTTIMES
Today’s inspired youths are tomorrow’s future mentors Too often adults complain that teenagers are uncaring, selfish, always looking down at their phones. If you believe that to be true, what are you doing about it? It is our responsibility to act rather than complain. Teenagers need attention, guidance and personal connections with adults involved in their community. There are many mentoring opportunities and, as adults, not only must we lead by example, we should make it a personal mission to connect with those on the verge of adulthood and becoming young professionals. Many of us give money and time for causes, a noble thing. I propose that while doing so, take it a step further and nurture the next generation to follow your lead. Take a couple of students on that next community service project, find opportunities to expose them to service and, in the process, you will find yourself mentoring and, yes, enjoying it!
Imagine the chance to change a life for the better; it is a heady, heartwarming and one of the most positive experiences of your life. I do not believe young people are selfish and proved it. Four years ago, I helped start the Interact Club at Centennial High School, a community service club under Rotary International. The motto, “Service above self,” says it all. It has been one of the more rewarding experiences of my life, working with teens, showing them how to give back and, in the process, developed strong bonds that still hold after graduation. The club boasts 120 members earning many awards in a short time, including the Beautiful Bakersfield Award, Congressional Citation and House of Representatives Excellence in Service Award. 38
Bakersfield Life Magazine
PHOTO COURTESY OF LI GIBBS
By Li Gibbs
ment Summit (KernYES!) in February Members have gone on to join Rotaract, the equivalent of Rotary at the college and and at the Rotary District level, RYLA, Rotary Youth Leadership camp. All great community level for students and young opportunities to mentor and help develop professionals. Our Bakersfield Rotaract young minds and hearts. Club is a dynamic service club with dedicated young professionals looking to add Yes, you can leave a better world, not more members. with grandiose overtures, but in your own Interact and Rotaract are mentored backyard by mentoring. Help start and and supported by Rotary Clubs. I encournurture a community service group in age you to Google rotary or email me to your local high school, join Rotary. Peace find out more. But I digress, what I have and understanding can be achieved one learned is that if you lead the way, young kind act at a time, let’s help our next generation on the journey toward a kinder people will follow. world. Ask me how! An amazing side effect is the mentoring opportunity this brings about. Li M. Gibbs, from Barcelona, Spain, is Imagine the chance to change a life for married to local attorney Steven Gibbs, a the better; it is a heady, heartwarming past president of Bakersfield East Rotary and one of the most positive experiences Club. Li is currently youth chair for of your life. Consider joining a Twilight Rotary Club of Bakerslocal Rotary Club. field, event chair for KernYES! and Rotary presents countless incoming director of new generapossibilities to get involved tions for Rotary District 5240. For with young people including more information about Rotary, projects, leadership camps, Rotaract and Interact, contact her conferences, student exchange at ligibbs@pacbell.net. The views programs and events such as Li Gibbs expressed in this column are her own. local Rotary Youth Empower-
February 2018
Go & Do
OUT & ABOUT
CANINE CLASSES PUT DOGS’ ATHLETICISM TO THE TEST
By Liarida Yoakum
Photos by Mark Nessia
Have a fur baby that needs some helpful guidance? Or maybe just looking for a fun, social interaction for them? Well, now’s your chance to meet other local residents who also have a great love for their fur baby. Kern Canine Activities, a dog club for you and your dog, hosts a wide variety of classes: obedience, flyball, dock diving (offered when the weather is warm), barn hunt and three different levels of agility courses. Aside from dock diving, the remaining classes are offered six weeks at a time, with a small break in between, all year-round. Classes are offered Saturdays starting at 7:30 a.m. and has been hosted at the home of KCA member Linda Watson for the last 10 years. “Flyball is a relay race for dogs. There’s two different teams, with four dogs on each team, and they run jump over a box, jump over four jumps
and the team who does it the fastest wins,” explained Watson. Dock diving is just what the name is: A dog goes to the end of a landing and jumps into a 20-by-40foot pool. There are dock-diving competitions for height, length and the fastest time for retrieving a bumper at the end of the pool. Barn hunt is the newest course added to the list. It originated in the Midwest and East Coast and is currently led by Dawn Stubbs and trainer/judge Chris Stubbs. Barn hunt tests the working traits of a dog and consists of finding a rat in a tube amid bales of hay. The agility courses are led by trainers Sherry Kelly, with 14 years of experience, and Sharon Clark, nine years of experience. The classes are intro to agility, intermediate and advanced agility courses. KCA invites pure breeds and mixed breeds. They must be up-to-date with all of their shots and there is a $20 annual fee to join the club.
For more information, visit Meetup.com/ KCA-Dog-Activities.com.
www.BakersfieldLife.com
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Go & Do
ENTERTAINMENT
ART AFTER DARK KICKS OFF THIRD SEASON WITH LANDSCAPE ARTIST ASTRID PRESTON By Asha Chandy
The Bakersfield Museum of Art is kicking of its third season of Art After Dark, which opens wide the doors of the museum drawing in guests from all over town. Starting Feb. 22, from 7 to 9 p.m., Art After Dark is a series of af40
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February 2018
ter-hours artistic experiences occurring on last Thursday of every month from February through October. Intended to be a free-flowing and casual event, attendees can expect beautifully curated works, activities meant to draw off the inspiration of the surrounding works of art and, of course, delicious drinks. Each Febru-
ary, the museum partners with Moo Creamy, which created three exclusive cocktails for this month’s event featuring their fresh, cold-pressed Thrive juices. Curator Rachel Magus will be introducing the works of landscape artist Astrid Preston, whose career spans over 30 years and multiple continents.
www.bmtstars.com
Both real and imagined, Preston’s pieces highlight the poetic qualities of nature that contrast with pixilated natural elements that combine modernism with a traditional art form. Those truly inspired by Preston can actually create their own nature-inspired pixilated works of art under the guidance of local art instructors. Nevertheless, those looking for a quiet, relaxing evening can simply grab a cocktail, sit back and enjoy the surreal, yet realistic, works of Preston. Magnus sees Preston’s work and Art After Dark itself as “a direct reflection of how art works; it evolves constantly and is never the same.” Her enduring, yet ever-changing work reflects the
role of technology in modern art and the need for galleries to incorporate the wider community, especially technology, into their exhibits. In a similar fashion, the Bakersfield Museum of Art continues to mix up the scene by incorporating the community’s input and partnering with local establishments. “We want to see more diverse programs and more going on at each program this coming season,” Magnus said.
Art After Dark Feb. 22, 7 to 9 p.m. 1930 R St. www.bmoa.org/artafterdark
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Go & Do
TRIP PLANNER
Cambria a ‘pawsitive’ experience for travelers, pets By Mark Nessia With only 25 available rooms, Cambria Shores Inn is an intimate establishment featuring many of the amenities of home.
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It started with a comment toward my dog – “She’s so cute!” – that led to an inquiry as to who we are. “I’m Mark and this is Tina Louise,” I say, gesturing toward the surprisingly well-behaved pug perched on a metal chair next to me. In turn, the other diners seated on the front porch of Old Stone Station – a converted gas station in west Cambria that is popular with locals – introduced themselves. And just like that, five new friends are made: Todd from Santa Barbara, who’s in town visiting
Bakersfield Life Magazine
February 2018
his mom, Susan, who lives in Cambria; Casey, Todd’s Yorkshire terrier; and Patty and Loui, who are up for the weekend from Chatsworth, coincidentally staying at same resort as me. The conversations that interrupted the sleepy silence of a beach community in the midst of winter was reminiscent of exchanges that take place between longtime friends, and it was all made possible because of a dog. It’s not uncommon for tourist destinations and its establishments to tout themselves as pet-friendly as the importance and role that our furry companions play in our lives continue to increase, but those found in Cambria, on
Cambria Shores Inn places heavy emphasis on the guest experience – both human and canine – with welcome baskets, complimentary breakfast and plenty of seating overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
the northwest corner of San Luis Obispo County, take canine courtesy to a whole new level. Checking in at Cambria Shores Inn, the front desk clerk addressed my dog first, showering her with head scratches and compliments long before turning his attention to other, less important, matters like collecting payment for our weekend stay. Cambria Shores Inn boasts a “Very Important Pooch” program that sees every canine guest receive a welcome basket containing food and water bowls, towel, doggy treats, doggy bags, a copy of Fido Friendly magazine and a surprisingly powerful keychain flashlight, which is perfect for late-night walks along the beachside trail. Remembering that it’s the human who pays the bill, the resort also greets them with a plate of freshbaked brownies. With only 25 rooms on the grounds, Cambria Shores Inn is an intimate establishment featuring many of the amenities of home – fridge, fireplace, microwave, flat-screen TV, Wi-Fi, etc. – along with a clubhouse-like common area and plenty of outdoor lounge space overlooking the Pacific Ocean for two- and four-legged guests.
The resort is across from Moonstone Beach, which is part of the Monterey Marine Sanctuary and, therefore, not dog friendly. However, the boardwalk that runs alongside it is and limits traffic to walkers and joggers so there’s no need to worry about cyclists whizzing by. A nighttime stroll down the path is a must with the waves crashing against the shore, the whitewater the only visible elements of an ocean swallowed up in the endless black of night. It’s highly recommended to rise early as well to see the sun slowly illuminate the water, a perfect companion to a little beachside reading to start the day along with the complimentary breakfast basket the resort drops off at each room around 8 a.m. containing freshsqueezed orange juice, bagel and cream cheese, grapes, muffin, apples and bananas – enough to get you going without weighing you down so you can dine at the numerous restaurants around town throughout the day. There’s something rejuvenating about visiting a beach town in the winter. With its reduced traffic and slower pace, it’s a great way to unwind and renew your spirit in a quiet and friendly atmosphere where pets are greeted first. www.BakersfieldLife.com
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Go & Do
GAMBLING GETAWAYS
Don Laughlin’s Riverside Resort Hotel & Casino
Along the banks of the Colorado River, nestled between surrounding majestic mountains, emerges the picturesque destination named for gaming pioneer Don Laughlin. Founded in 1966, Don Laughlin’s Riverside Resort Hotel & Casino in Laughlin, Nevada, is the town’s first and only family owned and operated property. The Riverside Resort is home to over 1,200 slot, video keno and video poker machines, 40 live gaming tables, a poker room, live keno, Bingo Paradise with seven bingo sessions daily, and a William Hill Race & Sports Book. In addition to gaming, amenities include plenty of fun and entertainment. Don’s Celebrity Theatre 44
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February 2018
seats 650 and hosts top-name entertainment weekly such as The Oak Ridge Boys, Crystal Gayle, Tony Orlando and Lee Greenwood to name just a few. The Dance Club offers 1,400 square feet of dance floor with karaoke nightly. The world-famous Losers’ Lounge provides live top-40 bands every Wednesday through Saturday with two-levels of seating and dance floors! Other attractions include: U.S.S. Riverside boat tour along the Colorado River up to Davis Dam; two classic car exhibits; Riverside Lanes 34-Lane Bowling Center, including a pro shop and nightly cosmic bowling; Riverside Cinemas Six-Plex Movie Theater with digital surround sound and digital Real D 3-D; Promotional Content
Don Laughlin’s Riverside Resort Hotel & Casino 1650 S. Casino Drive Laughlin, Nevada 702-298-2535 www.riversideresort.com Follow us on Facebook!
Jean Jeffrey The Salon & Day Spa; a Laser Tag Arena & Kid Kastle Supervised Children’s Play Center; large arcades; two swimming pools, two large gift shops, seven restaurants; a 740-space full hook-up RV Park with complimentary shuttle to and from the resort; and the Riverside Resort along with Sun Country Airlines offers direct flights into Laughlin/Bullhead International Airport from 25 states and over 78 cities nationwide! Along with comfortable hotel rooms ranging from mountain view to river view with optional balconies, your dining experience awaits! Gourmet Room: Don Laughlin’s signature restaurant (which has been patronage by Debbie Reynolds and Ronald Reagan to name a few), the Gourmet Room, offers a superb French, Italian and steakhouse gourmet dining experience with floor-to-ceiling windows. The Prime Rib Room on the River: The Prime Rib Room on the River is renowned for its slow-cooked, mouthwatering prime rib, carved and served tableside. Riverview Restaurant: Enjoy dining at its best in this 24-hour café. Breakfast, lunch and dinner dishes prepared to order with daily specials. The Riverside Buffet: A 24-hour deli style café offers gourmet blend coffees, fresh-baked pastries, superb sandwiches and a Don Laughlin favorite: Thrifty ice cream. Casa Serrano: Enjoy authentic and unique Mexican cuisine and cocktails. Promotional Content
Fatburger: Fresh 100 percent pure lean beef burgers made to order. Riverside Food Court: Featuring Cinnabon & Seattle’s Best Coffee, Pizza Hut Express and Dryer’s Famous Ice Cream. No need to look any further for your next vacation destination! Don Laughlin’s Riverside Resort offers special Room & Show Packages for all Don’s Celebrity Theatre shows as well as Laughlin Event Center townwide concerts, including Alabama on Feb. 24, Chris Stapleton March 24 & Luke Bryan April 7! For reservations, call 1-800-227-3849 or visit RiversideResort.com.
Don’s Celebrity Theatre schedule: Ty Herndon Jan. 31 – Feb. 3 Oak Ridge Boys Feb. 5 – 11 Crystal Gayle Feb. 15 – 18 Lovin’ Spoonful Mar. 8 – 10 Mickey Gilley Mar. 21 – 25
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B Well
YOUR MIND
IT’S THE THOUGHT THAT COUNTS: The psychology behind gift giving By Kasey Meredith
The season of giving isn’t over yet with Valentine’s Day on the horizon. Giving the perfect gift for your loved one can be stressful and lead you to think the worst – ending up alone on Feb. 14. But don’t let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game. Bakersfield psychologist Dr. Laurie Koenig said, “At least get a card and communicate your feelings the best way that you can about your appreciation to your partner.” Gift giving can be disastrous. If you’re not sure what to get someone, something homemade often adds value and sentiment to the gesture. Koenig said that “feelings of social inadequacy, self-doubt and fear of letting your loved ones down” go through a person’s mind when they fear their gift won’t be a successful one. Overthinking the perfect gift for that special someone in your life can be its own pitfall. “A gift given from the heart out of love and respect for the other individual is healthy and rewarding,” Koenig said. Koenig suggests steering clear of money as a gift, as it can come off cold. “Money is not what makes a gift special, but it is the actual expression of gratitude for the relationship,” Koenig said. But if the jitters still aren’t going away,
Koenig said that to cope with the anxiety with gift giving, remind yourself that “a lasting relationship will have friendship as one of its most important features.” “Friends talk openly, listen and try to understand the needs of other,” she said. “Ask for help from others who could give you a clue as what might be meaningful for the individual.” Gift-giving doesn’t have to be a twoway street. If you accept your fate as a bad gift-giver, asking the individual themselves shows that you care and are willing to listen to them. “Don’t ask what your loved one wants and ignore their wishes,” Koenig said. But above all: Don’t sweat the small things. With gifts, it’s the thought that counts. Above all, it’s a way to show that you love and appreciate your loved one. Laurie Koenig is a clinical psychologist who has practiced in Bakersfield, San Luis Obispo and Davis. Her work has encompassed individuals, families and couples.
COMMON FLOWER GIFTS
Chrysanthemum This is a perfect flower to give to your “mum.” In Britain, this flower is seen as a matriarchal symbol.
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Orchid Nothing says “passionately in love” quite like the disease-resistant, peculiar-looking orchid. Orchids generally symbolize passion and exotic beauty.
February 2018
Roses Like hydrangeas, can mean many different things. A mixed bouquet is perfect to let that special someone know that they are special, but you’re not sure to what degree of specialness. Red roses are an unmistakable sign of love: a deep longing, passionate desire. White, however, represents chastity and innocence.
YOUR BODY
Sinless sweets By Kasey Meredith
Valentine’s Day is right around the corner and with it comes decadent cakes, boxes of indulgent chocolates and other painfully delicious sweets. Instead of chowing down on refined, processed goodies consider these equally delicious, but healthier options.
Nice Cream Perfect for when your bananas are over-ripe and you have a craving for a frozen treat. Nice cream base is made by blending up frozen bananas and from there the possibilities are endless. Some additives could be: almond or peanut butter, chocolate chips and berries. If it’s too thick, add a splash or two of milk.
Dark Chocolate The more percentage of cacao, the better it is for you. Once you get used to milk and white chocolate’s bitter sibling, dark chocolate, you’ll be hooked. Boosted with antioxidants and full of flavonols, which improves heart health. It also helps regulate your cholesterol levels.
Carob Dark chocolate’s cousin, carob comes from the cacao plant. These come in chip, block and powder form and can be a healthier option to chocolate in some of your favorite dishes. Carob has been said to help regulate cardiovascular health and has less sugar and fat than chocolate.
Nice cream
Date Truffles Dates, or nature’s candy, don’t have to be consumed in dried fruit form. To make the base of the truffles, date paste, soak the dates until they become soft. Blend that in a food processor and store it in an airtight container in the fridge overnight. Glaze them with melting chocolate, preferably dark chocolate and then roll them with ground up nuts, coconut flakes or cocoa powder. Let the chocolate set and enjoy!
or coconut milk makes a nutritious pudding. Jazz it up by making a parfait, using strawberries or blueberries between layers of chia pudding. If it’s not sweet enough, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract and half of a teaspoon of maple syrup.
Matcha latte
Matcha Latte Chia pudding
Chia Pudding
Date truffles
These seeds pack a punch, full of omega-3 fatty acids, protein and fiber. Plain chia seeds are bland, but soaking them overnight in almond
Flavored lattes can veer closer to hot sugar water rather than coffee. However, matcha lattes will still give you your caffeine fix and leave you feeling warm and cozy. Whisk or stir matcha powder, ground up green tea leaves, with hot milk and you’ve got yourself a cozy beverage. Matcha is rich with antioxidants and is a metabolism booster.
Sweet Synonyms: If you like nice cream, try Ben and Jerry’s new nondairy ice cream flavors. These ice creams are made with coconut milk, great if you’re having stomach issues. Or try, Halo Top ice cream. The way it’s processed makes it lighter and less in calorie quantity. If you like date truffles, try making energy balls! These can come in a variety of ways, blend up 1/2 cup of peanut or almond butter, with 1 cup cereal or oats. Add flax seeds, chia seeds, vanilla extract or whatever else!
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B Well
FEATURE
RX DOG: The healing powers of dogs By Kasey Meredith
Right: Caitlin Wren and Jenny Facing page: Luca and his owner, Liz Kovar, with Kovar’s previous dog, Fred, in background.
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February 2018
PHOTO BY KASEY MEREDITH
C
aitlin Wren wouldn’t have been able to finish high school or leave her house regularly if it wasn’t for Jenny. Anxiety had taken over her life and no matter whom she was with, it became unbearable to be outside her home. But Jenny was different: Wren felt having Jenny there by her side almost immediately quelled her anxiety. “I loved her instantly,” Wren said recalling the first day she met the yellow Labrador. “I wasn’t having the best quality of life, I had no independence and couldn’t leave the house, even with my mom.” Three years ago, the second-year psychology student couldn’t fathom a future where she’d be living alone and taking classes at CSUB, her reality today. “A lot of the time she’s at my feet, she’s like my heartbeat, we’re a package deal,” Wren said. At first, Jenny helped Wren with her anxiety by alerting Wren when she sensed a panic attack coming on. Or she would lie on Wren’s lap, a technique known as deep pressure therapy. “She’ll be dead asleep, snoring away and immediately stand up if I start to get dizzy or feel upset,” Wren said. Wren now uses Jenny as a physical aide and less for anxiety, as she was diagnosed with three chronic illnesses last year. “She can do things no human can do,” Wren said. Jenny will put her paw up on Wren’s thigh, which to passersby might look like she’s begging, but Jenny is actually sensing that Wren might pass out due to increased heart rate or blood pressure that dogs can sense.
PHOTO COURTESY OF LIZ KOVAR
Jason Watkins, leader of student disabilities at CSUB, said there are three classifications of support animals: service, emotional or comfort, and therapy animals. Yet there’s a fine line at college campuses like CSUB, Watkins said, where emotional support animals are still a relatively new concept and don’t have any policies. Right now, they don’t need to wear a vest, aren’t allowed in classes, must be on a leash and potty trained. CSUB is expecting to unveil a policy on comfort or emotional support animals next semester. The fact that Jenny isn’t required to wear a vest or anything signaling that she’s a service dog can lead to some confusion. Service dogs, according to Wren, are trained to do specific tasks that can offer medical aid, such as deep pressure therapy. Emotional support and therapy pets don’t require that training, but aren’t specifically registered either. Sometimes Jenny can be a barrier, Wren said, and that many people see her as a service handler first and a person second. Wren said she’s been asked outlandish questions like “what’s wrong with you?” which she’s only required to answer what it is that Jenny does and if she’s a service dog. “I wouldn’t recommend it to just anyone; it’s not easy,” Wren said. “It will change your life. You now have this other being to take care of.” Emotional or comfort support animals aren’t necessarily rowdy pets, even though they don’t have as specialized training. Liz Kovar, the director of Marley’s Miracle Mutts, said the dogs take many tests spanning categories like temperament, obedience and sociability.
“We’re trying to be a more inclusive campus,” Watkins said. “I’d like to make the emotional support animals more prevalent.” Five-month-old golden Labrador Luca is a power source of empathy and support for Kovar herself – he’s an emotional support and therapy dog. “Every time it seems like I’m going to sink all the way down, he’s here,” Kovar said of Luca, whose namesake means “light of life.” Kovar initially got her first dog Fred, to help her through bouts of depression and anxiety, but also trained him to be a comfort dog for a child with autism. Fred then became an emotional support animal for herself and a therapy dog and when Fred passed, Kovar trained Luca to fill his paws. “He doesn’t negate or replace the problem, he just brings me to the present moment,” Kovar said. “Dogs will take on all of our emotional responsibilities.” As a therapy dog, Luca visits senior citizens for a program called Barks and Books and schools where he receives pets in exchange for destressing students. It’s not just college campuses that have gray areas regarding comfort or emotional support animals. Places like airplanes and shops don’t have specific policies as well. Kovar recognizes that therapy dogs and emotional support dogs shouldn’t be co-dependent with their human guardians. “They’re not just for recreating and snuggling. While that is great, it’s better to see relationship between both develop,” Kovar said. “The perception is that it’s a guardianship, not an ownership. Pets aren’t objects.”
Working animals classifications: • Service: Emotional • Comfort: Used interchangeably. • Therapy
Marley’s Miracle Mutts Marley’s Miracle Mutts is a branch of Marley’s Mutts that specializes in training dogs to be therapy dogs.
Did You Know? Service animal handlers aren’t legally required to show you their paperwork. In fact, there isn’t even a certificate to validate this.
Jenny will put her paw up on Wren’s thigh, which to passersby might look like she’s begging, but Jenny is actually sensing that Wren might pass out due to increased heart rate or blood pressure that dogs can sense. But the healing force that Jenny and Luca possess is unmistakable. Comfort, emotional support, therapy and service animals aren’t a catchall solution, but certainly are a special form of medicine. “For students with debilitating anxiety, you can almost see the animals reduce that blood pressure and if they can do that, then why not?” Watkins said about having comfort and emotional support animals. www.BakersfieldLife.com
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B Well
LOVE AND LIFE
“All I really need to know about love I learned from my parents” Left: Nina’s parents, Richard and Mary Liu Middle: Ha and Liu Family, April 2017 Below: Ben’s parents, Khie Sem and Bonnie Ha
By Nina Ha
My father first heard about my mother through a cousin of his. The way he tells it, his cousin was on a busy train in Taiwan when he noticed a young woman who was as beautiful as she was brave. With a firm smack of her hand, she had fought off the unsolicited advances of a presumptuous passenger. She then fearlessly cautioned, “Don’t you ever try that again!” My uncle knew that she would be a perfect match for his equally cool cousin, my dad. So my parents began a love story through letters imbued with poetry and dreams. And the rest is history. Meanwhile, in the city of Taipei, a young medical student and a China Airlines stewardess met through a mutual friend. Theirs was a friendship that slowly turned into love. My mother-in-law fell 50
Bakersfield Life Magazine
for my father-in-law’s good looks while Love is knowing what your partner he admired her kind heart. Four kids and needs or wants even before they themselves realize it. 47 years later, they’re still enjoying life Love is planting a rose garden for together, hand in hand. your wife because you know how much it Our family had the privilege of spending the holidays with both sets of parents means to her. recently. I observed their enduring love Love is holding back a criticism when and servant hearts and marveled at their you have every right to say it. ability to accept and forgive. Their lives Love is making peace with the past are a continual masterclass on love. and letting it go. They and my husband have taught me Love is seeing your spouse happy and so much about love: striving to be the reason why. Love is making coffee for the other Love is thanking God every day for person every morning so it’s ready for your loved one, faults and all. them when they wake up. There’s so much we can learn Love is noticing what your from the loving relationships spouse enjoys and looking out around us. And if we pay close attention, perhaps one day our own for it when you go shopping. love stories will be told by the next Love is being the No. 1 fan generation of amorous scholars. when your husband plays an instrument and cheering the Opinions expressed are those of loudest when the performance Nina and Benjamin Ha Nina Ha. is over.
February 2018
Castle & Cooke defined active adult living in Bakersfield.
Why settle for less than an original?
Models Opening Mid February
Pre-sales have now begun in Highgate Regents. In 1998 Castle & Cooke created The Greens in Seven Oaks. In 2005 Brighton Parks changed everyone’s perception of active adult living. Now, Castle & Cooke introduces Highgate Regents at Seven Oaks, our newest and most anticipated gated, master planned active adult community. Highgate Regents takes the active adult lifestyle to an all-new level, combining European sophistication with California style, low maintenance homes and stress-free living. Visit Highgate Regents today and discover why Castle & Cooke is Bakersfield’s number one choice for active adult living.
From the Original Creator of Seven Oaks
GATED, MASTER PLANNED, ACTIVE ADULT COMMUNITY | PRIVATE PARKS | PRIVATE CLUBHOUSE, POOL & FITNESS CENTER
Seven Oaks Country Club Membership Incentives Available* 661-829-1775 | Ming Ave. and Allen Rd. | Monday- Saturday 10am -5pm and Sunday 11am - 5pm | HighgateSevenOaks.com * Requires financing through Castle & Cooke Mortgage. Seven Oaks Country Club membership subject to application approval. BRE#01254164
PET PARADE
Broc
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2018
Blanca
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Bakersfieldians love their pets and it’s evident in in the flood of submissions that make up the second annual Bakersfield Life Pet Parade! Eleven pages totaling over 350 pets! Thanks to all who participated and enjoy the cuteness in the pages to follow!
Coffee
Abigail MacDoodle 52
Bakersfield Life Magazine
Rusty
Abigail February 2018
Alf
Ali-Bama
Alvin and Cujo
Alvin
2018
Angus
Annie
Athena
Aussie
Baby Paws and Casper
Bailey
Barkley
Baxter
Bear
Beast
Bella
Bella
Bella
Biscuit
Biscuit
Black Ty Affair
Blanca
Bobby and Shorty
Bodie
Bogey
Boomer
Austin
Baby Kitty
Barrington
Barley and Gunnar
Beauty
Beau
Beaux
Bella and Koda
Bernie
Bobby and Foxy
Bosco
Bosque
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PET PARADE
Brinks and George
Brooke
Bruiser
Bruno
Buddy
Bullet
Brutus
Buddy and Sadie
Buddy
Buddy
Bunker
Buster
Buster
Buster Bear
Cali
Candi
Charlie
Chip
Cocker and Docker
Cocoa
Coffee
Cookie
Cooper
Cooper
Cooper
Cowboy
Cowboy
Cutie
Daisy
Daisy
Cooper and Flirt 54
Broc
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February 2018
C.J. and Scooter
2018
Dakota
Darby
Dark Wing
Dax
Dodger
Dollie
Drew
Ducky
Dusty
Ebony
Eleanor
Elroy
Figo
Finn
Fredo
Gabbana
George
Gertrude
Gidget
Gizmo
Graycie
Gumbo
Gunnar
Gunnar
Duke and Max
Erbert
Fender
George and Charley
Gracie
Graham
Destiny
Dixon
Dude and Scooter
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PET PARADE
Gunner
Harlow Jean and Bugsy McKnuckles
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Hammer
Gypsy and Gunny
Hannah
Harriet and Charley
Hera
Hazel and Holly
Hercules
Hissler
Homer
Hope
Hunter
Jack
Jackson
Jake
Jake
Jake
Jax
Jay
Jelly Bean
Jessie James
Joby
Joe Hot Mater
Jordy
Juju
Karma
Kasi
Katie
Keiko
Kelley
Khaleesi
Bakersfield Life Magazine
February 2018
2018
Kingsley
Kitkat
Kitty
Kobe
Koda
Kodah Snow
Kodiak
Kona
Kona
Kona Kailua
La Bella
Lacey
Lady
Ladybird
Leon
Leonidas
Lexus
Li’l Jeff
Libby and Boo
Lil Wayne
Lily
Lily
Lily
Lily
Little Annie
Little Foot
Littlebear
Loto
Lucky Lady
Lucky
Lucy
Luci
Lucky and Branch
Leopard, Hammer, Scout and Count
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PET PARADE
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Lucy
Lucy
Lucy
Lucy “Lulu”
Lucy
Lucy
Lucy
Luke
Lulu Linde
Lulubell
Maggie Mae
Maisy
Mandy
Marie Purrie
Marshall
Max
Max
Meyer
Meyer
Mia
Mickey
Mila
Millie
Miss Abigail
Miss B
Missy
Mitchell
Mocha
Mojo
Molly
Molly
Momma Kitty
Moose
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February 2018
Moochie and Tucker
Morra Jones
2018
Mona and Marge
Mouse
Moxie
Mr. Shelby
Muffin
Nadya and Pretzel
Nayla
Newton
Niki
Nikki Gabin
Notorious P.I.G., aka Pig
O-Ren Ishii
Olaf Winslow Abbott
Oliver and Sunny
Oliver
Ollie
Ollie
Oreo
Osito
Otis and Smokie
Ozzie
Panda
Panzer
Panzer
Paque
Penelope
Penny
Penny
Penny
Penny-Rose
Pepe
Pepe
Pepper
Pheobe
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PET PARADE
Pipsqueak
Pom Pom
Priscilla
Rebel
Riley
Riley
River
Rocky, aka Boo
Roman
Roscoe
Rosie
Roxxi & GiJett
Roxy
Roxy
Ruby
Ruby
Ruby Bonneville Bond
Ruger
Rusty
Sable
Sabrina
Sadee
Sadie
Sadie
Sadie
Sadie and Emily
Sammie Bo Jangles
Sampson and Tobin
Sadie Lee 60
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Sammie and Fue-goat February 2018
Ramsey
Rain, Caeden and Calvin
2018
Sandy and Chai
Sarah
Sasha
Scarlet
Scodie
Senator Willard T. Grimshaw III
Sheba and Giacomo
Shel Silverstein
Sheriff Sarge
Sissy
Sissy
Skeet
Skyler
Smalley
Smirk
Smokey
Smokey
Snickers
Sophie
Sophie
Sophie
Sophie
Sparky
Sparky
Spyro
Squeek
Squirrel
Stanley
Star
Stogie and Miles
Stormy
T-Bone
Teddy, Stella, Betsy, Tilly, and Flo www.BakersfieldLife.com
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PET PARADE
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Tally
Teddy
The Nut
Tiggy
Tiki
Tina Louise
Toby
Toby
Toby
Toby and Zoey
Todd
Todd and Lisa
Tom and O. C.
Twinkle Briganti
Twyla
Tyson
Venice
Weasel
Woody
Woody
Wrigley
Zoe
Zoey
Zonda
Bakersfield Life Magazine
February 2018
Westin and Fiona
Valentino and Olive
Whimsy
Whiskers
Yoshi
Zak
Zin
Zooey
Duffy
Norman
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People & Community
BUSINESS PROFILE
THURMAN VETERINARY CENTER Dr. Travis Thurman and his staff.
Dr. Travis Thurman is Bakersfield through and through. Born and raised in our wonderful city, his love for animals blossomed right from the start. From cattle ranching with his father, Steve, to joining the 4-H community at the age of 7, you could say being a veterinarian was his destiny. After attending high school 64
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February 2018
at Highland High, he then went to pursue his dream at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. After graduation, he attended vet school at St. George’s University in Grenada. Once finished, Dr. Thurman did his clinical studies at Texas A&M. Upon returning to Bakersfield, he began his professional career at a local veterinary hospital. After a few short years, he knew it was time for him to strike out on his own. That’s when Thurman Veterinary Center was born. Seven years later, here he is celebrating the first year in his brand-new, bigger and better building! Dr. Thurman has decided to make 2018 the best year yet! He wants to show his appreciation to the wonderful people of this city and has some exciting promotions headed your way. To start the year off right, we here at Thurman Veterinary Center are going to tackle one
of the biggest issues that affects animals’ daily lives: dental care! February is Dental Month! We will be offering 20 percent off dental cleanings and 10 percent off dental care items! And that’s just to start! Each month in 2018, we will be offering different promotions to give back to our clients. Come on in and join the Thurman Veterinary Center family!
Thurman Veterinary Center 12816 Jomani Drive 661-589-9900 www.thurmanvetcenter.com To make things a bit sweeter, mention this Bakersfield Life Magazine article and get a free nail trim for your pet!
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January 2018: 20% Off New Client Doctor Exams February 2018: 20% off Dental Cleanings, 10% off Dental Upkeep Items March 2018: 20% off Microchip Placement and Registration. April 2018: 20% off Allergy Testing May 2018: 20% off Flea and Tick treatment June 2018: 20% off Spay and Neuters July 2018: 20% off Senior Animal Wellness Exams August 2018: 20% off Yearly Exams September 2018: 20% off Microchip Placement and Registration October 2018: 20% off Dental Cleanings, 10% off Dental Upkeep Items November 2018: 20% off Heart Worm testing and 20% off Deworming your pet December 2018: Holiday Donation DriveBring in a gently used blanket/towel/bed/toy for animals and receive a FREE nail trim for your pet
People & Community
BUSINESS PROFILE
Self Serve Pet Spa
Self Serve Pet Spa is a locally owned and run self-serve dog wash and natural pet food store opened by Amy and David Sidhu. They opened their store 10 years ago, hoping to improve pets’ lives by providing a safe place to wash your dog and shop for high-quality pet food and treats. They currently operate two stores: one in the northwest on Calloway Drive and one in the southwest on White Lane. What services and products are available at Self Serve Pet Spa? We have a variety of different self-serve washes, from a basic wash to the spa package and even a de-shed wash. All the washes include a waisthigh tub, shampoo, towels, dryer, brushes and when you are done, we clean and disin66
Bakersfield Life Magazine
fect everything for you. In addition to the selfserve dog wash, we are a complete pet supply store. We carry high-quality natural pet food and treats, collars, leashes, toys, shampoos and supplements. Tell me about the pet food in your store? We are very proud of the foods we carry. We’ve gone to great lengths to research every brand in our store. It’s important to us that dogs and cats are fed a food containing no corn, no wheat, no soy, no byproducts and no artificial preservatives/coloring. We’ve searched to find the best products on the market for your pets; if we believe it will make a difference in your pet’s life, it’s in our stores. We have everything from kibble, canned food to Bakersfield’s February 2018
largest selection of raw and freeze-dried pet food.
wash your dog without making a mess at home.
What is the difference between taking a pet to Self Serve Pet Spa and a groomer? There is no groomer here. It’s you and your dog. It’s like walking into your groomer’s station, using all of their equipment: raised tub, quality shampoo, high-velocity dryer, brushes and leaving the mess when you’re done. Because you’re doing it yourself, it’s only $15. It’s a great place to
Is there an incentive program available to loyal customers? Yes, we have a few: 1. Buy 10, get one free wash. 2. Buy 10, get one free nail trim. 3. $5 back for every 100 points on treats, collars, leashes, toys and supplements. 4. Buy 12, get one free on most pet food.
2816 Calloway Dr., #103 661-588-7858 7401 White Ln., #2 661-381-7699 www.selfservepetspa.com
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People & Community
BUSINESS PROFILE
Hardt Construction Fur and Feathers Mill Creek Expansion People love their “fur babies.” That’s why Sarah Stevens has spent more than three decades helping keep Bakersfield pets safe and happy. And that is why Hardt Construction Services is helping Stevens expand her downtown Fur and Feathers Luxury Pet Resort at Mill Creek. A Bakersfield native, Stevens went to work after graduation from East Bakersfield High School as a certified veterinarian technician for Bakersfield Veterinary Hospital. She also joined BVH veterinarian Dr. Tom Banks in providing part-time care for wildlife and large animals at California Living Museum. Stevens eventually took a full-time position at CALM and continued her work with smaller animals part time at the Animal Emergency Clinic. But it was her love for local fur babies and her friendship with another local veterinarian technician that led the pair to open Fur
and Feathers Pet Resort in the Rosedale area in 2006. In response to customer demand, they opened a second downtown location, Fur and Feathers Luxury Pet Resort at Mill Creek, in 2014. Although the two locations offer similar services and share groomers, they now are separate businesses, with Stevens operating the Mill Creek pet resort. Why have you decided to expand? Our facility at 408 21st St., which boards dogs, cats and birds and offers doggie daycare and grooming, is running out of space. We have hired Hardt Construction Services to renovate a former warehouse next door to accommodate 26 new canine suites and a canine water fitness center. Older pets, pets with special needs, cats, birds and small pets will continue to be cared for in the smaller building. What is a canine water fitness center? The center will feature a
Sarah Stevens and True
pool, where dogs can receive water therapy to address many conditions – geriatrics and arthritic problems, paralysis and other mobility issues, pre- and post-surgical rehabilitation, obesity, dysplasia, and to increase body awareness, balance and coordination. Water therapy also may be requested for general fitness and muscle tone. I and another staff member have completed the Heart of Canine Aquatic Therapy Course, levels 1 and 2, to help provide these services. We also plan to offer puppy safety classes for people who have pools in their backyards and want to make sure their pups are safe around them.
What other trends are you seeing? Pets are important family members. People really want the best for their fur babies. Downtown is a central area – relatively easy to get to for many people and even visitors. As downtown becomes more pedestrian-friendly and restaurants and shops thrive, I see our facility embracing a boutique style and offering more specialized services. When will the expansion be completed? A public groundbreaking for fur babies and their “parents” will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 3. The project will be completed by early fall.
More Information Details on the groundbreaking, project and services offered can be found at www.Millcreekpets.com and Facebook. Staff can answer questions at 661-843-7970.
Canine water therapy
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February 2018
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People & Community
PROFILE
From puppy to police officer
By Erica Byrd – Barton Marketing Group
Protect and serve, the commitment all law enforcement agents make, including K-9 officers. Like their human counterparts, police dogs take the commitment beyond the call of duty. Meet Mirko, the adorable 4-year-old German shepherd. Mirko was born in a small community in Germany but was destined to become a K-9 officer in America. As a puppy, he displayed the kind of courage and skills needed to stand in the line of duty, and his natural ability didn’t go unnoticed for long. While visiting Germany on their annual scouting trip, Alderhorst immediately recognized Mirko’s talent and soon brought him to America. Alderhorst International is the premier innovators of procuring dogs with a strong genetic, as well as a working background. From inception, Alderhorst has recruited canines with a European working title, and they personally perform the vet check-up while in Europe. Soon after making the long journey to the States, Alderhorst began basic obedience training with Mirko. And as expected, Mirko performed above and beyond all reasonable expectation. Word began to buzz about 70
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February 2018
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Mirko and many agencies began to take interest in him, including the McFarland Police Department. As many would suspect, police canines are not easily obtainable. They are in high demand, short supply and financially exhausting, costing upward of $12,000 per dog. But, as fate would have it, McFarland PD had just received a K-9 grant from K9s4COPS, and Mirko was still available. “We ran into a unique opportunity to have him; we had just received a K-9 grant. With the help of the grant, we were able to secure him,” said McFarland Chief Scott Kimble. K-9 officers are a crucial benefit to law enforcement agencies; they are loyal and steadfast officers. They are highly trained and immensely dedicated. They are usually the only police officers that are routinely called “adorable,” but don’t let their looks deceive you, they are also extremely “powerful.” They are the four-legged officers of the K-9 unit, and whether they are searching for missing children or sniffing out suspicious packages, they are part of a longstanding tradition that extends back thousands of years. Mirko ranked No. 1 of the 34 dogs at Alderhorst and he has passed his early exams with flying colors. For example: Many dogs become skittish around slippery floors, many lose their footing while running on tile, but not Mirko. Mirko held his ground during a recent routine test. He was sent into a dark training room to find an unknown suspect. Without hesitation Mirko tracked the suspect, latched on, and began to drag the suspect back out to his handler. He never lost footing, never became distracted and followed through with his assigned duty. This type of display in a young canine is rare; Mirko’s behavior resembles that of a seasoned K-9 officer. Mirko has a promising future, but he also has big obstacles to overcome. The required courses he must complete to become an officer are costly and the funds are not readily available. McFarland Police Department and Kern County Law Enforcement Foundation are calling on Kern County to help send Mirko and his handler, Officer Tyler, to Alderhorst for the required training. The funds needed to make this possible are $31,000. Sending an officer and his canine partner to training is quite expensive. McFarland Police Department must cover the funds for lodging at an animal-friendly hotel, pay for the shifts another officer must cover due to Officer Tyler being away at training and the actual courses as well. The cost quickly adds up, but in-reality, the fees needed are small in scale compared to the amount of value that Mirko will bring McFarland. McFarland is rapidly expanding and with expansion comes crime. Due to its convenient central location, McFarland has become a center point for northern and southern gang activities. This includes violent crimes and drug trafficking. The quicker McFarland PD can get Mirko on the streets, the faster he Promotional Content
can begin to put a stop to these types of crime. McFarland Police Department has three major goals for Mirko: 1. Attend and graduate the Basic Handler Course, enabling Mirko to become a certified canine. Upon completion of the course, Mirko will become an official officer. Officer Mirko will immediately begin patrolling the streets with his partner, making McFarland and all of Kern County a safer and better community. 2. Attend and graduate the second course, Narcotics Detection. Mirko receiving narcotics training will greatly impact his team of officers’ ability to track, recover and stop the trafficking of drugs in our community. 3. The last, and most important goal, the police department has for Mirko is that he fulfills his calling and lives the greatest possible life. Mirko has become more than a “pet” to the McFarland Police Department – he has become their brother. They vow to protect and serve with him. McFarland Police Department and the Kern County Law Enforcement Foundation hopes raise the needed funds for Mirko’s journey by sending officers from the K-9 team to local Kern County schools. The officers will be giving demonstrations and reading the newly released book, “Mirko the Miraculous K-9.” The book tells the story of Mirko and his early life in Germany. Learn about his family, meet his first teacher, Mr. Alfreck, and follow him on his journey to the United States. If you are interested in purchasing “Mirko the Miraculous K-9” or donating to the Mirko Fund, please visit BartonMarketing.com or KCLEF.com. www.BakersfieldLife.com
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People & Community
BAKERSFIELD MATTERS
Paw prints on our hearts Grappling with loss of four-legged family members
Pet Loss Grief Support Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine Pet Loss Hotline 866-266-8635 or 509-335-5704 Association for Pet Loss & Bereavement, www.aplb.org American Veterinary Medical Association, www.avma.org www.rainbowsbridge.com www.humanesociety.org
Charlie on a Kimble family trip.
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Our pets teach us to be patient, to love, to lose and to never forget. It’s the natural order of things. They aren’t supposed to outlive us, though we wish they could. And when they are gone, they leave paw prints on our hearts forever. But losing them is no easy task and something no one can prepare for. They don’t come into our lives with instructions to “love them to death, even though death may come sooner than expected.” But such was our family’s experience last month when, in the middle of the holiday season, we were faced with the agonizing end-of-life decision with our golden retriever. The medical odds were not in Charlie’s favor, and we had to listen to his body as it told us the end had arrived.
In the immortal words of Dr. Seuss: “Don’t cry because it is over, smile because it happened.” There had been other farewells before his. As newlyweds, we lost our first, a Siamese cat. There was no internet back then. No children yet to soften the blow. Just a very patient and understanding veterinarian with Kleenex who took the time to listen. “It is tough. Sometimes it is the right decision, but it doesn’t make it easier,” said Stiern Veterinary Hospital’s Dr. Rose Rakow, who was with Charlie until his final
Bakersfield Life Magazine
February 2018
breath. On average, a dog or cat is euthanized at both its locations every day, on par with the national veterinary office average. That final leg of the animal life cycle may seem clinical and routine, but it isn’t any easier on the caregivers. “We lose a little bit of ourselves, too, with some of our patients. We get close to them and our technicians and staff do, too. I’ve been lucky. My pets just went to sleep. I wish that for everybody, that they don’t have to make that decision,” Rakow added. After the goodbye, where to the time to get a new pet,” said turn next, in a day and age when Bakersfield Animal Care Center a follow-up visit with the doctor is Executive Director Julie Johnson. now an old-school option as it was “This is a family member that has when we lost our cat? The Amerbeen with you.” ican Veterinary Medical AssociShe’s right. The loss takes its ation offers valuable links on its toll on everyone in the household, website. including the remaining pets. We “Washington State University, returned home, brokenhearted which is my alma mater, has a without Charlie to two other cagreat grief hotline 24/7,” Rakow nines who stood in wonderment. said of what is regarded as the Some people can’t bear the premier veterinary program in thought of replacement, others the country. Veterinary medical can’t stand the silence and lonelistudents trained in grief counselness. “If I didn’t lose my first pet, ing man the phones, empathizing I’d never have gotten the ones that with callers, assuring them that it came after,” Rakow added. is natural to feel the way they do. There is no right or wrong when Rainbows Bridge is a virtual it comes to replacing a beloved pet memorial home and grief supwith another animal in desperate port community. One of the most need of affection. But just as it comprehensive online sites is is with their end-of-life, listen to the Association for Pet Loss and your heart. Tap into the plethora Bereavement, where a virtual can- of services available, and in the dle, forums, personalized immortal words of chat rooms and categories Dr. Seuss: “Don’t allow pet owners to share cry because it is their stories with one anover, smile because other. it happened.” Because the loss is so personal, so too is the recovOpinions ery and moving-on process. expressed are those “It is such an individLisa Kimble of Lisa Kimble. ual experience on when is PHOTO COURTESY OF LISA KIMBLE
By Lisa Kimble
People & Community
MILLENNIAL VOICES
MILLENNIALS’ RELATIONSHIP WITH RELATIONSHIPS REFLECT A CHANGING OF TIMES By Asha Chandy
Millennials are the largest generation, but we aren’t getting married and having kids like they used to. We aren’t buying homes (gasp). Studies show that we are also putting iconic American establishments like JC Penny, Hooters and Applebee’s out of business. What is wrong with us? Our parents want us to buy into the American dream, procreate, stake a claim in the soil, buy a house and make our children follow in step. While some of us do settle down and do have children in the similar style of our parents, many millennials have made the choice to either put off or abstain from marriage and/or children. Does that make us selfish, entitled and ignorant or simply responsive to social conditions built far before our time? We are unique in the fact that our early and formative years were never without the widespread access to computers and search engines. Millennials have chosen to seek out, Google search for and pay for unique, tangible experiences before, or in lieu of, settling down to pop out a cash-guzzling child. In less than 10 seconds, we can find out that round-trip plane tickets to Nicaragua are cheaper than one month of preschool, not including the accoutrements required
of a child. We understand that children might not buy happiness all the while being exposed to high-definition drone images of the Maldives. Those whose coming-ofage is itself the digital age have more access to information and novel ideas, have bigger decisions to make and have more complex questions to ask that no other generation has grappled with. With this responsibility never asked of any generation before us, millennials are expected to innovate and adapt to a fast-changing world but still retain traditional values that our parents hold. So why aren’t we saving up to buy that perfect three-bedroom house with the beautiful crown molding? Because we
can see how many awesome idea of both enjoying life and things are out there, and we see social mobility is as obsolete how hard, almost inefficient, it as the iPod Mini. is to be satisfied with the notion So why do we do what we of the American dream. do? Millennials spend money Drake says it best: “YOLO.” faster and travel more despite You only live once. Might having low wages and fewer as well enjoy that local craft vacation days. We are more beer today instead of saving likely to go to have college for a down payment. degrees, yet a larger proporAsha Chandy graduated tion of us are living in poverty. As education and cost of living from UC Irvine and came back home to become increase, the feasia grant writer for bility for the average Bike Bakersfield. person to graduate She enjoys writing, from college without baking desserts, and any student loan playing with any debt dwindles. All and all dogs. The the while, 40 to 50 views expressed in percent of American this column are her marriages end in Asha Chandy own. divorce. Basically, the www.BakersfieldLife.com
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People & Community
HISTORY
BAKERSFIELD’S ENDURING PIECE OF AMERICANA: The perseverance of the Indian on the Circle By Julie Plata
What does a giant rooster from Tehachapi, a Bob’s Big Boy statue and Bakersfield’s Big Indian have in common? Aside from being fiberglass, they are all possible because of a man who needed to see about a horse. In 1961, a California horse trailer manufacturer named Bob Prewitt was looking for a way to showcase a model of a horse in his latest trailer. In an interview with the Los Angeles Times on Feb. 4, 1962, he explained that he needed to find a cheaper and sturdier alternative to the papier-mâché horses he considered purchasing. He came up with the idea of creating a horse out of fiberglass. He commissioned Gladys Brown Edwards to create a life-sized sculpture of what he called a “perfect quarter horse” to use as a mold. Prewitt’s fiberglass horse business caught on almost instantly and he started to sell more horses than trailers. He decided to create additional animal molds as well. As fate would have it, Prewitt received an order in 1962 from the Paul Bunyan Cafe on Route 66 in Flagstaff, Arizona, for a giant-sized Paul Bunyan. In an interview with the Foothills Sun-Gazette in 2004, the then-92-year-old Prewitt re74
Bakersfield Life Magazine
called that his Paul Bunyan creations started appearing in other business in the early 1960s and that he almost got himself into a heap of trouble due to the fact that Paul Bunyan was still under copyright protection. In 1963, Prewitt sold several of his molds, including those for the rooster and Bob’s Big Boy, to Steve Dashew, a fiberglass boat builder located in Venice, California. Dashew was looking for a way to make money during the off season, and this is where the story of Bakersfield’s Indian on the Circle begins.
It is the only remaining Indian “muffler man” (a name given to the statues in the 1990s) in California and one of 18 nationwide. Dashew realized that he could create a multitude of models out of the Bunyan mold. His new business, the International Fiberglass Company, started churning out the 14- to 25-foot giant men. Customers could choose from Paul Bunyan, golfers, Indians, spacemen and cowboys to name a few. The company assured potential customers that these three-dimensional attractions would increase their profits or their money back. February 2018
Around 1965, the Barnes family of Bakersfield invested in one of Dashew’s creations. Looking for ways to further promote their Big O Tires business, the Barnes purchased the giant Indian for $1,400. Ken Barnes recalled to The Bakersfield Californian on June 11, 2013, that, “We brought that there as an attention-getter.” Located near Garces Circle, the statue became a popular attraction and Barnes further recalled that he often had to remove arrows that were shot at it. When the Barnes family sold their business in 1972, there was a bit of mystery surrounding the fate of the statue. But its disappearance from the circle may not be so mysterious after all. On July
14, 1976, Bakersfield passed a new sign ordinance that affected many of the large billboards around town and included a provision that all statues must be restricted to no larger than life-size. The Sept. 4, 1976 Californian pointed out that this included the Big O Tires Indian. The statue had a couple of homes after it was removed, including a stint as the mascot for the Standard Middle School Warriors. Fifty-three years later, this piece of Americana continues to call Bakersfield its home. Now located at Ethel’s Old Corral Café, it is the only remaining Indian “muffler man” (a name given to the statues in the 1990s) in California and one of 18 nationwide.
Editor’s Note This article is the result of a letter from reader Fred Enyeart drawing attention to the statue. If there’s a piece of Bakersfield history you’re interested in learning more about, please let us know at bakersfieldlife@bakersfield.com.
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People & Community
ALL-STAR ATHLETE
All-purpose player Alexis Solis looks to lead BC softball back to state playoffs
By Stephen Lynch
If you take look at Bakersfield College’s softball stats from last year, it’s obvious who the most productive player on the team was. Former Highland High standout Alexis (Lexi) Solis led the Renegades in almost every meaningful offensive category, including runs, hits, home runs, RBI, batting average, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, extra base hits and total bases, while also serving as the team’s most effective pitcher. 76
Bakersfield Life Magazine
Solis, one of the top freshman hitters in the state a year ago, returns to the diamond this season with high hopes for herself and her team. BC, which finished last season 17-23 overall and 13-11 in Western State Conference-North play, made a coaching change during the offseason and is now under the direction of Casey Goodman. The Renegades have also added several talented newcomers to their roster. Amid all the changes, Solis remains a constant for BC, a booming bat to anchor its lineup. February 2018
Last season, playing mostly left field and center field when she wasn’t in the circle, Solis hit .432 with nine home runs and 63 RBI. The most notable demonstration of her hitting prowess came during a doubleheader against Santa Monica when she went 8 for 9 with three home runs and 16 RBI. Standing 5-foot-7 and weighing 185 pounds, Solis’ potent hitting swing is a product of outstanding hand-eye coordination combined with an abundant amount of lower-body strength. “I have a lot of power in my
hips and I just really put it into and through the ball,” Solis said. “When I see (a pitch) I like, I just hit it as hard I can. I guess it just works out for me.” Solis’ outstanding freshman season at BC came after four years of playing on the varsity team at Highland, where she tore the cover off the ball despite never having previously played fast-pitch softball. Solis batted .429 her junior season before posting a .413 average and leading the Scots to the Southeast Yosemite League championship her senior year. “That was a big highlight
Alexis Solis
of my (high school) career because we had all come so far,” Solis said. “I was proud of my entire team.” Even with her outstanding hitting credentials, Solis wasn’t highly recruited out of high school.
Solis, one of the top freshman hitters in the state a year ago, returns to the diamond this season with high hopes for herself and her team. That omission turned into a major coup for BC, which landed her services. Solis made the transition to junior college softball seamlessly. She went 3 for 4 in the season opener against College of the Sequoias and then 1 for 2 in each of the next two games, cementing a spot in the Renegades starting lineup. She ended up playing in 36 of BC’s 39 contested games and earning All-Western State Conference North Division First Team honors. With a year of experience
at the JC level now under her belt, Solis is poised to have a big sophomore season. “It was a good first year,” Solis said. “I put a lot of effort into that one. Hopefully this year is even better.” Solis has worked extremely hard during the offseason on her hitting, something she can focus on more intensely now that BC has added former Liberty High pitching standout Kylee Fahy to its roster. With Fahy aboard, Solis likely won’t pitch nearly as much as she did a year ago when she hurled 152 2/3 innings, posting a 2.89 ERA. That should be a good thing for Solis and BC, which is gunning for a return to the state playoffs. “This team is really strong,” Solis said.” We have a lot of chemistry and a lot of talent this year. I feel like we have state potential.” If the Renegades are going to earn a spot in the postseason, they’re going to need Solis, who wants to play at a four-year college next year, to have another big season. She’s ready for the challenge. “I want to outdo what I did last year,” Solis said. “See where that takes me.”
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People & Community
PERSONALITY
LOVE, TRUST AND COMPROMISE By Mark Nessia
The day is like any other. Luke sleeps in until his owner, Danae Britton, gets up and gets dressed. That’s when he, too, hops out of bed, albeit mopey and tired. They go on walks and visit Danae’s parents, Don and Susie Britton, regularly – just another day in the life. For all intents and purposes, Luke is a typical canine, full of energy and love for his family. He runs, he jumps, he barks, he plays tug of war. He just can’t see. Luke lost his left eye to glaucoma three years ago followed by the removal of his right in December 2016. With both eyes sewn shut, the black lab-basset hound mix is completely blind. Yet he is able to navigate his way through his surroundings without assistance, memorizing the layout of Danae’s house and her parents’ home within days of losing his sight. He even leads during his daily walks.
“He knows how many steps to take before he’ll turn,” Danae said. “He knows how to jump on my bed. I think he thinks he can see still. I don’t think he knows he’s blind.” Luke’s recovery wasn’t without hardship, however. After the second surgery, Luke fell into a depression, refusing to eat or drink for nearly a week. Not wanting to watch a beloved family member wither away, Don and Susie suggested putting Luke to sleep. “That was hard for me and I’ve got a real soft heart for animals,” Don said. “I was having a hard time watching him day after day just get weaker and weaker and no will to live.” But Danae refused to give up on Luke, whom she considers her son. Shortly after Danae’s refusal to put him to sleep, Luke returned to his normal self and life resumed as it was – with a few minor changes. “When he had his eyes, he was obsessed with tennis balls,” Danae said. “Now that
From left to right: Photos of Luke throughout the years document his bout with glaucoma. PHOTOS COURTESY OF DANAE BRITTON
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Bakersfield Life Magazine
February 2018
PHOTO BY MARK NESSIA
Owner’s refusal to give up on dog a testament to relationship between mother, son
he can’t see, he still loves tennis balls but you have to throw it 1 foot in front of him rather than 50 feet.” Luke was 6 weeks old when Danae first laid eyes on him, a stray in Oildale who wound up in the Bakersfield SPCA. Workers told her no one showed any interest in him, but Danae knew he was the one and took the 4-pound “bassador” home. Now 8 years old and 45 pounds, Luke still maintains a belief that his rightful place is nestled in Danae’s lap. “He’s very needy,” she said. “He’s always sitting in my lap.” But that’s where Luke feels most secure. Luke was always petrified
of sounds, but that fear was amplified when he lost his vision, so he constantly seeks his safe spot. “Every little sound freaks him out,” Danae said. “But he just comes, sits in my lap. I’m here to protect him. I don’t sleep a lot of nights because he’s so scared of the sounds going on. But I know it’s not his fault.” That level of patience and commitment speaks volumes about the relationship between owner and dog – between mother and son. “There’s a lot of people that would have put him to sleep just because of the cost of the first eye,” Don said.
Prior to the first surgery, the Brittons applied eye drops to Luke’s eye twice a day for two years to help keep the pressure low, along with emergency drops in case of a glaucoma attack. The cost of the drops alone was high and they knew it was just a matter of time before the eye had to be removed. The family also knew there was a chance the other eye would be affected, especially because basset hounds are highly suscepti-
ble to glaucoma. But that had no impact on Luke’s attitude as he is as positive, upbeat and caring as ever. If anything, it has strengthened the bond among family members, a symbiotic relationship built on love, trust and support. “It’s a good love story,” Susie said. “Danae just wouldn’t give up on him. She just always believed in him that he would do it and he did. I think he did it for her.”
Danae’s Mission Like her parents, Danae has a soft spot for animals and feels compelled to “save every dog” she comes across. Four years ago, before Luke’s first surgery, Danae came across a dog limping down Rosedale Highway, bloodied. Passing cars honked at it to get it to move before Danae pulled over, loaded the dog into her car and took it to Bakersfield Veterinary Hospital. The dog’s leg was completely crushed and doctors told her the leg would have to be amputated or the dog needed to be put to sleep. Despite not being the owner, Danae paid to have the dog’s leg amputated. Marley’s Mutts eventually took the dog in and found it a forever home. “He lives at the beach now,” Danae said. “Little tripod dog.”
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People & Community
OUR TOWN
PAWS brings pet awareness to local classrooms By Liarida Yoakum
Looking to address extreme overpopulation in local shelters and neglect in the area, Lauren Bronson helped form Pet Awareness Week for Students, or PAWS. Alongside Bronson was Steve West, Vanessa Chavez and Rob Hopkins from Leadership Bakersfield class of 2016 to develop the project in one year’s time. The group was tasked to create a community project and came to the idea of organizing a program that would bring responsibility to the lives of young children, as well as enhance the lives of animals. The responsible pet program is geared toward elementary-school-aged children, specifically third-graders. “Lesson plans and materials are all provided to the teachers; the curriculum meets the standards of the state in reading and math,” explained Patricia Irwin-Boles, founder of H.A.L.T. Rescue and a current member of the PAWS team. They created a core curriculum-based four-day lesson plan that culminates into a fifth-day assembly. It entails visual aids and key points learned from the lesson plans given to the teacher. The assembly is hosted by KRAB Radio DJ and current member of the PAWS team Danny Spanks; Kern County Animal Control Officer Heidi Salinas; a local furry, actually it’s just 21-year-old Zachary Ringle dressed up in a dog costume; and Bambi, a rescue dog. PAWS first started as a partnership with H.A.L.T. Rescue, a foster-based dog rescue that has been opened since 2008. H.A.L.T. has played an integral part in the success of PAWS, carrying the program forward into the 2016/2017 school year, expanding into six schools with the hope 80
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February 2018
of taking the program into an impactful 2017/2018 school year. “An important piece of the project was continuity … and now PAWS is 100 percent completely absorbed by H.A.L.T.,” said Bronson. According to the PAWS website, its mission is “to impart respect and empathy toward animals while teaching the importance of responsible pet ownership to elementary school students. Our longterm vision is to help foster a cultural shift
in our community’s concern for animal welfare, ultimately reducing neglect and the number of animals in Kern County shelters.” To raise funds, PAWS teamed up with Ridgeview High School photography teacher Claire Miller and her students and created a student-for-student project, a PAWS calendar featuring local pets. Photos and the design of the calendar were completely done by students of Miller’s photography class. The calendars will be on sale from now until March for $20. All proceeds will go to bringing PAWS to classrooms.
For more information on how to get involved,
volunteer or make a general donation, visit pawseducation. org. The organization meets every fourth Monday of the month at 6 p.m. For the location, visit the website.
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People & Community
PHILANTHROPY MATTERS
NO KILL COALITION SEEKS TO END SHELTER DEATHS IN KERN COUNTY
PHOTO BY NICK ELLIS
to dramatically increase their impact and end the deaths of healthy, adoptable animals in Kern County’s animal shelters over the next two years. No, these plans do not rely on new funding sources or magical grants. Nor does anyone expect new nonprofit organizations to spring up and share the burden. Rather, Nick has a vision for bringing
By Kristen Bell Barnes
Did you know that approximately 2 million homeless dogs and cats are killed annually in America’s shelters? That means nearly 5,500 animals are killed every day simply because they don’t have safe places to call home. Here in Kern County, approximately 10,000 animals were put down last year alone – a significant number, no doubt. But when you consider that just a few short years ago, that number exceeded 20,000, some really good work is being done on behalf of Kern’s homeless animals. In addition to the services provided by municipal agen-
cies like Kern County Animal Services and Bakersfield Animal Care Center, nonprofit organizations like Marley’s Mutts, H.A.L.T. Animal Rescue, The Cat People, Meow Feline Rescue, Have a Heart Humane Society, Critters Without Litters, Licks of Love, SOXrescue, Kern Humane Society, Bakersfield SPCA and Alpha Canine Sanctuary work tirelessly to improve the conditions for homeless dogs and cats. Kern Community Foundation is proud to feature many of these organizations in its Community Giving Guide. And while the numbers clearly indicate their efforts are making a difference, Nick Cullen, director of Kern County Animal Services, has plans
Jassmine Marvel, left, and Kelly Saulque from Marley's Mutts hold Jingles, Sanzzy and Beau, who were up for adoption during the second annual Central Valley Reptile and Pet Expo at the Kern County Fairgrounds in January.
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February 2018
Kern County Animal Services will use World Spay Day, Feb. 27, as a kickoff for the No Kill Coalition. Their longterm goal is to put an end to the shelter deaths of adoptable animals in Kern County’s animal shelters by 2020.
effective strategy for changing the programs and policies that are needed to solve the problem or achieve the goal. That goal could be as narrow as obtaining funding for a specific intervention or as broad as trying to improve permanently the overall quality of life for most people in the community. The individuals and organizations involved might be drawn from a narrow area of interest or might include representatives of nearly every segment of the community. Kern County Animal Services will use World Spay Day, Feb. 27, as a kickoff for the No Kill Coalition. Their long-term goal is to put an end to the shelter deaths of adoptable animals in Kern County’s animal shelters by 2020. To accomplish this, they plan to organize regular collaborative events to educate the public on available resources for spay/neuter; encourage shelter animal adoptions; motivate activism in animal welfare, such as volunteer and shelter animal fostering; and generally promote responsible pet ownership. By breaking down existing silos and working collaboratively toward a common goal, the No Kill Coalition looks to improve the quality of life for us all in Kern County.
together existing nonprofits, government agencies, local business and even veterinarians to work together, finding common ground and pooling resources to #MakeKernCountyNOKILL. Simply called the “No Kill Coalition,” the group relies on a structure of collaboration that is taking shape in communities around the country involving critical initiatives. The premise is quite simple: Often, community problems or issues are too large and complex for any one agency or organization to tackle. Putting together a coalition of groups and individuals can be an Kristen Beall Barnes
Kristen Beall Barnes, Ed.D., is the president and CEO of Kern Community Foundation. Contact her at Kristen@kernfoundation.org or 616-2601. The views expressed in this column are her own.
PRIME FINDS
LOVE plate Melt his (or her) heart this Valentine’s Day! Create this one-of-a-kind, hand-painted plate featuring your child's or grandchild’s footprint! Color Me Mine has friendly artists who can help you design and personalize the ultimate Valentine’s Day gift – ready to use or display all year long! Paint yours today at Color Me Mine at The Marketplace, 9000 Ming Ave., 661-664-7366 or www.bakersfield.colormemine.com.
View iconic Kern County scenes Local Bakersfield landmarks captured on canvas or watercolor paper in an exhibit at The Arts Center, 1607 19th St. And don’t miss the artist Charlotte White’s showing at The Guild House going on now. Next, her paintings will be at the Shafter Colours Festival and Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce. Contact Charlotte at 661-330-2676 to commission your favorite icon!
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The Marketplace
WHAT’S HAUTE
JULIA This Valentine’s Day, JULIA at The Marketplace is the perfect place to get a unique gift for that special someone. Opened last January, JULIA has been introducing new designer jewelry and accessory fashions to Bakersfield with brands such as ALEX AND ANI, Kendra Scott and UNOde50. “We’ve had such a blast this first year connecting with our customers by presenting them these amazing jewelry brands; we can’t wait to show everyone what’s up our sleeve for Valentine’s Day,” says owner Vincent Cho. “One of my favorite Valentine’s Day gift ideas is the Love Code necklace from Lulu DK – you have to spin the pendant to see the word!” ALEX AND ANI creates bangles that feature a charm with its own meaning card, making it a terrific gift. “When people gift ALEX AND ANI, they get to tell an entire story based on the different charm bangles that they pick,” says Stacie Yang, co-owner of JULIA. ALEX AND ANI’s Charity by Design division creates over 40 bangles that donate 20 percent of their purchase price to different charities. This jewelry line is one that is tailor-made for thinking of a customized Valentine’s Day gift. Other inspired gift ideas include beautiful jewelry from the booming Texan jewelry designer Kendra Scott. For the funky ones, head straight to the back of the store to the UNOde50 section, where you can view handmade miracles from this avant-garde designer from Madrid, Spain. VALENTINE’S DAY GIFTS
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5 1 Love Bangle from ALEX AND ANI – $28 2 Queen’s Crown Charity Bangle from ALEX AND ANI – $34 3. “Nailed Heart” Ring from UNOde50 - $109 4. “Heartfelt” Necklace from UNOde50 - $165 5 Love Code Necklace from Lulu DK – $68 6 Danielle Rose Quartz Earrings from Kendra Scott – $65 7 Sophee Earrings from Kendra Scott – $55
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Promotional Content
WHAT’S HAUTE
Encore Boutique February is the month of love and we are so grateful that Bakersfield has shown us their love by shopping, donating and volunteering! We thought this was a good time to remind Bakersfield Life readers about the love we have for our program men and women, our volunteers and, of course, the customers that have supported us for over two years. Because we are operated by The Mission at Kern County, we are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. We qualify for this status because we reinvest any proceeds into our programs and ministries.
This includes offering training in retail and customer service for our residents in recovery at Encore, our Homeless Intervention Services for Men, the 200,000 meals we serve every year to the hungry and our women’s and children’s residence opening soon! We hope you love what you see at Encore Boutique: women’s and men’s upscale fashions and accessories at very affordable prices, our new Encore home decor and our brand-new Encore Dollar Store during First Fridays on Wall Street (next door) where everything is just a dollar. We are now offering special pricing on Second Saturday as well.
Left front staircase: Volunteer Kim Smith and her sister Wendy Chambers. On the right top to bottom: Mission residents; Kevin C., Laura Davidson (staff), Paulette G., Holley H., Megan W. and Monica R. (January graduate).
VALENTINE’S DAY FINDS
Left – Valentine’s Night on the Town: Red evening dress – $25 Bracelet – $3 Phone Case – $1 Center – Valentine Après Ski Outfit: Vest – $15 Sweater – $9 Stretch pants – $9 Right – Vintage Inspired Valentine: Vintage faux fur stole – $20 Vintage-inspired red wool coat – $40 Doggie (Not for sale) Encore Boutique 1817 Eye St. 661-489-5538 Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday www.themissionkc.org Find us on Facebook.
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Empty Space Awards Date: Jan. 6 Held at: The Petroleum Club Photos by: Carla Rivas
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People & Community
LAST WORD
A focused community, like-minded agencies to shift animal welfare paradigm in Kern County ticipating in the journey toward a better life for Kern County animals. It has become, in my opinion, a realistic goal to end the euthanasia of adoptable animals in Kern County shelters by the year 2020.
There are many opportunities to temporarily foster atrisk animals, adopt shelter pets, volunteer your time to help shelter animals or even donate to local agencies that are directly supporting a “no kill” Kern County. By Nick Cullen
In late 2011, the shelter supervisor was performing a shelter walkthrough at the Kern County Animal Shelter, then located at 201 S. Mount Vernon Ave., along with the senior animal care worker. These two, at that time, were the individuals responsible for formulating a daily list of dogs and cats – numbering over 70 – that were to be killed that day. And the profoundly disturbing reason for the formulation of the list was that room needed to be made for the 100 or so dogs and cats that were to come in the next day. It was simply a matter of space and humane care. But it was a decision that needed to be made nonetheless, and one that would need to be brooded over each and every day moving forward, in perpetuity, unless something was to occur that could shift the animal welfare paradigm in Kern County. 2012 was a landmark year for animal welfare in Kern County. But it was not a landmark to be celebrated. Over 20,000 animals met their un-
Several organizations have joined timely death in Kern County shelters that efforts here locally to organize regular, year. structured and collaborative events yearSo many of those animals were killed round in Kern County to pursue this goal. for no other reason than kennel space Marley’s Mutts dog rescue, Critters Withhad to be made for the next animal. out Litters spay and neuter clinic, The Imagine, if you can just for a moment, Cat People feline rescue, Meow Co. feline coming to work and being handed a list shelter and rescue, and H.A.L.T. animal of 70 animals that had to be killed by the rescue have partnered with Kern County end of the day. Imagine deciding which Animal Services to develop a coalition ones to begin with and which ones to in Kern County aptly named, the “Make delay until later because perhaps you’ve Kern No Kill” coalition. determined that there is a chance someOur community can help this effort one will express an interest to adopt them by being active locally in animal welfare. before the end of your shift. There are many opportunities to tempoUnfortunately, that was the reality rarily foster at-risk animals, adopt shelter just five years ago at Kern County Animal pets, volunteer your time to help shelter Services. Since 2013, the city of Bakersanimals or even donate to local agencies field’s Animal Care Center and Kern that are directly supporting a “no kill” County Animal Services have operated Kern County. separate animal shelters based Together, a focused comon jurisdiction. In that time, munity along with like-mindthe total number of animals put ed agencies, we will put an down has declined by 50 percent. end to the killing of animals Progressive programs like foster, in our local shelters. rescue, volunteer and trap-neuNick Cullen is director of ter-return have succeeded in getKern County Animal Services. ting more animals out of shelters The views expressed in this alive than ever before and have Nick Cullen column are his own. engaged our community in parwww.BakersfieldLife.com
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