TBC Media undelineRev.pdf
June 2017
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A MEMBER O F T HE
T BC ME D IA FAMILY
Motorcycles The joys of two-wheel travel
www.bakersfieldlife.com
Summer sips Drink recipes to keep you cool
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great trips on a single tank of gas
Local sisters launching
mobile boutique
Old Fashioned Social Drinkery’s mint julep
$3.95
Dining Divas check out
Frugatti’s
• • • •
3 Dimensional Designing Full Service Remodeling Countertop/Backsplash Cabinetry: Waypoint Cabinetry, Cherry Chocolate Glaze Square • Countertops: Jaguar • Appliances: Kitchen Aid Range, Refrigerator, Dishwasher with a Sharp Microwave Drawer.
We had been wanting to remodel our kitchen for a couple of years and but became overwhelmed. Then we called Stockdale kitchen and Bath. Rick Sorci came to our home and took of measurements and made notes on every detail even the earthy colors we enjoy in our home. While taking measurements he asked questions and made suggestions. At the second appointment Rick designed in front of us and it was amazing watching my Kitchen come together in front of us, being able to ask questions along the way made me feel at ease with the whole process. Rick personally shopped with us, and helped us pick out tile flooring ,countertops backsplash including appliances. Ricks knowledge and personality put me at ease with the whole process. Everyone was respectful and friendly. Everyone was efficient and the Kitchen was completed exactly on time. We love our new kitchen. We are so happy we used Stockdale Kitchen and Bath. We would highly recommend Stockdale kitchen and Bath. – Marie and Armando Gonzales
Who Will Be Next? Call Today!
661-834-3333
4500 Shepard St., Ste. B
www.stockdalekitchenandbath.com
JUNE 2017
FEATURES On the rocks Drink recipes to keep you cool this summer.
PHOTO BY JONAH AND LINDSAY
Page 47
Fill up and drive Summer destinations on a single tank of gas. Page 52
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June 2017
Rodriguez & Associates makes $200,000 donation to Bakersfield Memorial Hospital for new Burn Center and Neuro Intensive Care Unit. Serious injuries sometimes need specialized care. Too often in the past, we’ve had to travel outside of Kern County to get this type of treatment. Now, we’ll have top notch, world class treatment right here at home. We at Rodriguez & Associates are happy and honored to have helped in our own small way. Hospital President Jon Van Boening
- Daniel Rodriguez
Accidents | Personal Injury | Wrongful Death
(661) 323-1400
www.rodriguezlaw.net Best Lawyer Daniel Rodriguez
Best Law Firm Rodriguez & Associates
JUNE 2017
DEPARTMENTS Up Front Taking a cruise and want to write it off on your taxes? Get the lowdown in “Money Matters” on Page 12.
Eat & Drink The Dining Divas journey to Frugatti’s. See what Italian favorites were on their trip on Page 20.
Lifestyles Find out what life on the road is like on two wheels. Read about long-distance motorcycle rides on Page 31.
Go & Do Add another event to go to in downtown Bakersfield. Second Saturday is here! Read about it on Page 32.
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B Well
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Check out our new section, “Get Moving,” which highlights different places to get a workout in town and the classes offered on Page 40.
People & Community
20 Up Front 11 The Big Picture 12 Money Matters 13 Word on the Street 14 Arts & Culture 15 12 Things ... 16 Happenings Eat & Drink 20 Dining Divas
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63 24 Lunchtime Picks 26 What’s Cooking Lifestyles 28 What’s Haute 30 Tech Talk 31 Pastimes Go & Do 32 Entertainment 34 Out & About
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June 2017
36 Trip Planner B Well 40 Get Moving 42 Feature 44 Your Body 45 Love and Life People & Community 62 Bakersfield Matters 63 Millennial Voices
64 Personality 66 Talk of the Town 68 Military Moments 70 All-Star Athlete 72 For A Cause 74 History 76 Philanthropy Matters 77 Prime Finds 78 SNAP! 86 Last Word
What’s it like to travel around the world on The World cruise ship? Find out from a Bakersfield local on Page 64. There’s nothing like enjoying a chilled cocktail on a summer evening with a view like the greens of a golf course. But it’s even better when you’re helping a local cause. Inaugural festival to benefit League of Dreams debuts in June. Get the details on Page 72.
STAFF SHARES Bakersfield’s Premier City Magazine June 2017 / Vol. 11 / Issue 9
Things We Dig This Month
Bakersfield Life™ Magazine is published by TBC Media Publisher Ginger Moorhouse Associate Publisher Virginia Cowenhoven
ON THE COVER
The mint julep from The Old Fashioned Social Drinkery. Photo by Jonah and Lindsay
The Food Issue and our annual 20 Under 40.
Assistant Managing Editor Mark Nessia
To Advertise, contact
Joey Zachary at jzachary@bakersfield. com or 395-7363.
What’s trending on the @bakersfield_life Instagram page this month.
1 Amazing video by @jonahandlindsay documenting our day with @riversendrafting as we continue to work on this year’s Kern Life issue, which publishes in August. 2 No better way to spend an afternoon than with the top-notch food @johnnygarlicsbakersfield. Check out what this local spot is cooking up on Page 24. For recaps of what’s happened and what we’re working on for upcoming issues, follow us on Instagram @bakersfield_life.
Subscribe – The magazine is inserted into The Bakersfield Californian on the last Saturday of every month and available with The Californian through its digital subscription. For business subscriptions, please call 661-392-5777. Bakersfield Life Magazine
Editor Jim Lawitz Sales and Marketing Director Joey Zachary
Coming Next …
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President/CEO Michelle Chantry
June 2017
Specialty Publications Coordinator Laura Liera Art Director Glenn Hammett Graphic Designer Holly Bikakis Specialty Publications Intern Mayan Xitlaly Lara Photography Felix Adamo, Casey Christie, Laura Liera, Jonah and Lindsay, April Massirio, Greg Nichols, Carla Rivas, Rod Thornburg Contributing writers Kristen Beall Barnes, Jorge Barrientos, Ellen Ewing, Nina Ha, Lisa Kimble, Stephen Lynch, Julie Plata, Elizabeth Sanchez, Chris Thornburgh
“I love relaxing with a big, frothy mug of soy matcha green tea. My sister-in-law gave me a matcha latte recipe, which I make with a bamboo whisk. It’s a wonderful indulgence!” – Nina Ha, contributing writer “My favorite vacation spot is the high eastern Sierras – fishing, camping and no cell service!” – Tamarra Harms, real estate account executive “The chicken pesto panini at QwikCafe is so good, I can’t eat just one.” – Mark Nessia, assistant managing editor “Easy, cheesy summer beach reads including “The Last Original Wife” by Dorothea Benton Frank.” – Lisa Kimble, contributing writer “I’m currently reading “Remember the Moon,” which is about a man who dies in a car accident but is still able to communicate in subtle ways to his wife and son as they deal with their anger and grief at his sudden loss. The author explores the “what happens after we die” question through the main character’s flashbacks as well as the lives of his family.” – Linda Petree, advertising account executive
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
EDITOR’S NOTE
GREAT GET-AWE-WAYS Inside all of us is a little explorer. Like birds that migrate with the changing of seasons in search of more fruitful lands and favorable temperatures, we too feel compelled to wander the globe as temperatures rise and fall. Exploration dates back to the dawn of man when the first civilizations decided to venture beyond what was familiar, journeying into the unknown and the wonders it contains. But why are we so willing to pack our bags and endure hours on the road, in the air or at sea – sometimes all three – to expose ourselves to new environments, new cultures, new foods and new experiences? Perhaps it’s in our genes. After all, our ancestors and their ancestors before them routinely trekked from location to location. Sure, it was to survive – the search for hospitable lands and access to fresh water a driving force for relocation – but it planted the seed that led later generations to ask: “What else is out there?” Maybe it’s the inability to stay in one place for too long – a severe case of restless legs syndrome mingled with the urge to break up the monotony of daily life. Or it could be plain ol’ curiosity. With so much of our world still unexplored and unseen by human eyes, it’s quite possible that we’re trying to do our part to see as much as we can during the span of our lifetimes. I think we travel to reach an emotional state that cannot be reached through ordinary means. As we traverse the globe, a secondary journey takes place taking us to the upper reaches of reverence and wonder
and along the border of fear. That is where you’ll find awe. These are the goosebumps that populate your skin after viewing an iconic piece of art in The Louvre. These are the tears that well up in your eyes after witnessing the Grand Canyon at sunset. This is the feeling of insignificance you get when you look over the vastness of the ocean and realize you are merely a small brushstroke in the grand painting of life. We travel in search of this sensation as much as we travel to discover new locales because it gives us perspective and, oftentimes, purpose and direction. That’s when you return from a trip feeling like a new person – full of energy, passion and enthusiasm. Like a drug, we crave that high and don’t want to come down so we look forward to the next destination, the next adventure that inspires, enlightens, challenges, intimidates and leaves us awestruck. Travel is a stimulating, yet humbling, experience that teaches us more about ourselves and others than a thousand sedentary lifetimes. That’s why we do it – because it’s awesome.
Connect with us – bakersfieldlfe.com facebook.com/BakersfieldLifeMagazine Instagram/bakersfield_life twitter.com/BakersfieldLife
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Mark Nessia Assistant Editor 395-7383 mnessia@bakersfield.com
UP FRONT
Turn to Page 16 to find out what’s Happening in June.
PHOTO BY JONAH AND LINDSAY
The Big Picture / Money Matters / Word on the Street / Arts & Culture / 12 Things / Happenings
HAPPY HOUR The Bull Shed Bar & Grill provides cocktail recipes for our feature on summer sips. Turn to Page 47 to see what’s on the rocks.
www.BakersfieldLife.com
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Up Front
MON EY M AT T ER S
Writing off a cruise By Chris Thornburgh
Cruise ships have been touted as the perfect venue for a business convention or seminar because of the tax deduction. Some travelers even prefer cruises as a business mode of transportation over a crowded coach airline seat. Yet, it’s no surprise there is a lot of abuse involving tax write-offs for “business” cruises. If you are set to sail and are banking on a deduction, you’ll need to gather documentation during your trip, so take note.
LIMITS ON CRUISE DEDUCTIONS If you travel for business via cruise ship or other luxury water transportation, there is a daily limit on the amount you can write off. Limits vary slightly from year to year and are equal to twice the highest federal per diem rate. Daily limits range from $688 to $872 for a 2016 deduction (depending on season). 2017 rates can be found at www.gsa.gov/perdiem. If you’re like most, family will tag along on your business cruise. If they are not your employees with a bona fide business purpose, expenses are nondeductible.
TRAVELING OUTSIDE THE U.S.? FOREIGN TRAVEL LIMITS KICK IN UNLESS: • You spend under one week on your trip (excluding day of departure). • Seventy-five percent of your trip days count as business for trips longer than one week.
MEALS AND ENTERTAINMENT If the meal and entertainment portion of your ticket is separately stated, only 50 percent of meals and entertainment are deductible. However, if your meal and entertainment charges aren’t separately stated or aren’t clearly identifiable, you can deduct the whole amount as travel expenses.
AUDIT-PROOFING YOUR BUSINESS TRIP When it comes to travel expenses, 12
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tax law is stricter than for other business expenses. Protect your travel deductions by meeting these requirements: 1. Profit motive. How does this trip make you money or help your business? 2. Stay overnight. Only trips in which you stay overnight away from your tax home are eligible for travel expense deductions. 3. Apply the “for only” test. Would a rational person plan your trip for only the business reason or does the trip only make sense because of the personal element? 4. Primary purpose test. Do at least 75 percent of the days in your trip qualify as business days? 5. Adequate record keeping. Include the amount of each expense, dates of departure and return, number of days spent on business, where you visited and the business reason for travel.
CONFERENCE AND CONVENTION HURDLES If you attend a conference or similar business event on a cruise ship, you can deduct a maximum of $2,000 per year, but there are a few more hoops to jump through: • The convention, seminar or meeting offered on the cruise ship must be directly
related to your trade or business. If your event focuses on investments, political issues or social networking, it’s a no-go. • All ports of call must be in the U.S. or its possessions and your cruise ship must be registered in the U.S. • Attach a statement to your tax return, signed by you, which includes total days of your trip, number of hours devoted each day to scheduled business activities and a program of scheduled business activities. • Attach a statement to your tax return, signed by the event sponsor, which includes the daily schedule of business activities and the number of hours you attended each day. You’ll likely find that these types of conventions are not worth the deduction hassle, plus you get a bigger write-off on land!
THE BOTTOM LINE With a little planning and documentation, you can maximize your travel deductions. Reach out to a knowledgeable CPA before setting sail.
Chris Thornburgh
Chris Thornburgh is a CPA and partner at Brown Armstrong Accountancy Corp. Contact her at cthornburgh@bacpas.com or 324-4971. The views expressed in this column are her own.
WORD ON T H E ST R EET
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE ACTIVITY TO DO WITH YOUR DAD? Compiled by Bakersfield Life
“We liked to go fishing. He got me hooked on bass fishing.” – Albert Nothaus
“Singing. He sings better than I do. Since I was young, he always sang and now I sing with him.” – Cynthia Ramirez
“I loved going to see the ocean with him, plain and simple. I love the beach.” – Raymond Acosta
“We really get into watching boxing. We’re competitive and we’re always against each other.” – Brenda Colotl
“We love watching movies together. We would rather be at home laying down watching movies.” – Daisy Cruz
“We love going to car shows. That’s our passion. We’ve done it for over 30 years.” – Robert Delgado
“We’ve enjoyed going boating and I have a boat because of him.” – Bronson Hayes
“We used to go to casinos. That’s where he was the happiest.” – Paul Baca
“I love dinners with my dad.” – Selena Gasca
www.BakersfieldLife.com
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Up Front ART S & C U LT U RE
THIS MONTH’S PICKS
Theater “Robin Hood of Rosedale” When: Runs through July 8 Where: The Gaslight Melodrama Theatre & Music Hall, 12748 Jomani Drive For tickets and more information, visit themelodrama.com
Entertainment Skip the long drive to Las Vegas and experience the 9th Annual Tigerfight Casino Night at the Padre Hotel on Saturday, June 10. The evening will feature casino games like craps, poker, blackjack and roulette. Those who purchase the casino tickets will get “play money” that can be used at any of the tables throughout the night. There will be prizes for the top three finishers for each game. While you’re trying your luck, grab a bite to eat, listen to live music and take part in both live and silent auctions.
All proceeds from the event will benefit the Tigerfight Foundation, which provides financial services to Kern County families who are currently being treated for any form of pediatric blood cancer. The foundation also provides funding to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. When: Saturday, June 10 Where: Padre Hotel, 1702 18th St. Time: 6 to 11 p.m. Price: $80 before May 1 for individual social ticket or $95 day of; $150 before May 1 for individual casino ticket or $175 day of
MOST ANTICIPATED MOVIE RELEASES IN JUNE
“Captain Underpants”
“Wonder Woman”
“The Mummy”
“Despicable Me 3”
“The House”
Source: Movie Insider
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12 T HI NG S . ..
Brewing beer
Compiled by Jeff Williams, owner of Lengthwise Brewing Company
7 Our base two-row malt costs around 38 cents a pound. Specialty malts range from 50 cents to $1 per pound. Hops cost, on average, around $12 per pound. We grow our own yeast we use for brewing so the cost of yeast is pretty cheap. 8 Hop selection does matter. Hops are added to the boiling product to add bitterness to help balance the sweetness from the malted barley. Equally important, hops added after fermentation, referred to as dry hopping, impart hop aroma and hop flavor.
PHOTO BY CASEY CHRISTIE
9 Depending on the hop used for dry hopping, a Lengthwise product can have the hop aroma and flavor of tropical fruit, citrus, melon, berries, herbal, earthy, spicy, woody, onion, garlic, pepper or nutmeg, just to name a few.
1 The bulk of the fermentation takes around five days. That is where the brewer’s yeast metabolizes the sweet wort and creates alcohol (beer). The fermented batch is allowed to mature for another 10 days and if dry hopping is involved, the batch can take up to 21 days before being transferred.
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The ideal temperature for beer yeast is 68 degrees Fahrenheit.
Ingredients used in the beer at Lengthwise include malted barley, hops, yeast and water. We do use coffee, fruit puree, lactose and spices in certain Lengthwise creations.
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The first beer Lengthwise brewed in 1999 was Triple Hop Red Ale. Not a lot experimentation goes into creating a new beer. We will brainstorm for a couple of days and get to brewing. We sample the final product and take notes for changes on the next batch. The batch goes on draft for the public to try and we get their feedback and add it to our notes.
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We are on track to produce 3,000 barrels of beer (93,000 gallons) this year. Last year, we brewed 2,500 barrels.
10 If we produce 500 gallons of beer, it takes around 2,000 gallons of water. So to produce one barrel of beer we use four barrels of water. The water use includes all aspects of the brewing and packaging process (tank and keg cleaning). 11 Some beers are best enjoyed fresh and other bigger beers with complex grain bills and malt flavor can improve in quality as they age. Beers with large amounts of dry hops are normally best enjoyed fresh. 12 We use a microscope to perform a yeast cell count so we know exactly how many active yeast cells are in the yeast slurry and after a little math, we can determine how many pounds of yeast to pitch to get proper fermentation. www.BakersfieldLife.com
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Up Front HAPPENINGS
June
Find more community events at bakersfieldlife.com or submit yours via email to bakersfieldlife@bakersfield.com or via our Facebook page: Bakersfield Life Magazine.
A standing ovation for women
Be empowered and inspired. That is what the In Her Shoes Empowerment Breakfast promises on June 1 at the DoubleTree Hotel from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. The event will feature speakers with inspiring stories of women who have triumphed despite setbacks in life, including keynote speaker Dr. Sharlet Briggs, CEO of Adventist Health Bakersfield. Proceeds from the breakfast will benefit Dress for Success of Bakersfield – a local nonprofit that provides a network of support, professional attire and career development tools to help women thrive in work and life. Tickets are $30. For more information, visit bakersfield.dressforsuccess. org or call 748-1809.
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Sam Outlaw
June 3 The Fab Four, a tribute to The Beatles, 8 p.m., The Park at River Walk, 11200 Stockdale Highway. $20. axs.com. Kids Cook: Fun with Fruit, learn to make salsa dips and fruit salads, 1 p.m.,
June 2017
Kern Pioneer Village, 3801 Chester Ave. $10. 437-3330. 8th Annual H.A.L.T. 5/10K Fun Run, dog-friendly race is geared toward all runners, 7 a.m., Yokuts Park, Empire Drive. $25 before May 31 or $30 day of. 301-5034. Eric Sardinas and Coco Montoya, 8 p.m., World Records, 2815 F St. $30-$35. 831-3100. Sam Outlaw, 8 p.m., B Ryder’s Sports Bar, 7401 White Lane. $12. ticketweb.com. 5K Bakersfield Ronald McDonald House Walk for Kids, 7 a.m., California
Living Museum, 10500 Alfred Harrell Highway. Donate at walkforkids.org/bakersfield. June 8 Aliza McCracken, art exhibit and book signing, 5 p.m., Arts Council of Kern, 1330 Truxtun Ave. Free. June 10 World Knit Day, bring your knitting and a chair,
PHOTO BY ROD THORNBURG
H.A.L.T. RESCUE’S 8TH ANNUAL 5K AND 10K FUN RUN Saturday, June 3, at Yokuts Park. This run is geared toward all runners and, of course, is a pet-friendly run. All of the proceeds go directly to helping H.A.L.T. Rescue spay/neuter, rescue and
9 a.m., The Marketplace, 9000 Ming Ave. Free. June 11 Kevin Rush Entertainment Bridal Show Expo, 11 a.m., Petroleum Club of Bakersfield, 5060 California Ave. $15-$25. eventebrite. com. June 12 Celebrities of Magic: Jeff and Tessa Evason, 7:30 p.m., Gaslight Melodrama Theatre & Music Hall, 12748 Jomani Drive. $25. 809-4826. Boston, 8 p.m., Rabobank
adopt animals. The event also features vendors and adoptable dogs. Early online registration at kerneventregistration. com is $25 per runner and goes up $30 on June 1.
Arena, 1001 Truxtun Ave. $28.50-$68.50. ranbobankarena.com. June 16 Spyro Gyra, Part 1 of the No Stinkin’ Service Charge Jazz Series, 7:30 p.m., World Records, 2815 F St., $40-$50. June 20 Alice Cooper, 8 p.m., Rabobank Theater, 1001 Truxtun Ave. $17.50-$87.50. rabobankarena.com. June 21 Glenn Miller Orchestra, 7 p.m., Fox Theater, 2001 H St. $46-$66. 849-4369. June 22 Guitar Masters: Adam Rafferty, 7:30 p.m., Bakersfield Music Hall of Fame, 2230 Q St. $35. guitarmasters.org. Brit Floyd, 8 p.m., The Park at Riverwalk. Enjoy the world’s greatest Pink Floyd show. $20
June 24 Adal Ramones, 8 p.m., Rabobank Theater, 1001 Truxtun Ave. $30-$85. rabobankarena.com. ‘80s Reunion with Tainted Love, 8 p.m., The Fox Theater, 2001 H St. $40. 849-4369. Mud Volleyball Tournament for Epilepsy, 8 a.m., Stramler Park, 4003 Chester Ave., $275-$415.
Art museum summer camps unveiled
School may have just ended, but it isn’t too soon to make plans for summer activities for your youngsters. The Bakersfield Museum of Art’s registration for its Summer Art Camp is now open. Sessions are available for kids ages 3-5, 6-11 and junior high students ages 12-14. Enrollment fees June 25 and times vary depending on Ted Nugent, 8 p.m., the camp and age group. Rabobank Theater, Campers will explore 1001 Truxtun the mediums of 2nd Annua Ave. $17.50paint, print, Bakersfieldl $57.50. rabocharcoal, fabric W ing Festiva bankarena. l and much com. June 25, 3 to 7 p.m. more as they Kern County let their imagBudweiser Pa Fairgrounds, June 29 vilion, $30-$ 70 Th inations run is fe stival Motel music, a win will consist of live in a cool, free gta Radio, tons of vend sting contest and creative enviors! 7:30 p.m., enjoy this am Come out and azing event! ronment. For Temblor eventbrite.co more informam Brewing tion, visit bmoa.org/ Company, 3200 camp or call 323-7219. Buck Owens Blvd. $25. eventbrite.com.
www.BakersfieldLife.com
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Eat & Drink DINING DIVAS
Frugatti’s Italian Eatery More than just another Italian restaurant
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Opposite page: Baconwrapped asparagus and margherita pizza Left: Dining Divas Norma Rojas-Mora, Beatris Espericueta Sanders, Andrea Caldwell and Joanie Haenelt at Frugatti’s Italian Eatery. Below, left: Frugatti’s recently remodeled exterior. Below: Nonni’s pasta al pomodoro
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D COFFE E R
Beatris Espericueta Sanders on the margherita napolitano pizza: If you want a taste of Italy to start off the night with, order this pizza. All of the ingredients are imported from Italy – minus the fresh basil leaf. The San Marzano tomatoes are grown next to Mount Vesuvius in extraordinary fertile soil that is perfect for growing a sweeter and less acidic tomato. The only seasoning used in the tomato sauce is sea salt, so you can really enjoy the natural flavors combined in this dish. This pizza is very enjoyable and you will not even think about leaving the crust on the plate. Andrea Caldwell on the baconwrapped asparagus: This appetizer was
ES TS ID
Bakersfield has its own little Italian mecca and you can find it at Frugatti’s. You don’t have to travel thousands of miles to the homeland to indulge in authentic Italian cuisine. The tradition at Ralph Fruguglietti’s Italian family restaurant has been good food accompanied by family and friends. The food speaks for itself. The original family recipes from “Nonni” (Ralph’s mom) continue to be used day in, day out. The herbs, fresh produce and different cuts of meat, all resemble the love for southern Italian cuisine. Frugatti’s motto is simple: real Italian, by real Italians.
Appetizers
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Compiled by Bakersfield Life Photos by Greg Nichols
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Frugatti’s 600 Coffee Road AY RKW PA K ern River
TRUXTUN AV E 1,000 FT
Frugatti’s Italian Eatery • 600 Coffee Road • Open Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.; Friday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and Sunday, 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. • 661-836-2000 • www.frugattis.com www.BakersfieldLife.com
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plated like a floral arrangement. The quality of bacon and the lightly seasoned asparagus was really all I needed to start off the evening. The asparagus were tender and they absorbed the bacon flavor just enough to not overpower the dish. The asparagus come with an herb mayo dipping sauce that takes a simple, yet creative dish to a whole different level.
Entrees Norma Rojas-Mora on the beef braciole ala Basilicata: Imagine thin strips of beef rolled with garlic, Italian parsley, fresh Parmesan and thin-sliced prosciutto. These rolls are browned to perfection then simmered in tomato sauce – the simmering ensures the beef is infused with additional flavors that are a delight to your senses. Add to the tender cuts of beef a bed of pappardelle pasta tossed with homemade Bolognese sauce and you have a meal that is sure to fill both your appetite for pasta and the need for a hearty side of meat. Each mouthful was a savory sensation that blended layers of Italian flavors. Joanie Haenelt on Nonni’s pasta al pomodoro: This is a fantastic pasta dish. It’s made with spaghetti noodles, extra virgin olive oil, the freshest cooked tomatoes, onions, some herbs and spices, Parmesan and fresh roasted garlic.
Above: Beef braciole ala Basilicata Right: Carrot cake and Tony’s cannoli Far right; Frugatti’s cut sirloin steak Opposite page: Cheesecake sampler
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Toss it all together and you have Nonni’s special recipe straight from southern Italy. Every bite was bursting with flavor. The portion was very generous and the leftovers were just as delicious the next day. I loved this pasta dish so much, I picked up an order to go on Mother’s Day and served it as a side dish to complement our steak and lobster. Beatris on the pesto-crusted salmon: This 12-ounce cut of salmon was lightly topped with a layer of basil-and-pine-nut pesto and cooked in the wood fire for absolute perfection. The salmon was fresh and light combined with the pesto sauce, this dish was hard to beat. Combined with the homemade garlic mashed potatoes and asparagus, you won’t even miss the fact that there is no pasta on your plate. Andrea on the Frugatti’s cut sirloin steak: Incredibly seasoned to perfection, tender as butter and the outer crust memorable with every bite. It’s so obvious that the attention to seasoning, plating and presenting a quality dish is the mission and pride of this legendary restaurant. The dish is accompanied with ever-so-whipped potatoes and homemade rolls.
Desserts Beatris on the carrot cake: Best carrot cake west of the Mississippi, I assure you. This magnificent piece of heaven can be shared with at least six people, full of pecans and walnuts and a bold cinnamon flavor. If you didn’t have vegetables with your entree, you can catch up
with the amount of carrots packed in this piece of carrot cake. Andrea on the coup de grace: This dessert came to me in the form of Tiramisu that was indescribable. Frugatti’s is certainly right when it calls this dessert a “party in your mouth.” The thick pudding texture is made with your traditional Italian spices. Joanie on Tony’s cannoli: A timeless Italian dessert. Two sweet pastry shells with a chocolate coating bottom, filled with cannoli cream boasting rich flavors of amaretto and cinnamon topped with chocolate chips and caramel drizzle. The presentation was lovely and I enjoyed it with a cup of Italian roast coffee. The perfect ending to an authentic meal.
Annette Mercado General Contractor, C.K.D. License # 865925
Michele Waugh
Showroom inside Artistic Surfaces 120 Union Avenue 588-8481 • BRCKitchenBath.com www.BakersfieldLife.com
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Eat & Drink LUNCHTIME PICKS
Johnny Garlic’s grill by smashing it down followed by a thick slice of bacon that is not too thin and doesn’t get lost. To top it off: homemade mac and cheese that is like liquid gold! Put those flavors together on a lightly toasted brioche bun and now we’re talking. But wait, there’s more. Garlic fries on the side. These are not your ordinary french fries with some garlic powder; these are made with their in-house garlic sauce and topped with Parmesan cheese and parsley. It’s taking fries to another level. Another side option is the spinach and artichoke dip. Talk about an explosion of flavors in your mouth. Sweet, salty and spicy keeps you wanting more.
By Holly Bikakis Photos by Laura Liera
Change brings opportunity. In the last year, Johnny Garlic’s has decoupled from its fiery brand of “Guy” and really come into its own. Bakersfield is one of five locations, all in California. Its menu has evolved into a variety of offerings for a social dining experience. More than 30 new menu items have been added that include
smaller plates with generally lower prices than before. Diners are encouraged to order an assortment of menu items to share at your table. General Manager Cody Bossaert explained that Monday through Thursday, they offer specials like 25 percent off takeout on Takeout Tuesdays or 1/2 off bowlas on Bowlas Wednesdays. Some things remain the same, like being a scratch kitchen and a craft bar. Handcrafted cocktails with fresh ingredients and just-added micro craft brews make the bar worth checking out. The environment is very relaxing with the open patio looking out onto The Marketplace shopping area and indoor seating with the bar as the main centerpiece surrounded by several big screens. Want to see how your meal is made? You can, because the kitchen is open for all to see. The Bacon Mac and Cheese: ($14.50): Talk about a great burger. This has all the right ingredients. An Angus beef patty is charred up on the
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Sashimi Tuna Tacos ($7 for two, $3 for each additional): These are one of the small plates I mentioned earlier. It’s social because when you eat one of these, you’ll be saying, “You have to try this,” because they are so good. Crispy taco shells filled with fresh tuna cut to the right size with a mango jicama salsa topping. Add sweet soy sauce and wasabi cream and it makes for a refreshing, unique bite. Next time you are wondering where to go for lunch, I highly recommend going to Johnny Garlic’s in The Marketplace. We had a very enjoyable dining experience in a restaurant that has come into its own. There’s a whole lot of options to check out, so enjoy, eat up and have some fun!
Johnny Garlic’s
9000 Ming Ave., Building 2J 661-665-1860 Open Monday through Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Sunday, 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. www.johnnygarlics.com
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LUNCHTIME PICKS
Maui Wowi Hawaiian Coffees & Smoothies Story and photos by Laura Liera
You won’t find Hawaiian palm trees with a view of the ocean in Bakersfield. But you can get close. Walk into Maui Wowi Hawaiian Coffees & Smoothies in the Silver Creek Plaza on Panama Lane and simply close your eyes and take in the luau music playing in the background. But just close your eyes for a split second because their drink menu brings two of life’s greatest creations together: coffee and smoothies. It’s not a combination you hear often but if you are unsure of what mood your taste buds are in, this is definitely the place where you can find your craving on a hot summer day. Plus, all drinks come with a complimentary colorful toothpick umbrella. What’s not to like about that? Franchise owner Hema Patel said the concept of the business is what drew her attention to opening her own business. They celebrated their grand opening on April 8. Smoothies are made with fresh Promotional Content
fruit and blended with nonfat yogurt. They are not pumped with syrup or added sugars. When it comes to their coffee, there’s a plethora of signature drinks, blended cappuccinos and iced coffee you can choose from. All coffee is from Hawaii so you’re getting the best of the big island. All beverages range from $4 to $8. Hawaiian Breeze: I’ve had my share of smoothies. They are my go-to drink any time of year so let’s just say I know what I like when it comes to this frozen-like treat. The Hawaiian Breeze is made with strawberry, mango and orange. All smoothies are made with bananas to add that special texture. You can definitely taste every fruit with every sip and the combination is on point. You don’t get too much banana flavor, which I sometimes substitute because I personally think bananas overpower other fruits in a smoothie. But not in this one. The nonfat yogurt gives the smoothie its smooth texture, not too runny and not too thick.
Caramel Mocha Delight: This signature espresso is attractive. The cup is drizzled with chocolate and caramel that adds depth to the iced mocha. That first sip was like nothing I’ve tasted before. Hawaii really has excellent coffee. It’s a strong, yet smooth coffee flavor that isn’t hidden under whipped cream or flavored syrup. This mocha delight is not too sweet. Like Patel said, they pump their coffee with coffee instead of added sugars. This could be a great pick-me-up on a Tuesday afternoon after a long day at work or a morning burst of energy.
A selection of Maui Wowi drinks from left to right: Maui Wowi Cappuccino, Hawaiian Breeze, Cappuccino Honu and Caramel Mocha Delight.
Maui Wowi Hawaiian Coffees & Smoothies 6509 Panama Lane, Suite 101 Open 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Friday; 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday; 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sunday 661-735-3723 www.mauiwowi.com
www.BakersfieldLife.com
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Eat & Drink WHAT’S COOKING
MASALA GRILL’S PATAAKHA BUTTER CHICKEN
PHOTO BY JONAH AND LINDSAY
Compiled by Bakersfield Life
MASALA GRILL’S PATAAKHA BUTTER CHICKEN
Ingredients for marination
Ingredients for sauce
• 1 pound bone-in or boneless chicken • ½ cup yogurt • ½ tablespoon lemon juice • ¼ teaspoon salt • ½ teaspoon red chili powder/ paprika • ¼ teaspoon kasuri methi • ¼ teaspoon ground turmeric • ½ teaspoon garam masala powder • 1 tablespoon butter • 1 tablespoon ginger garlic paste
• 2 tablespoons butter • 1 teaspoon ginger garlic paste • 2 green cardamoms • 2 cloves • Generous pinch of methi powder • 1 tablespoon green chili paste • 2 cups tomato puree • 1 teaspoon red chili powder/ paprika (adjust to suit your taste and color) • 10 cashew nuts or blanched soaked almonds • ½ tablespoon kasuri methi crushed or powdered dried fenugreek leaves • Pinch of sugar • Salt as needed
Ingredients for coating • 1 cup all-purpose flour • 2 large eggs
• 80 milliliters heavy whipping 26
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June 2017
cream • Coriander leaves for garnishing
Preparation Marinate the chicken with the marination ingredients for at least 24 hours. Coat the chicken with egg and then put it in a bowl of all-purpose flour. Heat the oil in a frying pan and put the chicken in the oil at high heat for 1 to 2 minutes then turn the flame on low and let it fry for 5 minutes.
Making the sauce: Heat a pan with butter, add dry spices and fry for a minute or two. Add ginger garlic paste, green chilies and fry till it turns fragrant.
Add the tomato puree, red chili powder, sugar and salt. Mix and cook until the tomato puree becomes thick and begins to leave the sides of the pan. Pour 1 cup water and add methi powder, cashew or almond paste or almond milk. Adjust the water to suit your desired consistency. Bring the mix to a boil and simmer for 3 to 5 minutes. Add kasuri methi and garam masala now. Add garam masala, kasuri methi. Stir and simmer for about 2 to 3 minutes. Pour chilled cream and switch off the stove.
Lifestyles
WHAT’S HAUTE
JULIA Owners Vincent and Stacie have curated 25+ designer fashion jewelry brands to create a one-of-a-kind shopping destination at JULIA at the Marketplace, next to Chico’s. This month, we’re highlighting the brand Kendra Scott from Austin, Texas. Kendra is a designer/CEO and mother of three who took a company she started with $500 in a spare bedroom of her home to what is now a billion-dollar fashion brand loved globally. Her jewelry can be found in their own stores around the country, all Nordstrom and Bloomingdale department stores, and now, JULIA at the Marketplace. Kendra Scott features genuine semi-precious stones in most of her designs and plates all jewelry with rhodium and/or 14-karat gold and rose gold. The beautiful, vibrant designs of the summer 2017 collection are encapsulated in the Mi-
sha Earrings featured below. Fragments of turquoise magnesite are fused with molten brass to create a custom stone with beachready flair. The beautiful depth found in the stone must be seen to be believed. A cornerstone of the Signature collection is the Elisa Necklace shown below in gold and iridescent drusy. Women love its
understated elegance and its versatility – wear this night and day, wear it by itself or layer with other pieces to perfect your desired look. Stop by JULIA at The Marketplace (next to Chico’s) today and let one of their stylists help you discover affordable luxury in Kendra Scott jewelry!
DESIGNER FASHION JEWELRY AND ACCESSORIES
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The Elisa Necklace in gold and iridescent drusy ($65) The Elle Earrings in gold and rose quartz ($55) The Aiden Filigree Necklace in gold and rose gold ($85) The Elaina Bracelet in rose gold and rose gold drusy ($65) The Misha Earrings in gold and bronze-veined turquoise magnesite ($125) The Kingston Necklace in gold and bronze-veined turquoise magnesite ($95) The Lacy Drop Earrings in gold ($70) The Monique Lariat in gold and ivory pearl ($120)
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June 2017
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JULIA (located next to Chico’s at The Marketplace) 661-412-8068 Open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday
Find them on Facebook and Instagram @JULIABakersfield Promotional Content
Lifestyles
TECH TALK
DRINKING BUDDIES Useful apps for craft beer aficionados
By Mark Nessia
So many beers, so little time. According to the Brewers Association, there were 3,132 microbreweries, 1,916 brewpubs and 186 regional breweries in the United States in 2016. With craft beer’s increasing popularity, it’s safe to assume that number has grown. Bakersfield alone is home to two brewpubs, one microbrewery and dozens of establishments that carry local and regional craft beer. With thousands of options on the market, how can beer aficionados keep track of what’s around them? Like everything else, there’s an app for that.
TAPHUNTER (free) TapHunter is a must-have app for lovers of craft beer, specialty cocktails and spirits. Whatever you’re craving, TapHunter will help you find it, keeping an updated list of what’s on tap at watering holes around you. The location-based app allows users to create a custom “activity stream” of preferred bars, drinks and events taking place on any given day. The app lets users follow their favorite beverages, rate drinks and share their findings on social media.
BJCP STYLES (free) Think of it as the encyclopedia of beers. BJCP Styles puts the full copy of the Beer Judge Certification Program style guidelines at your fingertips. Whether you’re a beer judge, homebrewer or an enthusiast, this app will tell you everything you need or want to know about nearly every style you can come across. The descriptions are detailed and informative, describing everything from the aroma, appearance, flavor and mouthfeel, as well as commentary. With this app, you’ll never look at a glass of beer the same way again.
WISE DRINKING (free) Despite the disclaimer that the app “is intended for entertainment purposes only and does not provide true alcohol calculator functionality,” Wise Drinking still promotes responsible drinking principles. Providing tools to help measure blood alcohol concentration, the app assesses the user’s gender, body weight and time of last meal with the number of drinks consumed over a period of time. The “end of party” feature helps users get home safely by listing public transportation routes or calling a friend (but not your ex). The drinks diary also lets users track and learn from their habits.
UBER/LYFT (free) Arguably the most important app to have handy when going out for drinks, these ride-sharing services ensure everyone gets home safely after a fun night out. These apps bring reliable transportation straight to you, day or night, ensuring there is always a designated driver at the ready.
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June 2017
PASTIMES
A man and his bike
When a motorcycle is the preferred way to travel and explore
By Laura Liera Photos by Felix Adamo
For most people, traveling is done in a car, confined in a box with airbags and doors. The outside world is but a blur out a window. Close enough to depict, but not close enough to feel. For others, the wind in the face is an exhilarating sense of freedom. That is what motorcycling can do to you. John Panick has been around motorcycles for more than 50 years and has “survived.” The two-wheel scooter he rode at the young age of 12 set the stage for his first bike, a 1966 Honda 305 Scrambler, at 15 years old. Even in the ’60s, there was a certain image for motorcycle enthusiasts. But for Panick, the manager of Snider’s Cyclery and Locksmith on White Lane, it meant the liberty to get away. His first 150-mile trips were from Los Angeles to Bakersfield as a young adult, when he’d visit home on the weekends. Panick’s first “legitimate touring” trip was to Coos Bay, Oregon, in 2009. He packed a motorcycle saddlebag and hit the road on
Highway 1 with a friend. The scenery was breathtaking. The smells were like nothing else. “You feel invigorated and alive when you travel on a bike, but you’ll also feel twice as tired because of the wind and elements you’re in,” he said. Because there is no physical protection on a bike, motorcyclists have to prepare for the unexpected like the change of weather. Temperature drops are felt instantly on a bike. There is no heating adjustment, besides the all-purpose leather jacket that keeps your body warm. As Felix Adamo said, “Driving a convertible is almost like riding a motorcycle ... but a motorcycle is a lot more fun.” Adamo, a photojournalist who has been riding for more than 25 years, said a motorcyclist should always have some kind of rain gear in case it starts drizzling or pouring, especially when making long-distance trips. And sometimes, even camping gear is necessary. As was the case in 2012, when Adamo took a road trip across the country with two fellow bikers, in search of the country's Bakersfield towns. Their trip took them from Cali-
fornia to Texas up to Missouri and finally Vermont. Riding an average of 250 to 400 miles each day was something Adamo had never experienced or done.
“Driving a convertible is almost like riding a motorcycle ... but a motorcycle is a lot more fun.”
– Felix Adamo
“I was surprised I was able to do it,” he said. “I didn’t get as tired as I thought it would be ... I wasn’t sore.” Although he camped out on the trip across the country, Adamo said he prefers booking a night at a hotel when he travels. He usually calls it a night after riding for six hours. The last thing you want to do is be tired while riding a motorcycle. For both Panick and Adamo, safety is one of their pet peeves. For newbies, they encouraged taking a motorcycle safety course first before getting on a bike. “Baby step your way into it,” Panick said. “But if you have ever daydreamed about riding, you should probably try it.”
Left: John Panick with Norman Briggs at Dagny’s before a Sunday ride. Right: Felix Adamo in Bakersfield, Texas, in 2012.
www.BakersfieldLife.com
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PHOTO BY ROD THORNBURG
Go & Do ENTERTAINMENT
Wait a second, Saturday is for downtown fun, too By Ellen Ewing Cafe Smitten is located in the heart of Second Saturday.
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On the second Saturday of every month, a sense of something brewing can be felt on 18th Street, between Chester Avenue and Mill Creek Park. It’s not the busiest part of downtown on most days in recent years, but a few community leaders are working to change that. “We want to promote exciting, new developments and general awareness of the east side of Chester,” said Austin Smith, a real estate broker and the owner
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June 2017
of Sage Equities in Bakersfield. “It’s really exciting what’s going on there. People don’t know about it. It’s an experience like no other part of town.” The downtown area west of Chester has First Friday. Now the other side will have Second Saturday. And it’s starting on that 18th Street corridor. “The event is designed (after) First Friday to get people to come visit and enjoy the shops and gardens and eateries that have begun to pop up in that area,” Don Martin, manager of Metro Galleries, wrote in an email.
Y O U ’ R E A LWA Y S W E L C O M E A T
Gables Residential Care Homes First Friday will celebrate its 10th anniversary this August. It has become a very popular event downtown, a very successful draw for local businesses and a time for
“Downtown has a unique character of the city, a flavor of who we are as a people. The city is stronger, more diverse ethnically, politically, culturally. We want to continue to grow that diversity and we want downtown to continue to show that growth.” – Andrae Gonzales
local culture to flourish. “We want to build off the successes of First Friday,” said Andrae Gonzalez, the city council member from Ward 2, which includes the downtown area. “We want to encourage people to come downtown and spend the day. On Second Saturday, we’re creating a lot of activities for people who think there’s nothing to do.” Gonzalez’s passion for the growth and development of Bakersfield, particularly downtown, is obvious as soon as he starts talking. “Downtown has a unique character of the city, a flavor of who we are as a people,” he said. “The city is stronger, more diverse ethnically, politically, culturally. We
want to continue to grow that diversity and we want downtown to continue to show that growth. Revitalizing downtown will help change the perception of safety and activate the space, encouraging people to come visit restaurants, stores, galleries.” Gonzalez is also the chairman of the Budget and Finance Committee for the city of Bakersfield. “There is a misperception about the safety of downtown. (Crime) that happens there happens all over the city, so we are working on that. We have allocated $310,000 for three additional officers who would ideally be on bicycle patrol.” The first Second Saturday was April 15. Live music played while nonprofits like No Kill Kern and the Tree Foundation set up “parklets” on the 18th Street sidewalk to raise awareness for their causes and provide something to see and do, like cuddle cute dogs and play lawn games. There were even kinetic sculptures from the Fab Lab at CSUB. “Pop-up parklets are small areas where nonprofits and other groups can set up and share info and ideas,” Martin said. In the coming Second Saturdays, Bike Bakersfield will organize a tour of downtown on bikes. “We have a giant chess set coming up soon and other activities such as live music and public art demonstrations,” Martin said. Cute dogs, good drinks, live music and a giant chess set. What more could you ask for on a Saturday?
The Meadows • 10702 Four Bears Dr. RCFE No. 157204176
Spruce Gardens • 13303 Nantucket RCFE No. 157206898
The Gables • 903 Spirit Lake RCFE No. 155801279
When living at home is no longer the best option for your loved one, visit the private homes of Gables Residential Care.
In these elegant, family homes, you will find: • Comforts of home in a beautiful surrounding • Caring and competent staff on duty 24 hours a day • Only six residents in each home – companionship with others • Personal assistance with activities of daily living – bathing, dressing, grooming, meals, medication supervision, transportation – whatever is needed. • Delicious, home-cooked meals and snacks • Lovely patios and secure walking paths • Alzheimer’s/Hospice Waivers
661.631.2036 www.BakersfieldLife.com
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Go & Do
OUT & ABOUT
FOR THE LOVE OF WINGS Bakersfield Wing Festival back with more wings, sauces
By Laura Liera Photos courtesy of Vanessa Nani Naranjo
Enjoy them deep fried or grilled. With or without sauce. Use a napkin or lick your fingers. We’re talking wings at the second annual Bakersfield Wing Festival, back this summer at the Kern County Fairgrounds June 25. Last year’s inaugural event attracted more than 2,500 wing aficionados and this year promises more wings, more sauces and an even better time with live music and shopping vendors. Kristopher J. Evans, the event creator and lover of all things wings, thought of the festival five years ago and finally gave it a go last year with the help of NaTesha Johnson, co-founder of Upside Productions LLC. 34
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June 2017
“I’m passionate about wing sauce,” Evans said, adding that his specialty is his Orange Honey for Money sauce. Although neither had ever worked on putting together a festival, the love for wings put the project into motion. Johnson said last year’s event went far beyond their expectations. But there were a few lessons to be learned. For one, they cannot control the Bakersfield heat. Instead of having the festival early on, they have played it safe this year and with blessings from Mother Nature, it will be an enjoyable summer evening. Another challenge that attendees brought up were the lines to get wings. There were nine wing vendors last year, including Wingstop, Buffalo Wild Wings and Hooters. But this year, more than 15 wing ven-
dors have already registered. That means more wings. Including vegan wings. Yes, you read that right. You can thank the cooks at The Hens Roost for that one. Back this year is bragging rights for the crowd favorite, wings of the year, the spiciest and hottest and a few other trophy opportunities. Plus, the all-time favorite wing-eating contest for the person feeling brave enough to eat as many wings as they can in two minutes. Evans said he’s also thinking of introducing the heat-based challenge to see who can be named the king or queen of eating wings drenched in the hottest sauce. While the festival is all about the wings, there’s also another and maybe the most important face to it: the charity
component. The festival will be donating a portion of the proceeds to the Alzheimer’s Disease Association of Kern County and Grandma Whoople, a nonprofit anti-bullying campaign. Last year, the ADAKC received $4,000 and $1,000 went to Grandma Whoople. “The ADAKC was shocked last year with the amount we raised, especially for a firsttime event,� Johnson said. “So this year, we want to give back even more.� Alzheimer’s and dementia have touched the lives of Johnson and Evans on a personal level and they both feel passionate about the work the ADAKC continues to bring to the community. And that giving component is the best part of the food festival culture, Johnson
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noted. “Festivals allow us to contribute back to the community,â€? she said. “Yes, it’s fun but we don’t want to have a community with a monolithic way of thinking where we can only do things one way. ‌ Festivals diversify our community because we all come together.â€?
Bakersfield Wing Festival When: Sunday, June 25 Where: Kern County Fairgrounds–Budweiser Pavilion, 1142 S. P St. Time: 3 to 7 p.m. Price: $35 general admission or $75 VIP For tickets or more information, visit www. bakersfieldwingfest.com
Facing page: Attendees of the Bakersfield Wing Festival give cheers with wings in hand. Top to bottom: A competitor gets ready to compete in the wing-eating contest. Left to right: Blair Budai, NaTesha Johnson, John Guevara, Jamaal Dabbs, Manny Elijah, Kristopher Evans. Competitors at the wing-eating contest.
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6WDUV 7KHDWUH 5HVWDXUDQW &KHVWHU $YHQXH %DNHUVILHOG &$ _ ZZZ %0767$56 FRP _ EPWVWDUV www.BakersfieldLife.com
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Go & Do
TRIP PLANNER
Let’s get together in the Santa Maria Valley Named ‘The New Top 10 Cities for Wine Snobs’ by Travel Channel
The Foxen Canyon Wine Trail connects Los Olivos and the Santa Maria Valley, a journey that gets you out of the city and into the country. There are meandering roads and breathtaking views with tucked-away vineyards along the trail.
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Contributed by Santa Maria Valley
It’s a place where you can tour vineyards by wine trolley and swirl till you spill. Or ride past endless rows of strawberries and maybe pick a bunch or two. You can dig your toes into the sunny sand, watch the sunset over the dunes and let your hair down in the ocean breeze. Or just indulge in real Santa Maria-style barbecue. It’s the Santa Maria Valley, where you can get together with your favorite people and do it all.
ONE OF CALIFORNIA’S LONGEST GROWING SEASONS The Santa Maria Valley is one of six federally recognized American Viticultural Areas in Santa Barbara County. Less pretentious and more inviting than other regions, the Santa Maria Valley is known for its chardonnay, pinot noir and syrah due to the rare east-west transverse geography and cool climate.
Bakersfield Life Magazine
June 2017
Tour the land where grapes grow as far as the eye can see. Where sprawling vineyards, smooth wine and downhome fun come together. Whether you’re on the Foxen Canyon Wine Trail or in Old Town Orcutt, your senses will be heightened. Honoring tradition and an openness to try things not yet done is the grounding force of the wine culture. You’ll find the wineries treat visitors like family – welcoming, approachable and focused most on the enjoyment of wine. They aren’t just a name on a label; you’re likely to meet the winemakers themselves when you come by for a tasting. The unpretentious nature of the region makes the experience authentic, educational and just plain fun.
A 150-YEAR OLD BARBECUE TRADITION A perfect complement to Santa Maria Valley wines is the 150-year-old tradition of Santa Mariastyle barbecue, which centers around beef tri-tip Promotional Content
or top sirloin combined with a simple seasoning, grilled over native red oak wood. Traditional accompaniments include pinquito beans, fresh salsa, tossed green salad and grilled French bread dipped in melted butter. Santa Maria-style barbecue stems from a tradition shaped by decades of history, generations of locals and, of course, the perfect mix of native flavors – all of which come together to create a distinct taste indicative of the Santa Maria Valley. It’s no wonder that Sunset Magazine deemed Santa Maria “The West’s Best BBQ Town.”
THE IDEAL HOME BASE Our wide variety of affordable and convenient lodging options makes it easy to access beautiful beaches by day and indulge in our iconic barbecue by night – all without draining your savings account. Santa Maria is approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes from Bakersfield and the ideal home base for those looking to enjoy California’s central coast. There are lots of places to stay in Santa Maria offering much more bang for your buck. Hotel rates are more affordable than some of the typical
tourist spots. Head toward the valley of vineyards and discover something new in the Santa Maria Valley. Where grapes are allowed to take their sweet time. Where coming uncorked is optional … but encouraged. And where wine country is done a little differently.
Plan Your Trip Today For more information, visit www.santamariavalley.com.
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Go & Do
TRIP PLANNER
CHUMASH CASINO RESORT
PHOTO COURTESY OF ADRIAN TIEMENS PHOTOGRAPHY
A winning combination of riveting action and total relaxation
Contributed by Chumash Casino Resort Year WON! Win big during our one-year expansion anniversary! Come join us now through July 30. Prizes include $1 million in cash and a 2017 Tesla Model P100D. Play slots and table games to earn entries daily. Play with your Club Indulge card to qualify.
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Tucked into the hills of the Santa Barbara wine country, Chumash Casino Resort invites you to endless fun with its world-class gaming and entertainment. The one-of-a-kind destination is an ideal getaway for those looking to strike a balance between riveting action and total relaxation. Stepping onto the casino floor, you immediately sense the excitement of the property, with 2,300 thrilling slot machines, 45 Vegas-style games, a high-limit room with table games and personalized service, a state-of-theart poker room and weekly bingo sessions in a smoke-free setting. There’s usually a monthly promo-
Bakersfield Life Magazine
June 2017
tion or specialty game happening, so you’re always in for a little bonus fun whenever you visit. For live entertainment, there’s the Samala Showroom, where a wide range of today’s big names perform every week. This summer includes shows from rock legend Bret Michaels to international musician Espinoza Paz. You can also relive the music of the ’60s and ’70s on the Happy Together Tour, combining an outstanding lineup featuring The Turtles, Chuck Negron, The Archies’ Ron Dante, The Box Tops and more. If you’re seeking a more tranquil experience, take advantage of the luxury amenities at the resort. Enjoy a refreshing dip in the rooftop pool, lounge in the cabanas and get lost in the panoramic
views of vineyards and rolling hills from the 15,000-square-foot pool deck. Treat yourself at the spa, with an extensive menu of services ranging from traditional Chumash healing massages and herbal body wraps to reinvigorating facials and polished pedicures. When your stomach starts Promotional Content
PHOTO COURTESY OF ADRIAN TIEMENS PHOTOGRAPHY
PHOTO COURTESY OF CHRIS YASKO
Wind down in a comfortable guestroom in the AAA four-diamond 12-story resort tower. The recently expanded tower includes more than 300 stylish rooms, including over 50 suites where you’ll fall asleep on plush bedding and wake up re-energized by exquisite views of Santa Ynez Valley. Whether you’re looking for a jam-packed weekend, some time to slow down and disconnect, or a mixture of activity and leisure,
PHOTO COURTESY OF TYSON ELLIS
PHOTO COURTESY OF ADRIAN TIEMENS PHOTOGRAPHY
growling, there are a variety of dining options across the resort. Savor mouthwatering steaks and seafood, along with local and imported wines, in an elegant atmosphere at the four-diamond rated Willows restaurant. Keep meals casual but delicious with comfort food in the cafe or feast on international cuisine with the all-you-can-eat buffet. Then grab a cocktail to cap off the night at our Center Bar.
you’ll discover a winning vacation at Chumash Casino Resort.
Chumash Casino Resort 3400 East Highway 246 Santa Ynez, CA 93460 www.ChumashCasino.com 800-248-6274
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B Well
GET MOVING
Boxing Pump Fitness Center By Laura Liera
No one ever regrets a workout. The hardest part is showing up. Consistency is also key. And personally, that’s been my struggle for years. It’s not that I don’t like to workout but keeping myself accountable to go to the gym every day after work has been my downfall. Like most of us, going to the gym is a solo activity. But research shows that finding a workout partner increases the amount of time you exercise. And finding an exercise you actually enjoy doing will keep you going back. For Ernesto Torres, owner of Boxing Pump Fitness Center, incorporating two elements, boxing and weight training, was his motivation to open his own gym in January. The group class is broken down in 30 minutes of boxing (incorporating intense cardio) and 30 minutes of weight training. The combination is a complete-body workout. “It’s perfect for beginners and even those that have had some experience and want to get back into it,” Torres said.
BOXING The “Rocky Balboa” theme song popped in my head as I strapped on my pair of black boxing gloves. A girl can dream to be Rocky, right? I stood 40
Bakersfield Life Magazine
in front of the punching bag with my left foot forward and my right foot slightly turned as Torres gave an example of how to punch the bag. The three main boxing jabs are pretty simple and I figured I wouldn’t break a sweat. But after the first few rounds of “left, right, jab,” I was dripping in sweat. Not only are you taking it out on the bag but Torres pulls you aside to try out your skills while walking. Yes, that means you have to move your feet and throw jabs at the same time. I may have tripped over my own feet the first few times, but eventually, your mind and feet get on the same page. Boxing gets your heart rate up and most importantly, it’s actually fun.
WEIGHT TRAINING Weights are tricky if you don’t know how to use them. But the second half of this class, you learn that you actually are capable of using more weight than you think. I was able to use 10-pound dumbbells during our lower-body workouts and even picked up a 20-pound dumbbell to squat. Torres walks around checking form to prevent injury. And he even gives you a motivational boost when you want to reach for the lower-weight dumbbells. If your legs feel like jelly, that’s good; it means you’re getting a workout. You’ll finish off with some ab workouts and call it a night. June 2017
Did You Know?
Boxing Pump Fitness Center
Boxing is the ultimate high-intensity interval training workout. Boxing improves both aerobic and anaerobic fitness and burns much more calories than other forms of cardio in much less time.
9523 Langley Road Classes held Monday through Friday, 9 a.m., 5 p.m., 6 p.m., 7 p.m. 661-497-5704 Name-your-price custom workout plan is available at www.boxingpump.com.
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BY LAURA LIERA
ENJOY THE SUMMER A close look at preventing foodborne illnesses
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• Don’t cross-contaminate raw and cooked food. • Avoid opening the cooler repeatedly so that your food stays cooler. • Keep perishable food cold until it is ready to cook. • Thaw/marinate meats inside the fridge. • Burgers should cook to 160 degrees. Source: foodsafety.gov
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FOOD SAFETY BASICS
LY PRE SE OUD PR
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“Any food has the potential to make you sick depending on how it was handled and how it is prepared,” Leighter said. Take a watermelon, for example. When you slice it, whatever bacteria was on the outside is now dragged right through it as the knife touches the inside. Don’t neglect washing fruits, even a watermelon or cantaloupe. And talking about washing, not washing your hands after you handle any kind of food is the No. 1 way to spread germs. The same goes for countertops, cutlery and cutting boards. Don’t just wipe down. “There is a difference between clean and sanitary,” Leighter said. Break out the Clorox and add water to your sanitary bucket. “You have to break the bacterial cell to actually kill it,” Leighter added. “You can’t just use soap and water and rinse it down because soap won’t kill the bacteria.” When you get ready to plan your backyard barbecue or road trip picnic, it’s recommended that food is placed in cool containers to keep food from going bad. A cooler should keep food at 40 degrees or below. “With warmer temperatures, you have to pay close attention to that one hour window of time before you’re at a high risk,” Leighter said. When in doubt, throw it out.
N
ummer brings the sun and the family gatherings outside by the pool. But while the temperatures rise, so do the chances of bacteria growing on those raw burger patties sitting on the patio table waiting to be grilled. There’s nothing better than summer grilling and whipping out your best dips and entrees, but don’t take for granted the potential foodborne germs that could turn your festivities into a stomach pain party. Foodborne illness is a common, yet preventable, health problem that happens every year. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 in 6 Americans gets sick by consuming contaminated foods or beverages. There are more than 250 different foodborne diseases that have been discovered. Most are infectious, caused by a variety of bacteria, viruses and parasites that can be foodborne, the CDC states. The hotter the temperatures, the faster bacteria grows. Cheryl Leighter, manager of the Kaiser Permanente Health Education Department, said on a regular day, the maximum time food can sit out is two hours. In the summer, it’s one hour. And we aren’t talking just potato salad or spinach dip. It could be something as simple as fruit that could turn into a bacterial party.
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B Well
YOUR BODY
DON’T FEAR CHOLESTEROL Manage it with exercise and food By Laura Liera
Cholesterol isn’t something new. When you hear someone has high cholesterol you know it’s not a good thing to have. But when 73.5 million adults in the United States are living with “bad” cholesterol – a 2015 American Heart Association report concluded – the need to talk prevention becomes the No.1 focus. Before addressing prevention, it’s important to note that cholesterol comes from two sources: your body (specifically your liver) and food. Cholesterol plays an important role in the function of your body but too much low-density lipoprotein can ultimately clog arteries and cause a stroke or heart attack. If your total cholesterol score is borderline high (more than 200 milligrams per deciliter), it’s time to make lifestyle changes. Start by exercising. Anywhere from 30 to 40 minutes of moderate exercise five times a week is recommended, said Supratim Banerjee, doctor
HIGH - 240 MG/DL AND ABOVE BORDERLINE HIGH - 200 - 239 MG/DL DESIRABLE - LESS THAN 200 MG/DL
NEARLY 1 IN EVERY 2 AMERICAN WOMEN HAS HIGH OR BORDERLINE HIGH CHOLESTEROL HDL
LDL
“Good” cholesterol
“Bad” cholesterol
Triglycerides
Total cholesterol score
Source: heartTruth.gov
at Comprehensive Cardiology, specializing in invasive cardiology, echocardiology and nuclear cardiology. Get your heart rate up by power walking, swimming or playing a sport. Also, cut back on fats and carbohydrates. “Focus on the carbohydrates because we have seen that carbs make your triglycerides go up very quickly,” Banerjee said. Choose plant fats over the trans fats found in a Big Mac. The more colorful your breakfast, lunch and dinner plate is, the better.
Plus veggies make you fill up sooner. Cutting back on everything you eat is also not the solution. “People think, ‘Oh my gosh, I have cholesterol so I can’t eat anything,’” Banerjee noted. “But you simply can start by decreasing portions.” Instead of having ice cream every day and topping the entire bowl, maybe just have it once a week and use a smaller cup. Or maybe include more tuna and fish meals instead of steak during the week.
One of the first items to drop immediately is soda. Soda is what Banerjee calls “empty calories.” One can of soda has more than 10 spoons of sugar. “The body will simply store sugar as fat and that’s not good for you,” he said. When a lifestyle change has been made and a person’s total cholesterol does not decrease within three to six months, it may be time to see the role of genetics. If your father, mother or an uncle have had a heart attack or stroke in their 50s or 60s, it may be possible that a person may have that genetic predisposition. The key is to treat it early. And that may include medication like statins. Statins lower cholesterol levels in the blood, preventing heart attacks and strokes. But remember, the pill will not cure cholesterol. “You have to continue a healthy lifestyle,” Banerjee said. “The medication is restricting the liver from generating the cholesterol, so if you take the pill away, it will come back.”
LOWER YOUR CHOLESTEROL AT HOME
Add a variety of fruits and vegetables to every meal 44
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Use a rack to drain off fat when you broil, roast or bake poultry and meats June 2017
Look for leaner cuts if you choose to eat meat
Broil or grill instead of pan-frying
Cut off all visible fat from meat before cooking and take all the skin off poultry pieces
PHOTO COURTESY OF THOMAS CHEN PHOTOGRAPHY
LOVE AND LIFE
Planning and packing:
Tips from prepared parent travelers Now that the Bakersfield heat is in full swing, you might be thinking of that next getaway with your family. Perhaps you’d like to escape to a tropical island where you can leisurely drift down a lazy river. Or maybe you’d prefer to venture into the great wide-open on a family road trip. Whatever your destination, it’s best to have a solid plan in place. To help facilitate the process, I’ve asked the best parent planners I know to reveal their favorite traveling tips. My husband, Ben, has been planning our family trips, big and small, for almost two decades now. He said: “If you are celebrating a special occasion, ask the hotel where you are staying if they can do something to help you make it special. You might get a bottle of champagne or flowers or something extra thrown in.”
As the family packer, I highly recommend using an app such as Wunderlist, which allows you to add, remove, reposition and check items off as you’re packing. Keep adding to your list. Before you know it, you’ll have a master list you can use and reuse so you’ll never leave anything behind again. My longtime friend, Roger Ng, says his wife is a master traveler. Julia, who works at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York, recommends making kids travel with their own backpacks. “It teaches them independence and responsibility,” she said. As a mother of three, she likes to give her kids old smartphones to use as cameras. “They love it and I love being in pictures instead of always being the one taking them,” she added. Jason Sperber, a part-time sensory panelist at Nestle and a stay-at-home dad, says that you should always expect
the unexpected. “Pack for that missed connection that strands you somewhere an extra day – not just extra underwear for everyone, but daily doses of medicines, too,” he said. Connie Taft said, “Be sure to notify the other people in your carpool when you’re leaving town.” The mother of three forgot to do just that recently after embarking on a spring break cruise. She returned from her trip and shared a good laugh with her understanding friend. Wherever you choose to go, may your planning be smooth, your packing feel effortless and your summer travels be well worth all the effort.
Nina Ha
PHOTO BY APRIL MASSIRIO
By Nina Ha
Opinions expressed in this column are those of Nina Ha.
www.BakersfieldLife.com
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On the
rocks Drink recipes to keep you cool this summer
Compiled by Bakersfield Life • Photos by Jonah and Lindsay
W
hen temperatures climb as high as the sun in the sky, instinct compels us to grab a cold drink. An icy beverage touching your lips brings almost instant relief from scorching temperatures. Local bars shared some recipes to help you stay cool during the Bakersfield summer.
French 75 (courtesy of The Silver Fox Starlite Lounge, 702 18th St.) A signature drink from the ’50s that’s crisp and bubbly with a sweet bite. 2 ounces Bulldog London dry gin ½ ounce lemon juice 1 table spoon super fine sugar 5 ounces champagne Fill a glass with ice and add gin, sugar and lemon juice. Shake to dissolve the sugar. Rim a chilled martini glass with sugar then add champagne. Add the gin, sugar and lemon juice mix then garnish with a lime wheel and cherry. Continued on Page 48 www.BakersfieldLife.com
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Passion Fruit Lemonade (courtesy of Bull Shed Bar & Grill, 2300 Camino Del Rio Court) An energizing twist on your standard lemonade featuring muddled raspberries that’s simple to make, thirst-quenching and delicious. 1 ounce Stoli Razberi 1 ounce X-Rated Fusion Liqueur Sweet and sour Sprite Raspberries Lemon Muddle four raspberries in a glass, then squeeze half a lemon and fill to the top with ice. Add Stoli Razberi, X-Rated Fusion Liqueur, a splash of sweet and sour, and a splash of Sprite. Shake well and garnish with a lemon wheel.
“The Pool Side” (courtesy of The Wright Place, 2695 Mt. Vernon Ave., #G) As the name indicates, this is the perfect poolside companion – cool and light, sweet and refreshing – and a great way to beat the heat. 1/2 ounce Malibu coconut rum 1/2 ounce Captain Morgan spiced rum Amaretto Peach schnapps Pineapple juice Fill a glass with ice, then add Malibu, Captain Morgan, a splash of amaretto and a splash of peach schnapps. Top off with pineapple juice and garnish with a cherry. 48
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“Spicy Melon” (courtesy of VIP Lounge, 5460 California Ave.) Add a little spice to your summer with this chilled fruity cocktail with a kick. 1 ounce cucumber vodka 1 ounce Watermelon Pucker Sweet and sour Sprite Orange juice Tabasco Tajin Rim glass with tajin, then fill with ice. Add vodka, Watermelon Pucker, a splash of Sprite, a splash of sweet and sour, a splash of orange juice, two drops of Tabasco and a couple of dashes of tajin. Continued on Page 50
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Mint Julep (courtesy of The Old Fashioned Social Drinkery, 3621 California Ave., Suite D) This Southern classic starts off cool and ends even cooler with its minty finish. 2 ½ ounces Bulleit Bourbon 1 ounce soda water 1 ½ teaspoons sugar Mint leaves Powdered sugar Add sugar, soda water and four mint leaves in a glass and muddle until sugar is dissolved. Add ice and bourbon and strain into a separate glass filled with crushed ice. Top with mint and powdered sugar.
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Fill up and drive Summer destinations on a single tank of gas
Compiled by Bakersfield Life
Photos by depositphotos.com
B
akersfield is truly a great place for those with wanderlust. The city’s central location puts it within driving distance to many popular destinations from big cities to small coastal communities and even international airports for those who really want to get away. There’s no better time for a road trip than in the summer and Bakersfield Life has compiled a few destinations you can reach on just a single tank of gas. After all, road trips shouldn’t be measured in miles but in the number of moments that take place during.
Just the Facts The average gas tank is 12 gallons. The average fuel efficiency is 25 mpg. That equals an average of 300 miles per tank.
Mountain biking at Big Bear’s Snow Summit Bike Park, Southern California’s only lift-served, gravity-fed bike park. 52
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Big Bear
(187 miles from Bakersfield) Flourishing pine and oak forests and a freshwater lake seven miles long surrounded by the San Bernardino National Forest paint the backdrop for the mountain community of Big Bear Lake. Averaging 80 degrees during the day and 45 degrees at night, the alpine environment provides a much-needed escape from Bakersfield’s triple-digit temperatures. Full of recreational opportunities like fishing, hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding, Big Bear is the perfect place to become one with nature, whether camping the old-fashioned way in a tent on the ground or in the comforts of a four-star resort.
Notable attractions for Families: Action Zipline Tours – A three-hour zip lining adventure including an off-road Jeep safari, the tours teach proper rope-climbing techniques through nine high-speed runs and a suspension bridge walk. Perfect for adrenaline junkies of all ages! Foodies: Grind & Grill Cafe – There are no cloth napkins or hard-to-pronounce ingredients at this Big Bear coffee shop. Just piles of food that rival the surrounding mountains in size. It’s a true local experience that will leave your belly full and your face smiling. Romantics: Horseback riding – A wide variety of terrains, trails, spectacular vistas and postcard-worthy mountain sunsets await you, your significant other and your trusty steeds. Nature Lovers: Parasailing – Just about every activity in Big Bear falls into this category, but for a truly extraordinary experience, take to the skies! Pine Knot Marina Parasail offers spectacular views from hundreds of feet above the water. Continued on Page 54
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Continued from Page 53
Monterey
(220 miles from Bakersfield) A scenic coastal city rising out of the Monterey Bay with pine-forested hillsides and sweeping bay views, Monterey’s natural beauty and historic sites make it a premier tourist spot for those looking for a different type of getaway. The community’s hospitality makes outsiders feel welcome as they immerse themselves in relaxation, the waves of the Pacific Ocean crashing along the shore within earshot.
Notable attractions for Families: Monterey Bay Aquarium – Explore aquatic life that calls the sea home without getting wet – unless you want to. The aquarium boasts nearly 200 exhibits with more than 35,000 creatures representing over 550 species, from playful otters, lovable penguins, colorful coral reefs, tropical sharks and much more. Foodies: Cindy’s Waterfront – Conveniently located inside the Monterey Bay Aquarium, the restaurant brings farm-to-table cooking to a new level. Everything in the kitchen is sourced within 25 miles of the restaurant and the sustainably fished seafood is as fresh as it gets. And the view’s not bad, either. Romantics: The Ultimate Luxury Getaway Package – Available through the Old Monterey Inn, the four-day package includes breakfast in bed each day; dinner at Restaurant 1833, Fandango Restaurant and Sardine Factory Restaurant; five-hour limousine tour of four wineries; one-hour couples Swedish massage and more. Nature Lovers: Adventures by the Sea – Don’t let the name fool you. Adventures by the Sea provides visitors the opportunity to discover Monterey by land or water with everything you need to start your kayaking, paddle boarding or biking adventure. Kayak and bike tours are also available. Continued on Page 56
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Clockwise, from far left: Signage for Cannery Row. Visitors photograph the jellyfish at Monterey Bay Aquarium. Cannery Row is one of Montereyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most popular tourist spots. Shops and restaurants line the Monterey waterfront.
2017
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The San Diego Zoo offers 100 acres of family fun.
The San Diego skyline, seen from Centennial Park on Balboa Island.
San Diego
(232 miles from Bakersfield) San Diego is a popular vacation destination for visitors across the globe due to its variety of attractions, beaches and ideal weather. The country’s eighth-largest city has no shortage of entertainment spanning its sun-kissed shores to its sprawling inland culture. Outdoor recreation, family friendly exhibits, a thriving arts and culture scene, and neighborhoods packed with restaurants, clubs and shops make this beach city a must-visit year-round.
Notable attractions for Families: San Diego Zoo – The world-famous zoo is home to thousands of rare and endangered animals in beautiful, naturalistic habitats and even more exotic plants throughout its 100 acres. Make sure to set a full day aside because there’s just that much to see and do!
Foodies: The Cork and Craft – San Diego’s first all-inone restaurant, winery and brewery, the establishment houses The Cork & Craft restaurant, Abnormal Wine Company and Abnormal Beer Company, combining refined plates in a casual environment with 41 taps and an extensive wine list. Romantics: Gondola rides – Slowly drift around Coronado Cays in a gondola, courtesy of The Gondola Company, surrounded by beautiful homes, boats and scenery as you sip on wine and indulge on chocolate-covered strawberries and an Italian appetizer plate. Some of the gondoliers even sing for a more authentic Italian experience in Southern California. Nature Lovers: Paragliding – Get a bird’s eye view of the city from hundreds of feet in the air. Torrey Pines Gliderport, the No. 1 paragliding school in America, offers lessons and tandem flights for a truly unforgettable experience. Continued on Page 59
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Road trip! Daytrips and more Hollywood (106 miles from Bakersfield) – Lights, camera, vacation! Santa Monica (112 miles from Bakersfield) – A beach haven of shops, restaurants and attractions located close to other LA destinations. Camarillo (114 miles from Bakersfield) – Ideal year-round weather featuring cool ocean breezes and agricultural vistas. Ventura (116 miles from Bakersfield) – Pristine beaches minus the crowds. Santa Maria (121 miles from Bakersfield) – The central coast’s best-kept secret. Find out more on Page 36. Anaheim (138 miles from Bakersfield) – Home of the Angels, Ducks and Disneyland.
Enjoy your stay Yosemite (170 miles from Bakersfield) – Experience tranquility in the Sierra Nevada. San Clemente (173 miles from Bakersfield) – Sunny beaches, premium shopping and fine dining along the California coast. San Jose (242 miles from Bakersfield) – The heart of Silicon Valley, San Jose is where technology and innovation reside. Mammoth Lakes (269 miles from Bakersfield) – A year-round land of adventure in the shadow of towering
Torrey Pines Gliderport is the top paragliding school in America.
Twin Lakes lies at the base of the southeastern slope of Mammoth Mountain. mountains overlooking crystal-clear lakes. Las Vegas (286 miles from Bakersfield) – Vibrant nightlife, 24-hour casinos, endless entertainment, shops and restaurants. Need we say more?
Ventura features white, sandy beaches and a beautiful, historic downtown district. www.BakersfieldLife.com
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Clockwise, from top: Lights illuminate the Bay Bridge. A trolley car climbs one of the many steep streets in San Francisco. The Muir Woods National Monument is only 16 miles from downtown San Francisco. One of the more than 600 exhibits at the Exploratorium.
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Continued from Page 56
San Francisco
(283 miles from Bakersfield) Few cities in California are as iconic as San Francisco. One side of the Golden Gate Bridge rest the city’s soul: hilly streets, memorable skyline, active nightlife and fantastic dining. The other contains its heart: ancient redwoods and rocky coastline cliffs. A hub of diverse neighborhoods and world-class cuisine, San Francisco’s welcoming spirit draws millions of visitors throughout the year – and for good reason.
Notable attractions for Families: Exploratorium – Ignite that childlike wonder, regardless of age, as the museum makes learning fun. With over 600 exhibits, guests are encouraged to touch, explore and play to feed their curiosity. Foodies: Californios – This 24-seat family owned Mexican restaurant packs a punch with its emphasis on flavor, intensity and purity of ingredients. The price may be intimidating, with the entire experience costing $157 per person, but the Michelin-starred eatery is worth every penny serving an ever-evolving collection of 12 to 16 courses. Romantics: The Bay Lights – Grab hold of that special someone as you marvel at 25,000 white LEDs dancing and sparkling along the 300 cables of San Francisco’s “other” bridge. Nature Lovers: Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and find peace in Muir Woods surrounded by some of the oldest, tallest trees in the country. Continued on Page 60
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Clockwise, from below: The Tower Bridge spans the Sacramento River. Sacramento is full of shopping and dining opportunities. Capitol Park.
Continued from Page 59
Sacramento
(286 miles from Bakersfield) In Sacramento, they like to say, “California begins here,” and given the city’s cultural attractions, cutting-edge cuisine and rich history, it’s hard to argue otherwise. California’s capital has something to appeal to every type of vacationer from hundreds of shops, eateries and attractions for shopaholics and foodies; professional sports and performing arts for those looking to be entertained; outdoor adventures for the whole family; and so much more. Find out why California’s star rests over Sacramento.
Notable attractions for Families: Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure – An “Amazing Race”-like adventure that turns Sacramento into a giant game board, the three-hour city tour sends teams through the city completing challenges while learning local history. Foodies: Kru – Contemporary Japanese cuisine elevated by high-quality ingredients for unrivaled flavor. Kru features fresh sushi as well as hot-from-the-kitchen menu items. Romantics: Watch a drive-in movie – Dinner and a movie might be a cliche date night but the West Wind drive in at Sacramento mixes it up by combining a nostalgic, old-time movie-watching experience with modern-day technology and first-run movies. Nature Lovers: Surrounded by the Sacramento and American rivers, there’s no reason not to experience the thrill of whitewater rafting. 60
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People & Community
BAKERSFIELD MATTERS
Carolina on my mind Lowcountry is a Southern charmer By Lisa Kimble
Thirteen years ago, when I first set foot on one of South Carolina’s pristine beaches along the nearly 70 miles of shore stretching from Myrtle Beach to Georgetown affectionately dubbed the Grand Strand, I was greeted by one “good morning” right after another. I assumed I had been mistaken for someone else, yet the acknowledgements continued. Such was my indoctrination into the unique world of Southern hospitality. If you thought Southerners are the polo-playing Charlestonians behind the hedges of the “Holy City” showcased on the reality show “Southern Charm,” think again. Carolinians are among the friendliest in the country. Southerners cling to their cradle of history and culture with pride. Prepare to be intoxicated by it. I have. By air you can get to the Carolina Low Country through Charleston to the south or Myrtle Beach to the north. Our family prefers Myrtle as most major airlines fly into its International Airport. Leaving Myrtle Beach, don’t be tempted to veer off the U.S. 17 to places like Surfside. The real gems are farther down the highway. Your first stop should be Murrells Inlet, the seafood capital of South Carolina. Dine at any of the many restaurants along the inlet and you’ll likely be eating fish that was swimming just hours earlier. Food matters in the South. I wasn’t reared 62
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Pawleys Plantation Golf and on it, but from cast iron skillet grits to shrimp boils, it is Country Club has hosted part of the culinary fabric of some of the sport’s greatest the South. over the years. You’ll also A few miles away is likely spot an alligator sunbathing on the banks of the Brookgreen Gardens. The course’s lakes. The Palmetto National Historic Landmark’s 1,600 acres of former State is second only to Florida in alligator population. rice plantations showcase Venture another 10 the largest collection of miles south on the Ocean American figurative sculpture in the country. Plan Highway and you’ll cross to spend hours among the the Waccamaw, which enchanting gardens. A boat doubles as the Intracoastal tour of the wildlife preserve Waterway. Here it merges along the Waccamaw River with the Black, Great Pee will feel like a trip back in Dee and Sampit rivers into history. Winyah Bay. Don’t leave Continuing south, without visiting the quaint take one of two causeways historic waterfront community of Georgetown, the stretching from the Waccamaw neck mainland second-largest seaport in the state. across a tidal creek and marsh to Pawleys Island, Twenty-six miles farther the oldest seaside resort in south is another sleepy America. For generations, fishing town, McClellanville, where Hurricane families of wealthy rice Hugo roared ashore in 1989. planters and their slaves escaped the threat of malaria Of course, no trip to the every summer and occuCarolina Lowcountry is pied the monstrous homes complete without slipping there. You’ll find a number into Charleston, the capital of buildings and a few slave of gracious Southern living. cabins dating back hunVisit Marion Square before dreds of years in the historic strolling by the many antique shops on famed King district in the middle of the Street toward Broad and 3-mile-long, quarter-milebeyond. The breathtaking wide island. antebellum homes, Battery If you stroll the expanse Park and Fort Sumter off in of beaches during hurricane season, keep your eyes the harbor’s distance will peeled for the “Gray Man,” transport you back in time. who, according to legend, If travel is in the cards for makes his ghostly forebodyou this year, make plans to ing appearance on visit South Carolina where your the shore ahead of dangerous storms. love affair with the Lowcountry The region awaits. is also a mecca for golfers and Opinions renowned for its expressed in this championship column are those courses. The Jack Lisa Kimble of Lisa Kimble. Nicklaus-designed June 2017
MILLENNIAL VOICES
GET LOST IN TRAVEL, FIND YOURSELF A fresh perspective comes from witnessing how other cultures live their lives By Elizabeth Sanchez
I didn’t understand what all the rage was about regarding traveling until I went to Thailand in April 2016. After that trip, I finally understood the excitement and the desire to see more of the world. While on that trip, I learned so much about myself by witnessing how other people live and by embracing their culture. That part of traveling is almost addicting. I crave more culture, and I feel the urgency to learn more about different lifestyles, because I feel it puts things into perspective. I’m not just talking about being thankful for what I have as an American, though I did feel thankful for having a working toilet when in Thailand. What I mean when I say “perspective” is realizing what kind of person I want to be. After experiencing the culture and the people of Thailand, I realized I wanted to be
more hardworking, generous, selfless and free-spirited. And yes, I’m still working on having these characteristics. A few different people from the trip helped me come to this conclusion. First, there was Sumi, our maid at our house in Phuket. She works seven days a week cooking and cleaning for the property and gets two days off a month. She and her husband work to provide for their 14-month-old daughter, and while they are at work, Sumi’s grandmother watches the baby – in Burma, another country, also known as Myanmar. Sumi doesn’t make enough money to fly back and forth to see her daughter, so she only sees her two or three times a year. Sumi can’t move to Burma because she and her husband won’t make enough money to support their family there and her grandmother won’t move to Phuket because her entire family lives in Burma, including Sumi’s three brothers and two sisters. Sumi knows her situation is hard, but she said she is lucky to have that job and make the money she makes. Only hardworking and selfless people can leave their children behind to provide for them. Next, there was the random man at Patong, a
beach resort in Phuket. While this man was busy trying to sell sunglasses to tourists on the beach to earn a living, my cousin Joe got stung by a jellyfish. Joe ran out of the water and the man stopped what he was doing, and went to help. He made a natural remedy for the sting and gave it to Joe. The man went out of his way to help and didn’t expect anything in return. He didn’t even take a tip. How often do we Americans stop our busy lives to help people when they’re hurting? Probably not as often as we should. And when we do, we often expect some type of benefit. Then there was Sonja. Sonja isn’t your typical Thai woman, mainly because she isn’t Thai. She’s from Finland. Seven years ago, she and her best friend were backpacking across Southeast Asia, when she met a Thai man and fell in love. But she had to go back to Finland. Sonja said she couldn’t live not know-
ing what the two could have been, so she went back to Thailand and married him. Now she considers Thailand her home. Although Sonja isn’t originally from Thailand, she still has the free spirit that many Thai people have. I’m not saying I want to marry a foreign man, but I should be willing to be more spontaneous like Sonja. Life is too short not to be. Of course traveling is about sightseeing, relaxing and splurging, but you can also learn about yourself and what you value in life. It’s all about perspective, and Sumi, Sonja and many others helped me figure that out.
Elizabeth Sanchez
www.BakersfieldLife.com
Opinions expressed in this column are those of Elizabeth Sanchez. 63
People & Community
PERSONALITY
Traveling on ‘The World’ By Mayan Xitlaly Lara
Imagine waking up to a new exotic scene outside your window every day, from the captivating islands just off the coast of South Africa to the ice-covered landmasses of Antarctica. That’s what life was like for Bakersfield native Christopher Arreola. After getting a degree in business and sports management from CSU Bakersfield and joining the Professional Golfers’ Association in college, he went on to get a job as the sports and golf manager on the planet’s largest private residential ship, The World, where this 35-year-old bachelor worked for about a year. The World is a one-of-a-kind, 644foot ship with 165 individual apartments with residents who embark and disembark whenever they choose as it sails across the globe. The residents on board include business owners, industry leaders, CEOs, doctors, lawyers, a TV personality and even an Arab sheikh. They get to enjoy extraordinary destinations all from the comfort of their own homes. “I can’t own an apartment myself (yet), but I feel pretty fortunate being able to tag along for what is certainly a glamorous lifestyle for them. It’s hard not to believe I’m dreaming sometimes,” Arreola said. While being sports and golf manag64
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er didn’t grant him the luxury of living in one of the luxurious apartments on The World, which range from studios to three-bedroom residences, he did get to join residents as they board private jets and head to local wine regions to stay a
“Speaking for myself, this is certainly a dream job. To have someone worth over a billion dollars tell me I have the greatest job on the planet, that is worth just as much to me.” – Christopher Arreola
few days and play golf. “Speaking for myself, this is certainly a dream job. To have someone worth over a billion dollars tell me I have the greatest job on the planet, that is worth just as much to me,” Arreola said. Having previously worked for Norwegian Cruise Line for 3 ½ years in Hawaii, a life at sea isn’t new for Arreola. Every day on The World is different for everyone on board. Some are spent at sea, some in port and others are spent on an expedition.
Sea days for Arreola were spent in his office giving lessons and playing a few rounds of golf with residents on the ship’s state-of-the-art golf simulator, which has 80 different championship courses to choose from. On days spent in port, the ship is empty while residents are off exploring. These days were great for planning and coordinating outings if there wasn’t an outing already scheduled. Expedition days are done twice a year. “Expeditions are a whole other beast,” explained Arreola. The crew brings in a special team of experts on local culture. These expeditions are done in remote and exotic locations like Borneo or Antarctica, where The World set the record for most southerly navigation. Since they don’t play golf during expeditions, his role had to adapt to something else he is qualified for, like a scuba diving or kayaking instructor. Arreola has currently visited 46 countries and his favorite so far has been Japan. He loves the food, the beaches and the people are the nicest he has ever encountered. Arreola spent 2 ½ years living in Japan while he was in the U.S. Air Force, which he served in for seven years right before joining The World. While most people move on from the busy life, Arreola feels that isn’t happening anytime soon for him. He enjoys
traveling and having plans. “After being so busy every day for months at a time, the stark reality of not having any reason to wake up can be weird. If this happens, I get stir-crazy and have to jump on a plane and go somewhere ASAP,” said Arreola. Next up for Arreola is life in the Big Apple. He plans on starting his own travel agency in New York City. He will be taking what he learned from working on The World and applying
it to his new business, like making each destination come alive by including interaction with local people from each destination and seeing everyone as someone special. “They won’t be customers or tourists; they will be our friends, and when your friend is in town you make an effort to show off your city, entertain them and make them feel at home,” explained Arreola. “We want people to experience a city in a way they never would have done on their own.” www.BakersfieldLife.com
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People & Community
Mia Valdez, left, and Maraiah Bermudez pose in front of their mobile store, Melange Boutique.
TALK OF THE TOWN
Delivery in style Sisters to launch Kern County’s first mobile boutique By Mayan Xitlaly Lara Photos by Jonah and Lindsay
It started with a desire to help her community. With a vision in her head and $120 in her pocket, then13-year-old Mia Valdez started Mia’s Boutique. She began purchasing accessories and selling them online, using the money she made to give back to
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people in need. “At school, there was this girl, the teacher would always yell at her for not having any shoes for PE and so I went to Ross and bought her some shoes,” Valdez said. Valdez’s sister Maraiah Bermudez, 19, was inspired by her passion to help others and decided to join her sister, now 14, and change Mia’s Boutique into Melange Boutique. They decided to call it Melange
Boutique because melange in French means a mixture or variety of things, which perfectly describes their business. They sell clothes along with a variety of accessories such as hats, necklaces, chokers, sunglasses, purses, backpacks and keychains. Now the business is going mobile. Having clothing stores come to you – that is the dream. After purchasing and remod-
eling an old delivery truck, they will be the first mobile boutique in Kern County, while upholding their community-focused ideals. Last Halloween, the sisters gave out five costumes, and for Thanksgiving, they gave away six dinners to families in need. They enjoy partnering with organizations like Miles for Miracles and the Bakersfield Rescue Mission. “Honestly, they do a lot – they’re usually outside when it’s a nice day. They’re out there taking pictures or sometimes they’re making their shirts or respond to people,” said Lucy Lopez, mother of the two entrepreneurs. While other teenagers are only thinking about grades and how late they’re going to sleep in on the weekends, these girls are constantly responding to online orders, emails and comments on
social media. “There is always something to do; even if we think we’re done, we’re not. We have to be on social media 24/7,” Bermudez said. Their hard work is paying off because on July 8, they will launch their chic mobile boutique, delivering fashionable looks to anyone who prefers their store come to them. The mobile Melange Boutique will include a ramp for easy access, chalkboard barn doors where customers can write fun sayings, clothing racks and even a fitting room. “The fact that we’re mobile and come to you, I think a lot of people like that. Just like online shopping is taking over, nobody wants to go to stores anymore so it’s kind of better when they come to you,” Bermudez said.
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Melange Boutique Check them out online at www.shopmelangeboutique.com, Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
2300 Eye St. (Across from Rite Aid)
327-9999 Monday-Friday 10-6, Saturday 10-5, Sunday closed
www.reddoorinteriors.com www.BakersfieldLife.com
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MILITARY MOMENTS
Connecting to female veterans Local veterans service department launches new program to target female vets By Laura Liera
The Kern County Veterans Services Department has incorporated a female veteran in its logo to reach out to the female veteran population in Kern County.
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The face of veterans is changing. And it includes women. Women who raise their right hand and take the oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the current projected number of U.S. Veterans who are women is 10 percent. And it’s estimated to nearly double by 2045. Here at home, the Kern County Veterans Service Department is only seeing 3.5 percent. “We are just not reaching out to them or they aren’t realizing we are here to help them,” said Josh Dhanens, veterans service manager with the veterans service department. Low engagement was the driving force behind the department’s female veteran outreach program that is set to launch in the summer. The department has already designed and put out a new logo that includes a female and male silhouette with some graphic stars and stripes. “It was important for us to have at least one of the two people in that logo be a woman,” Dhanens said. “We are all veterans and we have to recognize that there are female veterans.” Dick Taylor, the executive director of the veterans services department, said a veteran is a veteran, regardless of their gender. But perhaps the deeper issue at hand is having females identify themselves as veterans. Most women get out of the service and go back to the life they left. They go back to school, find a job and maybe even start a family of their own. “I am a mother, I am a wife ... my first priority is my family ... that’s what you go back to after you’ve been away or deployed ... the first thing you do is try to reconnect,” said Penny Martinez, an Air Force veteran and special projects coordinator with Kern Patriot Partnership. The last thing a female veteran is doing after spending four to 10 years in the military is going to their local veterans services department and figuring out what benefits they are entitled to, she added. But that’s a gap the local veterans service department hopes to bridge.
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A veteran shouldn’t have to transition to the civilian life alone. Receiving help, even if there is nothing physically wrong, does not take away from other veterans. Taylor said that is often the most common pushback from veterans visiting their office. But once a veteran has taken the first step and talked to a veteran representative, it’s only a matter of deciding what benefits they want and need. One of them is education. That’s where Martinez comes in and shows veterans the importance of a college degree. She goes over labor statistics and looks at careers that offer internships, like those in engineering or in the sciences. “That’s what separates you,” Martinez said. “If you want the money, you need the education.” Although the Kern County Veterans Service Department’s doors are open to all veterans, they ask for the community’s involvement in spreading the word to help find female veterans. “We want to find the mothers, sisters, daughters, neighbors,” Taylor said. “You served just like everybody else and deserve to be given everything you are entitled to.” To find out more information on veteran benefits, call the Kern County Veterans Services Department at 661-868-7300 or visit them at 1120 Golden State Highway.
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Win a FREE Summer Youth Pass! Use #GETSYP to tell us about your trips! Visit our website: www.GETBus.org for summer youth pass purchase locations.
Buying a Summer Youth Pass is simple. Passes can be purchased at several retail locations as well as many of the local high schools and colleges. Visit our website and click on “fares and passes” for purchase locations. For more information visit our website at www.GETBus.org or call us at 661.869.2438.
People & Community
ALL-STAR ATHLETE
THE ‘PREFERRED’ CHOICE BC volleyball standout leaves scholarship money on table for walk-on opportunity at Arizona By Stephen Lynch
Mackenzie Hernandez had two distinct options when it came time to decide her post-Bakersfield College volleyball future. The Bakersfield High graduate could either pursue a scholarship opportunity to play for one of several “small” colleges that were recruiting her or she could walk on at a larger school. The decision was an easy one for the highly competitive Hernandez. Having always wanted to play big-time college volleyball, the 5-foot-11 setter left the financial aid money on the table and made the choice to attend the University of Arizona this fall as a preferred walk-on. That means she’s guaranteed a spot on the Wildcats’ roster and will receive all the benefits, sans scholarship money, that the other players on the team receive. “I wanted to go to a high (Division I) school because I wanted to challenge myself,” Hernandez said. “I wanted to test myself to see if I could do it because I knew it would be so difficult. I’ve always wanted to play volleyball in college and I’ve always wanted to go the highest I could go.” Hernandez’s move to one of the top college volleyball programs in the country comes after an impressive sophomore Bakersfield College’s Mackenzie Hernandez paced the Renegades in several statistical categories.
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season in which she led BC to a Western State-East Conference championship and automatic spot in the Southern California Regional Playoffs. “We had a lot freshman so it was a little rough in the beginning of the season but once we kind of got in the flow, we started clicking very well as a team,” Hernandez said. “We did so good.” Hernandez, a team co-captain, paced the Renegades (20-9) in several statistical categories, including assists (524), assists per set (6.09), service aces (39) and service aces per set (0.38). She was also second on the team in digs (178) and digs per set (2.07). Because of her outstanding play, she was selected to the All-Southern California Regional team. “I was pretty happy (with the way I played this year),” Hernandez said. “I wish I could have played a little better. I sprained my (right) ankle pretty bad a week before our first league match so I didn’t move as fast I wanted after that. But overall I was really happy with the outcome of the season because it is a team sport and we ended up winning a lot.” Hernandez’s stellar play and winning ways have carried over to the BC
beach volleyball season. This spring, Hernandez and her playing partner Hannah Pope earned a berth in the CCCAA State Beach Tournament after taking third place at the Western State Conference Individual Doubles Beach Championships. Thanks in large part to the stellar play of Hernandez and Pope, BC’s No. 1 beach tandem, the Renegades also qualified as a team for the CCCAA SoCal Regional Beach Team Championships. BC just started competing in beach volleyball last year. “It’s a lot fun,” Hernandez said. “You get nice and tan. It’s nice because you only have one partner so it’s easier to build trust. I really like the sport.” Hernandez hasn’t decided yet if she’ll try out for the beach volleyball team at Arizona. Her first priority will to be to earn playing time on the Wildcats indoor team. “I know I’m going to face an uphill battle because I’m going to be a junior new to the program,” Hernandez said. “But I’m willing to fight the battle and work as hard as I can. I’m ready to meet the challenge.”
Mackenzie Hernandez Born: Sept. 2, 1996, in Bakersfield. Family: Parents Roman and Michelle, five sisters and one brother. College major: Psychology. Wants to become a sports psychologist. Favorite things to do in her spare time: Cooking, hanging out with family, swimming, watching Netflix and working out. Fun facts: • Started playing volleyball at age 12. • Played seven years of club volleyball. • Was a three-year starter at Bakersfield High School. • Didn’t become a setter until after her high school career was over.
1500 Haggin Oaks Blvd. Bakersfield, CA 93311
661-617-6101 www.skinsationmedispa.com www.BakersfieldLife.com
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People & Community
FOR A CAUSE
SIPPIN’ BEER AND WINE FOR CHARITY Inaugural festival to benefit League of Dreams
By Laura Liera Photos courtesy of Jessica Matthews
Scenes from the League of Dreams opening day for baseball 2017.
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There’s nothing like enjoying a chilled cocktail on a summer evening with a view like the greens of a golf course. But it’s even better when you’re having a relaxing time while helping a local cause. The first Summer Beer and Wine Fest will kick off at 6 p.m. on Friday, June 2, at The Links at RiverLakes Ranch, to benefit the League of Dreams. Jessica Mathews, executive director of the League of Dreams, said this is the first festival the golf course and nonprofit host and they are working diligently to bring an “intimate summer feel” to locals. The best part, Mathews said, is it’s affordable. General admission is $40 and includes tastings from six different beer and wine vendors with a souvenir event glass and small appetizers. Premier VIP is $100, with a half-hour early en-
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try, indoor seating, food by the golf course, six premium drink tickets, a private drink runner and a souvenir wine glass. All the fun will be happening on the patio overlooking the 18th green. There will also be live entertainment by the John Hollins Band and DJ Ed Loverr, live auctions and more. Because it’s the first year, Mathews said there was no anticipated goal to beat.
“Any money that is made out of this event for the organization is going to be a huge asset,” Mathews said. “We want to continue to add to our programs and eventually down the road have a facility.” Founded in 2007 by Tim Terrio of Terrio Physical Therapy and Fitness, the League of Dreams is an adaptive sports league for athletes with physical and developmental disabilities.
Founded in 2007 by Tim Terrio of Terrio Physical Therapy and Fitness, the League of Dreams is an adaptive sports league for athletes with physical and developmental disabilities. Beer & Wine Fest When: Friday, June 2 Where: The Links at RiverLakes Ranch, 5201 Riverlakes Drive Time: 6 to 10 p.m. Price: $40 to $100 For tickets and more information, visit www.eventbrite.com.
Its mission is to give every child the chance to play by providing sports training, team camaraderie and competitive sporting opportunities for all athletes. The league started with baseball and less than 50 kids signed up. Today, it offers basketball, bowling and dancing and sees more than 600 athletes a year. Katie Lemster, assistant coordinator of the league, said witnessing a kid’s enthusiasm when he or she shows up for game day is pretty extraordinary. “It’s the purest form of joy,” she said. “They are decked out in gear and pumped.” The organization is primarily volunteer based. There are minimal registration fees per season but even then, some parents can’t afford to pay. That’s when the league’s annual fundraisers, or events like the Beer and Wine Fest, come in and cover costs. The league is the only one of its kind in Kern County but it only serves a small percentage of the disabled community. “There is a lot of room for growth,” Mathews noted. “We have the support of the community but we also need people that are willing to get their hands dirty and really help provide these programs. … That’s what is going to be the biggest necessity for our programs to build and grow.” www.BakersfieldLife.com
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HISTORY
Tapping back into Bakersfield’s brewery business By Julie Plata
Taps were ready to start pouring, trucks were loaded up and set to deliver barrels and people were ready to start enjoying a cold beer again – legally that is. In February 1933, one month before the March inauguration of Franklin D. Roosevelt (the last to do so), Congress proposed a resolution to end prohibition. On Sept. 18, 1933, three months before the 21st Amendment was officially ratified by Congress, The Bakersfield Californian reported that Fred Gunther was chosen as the president and general manager of the new Bakersfield Brew-
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ing Company. Along with company officers James B. Bowen, Howard J. Scott and C. Fred Baker, plans were announced for a brewery that will be “one of the most up-to-date plants of its kind in the West and will be equipped with the most modern machinery, capable of making 150 barrels of beer per day.” The company promised to remain under local ownership and operation and guaranteed jobs and benefits to the city. For only $10 a share, investors could own a piece of the new company. Before Prohibition, created by the 18th Amendment and enforced by the Volstead Act, the brewery industry was a booming enterprise in Bakersfield. One
June 2017
of the city’s most successful breweries, the Bakersfield Brewing Company (same name but no relation to the
Before Prohibition, created by the 18th Amendment and enforced by the Volstead Act, the brewery industry was a booming enterprise in Bakersfield. 1933 company) produced almost 4.5 million gallons of beer during its 10 years in business. Fortunes quickly
changed on Oct. 28, 1919, when the brewery ceased to legally exist due to the new amendment. All that remained of the once-booming brewery was its Union Avenue plant. When Prohibition was finally reversed 14 years later, the citizens of Bakersfield were ready to re-establish their breweries. As enthusiastic as the directors of the new Bakersfield Brewing Company were, their venture was plagued with a series of starts and stops. On Oct. 3, 1933, The Bakersfield Californian announced the location chosen for the city’s new brewery. Known as the Agnetti property, the location on T Street, just south of Truxtun Avenue, seemed ideal due to its close proximity to railroad facilities, water access and central location. Excitement and confidence over the construction of the new facility prompted A.R. Balletyne, brewery representative, to announce to the directors of the Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce that beer will be ready for market by March 1, 1934. Company president Fred Gunther stated, “It was not an easy task for us to finally decide where our brewery should be built.” His words were not truer because on Aug. 20, 1934, a new location was announced as the future home of the yet-started brewery with the promise to begin con-
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struction in September. The property was located on 16th Street, between M and N. Perhaps hoping a third time was the charm, a third and final location on the corner of Union and Oregon avenues was chosen on Jan. 15, 1935. Almost a year and a half had passed since the Bakersfield Brewing Company announced its arrival and it was still waiting to break
ground. The March 1, 1934, promise of beer delivery had long passed. Unfortunately, the Bakersfield Brewing Company did not succeed in reaching its potential. Ownership was transferred to the Kern Brewing Company in September 1937, which finally completed the beer plant and enjoyed success until it filed for bankruptcy in 1940.
www.BakersfieldLife.com
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PHILANTHROPY MATTERS
By Kristen Beall Barnes
We live in a community that is known for its charitable giving – our community calendar is packed with events designed to feed and clothe the homeless, adopt stray animals or support the less fortunate. All very charitable and noble work, providing immediate relief from suffering, but often, the efforts are simply reacting to the symptoms created by much larger societal problems. Philanthropy, on the other hand, is a proactive attempt to change systems and solve social problems by addressing their root causes. If practiced properly, philanthropy has the ability to move our giving from transactional to transformational, from being reactive to proactive, sympathetic to strategic, and isolated to collaborative. Simply stated, strategic philanthropy empowers individuals, collective groups and even communities to create lasting change. Now I am not suggesting that we replace charitable giving with philanthropic giving – we simply cannot ignore the immediate to focus on the future. The reality is that we need to practice both, simultaneously. But before you shake your head and say, “I simply can’t write more checks!” please recognize that you don’t need to have a particular amount of money to 76
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be a serious philanthropist. A philanthropist is anyone who gives anything from their portfolio of resources, be it financial capital, intellectual capital or network capital. No matter what you have to give, your generosity can transform the lives of others by channeling valuable resources to people, organizations and communities that can use it most effectively. We can all improve how we give by learning to better understand the needs of the individuals and nonprofits we aim to serve and the actual impact of our gifts. In addition to or in place of providing financial resources, consider some of these innovative approaches to enlarge your philanthropic footprint: • Design a competitive grant initiative by issuing a request for proposals. • Develop an awards program for individuals. • Provide support to needy and/or talented individuals. • Foster replication or adaptation of an effective model. • Launch a comprehensive “place based” transfor- mation strategy such as a neighborhood transformation. • Develop a portfolio of approaches to focus on a single social issue. • Support capacity building with selected nonprofit groups. Undoubtedly, many of these approaches may seem daunting and your
June 2017
CH
Combining charity, philanthropy to create change
ITY AR TH ILAN ROPY PH
a great deal, regardless of personal contribution may funding levels, when doseem small relative to the nors operate in smart and magnitude of the societal strategic ways – keeping in issues we face. But there mind that the best philanare examples every day thropy happens when your of changes that lead to individual beliefs, values surprising ripple effects. As and passions are married to Malcolm Gladwell says in core public needs. “The Tipping Point,” “With It’s not about what you the slightest push – in just give; it’s about how you the right place – (the world) give. can be tipped.” Strategic philanthropists Kristen Beall Barnes, seek out those tipping points Ed.D., is the presand make a difference whether they ident and CEO at are working to creKern Community ate change among Foundation. Contact her at Kristen@ individuals, in our kernfoundation.org own community or 616-2601. The or on a national or views expressed in international scale. Indeed, philanthro- Kristen Beall Barnes this column are py can accomplish her own.
PRIME FINDS
Art to the rescue An amazing assortment of original artwork from German artist, Gabriele Mueller, created with love for our rescue dogs. Stop by to see and support the cause by viewing this lovely display. Hand-painted in Germany and shipped directly to H.A.L.T. Rescue to raise funds to save dogs. Art to the Rescue will be an ongoing fundraising project. Ask about personalizing a print! Rags to Rescue Tuesday through Friday, noon to 4 p.m. Open Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 234 H St. Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/haltragstorescue
Personalized Father’s Day barbecue tray Let your little one get creative using his hands and fingerprints to make a personalized Father's Day barbecue tray! The friendly artists at Color Me Mine have design ideas sure to suit the interests of any Dad or Grandpa! Color Me Mine at The Marketplace, 9000 Ming Ave., 661-664-7366, www.bakersfield.colormemine.com
Paintings featuring Kern County scenes For your home or office, watercolor and oil paintings by local artist Charlotte White. To contact the artist, call 661-330-2676.
Every day’s a surprise! Find cottage-chic styles at Farm Girls Vintage Finds to create a unique and beautiful living space! 2113 Q St. Open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Aratta by Susanna Karapetyan Designed with love and hand-embroidered. “All creations have a promise of heaven.” Available at Sugardaddy’s, 5512 Stockdale Highway, 661-325-8300, www.facebook.com/sugardaddys
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661-635-3050 clinicasierravista.org
Bakersfield Light Brigade Golf Tournament Date: April 27 Held at: Seven Oaks Country Club Photos by: Rod Thornburg
Travis Adams, Colby Lewis and Julie Adams
Jerry Martin, Bill Russel, Tommy John, George Culver and Vernon Gunning
Sydney Crawley, Allie Crawley, Joseph Berchtold and Robert Williams
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Dave Graf, Miranda Graf, Bill Solan, Stephanie Hester and Bob Gunning
Barbra and Vernon Gunning
Elaine Solan and Gene Smith
Dave Graf, Rita Sluga, Dianna Gandy (Gunning) and Chris Goff
Teri Graf (Gunning), Bob French and Robbie Mundorf
661-635-3050 clinicasierravista.org
Evening of Excellence Irma and Karen Hinojosa, Jazmin and Viviana Firo
Colby, Hope, Baylee and Stephanie Odum
Brianna and Carlos Correa
Jerri Curtis, Rebecca Shipley, Barbara Friese, Darleen Carpenter, Julia Bridges, Deborah Gregory, Chris Kildare and Joyce Gidding
Lynette, Madison and Ryan Coleman
Keana Amidon, Hope Maiden and Alejandra Zapata
Desiree Von Flue and Deborah Gregory
Date: April 27 Held at: Womanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Club of Bakersfield Photos by: Greg Nichols
Bryce Faulk and Ross Dalke
Mer Conner and Beverly Opferman
www.BakersfieldLife.com
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661-635-3050 clinicasierravista.org
Theatre in the Garden at the Bakersfield Museum of Art Date: April 28 Held at: BMoA sculpture garden Photos by: Greg Nichols
Brenna, Bailey and Carlette Layne
Jean Claude Royer, Heli Pawell, Amy Smith, Veronique Royer and Andrae Gonzales
Sean and Jenny Barker
Ashley, Nina and Benjamin Ha Jr.
Lisa Kimble, Julia Ardell, Tonia Cody and Lisa Olson
Lonnie and Jeran McConnel
Alejandro, Deborah, Alex and Andres Velasco
Bakersfield Acne Care 4949 Buckley Way #103 Actual Client. No Photoshop, filters or makeup.
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Michelle and Leslie Arene, Gbemi and Tunde Deru
661-635-3050 clinicasierravista.org
Morning Star Fresh Food Ministry Fundraiser Date: April 22 Held at: The Horse Ranch Photos by: Carla Rivas
Lee and Jeremy Hearron
Heather and Tim Saenz
Gina Miller, Leigh Pozas, Brad Wattenbarger, Michelle and Eric Olinger
Bhavana and Sanjay Patel
Alison Hickman, Ann and Trent O’Neill, Jamie Dwyer and Ashley Pavletich
Ashley and Jeff Periera
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Aces & Agave to benefit Weill Child Guidance Clinic Date: April 29 Held at: Elements at The Ice House Photos by: Carla Rivas
Angie Lafferry and Victoria Hurtado
Valerie Civelli, Paul Caudillo, Alex and Kathryn Balfour
Valerie Tovar and Louie Miranda Jr.
Andrew Dallas and Lauren Goodsi
Ray and Laura Toomey and Caleb Robyler
Alexis and Paula Roy
Jerry, Robin, Cindy and John Savarese
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Ellen Elugge, Elena Perez and Mary Fahsbender
661-635-3050 clinicasierravista.org
Brews & Barks to benefit Friends of the KC Animal Shelters Foundation Date: April 24 Held at: Temblor Brewing Company Photos by: Carla Rivas
Debbie Kirkendall and Donna Fenton
Cecilia Provensal, Elena Perez and Anne Quinn
Rachel Magnus, Melissa Poole and Ari Cimental
Chris Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Donnell and Jenny McDougle
Jeff Kermode, Debbi Geary and Zara, Jennifer Gitlott and Kellen and Doug Slavin
Linda Sullinger, Dawn Woltz and Holly Lazzerini
Jim and Shirley Ventura
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19th & N Street, Downtown Bakersfield www.emporiumwesternstore.com
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(661) 325-8476
Ernie and Barbara Hashim
Nancy Clark and Angie Hernandez
Erwin Ledford and Debbie Lewis
San Dimas Pediatrics
Stockdale Pediatrics
500 40th Street Bakersfield, CA 93301 661-327-3784
300 Old River Road, Suite 125 Bakersfield, CA 93311 661-663-3122
7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Se habla español
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SUMMER PLAN: Sunscreen, sips, sunglasses and a sober driver By Jorge Barrientos
I can’t wait for summer – lounging by the water with friends, sipping on a crisp cold pilsner or a Moscow mule in that cool, copper cup. Or maybe I’ll go for an icy rose if I’m in the mood for wine. If this is your idea of a great summer day, please be sure to keep this in mind: Summer is one of the highest travel periods in the United States and it is also one of the most dangerous, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Add alcohol into the mix, and you’re asking for trouble. In fact, with a .08 blood alcohol concentration, your crash odds roughly triple compared to driving sober. I’m pleading with you, the reader, to do two things this summer: Enjoy it to the fullest, but don’t get behind that wheel if you’ve been drinking. And that’s what MADD Kern County, will tell you as well. Before you start the party, have a plan to get home safely – a designated driver, Uber or Lyft, public transportation, a taxi, anything but driving while intoxicated.
Get involved www.walklikemadd.org/bakersfield
“Your summer safety plan should include a sober driver to get you home in the same way it should include sunscreen and sunglasses,” said Carla Pearson, victim service specialist for MADD Kern County. Alcohol is still the leading cause of traffic fatalities in our country. And nearly twice the number of people are killed in alcohol-related crashes 86
Bakersfield Life Magazine
June 2017
during the summer months than at all other times of year combined. Underage drinking also peaks during the summer. So the question is: Why risk it? At minimum, the bills you face if you get pulled over are in the thousands and so are attorney’s fees. Plus, jail time is never a good time. At worst, crashing into someone while under the influence has the potential to change the lives of innocent victims and your own family’s as well. Take Alicia Smith, for example. On Fourth of July, an intoxicated driver on the wrong side of the road slammed into her and her husband in northeast Bakersfield as they headed to celebrate with their three young boys. They survived, but she suffered a broken knee and hip and recovery was slow. I’ll never forget when she described to me how the crash affected her as a mother, as she battled from insomnia, depression and mobility issues. She worried she would “never be that mommy” she was before the crash. “This man took that from (my chil-
dren),” Smith says. “He changed my life, and my family, forever.” Others don’t survive. Mia Rodriguez lost her husband, Salvador, when a drunken boater crashed into his idle boat in summer 2010 at Buena Vista Lake. Mia was pregnant with their first child at the time of the crash. The driver, Justin Mark Ennis, was sentenced to 15 years to life in prison. Summertime can be fun. But don’t let this year be your, or anyone else’s, last. – Jorge Barrientos is the chairman of the planning committee for Bakersfield’s Walk Like MADD & MADD Dash held in September, member of the Mothers Against Drunk Driving Kern County Advisory Board, and director of marketing and public relations for Chain | Cohn | Stiles law firm. The views expressed in this column are his Jorge Barrientos own.
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