Bakersfield Life Magazine March 2016 by The Bakersfield Californian Specialty Publications

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March 2016

bakersfieldlife.com

Youth and Education issue Great Escapes Spring break picks for kids

Technology in the classroom The benefits of

Preschool

Camp KEEP

$3.95

Discovering the Bakersfield Music Hall of Fame

Rite of passage for Kern students

THINK OF US FIRST

SFIELD CALIF OR

015 0 2015 2 15 15 RE

E R S’

C H O IC E

AN NI

APR 27 - 28 Rabobank theater

All-New 2016 Show With Shen Yun Orchestra 30-Country World Tour

1001 Truxtun Ave., Bakersfield, CA 93301 APR 27 WED 7:30PM APR 28 THU 7:30PM

“5,000 Years... in one night!”

Tickets: ShenYun.com/LA 800-880-0188 Prices: $60- $120

—

“Incredible! Groundbreaking!” —

A GIFT FROM HEAVEN

he people of ancient China have long held that their magnificent culture was a gift from heaven. Art was primarily a means to explore the connection between humankind and the higher universe. Through the universal language of music and dance, Shen Yun weaves a wondrous tapestry of heavenly realms, ancient legends, and modern heroic tales, taking you on a journey through 5,000 years of authentic

Chinese culture. Its stunning beauty, purity, and tremendous energy leave audiences greatly uplifted and deeply inspired. A Shen Yun performance features 100 world class performers, over 400 sets of exquisite hand-made costumes, a unique orchestra blending East and West, and dazzling animated backdrops – creating a spectacular performance beyond your imagination. Experience the arts connecting heaven & earth! Experience Shen Yun!

“ABSOLUTELY THE NO.1 SHOW IN THE WORLD.” —Kenn Wells, former lead dancer of the English National Ballet

MARCH 2016

F E AT U R E S Great Escapes Spring and summer youth activities. Page 64

Eyeing success Is preschool right for your child? Page 68

Hockey kids Boys and girls take to the ice in Bakersfield. Page 74

Bakersfield Life Magazine

PHOTO BY MARK NESSIA

For the record: In addition to its traditional grant cycle awards, The Bakersfield Californian Foundation is known to fund awards through organizations such as Donors Choose.org to support Kern County classrooms. An article in the February edition incorrectly implied that the foundation uses DonorsChoose to donate to groups outside of Kern County. However, the foundation only considers funding of DonorsChoose requests that benefit local classrooms only.

March 2016

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Bakersfield Life Magazine

March 2016

30 35 36 38 40 42

On The Road Technically Speaking Pastimes In My Closet Home and Garden Welcome Home

Go & Do 44 Entertainment 46 Trip Planner

B Well

Eat & Drink 24 Food and Wine 26 Dining Divas

PHOTO BY GREG NICHOLS

MD, FACOG, FACS, FAACS

Word on the Street On the Web Money Matters 12 Things You Didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Know My Pet In Season Named After Finding Fame What Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m Listening To By the Numbers Happenings

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13 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22

48 Defying the Odds 50 Journey to the Altar 52 Fit and Fresh 54 Feature â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Living with ADHD 56 Your Body 57 What Happens When 58 Love and Life 60 Doctor Profiles

People & Community 78 Business Profiles 84 Bakersfield Matters

48 86 88 90 92 94 96 98 102 104 106 108 110 112 114 122

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

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STAFF SHARES

Favorite school cafeteria food? Bakersfield’s Premier City Magazine March 2016 / Vol. 10 / Issue 6

I remember getting seconds for these fries called Smiles. They are shaped like a smiley face and they were crispy on the outside but so soft in the inside. I wish they served us more than three. – Laura Liera, specialty publications coordinator

Bakersfield Life™ Magazine is published by TBC Media.

Publisher Ginger Moorhouse

Associate Publisher

My favorite cafeteria food was when I was substitute teaching at Garces High School. Everything was homemade and the chocolate chip cookies were amazing and still are! – Fawn Purdy, sales manager

Virginia Cowenhoven

President/CEO Richard Beene

Senior Vice President Chief Operating Officer Logan Molen

My favorite cafeteria food is chicken strips. My carnivorous appetite is sufficiently sated with the meat. – Marissa Patton, intern

Chief Marketing Officer

ON THE COVER

Mike Skrocki

Advertising Traffic Manager

Stockdale Elementary School sixthgrader Victoria Suarez enjoys an afternoon exploring tide pools near the campus of Camp KEEP Ocean. Photo by Rob Meszaros

Shauna Rockwell

Market Research

My favorite cafeteria food was the chickenfried steak. It looked weird but it was pretty tasty. – Paul Rivas, contributing writer

Lisa Beason, Jose Granados

Editor Olivia Garcia

Coming Next Month …

Assistant Managing Editor

Home and Garden Issue

Specialty Publications Coordinator

Mark Nessia Laura Liera

To Advertise, contact Mike

Art Director

Skrocki at mskrocki@bakersfield.com or 395-7563.

Graphic Designer

Grimmway Academy has the best cafeteria food! There’s a fresh salad bar and homemade healthy hot dishes, like vegetable pasta and quinoa/kale salad with produce from the edible schoolyard. – Anna C. Smith, contributing writer

Glenn Hammett Holly Bikakis

Editorial Interns Sara Carey, Marissa Patton

While putting this issue together ...

Photography

Felix Adamo, Sally Baker, Ashley dePencier Photography, Michael Fagans, Katie Kirschenmann, Tanya X. Leonzo, Sylvia Lomas, Michael Lopez, April Massirio, Mark Nessia, Greg Nichols, Carla Rivas, Jan St Pierre, Rod Thornburg

Bakersfield Life has some new team members. We inherited Norman, the green office plant that is doing well and sprouting new buds. After searching high and low, Assistant Managing Editor Mark Nessia got Tina Louise, a pug puppy named after the Belcher daughters from “Bob’s Burgers.” When she’s not distracting us, she sleeps in the desk drawers with her toy Chewbacca.

2 TBC Media hosted the Health Expo at Rabobank Arena. The Bakersfield Life crew had a good laugh watching coworker Anthony Ashley try out laughter yoga in an onstage demonstration.

Days that had peanut butter bars with a thick chocolate topping were the best. – Holly Bikakis, graphic designer

Contributing writers Sally Baker, Victor L. Green, Diana Greenlee, Nina Ha, Lisa Kimble, Katie Kirschenmann, Stephen Lynch, Rob Meszaros, Shelby Parker, Julie Plata, Gabriel Ramirez, Katy Raytis, Paul Rivas, Cheryl Scott, Anna C. Smith, Tyler Stevens, Hannah Thomasson, Chris Thornburgh

I loved the rectangle-shaped slice of cheese pizza and the green beans. – Ellen Ewing, contributing writer As a kid, I remember loving the square pizza with little pepperoni chunks. – Andrea Johnston, niche publications account executive I loved sloppy Joe day at school, because it was a food that my mother wouldn’t dream of making at home. – Miranda Whitworth, contributing writer

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March 2016

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Up Front

E D I TO R ’ S N OT E

The return of 20 Under 40 their strong leadership qualities and their personal narrative. Other criteria include how the individual has gone beyond their work level through community, school or other volunteer involvement, and continued to find ways in striving to be successful, not only for themselves, but for others in our community as well. In essence, these individuals are not only making positive strides for themselves, but they are also doing it for Bakersfield as a whole. Once the winners are selected, their stories and accomplishments will be highlighted in the July edition of Bakersfield Life Magazine. To hear the stories of some of our past honorees is awe-inspiring. I encourage our readers to think about this contest and consider nominating a candidate. If you know someone who is bringing life to our town or striving to make it better each day, then please share his or her story with us. Nominations must be submitted online only by visiting bakersfield.com/ bakersfieldlife20under40 between the March 14 and April 21 nomination period. Submitters will be asked to share a few comments about the nominee and submit a photograph. A special Bakersfield Life judging

committee will review all nominations and select 20 who will be honored in our July issue and at a special ceremony. If you have any questions, please contact me at ogarcia@bakersfield.com. Good luck! Youth and Education Please take time to read our March issue and discover many people and groups involved in education that are striving to make a positive difference for our youth. Learn of new and exciting ways that our community is helping our younger generation to be mentally, physically and socially prepared for the world. Enjoy.

PHOTO BY TANYA X. LEONZO

or the past few years, Bakersfield Life Magazine has had the honor of highlighting local individuals who are making some amazing headway in our community. These people between the ages of 20 and 40 were nominated by their peers as people deserving of such honor for their achievements in their profession, community and personal success. Over the years, these nominations have been judged by a special Bakersfield Life committee against a stack full of other nominations – all submitted by our readers. And I’m proud to say that nominations for the fourth annual Bakersfield Life Magazine 20 Under 40 People to Watch contest has returned, running from March 14 through April 21. Competition can be stiff but the award is worth it. The 20 Under 40 contest selects 20 locals who are under the age of 40 and are considered a trailblazer in his or her professional career or schooling, or known for giving back to our community in special ways, exhibiting leadership qualities and/or serving as a role model for our town. This person may be well known for his or her achievements or fly under the radar, seeking little spotlight. Winners will be selected based on

Olivia Garcia Editor 395-7487 ogarcia@bakersfield.com

CONTRIBUTORS

Marissa Patton is an intern for Bakersfield Life Magazine. She currently studies communications at California State University, Bakersfield, and has a minor in marketing. She enjoys reading, writing, exercising and knitting scarves for all of her friends and family. Marissa loves to learn or discover new things and write about them whenever she can. She very much enjoyed the new “Star Wars” movie and can’t wait for the eighth one to come out.

Bakersfield Life Magazine

March 2016

Ashley dePencier is a Bakersfield native, graduating from Garces Memorial High School in 2005. Ashley went on to attend Brooks Institute of Photography, earning a BA in photography. Ashley is a wedding and portrait photographer who loves to create memories that will last a lifetime and tell the unique story of each of her clients. She does freelance shoots for Bakersfield Life Magazine. She is the owner of Ashley dePencier Photography – a local girl with a local business.

Sara Carey joined TBC Media in January as a journalism intern for Bakersfield Life Magazine. She was born and raised in Orange County and moved to Bakersfield in 2012, currently pursuing her bachelor’s in English. In addition to working for Bakersfield Life Magazine, Sara has also held marketing and editing positions for Bakersfield College’s Roughneck Review, Project OH! Magazine and the Fox Theater. She’s loved to read and write since she can remember, and her dream is to write for the big screen. Her other hobbies include going to concerts, trying to be athletic and watching too many movies.

WORD ON THE STREET Compiled by Sara Carey Photos by Mark Nessia

Like us on Facebook, Bakersfield Life Magazine

What is your favorite subject? Adrian Mejia: Physics, definitely. It puts everything into perspective — how big the universe is and how small we are.

Tori Richards: Anything related to health care because nursing is my major.

Abdullah al-Fayez: Business is my major. My father has his own business.

Jessica Valdovinos: Biology. I never get tired of biology. The world is always changing and you're constantly learning something new.

Marcus Figueroa: I’m really interested in physics because it relates back to everything we do.

Al Waleed al Shammary: Finance is my favorite. My dad always wanted me to be a businessman.

Kimberly Fernandez: I’d have to say history. It’s so important and shows how humans got to the point we did today.

Christopher Mateo: Communications. It makes it easier to solve problems diplomatically — especially political ones.

Yosselin Moran: I love psychology. The brain is very fascinating.

ON THE WEB

To celebrate our kids and education, we asked our readers to send in photos of their proud moments.

Next issue: Home and Garden

DIY Home Decor

One proud kid moment was when I went through my son Dakota’s backpack hoping to find something undone. Instead, I found a note that was heart melting and made me a proud mom. – Ellyn Dagostino

Yori, a 3-year-old Maltese, means “White” in the Native American Yaqui dialect. She loves to ride around the city. – Monica H. Pennock

Have you done a DIY project around the house or in your yard that you’d like to share? Headboards, backsplashes, painted furniture, garden pathways, decorating, etc. Please send your photo along with a description and your name to bakersfieldlife@bakersfield.com by March 4. Title your email: Home and Garden DIY.

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Up Front

M O N E Y M AT T E R S

SHOULD YOU FILE YOUR TAXES JOINTLY OR SEPARATE AS A MARRIED COUPLE? By Chris Thornburgh

s it better for married couples to file a joint income tax return or file two separate tax returns as “married-separate?” If you were legally married as of Dec. 31, 2015, you have a choice. For most, filing jointly is the way to go, but the answer to this common question depends on your circumstances. In California (a community-property state), spouses who file “married-separate” split their wages down the middle and report one-half by each spouse for tax purposes. In noncommunity property states, wages are reported by the spouse who earned the income. Regardless of where you live, joint sources of income and expenses are shared. For spouses that come into the marriage with separate assets, which remain untainted by joint activity, all income and expenses related to the separate assets belong to the respective spouse. Disadvantages of filing jointly Generally, a joint tax return provides the lowest tax liability; however, it can come with a cost. A joint return means you and your spouse are jointly and severally liable for taxes on your combined income, including additional tax assessments, penalties and interest unless innocent-spouse rules apply. Tax agencies can collect the outstanding balance from either spouse. Furthermore, if your spouse has outstanding tax balances from prior years, owes child support or has defaulted on student loans, the tax agencies can seize your joint refund. REASONS TO FILE SEPARATELY Married-separate is typically used for separated or divorcing couples that aren’t willing to file a joint tax return for the liability issues mentioned above. It may be tempting to file a joint return if the larger tax refund benefits you. But what if your joint return is later audited? If there is a tax adjustment, you are on the hook for the entire tax liability if your ex does not pay. Another reason to file married-separate is when alimony is involved prior to divorce. If a spouse pays court-ordered alimony while separated, alimony payments can be deducted on a married-separate tax return. Alimony cannot be deducted if you file jointly with the spouse who received the alimony

Bakersfield Life Magazine

March 2016

payments. In rare circumstances, it may be beneficial to file separately if a couple truly has separate income and deductions. If one spouse has larger deductions, which are subject to a percentage of income, the tax break may be greater than if filing jointly. You have to consider the sum of both spouses’ tax liability. Due to community property laws, these situations aren’t as common. Disadvantages of filing separately Certain valuable deductions and credits are forfeited or significantly limited if you are married filing separately. A partial list includes: • American Opportunity Credit and Lifetime Learning Credit • Tuition and fees deduction • Student loan interest deduction • Earned income credit • Elderly or disabled credit • Dependent care credit • Child tax credit • Net capital loss deduction Another pitfall of filing separately is if one spouse decides to itemize deductions – both must itemize, splitting deductions in half unless expenses are paid with separate funds. A spouse with few deductions gets the short end of the stick, missing out on the higher standard deduction. For more information on the pros and cons of filing jointly and separately, see IRS Publication 501. The bottom line Many factors are involved in determining whether it is better to file jointly or separately. Before deciding which status is best, run both scenarios to determine your optimal outcome. Filing separately may be appropriate under circumstances involving divorce, separation or spousal tax liability issues. Consult a tax adviser if you are unsure which strategy is right for you.

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.

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

Home schooling We sat down with Nancy Brannon, principal of K-8 at Valley Oaks Charter School and flushed out the myths behind home schooling.

Debbie Williams, left, and Sara Goens, right, help 6-year-old Ada Goens at Valley Oaks Charter School.

By Laura Liera Photos by Ashley dePencier Photography

Charter schools are public schools.

2 There are no tuition or book fees to enroll. 3 When parents decide to homeschool, they are primarily a one-income family. 4 Students who are home-schooled take exams like at traditional schools. 5 Every student is assigned a resource teacher that works closely with parents. 6 Kids don’t miss out on the social interaction with others. At Valley Oaks, there is a drama club, a chess club, a Lego robotics team, an Odyssey of the Mind team and music classes. 7 Parents don’t have to be experts in every school subject. Resource teachers guide and coach parents every step of the way. 8 It’s recommended that there are four to six hours of instruction a day, depending on the grade level and the student’s capability. 9

You can stay in your pajamas all

day.

10 There are about 1,200 students enrolled at Valley Oaks. 11 You can be home-schooled from kindergarten to 12th grade. 12 Home-schooled students can play sports. Valley Oaks has a collaboration with community clubs and local schools. Ada Goens, 6, focuses on schoolwork at Valley Oaks Charter School.

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Up Front

MY PET

Aiden and Roxanne Love at first s-s-sight

“She eats medium rats, and she doesn’t eat every day; she eats every week. It’s awesome!” PHOTO BY ASHLEY DEPENCIER PHOTOGRAPHY

– Aiden Hourigan

By Marissa Patton

t was love a first sight for Aiden Hourigan, 9, and his red-tailed boa Roxanne, 5. The boy and the 5-foot-long reptile met at a friend’s house late last August and formed an immediate bond. “She just rested her chin on his nose,” Aiden’s mom, Patricia Castro, said. “They just communed together.” The snake’s original owner called her Roxanne, yet they couldn’t give her the attention she needed. Aiden and Castro have taken care of her ever since, bringing her downtown and wetting her

Bakersfield Life Magazine

March 2016

down when she sheds. The snake is from Columbia where the weather is humid, so when it comes time to molt, Roxanne’s family moistens her body so she can molt properly. “Her eyes cloud over during the process, which takes about two days” Castro said. During one such process, Roxanne got a little aggressive and nipped Aiden. It was just a defensive nip, he recalled. Roxanne is personally catered to for meals as Aiden and Castro breed rats instead of purchasing them individually. When not getting cuddly with her food in her tank, Roxanne usu-

ally spends her time resting in the enclosure. Yet there have been times when she has gotten out. The mischievous reptile has hidden behind a dresser. And a car. She was sitting on a friend’s shoulder when Aiden left the room. When he returned, Roxanne had suddenly decided to go inside the car grille and just sit there. “She went farther in every time you tried to get her,” Aiden said. “It took an hour and a half to get her out.” Whether it be necks, fingers or cars, Roxanne loves to wrap herself around it and hold tight. After she grows another 3 feet, she will have even more love to share.

PHOTO COURTESY OF MENTO BURU

IN SEASON

Let the good times roll Fat Tuesday celebration shows no signs of slowing down By Sara Carey

n Feb. 9, the 10th annual Fat Tuesday celebration at Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace was in full swing until the clock struck midnight. Fat Tuesday is the biggest day of Mardi Gras season, falling each year between Feb. 3 and March 9. This holiday event, embedded in Cajun culture and Catholicism, is a decadelong tradition in Bakersfield. Every year, hundreds gather at the music hall to cele-

brate their last hurrah of food, drinking and dancing before Ash Wednesday and 40 days of Lent. Inspiration for the event began in 2006 at Gumbo’s. When it later closed, Matt Munoz and his band Mento Buru, helped pick up the pieces and breathe life back into the event “After Katrina, everybody’s spirits were really down,” said Munoz. “So we decided to send a sort of love letter to New Orleans.” After a stint at now-closed Fishlips, the event was picked up by

Buck Owens Crystal Palace, and now there’s no slowing down. “Crystal Palace lets us be ourselves and bring everybody along for the party,” said Munoz. With free admission, there’s nothing stopping you from indulging in your allowed day of sin. “You better get your ya-yas out that night, because for the next 40 days, you’re going back in the cave and putting all that away,” Munoz said. Assembling a worthy New-Orleans tribute meant no shortage of

jazz, reggae and skainspired tunes. Taking the stage was muchloved Mento Buru, WAR’s Marcos Reyes, Ridgeview marching band and violin virtuoso Patrick Contreras. The good times didn’t stop there. That night only, Crystal Palace served a brand-new, custom-made Mardi Gras menu – catfish po’boys, jambalaya shrimp, peach cobbler and more Cajun cuisine. “We’ve been able to keep the spirit going for 10 years,” said Munoz. “And hopefully nothing will slow us down.”

“Crystal Palace lets us be ourselves and bring everybody along for the party.” – Matt Munoz of Mento Buru

Fat Tuesday is the biggest day of Mardi Gras season, falling each year between Feb. 3 and March 9.

bakersfieldlife.com

Up Front

NAMED AFTER

Harvey Auditorium By Lisa Kimble

The Harvey Auditorium was dedicated to Norman Harvey, a tireless advocate for education, in 1948, not long after his death.

arvey Auditorium, the iconic concert hall on the eastern side of the Bakersfield High School campus, was named after Norman Harvey, a well-liked lawyer, judge and champion for education. The school board member’s tenure coincided with great expansion throughout the Kern Union High School District. Thomas Norman Harvey was born and raised in Ontario, Canada, in 1878. He moved to Northern California in 1904 and attended Hastings College of Law in San Francisco. Following law school, Harvey moved to Bakersfield and started his own law practice in 1910, specializing in oil and mining law. He became a superior court judge in 1918 and served on the bench until 1923 when he joined the firm of Wiley and Harvey. In 1927, he left and formed the law firm of Harvey and Johnson. That same year, Harvey was elected to serve on the Kern County Union High School Board of Education. Two years later, he was elected its president and held the position until his death in the fall of 1948. During Harvey’s

Bakersfield Life Magazine

March 2016

time on the board, the school district expanded to include the construction of new high schools in outlying areas like McFarland, Shafter and east Bakersfield. Over the years, Harvey was also involved with the Kern County Bar Association, the national organization and served on the State Board of Prison. The auditorium, which bears his name, was originally designed to be built where Elm Grove in the center of the BHS campus is located. Students protested and the Kern High School District purchased the property across the street. Construction of the auditorium was halted due to government restrictions on nonmilitary work during World War II. Construction didn’t resume until 1945. The building was dedicated to Harvey, a tireless advocate for education, on Nov. 8, 1948, not long after his death. The facility helped usher in a new era of cultural events for the community. For 24 years, it was home to the Kern Philharmonic Orchestra. Harvey Auditorium also contains the Little Harvey theater, a visual education area, a radio broadcast studio and control room, an instrumental music room, as well as music, speech, drama and choral rooms.

F I N D I N G FA M E

Moving to the beat

PHOTO BY MARK NESSIA

Boys & Girls Club takes the beat of Bakersfield to nationals

By Laura Liera

pen the dance studio doors at the Boys & Girls Club on Niles Street on either a Tuesday or Thursday, and you’ll be welcomed by a groovy tune that will have your foot tapping instantly. The eight teens who have dance rehearsals every week are members of Music Fusion – a dance group that has created quite the buzz at the national level with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. Founded in 2012, the vision of the group was to give club members the opportunity to express themselves on stage and represent the Kern County chapter.

Zane Smith, executive director of the Kern County club, said that because there is no charge to be a part of the group, it was necessary the group gave back to the community. Smith started “booking their gigs” and soon Music Fusion was performing at American Red Cross events, Honor Flight Kern County, Junior League and other impromptu performances for donors. But the group soon got a taste of the “celebrity” life, as they like to call it. Junior Camarillo, 13, remembers their first national competition in San Francisco like it was yesterday. “It was an amazing feeling staying in such a nice hotel for a

week and experiencing it all with my friends,” Junior said. Some of the group members have never traveled outside of Bakersfield, let alone stayed in a hotel. The all-expense-paid trip to the Bay Area was the trip that made them work hard the following year to be invited to nationals in Chicago. Rehearsing for hours during the week – both singing and dancing – became second nature to Music Fusion. Just ask Paradiz Gurule, 9, who started off a bit shy but has now taken lead roles in her school performances. “I was scared and thought people would make fun of me but I got over my fears,” Paradiz

said. “I don’t care about what others think anymore because all that matters is what you want to do.” That confidence is what led Music Fusion to Chicago last year. Their “Dancing in the Streets” video was filmed in the streets of Bakersfield and they took their flair to the windy city. The group performed on four different occasions throughout the week – other clubs only performed once. “The feedback we get from our kids is how professional and accommodating they are,” Smith said. And those qualities have added an extra swag on the kids dance and personal life.

MUSIC FUSION

Founded in 2012

Eight teens make up

Club motto:

Competitions in:

the Boys & Girls Club of Kern County’s Music Fusion group.

Confidence and teamwork

San Francisco and Chicago

bakersfieldlife.com

Up Front

W H AT I ’ M L I S T E N I N G T O

Nick Macumba By Laura Liera

PHOTO BY MARK NESSIA

Music has always been a priority in Nick Macumba’s life. “It was my outlet as a kid,” Macumba, the site coordinator for Compton Junior High said. Writing lyrics and creating beats is what he says kept him on the right path in life. Besides organizing Compton’s after-school programs, Macumba spends his school breaks with the kids at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Kern County on Niles Street. This year, the group will produce its fifth album inside the club’s recording studio. “If I can teach the kids everything that I know, it will keep them on the right path as well,” he said.

Nick Macumba hopes to pass on his love of music to youth.

NICK’S TOP-FIVE PICKS

1 “Crystal Ship” by The Doors

Bakersfield Life Magazine

2 “Indian Summer” by The Doors

March 2016

3 “Roulette”

by System of a Down

4 “Rap Rhymer”

by Michael Royal

5 “It’s a Shame” by Kriss Kross

BY THE NUMBERS

Kern County public school stats

47 180,304

– Number of school districts in Kern County

– Number of students in

grades K-12

37,318

– Number of students in Kern’s

largest school district (Kern High School District)

– Number of students in Kern’s smallest school

district (Blake Elementary School District)

264 Average

County

student-teacher ratio

21.97-to-1

Data from the 2014-15 school year. Source: California Department of Education

– Number of public school sites in Kern

– Percent of Kern students who are English

language learners

– Percent of Kern County students who qualify for free or reduced meals at school based on family income

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HAPPENINGS

March Annual fundraiser benefits less fortunate youth

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

March 2 Cody Johnson, 7:30 p.m., Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace, 2800 Bucks Owens Blvd. $10. vallitix.com.

PHOTO COURTESY OF MARY CHRISTENSON

Up Front

March 3 4th Annual Wine & Craft Beer Tasting & Auction, to benefit Relay for Life and Campout Against Cancer, 5:30 p.m., Motor City Lexus, 5101 Gasoline Alley Drive. $60. bakersfieldrealtor.com. A Night of Inspiration, benefits H.E.A.R.T.S. Connection, a nonprofit serving families that have special-needs children/ adults, 6 p.m., DoubleTree By Hilton Hotel, 3100 Camino Del Rio Court. $80 per person, $150 per couple. heartsfrc.org. Kevin Heffernan and Steve Lemme of Broken Lizard, 7 p.m., Temblor Brewing Company, 3200 Buck Owens Blvd. $30 in advance, $35 at the door. temblorbrewing.com.

The Rotary Club of Bakersfield West is hosting its 22nd annual cioppino feed, a fundraiser benefiting different organizations that serve less fortunate youth throughout Kern County. The event is March 19, 6 to 10 p.m., at Garces High School’s Leddy Hall. Tickets are $100. Bakersfield College will once again cater the event. In addition to cioppino, there will be clams, wine and dessert. Auctions will be held to benefit the charities. Beneficiaries include the Bakersfield West Rotary Breast Cancer Fund at San Joaquin Community Hospital, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Kern County, and the Bakersfield West Rotary Stroope Family Foundation. For more info, contact Kelli Davis at 829-1011. – Bakersfield Life

March 4 CIF State Wrestling Tournament, Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m., Rabobank Arena, 1001 Truxtun Ave. rabobankarena.com. March 5

March 25 Slayer 7:30 p.m., Rabobank Arena, 1001 Truxtun Ave. of. $39.50 in advance, $45 day m. a.co ren nka raboba

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Uncorked for CASA, 8 a.m., bus trip to central coast wine tasting, meeting location provided once you register. $120. kerncasa.org.

Association of Petroleum Wives members Norma Jallo, Jackie Vowell, Cindy Joslyn and Becky Erisman at APW's 2015 sporting clay shoot.

APW hosts two large fundraisers The Association of Petroleum Wives will be hosting two of its largest fundraisers this March and April. The first is the Sporting Clay Shoot fundraiser that will be held at the Kern County Gun Club on March 11. The event is $100 per person and will include a day of shooting, lunch, prizes and awards. The second fundraiser is the Charity Bunco ladies event that will be held at the Stockdale County Club on April 14. It is $40 per person and will include Bunco, dinner and many prizes. The theme for the charity event is “A Rainbow of Friendship.” Both events are open to the public.

APW started in 1948 primarily as a social organization, but is now is a local and nonprofit organization for women whose husbands are either in or retired from the petroleum industry. Many local charities benefit from its fundraisers. Last year, the Kern County Honor Flight and Wounded Heroes were the main recipients of APW’s charity donations and received more than $22,000. This year, APW members voted to support the Mission-Ladies Recover Program with hopes to make the charity events even more successful. For more information, contact Cindy Josyln at cinjoslyn@aol.com. – Bakersfield Life

March 6 Quinceanera Expo and Fashion Show, noon, Bakersfield Marriott at the Convention Center, 801 Truxtun Ave. Free. Register at eventbrite.com.

March 2016

March 10

March 11

“Ragtime” the musical, 7:30 p.m., Rabobank Theater, 1001 Truxtun Ave. $30-$55. rabobankarena.com.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Kern County Golf Tournament, 7 a.m. registration with 8:30 a.m. start, Bakersfield Country Club, 4200 Country Club Drive. $200 per

PHOTO BY CASEY CHRISTIE

Stewards Inc.’s Bakersfield Amazing Race in 2015.

person or $700 for team of four. 325-3730. March 12 Stewards Inc.’s Bakersfield Amazing Race, 9:30 a.m., Wall Street Alley, 1525 Wall St. $40, $50 day of. eventbrite.com. Classic car and motorcycle show, 9 a.m., Kern County Fairgrounds, 1142 S. P St. $5 parking. March 17 Guitar Masters, featuring New West Guitar Group, 7:30 p.m., Bakersfield Music Hall of Fame, 2331 Q St. $35. guitar masters. org.

Nominations now open for 2016 Beautiful Bakersfield Awards

March 18 Rebelution, 9 p.m., Fox Theater, 2001 H St. $25. vallitix.com. March 19 4th Annual INBA Central CA Muscle, Physique and Bikini Championships, prejudging at noon with main show at 6 p.m., East Bakersfield High School auditorium, 2200 Quincy St. $35 VIP or $25 general admission. 978-0150.

The 2016 Beautiful Bakersfield Awards, hosted by the Greater Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce and presented by Kern Schools Federal Credit Union, is looking to honor individuals, businesses and organizations that help improve the quality of life in the community. Twelve categories – ranging from architecture to art to education to health – will be judged by community members. Four new business categories will be judged by the

Sterling Silver Celebration to recognize BC’s outstanding philanthropists The BC Foundation’s eighth annual Sterling Silver Celebration will take place March 31 at 6:30 p.m. at the Petroleum Club, focusing on recognizing Bakersfield College’s outstanding philanthropists. Mary Trichell will be honored as BC’s Outstanding Individual Philanthropist and Chevron Inc. will be the Outstanding Corporate Donor. The event will feature food and wine and involve BC’s culinary arts students. This year’s event will not feature a silent or live auction. Individual tickets are $200, a half table (four guests) is $750 and a full table (eight guests) is $1,500. Three levels of sponsorship are also available. For tickets or more information, call 395-4800. – Bakersfield Life

chamber’s executive board of directors. Nomination forms can be downloaded at bakersfieldchamber.org or picked up at the chamber office, 1725 Eye St. Submission deadline is 5 p.m. Thursday, March 24. Awards are based on work that occurred or was completed in 2015. Winners will be announced at a gala event on Saturday, June 4. For more information, contact the chamber at 327-4421. – Bakersfield Life

Tennis elite headed to Bakersfield for tournament World-class tennis players from around the globe will descend on the Bakersfield Racquet Club March 12 through 20 as the downtown tennis institution again hosts the prestigious Bakersfield Tennis Open. Professional athletes at the highest levels will compete in the USTA-sanctioned men’s Pro Circuit event. “Frances Tiafoe, last year’s champion, went on to compete in both the French and U.S. opens after playing on the Bakersfield Racquet Club courts here last year,” said BRC Tennis Director Mark Fredriksz. Last year’s purse has been increased to $25,000. For more information visit brctennis. com or call 325-8652. – Bakersfield Life

BCSD accepting HOF nominations The Bakersfield City School District is accepting nominations for its 2016 BCSD Hall of Fame class through March 11. Since 2010, the hall of fame has recognized former students who have excelled in their professions and have become active members of the community, with former recipients permanently honored through the BCSD Hall of Fame display located in the Board Room Lobby at the Education Center. Nominations can be made online at bcsd.com or mailed to BCSD Communications Department, 1300 Baker St. Inductees will be announced March 30 and honored during the Hall of Fame Gala on June 3. For more information, contact Marsha McKinney at 631-4618. – Bakersfield Life bakersfieldlife.com

Eat & Drink

FOOD AND WINE

The people’s buffet The Forest Buffet introduces new seafood options for EMC’s 20th anniversary

Story and photos by Mark Nessia

he Forest Buffet at Eagle Mountain Casino has come a long way from its humble beginnings inside a modular unit in 2001, where it offered restaurant-style service. Now offering 50 unique items on any given day (up to 70 on specialty nights), the buffet is now in a permanent building complete with an inhouse bakery that makes fresh breads, pies and desserts daily. And as Eagle Mountain Casino celebrates its 20th anniversary, it was only fitting that the buffet that has kept visitors well-fed and coming back for more gets special treatment as well. “We’re all about celebrating this year,” Marketing Director Renee Garcia said. “We’re giving away lots of money and doing big concerts; it’s the perfect timing for a new buffet.” Enter Food and Beverage Director Domenic Vertucci. His mission was simple: improve the quality of the food and lower the prices. The new seafood dinner buffet, which launched Feb. 5 and takes place every Friday from 5 to 9 p.m., features a wide variety of new items, such as chilled and steamed Alaskan snow crab legs, blackened fish, seafood gumbo, butterfly shrimp, sushi, four types of

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fresh fish, and much more all for just $18.99. “We’re trying to give customers a lot of value for their money,” Vertucci said. Vertucci knows seafood. He started setting up seafood buffets in Laughlin, Nevada, 20 years ago and knows that it is possible to bring in quality food for an inexpensive price and it starts with freshness. Many of the items, including the sushi, are made in-house and the crab legs are the same ones featured at the Wynn hotel in Las Vegas, which was voted one of the best buffets in the city by USA Today. While the menu boasts a wide selection of seafood options, The Forest Buffet still serves up crowd favorites, like mashed potatoes, ceviche and its famous fried chicken. “I think our guests would hurt us if we took the fried chicken off the menu,” Garcia said. A seafood lunch buffet is also available on Fridays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and features baked tilapia, easy-peel shrimp, crab cakes, clam chowder and more for just $9.99; as well as a $7.99 lunch buffet on Wednesdays and Thursdays; a brunch buffet Saturday afternoons; a prime rib buffet Saturday evenings; and a tailgate buffet on Sundays.

March 2016

Eagle Mountain Casino opened its doors on June 1, 1996, at 3 p.m. and to celebrate its 20th anniversary, 20 hot seat winners will win a share of $20,000 on the 20th of each month. For more information, go to www.eaglemtncasino.com.

Top: The seafood buffet at Eagle Mountain Casino features many new changes, including baked tilapia, easy-peel shrimp, crab cakes, ceviche and more. Far left: Seafood enchiladas, fried shrimp, scampi, gumbo and fresh vegetables. Left: Chilled crab legs, easy-peel shrimp, sushi, ceviche and grilled vegetables.

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Eat & Drink

D I N I N G D I VA S

Centro 18 Cuisine & Lounge A personal touch of flavor at new downtown eatery

Bakersfield Life Magazine

March 2016

Compiled by Bakersfield Life Photos by Greg Nichols

estled in the heart of downtown Bakersfield, Centro 18 Cuisine & Lounge does not skimp on bold Mexican flavors. The rich spices and aromas that remind you of your grandmother’s cooking is found at this new restaurant that celebrated its ribbon cutting ceremony in February. With affordable prices for lunch and dinner, Centro 18 is the new hot spot downtown.

APPETIZERS Nima Patel on the camarones a la diabla: Normally, I am not a big fan of shrimp but since it was a popular starter, I didn’t want to pass it up. These camarones won me over. The shrimp were large, juicy and bursting with flavor. There were so many different layers of garlic, tomato and hot sauce. It had the perfect kick of spiciness. You don’t need a cup of milk but your mouth

will water from all the spice and flavors. The dish came with warm tortillas, a side of pico de gallo and avocado slices. Kathryn Mears on the ceviche de trio: This dish consisted of three good-sized portions of each: black tiger shrimp, ahi tuna and tilapia ceviche. Each was marinated in a fresh mixture of lemon juice, diced tomatoes, cilantro and onions, served with avocado, lime wedges and chips. They were all so scrumptious and plated nicely, I couldn’t pick which one was my favorite. Michele Bryant on the queso fundido: This appetizer is really enough for a meal. It was served with warm flour tortilla chips, warm flour tortillas and topped with pico de gallo and sour cream. It has a blend of melted cheeses, but you can definitely taste the flavor of the pork chorizo, which I think makes the dish unique.

mashed potatoes were hiding precious little gems of jalapeno bites between the curvy swirls of buttery goodness. A perfect accompaniment to the steak and black beans that were covered in a mound of shredded jack and cheddar cheese. Carla Barrientos on the chili verde: Chili verde has always been one of my go-to dishes at Mexican restaurants and the chef at Centro 18 did not disappoint. The dish had large chunks of pork and a thick green sauce. The pork was so tender, I didn’t even need a knife to cut into it. This dish tasted as if it had been Continued on page 28

Facing page: Churrasco bone-in rib-eye Top: Dining Divas Kathyrn Mears, Trish Reed, Carla Barrientos, Michele Bryant and Nima Patel Bottom: Ceviche de trio and queso fundido

ENTREES Trish Reed on the churrasco bone-in rib-eye: While pondering the menu, my eye went straight to this dish. The tender marbleized steak was marinated and grilled to perfection using century’s old method of barbecue in southern Brazilian style. If you haven’t had this style of grilling, it is a must. The meat was juicy and had the perfect proportion of marbling for the steak fan in me. The two side dishes I chose were the jalapeno mashed potatoes and a pot of black beans. The

Centro 18 Cuisine & Lounge 1517 18th St. 661-493-0177 Open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Thursday; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sunday www.centro18.com

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Mexican rice and refried beans, this huge pork chop was seasoned with traditional Puerto Rican spices, pan-seared and then placed in the oven until golden brown. It was cooked to perfection and definitely well-seasoned. It’s garnished with red and jalapeno peppers and onions. It went well with the traditional Mexican rice and refried beans I got for my side options.

DESSERTS Nima on the cheesecake chimi: This is a cheesecake slice wrapped up like a burrito and deep-fried. The fluffy texture and the amazing cheesecake was the perfect combo. The chocolate sauce was icing on the cake.

Top: Chile Colorado Left: Chicken and steak fajitas Right: Chuletas fritas Bottom right: Cheescake chimi

Continued from page 27

slow cooked to perfection. The verde sauce had tons of flavor. I ordered Mexican rice as my side dish, which was the perfect side to eat with the leftover verde sauce. Nima on the chile Colorado: This is a beef short rib, slow cooked in dried chili and Mexican spices. It came with two sides – I chose the beans and sauteed vegetables. Once I cut inside the short rib, the meat fell apart; it was tender and cooked just right. The best part was the barbecue sauce. The sauce was tangy and added a great deal of flavor. The vegetables were lightly seasoned and had the perfect amount of crunch. Michele on the chicken and steak fajitas: When the waitress brought out this classic, everyone

Bakersfield Life Magazine

March 2016

could smell the dish still sizzling in the skillet. One of the best things about ordering fajitas is the “skillet to table” experience. The meats were cooked perfectly –very tender. The impressive part was the fresh vegetables – red and green peppers, purple and white onion, and large tomato slices. The seasonings allowed for the taste of the vegetables to come through. They were cooked just right, and not overdone, which is easy to do with fajitas. If you want a traditional Mexican dish, this is the way to go. Kathryn on the chuletas fritas: Pork chop lovers, this is your dish! Served with

When it comes to Mexican food, you want to find a restaurant that pays close attention to Mexico’s regional cuisines. At Centro 18, the chef and his staff have taken all their dishes to the next level, bringing you homemade recipes from Mexico to your table. And don’t forget about their full bar, serving drinks like a cucumber jalapeno margarita that is bound to kick off your weekend.

Lifestyles

ON THE ROAD

2016 Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid Limited Midsize family sedan wows in efficiency, luxury By Olivia Garcia Photos by Mark Nessia

educing your carbon footprint has been the mantra for quite some time now. As part of that trend, the desire for more electric and hybrid cars has become the new buzz among environmentally conscious drivers. And those in the auto industry are listening. This month, I had the opportunity to test-drive the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid Limited. I already know the value and appreciation of

Bakersfield Life Magazine

March 2016

the Sonata; one of my colleagues is a proud owner of a new Sonata. But it was nice to experience the plug-in hybrid version myself. Others were curious as well. Common questions I heard from friends and relatives when I explained what I was test-driving this model was, “How fast is it?” “Does it have any power?” “How small is it?” For some reason, there is a perception that if you have an electric or hybrid car, you sacrifice performance and size. Not the case. The 2.0-liter, GDI fourcylinder hybrid engine does not disappoint. The

hybrid system offers a combined 202 horsepower and comes with a 9.8 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery system. According to information provided by Jesus Ramirez, a sales consultant at Bakersfield Hyundai, the hybrid system is designed to smoothly move between the gasoline-powered engine and the electric motor with the goal of consistent power. He points out how the gasoline engine provides charge energy for the battery system. At the same time, the regenerative braking system can convert kinetic energy into electricity, providing a solid source of power.

And we are talking about a midsize family sedan. I drove all over town in this car with school-age kids and teenagers in tow, and it felt like driving a gas-powered car because its performance is strong and there was plenty of room for the passengers. It moves fast when I needed to pick up speed, it quickly changes lanes when I had to cross over to another direction and it was a consistent smooth ride. What you will love even more is the gas mileage. Talk about a savior. The Sonata Plug-in Hybrid engine powers through an EPA-estimated 40 MPG

It’s all in the details Price tag: $34,600 to $38,600 Mileage: 40 MPG combined or 99 MPG when in electric mode Facing page: Editor Olivia Garcia takes the 2016 Sonata Plug-in Hybrid Limited out for a spin on a recent test-drive. The interior of the Sonata Plug-in Hybrid Limited delivers style, class and comfort. Its high-end technology is a finger touch away as drivers can check for navigation, adjust temperature, scan for music or set cruise control.

Five best features about the 2016 Sonata Plug-in Hybrid Limited: Six hundred-mile combined range on full charge and full tank of gas, ability to plug into a normal 120-volt outlet, lifetime warranty on the lithium-ion polymer battery, Hyundai app allows you to schedule charging remotely during PG&E smart days and hours, and advanced safety features typically common in gas powered vehicles.

The 2016 Sonata Plug-in Hybrid Limited is perfect for: Individuals and families that seek above-class interior space and comfort while also desiring fuel economy.

combined city and highway. However, the robust lithium -ion polymer battery pack delivers more distance at 99 miles per gallon. Yes, 99 mpg. Can someone say road trip? This limited model serves to spoil its driver with its high-tech features and comfort style. There is an optional remote control to start your car, adjust climate controls, or even start or stop charging when it’s plugged in. I’m big on safety and the blind spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert and lane departure warning won me over. And the 8inch touch screen for navi-

gation and 400-watt Infinity premium audio system are an added bonus. Ramirez explained that the plug-in hybrid delivers both the luxury that many motorists crave as well as the efficiency, performance and roominess (it can seat up to five people) that car enthusiasts expect. The model offers leather seats accented by contrast stitching and trim and a panoramic roof. This model has received an Edmunds “A” rating, according to Edmunds senior editor John O’Dell, who previewed the car. In his words: “The Hyundai Sonata hybrids

deliver remarkable fuel efficiency and roominess, decent performance and handling and an impressive list of standard features. The Limited models pack on even more, bringing them up to near-luxury level in terms of amenities.” I think what I enjoyed the most, besides the comfort and performance, was its quietness. There were several instances when I had to double-check if the car was on. It really was so silent, and you can thank part of that due to the Dual Flow Damper shock absorbers, which nearly eliminate the noise – that is all too pleasing for the ears.

What makes the 2016 Sonata Plug-in Hybrid Limited stand out from others? An ability to run solely in gas, hybrid or electric modes. The 2016 Sonata Plugin Hybrid Limited offers one of the highest federal tax credits ($4,919) plus a rebate from the state of California ($1,500).

Target customer: Modern customer that is seeking an alternative option to the traditional gas-powered vehicle.

Three words that define the 2016 Sonata Plug-in Hybrid Limited: Advanced, versatile and modern. Source: Daniel Quillen, sales and product specialist.

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Lifestyles

ON THE ROAD

2016 GMC Sierra Denali 4WD Hard-working toughness meets comfort and style The front end of the GMC Sierra Denali was redesigned for 2016 to include LED headlights and fog lamps.

By Glenn Hammett

Photos by Mark Nessia

like the fact that the 2016 Sierra Denali, the luxury version of GMCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s full-size pickup, does not apologize for being a truck. While it comes loaded with high-end comfort, safety and technology features, it never forgets that it is, first and foremost, a hardworking hauler capable of handling the most demanding bluecollar tasks. The Sierra was completely redesigned in 2014 and the 2016 steps it up a notch. While maintaining its chiseled appearance, the newest Sierra features an updated front end with a beefed-up bumper, revamped chrome mesh grille, as well as new LED headlights and fog lamps. The result is a more refined feel, without sacrificing its rugged good looks. Other thoughtful and stylish exterior features include 6-inch chrome running boards, corner steps on the rear bumper and a tailgate that can be locked and unlocked

Bakersfield Life Magazine

March 2016

remotely. The spacious interior, with heated and cooled leather seats, heated leather steering wheel and a premium Bose speaker system creates an in-cabin experience that rivals that of a luxury sedan. But, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t let all of the opulent amenities fool you, this truck was designed to work, and nothing makes that more evident than my favorite feature: the huge center console. In the middle of the console lid is a wireless charging pad for mobile devices and inside are brackets for hanging file folders and a sleeve for an iPad or a laptop. There is a second storage area on the console, as well as compartments on the sides and in the doors. Additionally, the Sierra Denali comes with OnStar 4G LTE, which lets you access the Internet from anywhere, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, four USB ports, two 12volt outlets and one 110-volt. For those who do work out in the field, this truck is a virtual office on wheels. The center stack is highlighted by an 8-inch touch screen

It’s all in the details Price tag as tested: $57,055 Mileage: 15 city / 21 highway Five best features on 2016 GMC Sierra Denali: Power swivel running boards, LED headlights, auto tailgate lock when vehicle is locked, Apple CarPlay and 22-inch rims available. What makes the Sierra Denali stand out from other fullWireless size trucks? charging pad Apple CarPlay, 4G Wi-Fi connectivity and interior options. Target customer: Customers who are in an equity situation and can get into new 2016 Sierra truck for the same or less of a monthly payment. Three words that define the 2016 GMC Sierra Denali: Best in class. What do you like most about the 2016 GMC Sierra Denali? The swiveling running boards.

Source: Ryan Benak product specialist

and a surprisingly simple array of large rubber-coated knobs designed, according to Motor City sales manager Peter Saunders, to be easy to operate with gloves on. The standard drivetrain on the Sierra Denali is a 5.3-liter V-8 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The motor employs GMC’s Active Fuel Management technology that shuts down two cylinders when the engine is under a light load, effectively turning it into a V-6. This enables the Sierra to produce 355 horsepower and 383 foot-pounds of torque while getting 21 mpg on the highway.

On the road, this truck feels sturdy, solid and powerful. GMC’s Magnetic Ride Control allows the suspension to optimize itself under changing road conditions, which along with triple-sealed doors, hydraulic body mounts and a sound-cancellation system, makes the interior of the truck library quiet. The 2016 GMC Sierra Denali 4WD is a rugged and powerful truck, full of innovative luxury and technology features. It can help you get through a tough day on the job, then deliver you home in style and comfort.

Clockwise, from top left: The roomy interior features generous amounts of soft leather. The 5.3-liter engine generates 355 horsepower. You can plug in just about anything with four USB ports, one 110-volt and two 12-volt outlets. The center console holds hanging file folders and a laptop or tablet. Large knobs make adjustments easy, even with gloves on.

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Lifestyles

T E C H N I C A L LY S P E A K I N G

Children at play Babies, toddlers should learn through play not screens By Anna C. Smith

s I waited in line one morning at a local cafe to grab a hot coffee, the door swung open and a young toddler, curly-haired and cheerful, scampered to a seat at a nearby table. He quickly scooted himself up, wiggled around in the chair and smiled, reaching out to his mother (who was pushing the stroller toward him) and uttered what is fast becoming the call of his generation: “iPhone?!” It seems that everywhere I go now, I see children as little as 2 years old clutching mom or dad’s phone to play games or view videos. When it comes to technology, kids are exposed to it at a younger age and are using it in more varied situations – during meals in restaurants, while playing at home and traveling, and integrated into child care programming. Weary parents can purchase tablet holders for strollers and car headrests so children are kept entertained on the go. With names like Baby Beehavin’, the gadgets prey on parents’ desires to

control a child’s mood swings and knowledge that technology can turn a fussy toddler’s tantrum into silence in seconds. While in an Apple store (of course), I personally witnessed a hypnotized infant lying in a pram, eyes wide with wonder, as she stared silently at the colorful characters on an iPad attached to the handle of her stroller. The technology industry has specifically targeted those in the zero- to 2-year-old age group (and their parents) as key consumers of electronic media. Educational videos, television programs and even entire cable networks are geared toward this demographic. Many phone apps are aimed directly at preschoolers, some labeled “educational,” such as those helping children learn their numbers and letters, how to tell time, identify shapes and understand other languages. Childhood development specialists are concerned.

The American Academy of Pediatrics has long advised parents not to let their children watch any television until after their second birthday. Despite this, in a survey by AAP, 90 percent of parents said their children under age 2 are exposed to some form of electronic media. Studies have been conducted about children’s early brain development, the best ways to help them learn and the effects various types of stimulation have on this process. Specialists agree: Young children learn best from and need interaction with humans, not screens. Unstructured play is valuable for children. They develop language and learn to think creatively, problem solve, and develop reasoning and motor skills at early ages through unstructured, unplugged play. Free play teaches children how to entertain themselves. Media use has been associated with obesity, sleep problems, aggressive behaviors and attention issues in preschooland school-aged children. Young children with heavy media use are at risk for delays in language development once they start school.

So while the understandable temptation may be to hand a small child a tablet or smartphone, swap the device for these toys that will engage and entertain even the most distracted toddler: • Magna Doodle • Knob puzzles • Interactive texture and “lift the flap” books • Wooden toys – favorites include replicas of items they see adults interact with everyday, such as produce and kitchen tools • Wooden blocks • Hand puppets • Magna-Tiles They don’t cost nearly as much as their battery-filled counterparts and are quiet enough for travel by car, plane or train, and any public space. The future baby Einsteins will learn how to code soon enough; experts urge time for unplugged play while they’re young. – Opinions expressed in this column are those of Anna C. Smith.

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Lifestyles

PA S T I M E S

Left to right: Trey Spooner, Dan Miller and Roy Pena

Find them on Instagram • Trey Spooner @emtspooner • Dan Miller @taskforce_ photography PHOTO BY MICHAEL LOPEZ

• Roy Pena @theroy

In the belly of the beast Photographers capture emotions in the midst of fires By Laura Liera

earch for #Bakersfield on Instagram and you’re bound to find an endless number of structure fire photos on your feed. But these aren’t your typical phone snaps. These dramatic photos give you access to the grueling work local firefighters go through day in, day out. Roy Pena, Trey Spooner and Dan Miller are the men behind the lenses. They have a total of more than 2,500 pictures combined on Instagram and all photos are taken voluntarily. “A lot of people like to watch TV or play video games to pass the time. Well, we like to shoot photos and capture that split second in time,” Pena said. Pena is a 25-year-old commercial truck driver who found Spooner, a 23-year-old EMT, on Instagram last year. Through Spooner, Pena met Miller, a 52-year-old 36

Bakersfield Life Magazine

dispatcher with the California Highway Patrol. All three had something in common: a passion for photography. Miller is seen as the mentor in the group. He’s been working closely with both the city and county fire departments for some time now. He remembers when now-retired Battalion Chief Ken Wiggins of the city fire department, allowed him to go on ridealongs with his boys. “I’m humbled by the support I’ve had over the years,” Miller said. “I want to preserve the history of these departments through photography.” Although Pena, Spooner and Miller formed a bond through their passion, they’re rarely at an incident at the same time. They each have a scanner and have learned to scope out fire codes. Bakersfield City Fire Battalion Chief Anthony Galagaza said the trio has always been respectful when arriving on scene and

March 2016

make it a priority to check in with the incident commander. The photographers follow the rules that apply to media, shooting photos from a distance to keep them away from harm. “It’s helped our firefighters because most of the time we are in the fire and don’t get to see what is going on around us,” Galagaza said. Because structure fires or emergency calls happen at any time, there is constant communication between Pena, Spooner and Miller. When calls come through in the middle of the night or during a lunch break, odds are one of the three is on scene snapping photos. The hundreds of photos that are snapped during one incident are moments that Spooner feels fortunate enough to capture. “When people thank the firemen or our first responders after seeing our photos, that’s what it’s all about,” he said. “Generating emotion with a picture is what counts.”

Trey Spooner

Dan Miller

Roy Pena

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Lifestyles

I N M Y C LO S E T

Marlee Davis First-grader’s first-class wardrobe

Fashionista Picks Favorite patterns: Hearts By Sara Carey

Favorite color: “Light blue is my favorite color because I like the blue and how it’s all light.” Favorite accessory: “I always wanted a scarf, and I like doing lots of poses with them.”

Favorite animals:

PHOTOS BY ASHLEY DEPENCIER PHOTOGRAPHY

“I love cheetahs, leopards and lions.”

“W

hat’s gaudy mean?” asked 6-year-old Marlee Davis, local junior fashionista. Her mom, Marie, replied, “Like loud, look at me!’” Marlee laughed, “Yep, that’s my style!” Twirling around in her favorite outfit – flower dress and jean jacket – Marlee exhibits a bubbly personality similar to her fashion taste. “I like sparkly, glittery and bright,” she said. Her out-of-the-box style stems in part from her mom’s independent consulting job for LuLaRoe, a clothing company oper-

Bakersfield Life Magazine

March 2016

ated by mobile boutiques and pop-up shops. When asked who her role model is, Marlee speaks from the heart: “My mom.” But this unique 6-year-old isn’t only interested in mixing and matching. She loves “Star Wars,” the television show “Monster High” and dressing up as bad guys (and girls) for Halloween. “Maleficent is my favorite,” said Marlee. Conventional or not, Marie is supportive of her daughter’s daring designs. With Target as their playground, Marlee is given (mostly) free rein to wear what she wants. “It’s important they like themselves

and think highly of themselves,” Marie said, “I want them to always be comfortable in what they’re wearing, because first grade’s too soon for that.” Dancing around in her cheetah boots and pastel-lined fedora, it’s clear Marlee has even inspired others to challenge the status quo. “She makes me step outside my box,” Marie confessed. Who knows what the future will hold for Marlee? Her younger sister Maddie already seems to be filling her shoes. Marie said, “When Marlee wears her jean jacket and heart dress, Maddie will wear her own jean jacket and heart dress.”

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Lifestyles

HOME AND GARDEN

From cradle to college Designers and do-it-yourselfers embrace eclectic, value conscious styles for kids’ rooms

By Diana Greenlee Photos courtesy of Denise Baughman The rooms in Denise Baughman’s home are a combination of input from Mindy Nickel Design, Kelly Archer and Pinterest.

aced with the task of putting together a nursery for the first time three years ago, Denise Baughman took to the Internet for ideas. She found the rule that pink is for girls and blue is for boys has gone by the wayside, and folks are creating environments for their children with color and texture that will stand the test of time. Baughman said she was eager to plan the project on her own, soliciting advice from designers and cabinetmakers as needed. “When my daughter came along, that nesting instinct kicked in,” she said. “I used Pinterest a lot for ideas.” Local designer Kelly Archer said there is a move for new parents to purchase convertible cribs made from material such as metal or mahogany, which morph into twin beds that can be used from infancy up through the

Bakersfield Life Magazine

March 2016

teens. Folks are now drawn to subtle, muted tones of gray and beige that mix well with navies or pale pinks with gold accents, providing an industrial or farmhouse feel. And these days, no little girl’s room is complete without a fancy chandelier. Archer says it’s best to start with paint. “The hot color is Benjamin Moore’s Revere Pewter,” she said. “Paint evokes a feeling. Grays nowadays feel feathery, cool and happy.” Rustic pipes with heavy elbows and wooden planks act as shelving in these modern rooms, and parents place personal artifacts that reflect their own taste and style. Archer said shelves and bins that hold toys today will look beautiful with college books on them down the road. “People are smart,” she said. “They want smart design, and function is No. 1.” The expert said folks are finding dressers at yard sales and painting them for a custom feel. Distressed furniture is in high demand and can always be refinished if needed

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Enhancing Lives. Improving Homes. as kids mature. The trick is to find quality furniture with few miles on it, then make it your own. “Nobody wants what everybody has,” Archer said. “They want these unique pieces.” Murals, frames and textured wallpapers are in vogue for children’s rooms according to Archer, along with giant letters of first or last names to convey individuality. Archer says clean lines and fabrics, such as linen and cotton, against basic iron hold strong appeal, and 70 percent of her clients opt for Roman shades in kids’ rooms. She said it’s all about being practical with panache.

“Don’t buy baby furniture,” she said. “Get a convertible crib and quality furniture that can take them through college.” Baughman said she agrees. She said she’s acquired a number of items from thrift shops and websites, such as Restoration Hardware, to achieve her look, and when she moved her daughter Grace’s crib out, she opted for a hodgepodge headboard, footboard and attached wood rails. She says pictures and accessories may change over the years, but the bones are in place. “Everything will probably stay this way a long time,” she said. “Even then, you keep your basic stuff.”

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Go & Do

Brighton Parks Active adult community with something for everyone

Bakersfield Life Magazine

Oaks Country Club just minutes away. Another key feature for Brighton Parks residents is safety inside and out. Each home comes with a home monitoring system and carbon monoxide detectors. Also, a security company provides roving patrol services. Upon entering the 2395 Park Series model, the round rotunda ceiling immediately draws your eye upward, then into the great room that is proportioned just right to feel warm and inviting, yet large and luxurious. The model is beautifully decorated in dark blues and creams. The layout has a nice flow of living and personal areas. Many models offer two bedrooms with the third room used as an office or a den. As someone who lives in an older home, I really appreciated the master bedroom. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a large size looking out onto the back patio. The bathroom has a wonderful soaking tub and walk-in shower, but the best part is how big the walk-in closet was. Come by and visit the models soon. There are a few lots remaining in this unique Castle & Cooke development. At Brighton Parks, life is a walk in the park.

March 2016

PHOTO COURTESY OF CASTLE & COOKE

estled in southwest Bakersfield among shopping areas, restaurants, parks and medical facilities is the Castle & Cooke community of Brighton Parks. There are four models to tour, located on the northwest corner of the intersection of Stockdale Highway and Jewetta Avenue. All homes are single-story and offer seven different plans with French County, Spanish, Traditional and Craftsman elevations to choose from â&#x20AC;&#x201C; each designed with functionality and livability to fit your needs. Thoughtful planning of the neighborhood has all streets leading to the heart of the community, which is the clubhouse, complete with pool, outdoor gathering places, a putting green, library and gym. The clubhouse coordinator will keep your social calendar full with card games, aerobic classes, monthly potlucks and neighborhood barbecues to name a few. Also, excursions to places like the symphony or theater can be enjoyed. In addition to the clubhouse activities, there are several pocket parks to walk your dog or gather with neighbors. As a homeowner, you can also join the Seven

PHOTO COURTESY OF CASTLE & COOKE

By Holly Bikakis

PHOTO COURTESY OF CASTLE & COOKE PHOTO COURTESY OF CASTLE & COOKE PHOTO COURTESY OF CASTLE & COOKE

For more information, go to castlecookehomes.com/ communities/brighton-parks/ for the seven different floor plans, ranging from 1,460 to 2,513 square feet designed for your lifestyle.

Brighton Parks Model hours: Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Price: Starting in the low 200s Target Customer: 55+ years old Amenities: Front yard landscaping with backyard covered patios, white vinyl fencing and generous sized lots for indoor/outdoor living. Granite counter tops, whirlpool appliances, gas cook tops, coffered ceilings on some plans, 18x18â&#x20AC;? floor tiles, and finished garages also come standard. Brighton Parks Clubhouse is a 8,500-square-foot clubhouse with full-size gym, kitchen, card room, billiard room and resort-style pool and spa.

PHOTO BY MARK NESSIA

Parks: On-site community parks, Aera Park, The Park at River Walk, Liberty Park Shopping: The Shops at River Walk, The Marketplace

bakersfieldlife.com

Go & Do

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

Visit bakersfieldhalloffame.com for more information about membership levels and what they offer.

Bringing the Bakersfield Sound back to Bakersfield Bakersfield Music Hall of Fame hopes to change music industry By Shelby Parker Photos courtesy of Kim McAbee

hen you think about the music industry, cities like Los Angeles, New York City and Nashville probably come to mind. But, soon, Bakersfield might be among those ranks. Bakersfield Music Hall of Fame owners Kyle Carter and Kim McAbee are both familiar with the music industry. Carter played guitar for

Bakersfield Life Magazine

March 2016

McAbee when she toured, and McAbee played with Buck Owens and the Buckaroos for more than 25 years. “Our goal here is to try to bring entertainment in Bakersfield back to the level it used to be,” said McAbee. “You always hear about the Bakersfield Sound. … The Bakersfield Sound is still here. We need to progress forward with it and start bringing up our younger artists.” The building will not only be a place to pay homage to the greats and legends of our town, but is a full-

functioning recording studio, which allows people to record their own music, whether laying down tracks or vocals. Carter and McAbee say they want it to be a mentorship between themselves and the artist. They want local talent to get their chance to shine and to show them how to start building an electronic press kit, including video, demos and so on. “If you want to be in music, you have to have that,” said Carter. “It’s so much more than just a headshot and paper resume.” The Hall of Fame also includes an intimate theater that seats 250

While the Hall of Fame is still “in motion,” as Carter puts it, the couple has a vision of what they’d like to see happen in their time to come. They aren’t capable of hosting a museum right now, but for the time being will be able to hang cutout images on the walls when someone is inducted. What do they hope people take away from the Hall of Fame? “The experience that Bakersfield has to offer,” said McAbee. With a sense of community about the Hall of Fame and its owners, it’s more than just remembering Bakersfield’s past, it’s about preparing and building on the future.

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people, complete with three VIP booths that offer unique views of the stage. Unlike other musical venues, they’re also able to move the seats the way they’d like. By day, the space is available to rent for events, such as weddings and birthday parties, and comes equipped with a catering kitchen. But their mission goes deeper than playing the role of a renting facility. “We’re going to do our best to be very member oriented,” said McAbee. That will include inductions and voting for those they want to see inducted into the Hall of Fame.

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Go & Do

TRIP PLANNER

Off to the races A trifecta of family-friendly fun from start to finish By Holly Bikakis

pending a day at the races is always something to look forward to. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the excitement of the horse races combined with idle hours of leisure, which is a great blend for a perfect day. Santa Anita Park lies at the base of the Sierra Madre in Arcadia, about two hours south of Bakersfield. The view in itself is beautiful. Surrounding mountains are the perfect backdrop to the tall palm trees at the

Bakersfield Life Magazine

March 2016

park, making for a breathtaking sight. For more than 10 years, my family has been going to Santa Anita Park with two other families. We hit the road no later than 10 a.m. with our picnic baskets secured in the back seat. Once you arrive to the park, there are many ways to get the full experience. From the Chandelier Room, with fine dining and a dress code, to the grandstand seating and everything in between. Several restaurants, clubs and sports bars offer places to watch the races, too. If you get there early, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a

Top: A field of thoroughbreds heads down the homestretch in an allowance race at Santa Anita Race Track in Arcadia. Middle: Santa Anita Park exterior

Bottom: The Seabiscuit tram will take you to the stable area, receiving barn, the Paddock Gardens and past this sculpture.

Seabiscuit Tram that takes you to see the original stall and barn the famous racehorse Seabiscuit was in. The horse that played the champion in the movie still lives at Santa Anita Park. The tram will even take you to different places the movie was filmed at, including backlot areas. One other area to watch the races is the infield. It’s the parklike area in the middle of the track, which is where we like to go. Our kids were young when we started going there so naturally we were pulled to the Family Fun Zone offered on most weekends. It has inflatables, face painting, pony rides, carnival games and a playground to entertain the kids for hours while the adults enjoy the races.

Bring your lawn chairs, coolers and picnic baskets. Alcohol is not legal to bring in but can be purchased in the infield. Parking is free and so is the admission for infielders. There’s a program stand just to your right when you enter – this is a must. Don’t get suckered into buying the quick picks for sale before entering the tunnel. This lists the toprated horses for each race, which the program tells as well. The races usually start at 12:30 or 1 p.m. and last until 4 p.m. Another great thing about the infield is the sun sets behind the grandstand area leaving them in the shade most of the day while the infield is sunny and, most days, warm enough for a short-

sleeved shirt. If you want to watch the race up close, there is a seating area in front of the huge Jumbotron, also conveniently located by the betting windows. This year was a new experience for the older kids in our group as my twins and another son had turned 18. This meant they were old enough to place bets, which added to our entertainment of the day. Many things have changed over the years but going to Santa Check out Anita Park is fun every www.santaanita.com for time we go. the season’s schedule. Now that the kids are older, and going their own ways, I think it’s time to explore the adult areas on the other side of the track. bakersfieldlife.com

B Well

DEFYING THE ODDS

Batter up! Right: Sevenyear-old Emmanuel Rodriguez tests out his arm during League of Dreams tryouts.

League of Dreams gives children with disabilities opportunity to swing for the fences

Far right: “I’m faster than the speed of lightning!” 9-year-old Corte Vest yells, as he is pushed down the first-base line by his brother Chance. Facing page top: Korey Sharpe, 9, keeps his eyes on the ball as he swings for the fences.

By Laura Liera

Photos by Mark Nessia

ith his eyes on the ball and his bat positioned just right, 6-year-old Facing page Vaughn Latham swung bottom: the bat with all his strength and saw Vaughn the ball fly some feet in front of him. Latham, 6, The loud cheering and calling of his races toward name caught his attention and he third base. looked over at his mom Beverly with a huge smile on his face. Vaughn was diagnosed with childhood League of Dreams apraxia of Facts speech (CAS) as • It’s the only one of its kind in a child and has Kern County. problems with • There is no fee to join, except speech. for a late registration fee of $25. Wearing his • All sports are adaptive. police helmet • The league is always looking up to bat – with for volunteers. visor and all – Vaughn was For more information, visit www.ourleagueofdreams.com one of nearly 230 kids between the ages of 5 and 22 with disabilities trying out for the baseball season with the League of Dreams. Jessica Mathews, executive direc48

Bakersfield Life Magazine

March 2016

tor of the program, said baseball is just one sport the league offers. There is also a basketball league and a bowling league. The games are run at a slower pace and some of the rules have changed slightly. But the overall experience is what makes parents eager for the season to start. “Sports give kids a sense of achievement and I know this will give him more confidence,” Beverly said. Baseball season begins March 22 and takes place at Fruitvale Norris Park where there are two baseball fields designed for kids with wheel-

chairs or walkers. The adaptive baseball field and playground were built in 2012 and 2013. “We try to teach kids the game of baseball but we also try to encourage them to participate as much as they can,” Mathews said. For Hilda Pomales, seeing her 6-year-old daughter Stephanie-Marie and 10-year-old son Jose Rafael play catch with the league’s staff was a feeling she couldn’t quite explain. Stephanie-Marie has Down syndrome and Jose Rafael has hypoplastic left heart syndrome.

“I want them to feel included in sports and look at them, they are happy,” Hilda said as she pointed to her kids smiling out on the field. League of Dreams will be kicking off its 10th anniversary at Sam Lynn Ball Park on Sunday, March 13, at 1 p.m. The season will run from March 22, Sunday afternoons, through May 15. No games on Easter.

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B Well

J O U R N E Y T O T H E A LTA R

PHOTO BY SILVIA LOMAS OF LOMAS PHOTOGRAPHY

Getting ready for the big day ... in a big way

Starting measurements taken Jan. 22 with first workout on Jan. 25 Nick Panici • Body fat: 16.5 percent • Muscle mass: 151 pounds • Fat mass: 29.9 pounds • Scale weight: 181 pounds

Katie Camp • Body fat: 24 percent • Muscle mass: 126.9 pounds • Fat mass: 40 pounds • Scale weight: 167 pounds Follow their journey on Instagram @journey_to_the_altar

Bakersfield Life Magazine

March 2016

Compiled by Bakersfield Life

hey say life is a journey. And for Nick Panici and Katie Camp, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just getting started. After getting engaged on Oct. 9, 2015, the bride-and-groom-to-be approached Tim Goijich, owner of Fit For Life Gym, to keep goals accountable and partnered with Bakersfield Life to document the journey. We know taking that first step toward a healthy lifestyle can be tough so if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re just getting started, take this journey with Nick and Katie as they get ready for their big day. For the next six months, Nick and Katie will be sharing their highs and lows as they spend time at Fit For Life Gym. Nick Prior to starting this experience, we both have had stints of faithfully going to the gym or working out, but nothing that was a steady, long-term plan. With clothes on, I look fairly fit, but I want to have the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Spartacusâ&#x20AC;? muscle definition in my abs and bulk up my chicken legs and arms. I think with the

combination of a strong workout schedule at Fit for Life and focusing on a good meal plan, that will be no problem. I know Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m going to have a hard time giving up my favorite snacks, like chips, Cheez-Its and just salt in general. The first day of training was difficult having been absent from the gym for a period longer than I would like to admit. It was exhilarating and painful, but you know what they say: â&#x20AC;&#x153;No pain, no gain.â&#x20AC;? Katie We are both fairly active people but were wanting something more and needed a jump-start to an even more active, committed workout schedule and healthier lifestyle. I have been blessed to be very successful professionally, as well as have a solid foundation of family and friends who love and support me, but the one thing missing was being completely happy with my body. I think getting some muscle definition and slimming down in the midsection will bring out the best in me. Since we started this journey, the

toughest part has been actually eating breakfast and meal prepping; I normally just have a cup of coffee and run out the door. Having to meal prep and having multiple smaller meals every day has added an extra step but my body is slowly learning to expect food every couple hours. At the end of the day, we are doing this not just for the big day but because we know how important it is to live a healthy lifestyle for each other and our family.

About Us: Nick Panici is the general manager at Chefâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Choice Noodle Bar and Katie Camp is the events coordinator for Lightspeed Systems and also owns Soiree, a wedding and events company. Nick has a 10-year-old daughter named Addison and the three have bonded seamlessly into a family, rooted in Christ, plus their two dogs, Kenu and Roxy. Nick and Katie were engaged on Oct. 9, 2015, in Cayucos and plan to be married on Sept. 17, 2016, in Bakersfield.

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FIT AND FRESH

Living la vida Story and photos by Katie Kirschenmann and Sally Baker

ONE CROCKPOT, FOUR CHICKEN BREASTS, TWO JARS OF SALSA AND THREE DINNER POSSIBILITIES

e busy moms do it all. Preparing dinner for our families is one of the most important jobs we have. With a little planning and the help of a slow cooker, it is possible to banish unhealthy processed convenience foods from our dinner tables. Our chicken chile verde recipe is tried and true – an amazing base for dinners that your family will love. Slow cooker chicken chile verde • 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts • 2 12-ounce jars Trader Joe’s Hatch Valley Salsa (or use your favorite green

Bakersfield Life Magazine

March 2016

chili salsa) • 5 peeled whole garlic cloves • Juice of 1 lime • Bunch of cilantro, coarsely chopped Before you leave in the morning, lightly season chicken with salt and pepper and add to the pot. Empty both jars of salsa into the pot covering the chicken then throw in the garlic whole. Set to low. Eight hours later, shred the chicken apart with a couple of forks and viola! Healthy green taco bowls Layer quinoa, baby kale and avocado in a bowl. Place a healthy serving of chicken on top and drizzle with fresh lime juice. Chile verde enchiladas Once the chicken is done, roll into

corn tortillas with spinach, black beans and shredded cheese. Line the rolls into a baking dish and sprinkle with more cheese. Cover with foil and bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes or until cheese is bubbling. Add cilantro and serve. Stuffed chile verde red peppers Slice the tops of five red bell peppers and deseed them. Carefully shave the bottoms of the peppers giving them a more stable base. Fill halfway with quinoa (or rice) then carefully spoon in the shredded chicken. Optionally top with cheese. Place peppers on baking sheet and slide into 350-degree oven for about 15 minutes.

EXERCISE OF THE MONTH

WHERE TO RUN THIS MONTH FIELD N’ DALE RUN 6K/12K March 12 Panorama Vista Preserve bakersfieldtrackclub.org

Reverse Fly with Resistance Band These simple resistance bands are lightweight and can be picked up at any sports store. They’re perfect for throwing in your suitcase when you travel, because they deliver an amazing total body workout. The reverse fly strengthens your upper and middle back and targets your posterior deltoids.

• Take a handle in each hand, with band under each foot. Cross the bands. • Keeping back straight, abs engaged, pull up and out, squeezing shoulder blades.

MUD FACTOR 5K March 5 Hart Park, Alfred Harrell Highway mudfactor.com/b akersfield

Start with one set of 10 reps, focusing on good form and movement.

GIRL SCOUTS THIN MINT 5K/1-MILE WALK March 5 The Marketplace, 9000 Ming Ave. runsignup.com

Medley roast potatoes • bag of varied color medley potatoes (Trader Joe’s) • chopped garlic • olive oil • salt • parsley

WHAT’S IN HARVEST? POTATOES! In more recent years, you may have seen new varieties and colors of potatoes entering our markets. Purples, oranges and reds have been added to our previous staples. Colorful potatoes provide carotenoids and flavenoids – pigments that offer

many health benefits, including possible cancer protection. You will consume more fiber and minerals per bite from smaller potatoes, since they have more surface area. Try to buy organic, so you can scrub the skins and eat them without concern that pesticides may have penetrated it.

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Put the whole potatoes in a large pan and bring to the boil. Boil for about 10 minutes. If the potatoes are tiny, six minutes should be enough. Chop the garlic or use the previously chopped in a jar version. Mix with a bowl of olive oil (about half a cup). When the potatoes are slightly soft when you insert a sharp knife into them, place them on a cookie sheet. Taking a potato masher, gently press down each potato just once, to create a slightly flattened, open-top potato. Brush each potato liberally with the garlic olive oil and sprinkle with parsley if you like. Bake for about 25 minutes or until desired crispiness.

STARLIGHT 5K March 12 The Park at River Walk, 11298 Stockdale Highway starlight5K.com 5TH ANNUAL ST. PATRICK’S DAY 5K March 12 The Park at River Walk, 11298 Stockdale Highway active.com COLOR ME RAD 5K March 26 Kern County Fairgrounds, 1142 S P St. colormerad.com/ bakersfield

bakersfieldlife.com

BY LAURA LIERA

PHOTO BY MARK NESSIA

ay and Connor Bailey share more than a mother-son bond. They both have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Kay, 30, was diagnosed three years ago and Connor, 9, was diagnosed two years ago as a secondgrader. Sitting at their kitchen table – jars of colored pencils and homework pages strewn about – Kay and Connor seem to share similar stories about ADHD. Kay is certain she had ADHD growing up, but was simply never diagnosed. “I worked my butt off in school and the highest grade I could get was like a C,” she said. Every report card she took home had similar comments: Kay has potential but she’s really talkative, daydreams and can’t sit still. Kay remembers barely making it through junior high and realized that none of the teachers were ever going to take the time to help her learn the materials. “I was frustrated but I

kind of thought that was normal,” Kay said. “I thought all the other kids must work extra, extra hard to get A’s.” And unfortunately, getting diagnosed with ADHD is not as simple as getting tested for it. Dr. John Digges, behavior pediatrician and consultant for the county of Kern, said a person must meet diagnostic criteria before being diagnosed. “We gather a lot of information on how either the child or adult is performing in two different

Bakersfield Life Magazine

March 2016

settings, like at school, home or at their job,” Digges said. When Kay talked to the Kaiser Permanente intake counselor three years ago, she had to provide her childhood report cards and shared her daily struggles even just at home. “I always had an idea of getting organized at home and having a calendar but then I couldn’t follow through,” Kay said. “I felt defeated and you just beat yourself up because you feel like you’re not good enough.” When Connor was in

Dr. Digges shares a few tips and facts of ADHD ● Get them emotionally connected to whatever task they need to do. Their behavior is least different from a non-ADHD child when they are doing something they are enjoying. ● When someone with ADHD is bored, their brain function is like if they were daydreaming or sleeping. That’s why they have to learn things over and over again. ● The tendency of bouncing off the walls will decrease as they get older. ● Constantly being put down, if not diagnosed, is a huge stressor to someone with ADHD. The price they pay is in self-esteem. If not checked, it can lead to depression. ● Don’t blame kids or punish them for behavior they don’t have control over.

kindergarten, Kay started seeing her same behaviors and inattentiveness in her son. He struggled and nearly didn’t pass kindergarten. She started to talk to family about his struggles in school and everyone seemed to have the same answer: “Oh, he’s just a boy.” But Kay had a gut feeling there was something more. First grade was a similar struggle and it was in second grade when Kay knew he needed help. “He is not hyper in the classroom, he doesn’t bounce around but he’s quiet and daydreams a lot,” Kay said. Connor’s teacher told Kay that he was simply shy and quiet. But even Connor felt different from his peers. “I couldn’t concentrate on the teacher,” Connor said. “It took me a long time to understand something.” Now that’s he’s in fourth grade and taking medication, Connor feels completely

different. “I feel like I can sit still and pay attention to what the teacher is saying,” he noted. His report card grades began improving and his daily conduct grades are no longer C’s but A’s. With Connor improving, Kay returned to school last year and is seeking a career in nursing at Bakersfield College. Although she is also taking medication, she has learned small quirks that help her concentrate a bit better. “I sit up front in every class and I wait for everyone at home to fall asleep when I study because I need complete silence,” she said. There have been moments when Kay wishes she had other parents to talk to about children with ADHD. “I haven’t found other moms that are going through the same situation,” Kay said. “A parent support group where we can all share tips would be ideal.”

(661) 846-2942

The Lynn Company has provided industry leading employee benefits consulting since 1955, assisting individual clients and businesses throughout the San Joaquin Valley and beyond. We serve as Kern County’s premier resource for information and advice, focusing on individual coverage, group coverage, Medicare supplements, Covered California Exchange coverage, insurance technology solutions, as well as providing reliable services to keep our clientele within compliance of new Affordable Care Act guidelines.

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B Well

YO U R B O DY

Acne: why teens get it and how to fight it By Laura Liera

Tips to help prevent breakouts and clear them up fast • Wash your face twice a day • Don’t pop pimples • Avoid touching your face • Remove your makeup before going to sleep • Protect your skin from the sun

imples. Zits. Acne. We all know how annoying these red, sometimes painful skin problems can be. If your 10-year-old has just started dealing with zits, rest assured he or she is not alone. Acne is so common that it’s actually considered a normal part of growing from a kid to an adult. Milan Shah, laser and aesthetic medicine specialist, medical director and president of Beautologie Medical Spa and Laser Center, said puberty plays a big role in adolescent acne. “Hormones and testosterone can make acne worse,” Shah said. When oil glands in the face are clogged and combined with bacteria that already lives in the skin, the acne glands get inflamed, causing a breakout. Teens who are active in sports like football or baseball will most likely see an increase in acne near the forehead hairline area.

Bakersfield Life Magazine

March 2016

Shah said the friction between the helmets and the sweaty skin can increase the bacteria in that particular area. That’s why it’s important for all teens to cleanse their face more than once a day. “With environmental factors like smog and smoke, a bath once a day is just not enough,” Shah noted. Cleansing both in the morning and at night with a gentle soap is recommended every day. But remember not to overcleanse. Dry skin can also lead to skin problems. For athletes, using cleansing pads immediately after they are done practicing or after a game is highly recommended. If a child’s acne is not going away after six weeks, Shah recommends seeking medical attention. “We would then offer a more aggressive prescription to get to the root of the acne,” Shah said. “And we’d also want to focus on the scarring that is left after acne … we’d want to minimize that as well.”

W H AT H A P P E N S W H E N …

Y O U ’ R E A LWA Y S W E L C O M E A T

Gables Residential Care Homes

Kids don’t get enough calcium By Marissa Patton

rom cow to cup, milk is a rich essence that is even richer in vitamins and minerals. Crystal Carney, a pediatric hospitalist at Bakersfield Memorial Hospital, stresses the importance of calcium and vitamin D in children’s diets with milk being a good source of both. Vitamin D and calcium have what can be described as a marriage relationship, as a person cannot get the good effects of one without the other. Vitamin D is needed to absorb calcium, a mineral that promotes bone growth and strength. Strong, healthy bones prevent children from developing a severe bone disease called rickets, which is the softening of bones and potential bowing of the legs, Carney said. While rickets usually happens to children who are on very strict, specialized diets, those who are calcium and vitamin D deficient can still develop osteoporosis later in life. To prevent this, Carney said infants and young children need to consume as much vitamin D as they can so they can

Did you know? Breakdown of milk per age • Under 1 years old: vitamin D supplementation • 1 year old: whole milk or formula. Overweight kids can get 2 percent milk • 2 years old: cow’s milk • 3 years old: cow’s milk • Beyond: skim milk

build calcium in their bones. A little past puberty, any consumed calcium will go into the bloodstream and bones will not benefit from it as much as before. That means that by early adulthood, late 20s and 30s, an individual has stored up all the calcium in their bones as they are going to store. “The only chance you have to strengthen your bones is during childhood years,” Carney said. “You don’t have a lot of chances past that.” According to Carney, milk is an excellent source of vitamin D. She emphasized that it is important to be specific in the types of milk children are given, as well as the child’s age, because there are proteins in cow’s milk that are difficult for children to digest. If you can’t get your children to drink milk, Carney said they can still be healthy because calcium can be found in other items such as fortified orange juice or colored greens. Carney added that she tells parents to add the recommended portion of Hershey’s chocolate syrup in a glass of milk because it doesn’t have too much sugar and kids love it.

Where to get calcium • Vitamin supplements, such as gummy bears for kids • Fortified orange juice • Almonds • Colored greens • Regular yogurt • Frozen yogurt • Cheese, especially string cheese • Almond milk (not under 2) • Low-fat hot chocolate • Pancake mix with skim milk

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 bakersfieldlife.com

B Well

LOV E A N D L I F E

Joy at every stage Highs and lows of parenthood pass by all too quickly

“E

Priceless moment with my son and daughter in 2009.

njoy every stage of your kids’ lives. It all goes by too quickly.” If you’re a parent, chances are you’ve heard the same advice from many parenting veterans. I used to hear it all the time when I was a new mom. It provided reassurance that our little humans would eventually sleep through the night, that car rides wouldn’t be full of shrieks from Hades and that, someday, we might be able to use the bathroom without their juvenile surveillance. As an infant, our little girl didn’t believe in naps but enjoyed waking up every 20 minutes at night to the detriment of our sleep and sanity. Fortunately, Ashley’s brother slept, well, like a baby! He was pure joy until the terrible 3s hit – slightly behind the terrible 2s, but no less torrential. It was actually quite comical to watch Ben Jr. sprawled on the ground in public, vehemently crying over a toy. When our kids were about 6 and 4, things got a little easier so we took more trips together. When flying, we have a family tradition of flapping our hands like wings until the plane is in the air. The kids believe that somehow our efforts help the aircraft take off. At that time, the kids were both in school and had

Bakersfield Life Magazine

March 2016

several extracurricular activities. That made for hurried and oftentimes stressful afternoons. My husband, Ben Sr., once reminded me that I don’t have to do things like brush our begrudging kids’ teeth or remind them to pick up after themselves. I get to do those things. One day, I’ll miss finding random toys in my pockets, dragging their sleepy heads out of bed for school and even the excruciating pain of stepping on their Legos. Our kids are 8 and 10 now so the baby days are long behind us, but we still have some time before they leave for college. Until then, we’ll still flap our “wings” during takeoff, strive to be present with them and snuggle as much as we can. Each day, I pray for wisdom and thank God for the little ones he’s entrusted to our care. I’m no expert, but since I’ve been doing this parenting thing for a decade now, I’m passing on the same wisdom to all the new parents out there. Try to enjoy every stage of your kids’ lives. It all goes by too quickly. PHOTO BY APRIL MASSIRIO

By Nina Ha

Nina Ha

– Opinions expressed in this column are those of Nina Ha.

B Well

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Dr. Alfred Sein Diagnostic Radiologist What inspired you to practice medicine? My inspiration is my late father, a phenomenal doctor dedicated to his practice and patients with a genuine passion for the field. Why did you want to practice medicine in Bakersfield? Bakersfield is a community experiencing tremendous growth but still manages to have a very friendly “small town” feel. Having the opportunity to practice medicine in this type of setting is very appealing to me. What do you enjoy most about your work as a physician? I of course enjoy the opportunity to help people and potentially make a difference in their lives. I also enjoy the mental stimulation and new challenges encountered on a regular basis.

When you aren’t at work, what do you do to relax? My wife and I are avid snowboarders during the winter. We love trying new restaurants and going to the movies as well. With twin boys due in March, we’ll see how much time we have to relax!

What does your job entail? As radiologists, we analyze and interpret essentially any imaging done on a person. We spend the day looking at X-rays, mammograms, ultrasounds, CT scans and MRIs diagnosing acute and chronic disease processes. Our job also entails performing image-guided procedures for treatment of disease.

How do you practice living a happy, healthy life? Spending time with our families and loved ones helps to keep my wife and I happy, balanced and motivated. To manage stress, I try to keep things in perspective and appreciate what I already have and those around me.

What makes your practice special? The people. Kern Radiology is like a big family, with everyone sharing a common goal and vision to provide the best care possible to the people of Bakersfield.

Kern Radiology Medical Group, Inc. • Phone: (661) 324-7000 • Fax: (661) 334-3164 • www.KernRadiology.com

Bakersfield Life Magazine

March 2016

Dr. David Condie Interventional Radiologist

Where did you earn your degree and practice medicine? I attended the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences in Bethesda, Maryland, across the street from the National Institutes of Health. I then went on to do a pediatric residency. After a military tour to Germany, I returned to training, first in diagnostic radiology and then in vascular and interventional radiology. I practiced in the Air Force until 2011, spending my last eight years as the chief of interventional radiology at Wilford Hall Air Force Medical Center. What inspired you to practice medicine? I am a people person. I grew up around hospitals as my father was a hospital administrator, and the idea that I would practice medicine seemed a natural one to me. I have been fortunate to be able to experience many facets of the medical profession, from clinical primary care to the technologically intensive processes of diagnostic radiology and now to the specialty care of interventional radiology. Why did you want to practice medicine in Bakersfield? I was born in California and returned to the state during my Air Force years. My youngest son was born not too far from where I was born. The state is blessed with so many natural resources, especially sunshine, and I like to be outdoors. Bak-

ersfield offers great mix of big-city opportunities and the sense of community that come from being not too big. I see great opportunities here to practice my medical profession and to enjoy the recreational opportunities that are here and nearby. What do you enjoy most about your work as a physician? The people. I like talking with and taking care of people. I like working with the good people in the medical community and with the fine people I have met working at Kern Radiology. Specifically in regard to my profession, I enjoy being able to treat a wide variety of medical problems in ways that minimize downtime or recovery time for my patients. Interventional radiology is a cutting-edge profession and I enjoy talking to people about it and helping them to understand how this very specialized technology and skill set can help them improve their health and lead more comfortable lives. What does your job as an interventional radiologist entail? I use imaging techniques to perform treatments inside patients to fix a wide variety of problems through a tiny nick in the skin. We can help patients with liver and gallbladder diseases, kidney stones, diabetic vascular complications like kidney failure requiring dialysis and a large number of other medical conditions.

What makes your practice special? Not many people know their radiologist like they know their family doctor or clinical specialist. I’m out to change that. I believe that people get better care when the doctors who treat them follow up with them and check in on them once in a while. What are your goals? To improve the health and lives of the people in this community by expanding their opportunities to get great care right here in Bakersfield. I believe that through good communication within the medical community and between the physicians and the people of Bakersfield, we can help people find ways to improve their health that they might not be aware is right in their backyard. When you aren’t hard at work at your office, what do you do to relax? Even though most of my children are grown and are now spread around the country, I enjoy talking and doing things with them. I also like the outdoors. I love classical and jazz music and like to sing. Every once in a while, I dabble in photography. I love to get distracted by ideas and to learn things from gardening to atomic physics. I don’t know much about any one thing, but I know a little about a lot of things.

Kern Radiology Medical Group, Inc. • Phone: (661) 324-7000 • Fax: (661) 334-3164 • www.KernRadiology.com

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Dr. James Kim Interventional Radiologist

Where did you earn your degree and practice medicine? I earned my medical degree from New York Medical College and I have practiced the specialty of radiology in Michigan and Arizona since completing my training five years ago. What inspired you to practice medicine? I decided to pursue medicine as a career because it allowed me to combine my passion for science and knowledge with helping improve the lives of patients. Why did you want to practice medicine in Bakersfield? I knew I would eventually return to California and Bakersfield allows me to focus on my subspecialty of interventional radiology in a community that wants and needs quality medical care. What do you enjoy most about your work as a physician? I like getting feedback from patients and clinicians relatively quickly, which allows me to fine-tune and improve upon my skill set daily in interventional radiology. What does your job as an interventional radiologist entail? As interventional radiologists, we use image guidance to perform various minimally invasive procedures from basic biopsies, drainages and vertebroplasty to more complex interventional oncology, embolizations and thrombolysis. What makes your practice special? As an interventional radiology team, everyone is actively involved in providing and coordinating care in a timely and efficient manner ensuring optimal results.

What are your goals? My goals for the interventional radiology practice are to provide quality and consistent medical care to every patient we encounter. I would like to work with our referring physicians to expand our services. My goal is to offer our referring doctors the ability to send their patients for a biopsy, port placement, IVC filter placement, vertebroplasty, interventional oncology and much more at a single site. The single-site concept makes it easier for the referring physician and patient during this most trying time. When you aren’t hard at work at your office, what do you do to relax? With my free time, I like to golf, snowboard and travel. I also try to exercise and workout when I can. How do you practice living a happy, healthy life? I try to spend as much time as possible with family and friends who keep me grounded and remind me what is important in life. Tell us a little about your personal life: I grew up in the Los Angeles area and I am glad to move back to California. I went to college at UC Berkeley so I definitely feel like I am a Californian at heart. Most of my family and close friends are still in California so my personal life revolves around them.

Kern Radiology Medical Group, Inc. • Phone: (661) 324-7000 • Fax: (661) 334-3164 • www.KernRadiology.com

Bakersfield Life Magazine

March 2016

Dr. John San Diagnostic Radiologist

What inspired you to practice medicine? I have always been interested in the sciences since I was a child, but I wasn’t interested in medicine until high school. One of my cousins passed away from hepatitis when he was only in his early 20s. It was a big shock to our immediate and extended families. All of us were unprepared and also not knowledgeable about how it happened. That’s when I decided that I wanted to learn about medicine and help my family and others to stay healthy. Why did you want to practice medicine in Bakersfield? When I saw a posting for a job at Kern Radiology, It was a great opportunity for me as I was working as a nighttime teleradiologist in Los Angeles and wanted to switch back to a daytime job. I decided to take a look at the practice and city, as I have never been to Bakersfield. After interviewing and also touring the city, my wife and I both liked the city and I was also impressed by the practice’s talented radiologists and the prospect in becoming a partner. So far we have not regretted our decision. What do you enjoy most about your work as a physician? Being able to help physicians and the patients is the best part of my job. What does your job entail? As a radiologist, I have a dual role as a consultant for physicians when I interpret radiological studies to try and help diagnose a patient’s problems. I also have direct contact with patients when we perform a variety of noninvasive or minimally invasive procedures, such as joint injections and fluoroscopic examinations. So I have the best of both worlds in having direct and indirect ways of helping patients. What makes your practice special? We have a talented group of radiologists many of whom have completed fellowships to further subspecialize in an area of radiology. All of our radiologists really care about our patients and are always willing to help each other whenever a need arises. When you aren’t at work, what do you do to relax? I love watching movies, so I often watch movies at home with my wife during my time off. It takes my mind off work and is a stress reliever for me. I watch all genres, but my favorite is science fiction. How do you practice living a happy, healthy life? Having a balanced life outside of work is very important and I always look forward to spending time with my wife and daughter at home. I also enjoy eating out and meeting up with family and friends on the weekend or when I am not at work.

Kern Radiology Medical Group, Inc. • Phone: (661) 324-7000 • Fax: (661) 334-3164 • www.KernRadiology.com

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Compiled by Bakersfield Life

Are you looking for your

COUNTRY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL’S SUmmeR SCHOOL pROgRAmS What’s going on: One of our programs is a concentrated six-week reading-only course in Simply Phonics. This program is recommended for children struggling with reading and spelling. We also offer a three-in-one, six-week course incorporating reading, math and computer lab for firstthrough sixth-graders who need to maintain their academic progress and have a love for learning. Who’s invited: Children in kindergarten to sixth grade When does the fun start? These courses are 9 a.m. to noon, Monday through Friday, June 6 through July 15 Location: 2416 Dean Ave. Contact: 661-5894703

Bakersfield Life Magazine

March 2016

JUST FOR FUN

EDUCATION

kids to try something new this spring or summer? Here are some great escapes to help them create, learn, inspire and activate.

bATTLefIeLd LIve!

What’s going on: This is a completely mobile live gaming laser combat adventure serving Bakersfield and surrounding areas. Imagine your very own battlefield in your backyard or local park. If you ever wanted to play paintball or airsoft, but were afraid of getting hurt, now you can experience the thrill in a safer atmosphere. Our team will do everything possible to make your event unique and unforgettable. Games can be played indoors, outdoors, rain or shine, day or night. Book your next birthday party, corporate, team building, school carnival or special event today. Ready ... aim ... fun! Contact: 661-588-7410

SPORTS/RECREATION

EDUCATION

gARCeS SUmmeR SCHOOL

ROAdRUNNeR AQUATICS What’s going on: Looking for a fun summertime activity for your kids? Roadrunner Aquatics is a competitive year-round USA swimming and diving team dedicated to enhancing the sport of swimming and diving in Bakersfield and the surrounding areas. Roadrunner Aquatics also offers a summer recreational swim team that competes as part of the Kern County Recreational Swim League. Who’s invited: Kids with swimming ability When does the fun start: Online registration opens March 14, practice starts May 2 Where do I sign up: Visit our website at www.roadrunneraquatics.com Location: CSUB’s John S. Hillman Memorial Aquatic Center, 9001 Stockdale Highway. Contact info: 704-300-7307 (swimming); 704-488-1036 (diving) or roadrunnerrecswim@gmail.com

VISUAL ARTS

CHILDREN’S MUSIC CLASSES

What’s going on: Garces summer school offers all kinds of academic, athletic and enrichment classes and this year we’ve added some great new ones! In addition to some of our most popular classes, we are adding band, drama, quilting, Rollercoaster STEM, wrestling, fencing, dance and online courses. Who’s invited: All students grades fifth through 12th When does the fun start: Registration begins March 7 and classes begin Monday, June 6 Where do I sign up: Visit our website at www.garces.org Locations: Garces Memorial High School, 2800 Loma Linda Drive. Contact info: Steve Garcia, director of summer school, email: sgarcia@garces.org, tel: 661-327-2578, ext. 146

HARmONY ROAd mUSIC SCHOOL

COLOR me mINe What’s going on: When it's hot, hot, hot ... what a great way to stay cool by creating functional or just-for-fun ceramic pieces? No SPF required! Color Me Mine offers multimedia workshops, kids night out events and mommy-and-me painting activities for toddlers and preschoolers, too. Or just bring in your kids and paint a memory together. Ceramic painting is a wonderful activity that kids, moms, dads and grandparents can all have fun doing together! No reservations required. Open daily at The Marketplace, 9000 Ming Ave. Call 661-6647366 or visit bakersfield.colormemine.com. Who’s invited: Any age When does the fun start? Open daily Location: The Marketplace, 9000 Ming Ave. Contact: 661-664-7366 or www.bakersfield.colormemine.com

What’s going on: Our new spring six-week session for toddlers and preschoolers begins mid-April. Parents and tots will experience singing, beginning piano keyboard concepts, moving to music, playing with rhythm instruments, rocking songs and activities with balls, hoops and scarves. Who’s invited: Toddlers and preschoolers ages 16 months to 4 years (and their parents) When are classes offered? We offer classes Wednesday, Thursday or Saturday mornings as well as Thursday evening When does the fun start? April 18 Where do I sign up? Call us at 661-665-8228 or enroll online at www.harmonyroadbakersfield.com Location: 5381 Truxtun Ave. (one block east of Mohawk St.)

bakersfieldlife.com

JUST FOR FUN

EDUCATION

STem RObOTICS, COdINg ANd eNgINeeRINg pROgRAmS AT SYLvAN LeARNINg CeNTeR

THeY’Re fRUITILICIOUS! What’s going on? La Rosa Fruit Bars are not only a tasty way to enjoy a nice spring day, but they make a wonderfully nutritious addition to company picnics, fundraisers, family events, school functions and simply every occasion! Handmade daily from fresh natural fruits, La Rosa Fruit Bars has been serving Kern County since 1980 and can be found on the Central Coast. Contact: To order 661-323-6877 or www.larosa fruitbars.com

CSUb LeARN TO SWIm

What’s going on? Summer will be here soon and the CSUB swim team is set to begin the 20th season of its Learn-To-Swim program. It’s designed to promote a fun learning experience for all swimmers of all abilities. Students learn skills from basic swimming essentials to competitive swimming skills, along with personal water safety. We also offer mommy-andme classes. Small class sizes. Experienced instructors. Who’s invited? Kids ready to learn to swim and mommies with babies 6 months to 3 years. When does the fun start? April 4 Location: CSUB’s John S. Hillman Memorial Aquatic Center, 9001 Stockdale Highway Contact: 661-654-2071 or csublearntoswim@gmail.com

Bakersfield Life Magazine

March 2016

VISUAL ARTS

SPORTS/RECREATION

What’s going on: Robotics – Create and animate robots using Legos and friendly competitions. Coding – Learn computer programming by designing video games that can be shared and played with friends. Engineering – Discover the amazing world of machines and bridge design with hands-on projects using Lego bricks and K’Nex parts. Who’s invited? Children who want to experience cuttingedge STEM classes When does the fun start? March Where do I sign up? Call your local Sylvan Learning Center at 661-387-6060 or visit www.bakersfieldsylvan.com. Location: 2720 Calloway Drive, Suite A.

ART CLASSeS AT THe bAkeRSfIeLd mUSeUm Of ART What’s going on? BMOA’s art programs are a fun and engaging experience for students interested in learning about art history, cultural themes and new artistic techniques. Each week of classes include lessons in drawing, painting, sculpture and much more! Have fun, keep busy and make new friends! Who’s invited? Classes offered to students ages 3 through 17. When does the fun start? Spring Break Workshops: March 21 through 24, Summer Art Camp: June 6 through July 22. Register today! Where do I sign up? Visit www.bmoa.org or call 661-3237219 for more information.

EDUCATION

SpRINg fLINg AT CALm What’s going on? California Living Museum will welcome springtime to Bakersfield with FREE admission for children 12 and under (must be accompanied by an adult). There will be four wildlife presentations each day. Spring Fling will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Central Valley Children’s Railroad, open to all ages, will run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day (weather permitting). Train tickets are $1. Become a CALM Hero by purchasing a Family Membership at a reduced rate! Who’s invited? Everyone When does the fun start? March 19 to March 26 Cost: $9 adults; $7 seniors (60+); children under 12 years old are free and must be accompanied by an adult. Location: 10500 Alfred Harrell Highway, (between Lake Ming and Hart Park). Contact: 661-872-2256 or www.calmzoo.org.

E R S’

CH O IC E

SFIELD CALIF OR EB

2014

E R S’

C H O IC

O EP

SFIELD CALIF OR

2014

E R S’

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AN NI

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AN NI

100 Oak Street (corner of Oak/Stockdale)

2015

AN NI

• Pianos and Keyboards • Band Instruments/ Rentals • Music Lessons • Acoustic/Electric Guitars • Piano Moving/Tuning • Repair Department • Sheet Music

BAKERSFIELD’S MUSIC DEALER for more than 37 years years 40

327-5397 • californiakeyboards.com

bakersfieldlife.com

Preparing kids to

excel in the classroom Preschool helps kids develop problem-solving, social skills

By Gabriel Ramirez • Photos by Mark Nessia

ith Common Core in full force throughout the school districts of Bakersfield and expectations for students increasing, many parents might be asking themselves, “Do I need to place my child in preschool to give them that heads-up and competitive edge?” Pam Pritchard, the assistant director of Head Start/State Child Development Programs for Community Action Partnership of Kern, said that education starts at home with the child’s first and most important teacher: the parents. Continued on page 70

Bakersfield Life Magazine

March 2016

Kids ride around the path during outside recess time at Stockdale Christian School.

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Three-year-old Ivan Zavala gets comfortable with a book at Sterling Head Start Center.

Continued from page 68

“We support and acknowledge the parent is the child’s first and most important teacher. Nothing takes the place of a nurturing and loving home,” Pritchard said. “But research shows that children who attend quality preschool, even for one year, have higher math and reading skills and are better prepared for kindergarten.” Bonnie Taylor, preschool director for 27 years at Stockdale Christian Preschool, agrees that preschool helps with getting a child academically ready but also provides a great opportunity for a child to learn social skills and how to problem solve. “I don’t think preschool makes a child any smarter, but it enriches their experiences and helps them to be successful in kindergarten,” Taylor said. Taylor said the biggest difference she has seen in children who attended preschool versus those who didn’t is development of their social skills. “Children who have attended preschool have learned to get along with others, follow directions, problem solve, respect authority and try new experiences with great results,” Taylor said. “Often, children who have not attended preschool may be academically ready, but socially they are not.” Pritchard stated that although a good preschool experience can help children develop and grow their social skills, it isn’t necessary. “Quality preschools, however, do offer value. Through playing with other children under the direc-

Bakersfield Life Magazine

March 2016

tion of skilled educated teachers, children learn to share, negotiate and cooperate. They also gain experience in forming friendships,” Pritchard said. “One other value of preschool is that it gives children the opportunity to participate with others in school activities, making the transition to kindergarten easier for the child and family together.” Pritchard said the practicing, sorting and number recognition allows children to go into kindergarten with stronger basic math skills than children who didn’t attend preschool. Also, by listening to their preschool teachers read to them, children acquire more vocabulary words and prereading skills, such as narrative/storytelling, letter recognition and letter-sound association. If you are looking into placing your child into preschool, there are a few choices here in town, from subsidized and faith-based to private. Stockdale Christian Preschool offers two, three, or five-half or full day programs. “This is set up to meet the needs of the parents and also the child,” Taylor said. “Our classrooms are set up according to the child’s birthday. Each age group is set up according to their abilities using centers, circle times, indoor and outdoor activities, art and music with a weekly theme. A Bible curriculum and the A Beka phonics curriculum are also used appropriately in each class, becoming more structured in our pre-K classrooms.” Taylor said the students at Stockdale Christian Preschool are assessed in January to let parents know how

their child is progressing academically, which is followed by a formal pre-K assessment in April. According to Pritchard, the child development programs for CAPK provide language-rich environments that support the child’s learning in his or her home language. “Our class schedule is such that children spend much of their time playing, exploring and working with materials or other children. Children have access to various developmentally appropriate activities throughout the day,” Pritchard said. “We adapt our curriculum, lesson plans and environments to support each child’s individual learning. Our teachers work with specific children, in small groups and the entire group at different times during the day. Curriculum is adapted for those who are ahead as well as those who need additional help.” Children in the CAPK programs are assessed using the Desired Results Developmental Profile 2015, which is a formative assessment instrument developed by the California Department of Education for young children

Rita Willey reads to a class of 2-1/2 to 3-year-old students during circle time at Stockdale Christian School.

Continued on page 72

bakersfieldlife.com

Students at Sterling Head Start Center trace their names to get familiar with their letters.

Continued from page 71

and their families to be used to inform instruction and program development. Pritchard said this assessment tool takes into consideration the specific cultural and linguistic charac-

Bakersfield Life Magazine

March 2016

teristics of California’s diverse population of young children with specific consideration for children who are dual language learners. “There’s increasing evidence that children gain a lot from going to preschool. Academic benefits aside, some experts believe preschool teaches children how to be students – how to listen well, how to share, how to be patient and how to participate. These are all skills that will be tremendously helpful in a child’s transition into kindergarten,” Prichard said. “Time in the classroom teaches young students how to respect the world around them and how to be inquisitive, develop a love of learning and exploring. Our program works with each child to help their find their own answers, investigate and engage in conversation.” Both Pritchard and Taylor admit that sometimes preschool is not for every child. “Sending your child to preschool is a family decision. Every child should have some sort of group experience before he or she starts kindergarten,” Pritchard said. “Group experiences can be gained through music lessons, gymnastic classes or church. The goal for parents is to have their child prepared, confident and eager for the next steps in to a kindergarten setting.”

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hockey tradition

Bakersfield Dragons defenseman Rocco Bianco (44) chases after a loose puck against Owen Oschman of the Orange County Red Wings.

Bakersfield Life Magazine

March 2016

Sport continues to grow in town governed by sports played on turf Story and photos by Mark Nessia

t started with one trade. The greatest player to ever compete in his sport coming to California, not only jump-starting a franchise, but paving the way for the National Hockey League to expand aggressively into warmweather markets. This was the “Gretzky effect.” Already an eight-time MVP at 27 years old, Wayne Gretzky was traded from the Edmonton Oilers to the Los Angeles Kings on Aug. 9, 1988, bringing hockey to the main

stage in the Golden State. Its effects are still being felt nearly 30 years later across the country and in Bakersfield. “When Gretzky came in ’88, it really brought hockey to Southern California – in the states, really – to the point where you have these nontraditional markets – Dallas, Phoenix, LA – growing their kids around hockey,” said Bakersfield Ice Center Director Scott Hay. In recent years, the Bakersfield Dragons travel program has grown to support two Continued on page 76

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Continued from page 75

Bakersfield Dragons player Elsie Hay watches her teammates as the team takes on the Orange County Red Wings.

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March 2016

Mites teams (8 and under), two Squirts (10 and under), one Peewee (12 and under), one Bantam (14 and under) and a high school program that operates under the Los Angeles Kings’ newly formed high school league. But unlike traditional American sports like baseball, soccer and football, hockey comes with a steep learning curve. Players must build a solid skating foundation before a stick is put in their hands and that takes a lot of time and dedication. “There’s a lot of failure before success,” Hay said. “That’s a great life lesson – things like teamwork, working together and everybody pulling on the rope at the same time in the same way. It’s a pretty interesting concept and a great one for the kids to learn.” Sara Gregory knows those concepts well. She and her husband currently have a fourth child going through the youth hockey program. All four have played other sports, but they all come back to hockey because they love the fast pace. Three of her sons – Michael Alforque (22), Zach Endicott (22) and Andrew Alforque (19) – have moved on from the program, but 9-year-old Tyler Moser has plenty of years left. “After seeing the older kids go through it, I would do it all over again,” Gregory said. “We’ve had seasons where we’ve lost a lot of games, we’ve had seasons where we’ve won most of our games. The ups and downs – just teaching them how

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to win, how to lose – it’s a good lesson.” Gregory said the first year can be overwhelming for parents, but they quickly form bonds with other families. That makes it easier for first-year hockey parents like Joe Bianco, whose 9-year-old son Rocco is in his first year on the travel squad, to fit in. Rocco saw photos of his dad when he played roller and ice hockey and developed an interest in the sport. Joe brought Rocco to the ice center to learn how to skate and eventually enrolled him in hockey school. From that point, Joe said all Rocco wanted to do was play hockey. “I played basketball and I used to play baseball,” Rocco said. “Hockey is my favorite because it’s funner than all the other sports.” Joe said it’s phenomenal to have players he watched in Rabobank Arena now coaching his kids. While the Bakersfield Condors are currently in their first season in the AHL, the franchise played 17 seasons in the ECHL, seeing many players come and go over the years. Several, including Hay, have decided to stay and establish roots in what was once a temporary stop in their professional careers. “For a few of us, it had a lot to do with the women,” said Hay, who hails from Toronto, Canada, and met his wife, Stephanie, in Bakersfield. “We fell in love. The town and community treated us really well when we came here. Everybody welcomed us with open arms. It was just a natural progression that we all migrated to the rink with our children.” Hay’s daughter Elsie currently plays for her dad’s Squirt team and wears No. 31, the same number her dad wore when he played for the Condors in 2001-2002. “It’s fun,” 9-year-old Elsie said about having her dad be her coach. “We get together and play hockey sometimes and free skate.” Gregory said former Condors like Hay, Paul Rosebush, Andrew Ianiero, Jamie Cook, Glen Mears, Paul Willett, Mike Hofstrand are coaching and their kids are starting to play as well. “They’re playing here professionally; they’re sticking around. Their families are here. They’re having a life here,” Joe said. “There’s a lot Bakersfield has to offer and that’s evidence of it right there.”

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Bakersfield Dragons coach Scott Hay, a former Bakersfield Condors player, gives his team a pep talk prior to the start of the third period during their game against the Orange County Red Wings.

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Craft Tap House

What is Craft Tap House? Craft Tap House is a state-of-the-art craft beer pub featuring the 50 finest beers we can find at any time. Our self-serve system allows you to pour your own beer. You can pour yourself any amount you want, allowing you to sample or pour a full glass. Craft Tap House is very committed to the community and to responsible drinking. Our opening tap lineup represents more than 30 different brewers and 40 different beer styles. For a complete listing, check out our website

Craft Tap House 3320 Truxtun Ave., #150 661-873-4977 www.craftbakersfield.com www.taphunter.com

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at craftbakersfield.com, on Facebook at Craft Tap House or download the Tap Hunter app, which alerts you whenever your favorite drinks are available. What is the beverage selection like? We will be focusing on all things craft. No. 1 is beer, but along with that is a fresh menu, a wine list that will please everyone and craft signature drinks. Our full-service bar is putting out the finest drinks in the area using only fresh ingredients. What is on the menu? The food menu is every bit as exciting as the craft beer. Our menu was created by Executive Chef Thomas Chairez and designed to create a memorable dining

March 2016

experience in an atmosphere everyone will enjoy. Our menu includes starters, salads, signature burgers, artisan sandwiches, brats/ sausages, artisan flatbread pizzas, entrees and a children’s menu. What sets Craft Tap House apart from other locations? We are the only selfserve draft beer location in Kern County. You purchase a prepaid beer card and go to the draft handle. From a choice of 50 handles, you pour your own beer. We also have beers on nitro. Only a few pubs have this option year-round. You don’t have to buy a pint or wait to get the attention of the server or bartender. You will not find a better selection of craft beer anywhere.

What else does Craft Tap House offer besides food and drinks? All the partners believe in giving back to this great city. We live here, work here and raise our families here. Craft Tap House has a great inviting patio, a jukebox and seven big-screen televisions for your viewing entertainment. Again, we want to be known for everything we do – not just our beer, but also our wine selection, outstanding food, craft cocktails and great environment. Craft Tap House is for everyone, not just beer lovers. We want it to be a family friendly place that offers a great selection of beers, wine and signature cocktails that you will not find anywhere else in Bakersfield.

Craft Tap House is a state-of-the-art craft beer pub featuring the 50 finest beers we can find at any given time. We are the only self-serve draft beer location in Kern County. Our opening tap lineup represents over 30 different breweries and 40 different beer styles. For a complete listing check out our website at CraftBakersfield.com, find us on Facebook or download the TapHunter mobile app. We are focused on all things craft. #1 is beer, but also craft signature drinks, a full-service bar, and a wine list that will please everyone. The food menu is every bit as exciting as the craft beer. The menu, created by chef Thomas Chairez includes starters, salads, signature burgers, artisan sandwiches, brats/sausages, artisan flatbread pizzas, entrees and a childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s menu. Craft Tap House also has a great, inviting patio, a juke box and seven big screen televisions.

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Dr. Nurun N. Khandaker Who is Dr. Nurun N. Khandaker? Dr. Nurun N. Khandaker is a board-certified family medicine physician. She received her Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery from Dhaka University – Mymensingh Medical College in Bangladesh. Dr. Khandaker received her postgraduate training from RE Thomason Hospital in El Paso, Texas (internship), and the Department of Family Medicine Residency Program at Kern Medical in Bakersfield, graduating in 1994. Following graduation, Dr. Khandaker joined the staff of Kern Medical Center’s Department of Family Medicine as an associate faculty, where she enjoys teaching family medicine residents and medical students. She was awarded the Best Attending Family Medicine Physician in 2015 at Kern Medical and was an assistant clinical professor of family medicine at the University of California, Irvine School of Medicine.

Dr. Nurun N. Khandaker 300 Old River Road, Suite 110 661-665-0184 www.doximity.com/pub/ nurun-khandaker-md

What services does Dr. Nurun N. Khandaker provide? Dr. Khandaker provides annual physicals; breast, cervical and colorectal cancer screenings for women; prostate and colorectal cancer screen80

Bakersfield Life Magazine

ings for men; pelvic exams, pap smears, contraception management and menopause care; adolescent and adult medicine; sports physicals; preoperative clearances; hypertension; hyperlipidemia; diabetes prevention, up-to date treatment of diabetes and prevention of diabetes complications; treatment of thyroid diseases; gastric acid reflux, constipation, irritable bowel disease; allergy/asthma/COPD care; obesity management; osteoporosis prevention and treatment/ osteoarthritis management; acne and skin care; migraine; insomnia; anxiety; and depression. What sets Dr. Nurun N. Khandaker apart from other doctors? Dr. Khandaker’s vision is disease prevention and promoting lifelong healthy lifestyles through healthy eating habits, regular physical activities and maintaining ideal body weight, as well as healthy skin care. Her passion is women’s health, diabetes prevention and management, and cardiovascular complications. She focuses on cardiovascular disease prevention and provides blood drawing at her office for the patient’s convenience. She also performs EKG. Her passion also includes osteoporosis prevention and treatment and she provides bone density (DEXA scan) at her office for osteoporosis evaluation. She spends time with her patients and performs thorough history and physical exams. She addresses all patients’ concerns and explains their

March 2016

disease processes and treatment options. She follows current guidelines and provides up-to-date care and provides comprehensive health care. Dr. Khandaker replies to patients’ messages promptly and appointments are readily available. What does Dr. Nurun N. Khandaker bring to Bakersfield? Dr. Khandaker has been at Kern Medical for 23 years where she enjoys teaching medical students, resident physicians, physician practitioners, nurse practitioners and not only supervised patients’ care by the resident physicians, but provided direct patient care both outpatients and inpatients settings as well. Many of her graduated

resident physicians are currently practicing in Bakersfield and doing very well in the community. Dr. Khandaker is very well liked and well appreciated by the resident physicians, medical students, PAs, NPs, her patients and colleagues because of her teaching and clinical expertise. Her pleasant personality often attracts entire families as patients. In addition to her local patients, Dr. Khandaker also has patients from surrounding cities and counties. Dr. Khandaker enjoys giving up-to-date medical care but her goal and focus is disease prevention and preventing complications, especially in diabetes-related complications. This is what Dr. Nurun N. Khandaker contributes to the community.

Business Profile

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

James B. Grimes, MD Joint Replacement Surgeon Kern Bone & Joint Specialists

What is a hip joint replacement? Hip replacement surgery substitutes the damaged bone and cartilage of an arthritic joint with a new bearing made of ceramic, polyethylene and metal. What is anterior hip replacement? The hip is accessed through a short skin incision and a natural gap between muscles in the front of the hip. Different nerves supply the muscles on each side of the incision. Unlike conventional hip replacement, no muscles are cut during the procedure. Who is eligible to have anterior hip replacement? Men and women with hip arthritis pain that interferes with their daily activities and lifestyle. What are the benefits? Because no muscles are cut during anterior hip replacement, patients feel better sooner, require less pain medication and have a more stable hip compared to traditional approaches. I have been impressed with how quickly patients return to daily activities. How long does a patient have to remain in the hospital after anterior hip replacement? Patients normally are up walking with physical therapy a few hours after their procedure. Younger patients frequently go home the day after surgery. Older patients may stay in the hospital up to three days. What kind of activities will I be able to do after hip replacement? Because no muscles are cut during anterior hip replacement, many of the restrictions placed on patients after traditional hip replacement do not apply. I have been doing hip replacements with this

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March 2016

approach since 2003 and have had patients return to swimming, bicycling, hiking, skiing, surfing, tennis, racquetball, golf, competitive wrestling, cross-country truck driving and motorcycle riding. When is the best time to have the procedure? Hip replacement is an elective procedure; it is possible to tolerate mild hip arthritis for years. In general, most patients know when their arthritis has progressed to the point something needs to be done. Recent information indicates there is a downside to waiting too long to have hip replacement. This is may be due to the side effects of immobility and inactivity.

Kern Bone and Joint Specialists 1921 18th St. 661-324-2491 www.kbjs.com

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People & Community

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

By Lisa Kimble

Local equestrian blazes new trail to college Area rider first to join NCAA Division I team

Drew Rogers, of Bakersfield, came home with the 2014 AJPHA World Championship All-Around title that took place at Will Rogers Arena in Fort Worth, Texas.

Bakersfield Life Magazine

March 2016

CALIFORNIAN FILE PHOTO

ern County has always been fertile breeding ground for college-bound Division I and II high school ball players over the years. Yet here in the land of meat and potatoes, where the Western stereotype is warmly embraced and cowboy hats and saddles are considered home decor, there has never been a recruit in the NCAA’s emerging sport of horsemanship. Until now. The distinction of being the first belongs to 17-year-old Garces High School senior Drew Rogers, a worldclass Western rider and a member of the American Junior Paint Horse Association, who has committed to ride for the Auburn University Women’s Equestrian Team next fall. In doing so, she fulfills an aspiration she told Equine Chronicle Online in 2010 after winning her first world title, hoping to become the No. 1 rider in the nation before aging out of her division. Today, the top national recruit has far exceeded those expectations with more prized gilded championship belt buckles than you can shake a riding crop at. While many of her peers are still anxiously awaiting college acceptance letters, she is breathing a sigh of relief. “It is certainly a weight off my shoulders,” said Rogers, who was heavily recruited by some of the other 18 D-I colleges and universities with equestrian programs. “When I was younger, I thought it would be really cool one day to go to college and ride.” Rogers began riding when she was 8 when Santa Claus brought her a paint named “Sunny” for Christmas and lessons ensued. Soon, playing soccer was taking a back saddle seat to riding. She began competing in area horse shows and advanced to

events around California, eventually traversing the United States to competitions in places like Florida, Michigan, Texas and Oklahoma. Sunny passed away and Rogers acquired a sorrel paint overo mare – Fran. The bond between a girl and her horse is legendary, spawning countless books and beloved motion pictures. Rogers’ relationship with Fran, also known as Shez Eye Candy on the circuit, is no different – cherished and trusted. Fran and Rogers have galloped into AJPHA record books. Rogers is a four-time World Champion, nine-time Reserve Champion and three-time AllAround Champion at the World Championships. “You do fall in love with your animal and I love my horse,” she gushed. “I always learn something new and I have never gotten bored. I trust her so much. Fran is such a good girl.” Three years ago, Fran was relocated to Texas where Rogers’ trainer resides and a majority of the horse shows are held. At Auburn, where the equestrian team is smaller than rival schools like Georgia and South Carolina,

Rogers’ discipline will be horsemanship. Freshmen ride and members share trainers with the football team. And for the first time, she will be competing on other school’s animals, rather than her trusted Shez Eye Candy, aka Fran. “How good of a rider you are depends on your ability to ride horses that aren’t yours,” she said. “I’ve been so used to riding my horse. I am excited to test my abilities.” While Rogers may be a local high school trailblazer as a competitive horse rider with the illustrious Southeastern Conference, she isn’t the first in her family to head to a Division I school on an athletic scholarship. Her father, Tracy Rogers, played football for Fresno State before entering the NFL where he played seven seasons for the Kansas City Chiefs. But unlike football or club volleyball, participation in equestrian sports is a significant financial commitment. “My parents have done a lot so I can follow my dreams,” Rogers said. Younger sister Alexa is also a championship junior rider and brother Braden ropes. Drew, too, has invested heavily. With a 3.9 grade-point average, she has juggled class work, out-of-state competitions and school activities with the grace of a grand champion. She said she hopes to become an equine veterinarian and plans to continue riding as a hobby. “Every time I get on a horse I am so happy,” she said.

Lisa Kimble

Opinions expressed in this column are those of Lisa Kimble.

FA M I LY V E R D I C T

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People & Community

FA M I LY V E R D I C T

By Katy Raytis

A crazy little thing called kids Breaking down the psychological effects of parenthood

f you think your parents are crazy, it’s because they are. All parents are crazy. We have parental mental disorder (PMD), a lifelong condition with an incidence rate of 100 percent and no known cure. As with many mental disorders, PMD progresses over time. It typically manifests in distinct stages that transition as the child grows. For example, following birth, parents develop obsessive-compulsive overreactive germophobia. This results in extreme anti-social behavior, as the parent compulsively avoids any person who may have touched something that was near someone who might have known someone who was sick. In this phase of PMD, parents become addicted to Clorox wipes and will boil any household object that isn’t electric. When the child transitions to solid food, PMD evolves into manic depressing food disorder. Interestingly, this disorder is not limited to parents, but also affects most of the San Francisco population and anyone who shops at Lassens Natural Foods. Manic depressing food disorder is characterized by an aversion to things that taste good because they contain sugar, an inability to purchase items that aren’t labeled “organic” and an insatiable urge to discuss topics like 86

Bakersfield Life Magazine

March 2016

pureed kale and soy milk. Baby-egomania often develops around the time that the child begins crawling, walking, talking or pretty much doing anything besides sleeping. This phase of PMD involves intense, vivid delusions concerning Harvard scholarships, Nobel prizes, Grammy nominations, Fulbright scholarships and Pulitzer prizes, notwithstanding the fact that the child spent most of the day rubbing bananas in his hair and trying to eat a crayon. PMD transitions into total denial disease at some point prior to the child starting school. During this stage of parental mental disorder, the parent’s rational brain becomes incapacitated to the point that they are unable to recognize that their child would ever act as badly as that other kid at the park last week. However, this phase generally only lasts until the parent experiences their first parent-teacher conference. Once the child is school-aged, the parent develops school morning bipolar disorder. This form of PMD is characterized by violent mood swings that occur between 7 and 7:30 a.m. During that time, the parent will progress from gently cooing “Wake Up, Sunshine” to violently threatening death unless the child immediately finds their missing

school shoe and gets in the family car within the next two minutes. Fortunately, these wild bouts of rage immediately reverse upon arrival at school drop-off where other parents are within earshot. As the child continues to age and become independent, PMD evolves into its final stage, nostalgic memory distortion disorder. At this point, the parent can no longer correctly gauge the speed at which any prior year has elapsed and is prone to uncontrollable weeping at the sight of old family photos. In this phase, parents will also begin compiling a catalogue of imaginary “when you were that age” memories, that will then be told as though they were true once grandchildren arrive. Though there is no cure, PMD sufferers can at least take comfort in knowing that they were actually correct when they said things like, “These kids are driving me crazy!” Turns out, they were driving you crazy. All parents are crazy. Crazy about our kids.

Katy Raytis

– Opinions expressed in this column are those of Katy Raytis.

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People & Community

PERSONALITY

Planting the seed Entrepreneur’s leap of faith influenced by early childhood experiences By Laura Liera

Marcus Johnson saw getting laid off as an opportunity rather than a setback.

s a kid growing up in Bakersfield, Marcus Johnson spent a lot of time playing in the dirt with his next door neighbor. They’d spend hours creating mountains of dirt and both agreed they’d become professional dirt builders when they grew up. They’d build racetracks. “Growing up, everyone told me that I couldn’t do that because it wasn’t a real job,” Johnson, 44, remembers. But when he was 10 years old visiting the fair, he saw a man making sand castle sculptures – a person actually got paid to work with sand. That moment changed Johnson. “That was my first exposure of people telling me that things couldn’t be done,” he said. “So if you have a passion for it, even if there isn’t a job yet, you can create one for yourself.” Turning point By the age of 15, Johnson was working at McDonald’s part time and putting in hours with the South High School production team as the studio technician. Although he was driven to pursue an education in journalism and media at Bakersfield College, he chose to work at local theaters, including the Fox Theater. He was the theater services manager at the Fox for more than 10 years, but in 2009, the economy took a dive and everything changed for Johnson.

Bakersfield Life Magazine

March 2016

He became unemployed at the age of 38. At the time, Johnson and his wife were looking at purchasing a new home, his daughter was in private school and everything seemed in control. “I walked out of that building and I was scared,” Johnson said. “There were bills to pay and a family to support.” He called his wife a few minutes after the news and told her he was taking her to dinner at The Petroleum Club because they were celebrating his promotion. Although his wife didn’t understand how being unemployed was a promotion, Johnson said he felt a “gut feeling” that he had to turn the bad news into a positive change. Birth of Starstruck After two years of being unemployed, a friend handed Johnson a book called “The Laws of Success.” “I think I was always an entrepreneur but that book really pushed me to make a move,” Johnson said. In 2011, Starstruck Entertainment Services was founded with two other business partners. The company provides services in security, stage operations, janitorial, ticket takers, catering and other critical services needed to have a successful entertainment event. “I knew that as Bakersfield continued to grow, these services were going to be in demand,” Johnson said. Starstruck has developed close relationships with

events like the Jazz Festival, the Bakersfield Rock & Country Music & Art Festival and the Kern County Raceway Park, among others. Johnson has even returned to The Fox Theater. “It feels great going back to the Fox Theater because this all stemmed from my experience at the theater,” he said. People are what matter Hands down, Johnson said his staff is what makes his company unique. It’s not in the management team but in the 60 to 120 seasonal employees that work with Starstruck. “Our personnel stand by us and they believe in our brand,” he said. For Johnson, getting to know his employees is essential in the success of the company. “When people put their confidence in you, you think about them when you write their paycheck, and it makes it that more important,” he added. His personal pride, after all these years, is seeing people employed. Going into the entrepreneurial field after being unemployed was a leap of faith that Johnson took confidently, knowing there would be good days and bad ones. “Yes, there will be times when it’s tough, times when you cry at night because of the pressure you feel, but remember that you have to develop strong roots before you flourish – just like a seed,” he said.

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FOR A CAUSE

A blossoming partnership Above: The Guild House is located in the historic Barlow House built in 1909. Opposite page: In addition to serving lunch, the beautifully restored mansion is a venue for wedding receptions and other events.

Guild House, Henrietta Weill Memorial Child Guidance Clinic celebrate milestones By Tyler Stevens Photos by Greg Nichols

t began as a two-story home on the corner of 18th and F streets, built in 1909 by geologist Charles Barlow. But by the mid-1960s, this historic quaint home was bought by Jerry and Milly Sudarsky and later sold to the nonprofit Guild House, which began organizing tea parties and luncheons as charity drives for the Henrietta Weill Child Guidance Clinic. Milly was an active member of the Guild House. Today, the Guild House contin-

Bakersfield Life Magazine

March 2016

ues its charitable work mission in supporting the Henrietta Weill Child Guidance Clinic. “The Guild House is a group of volunteers, unpaid, who work fundraisers and special events to raise money for the Henrietta Weill Child Guidance Clinic,” said Shirley Zimmerman, president of the Guild House. “The clinic provides mental help needs to children and families in Kern County.” The partnership between both has blossomed with the Guild House and clinic celebrating a few milestones this year. In February, the

clinic celebrated its 70th anniversary. In addition, the Guild House, located at 1905 18th St., turned 50, marking a commemoration as well. Bakersfield Mayor Harvey Hall presented a proclamation on the front steps of the Guild House on Feb. 5. The guild also held a gala event at the Stockdale Country Club the next day. “The guild has become a very popular dining place in our community,” said Hall. “I think the services that they provide at the Guild House are special.” The Guild House, which

Zimmerman says still has the original woodwork, has donated more than $2 million to the clinic. It strives to raise at least $40,000 a year. “The community can get involved by making donations to the clinic, the foundation or the Guild House. People can be volunteers or host a special event at the house to contribute,” said Zimmerman. According to its website, the Guild House is open from September to June, serving lunch during the weekdays from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The Guild House

offers a three-course gourmet lunch, including a soup and dessert, that is open to the public, and it relies on 200 members who volunteer to prepare, cook, clean, serve or assist in other needs. The cost for lunch is $15.95 plus tax and gratuity. Zimmerman said: “The No. 1 goal is to meet our financials goals to the clinic and helping them meet the needs of the children in Kern County and go above and beyond those goals to give them additional funds.” bakersfieldlife.com

People & Community

H O M E TOW N H E R O

Cpl. Carolann Wooton Army vet succeeds wherever life takes her By Cheryl Scott

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Bakersfield Life Magazine

March 2016

PHOTOS COURTESY OF CAROLANN WOOTON

s a nursing school student in Vermont, the Army wasn’t even on Carolann Wooton’s radar. That is, until money ran out and she looked to the Army Carolann as a means to an end. She enlistWooton, right, ed in 1986, at the age of 19, hopduring her time in the ing to fund her education in military. nursing. As they say, life happened – or maybe the Army happened – changing how Wooton saw herself and what the future could hold. Wooton, 50, is the client services manager for the Alliance Against Family Violence and Sexual Assault. She learned something unexpected from her time in the Army: She could find success in almost any situation or career. Army structure brought out the best in this soldier. Wooton loved her work as an operating room technician in a combat hospital and especially her time in a The military shaped suphow I looked at the world. combat port field It gave me confidence and unit. She was later moved showed me who I am. into security and training and she did well there, too. Truth is, Wooton thrived in each of her assignments. “I flourished,” she said, crediting the Army structure. “The military shaped how I looked at

the world. It gave me confidence and showed me who I am.” She began to think of the Army as a lifelong career. Wooton married a member of the 82nd Airborne in 1988, then transferred to Fort Bragg from Fort Campbell. By 1991, they were based at a bustling Fort Dix, the staging area for troops being deployed in Operation Desert Storm. In the midst of it all, Wooton was pregnant with her first child, Will. One parent in the military was enough. “During the buildup to Kuwait, I rethought my plans to stay in the Army when I saw women being deployed six-toeight weeks postpartum,” Wooton said. “I thought about how hard it would be to have two parents on active duty. One parent in the military was enough.” She signed her papers and

gave birth during the Kuwait ground offensive. Wooton remained part of the “family” as an Army wife and gave birth to second son, Tim, two years later. (Both sons would become third-generation Army.) Eventually, divorce “brought the real end to my Army career,” she said. “I had to find my way around after leaving the Army.” She dabbled in insurance, real estate and even ran a Performance Bicycle store in Chicago. Wooton moved with her father and two sons to Bakersfield in 2003, later meeting her husband John here. She got her bachelor’s degree in psychology, and it’s helpful in her work at the alliance. She praises her boss, Louis Gill, and especially their employees. “The person who works with our clients every day – now that’s a hero,” she said.

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People & Community

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

Cool under pressure Crimson Tide long snapper performs duties with perfect precision

Cole Mazza, former Liberty High School football player.

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By Stephen Lynch

ole Mazza’s position as long snapper on the University of Alabama football team requires that he perform his duties with perfect precision every time he takes the field. The former Liberty High standout simply has no room for error because any mistake that he might possibly make could mean the difference between the Crimson Tide winning and losing. Luckily for Alabama, it has little to worry about with the skillful Mazza handling the job of snapping the ball on punts and field goal attempts. He’s executed that task flawlessly the past three years, including during the Crimson Tide’s thrilling victory over Clemson back in January in the national championship game. “I’m still sitting on cloud nine from that game,” Mazza said. “It’s probably the all-time greatest experience I’ve ever felt in my life.” Mazza celebrated the big win that night with a large contingent of family and friends that made the trek from California to Arizona to see the game. For Mazza, the journey to the top of the college football mountain began at a very early age. His dad put him in football as soon

—Cole Mazza

CALIFORNIAN FILE PHOTO

I really want to give it my best shot. I’ve played in the perfect (college) system to get prepared for the NFL.

”

Bakersfield Life Magazine

March 2016

as he was able to walk and he has been playing ever since. It was also Mazza’s father that encouraged him early on to learn the position of long snapper with the hope it might lead to a

college scholarship one day. By the time Mazza reached Liberty, he was a grizzled football veteran with numerous years of experience under his belt. After Mazza’s sophomore

Cole Mazza Stats

Born: Feb. 14, 1995, in Bakersfield. Parents: Joseph and Melody Mazza and older sister, Karissa. Honors: • Junior season in high school was selected honorable mention All-Area and Second Team All-Southwest Yosemite League. • Senior year was First Team All-Area, First Team All-Southwest Yosemite League, Third Team All-State center and First Team All-American long snapper. • Chosen Alabama’s Special Teams Player of the Week this past year after three-tackle performance against LSU.

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Major: Kinesiology at Alabama. GPA: 3.13 Hobbies: Shopping in Atlanta with his girlfriend, Hannah; wakeboarding; and shooting guns.

year in high school he attended a (Chris) Rubio long snapping camp. There Mazza ran into other high school long snappers from around the country that were receiving football scholarship offers from some of college football’s elite programs. “As soon as I saw that opportunity, I went full speed into it, training with Chris Rubio and also by myself with my father,” Mazza said. He was offered a scholarship by Alabama the summer of his senior year following his second time attending a specialist camp hosted by the school. “It was a cool thing to get that offer from coach (Nick) Saban,” Mazza said. “I was actually getting off a plane in Texas to go to

the (University of) Texas camp that next day when I got a message to call him. As soon as they put me on the phone with him, he offered me a scholarship.” According to Mazza, there are two main components that go into making a great long snapper: accuracy and speed. Unlike a lot of college long snappers, Mazza, who is on about 15-20 plays per game, is also very adept at blocking. Mazza has one more year of college eligibility left. After that he hopes to use parlay his unique skillset into a career in the NFL. “I really want to give it my best shot,” Mazza said. “I’ve played in the perfect (college) system to get prepared for the NFL.” bakersfieldlife.com

People & Community

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

A worldly voyage on the silver screen

PHOTO BY MICHAEL FAGANS

PHOTO BY XXXXXXXX XXXXXX

FLICS brings award-winning foreign films to Fox Theater

By Paul Rivas A healthy line forms outside the Fox Theater on the opening night of FLICS on a Friday evening.

LICS International Cinema Society brings culture to Bakersfield with awardwinning foreign films from all over the world for everyone to experience. Created by Phil Neufeld in 1983, FLICS is on its 34th season and 19th year at the Fox Theater. It’s easy for people to see the world from their own personal view, but a film presented by FLICS will open the minds of the audience and

Bakersfield Life Magazine

March 2016

take them on a worldly voyage. “We show films from Iran, Tibet, China and Australia. It can be like traveling,” Neufeld said. “If you can get into the mindset of the filmmaker and understand those values … you’ll realize there’s a whole big world out there, and that’s what we want to convey.” Bakersfield citizens tend to think there is not enough culture happening in the city. Neufeld and his film committee are in pursuit to change that way of thinking.

“

Our purpose is to increase the cultural offerings in town; we want to show films that aren’t presented commercially. —Phil Neufeld

”

“Our purpose is to increase the cultural offerings in town; we want to show films that aren’t presented commercially,” Neufeld said. With a wide demographic of attendees who show up to their film presentations, Neufeld enjoys greeting everyone who comes to enjoy the featured films. “I try to get down to the lobby, as quickly as I can after the film to thank and talk to people,” said Neufeld. “Generally, we have older literary people. Sometimes we get some college students who attend because of an assignment and they get hooked.” For anyone who enjoys great filmmaking, FLICS provides a different movie experience in a historic

vintage theater. “We fulfill the need for folks who like going to a place and sitting in a large dark room and sharing the experience with other people,” said Neufeld. Two films will close out the season this month beginning March 11 with “Diplomacy,” an unrated French and German film set in Paris during the summer of 1944. Hitler gives orders that the French capital should not fall into enemy hands, which sparks a tensionfilled game of cat and mouse. “Slow West,” a United Kingdom and New Zealand film about a 16-year-old boy named Jay Cavendish who leaves Scotland to travel the American frontier in search of the woman he loves, plays March 25.

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People & Community

O U R TOW N

KEEP calm and learn on Camp KEEP, a jewel in local education programs

Stockdale Elementary School sixth-grader Victoria Suarez enjoys an afternoon exploring tide pools near the campus of Camp KEEP Ocean.

Bakersfield Life Magazine

March 2016

Far left: Students visiting Camp KEEP Ocean climb the coastal mountains through the chaparral ecosystem, stopping along the way to study the geology and plant adaptations.

Story and photos by Rob Meszaros

estled below towering eucalyptus trees just off the sand dunes on California’s central coast lies a pretty amazing place. It’s called Camp KEEP (Kern Environmental Education Program), and for five days in early February, it was my home away from home. For more than 45 years, KEEP has offered residential outdoor science schools at various locations under the direction of the Kern County Superintendent of Schools office. The original campus was located in Tehachapi Mountain Park. Today, two campuses are being operated – KEEP Ocean in Montana de Oro State Park, just south of Morro Bay, and its sister campus in nearby Cambria. Each year, nearly 7,000 fifth- and sixth-graders visit with their schools. The week’s adventure was about the kids, many whom had never been away from their parents for any length of time, or hiked to the top of a mountain, held a snake or even seen the ocean before. Each morning began with the sounding of nature’s alarm clock. The deep bellow of breath through a conch shell reverberated across camp at 7 a.m. Then it was off to breakfast in a large, white dome that is the centerpiece of campus. The dome is where everyone gathers for community meals and various other activities throughout the week. The newest addition is a touch tank funded by Chevron, which had just been

filled with water and sea creatures during our visit. Most of our time was spent out on the trails surrounding campus. This is where the program really shines, thanks to KEEP’s naturalists who led us on six separate hikes over three days to tide pools, sandy beaches, mountains, creeks, sand dunes and the Morro Bay National Estuary. The naturalists are absolute pros. They aren’t only great science teachers; they are great with the kids. Each is engaging in his or her own way, stopping to explain things succinctly to their young audience, telling stories about the Chumash native to the area or leading hands-on science activities about the ecosystems and life cycles the students had been learning about in textbooks back at school. KEEP is more than just learning about the world around us and ways to conserve so our “great blue marble” is preserved for future generations. It’s also about camaraderie, little life lessons and is a great opportunity for making lifelong memories. This was what the evening program was all about – great meals together, science games under the stars, a scavenger hunt and free time when students could partake in pingpong, basketball, volleyball, and other fun and games. Each evening culminates with everyone gathering around a blazing campfire for an hour of songs and storytelling. There is something oddly special about 90 kids dancing and singing quirky songs about poop in harmony. It was a long, exhausting week, to be sure. But, I survived and in hindsight, it will go down as one of the best, most memorable weeks ever. When I arrived back home to Bakersfield, dirty and tired, my third-grade son was concerned that I wouldn’t want to visit again with his class in three years. No need to worry, Luke, I’ll be back.

Left: Stockdale Elementary School sixthgraders Ella Meszaros and Amber Schweiger dig for sea creatures in the mud flats at the Morro Bay Estuary during their trip to Camp KEEP Ocean.

Wine Camp for KEEP May 14 6 to 9 p.m. Private residence in Stockdale Estates Tickets: $40. All proceeds go to fund “camperships” to help send kids with a financial need to camp. Tickets/info: 661-636-4629 There will be appetizers, wine, a blind wine pull, opportunity baskets, live music and a whole lot of fun.

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People & Community

O U R TOW N

Teaching them while they’re young Teacher brings STEM to life for first-graders

Above: Karen Nguyen’s first grade class Right top: Kate Polsfut, 7, types a story while Charley Newlen, 6, watches. Right bottom: Breanne Carrasco, Luke Heaberle, and Sean Lopez play learning games on their iPads.

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By Cheryl Scott Photos by Ashley dePencier Photography mployers looking to hire a STEM-educated standout, one who also has a flair for the humanities, need look no further than Karen Nguyen’s class of first-graders at Cesar Chavez Elementary School. It’s true businesses will need to wait 15 years or so before they enter the job market, but these students are on track to emerge from school ready for what the world will demand of its future leaders. Introducing STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) to 6-year-olds, while still covering first-grade basics, takes creativity and commitment. “I got interested in STEM about 10 years ago, when I wanted to do better than No Child Left Behind. I wanted to integrate STEM into first grade instead of waiting until seventh grade,” Nguyen said. After collaborating with friends and colleagues, she added other subjects into the STEM mix and her

Bakersfield Life Magazine

March 2016

SMART-E lab was born. A day in Nguyen’s class combines traditional STEM activities with music, art and reading (and the “other R”: writing). It’s a wide range of disciplines, but they hold the students’ interest, and the children thrive. Debbie Haberle, whose son, Luke, is a student in Nguyen’s class, teaches art technique to the students. She said she appreciates Nguyen’s emphasis on technology. “It’s the way kids learn. It’s not how I learned, but things are different now. This is what they need,” she said. Chromebooks are a regular tool for learning in Bakersfield City School District classrooms. Still, Nguyen wanted more for her students. “I’ve become a grant writer, too,” she said. She’s gained funding from corporations like Chevron and private individuals, too. Those funds help stock her classroom with iPads and other hands-on activities, in addition to the laptops and the more traditional desktop computers already on hand.

In spite of the STEM component, language arts is the bulk of Nguyen’s SMART-E lab. One of her favorite activities is helping create young authors. Students write stories for “publication” on their computers, sounding out words and learning keyboard skills at the same time. They sit with Nguyen to edit their work before illustrating the pages. Finally, they have their exciting moment in the “author chair,” where they read their books to the class, then take questions and comments from fellow students. “I liked your plot,” one said during a recent class, while another student asked the author why she likes Paris. If the participants were taller, this could easily be a high school classroom or beyond. “My dream is that someone here could cure cancer, or might be a great statesman, or a fashion designer … or an astronaut,” Nguyen said, “We have high expectations in this class, but in the end, I tell my students: ‘You are fabulous. Be who you are.’”

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People & Community

WHY I LIVE HERE

From Egypt to Bakersfield BC professor finds home away from home By Marissa Patton

“

Bakersfield is a great place to raise a family, a safe place to live, having the ‘small-town’ feeling that I was searching for. —Adel Shafik

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What do you think of Bakersfield? Bakersfield has offered us many wonderful things; Bakersfield is a great place to raise a family, a safe place to live, having the “small-town” feeling that I was searching for, and is very reasonable and affordable to live in. Another great thing about living in Bakersfield is it has good schools. My kids attended Stockdale Christian for a while.

”

Bakersfield Life Magazine

March 2016

PHOTO BY MARK NESSIA

Adel Shafik

he hot summers of Bakersfield are ones that remind Adel Shafik of home. Born and raised in Beni Suef, Egypt, the art professor at Bakersfield College made the move west when he was 35. Thinking he would stay for roughly six months, Bakersfield turned into the place he raised his family in and now calls home. Although the valley weather reminds him of Egypt, he finds it shocking that certain parts of the Kern River are dry – something that would never happen with the Nile River in Egypt. But weather aside, the community is what has kept Shafik and his family here.

What activities have you enjoyed doing in Bakersfield? I worked for a while at the Bakersfield Soccer & Hockey Center, The Bakersfield Californian, in Valencia as a freelance designer, the Santa Clarita Soccer Center and, finally, I was fortunate enough to be offered a wonderful opportunity to teach at Bakersfield College in 2003, at the digital arts/graphic design program. I am still playing soccer and doing very well in Bakersfield Aces Adult league and am also planning to con-

tinue playing for many years to come. How does Bakersfield compare to the other cities you have lived in? I lived in Ohio and Indiana before I moved to Bakersfield. The food choices were limited to your typical Midwestern recipes. I love it, though, and could eat it every day. I found that here in Bakersfield, we have great varieties of restaurants. In Bakersfield, I tried Mexican, Chinese and Japanese food for the first time.

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I N S I D E STO RY

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Bakersfield Life Magazine

March 2016

PHOTO BY FELIX ADAMO

PHOTO BY MARK NESSIA

For more information about upcoming concerts, go to bysorocks.org.

Community crescendo Bakersfield Youth Symphony Orchestra students hit their high notes

PHOTO COURTESY OF RITA GOMEZ

PHOTO BY FELIX ADAMO

f being president of the Bakersfield Youth Symphony Orchestra for nearly four years has taught Rita Gomez anything, it’s how capable her students are and how her hardworking students are capable of reaching greater heights than she ever imagined. With more than 80 members this year, the group has surprisingly grown more than ever – in number and in spirit. “They all love each other; there’s a real camaraderie,” said Gomez. A camaraderie fostered by personal expression through music. “Orchestra seems like a dying art, but all of us love it,” said high school senior and brass quintet member Gemi Acupan. Brent Williams, in his first year as personnel and operations manager, says this organization has helped reaffirm his belief in the arts. “Kids having art in their life,

having music in their life, it’s crucial to helping them define themselves,” said Williams. Led by world-renowned conductor Maxim Eshkenazy, the kids also regularly merit NPR radio interviews and participate in the esteemed “Spotlight on Young Musicians” series, proving they have absolutely no shortage of dedication and work ethic. Acupan agrees that’s part of the draw. “There’s such a high caliber of talent that it inspires you to play harder music and challenge yourself,” she said. For each of their three annual, full-symphony concerts, there is only one solo part available. “No less than 30 students, out of the entire 80, give it their all and audition for a solo piece,” said Gomez. Competition is rigorous for these esteemed spots, which showcase exactly how hard these musicians have worked. “This opportunity, and being a member of the orchestra as a whole, is truly a prestige within a prestige,” Williams added.

PHOTO BY MARK NESSIA

By Sara Carey

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Bakersfield Life Magazine

March 2016

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Robbie and Kathy Robbins A friendship at the heart of their relationship By Hannah Thomasson Photos by Ashley dePencier Photography

iving and working together can sometimes be challenging for those in a close relationship, but Robbie (James) and Kathy Robbins wouldn’t have it any other way. Robbie and Kathy became the owners of Jane’s Jewelers after buying it from Kathy’s parents when they retired. They have managed it side by side for almost 26 years. When asked what their secret is to a long-lasting and loving marriage, Robbie said, “Having a deep friendship is everything. I think love is total kindness toward one another and it’s the little things and showing consideration.” “Pick your battles,” Kathy added. They not only work together, but they play together too. A lot of their personal time is spent enjoying each other’s company as there is a genuine friendship at the heart of their marriage. “We work together, and not a lot of people can do that. You have to respect the business side of it and the personal side of it,” Robbie said. This means that they are very intentional with their relationship and set aside quality time away from the business. They spend every Sunday

morning drinking coffee and being together. They also have a number of hobbies that they do together and frequently travel all over the United States and to Belgium to acquire diamonds for their store. “We don’t sit still,” Kathy said. They make generosity a part of their lives and business by giving back whenever they can. Robbie served a year in Vietnam and three years total in the Army. He frequently repairs watches for armed service personnel and doesn’t charge for the repairs. Instead, they accept donations to the Wounded Warrior Project. “I’ve learned that it’s not what you take in life, it’s what you give,” Robbie said. When asked what their favorite attribute of their spouse, Kathy said, “His zest for life; he always has something going on, whether it’s brewing beer or flying an airplane.” Robbie responded: “She gave me two beautiful daughters: Ashly, 33, and Lauren, 30. And she’s a good dancer!” Robbie and Kathy will be married for 35 years this July and say that rejoicing in each other’s differences has been an important part of their marriage. It was marriage advice that they were given and something that they have taken to heart.

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People & Community

H I STO RY

The pioneering days of Kern County’s PTA COURTESY OF THE KERN COUNTY LIBRARY – ORVILLE ARMSTRONG COLLECTION USED BY PERMISSION

Parents and teachers unite in the spirit of community cooperation

The Lowell PTA was one of the first PTAs founded in Kern County. Facing page top: Established in 1915, the Emerson School PTA worked to improve the school's hot lunch program. Facing page bottom: Standard School circa 1917. The Standard PTA was established in 1916.

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By Julie Plata

“E

very child is everybody’s child,” proclaimed Walter Osborn, president of the Seventh District of the California Congress of Mothers and ParentTeacher Association, in the May 2, 1920, edition of The Bakersfield Morning Echo. The first PTA unit founded in Kern County was less than a decade old, but during that span, the local units worked tirelessly to improve the welfare of the county’s children. The groundwork for this important task was set 23 years earlier when two women organized a meeting in a Washington, D.C., hall that unexpectedly drew 2,000 attendees. Georgia native Alice McLellan Birney and Phoebe Apperson Hearst from California were concerned about the number of children who

Bakersfield Life Magazine

March 2016

were too poor to attend school. The year was 1897 and like other women of the Progressive Era, Birney and Hearst were interested in social reforms, especially those concerned with child welfare. The women decided to organize an association aimed at improving the education, safety and health of the nation’s youth. On Feb. 17, 1897, in Washington, D.C., they held the first meeting of The National Congress of Mothers, later known as The National Parent Teacher Association. As PTA membership spread across the country, California activists also pushed for reforms in child nutrition, hygiene and student welfare, and in 1902, the state joined the National PTA as the California Congress of Mothers and Study Circles, soon named the California Congress of Mothers and ParentTeacher Associations.

The growth of Kern County’s school districts resulted in a need for a joint effort between parents and educators for the benefit of the children. In 1911, Abbey Dickey and Mae Safford recognized this and together they founded the county’s first PTA unit at Washington Middle School. On Sept. 28, 1913, The Bakersfield Morning Echo announced the formation of the Lowell PTA. During the inaugural meeting, temporary PTA Chairwoman R.S. Ashe proclaimed, “The object of this association should be to stimulate an active interest in the problems vital to the home and school, and in all that pertains to the highest and best development of children.” An emphasis was placed on a strong cooperation between the parent and teacher in the development of the child. As more schools established PTA

COURTESY OF THE KERN COUNTY LIBRARY – ORVILLE ARMSTRONG COLLECTION USED BY PERMISSION COURTESY OF THE KERN COUNTY LIBRARY USED BY PERMISSION

units, the newly formed groups initiated fundraisers and campaigns focused on school improvements. The Washington PTA petitioned the school trustee to construct an assembly hall for the school. In cooperation with the other school districts in the city, the Lincoln PTA organized a campaign to establish playgrounds, and in 1916, the Emerson PTA spearheaded efforts to improve hot lunch service in the city’s school. Additional efforts included the donation of music instruments to the schools, food and clothing drives for the poor, and well child and dental clinics. Civic duty outside of the schools was also a cornerstone of the county’s PTAs. They supported measures aimed at improving conditions for women and children and contributed to the World War I effort through Red Cross drives and war gardens. The Oct. 27, 1917, issue of The Bakersfield

Californian outlined the measures taken by the members to provide local newspapers for “each Kern County draft and volunteer boy” to keep them informed of the happenings back home. By 1920 and under the umbrella of the Seventh District of the California Congress of Mothers and Parent-Teacher Associations established in Bakersfield in 1916, PTAs were active in 30 of the county’s schools. Over the next 100 years, changes at the national PTA level, including the 1970 merger with the National Congress of Colored Parents and Teachers founded by Selena Sloan Butler in 1926, strengthened the PTA’s mission to enhance the welfare of the nation’s youth. Today’s Seventh District PTA units continue to rise to the challenge issued by Osborn in the Nov. 8, 1917, Bakersfield Californian: “Combine your energies, put your mind and heart into it, and get to work.”

NOMINATE NOW!

Honor the people, businesses and organizations that made a lasting impact on the community last year with a Beautiful Bakersfield Award.

Deadline to submit nominations Thursday, March 24, by 5 p.m. Download nomination forms at bakersfieldchamber.org or pick one up at the Chamber office, 1725 Eye St. For more information, contact the Chamber at 661-327-4421.

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People & Community

REAL PEOPLE

Street smarts Crossing guards ensure kids’ safety day in, day out By Sara Carey Photos by Michael Lopez

Top: Ken Stephens has been helping the kids from Endeavour Elementary School for the last seven years to cross the street.

hough the grade school days are long gone for community crossing guards, they help make new memories for those who are just beginning theirs. With days that start earlier than most, they prepare their posts for the morning rush of smiling faces and cartoon backpacks. “You need a reason to get up in the morning, and this is not a bad reason,” said John Fowler, a teacher for 30 years who is now in his sixth year as a crossing guard at Stockdale Elementary. Comparing the children to “Despicable Me” Minions, he jokes,

Bottom: John Fowler walks students across the street to school. Opposite page: Paul Alexander mans the crosswalk at Gosford Road and Kroll Way.

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“They’re like fleas on a hot rock.” For Ken Stephens, a crossing guard for seven years at Endeavour Elementary, the job has a personal aspect. “When I got this job, my granddaughter was going to school here and my grandson goes here now,” said Stephens. “He comes across after school and he’ll sit in my truck with me until my shift is over.” Like Fowler, he shares a connection with the schoolchildren who have since graduated to high school and college. Only now, they don’t walk by him to go to school.

“I wave at probably 100, 150 cars a day,” he said. “Honestly it’s my way of saying, ‘Good morning, have a great day.’” Paul Alexander, a 15-year crossing guard for Stockdale Elementary, former Marine, father to three and grandfather to five, also holds this dedication to keeping his community a safe and familiar place. Helping kids and watching them grow up is what makes the job worthwhile. Moving from the classroom to the crosswalk, Fowler has gained a different perspective. “When I taught, I had authority. Here, I have

none – I’m a helper,” he said. “I’m just here to ensure the kids get from point A to B in

one piece.” Although this isn’t always an easy – or safe – job, the memories and bonds created are irreplaceable. In his free time, Fowler volunteers as Santa Claus, and to the kids, he is either Santa or Santa John. “For Halloween, I dress up as Rasta Claus,” he joked. “It’s a Santa hat with dreads.” Stephens, who stands over 6 feet tall, laughed: “I give a lot of high-fives – and lowfives!” The commitment to friendship and safety shines through. Alexander shares his lesson to the kids, “I always tell them: ‘Don’t step off the curb before I do.’”

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PRIME FINDS

Paint ceramic Easter eggs at home! Pick up this adorable “Bunny’s Dozen” kit of 12 bisque eggs, glazes and brushes so you and your family can paint Easter eggs at home! What a fun and creative spring break activity or thoughtful hostess gift! Check them out at Color Me Mine at the Marketplace, 664-7366 or www.bakersfield.colormemine.com.

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Dog lovers unite and support canine charity Visit Rags to Rescue, a specialty store with a cause for paws and treasures for yourself and your pampered pooch. Open Tuesday through Saturday, noon to 4 p.m. 234 H St. Visit us on Facebook www.haltrescue.org

Love you more Farm Girls Vintage Finds 2113 Q St., Bakersfield CA 93301 Open Wednesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

English toffee Easter treats This Easter season wouldn’t be perfect without the delectable treats of Aunt Mae’s Sweet Tooth. These fine, handmade and mouthwatering English toffee treats make a great Easter basket gift. Available in milk chocolate, dark chocolate and white chocolate toffees. Available at Luigi’s, Sweet Surrender Bakery, Garden District, Brookside Market, San Joaquin Community Hospital gift shop and Sullivan Petroleum stores, 725-5200, www.auntmaessweettooth.com.

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Luscious watercolor painting "Extra Virgin Olive Oil" (at Romano's Macaroni Grill) and "Chess Players" will be on exhibit at the Art Center during March, located at 1607 19th St. Meet the artist on First Friday, March 4, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. To contact artist, Charlotte White, call 330-2676.

Beautiful straw bag It’s the little details that stand out on this Brighton Straw bag. The braided strap, the leather bottom and custom-made weave that makes this an unbeatable value at only $290. Victoria’s in the Marketplace, open 7 days a week, 9000 Ming Ave. K-4 665-8300, www.Facebook.com/ShopAtVictorias

Brighton’s St. Patrick’s Day bling! Be lucky in love with an array of beautiful and fun charms where you can create your own fashionable design. Visit Christine’s, 4915 Stockdale Highway, 661-834-3068.

Grow your own way. You never stop growing. So why should your retirement lifestyle? At Rosewood, you’ll find a community where friendships, activity and learning flourish. Do what you love. Leave the rest to us. It’s easy with maintenance-free living, helpful staff and priority access to a full continuum of on-site care.

Come see the benefits of Bakersfield’s only nonprofit continuing care retirement community. Call 1-866-588-6266 today. ExperienceRW.com Rosewood in Bakersfield, California, is owned and managed by ABHOW, a California nonprofit public benefit corporation. ABHOW is a nonsectarian corporation, serving seniors through quality retirement housing since 1949. State of California License #150400536, DHS License #120000165, Certificate of Authority #203.

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CSUB Hot Stove Dinner Date: Jan. 16 Held at Kern County Fairgrounds Photos by Greg Nichols View these photos and more at bakersfieldlife.com.

Victoria May and Steven Gee

Brad and Stephanie Verrell, Nick, Dan and Bridget Vehlewald

Kevin Burton, Scott Davis, Tim Banks and Ricki Peace

George and Rosie Culver

Phil McLaughlin, Melody and Dave Spalinger

Sheryl and Greg Gallion

Ted Metzgar and Dr. Horace Mitchell

Kathy Scatena, Brenda Bingham, John Cowan, and Debbie Adams

877.314.7511 BakersfieldHyundai.com

Monsignor Michael Braun retirement dinner

Ruby and Esteban Ventura

Danny Noriega, Cori and Caroll Naworski

Greg and Kathy Mc Dermott, Monsignor Michael Braun, Lynn and Bernie LeBeau

Debbie and Gary Moles, Tracey and Karl Russell

Lisa and Craig Edmonston

Philip Mc Dermott, Sydney Mackessy, Ben LeBeau, Kelly and Andrew Sybesma

Date: Jan. 14 Held at Bakersfield Country Club Photos by Rod Thornburg View these photos and more at bakersfieldlife.com.

Manuel Ruiz, Maude Gil-Solis and Tomas Solis

Fred and Carol Sbardellati, Mary and Rodney Troutman

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Dress for Success third annual Pasta Dinner Fundraiser Date: Feb. 3 Held at Imbibe Photos by Jan St Pierre View these photos and more at bakersfieldlife.com.

Bethany Peak and Nick Mears

Carinne Cowell and Miranda Whitworth

Suzanne Villaruz, Aubree Lou Gonzales, Nicole Villaruz and Arleen Villaruz-Gonzales Ronda Watson, Mary Fuentes, Simei Ordaz, Elaine McNearney and Merari Ordaz

David Wolf and Maureen Buscher-Dang

Susan Schwartz, Tami Turner, Melinda Burrage and Tari Johnson 116

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Shirley Gordon and Linda Harper

Shelly Naworski and Lissa Lockard

David Wolf, Lisa and Jeff Green, Sara Danville and Kelly Gelhaus

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St. Francis of Assisi Parish School CrabFest Date: Feb. 5 Held at Kern County Fairgrounds Photos by Jan St Pierre View these photos and more at bakersfieldlife.com.

Kelli Gruszka and Heather Hernandez

Jack Billings and Tom Zaninovich

Lisa Kruger and Diane and Pat Perri

Kacie Hathaway, Eva Billings and Jane Etcheverry

Susan and Courtney Tobias

Rob and Brady Amble

Jeremy, Justin and Jason Tobias

Willy, RoseMary and Cheryl Wahl

Stan Shelbourne, Bev Camp and Msgr. Craig Harrison bakersfieldlife.com

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Kern County Fellowship of Christian Athletes Night of Champions Date: Feb. 6 Held at Olive Knolls Church Photos by Jan St Pierre View these photos and more at bakersfieldlife.com.

Carson Ballard, AJ Walters and Ryan Swain

Chris and Ruth Long

Martha and Sean Samuelu

Kita Mebane and Donna Alsop

Sophia Palm

Cody Kessler and Valeriya Kuklishyna 118

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Larry Kisel and Dave Washburn

Brenna and Brock Rush

Preston and Jennifer Brittian

Zach and Lee Tisinger

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Cattlemen and Cattlewomen Banquet

Pat Filkins and Sarah Wilder

Julie Barnett, Ricky Canez and David Wolf

Martha Lane, Sharon Robinson, Jill and Tracy Gardella

Vicki, Joe, Meeghan and Dominic Sill

Mickey, Chet, Callie, Sunny and Bob Dickson

Date: Feb. 5 Held at The Petroleum Club Photos by Carla Rivas View these photos and more at bakersfieldlife.com.

Bill and Glenda Rankin, Becky and Chris Beagle

Dick Taylor, David Couch, David Wolf and Ken Green

Allison, Jack and Reagan McLaughlin bakersfieldlife.com

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Kern County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Installation Event Date: Feb. 6 Held at DoubleTree Hotel Photos by Carla Rivas View these photos and more at bakersfieldlife.com.

Mayra Gomez, Kimberly Zilobaf and Denise Burns

Jon and Phillis Van Boening

Cathie and Ed Herrera, Augie Flores, Orchel Kreir and Abby Fappas

Norma Gaspar, Ruben and Martha Elias

Diana Gordon, Deborah Scott and Vince Fong

Karen Goh, Victor Martin, Amanda and Ryan Frank 120

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Randy DuBois, Emily and Jimmy Leal, Alyssa, Chad and Teresa DuBois, Mandy and Mike Cline

March 2016

Tiffani Alvidrez, Madison Radley, Kristen and Jordan Kaufman

Zane and Amy Smith and Maggie Cushine

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The Red Dress Runway benefiting American Heart Association Date: Feb. 11 Held at The Padre Hotel Photos by Carla Rivas View these photos and more at bakersfieldlife.com.

Lori Brummels, Kathy Bermejo, Jodi Moore, Cassi Padgett, Lisa Kreber and Aly Hedrick

Janet Wurtman and Donna Phillips

Sydney Flippo and Danay Jones

Stella Williams, Lorena Delgado, Sixxx Rodriguez and Roberta Holzman

SFIELD CALIF OR

2015

AN NI

Stephanie Marina, Kim Gottesman, Linette Holliday, Tammy Fairley, Margaret Patteson, Julie Francisco and Kelly Bittick

Karen Davenport, Gloria Williams and Robin Brassfield-Cooper

FAVORITE RE

Stephanie Marina, Veronica Johnson, Trish Reed, Didra Gentry and Nikki Sherrell

19th & N Street, Downtown Bakersfield www.emporiumwesternstore.com

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People & Community

LAST WORD

Get involved while pursuing education Engaging in activities, meeting new people prepare students for life after college The Transbay Transit Center Project is a visionary transportation and housing project that transforms downtown San Francisco and the San Francisco Bay Area’s regional transportation system by creating a “Grand Central Station of the West.”

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By Victor L. Green

t 25, it’s a great feeling to know that all the hard work I put into school is paying off. I am a field engineer for Turner Construction in San Francisco. Currently, I am working on the Transbay Transit Center project in downtown San Francisco. The project is going to be a transportation center for 11 different bus units and, eventually, the future high-speed rail and other train lines will run through it. Phase I (buses) is expected to be completed in late 2017, while Phase II (trains) will be completed at a later date. With an estimated $2 billion budget for Phase I, this project is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience for me. I may never get the opportunity to work on another project like this again. Looking back at my journey, I would have never guessed in a million years that I would be in this position at this point in my life. I graduated from Stockdale High

Bakersfield Life Magazine

March 2016

School in 2008 and attended Fresno State University where I obtained a B.S. in construction management in 2013. During my time in college, I was heavily involved with my major and other student clubs. I also worked part time and participated in internships while attending classes. I had the opportunity to represent Fresno State at a construction competition held in Reno, Nevada, where we competed against other schools like the University of Florida, Virginia Tech and many others. Unfortunately, we did not place in the competition, but it was a great experience and huge exposure for me in preparation for real-life situations I could face on a construction project. Through the various leadership positions I had in the clubs and organizations I was a part of, I had the opportunity to attend conferences in and out of state. Attending these national conferences taught me skills to excel as a leader on campus, as well as a working professional. The clubs and leadership roles I held helped me realize the potential my family saw

in me over the years. My parents, brother, grandparents and many others have been there every step of the way, always pushing and encouraging me to continue. When it came down to interviewing for my first career job, I wanted to make sure I was the best candidate for the position. My advice for anyone who is attending or about to attend college, is to get involved with the different clubs or organizations right away – regardless if it is related to your major or not. Coordinating activities or events, traveling to conferences, or just meeting new people and professionals puts you on a course to developing leadership skills. Taking these steps will truly prepare you for life after college.

Victor L. Green

– Opinions expressed in this column are those of Victor L. Green.

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