Bakersfield Life Magazine May 2016 by The Bakersfield Californian Specialty Publications

速

May 2016

bakersfieldlife.com

B A K E R S F I E L D $3.95

My husband and I contacted Rick Sorci at Stockdale Kitchen and Bath we knew what we wanted but just could not get the vision, with Rickâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s help it came to life. Rick Sorci came into our home with an eye for design like we never imagined he guided us throughout the whole process from the 3D images to the cabinets, counters, flooring, appliances. If I ever had questions there was always someone available to answer them for us. His whole team was outstanding and very helpful. We are very happy with the results. Thank you for a job well done. We would recommend Rick Sorci at Stockdale Kitchen and Bath without hesitation to anyone considering a remodel. Thank you again for the beautiful work. ~ Robert an Regina Turner

SFIELD CALIF OR

2014

TH E

SFIELD CALIF OR

2015

FIELD CALIF OR

ERS

2010

K BA

AN NI

RSFIELD CALIF OR N N IA

2009

AN NI

N IA

FAVORITE RE

ERS

’ C H O IC E P

E R S’

C HOI CE

E R S’

C H O IC E

E R S’

C H O IC E

MAY 2016

F E AT U R E S

“All of us here at the Red Pepper would like to extend our sincere thanks to our many friends and neighbors for their continued loyalty and patronage. We Strive to keep our Menu and Service the BEST for You!”

PHOTO BY JORI C. KINNEY

Thank You for your Loyalty!

Check out the Best of Kern section to see the complete list of winners and favorites, including EuroPhoria Medical and Personal Spa.

Best Of Contest

Mother’s Day Gift Guide

The votes are in. Check out who made the list.

Haven’t found the perfect gift for mom? We have a selection of stylish items your mom needs to have this year.

Page 97

Page 116

2641 Oswell St Ste G (Hwy 178 East – Oswell Exit) www.redpepperrestaurant.net 6

Bakersfield Life Magazine

May 2016

For the record: A pullout quote in a story addressing allergies in Kern County in the April issue misspelled the name of the doctor interviewed. The correct spelling is Kiran. In the story, it should be stated that individuals should also take Zyrtec daily for consistent symptoms and Benadryl as needed instead of taking a daily dose of Benadryl.

IELD CAL RSF IFO

R AN

2014

E AK

FAVORITE RE

E R S’

CH O ICE

E AK

RSF

IELD CAL

IFO

E TH RE

E R S’

CH O ICE

Daniel Rodriguez FAVORITE Lawyer

R AN

2014

Rodriguez & Associates FAVORITE Law Firm

We thank the community for, once again, selecting us as Kern County’s best law firm. - Rodriguez & Associates

Daniel Rodriguez BEST Lawyer

Accidents I Personal Injury I Wrongful Death Left to right are the following attorneys: Chantal Trujillo, Miguel Flores, Joseph Whittington, Daniel Rodriguez, Joel Andreesen, and John Kawai

(661) 323-1400 www.rodriguezlaw.net 2020 Eye Street Bakersfield CA 93301

Rodriguez&Associates DRodriguezLaw

bakersfieldlife.com

Thank You Kern C K County! u ty

MAY 2016

:KHQ ZH EXLOG D NLWFKHQ ZHĹ?UH GHVLJQLQJ LW ZLWK IDPLO\ GLQQHUV DQG KROLGD\V LQ PLQG :HĹ?UH QRW MXVW EXLOGLQJ VSDFHV ZHĹ?UH EXLOGLQJ PRPHQWV

6R ZKHWKHU \RXĹ?UH LQ WKH PDUNHW IRU D QHZ KRPH NQRZ VRPHRQH ZKR LV RU MXVW DSSUHFLDWH UHVLGHQWLDO H\H FDQG\ ZH KRSH \RXĹ?OO UHDFK RXW RQOLQH RU LQ SHUVRQ DQG VD\ KHOOR :HĹ?OO VHH \RX DURXQG WRZQ %DNHUVĆ&#x201C;HOG

74 Up Front 13 14 18 20 22 24 26 28 31 33 34 36

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

John Balfanz

Place Logo Here

www.johnbalfanzhomes.com Bakersfield Life Magazine

50 52 64 66 70

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

Go & Do 72 Entertainment 74 Out and About 76 Trip Planner

B Well 80 Journey to the Altar 84 Fit and Fresh 86 What Happens When... 88 Your Body 90 Love and Life

148 People & Community 118 Business Profiles 128 Bakersfield Matters 130 Family Verdict 132 136 138 140 144 152 154 157

Personality All-Star Athlete Talk of the Town Philanthropy Matters Our Town Hometown Hero Why I Live Here Inside Story 158 Power Couple 160 History 162 Real People 166 SNAP! 176 Last Word

162

May 2016

PHOTO BY MARK NESSIA

Eat & Drink 38 Dining Divas 43 Food Dudes 47 Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cooking

Lifestyles

PHOTO BY GREG NICHOLS

We are proud to be a part RI WKH %DNHUVĆ&#x201C;HOG community. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s this pride WKDW KDV GULYHQ XV WR EXLOG TXDOLW\ KRPHV ZLWK WKH community in mind since $IWHU DOO ZH KDYH IDPLOLHV WRR

PHOTO BY FELIX ADAMO

D E PA R T M E N T S

bakersfieldlife.com

Bakersfield’s Premier City Magazine May 2016 / Vol. 10 / Issue 8

STAFF SHARES

Bakersfield Life™ Magazine is published by TBC Media.

What chores did your mom make you do?

Publisher Ginger Moorhouse

“My mom always made me clean the bathroom. She hated doing it so I was nominated for that chore.” – Tamarra Harms, advertising account representative

Associate Publisher Virginia Cowenhoven

President/CEO Richard Beene

Senior Vice President Chief Operating Officer

“Helping my sweet mother pull weeds from our garden was a pain in my back – literally. I can still feel the ache in my lower back. Maybe that’s why after all these years, I don’t have a green thumb.” – Laura Liera, specialty publications coordinator

Logan Molen

Chief Marketing Officer Mike Skrocki

ON THE COVER

Advertising Traffic Manager Shauna Rockwell

Design by Glenn Hammett

Sales Manager Joey Zachary

Market Research

Coming Next Month …

Jose Granados

Editor

College and Travel Issue

Olivia Garcia

Assistant Managing Editor

To Advertise, contact Mike

Mark Nessia

Specialty Publications Coordinator

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

Laura Liera

“The litter box. And it was my cat but I still hated it. Now hubby does it.” – Ellen Ewing, contributing writer

Art Director Glenn Hammett

Graphic Designer

While putting this issue together ...

Holly Bikakis

Editorial Interns

Sequoia Sandwich Company became our best friend ... again. Thank you for supplying a hungry team of writers, photographers, artists and sales people with a delicious lunch.

Sara Carey, Ellen Cook, Kate Leonard

Photography Felix Adamo, James Baigrie, Sally Baker, Henry A. Barrios, Casey Christie, Nick Ellis, Alex Horvath, Jori C. Kinney, Tanya X. Leonzo, Laura Liera, Michael Lopez, April Massirio, Mark Nessia, Greg Nichols, Carla Rivas, Jan St Pierre

2 Laura Liera got a tasty treat of a foreign flavor. She tried a hard ginseng candy and got an excruciating tart taste in her mouth with no hope in sight for getting rid of the flavor. 2

“My mother gave us the option of either cleaning out the garage or learning to play bridge. Brilliant! The garage was a disaster, but we quickly had four bridge players!” – Katy Raytis, contributing writer

Contributing writers

Jet-lagged from the Philippines, Mark Nessia tried to order an iced coffee for the first time. He forgot the whipped cream and only drank half because it was too strong. Better luck next time.

Sally Baker, Kristen Barnes, Diana Greenlee, Nina Ha, Jordyn Hammett, Lisa Kimble, Katie Kirschenmann, Stephen Lynch, Julie Plata, Gabriel Ramirez, Katy Raytis, Paul Rivas, Cheryl Scott, Anna C. Smith, Chris Thornburgh

“The first chore I was given was vacuuming. Then I was ‘promoted’ to dishwasher. Next came dusting. Before I knew it, I was cleaning the whole house.” – Mark Nessia, assistant managing editor “I took care of my youngest sister. While it was bothersome at the time, it created a strong bond between us. Today, I consider her one of my best friends.” – Miranda Whitworth, contributing writer”

Subscribe –

We want to hear from you –

Connect with us –

The magazine is inserted into The Bakersfield Californian on the last Saturday of every month and available with The Californian through its digital subscription. Please call 392-5777.

Send comments or letters to the editor to Olivia Garcia at ogarcia@bakersfield.com. Please include name, city and phone number. We reserve the right to edit letters for clarity and to excerpt them.

bakersfieldlife.com facebook.com/BakersfieldLifeMagazine instagram/bakersfield_life twitter.com/BakersfieldLife Check out our giveaways and promotions on Facebook!

1707 Eye St. Bakersfield, CA 93301

Bakersfield Life Magazine

May 2016

661-395-7500

E D I TO R ’ S N OT E

The best of our love

Bakersfield Life Magazine

May 2016

to make time to celebrate all the mother figures in your life, whether it is your mother, grandmother, aunt, teacher or mentor. Now that I am mother of an adult son, I have come to realize that the job of mothering does not end at 18. It only evolves and grows into a deeper relationship and understanding. I am still learning as I go. But this is a moment that makes me reflect on my own relationship with my mother; I am appreciative of her being there for me and my siblings and adjusting to our different personalities now that we morphed into our own adult selves. The job of mothering never ends. Other stories you will find in this issue: Get to know Assistant Managing Editor Mark Nessia’s fur baby who goes by the name of Tina Louise, aka T-Lizzle. You have probably seen photos of her on our social media pages. Contributing writer Diana Greenlee explores Wind Wolves Preserves. Specialty Publications Coordinator Laura Liera gives us a glimpse of body art. Cheryl Scott gets to know Beardsley Elementary School teacher Vicky Dinan and the love for her family, teaching and her Irish heritage. There are plenty of other great stories in store! This edition comes on the heels of the passing country legend and cultural icon Merle Haggard. The Bakersfield Californian, which is part of our publishing family, delivered a series of compelling stories, photographs and design that captured the essence of Merle and what he meant to our community. His legendary status will continue to live on in this community as well as our hearts. PHOTO BY TANYA X. LEONZO

he much-awaited issue has finally arrived. Welcome to the Best Of edition for 2016. This issue highlights the best of the best, from your favorite doctor to real estate agent. And there are plenty of other categories in between. However, what sets this contest apart from others is that the nominations and voting originates from our readers. That’s you. Several months of planning go into preparing for the annual contest. Late last year, readers were asked to nominate their favorites in the categories available. Then about a month later, readers were asked to vote. None of the nominees know who earns the top spot until our edition is printed and released to the public. Even some of our staffers don’t know and the very, very few staffers who do know are sworn to secrecy until publication day. But now that the results are public, Bakersfield Life would like to congratulate all the top vote-getters and favorites. Some are familiar, returning favorites, while others are new to the list. To organize the sections in an easyto-navigate fashion, the editorial team decided to categorize the winners and favorites by the following areas: Eat & Drink Shop Do Mind, Body & Spirit At Your Service We hope you enjoy this Best Of issue. Speaking of a readership project, our Bakersfield Life fans also submitted a couple of photographs with the No. 1 woman in their lives – their moms – in tribute of Mother’s Day. Our staff also shared a few silly stories reminiscing on their first childhood chores handed down by mom. So this month, be sure

Olivia Garcia Editor 395-7487 ogarcia@bakersfield.com

C O N T R I B U TO R S

WORD ON THE WEB Like us on Facebook

Compiled by Bakersfield Life

Happy Mother’s Day My mom is the best because no matter what I wanted to do in my life, she supported me. They (mom and dad) bought me my first DSLR so I could go out and do more photography. – Victoria Barton

My mom is the best because she has sacrificed over and over for her family. She would do anything for her children and grandchildren. She is known as Nana to the grandchildren. – Angela J. Leathers

Being a parent is truly an amazing task; being a mom to four young kids takes a special person. Each has their own personality and special way they see the world. You not only encourage it but embrace it. We are the luckiest family to have you as their mom and my wife. Thank you for all you do to make our house that house. We love you! Happy Mother’s Day! – Jason Cohen

ON THE WEB

Next issue:

Father’s Day Contest Dads are great and to celebrate Father’s Day, we want to hear from you. Send us a photo of you and your dad along with what makes you proud of him. One lucky winner will receive a $25 gift certificate to Sequoia Sandwich Company. Send by May 9 to bakersfieldlife@bakersfield.com with your email titled “Father’s Day Contest” and your names.

Joey Zachary is a sales manager for TBC Media. She was born and raised in Bakersfield, attending Bakersfield High School and Bakersfield College. She is currently pursuing her master’s degree in marketing management at Western Governors University. Joey brings over 15 years of sales, marketing and management experience. She is passionate about building small local businesses and giving back to the community by volunteering her time with the Mick Asbury ALS Shootout. She resides in Bakersfield with her son Gavin, who is a senior at Garces Memorial High School. In her spare time, she enjoys watching her son’s rugby matches, working out, hiking and traveling. Kate Leonard is an intern for Bakersfield Life Magazine. She recently graduated from Brigham Young UniversityIdaho with a degree in English, emphasis in literary studies. She has a dream of editing for HarperCollins Publishers one day in New York, but she knows her heart will always lead her back home to Bakersfield. Neil Gaiman is one of Kate’s favorite authors, and she knows if she ever had a chance to meet him, she would completely lose it. Jori C. Kinney is a freelance photographer currently working with Bakersfield Life Magazine. She was born and raised in Bakersfield and moved to Ventura to pursue her passion for photography. In December 2015 she received her Bachelor of Fine Arts at Brooks Institute of Photography. When she’s not photographing beautiful weddings and priceless moments, she is traveling the great outdoors to capture memories of her own. Ellen Cook is originally from the Kern River Valley. She moved to Bakersfield in the fall of 2015 to expand her education. Currently, she is a junior at Cal State Bakersfield, pursuing her bachelor’s degree in communications with an emphasis in public relations, and interning with TBC Media in the Specialty Publications department. While living at the dorms, Ellen enjoys climbing the rock wall at CSUB, hiking the surrounding mountains, riding her Schwinn bike on the bike path and visiting new breweries around town. bakersfieldlife.com

Up Front

THE BIG PICTURE

Exit: Bakersfield, Texas Photo by Felix Adamo This photograph, along with 38 others, was part of Felix Adamo’s exhibit “Bakersfield to Bakersfield: 2 Wheels, 23 Days, 6,542 Miles” at the Bakersfield Museum of Art. In the summer of 2012, Adamo, along with Ryan Smith, left, and Jorge Gonzalez, took a cross-country motorcycle trip visiting every Bakersfield in America: Bakersfield, Texas; Bakersfield, Missouri; and Bakersfield, Vermont.

Bakersfield Life Magazine

May 2016

bakersfieldlife.com

Up Front

THE BIG PICTURE

On your blocks... Photo by Felix Adamo With her hair draped around her shoulders, Bakersfield High sprint star Mariah Lesure gets set in the blocks for a relay race at the Golden West Invitational in Visalia.

Bakersfield Life Magazine

May 2016

bakersfieldlife.com

M O N E Y M AT T E R S

The best states for retirees By Chris Thornburgh

here is your dream retirement? The best place to retire might be on a beach, in the mountains or close to family. Ideally, wouldn’t you like to settle in your favorite spot, maintain your desired lifestyle and stretch your retirement savings? Some states make these goals easier than others. Several listings rank the best states for retirees, strictly weighing financial factors such as personal tax burden and cost of living. Other lists consider additional factors, such as quality of health care, climate, crime rate and overall well-being. BankRate.com annually ranks each state based on all of these factors. Retirees’ interests and preferences fluctuate widely so the top picks may or may not be right for you. Your wants and needs will help pinpoint your personal best retirement spot. Consider the following as a conversation starter to your destination dream retirement.

BEST OVERALL The 10 best states for retirement, according to BankRate’s annual ranking, all enjoy low cost of living compared to the national average. This list may surprise some since sunny Florida and other states did not make the top 10, partly due to higher crime and living costs. 1 – Wyoming ranked first for the second year in a row. The Cowboy State is one of the most tax-friendly states with no income tax, low sales tax and low property taxes. Wyoming also scored strong in residents’ well-being, low crime rate and low cost of living. Nature lovers are right at home in Yellowstone and Grand Teton. 2 – South Dakota has no income tax, low sale tax, low crime and low cost of living, but falls short on climate scores due to bitter winters. 3 – Colorado is known for its great weather and relatively low tax burden. Crime rate is not one of its bragging points. 4 – Utah is one of the most conservative states, attracting outdoor enthusiasts with its great climate and multitude of activities. Utah’s personal tax burden is slightly above the national average and is one of the few states that taxes social security benefits. 18

Bakersfield Life Magazine

May 2016

5 – Virginia is a coastal state with a low cost of living and low crime rate. Health care and weather earned above-average marks for this history-buff haven. 6 – Montana scored high on weather and reasonable taxes. Montana has no general sales tax but taxes social security benefits. 7- Idaho is one of the safest spots to retire and retirees’ dollars go further than average. Low crime rate, cost of living and reasonable climate land this state in the top 10. Tax burden is “mixed” with the top tax income tax bracket at 7.4 percent. 8 – Iowa scored strong in affordable quality health care and low crime rate. However, its income tax rate tops out at 8.98 percent – not a boasting point. 9 – Arizona attracts the sunshine lovers. Abundant sunny days may explain its high scores in overall well-being. Arizona enjoys a fairly low tax burden but not its crime rate. 10 – Nebraska’s high marks in wellbeing earn it a top 10 for five years in a row. This Midwest state enjoys low crime in addition to low cost of living. Social security is taxable to the extent of federal taxation and its top income tax bracket lands at 6.84 percent.

BEST FOR SOCIAL SECURITY AND PENSIONS Eleven states do not tax social security and pension distributions, making these states attractive to retirees. These states include Alaska, Florida, Mississippi, Nevada, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington and Wyoming.

BOTTOM LINE Wherever you choose to spend your golden years, spend them with loved ones and doing the things you find most important. That is the best place to retire.

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.

Up Front

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

Chiropractors

By Laura Liera Photo by Jori C. Kinney

1 Visiting a chiropractor does not hurt. If you’re in severe pain, you’re going to be sore. But the adjustments are very gentle and effective. 2 The spine protects the delicate nervous system. The nervous system is made up of the brain, spinal cord — 31 pairs of nerve roots that go to every cell in the body. 3 If a person has a pinched nerve in the upper back, it cuts off the impulse from the brain to the lungs so when you breathe, you don’t get the proper filtration of the air and you 20

Bakersfield Life Magazine

May 2016

James Turner of Turner Chiropractic Inc. is celebrating 40 years in Bakersfield and he sat down to chat with us about the importance of our spine and nervous system.

phone, a vertebrae can lock out of position.

develop asthma. We adjust the vertebrae and get the nerve flow from the brain down to the body parts, to the lungs and the body heals from within.

8 Anyone can visit a chiropractor, including infants, adults and seniors.

4 Our focus is to get the body to function naturally.

9 At our practice, we see an average of 180 people a week.

5 The vertebrae that protects the nervous system can go out of place up to 52 different ways.

10 There are five different types of headaches.

11 Educating our patients is important so they know how we are going to get their body functioning properly.

12 Getting a full spinal X-ray helps us see exactly how the vertebrae is out of position; we don’t guess.

When a vertebrae is out of position, a disc can swell, impinging the nerve root and cause pain. Posture is very important. When you slump at work or when using your

Great lawyers close to home. A top California legal team is right in your own backyard. Whether you are operating a business or need personal legal counseling, you can rely on local attorneys who have an unrivaled track record, depth of knowledge and experience unique to the San Joaquin Valley. From business litigation, transactions and counseling, to bankruptcy, intellectual property, estate planning and employment law issues, KDG works with you to meet your legal needs and achieve successful, cost-effective results.

B A K E R S F I E L D • F R E S N O • SA N D I E G O • K L E I N L AW. C O M

Up Front

MY PET

Mark and Tina Louise By Ellen Cook

Mark Nessia and Tina Louise

PHOTO BY MARK NESSIA

You can follow the adventures of Tina Louise on Instagram @tina_louise_ the_puggy_ pug.

Bakersfield Life Magazine

May 2016

PHOTO BY JORI C. KINNEY

ina Louise, named after the daughters from the TV show “Bob’s Burgers,” is the pug you wish you always had. Companion/owner Mark Nessia appreciates his pug for her funloving attitude and high-intensity personality. Nessia’s love for pugs started in junior high when he fell in love with his sister’s dog, a 2-year-old pug named Maggie. After the loss of his second pug, Maggie Jr. – named in honor of his sister’s dog – Nessia thought he would never find a companion as energetic and affectionate until he came across Tina Louise. Nessia’s 5-month-old full-breed pug is nothing short of unique. Energetic, fun and loud, she grabs attention wherever she goes. “I had a rough start this year. When we came together things turned around. She drives me up the wall, but when she lays next to me, it’s the best feeling in the world. There is nothing like a dog’s unconditional love,” Nessia said. Nessia and Tina Louise share many interests, one of them being a love for “Star Wars.” “Her favorite toy is her Chewbacca and BB-8 plushies. She will toss it around and fetch. She

knows how to entertain herself,” Nessia said. Nessia claims one of Tina Louise’s talents is her ability to turn anything into a toy. “She is never bored. She always finds a way to play and have fun. Once, she entertained herself with a plastic cup, spinning it around making herself dizzy. It was hysterical,” Nessia said. Tina Louise is currently enrolled at Petco’s positive dog training. Nessia hopes the classes will

transform her from an energetic puppy to a well-mannered young lady. She is also adored at Self Serve Pet Spa where she gets her favorite twisty treats every week. Tina Louise likes to play, but she is also a dedicated worker. On Fridays, she works hard at TBC Media in the “Specialty Puglications” department. “She has her own press pass and identification, and she takes naps in my desk drawer,” Nessia said.

bakersfieldlife.com

Up Front

Left: Dewar’s was located on Chester Avenue until it relocated to Eye Street in 1930. James H. Dewar is standing on the left. Right top: Dewar’s Candy Shop on Eye Street in 1930. Right bottom: James H. Dewar dipping chocolates in 1935.

NAMED AFTER

Dewar’s By Lisa Kimble

efore Dewar’s became a household name here and Bakersfield’s international ambassador of sweetness known and loved the world over, it was a small candy store on Chester Avenue. Brothers James and George Dewar opened The Chocolate Shop in 1909 next door to the new County Hall of Records building. They hailed from Kansas, where George worked on a dairy farm and James taught himself how to bake. Together they created the wildly popular peanut butter taffy chew – hand cut and about threequarters of an inch long. Peppermint was introduced in 1911, followed by caramel three years later. George moved to Taft, but James continued to manage the store. James Harvey Dewar married Lena Yancey in 1910 and the couple had four children: Joseph, James A., Mary Ellen and Rosalind. James moved the shop to Baker Street where it operated until 1928 when the family moved to Ventura to open a

small candy store there – Dewar’s. The family wasn’t away long. They were called back to Bakersfield after James’ father-in-law died. His motherin-law, Rose, needed help and she offered to build James and Lena a shop at the corner of Eye Street and California Avenue if they would stay. Dewar’s Candy Shop opened at its present-day location in 1930, the same year James decided to make ice cream. It was hand cranked by salt brine. Sons Joe and James A. joined their father in the family business and their sister Rosalind helped hand dip chocolates and continued to do so until she retired in 2007. Rosie Dewar Anderson is the oldest surviving member of the family. Joe left the candy business to become a cabinetmaker in Northern California and brother James A. took over in 1947. He bought property next to the Eye Street location around 1959. It allowed for the addition of a parking lot, a warehouse and 20 feet of store expansion. According to an article in The Bakersfield Californian after James A. Dewar’s death in 2007, James A. didn’t throw products away. If chews weren’t perfectly wrapped, they were

considered “seconds” and given to lucky friends and relatives. He was especially proud of the deer mounted on the south wall of the store, which he killed in 1952. At the time, it was considered the biggest deer killed in five states, his family recalled. James A. was also a drag-boat-racing pioneer and held two world records. Son George began working at the shop full time after college in 1965 and took over the reigns in 1977. The price of a scoop of ice cream was raised from a nickel to 10 cents. George’s children Michael and Heather joined the company and in 2002 a second Dewar’s was opened on Hageman Road. The Riverlakes store was closed in 2011 and the following year, a larger soda fountain was opened on Calloway Drive. Later that same year, Dewar’s Express, the company’s first drive-thru, opened on Ming Avenue. In August 2014, a fourth location opened at The Outlets at Tejon. Recognized around the globe, Disney began selling Dewar’s ice cream at its El Capitan Theater in Hollywood 11 years ago and the perennially popular taffy chews are sold at momand-pop stores from coast to coast.

BY THE NUMBERS

11 chew varieties Today, there are eight regular flavors of chews and three sugar-free varieties.

Bakersfield Life Magazine

5,500 square feet The taffy and chocolates are produced in the 4,000-square-foot downtown facility. The ice cream is made in a 1,500-squarefoot area behind the Eye Street shop.

May 2016

50,000

150,000

Gallons of ice cream a year.

Pounds of chews a year.

bakersfieldlife.com

Up Front

F I N D I N G FA M E

Bag piping isn’t just for burly Scottish men Young Bakersfield local is reinventing the image of bagpiping

By Ellen Cook

inda Snoddy is no ordinary 19-yearold. Petite, young and female, no one expects that the bagpipe melodies that echo down the streets at parades are coming from her. But they are. Since a young age, bagpiping has been a dream for Snoddy. It is now a dream taking her around the West Coast and across the continent. After mastering the flute, which she started playing at age 9, she found herself wanting to expand her musical talents. At age 14, she found bagpipes, and her musical career was never the same. Snoddy is now a wellknown local bagpiper in Bakersfield and Kern County. She has previously performed with the Highland High School band and with Southern California group The Kevin R. Blandford Memorial Pipe Band.

Bakersfield Life Magazine

May 2016

PHOTO BY JORI C. KINNEY

Local Scottish bagpiper Linda Snoddy.

She has also performed locally with Whiskey Galore, a local Celtic music band that started in 1997. Funerals and weddings are also common performance arenas for Snoddy, weddings being her favorite. Snoddy has traveled to Seattle, Las Vegas and Canada for performances. Her first performance, at the age of 14, was in Fresno with the Tehachapi Mountain Pipes and Drums. This summer, Snoddy’s travels will take her to British Columbia for Piping Hot Summer Drummer & Highland Dancing, a summer camp specialized in instruction to piping, drumming and highland dancing. She is excited to

meet other fellow musicians and expand her abilities at the world’s largest summer program for Highland arts. A 2015 graduate from Valley Oaks Charter School, Snoddy now attends Bakersfield College as she awaits admittance to her dream school in Canada: Prince Edward Island College of Piping. Snoddy dreams of getting her Ph.D. and working at a university. “I want to make bagpiping popular again in the states,” she said. In the recent years of her bagpiping career, Snoddy is influenced by her instructor James McHartie. “He has definitely improved my piping in the

last couple years,” she said. Another influential figure to Snoddy is renowned bagpipe player Bruce Gandy. “When I met him, it was crazy because he is such a big influence in bagpiping. To meet him and have him recognize my work was incredible,” she said. Snoddy loves bagpiping because of the reaction she gets from audiences. “Someone asked me, ‘What does a bagpiper look like?’ And there is no right answer,” Snoddy said. “People are surprised to see me play; it’s an intimidation factor. Not many people have seen bagpipes performed live, especially by a small girl; it takes people by surprise.”

bakersfieldlife.com

Up Front

W H AT I ’ M L I S T E N I N G T O

Rick Kreiser By Laura Liera

PHOTO BY MARK NESSIA

usic feeds your soul. In the words of Rick Kreiser, founder of Guitar Masters, there is nothing like listening to a song and simply feeling. “I may have listened to music too loud as a kid but it moved everything in me every time,” Kreiser said. Inside the majestic Bakersfield Music Hall of Fame where talented musicians from around the world have been gracing locals with their performances, sits Kreiser, a guitarist himself, remembering his first interaction with melodies and vocals. Kreiser was raised in a musical family. His dad taught him how to play the piano and his grandfather was a concert pianist and concert organist. Kreiser still has his grandpa’s grand piano till this day. His first ever live concert was at age 10 with his buddies

Facing page: Jim Cox and John Jorgenson, Guitar Masters performers.

RICK’S PICKS

“River of Tears”

“Graceland”

ERIC CLAPTON

PAUL SIMON

“Here, There & Everywhere”

“Rock & Roll Never Forgets”

“Dimming of The Day”

One More Car, One More Rider LIVE album

Graceland album

THE BEATLES

BOB SEGER

BONNIE RAITT

Revolver album

Live Bullet album

Road Tested album

Bakersfield Life Magazine

May 2016

Thanks for yourVote! Financing Available Credit Cards Welcome

INCENTIVES available up to

$6500! and mom. They dressed up and watched The Beach Boys at the Civic Auditorium in 1963. “I have always learned to appreciate a variety of

music,” Kreiser said. Scroll through his iPod and you’ll see the diversity in songs, artist and albums. He even gives heavy metal a listen, although it’s not his go-to genre.

www.322cool.com Estamos Aqui Para Servirle · Locally Owned & Operated · CA Lic #297547

T&T LIBERTY SAFES

NOW OPEN

COME IN AND BROWSE OUR NEW SHOWROOM

At New Location

HDX-150

HDX-250

REVERE

U.L. SECURITY RATING

COLONIAL

FAIL-SAFETM TRIPLE RELOCKERS

FRANKLIN BREAK-IN WARRANTY

LINCOLN

PRESIDENTIAL

SATISFACTION GUARANTEE

NATIONAL

FIRE CERTIFIED!

PROTECT YOUR VALUABLES - GUNS, COINS, JEWELRY, BIRTH CERTIFICATES

6201 Knudsen Dr. • Bakersfield, CA 93308 Showroom Located two doors north of Hodels Restaurant 393-3782 • www.tntlibertysafe.com

T&T

Hours: MON-FRI 9am - 6pm • SAT 9am - 4pm The Largest Gun, Home and Office Safe Display in the Valley • See Liberty’s Complete Line of Safes at TNTLIBERTYSAFE.COM bakersfieldlife.com

2015

ER Sâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

C H OI C E

Habitat for Humanity is one of the several charities you can donate to on Give Big Kern Day.

Bakersfield Life Magazine

May 2016

PHOTO BY CASEY CHRISTIE

EB TH

S FI E LD C ALIF

IN SEASON

Event promotes giving locally First Give Big Kern Day slated May 3 By Paul Rivas

n May 3, the first Give Big Kern Day will take place, celebrating a day of giving to local nonprofits in Kern County. Give Big Kern Day is being hosted by the Kern Community Foundation to increase the visibility of nonprofits and help raise charity support. “Give Big Kern Day is an umbrella campaign that encourages philanthropy for all nonprofit organizations in Kern County and encourages community members to find the cause that they care about,” said Rachel Evey, Kern Community Foundation’s coordinator of

development and donor services. For 24 hours on May 3, residents will have a chance to make an online donation to nonprofits or charities of their interest. They will do so by going to givebigkern.org. An account or profile does not need to be created – just select “Pledge My Donation” and search for the nonprofit of your choice to donate to. Donations can be given through PayPal, by using a credit card, or by a giving card. The minimum donation amount is $10 and there is no maximum donation for any of the 81 participating nonprofits. The foundation came up with the idea as a chance for

• Homemaker Services • Personal Care • Employees Screened Bonded and Insured • Dementia Care

everyone in the community to come together to make a big difference. Karen Goh, president and CEO of Garden Pathways – one of the participating nonprofits of the event – addressed her enthusiasm. “We want to unite together to encourage the support of all the good charities that are in our community and speak as one voice to make our community better,” she said. Meanwhile, Hoffmann Hospice, which provides special care for someone when a cure is no longer realistic, is excited to be a featured charity in the group. “The smallest amounts can actually add up and make a humongous difference for every-

one involved,” Robin Woodward, director of development for Hoffmann Hospice, said. “Somebody who gives even the smallest amount is going to have an impact not just on one organization but on the whole county.” Although the event is an online-driven activity, Kern Community Foundation President and CEO Kristen Barnes will kick off the event at the Liberty Bell May 3. Mayor Harvey Hall is expected to attend as well as other supporters. An evening gathering is also planned that night at the Padre Hotel. For more information, please contact Rachel Evey at rachel@kernfoundation.org or visit givebigkern.org.

• End of Life Care • Hospital Personal Care Attendant Serving The Community Since 1990

“When I went to Alternative Care, the phone quit ringing at 7:30 AM to tell me that some caregiver couldn’t show up. What a difference you have made for me! That, along with the quality people that you sent, gave me a chance to lead a somewhat normal life knowing my wife was well taken care of. I appreciate your screening efforts and the level of supervision on your part which guaranteed that the caregivers would perform well at the very important task that they assigned. I particularly want to thank you for running a “tight ship.” I respect you for that and the dependability that it brings. I made a very good choice when I picked Alternative Care and have told everyone I know how well I was served by this decision.”- With respect, John C.

(661) 631-2036

2029 21st Street • Bakersfield, CA 93301 bakersfieldlife.com

Up Front

IN SEASON

Fruity goodness

Grown ripe here at Murray Family Farms Photos and story by Laura Liera

Everything is about to pop at Murray Family Farms, like strawberries, cherries and blueberries.

STRAW BERRY SANDWIC HES

INGREDIENTS

2 1 ⁄3 4 4

cups fresh strawberries, hulled cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature slices firm but fresh sandwich, brioche or baguette

DIRECTIONS

PHOTO BY JAMES BAIGRIE

Slice the strawberries crosswise. Place them in a medium bowl and sprinkle with 1/3 cup of sugar. Butter the bread slices, then slice them in half and sprinkle with the remaining sugar. Place the bread on serving plates and spoon the berries on top. Recipe from realsimple.com

Bakersfield Life Magazine

May 2016

othing says spring like biting into a sweet strawberry picked right from a strawberry garden or the burst of juice from a handful of ripe blueberries. For fruit enthusiasts, this is the season to splurge – OK, maybe moderately. And if you’re really wanting to get close to the fruits, make the drive east to Murray Family Farms and experience picking your own fruit with the family. Vickie Murray, co-owner of the farm, said she expects this year’s crops to get ripe earlier than usual. You can find blueberries, blackberries, yellow/white nectarines, peaches, strawberries, plums, pluots, apricots, apriums and cherries at the iconic red farm. For Murray, the past 12 years at the farm have gone by too quickly. Coming from Detroit, Michigan, Murray said she wanted to recreate her childhood memories of picking fresh fruit in Bakersfield. The 40 acres of Murray Family Farms is packed with a little bit of everything you can grow in the state, Murray said. “Our spring season is the busiest and we get to see our customers back after a slow season in the winter,” she added. Murray Family Farms has 30 different varieties of blueberries and 27 different varieties of cherries. In total, the farm has more than 200 varieties of crops. Murray said it’s all possible through sequential plantings. For instance, there are 4 acres of blueberries but every row is a different variety, which means they all ripen at different times. “So we can actually pick blueberries for four months,” she said. The same goes for cherry trees. And cherry picking is a highlight of the season, Murray said. At their I-5 and Copus Road location, they have cherry trees that are open to the public. This year’s cherry picking begins May 1 and lasts the entire month. Strawberry picking will also last another month.

BY THE NUMBERS

The Kern High School District Compiled by Lisa Krch

1893 Year the Kern High School District was founded

37,522

Bakersfield High School in 1917

Number of students this year in the Kern High School District

Largest The Kern High School District is California's largest 9-12 high school district

The Kern High School District consists of: • 18 comprehensive campuses • 5 alternative education campuses • 4 special education centers

• 3 career technical education sites • 1 adult education center • 1 charter school

bakersfieldlife.com

S H O R T TA K E S

2016 Hillel Award dinner

PHOTO BY ALEX HORVATH

he 2016 Hillel Award dinner will be honoring Milton and Betty Younger on May 5, starting at 6 p.m., at the Bakersfield Marriott at the Convention Center. This is a dinner honoring those that “support the Temple Beth El’s outreach to the community through educational programs and Bright Beginnings, a nonprofit, nondenominational prekindergarten day and after-school program,” said Barbara Kessler, event chair. Tickets are $85. There will be an auction, with a no-host reception to follow. For those interested in sponsorships, there are four separate levels: bronze, silver, gold and platinum. The pricing ranges from $950 to $9,000. For more information on sponsorship or tickets, contact Barbara Kessler at bkessler@kandastudios.com. – Bakersfield Life

Fighting Irish Brock Bellue Memorial Golf Tournament

t’s that time of year again for the Fighting Irish Brock Bellue Memorial Golf Tournament, Sunday, May 22, at The Links at RiverLakes. Check-in is at 7 a.m. with a shotgun start at 8 a.m. The format is a men and women four-person scramble. The price is $120 per golfer or $480 per foursome. Registration ends May 18. All proceeds go to the Fighting Irish Youth Football program. The program helps fund field, rental or other team needs. The tournament is played in memory of Brock Bellue, a player who tragically passed away in 2007. Chris Resendez, the founder of the tournament in 2008, said Bellue always had a smile on his face and was a hard worker. For more information, contact Resendez at 201-1284 or at When: May 22 at The Links at RiverLakes irishfootball70@gmail.com. – Bakersfield Life 34

Bakersfield Life Magazine

May 2016

Price: $120/golfer, $480/foursome Deadline to register: May 18

Nominated Nominated Best Best M Mexican exican Restaurant Restaurant iinn K Kern ern County! County! MARGARITA

MEXICAN RESTAURANT & HAPPY HOUR

We look forward to offering you the same quality food & service. We appreciate your loyalty.

Craft beer and college scholarships

he 4th Annual Bakersfield Craft Beer Festival is coming to Cal State Bakersfield on May 28. The festival will be held by Imbibe Wine & Spirits Merchant and Craft Tap House, along with the Benefit Bakersfield Foundation. The event will benefit the Roadrunner Scholarship Fund at CSUB. The event will feature more than 35 breweries along with local eateries and merchants. The festival was created to promote the appreciation of craft beer by bringing together brewery representa-

2 Locations

tives to educate consumers on the evolving microbrewery movement. Attendees are encouraged to take sealed bottles of water, chairs, blankets and umbrellas. The event is a cash-only zone. The festival will be from noon to 4:30 p.m. at the CSUB Amphitheater. General admission is $59 and VIP is $100. Must be 21 to attend. For more information, call 633-9463 or visit bakersfieldcraftbeerfestival.com.

631-18th Street • 327-3861

5601 California Ave. • 327-5201

– Bakersfield Life

Hispanic veterans event at CSUB

al State Bakersfield will be hosting a film event exploring the sacrifice of Hispanic veterans on Memorial Day weekend. The film focuses on the Hispanic participation in American conflicts since World War II. The film presented will be “War and Peace, 1942-1954,” which is part of the “Latino Americans” series from PBS. After the film, there will be a panel discussion by local veterans accompanied by light refreshments. “Guerreros Americanos” is part of the Walter Presents event series held by the CSUB library and in collaboration with Bakersfield College’s Social Justice Institute. The event is co-sponsored by the American Library Association and National Endowment for the Humanities. The event will be held on Saturday, May 28, at 3 p.m. in the Walter W. Stern Library’s Dezember Reading Room. For more information, call Javier Llamas at 654-3233.

“Thank you Kern County for nominating us”

8200 Stockdale Highway

(661) 397-5070 Located Next to Trader Joe’s

A Family Tradition Since 1948

If you don’t know jewelry, know your jeweler.

knightsjewelers.com

– Bakersfield Life bakersfieldlife.com

Up Front

HAPPENINGS

May

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

The 44th annual Cal State Bakersfield Spring Barbecue will be on Thursday, May 12, from 5:30 to 9 p.m. at the Icardo Center. The event is a major biannual fundraiser that helps fund the athletics department. Students earn scholarships from the Roadrunner Scholarship Fund. The barbecue generates around $60,000 in scholarship money every year. Tickets are $30 presale and $35 at the gate. Attendees will have their choice of either a Harris Ranch New York steak or a teriyaki chicken dinner. There will be live music and a selection of beer and wine. For more information, visit the special events page on gorunners.com. – Bakersfield Life

PHOTO BY CASEY CHRISTIE

Grubbing on barbecue at CSUB

May 1 40th Annual Western Street Rod Nationals,8:30 a.m., Kern County Fairgrounds, 1142 S. P St., $15 adults; $13 seniors/military; $6 kids ages 6-12; $5 parking. May 3

May 7

BSO and Brews The Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra comes to Temblor Brewing Company for nontraditional music in a nontraditional setting. pany, 8 p.m., Temblor Brewing Com. 3200 Buck Owens Blvd $7 at the door

Luncheon, 9 a.m., DoubleTree Hilton, 3100 Camino Del Rio Court. $40. 327-1173. Bakersfield Jazz Festival, 6 p.m., Friday, and 3 p.m., Saturday, Cal State Bakersfield, 9001 Stockdale Highway. $36.50 Friday, $41.50 Saturday, $61.50 two day pass. vallitix.com.

EmiSunshine, 7:30 p.m., Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace, 2800 Buck Owens Blvd. $10. vallitix.com. Jim Breuer, 7 p.m., Temblor Brewing Company, 3200 Buck Owens Blvd. $35. temblorbrewing.com.

CAPK Humanitarian Awards Banquet, 6 p.m., DoubleTree Hilton, 3100 Camino Del Rio Court. $85. 379-8203. May 15

May 5 The Three Amigos, 7 p.m., Fox Theater, 2001 H St. $5-$8. etix.com.

Go Red Por Tu Corazon Bakersfield Life Magazine

Mother’s Day Music Festival, 2 p.m., Kern County Fairgrounds, 1142 S. P St. $10 and $5 for parking. Shatner’s World, 7:30 p.m., Fox Theater, 2001 H St. $30-$145. etix.com. May 12

May 6

May 8

May 2016

Xxxx x xx xxxxxxx

Rider’s Ride to benefit League of Dreams, 8 a.m. registration with ride at 9:30 a.m., H.E.A.R.T.S. Connection, 3101 Sillect Ave. $25 per rider or $30 for two. Coffee, doughnuts and lunch included. 201-6649.

May 17 Celtic Woman, 7 p.m., Rabobank Arena, 1001 Truxtun Ave. $45-$105. axs.com. Kris Allen, 7:30 p.m., Bakersfield Music Hall of Fame, 2230 Q St. $25. bakersfieldmusicahalloffame.com. May 18 Send a Kid to Camp Luncheon, to benefit the Bakersfield Firefighter’s Burn Foundation, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Outback Steakhouse, 5051 Stockdale Highway. $25. Lunch available to go. Reserve a table at 834-7850.

of Fame, 2230 Q St. $35. guitarmasters.org. May 20 Kern Literacy Council’s 50th Anniversary, Great Gatsby theme, 6:30 p.m., Bakersfield’s Woman’s Club, 2030 18th St. $100 per person. 324-3213. May 24 Sesame Street Live, 6:30 p.m. Tuesday and 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Rabobank Theater, 1001 Truxtun Ave. $10-$60. rabobankarena.com.

May 19 Guitar Masters, featuring Frank Vignola and Vinny Raniolo, 7:30 p.m., Bakersfield Music Hall

Women’s Club of Bakersfield scholarship presentation Since 1981, the Woman’s Club of Bakersfield has given $354,000 collectively, to deserving applicants. This year the club will be awarding 30 scholarships of $1,000. The Woman’s Club seeks to benefit mostly high school students looking to further their education. The event will be held on April 28 at 2030 18th St. Doors open at 6 p.m. with the event starting at 6:30 p.m. Mayor Harvey Hall will be in attendance, presenting all the scholarships to recipients. For more information, call 325-7889 or visit womansclubbakersfield.org. – Bakersfield Life

Night of the Renegades The Night of the Renegades benefiting the Renegade Helmet Club will take place on Saturday, May 7, at 5:30 p.m. at the beautiful home of Mike and Cathi Stier. In keeping with the tradition, the dinner will be provided by one of Bakersfield’s finest, Luigi’s, along with great wine, music, friends, and a live and silent auction that is best in class. The Renegade Helmet Club supports the Bakersfield College football team through fundraising and guidance while providing support in its athletics and transition into the community. Working alongside the Bakersfield College football program, the club helps build strong leadership skills in players through

mentoring, hard work and dedication. Please join us again this year as we continue to provide an unforgettable football experience and college education for student-athletes throughout Kern County. Tickets are $350 per couple and $1,750 for a table of 10. For more information or to purchase tickets, call Jeff Chudy at 809-2317.

Annual awards ceremony to benefit BHS football program Don’t be shy in hiding your Driller pride! The 11th Annual BHS Driller Football Hall of Fame awards will be happening Thursday, May 29, at the Bakersfield Marriott at the Convention Center’s ballroom. KBAK-TV sports anchor Greg Kerr will be the presenter of the night. “Our event has become incredibly successful because of the support of our Driller community,” Shelly Golla, wife of football head coach Paul Golla said. “We consistently teach our current players that you play for those who came before you and set the standards for those who follow.” The money raised for the event goes to the Driller football program. It helps with any uncovered costs for the program. Golla states, “We pride ourselves on having a state championship football program and do our best to run it like one.” Throughout the night, valley championship players will be recognized and others will be inducted into the BHS Hall of Fame. Tickets are $125 for each person or $1,250 for a table of 10. The no-host social will be at 6 p.m. with dinner at 7 p.m. and induction ceremony beginning at 8 p.m. For tickets or more information, call Shelly Golla at 393-4027. – Bakersfield Life

– Bakersfield Life

bakersfieldlife.com

Eat & Drink

D I N I N G D I VA S

Nuestro Mexico Restaurant

Compiled by Bakersfield Life Photos by Greg Nichols Fish ceviche

uestro Mexico is obviously one of the best-kept secrets in downtown Bakersfield. But not for much longer after the Divas visited in April. Nuestro has a charming cafe feel, including a patio and a front sidewalk area. The atmosphere is warm and colorful, and the service was personal and friendly. Shh! We don’t want it to get too crowded!

Bakersfield Life Magazine

May 2016

APPETIZERS Kathryn Mears on the shrimp soup: This is a heart-healthy, abuelita-style, yummy go-to soup. This veggie combo of squash, potatoes, onion and carrots combined with a good portion of shrimp in a mildly spiced red sauce is my new go-to soup. It is definitely on the comfort food list. Nima Patel on the baconwrapped shrimp: An order comes with five very large succulent shrimp wrapped in delicious, perfectly

cooked juicy bacon. The flavor was phenomenal, and as if the dish couldn’t stand alone already, it came with a sidekick. The chipotle sauce added the right amount of kick to this starter. Carla Barrientos on the fish ceviche: I was not expecting for the fish ceviche portion to be so large and sharable, but much to my delight, it was! The dish featured a mound of fish ceviche that was well marinated in lemon juice. It tasted ocean fresh and light – a perfect dish

for a hot day. Michele Bryant on the tlalpeno soup: This chicken and vegetable soup was so flavorful! With a hint of chipotle spice, it was just perfect for spice-sensitive people. It was full of fresh vegetables and topped with chunks of avocado and cheese.

Top: The Dining Divas from left: Nima Patel, Michele Bryant, Kathyrn Mears, Carla Barrientos and Trish Reed.

ENTREES

Bottom left: Shrimp and tlalpeno soups

Trish Reed on the chile relleno: The roasted poblano chile stuffed with loads

Bottom right: Bacon-wrapped shrimp

Continued on page 40

Nuestro Mexico Restaurant 716 21st St. 661-637-1343 Open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day Find them on Facebook

bakersfieldlife.com

Continued from page 39

Top left: Tilapia Top right: Flan Bottom: Poblano tacos Facing page: Fried ice cream

of cheese, battered with an airy egg coating and fried until crispy brown was my first choice for my Mexican comfort food. Nuestroâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s subtle roasted tomato sauce was the perfect accompaniment to all of the cheesy goodness. Nima on the tilapia: The tilapia was amazingly fresh. I squeezed the lemon slices all over it to accentuate the freshness and the flavor. The fish scales added the right amount of crunch and just under the dark skin lurked white fish that fell apart without the use of a knife. I devoured every last morsel on both sides of the fish. The whole fish came with a large portion of Mexican rice, beans and corn salad. Carla on the poblano tacos: I ordered the poblano pepper tacos, which is one of the first vegetarian dishes they plan to feature on the menu. The plate came with two tacos loaded with mild poblano chili peppers, Mexican cheese, a creamy green sauce and fresh red onions. The tacos were so delicious that I am contemplating becoming a part-time

Bakersfield Life Magazine

May 2016

vegetarian. The creamy green sauce was spicy and flavorful. Pot beans, rice and a small corn salad were the perfect accompaniment to the tacos. Michele on the tacos al pastor: The pastor-seasoned combination of steak, grilled pineapple chunks, with the corn tortillas was so yummy. I would have never guessed that these simple ingredients could make such a unique taco. The two tacos were served with beans and rice. I was especially pleased with the flavorful

beans topped with tomato and cheese.

DESSERTS Kathryn on the flan: Made from scratch with mildly sweet caramel sauce, this dessert was my favorite. It came with a spoonful of whipped cream and a dash of cinnamon. Nima on the fried ice cream: This dessert was served in a bowl and stood quite tall. The crust was crushed cork flakes. The corn flakes

added a crunchy layer of goodness when paired with the cold and firm vanilla ice cream. This dessert melted in my mouth. A layer of crunch, chill and sweetness – you really can’t go wrong! Whether you’re in the mood for soup or a full entree, Nuestro Mexico Restaurant should be your choice year-round. Experience fresh Mexican food and top-notch flavors at this quaint downtown eatery.

JANE’S JEWELERS Where Bakersfield Gets Engaged

9530 Hageman Road • 587-6242 Corner of Calloway & Hageman Tuesday - Friday 10:00 - 6:00 • Saturday 10:00 - 3:00 Closed Sunday and Monday Visit us on our website: JanesJewelers.com Facebook.com/JanesJewelers Pinterest.com/JanesJewelers

bakersfieldlife.com

Eat & Drink

FOOD DUDES

May 2016

Bakersfield Life Magazine

Cafe Med Compiled by Bakersfield Life Photos by Greg Nichols

afe Med presents a delightful upscale atmosphere with three separate rooms: main dining room, bar and lounge and deli/wine shop, surrounded with literally hundreds of bottles of wine sure to please any oenophile.

APPETIZERS Bill Jeffries on the scallops wrapped in bacon: The jumbo

scallops were a work of art. The best part was tasting jumbo scallops from the central coast wrapped in applewood-smoked bacon topped with spicy Thai aioli and roasted to perfection. A great combination of flavors and textures. Bob Smith on the falafel appetizer: Fritters of ground chickpeas and herbs served hot with hummus (tahini/chickpea-based garlicky dipping sauce). Crispy on the outside, soft inside â&#x20AC;&#x201C; very fresh and tasty. Tony Mosley on the baconwrapped shrimp: These were five large/jumbo shrimp served on a drizzle of spicy aioli. The bacon was cooked to a perfect crunch and contrasted perfectly with the tender and flavorful shrimp. Dustin Knepp on the hot artichoke dip: The creamy dish was full of large roasted artichoke hearts, spinach, parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, garlic, green onions and bread crumbs for texture. The buttery dip was ooey gooey and a perfect topping for the toasted baguette rounds. I really enjoyed the appetizer, but watch out for the garlic punch that hits you once you are done.

ENTREES J.R. Flores on the Mediterranean cream of basil chicken: This tasted as good as it sounded when I ordered it. The cream sauce had basil and tomato but what stood out for me were the mushrooms. A very nice compliment to the very tender, perfectly cooked chicken. My choice of sides were mixed vegetables and mashed potatoes. Let me rave about the mashed potatoes: smooth and fluffy, not over flavored and, personally, I love when they leave a little skin in the game. Bob on the osso bucco: Cafe Medâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s version of osso bucco is made

Facing page: Osso bucco Food Dudes from left: Tony Mosley, Bill Jeffries, Bob Smith, Dustin Kneep and J. R. Flores Top right: Hot artichoke dip Bottom left: Baconwrapped scallops

Continued on page 44

Cafe Med Restaurant & Deli 4809 Stockdale Highway, 661-834-4433 Restaurant Hours: Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday, Noon to 9:00 p.m.

bakersfieldlife.com

Continued from page 43

Top left: Veal Piccata Top right: Med passion Bottom right: Chocolate decadence cake Facing page: Cheescake

with lamb instead of the more traditional veal, and it was a fall-off-thebone tender, huge portion of garlicky-lemony savory goodness, which was deliciously accompanied by couscous and steamed broccoli and carrots. Dustin on the domestic lamb chops: The bone-in chops were grilled perfectly to my request, with enough fat to keep them tender and juicy. The chops were clearly the star of the dish. The copious (in both portion size and buttered garlic) mashed potatoes were ultra-creamy and were a good side. Tony on the Med passion: This dish contained shrimp, scallops and the catch of the day (salmon) in a white wine, garlic and lemon sauce topped with parmesan cheese. The shrimp were huge. Very unique texture and light tangy flavor of the

Bakersfield Life Magazine

May 2016

angel hair pasta. Initially, I thought it to be overcooked. I later learned from sous-chef Serena Gonzalez that the combination of the white wine, abundant capers, fresh lemon juice and leeks blended to create the delicate tasty dish I was enjoying. Bill on the piccata: The generous portions of breaded veal cutlets were seasoned with a delicious piccata sauce with capers. With my order, I selected the steamed crisp broccoli along with soft buttery angel hair pasta with olive oil along with other seasonings used by the chef.

DESSERTS Bob on the baklava: These are honeyed layers of phyllo dough, crusted with crushed walnuts and pistachios. Cafe Med layers and then rolls its baklava, which creates tight little rolls of sweet goodness. Be forewarned – if you don’t like a sweet treat, this is not your dessert. I loved it!

Bill on the chocolate decadence cake: The flourless chocolate cake with a fudge-like texture was rich with flavor. The serving plate was decorated with chocolate and berry drizzle along with several fresh blueberries. J.R. on the cheesecake: It’s New York-style served on a sauce made with fresh berries. They are not kidding when they say fresh; these tasted like they were just picked from the bush. The crust was chocolate, almost like a cookie but not too thick. Words cannot do this justice; you have to try it for yourself. Way better than any “factory” and, as told by the chef, the desserts are all made in-house. For a fine dining experience, don’t pass up the opportunity to dine at Cafe Med. All of their dishes are skillfully prepared and very artistically plated for maximal gustatory and visual appeal.

SFIELD CALIF OR

2015 RE

E R S’

CH O IC E

AN NI

“Women know what women want”... That’s the Blue River difference. Come discover the difference yourself. Call for a free consultation. Showroom inside Artistic Surfaces 120 Union Avenue

588-8481 • BRCKitchenBath.com

Annette Mercado General Contractor, C.K.D. License # 865925

Michele Waugh

bakersfieldlife.com

Eat & Drink

W H AT â&#x20AC;&#x2122; S C O O K I N G

May 2016

Bakersfield Life Magazine

Chicken. Smoke. Fire. Honey-chipotle grilled chicken

SFIELD CALIF OR

2015 RE

E R S’

CH O IC E

AN NI

or all our food enthusiasts, this new section will hopefully be filled with inspiration to roll up your sleeves and spend time exploring new flavors in the kitchen. Because nothing beats a home-cooked meal using local products. Take a Sunday morning stroll at the Haggin Oaks Farmers Market and you’re bound to find inspiration for dinner from the assortment of fruits and vegetables available at your fingertips.

Story and photos by Laura Liera

BEST THAI FOOD

THANK YOU, KERN COUNTY FOR VOTING US ...

Continued on page 48

Come check out our great selection of Melissa and Doug toys.

bakersfieldlife.com

Continued from page 47

Honey-chipotle grilled chicken, topped with a strawberry salsa • A dash of onion and garlic powder, salt and pepper, olive oil Strawberry salsa • 1⁄2 cup of chopped red onion • 1⁄4 cup of fresh cilantro, minced • 1 serrano pepper, minced • 4 large strawberries, diced • juice of 1/2 of a lime • pinch of salt

INGREDIENTS Honey-chipotle sauce • 4 tablespoons of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce • 1 tablespoon of honey • pinch of salt Chicken breast marinade • 3 chicken breasts • juice of 1 lime

•

• •

DIRECTIONS • Light the grill and leave it on high for direct heat grilling. Make sure you clean the grates. • Rinse the chicken breasts under cold running water then blot dry with paper towels. • Marinate the chicken breasts with

• •

lime juice, onion powder, garlic powder, salt and pepper, and olive oil. Allow chicken to marinate for at least one hour. Place the breasts on the hottest part of the grill and don’t touch them for about two to three minutes. As they begin to cook through, flip them over and continue to cook. Once both sides start to get golden brown, apply chipotle glaze with brush. Be sure to turn grill heat to low to avoid burning. Remove the chicken breasts from the grill and place on a plate. Add a few spoonfuls of the strawberry salsa on top of the chicken and serve with your favorite sides.

BEST CARPET/FLOORING/TILE STORE

(661) 323-5251 | 4301 Rosedale Hwy | Bakersfield, CA 93308 www.carpetoutletplus.com

Lic# 802760

Bakersfield Life Magazine

May 2016

• To our Staff • To our Loyal Guests • To our many Friends

Best Buffet

Best Sunday Brunch “Always giving Thanks to God for everything” - Ephesians 5:20

6:00-9:00 p.m. Mon. Sat. 7:30-9:00 p.m. Sunday 7:30-2:00 p.m. Sun. Brunch

5917 Knudsen Dr. Fwy 99 & Olive Drive (661) 399-3341

Farm Girls Hours: Wednesday-Saturday 10am to 4pm Address: 2113 Q street, Bakersfield 93301

O l d • N e w • S a lva g e d • C r a f t e d

bakersfieldlife.com

Right: Workers in MESH, a Bakersfield coworking group in downtown Bakersfield, hard at work. Facing page: CSUB engineering student Josh Ward explains the functions of a milling machine in the school’s new fabrication lab (Fab Lab) at the School of Natural Sciences, Mathematics and Engineering.

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

PHOTO BY CASEY CHRISTIE

Lifestyles

Bakersfield 2.0 A new frontier for technology By Anna C. Smith

f you think technological innovation only happens in Silicon Valley, think again. Places like Des Moines, Iowa; Kansas City, Missouri; Chattanooga, Tennessee; and yes, even Fresno, California, are quickly becoming tech hubs – communities with growing populations of technology entrepreneurs and startups. Priced out of many of large U.S. coastal cities, entrepreneurs are fleeing in droves to greener pastures in inland communities much like ours. Creative professionals are attracted to towns similar to Bakersfield because of their unique culture, opportunity, upward mobility and affordability. Bakersfield is also burgeoning. Young entrepreneurs are seizing the opportunity, and a tech boom is on the horizon. An often overlooked city nestled at the southern end of the vast San Joaquin Valley in California, passersby on their way to San Francisco or Los Angeles may only know of Bakersfield as a series of exits on the freeway. Visitors who stop and explore find that Bakersfield is a ruggedly beautiful

Bakersfield Life Magazine

May 2016

city with authentic local flavor and city that constantly surprises. Born out of technological progress at the end of the 19th century, our population has been growing ever since. More than a year ago, my husband and I brought our focus back to our hometown of Bakersfield, attracted to move here from a much larger California city by a tightly knit millennial community, a walkable downtown, new industries ripe for innovation and career opportunities. Historically, our economy has been supported by resource-based industries (oil, gas and agriculture) but it’s beginning to diversify and attract creative-class, young professionals for knowledge-based jobs in science, technology, health care, engineering, education and others. With roughly half a million residents in the metropolitan area, Bakersfield has moved past its small-town stereotype. Bakersfield has a quietly growing technology community – freelance software developers gather for meetups, tech-focused co-working spaces such as Mesh Cowork are popping up in town, and CSUB has a “Fab 3-D printer to nurture a culture of innovation. And just outside of Bakersfield, Elon Musk’s SpaceX is literally launching people into outer space. However, there is room for growth. Bakersfield is not marketed as a

forward-thinking and innovative city, but rather as a traditional resourcebased economy built on conservative values. Unfortunately, this posture is less appealing to today’s cultural and business innovators who want to live and work in places that encourage progress. With low numbers of college graduates and high illiteracy, Bakersfield should take a more proactive stance in attracting innovative businesses and educated residents. Local business owners find it difficult to compete with other cities to attract talent, and this is due, largely, to a failure of marketing. As a city, we need to attract more young professionals to grow a professional workforce and creative culture. The people of Bakersfield are its greatest strength. The new wave of entrepreneurs developing would help our economy diversify. It would be wise for us to nurture them and position ourselves as cultural and technological innovators. Bakersfield was born in the Industrial Age and has the potential to thrive in the information age. Let’s work together on Bakersfield 2.0 and create a new frontier for technology right here in California’s heartland. Opinions expressed in this column are those of Anna C. Smith.

bakersfieldlife.com

Lifestyles

ON THE ROAD

2017 Porsche 911 Carrera Iconic sports car delivers exhilarating performance and surprising comfort

A handful of subtle changes have been made to the Porsche 911â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s iconic exterior for the 2017 model.

By Glenn Hammett

Photos by Michael Lopez

assumed I had sidestepped the whole midlife crisis thing. My 2005 Subaru is economical, paid for and roomy enough to carry my bikes, golf clubs and groceries. Though I am well into what is commonly considered middle age, I have managed to maintain a pragmatic approach to personal transportation. That all changed when I took the

Bakersfield Life Magazine

May 2016

2017 Porsche 911 Carrera out for a test-drive. The carâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s speed, acceleration and cornering capabilities are exhilarating and addicting. I saw every stop sign, tight curve and freeway onramp as another opportunity to indulge. I was hooked. Any discussion of the Porsche 911 has to start with its performance. The 911 Carrera I drove comes with a twin turbocharged 3.0-liter horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine that turns out 370 horsepower and

goes from zero to 60 in a blazing 4.2 seconds. Upgrade to the Carrera S and those numbers improve to 420 horsepower and a 3.9-second zeroto-60 time. All of this power is transferred to the wheels via the Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) seven-speed transmission. My friend and performance car expert, Scott, explained that the double-clutch design allows the next gear to engage prior to disengagement of the cur-

It’s all in the details Five best features: • Six-cylinder twin-turbo boxer engine. • Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) • Porsche Doppelkupplung seven-speed transmission (PDK) • Astonishing comfort • Timeless design

City and highway mileage: 22 mpg city; 30 mpg highway Clockwise, from top, right: The 14-way adjustable heated and ventilated power sport seats provide a comfortable ride. The interior is constructed of first-rate materials. Redesigned headlights. The speed-activated spoiler can also be controlled manually. The steering wheel is free of the buttons and switches you see on most cars today.

Base price: $89,400 As tested: $100,195 What makes the Porsche 911 Carrera stand out from other high-performance sports cars? Sixty years of experience in sports car design and construction. Target customer: Anyone who has ever aspired to own a Porsche.

rent gear, so shifts occur in a matter of milliseconds with almost no interruption of power. From a standing start at a red light on Highway 178, I employed the paddle shifters to get up to freeways speeds (and, maybe, just a little higher). The car’s responsiveness was remarkable – a continuous, steady acceleration with no dip in rpm or hesitation between gears. While you buy a Porsche for its performance, the 2017 911 Carrera also offers world-class styling and comfort. The newest version of the 911 retains its

iconic exterior design with a few minor changes, including reshaped side mirrors and door handles, redesigned headlights and reshaped grilles in the front and rear. The low, sleek profile, sloping rear end and subtle curves leave no doubt that this car is built for speed. The interior is exquisitely designed and executed. It’s interesting that the steering wheel is just a steering wheel and is not adorned with the array buttons, lights and Continued on page 54

Three words that define the Porsche 911 Carrera: Tradition meets innovation. What do you like most about the 2017 Porsche 911 Carrera? An everyday car that simply puts a smile on your face whenever you get behind the wheel.

Source: Tim Jalving, general manager, Porsche of Bakersfield

bakersfieldlife.com

The 2017 Porsche 911’s acceleration and cornering abilities are addicting.

Continued from page 53

switches typically seen on new cars. I see it as statement by Porsche that the greatest pleasure of this car is found in driving it and they don’t want anything to get in the way of that. Oh, all of the latest tech features are there, including navigation, Apple CarPlay, a vehicle tracking system and an incredible 150-watt eight-speaker sound system, but they smartly positioned them as to not interfere with 911’s primary mission. Other luxury features include extremely comfortable 14-way adjustable heated and ventilated power sport seats, an electric sunroof and the smoking package, in case you want to celebrate shredding a windy

Bakersfield Life Magazine

May 2016

mountain road with a fine Cuban cigar. The latest version of the 911 is winning high praise from the industry. Edmunds.com calls it: “One of the world’s finest automobiles, period. Its ability to be one of the most engaging, capable and flat-out fun cars to drive is balanced by the fact that it’s also comfortable, luxurious, friendly to drive, easy to see out of and surprisingly practical.” The 2017 Porsche 911 Carrera can turn something as mundane as a trip to the grocery store into an exhilarating, energizing outing. And that never gets old.

bakersfieldlife.com

Lifestyles

ON THE ROAD

2016 Lincoln MKX sets new goals Innovative features result in impressive MKX Bakersfield Life Editor Olivia Garcia test-drives the 2016 Lincoln MKX.

By Olivia Garcia Photos by Michael Lopez

h, Lincoln MKX, how I miss you. Yes, I only test-drove you for a couple of days, but it was enough for me to understand your wonders. First, in all my car reviews for this magazine, I have never driven a car that comes with massaging seats. To be technical, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m referring to the Bridge of Weir Deepsoft 22-way multicontour power leather seats designed with Active Motion. According to Marcus Hampton, a sales consultant with Jim Burke Ford

Bakersfield Life Magazine

May 2016

Lincoln, the Active Motion was designed with the driver in mind â&#x20AC;&#x201C; it was developed to reduce muscle fatigue in the legs and lower back, allowing the driver to appreciate and stay alert during the longer rides. My husband could have used this feature when we drove back home at 1 a.m. a few weeks ago after seeing our Marine son off from Camp Pendleton, bound for Hawaii. Instead, we settled for coffee and soda and my jabbering and quasi-DJ skills to keep us both awake through what felt like an endless Grapevine. I also must say that the driving a Lincoln MKX releases a calming aura, and not the kind that makes you want

to fall asleep but something way more relaxing. As I drove through various parts of the city over a spread of a few days, I always turned on the Active Motion feature and for some reason, I felt more relaxed, wondering why these drivers around me were in a constant desperate rush to speed past others. Why the rush, I wondered? Relax. Enjoy the ride. I guess now I understand why Oscar-winner Matthew McConaughey looked so cool, calm and collected when he appeared in the Lincoln MKX commercial. There is a reason to feel this way. Of course, I was also spoiled by the adaptive steering system, keyless entry and especially the Revel Ultima

It’s all in the details Five best features about the 2016 Lincoln MKX: • 360-degree camera • Adaptive cruise control with active braking • Revel Ultima Audio system • 22-way multicontour massaging seats • My Lincoln mobile app

City and highway mileage: 17 mpg city; 26 mpg highway

Base price: $38,260 As tested: $63,510 Clockwise, from top, right: The perfect entertainment center. MKX’s classy style. Buttery-soft leather. Ready for sunlight.

The 2016 Lincoln MKX is perfect for: Young professionals with growing families.

What makes the 2016 Lincoln MKX stand out from others? Technology and Black Label trim level

Target customer:

Audio specifically designed for the MKX. Nineteen speakers and a 20-channel hybrid amplifier. Hampton who is also a musician called the system a dream. “The Revel audio system is going to be a game changer,” Hampton said of the MKX. Plus, tech lovers will appreciate the MyLincoln mobile app that lets you open or lock your car remotely or even start your car. As someone who is constantly carrying workbags or shopping ones (well, sometimes), I can say this can be a lifesaver.

There is also a welcome lighting that illuminates as you approach the car. And because the road is never quite the same wherever you go, the Lincoln MKX is loaded with the Lincoln Drive Control that features continuously controlled damping (CCD) that pretty much relies on sensors to read the road and adjust accordingly, said Hampton. The system also lets you select three driving modes: Comfort, Normal or Sport.

Anyone that wants the ride quality of a Lincoln sedan but the space and seating position of an SUV.

Three words that define the 2016 Lincoln MKX: Quiet, confident and empowering.

What do you like the most about the 2016 Lincoln MKX: I love the new styling and design, tech features and comfort. Source: Marcus Hampton, Lincoln sales specialist

Continued on page 58

bakersfieldlife.com

Continued from page 57

Bakersfield Life Magazine

May 2016

SFIELD CALIF OR

2015 RE

E R S’

CH O IC E

AN NI

Now another neat feature is the 360-degree camera and split-view display. In short, you get a view from four cameras – from the front, the side views and back. The split-view display merely expands the viewing to 180 degrees from the front or rear camera. It’s pretty snazzy. Now some may be wondering what about the power since I keep talking about this relaxing mode. There is power, trust me. The Lincoln MKX is packed with a new powertrain, featuring a 2.7-liter EcoBoost V-6 engine, delivering 335 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque. The balance between efficiency and performance is amazing, Hampton said. Yes, you have outdone yourself, Lincoln.

Feel the luxury of Rejuvenation.

2016 Lincoln MKX

At Lincoln, we call what we do the more human side of engineering. Which is why the Lincoln MKX fits as comfortably into the business world as it does into your personal life. With such luxuries as available 22-way multicontour front seats trimmed in Bridge of Weir Deepsoft™ leather, even the longest trips become enjoyable. Available Lincoln Drive Control with continuously controlled damping allows you to select from Normal, Sport and Comfort driving modes to suit your mood. It’s another feature that makes Lincoln MKX a smart choice – and makes driving for business a personally rewarding experience.

Jim Burke Lincoln, 5300 Gasoline Alley, Automall 661-837-6400 • jimburkelincoln.com Car Dealership

Bridge of Weir is a trademark of Bridge of Weir Leather Company Limited.

Automotive Service

bakersfieldlife.com

Lifestyles

ON THE ROAD

2017 Hyundai Elantra Limited Value-packed compact sedan ready to overtake the leaders

By Glenn Hammett A hexagonal grille is the focal point of the Elantraâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s newly designed exterior.

Photos by Mark Nessia

ften, when a car company promotes a model as being all new or completely redesigned, it really amounts to little more than new sheet metal and some updated safety features. Such is not the case with the 2017 Hyundai Elantra. About a year and a half ago, I test-drove the 2015 Elantra to review on these pages and I can assure you that not only has the Korean automaker taken a completely different approach to the design of its compact sedan, but the latest generation of the model is superior to the earlier model in nearly every way. While I admired the daring, curvy lines of the previous body design, the 2017 Elantra is more dignified. The bold curves have been replaced by more subtle horizon-

Bakersfield Life Magazine

May 2016

tal lines and the front end now features a prominent, more aggressive hexagonal-shaped grille. The refinements seen on the outside are reflective of improvements Hyundai has implemented throughout the car. In comparison to previous models, the interior is decidedly understated. The materials are of high quality and the emphasis is on function rather than flash. Climate, navigation and entertainment controls are thoughtfully grouped on to different areas and all buttons are large and clearly marked. I found that, at first glance, it was exceptionally easy to locate and activate the air conditioner, radio and safety features. Another significant area of improvement is ride quality. The new Elantra smoothes out chunky paveContinued on page 62

It’s all in the details Five best features: • Active bending headlights, • Convenient Smart Trunk • Cross traffic alert and blind spot indicator • Blue Link telematics • Infotainment system

City and highway mileage: 28 mpg city, 37 mpg highway

Base price: $22.350 As tested: $23,485 What makes the 2017 Elantra Limited stand out from other compact sedans? The Elantra is a refined sedan with standout roominess and styling.

Target customer: All age groups who want great mpg, practicality and reliability.

Three words that define the 2017 Hyundai Elantra Limited. Elegant, sporty and fun.

Source: Ismael Herrera, sales professional

Top: Apple CarPlay is one of the many standard technology features on the 2017 Elantra Limited. Center: Controls are clearly marked and easy to locate. Bottom: Hyundai has taken a more conservative, mature approach to the exterior design of the Elantra.

bakersfieldlife.com

Continued from page 60

A Medical Corp.

Kern County’s Largest Botox, Juvederm and Voluma Provider!

APRIL COOPER, R.N. AESTHETIC NURSE

TASHA BROWN GARCIA, R.N. AESTHETIC NURSE

DEBBIE ALTEPARMAKIAN, R.N. AESTHETIC NURSE

GREGORY KLIS, M.D. MEDICAL DIRECTOR

Bakersfield Life Magazine

May 2016

661-617-6101 • 1500 HAGGIN OAKS, SUITE 100

tech and safety features, and a sticker price of around $23,000, it’s hard to imagine that there is a better value out there.

medical aesthetics

The 2017 Hyundai Elantra Limited is equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels.

ment and potholes more like a midsize than a compact and cabin noise is almost nonexistent. The 2017 Elantra Limited is powered by a fuel-efficient 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. It gets an impressive 32 miles per gallon combined city/highway driving (28 city, 37 highway) and its 147 horsepower delivers quick acceleration that inspires confidence, both on the freeway and on city streets. The thing that shines brightest in the 2017 Elantra Limited is the long list of standard safety and tech features. From blind spot detection and rear cross-traffic alert, to Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, to the robust Blue Link service (Hyundai’s answer to OnStar), the standard features section on the widow sticker reads more like one a pricey luxury vehicle. The Hyundai Elantra has been closing in on the longtime leaders of the compact segment for several years, always priced lower but also trailing a bit in quality. This may be the year that changes. Compared to the previous incarnation, the 2017 Elantra is improved in every aspect and it might be enough to push it to the head of the class. With all ample interior space, a smooth ride, outstanding fuel economy, a massive collection standard of

We accept Visa, Mastercard, Discover and CareCredit

bakersfieldlife.com

Lifestyles

PA S T I M E S

Oh hey, nice henna Indian mehndi artist in the city By Laura Liera

Photos by Mark Nessia

To find the group on meetup.com, search: Henna Body Art Meetup @ Bakersfield.

f you’ve ever seen photos of traditional Indian weddings, you may have noticed the colorful attire and attention to detail in decorations. But the details don’t stop there. The bride probably has an elaborate henna design on her forearms, hands and feet. Henna – or mehndi – is a temporary skin decoration that has gained popularity in the U.S. in recent years. For Sharmila Rajeshwaran, 26, who moved from India to Bakersfield two years ago, henna is a tradition she said should be used by everyone. “Adding designs on your body makes you look more beautiful,” she said. Traditionally in rural areas in India, women grind fresh henna leaves on grinding stones with oils and then apply the paste on the body. Henna designs are applied during festive occasions like weddings, festivals, religious events and traditional ceremonies. When Rajeshwaran was a teen, she remembers that one of the five

Bakersfield Life Magazine

May 2016

days set aside for her cousin’s wedding was dedicated just for henna. That’s when she started designing her own henna and has continued the tradition ever since. “Every household in the villages has henna, no matter what,” she said. For weddings, it’s said that the darker the stain of henna on the brides skin, the more love she will receive from her husband, Rajeshwaran added. Now that she lives in Bakersfield, Rajeshwaran orders her henna cones online and does designs on local brides and friends. She recently started a Meetup account – an online networking portal that allows people interested in the same hobbies to meet up – and hopes to get more local people involved. Although henna designs can be intricate and detailed, Rajeshwaran said they could also be as simple as flowers. There are traditional Indian patterns that can be learned, all in practice, she added. For those that have never

had henna done, Rajeshwaran said to think about it as a temporary tattoo. Plus, the natural herbs are healthy for the skin and wash away in two to three weeks.

TH RE

E R S’

C H O IC E

SFIELD CALIF OR

2015 RE

E R S’

CH O IC E

AN NI

2014

SFIELD CALIF OR

AN NI

• Custom Blade-Free Lasik • Laser Cataract Surgery with Premium Lens Implants • Glaucoma Surgery • Eyelid Surgery • Botox, Juvaderm & Kybella • Comprehensive Eye Exam • Optical Boutique

bakersfieldlife.com

Lifestyles

HOME AND GARDEN

Wood floor renaissance Hardwood, laminate flooring enjoys surge in popularity among residents seeking style, comfort

By Diana Greenlee

hen Ruby and Johnny Herrera moved into their northwest Bakersfield home last summer, they said the flooring was one of the first things to go. “We really wanted it to look bigger and more open,” Ruby said of the home’s living areas. “We thought we wanted wood until we found out about the other options.” The couple’s response is typical, according to

Bakersfield Life Magazine

May 2016

Carpet Outlet Plus sales rep Pamela Bennett. She says people may be drawn to the look of a wood floor, but they sometimes find their budget and lifestyle alters their choice. Today’s laminate products not only rival the look of wood at half the cost, but Pam says they are more durable and attractive than ever. “Laminates are a lot more kid friendly and pet friendly; they don’t damage as easily as wood,” she said. “Now they’re beveled and distressed, and they are a fraction of the cost of hardwood.”

Flooring installer Eric Bennett, Pamela’s husband, says the products have improved so much over the last decade that laminate floors, made from synthetic wood or vinyl, are hard to distinguish from real wood, although they are still not optimal in areas where water poses a threat, such as in laundry or bathrooms. “If you have a dog and it’s not potty trained or if you have a spill, it may seep down into the seams and cause a blister,” he said. The installer said most laminates snap together and are “floated” and not glued down, so they can be changed out if necessary. But the best remedy is prevention, accord-

ing to Eric. Replacing washer, dryer and refrigerator hoses may avert disaster, and a $10 water line can thwart thousands of dollars of damage. Get the good ones. “You want the new braided water hoses,” he said. “They’re very thick and they don’t crack like plastic tubing or rubber hoses. You do not want oldfashioned tubing or even the copper.” It’s important to protect your assets, but when it comes to a return on investment, hardwood is the way to go. Pam said it’s like money in the bank. “Hardwood is the only flooring you can purchase that

Best Sunday Brunch

Best Place to Take Out-of-Town Guests

Continued on page 68

MORTGAGE COMPANY

bakersfieldlife.com

Continued from page 67

adds to the value of your home,” she said. Similar to laminates, hardwoods are manufactured in layers with the top being the species of the floor. Pam says folks are leaning toward darker floors, and interesting textures in hickory or maple are popular and practical choices. Eric cautions against choosing bamboo hardwoods though, as they may disappoint. “Bamboo is a recent trend, but Bakersfield is not the environment for bamboo flooring,” he said. “It’s too dry here, and it will shrink up to three-quarters of an inch away from the wall.” Location was also a factor in the Herreras’ flooring choice. Coming from Sacramento, Ruby said her allergies immediately kicked into overdrive when she got here, but the new flooring helped put the kibosh on her reactions. “The first six months I was always sick,” she said. “The floors make everything feel much warmer, and my allergies are much more controlled.”

$0 DOWN FINANCING AVAILABLE Bad Credit OK!

Bakersfield Life Magazine

May 2016

Kern County for voting us â&#x20AC;&#x153;Bestâ&#x20AC;? Physical Therapy Group over the last 8 years!

bakersfieldlife.com

Lifestyles

I N M Y C LO S E T

Stephen Goldwater The president of Emporium Western Store shares his favorite western finds By Laura Liera Photos by Jori C. Kinney

Age: 69 Background: As a kid, Stephen Goldwater roamed the floors of Emporium Western Store. His grandparents started the store in the heart of Bakersfield 107 years ago and it was only a matter of time before Goldwater took the reins. “It’s always been a good business because we have a Western lifestyle in Bakersfield,” he said.

What to wear: Five to six days a week, Goldwater sports the store’s merchandise, including boots. But when he’s not at the store, he sticks to Levi’s and T-shirts. Personal style: Classic. Stays away from bright colors and ripped jeans. Blue is his go-to color of choice and stays within the traditional Western look.

STEPHEN’S TOP FIVE PICKS

The vest shows the old-time Western look from the 1880s brought up to date for those who want to dress the frontier look as shown in this Scully brand.

A current popular look in men's shirts is a button-down collared shirt with patterns, such as this popular Cinch Brand.

1 4

Dress hats and fedoras are a fun way for a gentleman to set off his look, such as this one from Stetson Hat Company, but Emporium Western Store has a variety of cowboy hats as well.

Many accessories, such as rodeo belts and wallets, are quite popular and Emporium Western Store has many styles to choose from.

Bakersfield Life Magazine

May 2016

Emporium Western Store carries casual shoes made by boot companies so they have the support and comfort of a good boot.

I CAN’T BELIEVE I WAITED SO LONG.

I’m one of those people you hear say, “I’ve never been sick a day in my life.” But when a friend told me about the Heart Health Checkup at the Bakersfield Heart Hospital Women’s Heart Center, I gave it a try. Am I glad I did! I learned a lot about my risk factors for heart disease and how simple changes in my lifestyle could help me avoid a heart attack. Don’t wait like I did, get a Heart Health Checkup at the Bakersfield Heart Hospital Women’s Heart Center today.

Heart Health $ Checkup

only

Not covered by most insurance plans.

Includes:

- Screenings - Evaluation - Personalized Report

3001 SILLECT AVE, BAKERSFIELD, CA 93308 - 852-6200 - BAKERSFIELDHEARTHOSPITAL.COM

bakersfieldlife.com

Go & Do

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

American Idol winner ‘Letting You In’

PHOTOS COURTESY OF ASHTIN PAIGE

Kris Allen performs at Bakersfield Music Hall of Fame

By Sara Carey

ailing all the way from Conway, Arkansas, Kris Allen, “American Idol” season eight winner, will be playing a one-night-only performance at the Bakersfield Music Hall of Fame May 18, but this isn’t his first brush with Bakersfield. “A while back, my friend and I were driving through and we got pulled over for a minor ticket,” Allen said. “My

Bakersfield Life Magazine

May 2016

friend tried to pass it off as, ‘Hey, this is the winner of American Idol.’” The officer was not impressed, he added. Allen is as humble as they come, even when being crowned the winner of America’s most-watched reality show thrust an ordinary person into the immediate spotlight of millions. “There was definitely a lot of expectation. Like, ‘You won American Idol. You should probably be amazing.’ When really, I wasn’t. I was so green and new, and had a lot to learn,” he said.

And with “Letting You In” as his fourth post-Idol album, not only has Allen’s writing style evolved, so has his approach. “I definitely put a lot of pressure on myself back then, and I still put a lot on myself now, but it’s not as debilitating as it was before. Now, I essentially say what I want to say, write the songs I want to write, and I think this album shows that,” Allen said. Outside of his music, Allen continues to support philanthropic efforts around the world.

Immediately after his 2009 win, he wanted to contribute any way he could, so he spread himself a little too thin. “Now I’ve focused a bit more on things I really, really care about,” he said. “And a big part of that is going into impoverished places like Nairobi, Haiti, Rwanda and doing anything I can to make them better.” When he reflects on how his life could’ve turned out had he never auditioned, he said he would’ve pursued his business degree. “But it would’ve felt like I was giving up, almost giving in to just being a person that was OK with doing that kind of job,” Allen said. With his album and lead single, “Waves” now available, he said he’s most looking forward to performing his new songs for the very first time. “That’s kind of the release for me, getting to see the crowd enjoying the music and singing along,” he said, “It’s a realization that I’m where I’m supposed to be, and I’m doing what I’m supposed to be doing.”

LIFORNIA

I RS’ CHO

r s’ C h oi c e

RSFIELD CALIF OR N

2009

ERS

O ’ C H O IC E P

SFIELD CALIF OR

2010 EA

O R S’ C H O I C E P

SFIELD CALIF OR

AN NI

2014

N COUNT

L IFORNIA

AN NI

N’

For nominating Little Red School House “Best Day Care Facility” in the 2016 Readers’ Choice Poll. We appreciate the trust you have placed in us for the past 48 years. Congratulations to our staff for a great job! Now Accepting Registrations

N IA

N COUNT

ERS’ CHOI

Tickets $25

N’

May 18 Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Show at 7:30 p.m.

Thank You Kern County

Bakersfield Music Hall of Fame 2230 Q St.

Kris Allen

L I F O R NI A

N’

E R S’

SFIELD CALIF OR

2015

N COUNT

rs’ C h oice

AN NI

CH O IC E

2005

E R S’

CH O IC E

Best Day Care Facility

Little Red School House

4601 California Ave. • 4601 Fruitvale Ave.

324-5774

588-2227

bakersfieldlife.com

Go & Do

OUT AND ABOUT

Condor Challenge CALM’s new obstacle course soars high

By Sara Carey

PHOTO BY FELIX ADAMO

ow there’s no need to get out of town for an adventure – it’s right in your own backyard. California Living Museum’s brand-new high ropes course and outdoor climbing tower, The Condor Challenge, is now open. Unveiled during its annual Spring Fling celebration, the two-part obstacle course remains unparalleled in Bakersfield. Steve Sanders, chief of staff at Superintendent of Schools, has overseen the operations of CALM for seven years now. With a lifelong passion for the outdoors and wildlife, Sanders said he has been one of the strongest advocates of the program because he believes in the ideas it promotes. Designed to encourage trust, confidence, cooperation and agility, the Condor Challenge is a feat for everyone to partake in – not just seasoned athletes. The course was built with all types in mind: individuals and teams, kids and adults. “We see the Condor Challenge as another way to get more people out in nature and having fun being active, no matter who you are,” Sanders said. The 32-foot tall rock wall overlooks the entire park, boasting two climbing faces decorated with color-coordinated handholds based on levels of difficulty. Likewise, the

Bakersfield Life Magazine

May 2016

high ropes course consists of separate high and low elements designed for different abilities and goals. Guests can choose to take on the high course elements, including cables, nets, bridges and poles that soar up to 35 feet, or attempt the low course elements, developing their balance and agility and highlighting team cooperation. One of the largest crowddrawers is called The Leap. A daunting segment of the high ropes course, participants must stand atop a narrow pole

and jump out to catch a swinging trapeze. Sanders described it as crazy and said: “That one scares me so bad. We had a home-school group out here, and a 7-year-old girl climbed all the way to the top. She was too small to try and make the leap, but she climbed up there. That’s 20 feet.” Even though the Condor Challenge has only been open for a month, the response from both kids and parents has already been overwhelmingly positive. “People tell me their arms are really sore, but it was definitely worth it,” Sanders said. He hopes the two new additions will continue to be big attractions and make the zoo a fun-filled destination. “I’m trying to get people to go out there and take pictures, put it on Facebook, Snapchat,” he added.

bakersfieldlife.com

Go & Do

TRIP PLANNER

Back to the Roots Copenhagen features acclaimed chef on mission to reinvent Nordic cuisine

Story by Jordyn Hammett Photos courtesy of Jordyn Hammett

ne of the joys of traveling to a foreign country is delving into the local food scene, discovering new flavors and textures, and understanding the cultural, geographical and environmental factors that shape the area’s cuisine. Jesper Kirketerp is one of the most highly acclaimed chefs in Copenhagen and is leading the movement to reinvent Nordic cuisine. Locally grown ingredients and simplicity are the cornerstones of the ever-changing menu at his restaurant named Radio. Chef Jesper has quite the resume. He was a sous chef under Rene Redezepi at Noma (world’s best restaurant 2010-2012, 2014, second best 2013), chef at Michelin-star restaurant MR and assistant chef at renowned Nordic restaurant Geranium. Now Jesper runs Radio, a foodie’s dream dining destination. Named after the old government radio house across the street, Radio opened after the recession

Bakersfield Life Magazine

May 2016

THANK YOU

KERN COUNTY

For Your Votes & Your Trust

Facing page: Chef Jesper and the exterior of his restaurant Radio.

It has been our pleasure to serve the remodeling needs of our community for the past 13 years. The BEST part, we found friendships along the way! We will look forward to building many more friendships as we improve your homes for many years to come! AK

in 2008 when Claus Meyer (Noma co-owner and major food pioneer), chef Rasmus Kliim, and Jesper came together with an idea to change and modernize the Nordic food scene. Noma opened in 2003 and started the current trend to redefine Nordic cuisine. Jesper takes it a step further by creating courses based on seasonal ingredients that are simpler and less expensive, making the food more accessible. Under Jesper, practicality and simplicity do not compromise taste. Jesper has ingredients grown in a

greenhouse in Ballerup, located just 20 minutes outside Copenhagen. He also relishes the cold waters of Scandinavia and their ability to heighten salty flavors of the seafood, which is a staple in a Danish diet. The goal is to utilize ingredients that connect the diner to the land. Seasonal change plays a vital role in how Jesper brainstorms a new menu. Since the menu changes every three weeks, he faces many challenges with planning new courses. How long does the menu planning process Continued on page 78

SFIELD CALIF OR

14 2014

E R S’

CH O IC E

AN NI

This page: Chef Jesper takes it a step further by creating courses based on seasonal ingredients that are simpler and less expensive, making the food more accessible.

661-837-1117 or visit us online at

DreamMakerBakersfield.com 5880 District Blvd. Suite 19 • Insured W.C./Liab. • Lic # 548785

bakersfieldlife.com

Continued from page 77

take? “It really depends on the season,” he said. “Sometimes it can take me one day and other times it can take me a week. I am constantly thinking ahead on the next menu. We are actually changing menus next week, but I am already thinking of the change after this one.” Jesper also puts a lot of effort into prepping courses each night. He explained that prepping for one dinner service takes most of his time and effort. “We usually start prepping at 10 a.m. and do not stop until 5:30 p.m., right when service begins.” The tastes of Radio are intricate and complex. A dessert I had on one visit consisted of gooseberries, dill oil, sugar pickled cucumber, milk ice cream and crispy honey flakes. This may sound like a plate of random, mismatched ingredients, but the combination of flavors was incredible and Jesper was able to maintain the identity

and integrity of each ingredient. True to the Scandinavian minimalism esthetic, Radio’s interior features beautifully refurbished wood planking on the walls, well-structured functional seating and simple lighting. Radio gives diners a fourstar dining experience without a four-star price, with threeand five-course menus ranging from 300-400 Danish kroner ($45-$60) without juice or wine pairings. Drinks, nonalcoholic and alcoholic, cost between 120-400 Danish kroner ($18$60). Prices include all taxes and gratuities and are reasonable by Copenhagen standards. “I mainly focus on being able to make food that anyone can eat, from university students to the elderly. I make meals that anyone with any dietary backgrounds can come in and eat. There is always something for everybody,” Jesper said.

American Jewelry 14090714 Set in the sun-washed hills of northeast Bakersfield, Bakersfield Country Club is a private family club providing social and recreational activities for its members and their guests.

Many golf, tennis and social events keep the calendar busy year round.

For information and a tour of this outstanding club and facilities contact member services at 661-871-4000 or visit Bakersfield CountryClub.com for a virtual tour.

4200 Country Club Drive • Bakersfield, CA 93306 78

Bakersfield Life Magazine

May 2016

Radio Restaurant Julius Thomsens Gade 12 1632 Copenhagen Denmark (+45) 2510 2733 info@restaurantradio.dk www.restaurantradio.dk

2300 Eye Street (Across f rom Rite Aide)

661.327.9999 www.reddoor-interiors.com HOURS: MONDAY-FRIDAY 10-6 • SATURDAY 10-5 • SUNDAY CLOSED

Equity 1 Loans 34 Years Of Happy Repeat Borrowers

5405 Stockdale Hwy. Suite 108 • Bakersfield, CA 93309

661-398-9382 • www.Equity1Loans.com

Hablo English & Español | “CA Bureau of Real Estate” Broker Lic#00707520

bakersfieldlife.com

B Well

Katie Camp and Nick Panici do partner medicine ball situps at Fit for Life Gym.

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

Body confidence in the making Compiled by Bakersfield Life

Photos by Mark Nessia

NICK The struggle continues but in a refreshingly good way. I am starting to realize how difficult planning a wedding could be and how amazing Katie has been through this process. I am learning a great deal about what it means to be supportive in and out of the gym. 80

Bakersfield Life Magazine

May 2016

So I am learning how to get in shape physically and emotionally. Change is noticeable in both areas but still in great need of growth. Eating healthy is becoming part of my lifestyle. At the beginning, it was difficult to give up a lot of my favorite foods, especially chips, but the cravings have started to dissipate along with my gut. Katie and I have invested in some meal prep food bags that keep our meals in appropriate sizes and make it easy to be on the go while still being healthy. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m looking forward to finding a new slim-cut suit and being the best version of me on our wedding day. I have just started a new 12-week program that requires being in the gym six days a week. It sounds like a lot but I genuinely look forward to it every day.

Now located at

Office of Edmund Fisher MD, FACS 661-323-6200 5301 Truxtun Ave Ste 200, Bakersfield CA • 661-619-6836 Appointments Now Available

KATIE The mental struggle is almost worse than the physical struggle some days. Your mind sometimes causes you to feel inadequate or like you’re not doing enough. I have to constantly keep repeating my favorite verse, Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” and push further toward the end result. Right off the bat, I did great — I lost five pounds and then six, but there was more lean tissue removed than fat. Tim made a modification, in an effort to start muscle building, and then I gained weight and was discouraged. In time, I’ve realized it’s not about the number on the scale, but instead about how you feel and how you look. Continued on page 82

bakersfieldlife.com

Continued from page 81

Nick has been very supportive with super healthy dinners and we are able to encourage each other with our new meal prep bags. All the little efforts – protein power, fish oil, vitamin C, vitamin D, multiple workouts and meal prep – seem overwhelming at first, but once you get into a rhythm, it’s just a part of our daily routine now. I do see my arms starting to take shape and that makes me feel encouraged about wearing a sleeveless wedding dress, which I still have to find!

LOGO

BA K ER S F I EL D ’ S ZO O & G A R DEN

Open Daily 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (661) 872-2256 10500 Alfred Harrell Hwy., Bakersfield, CA

www.CALMzoo.org 82

Bakersfield Life Magazine

May 2016

indulgence Package Includes:

Spa Package

• Hydrating Facial (60-min.) • Swedish Massage (50-min.) • Finishing Touch Makeup or Scalp Massage • Gourmet Chocolates & Champagne

149

(40% Savings)

Your Choice: Gel with Express Manicure, Kérastase Treatment & Blow-out Style, or Men’s Haircut * Expires Oct. 31, 2016. Certain terms and conditions apply.

Best Logo Here

Purchase in-store, online or by phone The Marketplace | 9000 Ming Ave. K7 | 661.654.0321 | EdaySpas.com

bakersfieldlife.com

B Well

FIT AND FRESH

Fresh bites in Bakersfield Eating healthy not as tough as you might think By Sally Baker and Katie Kirschenmann

Photo by Sally Baker

rriving from England a couple of decades ago, I am constantly overwhelmed by the abundance of beautiful, easily available, inexpensive produce that is for sale everywhere in Bakersfield. Growing up, an orange in the fruit bowl was a treat, probably imported from Israel. The cost of an avocado is crazy. Locally, this availability is taken for granted and somewhat under-appreciated. I constantly hear from people in conversation how they don’t have time to think about eating healthy, cannot afford to buy the healthy stuff and don’t know what to do with it. I try to calmly explain that eating healthy is easy 84

Bakersfield Life Magazine

May 2016

and inexpensive. Of course, you may pay a little more for the packaging of those three zucchinis in a wrapped tray or the bag of sweet potatoes at Trader Joe’s or Lassens, but don’t be afraid to jump in, grab a bag and sack your own by the pound, inspecting each one. Today, I brought home this harvest for $23.21 from Vallarta Supermarkets. My basket is stuffed with wonderful nutritious items, including 2 pounds of strawberries, limes, red and yellow onions; fresh salsa; kiwi (five for $1); green onions (three for $1); cilantro (four bunches for $1); avocados; bananas; squash; cantaloupe; pinto bean; and enchilada sauce, plus, of course, warm corn tortillas. So many options here for tacos, salads, lunch pail fruit and items for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

OUR TOP FIVE HEALTHY AND FAMILY FRIENDLY GROCERY STOPS:

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

Gables Residential Care Homes

5. Vallarta Supermarkets Vallarta market has mounds of fresh produce at prices that can’t be beat. The juice bar alone is worth the trip. “Vampiro” is our favorite veggie juice blend. Give it a try. 4. Costco Be careful. Never enter a Costco without a detailed plan of action. Time and again I find myself pouring things into my cart that I clearly I don’t need. Costco produce is abundant, fresh and usually local. The meat and seafood department is fabulous, especially for larger families and occasions when you’re feeding a group.

The Meadows • 10702 Four Bears Dr. RCFE No. 157204176

3. Vons Recently, conventional grocery stores have gotten on the organic and locally grown food bandwagon. We have had good luck with the organic produce that Vons has to offer. 2. Lassens Natural Food and Vitamins Lassens is particularly good if you have a family member with food allergies. Lassens carries the largest and most convenient selections of gluten-free and dairy-free alternatives in Bakersfield. The salad bar is absolutely the best. 1. Trader Joe’s Trader Joe’s is our go-to grocery stop. While the produce isn’t always top notch (it can be hit or miss sometimes), the bagged salad greens are the best. “Power Greens,” “Tuscan Kale,” “Baby Kale,” “Cruciferous Crunch” and “Broccoli Slaw” are on our grocery lists every week. The bags last in the fridge and are a convenient way to step up our salad game.

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.

WHERE TO RUN THIS MONTH

MCFARLAND USA MARATHON May 1 Veteran’s Memorial Hall, 103 W. Sherwood Ave., McFarland www.active.com CARTER’S WALK 4 CURED May 14 Yokuts Park, Empire Drive active.com RUN & RIDE WITH THE WIND May 15 Centennial Plaza, 115 S. Robinson St., Tehachapi www.active.com

KERN COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE EMPLOYEES’ BENEFIT ASSOCIATION HONOR RUN AND CROSSFIT CHALLENGE May 21 Hart Park 7000 Alfred Harrell Highway www.active.com BLACK LIGHT RUN May 21 Blaze Stadium, 4009 Chester Ave. www.blacklightrun.co m/bakersfield

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

W H AT H A P P E N S W H E N . . .

You boost your mood By Kate Leonard

Getting down and dirty while gardening is the best ‘upper’ with your body naturally producing serotonin, a happy chemical that keeps depression at bay.

e have all been told that exercise and a healthy eating habit is not only important for your body but your mood. True, but you don’t have to take the plunge into a new fad diet or exercise to get your body and your mood where it needs to be so you can have a happy, healthy body. When we exercise, our body releases “feel good hormones,” known as endorphins, which helps our minds stay healthy said Sean Kenny, health and wellness manager at GEMCare. We are naturally releasing endorphins. Endorphins inhibit the movement of pain signals, which can lead us to having a feeling of euphoria. Exercising most days for simply 30 minutes can change your mood. “You’re physically tired, but mentally you feel energized,” Kenny said. If exercise is something that doesn’t work for you, it’s not your only option. Sometimes all it takes is just moving around, whether it’s washing your car or gardening. The key is just to move. But exercise is not the only mood booster. There are certain types of food and vitamins that can help boost the brain as well. Doctor Amira Ayad at San Joaquin Community Hospital says that there is a great connection between mood and food. We should be looking at the

Bakersfield Life Magazine

May 2016

food with a high level of tryptophan. This includes fish and meat. Ayad states that we should have a healthy diet of “smart carbs” which include whole grains and vegetables, and also a healthy amount of protein-rich food. The tryptophan goes inside the brain and pushes the serotonin but-

ton. Serotonin is then used to help boost our mood, sending good vibes to how we feel. If monitoring your food intake is too exhausting, maybe try vitamins or supplements. Ayad recommended taking fish oil vitamins, vitamin D and vitamin B.

Foods to boost your mood Dark Chocolate Eating dark chocolate – 1.4 ounces to be exact – every day for two weeks reduces stress hormones.

Salmon Essential omega-3 fatty acids, which is important for energy production, brain activity and circulation.

Coconut Utilized by the body to actually produce energy rather than store it as fat.

Ginger tea Filled with antioxidants and nutrients that will give you that afternoon boost.

Almonds, cashews and hazelnuts High in magnesium, which plays a major role in converting sugar into energy, and are also filled with fiber to keep your blood sugar levels even. Source: foodmatters.tv

A big thanks to all of our loyal members. You inspire us!

Amenities and facilities vary by location.

visit inshape.com to see what’s going on in your club bakersfieldlife.com

B Well

YO U R B O DY

5 TIPS TO HELP YOU KEEP ACTIVE AT WORK Take small standing breaks When your phone rings, you could stand up to answer it and remain standing during the call. Consider switching to a standing desk in your office.

Take walking breaks Walk to a coworker’s office instead of calling or emailing. Suggest a walking meeting next time you and co-workers schedule a get-together. Experts suggest that even two minutes of walking per hour can be beneficial– so set your timer and go.

Bike or walk to work If you don’t live close enough to bike or walk the entire commute, try walking for at least part of your travel time. Park farther from your building or choose a higher level in the parking garage.

Get moving Staying active in a sedentary job

Take the stairs The more you climb, the easier it will get. Avoid elevators as much as possible.

Practice yoga Try to squeeze in a few yoga poses or stretches throughout your workday. Yoga can improve posture and increase muchneeded energy. Source: health.mil.

By Laura Liera

ave you gotten your 10,000 steps in today? It’s not uncommon to have a job that requires you to sit for nearly eight hours these days. But how do you keep from living a sedentary life when you sit in front of a computer for half of your day? Doctor Emmanuel Strategos of Adventist Health Physicians Network, said the key is to keep it

Bakersfield Life Magazine

May 2016

simple. Start by walking for 30 minutes every day for a month. “The more complicated it is, the less likely you are to do it, so simplicity is what gets you going and keeps you going,” he said. Making bad habits are easier to make than good habits so the toughest step is just that first one. With jobs becoming automated, people are not as physically active as they were a few decades ago. People who have been inactive for many years could see an increase in weight, physical weakness, muscle loss and even fall into depression, Strategos noted. Health problems like heart disease and diabetes are not generally caused by our lifestyle per se, but are affected by our lifestyle.

“Those that are prone to diabetes may get it a lot earlier if they are less active and less engaged,” Strategos said. That’s why keeping simple goals at the beginning is key. Once you start walking every day for a month you can set another goal for the following month. Perhaps jogging and working up to running. Strategos said it’s not about the distance but the time. But remember: If you hate to run, don’t run. Find something that will give you the same workout but that’s enjoyable. At work, take the stairs instead of the elevator. Maybe even take your sneakers to work and walk around your building a few times during lunch.

BEST HOTEL BEST BAR

ROMANTIC RESTAURANT SUNDAY BRUNCH

bakersfieldlife.com

B Well

LOV E A N D L I F E

Superha’s favorite things Story and photo by Nina Ha

ll singing aside, Bakersfield holds a very special place in my heart. It's where my husband and I bought our first home. It’s where we’ve made lifetime friendships. It’s where we started a family. It's where we found our faith in Christ. It’s where we make memories with people we love. In short, it’s home. I grew up around the Los Angeles area, where errands were solitary and uneventful. In Bakersfield, it’s rare for me to go anywhere without running into a friend. I love that this city of approximately 375,000 people still has a smalltown feel amidst its metropolitan backdrop. Bakersfield is a great place to live and raise a family. My husband, Benjamin, appreciates the ease of driving around town. And, he adds, “I love Bakersfield because you really feel like you’re part of a community.” It’s also full of hidden and well-known gems to suit residents

t 'SFTI /BUVSBM 'SVJUT t 1SFNJVN *OHSFEJFOUT t %JSFDU %FMJWFSZ t )BOENBEF %BJMZ t "TTPSUFE 'MBWPST t 'VOESBJTJOH 0QQPSUVOJUJFT

and visitors alike. One popular eatery our family enjoys is Luigi’s Italian Restaurant. There’s a must-try nut-encrusted salmon that’s not even on the menu and only available on Thursdays by request in limited quantities – but you didn't hear it from me. Equally sumptuous is Thai House on Ming Avenue. Our daughter, a selfproclaimed pad Thai connoisseur, says theirs is the best in town. After I pick up the kids from their school, where the staff teaches with heart, we enjoy spending time at The Village at Seven Oaks. We play Yahtzee with the super seniors who live at the posh assisted living facility. And, Relax in Style, an at-home massage business, is a fantastic Bakersfield secret that I just revealed. But, beyond all the amazing establishments, a town is nothing if not its people. And the people of Bakersfield are the most generous and most philanthropic people I’ve ever met. We give to fight cancer, raise awareness for heart disease and bring meals to those who need it most. Bakersfield is home. And for me, it’s life as it should be. PHOTO BY APRIL MASSIRIO

Champagne cake from Smith's and macarons from De Coeur Storytime with kids at the local bookstore Strolling around River Walk in the spring These are a few of my favorite things! When Valley fever and air quality Has me feeling sad I simply remember these Bakersfield things And then I don't feel so bad.

Opinions expressed in this column are those of Nina Ha.

Nina Ha

Kid-Friendly, Mom Approved, Healthy, Refreshing Treats!

“Fresh is our main ingredient!”

of great food and service in Bakersfield

To Go Orders 661.323.8801 1415 24th Street Family Owned est. 1980

1317 Niles Street www.larosafruitbars.com 661-323-6877 90

Bakersfield Life Magazine

May 2016

www.24thStreetCafe.com

Breakfast

World-renowned treatment for burns Right here in Bakersfield Memorial Hospital is now home to the Grossman Burn Center, renowned for its pioneering techniques that help burn survivors recover faster. The Grossman Burn Center at Memorial Hospital will be a comprehensive program that will offer expanded services including an 8-bed inpatient unit with 4 ICU level and 4 medical/surgical level beds, catastrophic burn care, pediatric intensive care burn services, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and a dedicated operating room, in addition to an ambulatory clinic. Making this level of care available in Bakersfield means that more burn survivors will have a place at home to receive treatment. The comprehensive center at Memorial Hospital will offer: • Acute care • Reconstruction • Rehabilitation • Psychological support Call 661-323-BURN (2876) for more information or visit dignityhealth.org/bakersfield.

DOWNTOWN

HAGGIN OAKS

MARKETPLACE

MILL ROCK

CalBRE#01929732

CalBRE#01866121

CalBRE#0192932

1712 19th Street, Suite 200

1500 Haggin Oaks Blvd.

9000 Ming Ave., Suite L-5

1518 Mill Rock Way

(661) 322-7000

(661) 282-8980

(661) 412-0900

(661) 735-8600

Iliana Hernandez Abbas

Abbot Mill Rock

Martha Acosta

Ryan Ahn

Deborah Alexander

Frances Alindajao

Lucas Alindajao

Mary K. Allen

Martin Alup

Miriam Alvarez

Tara Alvarez

Mill Rock

Doug

Mill Rock

Northwest

Marketplace

Downtown

Northwest

Mill Rock

Northwest

Rebekah Banta

Anna Banuelos

Jeff Barnhard

Jesus Barraza-Torres

Lee Barrison

Gurinder Basra

Jagpreet “Jimmy” Singh Basra

Dalia Beckman

Cynthia Behill

Jessica Benitez

Saul Bernal

Marketplace

Panama

Marketplace

Downtown

Truxtun

Marketplace

Panama

Truxtun

Northwest

Panama

Esmeralda Cardenas

Gregory Carlson

Gary Carruesco

Korina Cera

Jorge Chavez

Betsy Chavez

Jessica Chester

Michelle Church

Mona Cimental

Cissy Clark

Connie Cohen

Northwest

Panama

Northwest

Panama

Northwest

Mill Rock

Downtown

Victor Delgadillo

JD Dennis

Sonia Derryberry

Amy Diaz

Sandra Dominguez

Julie Domlao

Valerie Driesen

Brenda Duckworth

Felice Durazo

Martha Elizondo

Alejandra Elliott

Downtown

Northwest

Marketplace

Downtown

Panama

Downtown

Haggin Oaks

Panama

Marketplace

Downtown

Mill Rock

Mike Franey

Gary Frausto, Jr.

David Fuentes

Jessica Fuentes

Vickie Gage

Lourdes Galsim

Marco Garay

Jesus Garcia

Javier Garibay

Jessie Ghuman

Greg Giambo

Northwest

Truxtun

Panama

Marketplace

Panama

Mill Rock

Northwest

Panama

Northwest

Panama

Northwest

Jon Green

Jacquelynn Gregg

Maria Gregory

Tiffany Guerrero

Debbie Guill

Pete Guillen

Ryan Haddada

Stacy Harrison

Veronique Hayes

Emily Hazelwood

Krisi Heriford

Northwest

Haggin Oaks

Mill Rock

Northwest

Mill Rock

Northwest

Mill Rock

Northwest

Truxtun

Mill Rock

www.MiramarRealtyCA.com Ranked #29 Brokerage in California and top-3% of Brokerages Nationwide

Yvonne Johnson-Morris Downtown

Bakersfield Life Magazine

May 2016

NORTHWEST

PANAMA LANE

CalBRE#01866121

CalBRE#01906730

TRUXTUN AVENUE CalBRE#01929732

3512 Coffee Road, Suite A

4831 Panama Lane, Suite A3

3434 Truxtun Avenue, Suite 155

(661) 588-1989

(661) 412-9130

(661) 377-3726

REAL ESTATE COMPANY

Carolyn Anderson

Rhonda Anderson

Kerry Anderson

Rob Anderson

Alicia Angelini

Lidia Aranda

Anna Duarte Armendariz

Gary Ashbee

Larry Aspeitia

Tony Ayon

Trevor Bachik

Downtown

Mill Rock

Northwest

Mill Rock

Downtown

Mill Rock

Downtown

Northwest

Fernando Bocanegra

Annemarie Braun

Sonia Bravo

Pamela Brennan

Lisa Brown

Rebecca Brownlee

Steve Brunswick

Martin Buchanan

Jon Busby

Jenny Cameron

Judy Camp

Downtown

Haggin Oaks

Downtown

Marketplace

Downtown

Mill Rock

Downtown

Mill Rock

Saron Collom

Athena Collup

Moises Contreras

Cheyne Crowne

Danielle Cox

Josephine Cullison

Stacey Dale

Bridget Daugherty

Mehdi Davary

Ampelia Davies

Shane DeBerti

Northwest

Mill Rock

Northwest

Downtown

Northwest

Mill Rock

Truxtun

Downtown

John Epperly

Pam Epps

Javier Esparza

John Esquibias

David Fabrizius

Eduardo Farfan

Maria Ferrero

Rogelio Flores

Susan Ford

Thomas Ford

John Franey

Northwest

Truxtun

Panama

Downtown

Marketplace

Northwest

Marketplace

Northwest

Lorena Giambo

Joe Goings

Francisco Gomez

Lucio Gonzalez

Monica Gonzalez

Amy Gonzalez

Ralph Gonzalez

Rosario Gonzalez

John Thomas Goon

Angela Granheim

Heidi Gray

Northwest

Downtown

Panama

Downtown

Mill Rock

Northwest

Mill Rock

Northwest

Miguel Hernandez

Gustavo Hidalgo

Edwin Hidalgo

Fran Hitchcock

Alyson Holcombe

Lorraine Holguin

Tara Hughes

Annette Huston

Alicia Imp

Carol Irvin

Jeff Jackson

Downtown

Panama

Haggin Oaks

Downtown

Marketplace

Mill Rock

Haggin Oaks

Mill Rock

Haggin Oaks

Local Agents, Local Owners, Local Leaders Cari Josue Northwest

bakersfieldlife.com

DOWNTOWN

HAGGIN OAKS

MARKETPLACE

MILL ROCK

CalBRE#01929732

CalBRE#01866121

CalBRE#0192932

1712 19th Street, Suite 200

1500 Haggin Oaks Blvd.

9000 Ming Ave., Suite L-5

1518 Mill Rock Way

(661) 322-7000

(661) 282-8980

(661) 412-0900

(661) 735-8600

Cesar Juarez

Manjit Kaur

Anthony Kessler

Jennifer Kind

John Klawikowski

Kala Knox

Barbara Konnoff

Lee Kootstra

Babby Kurian

Michelle Layus/Valverde

Troy Lei

Downtown

Panama

Northwest

Mill Rock

Northwest

Marketplace

Downtown

Mill Rock

Northwest

Donny Martin

Susan Martin

Sundee Martineau

Danny Martinez

Evelyn Martinez

Lisa Martinez

Martin Martinez

Cheryl Mauck

Martin Mayorga

Leanne McCracken

Nikki McFerran

Northwest

Downtown

Mill Rock

Northwest

Marketplace

Mill Rock

Downtown

Mill Rock

Downtown

Bobby Moreno

Steffany Morgan

Stephen Moynier

Shelley Murphy

Carol Naval

Rachael Newell

Ronda Newport

Walt Newport

Lori Ochoa

Dee Oliver

Kevin Oliver

Marketplace

Downtown

Haggin Oaks

Northwest

Panama

Marketplace

Mill Rock

Marketplace

Marketplace0

Haggin Oaks

Merv Rash

Bradley Reese

Samuel Reyna

Laura Rice

Erin Richardson

Miare Rispoli

Debi Roberson

Brandon Roberson

Donna Rogers

Cheri Romero

Estie Ronk

Haggin Oaks

Marketplace

Downtown

Northwest

Downtown

Truxtun

Mill Rock

Northwest

Mill Rock

Marketplace

Downtown

Swaran Sidhu

Jeanie Sims

Christopher Smith

Lori Sommerfeld

Darrell Sparks

DeeDee Sparks

Robert Spasiano

Ashley Spasiano

Michael Still

Ziola Stowe

Jana Sylvester

Northwest

Marketplace

Mill Rock

Northwest

Truxtun

Haggin Oaks

Northwest

Linda Urmston

Sue Urner

Lindsey Ursery

Keith Van Dam

Pablo Vargas

Silvia Vargas

Kent Vaughn

Terrie Vaughn

Judy Vega

Joseph Velasquez

Benny Villarreal

Northwest

Haggin Oaks

Downtown

Truxtun

Mill Rock

Truxtun

Northwest

www.MiramarRealtyCA.com Ranked #29 Brokerage in California and top-3% of Brokerages Nationwide

Darwin Young Mill Rock

Bakersfield Life Magazine

May 2016

NORTHWEST

PANAMA LANE

CalBRE#01866121

CalBRE#01906730

TRUXTUN AVENUE CalBRE#01929732

3512 Coffee Road, Suite A

4831 Panama Lane, Suite A3

3434 Truxtun Avenue, Suite 155

(661) 588-1989

(661) 412-9130

(661) 377-3726

REAL ESTATE COMPANY

Kyle Lessley

John Lindsay

Marc Luter

John Machado

Raymond Maese

Bob Malkin

Marie Grace Mamaradlo

Iman Amy Mansour

Veronica Mariscal

Cesar Marquez

Jacob Marquez

Northwest

Marketplace

Downtown

Marketplace

Mill Rock

Marketplace

Downtown

Haggin Oaks

Shawn McQuilliams

Jacob Medina

Patty Mehlberg

Johnathan Mejia

Bill Mell

Fernando Mendoza

Jacob Miller

Tracie Miller

Juan Jose Monsalvo

Jodi Moore

Dave Morales

Marketplace

Panama

Marketplace

Downtown

Northwest

Panama

Northwest

Panama

Mill Rock

Northwest

Mary Oliver

Lori Olson

Michael O’Neill

Elaine Opie

Michelle Overstreet

Rosario Paez

Teresa Perez

Ronald Phillips

Jill Pinhiero

J.P. Porter

David Powell

Downtown

Northwest

Downtown

Northwest

Marketplace

Mill Rock

Marketplace

Alberto Salinas

Martina Sanchez

Natasha Sanchez

Jennifer Scheidle

Jeri Schueler

Victoria Shaffer

Ray Shannon

Dima Shahin

Dan Shanyfelt

Basema Shurbaji

Harpreet “Harry” Sidhu

Truxtun

Panama

Marketplace

Northwest

Mill Rock

Downtown

Northwest

Jessica Szczeck

Timmy Tan

Adam Teagarden

Pattie Tibbs

Tracy Tibbs

Bart Tipton

Tracey Tipton

Jatinder Toor

Johnny Turner

Rebeca Umana-Banuelos

Tonia Upshaw

Mill Rock

Downtown

Northwest

Mill Rock

Marketplace

Northwest

Marketplace

Downtown

Marketplace

Jeff Ward

Amanda Watts

Dan Wells

Linda Wells

Sylvia Wells

Grant Wong

Kenny Wood

Staci Wright

Lynne Wright

Ana Ybarra

Diana Ybarra

Haggin Oaks

Mill Rock

Northwest

Downtown

Panama

Mill Rock

Haggin Oaks

Marketplace

Truxtun

Northwest

Crystal Heyart

Valerie Saldana

Haggin Oaks

Marketplace

Local Agents, Local Owners, Local Leaders bakersfieldlife.com

B A KE R S FIE LD e asked. You voted. With more than 50 categories and a little more than 200 winners and favorites, you decided your favorite places to shop, play, drink and eat in a variety of categories. The winners in the 2016 Best Of Readers’ Choice Poll made this list because you voted for the places you trust and make Bakersfield the charming city it is today. Once the votes were cast, we categorized them in these areas: Food & Drink; Shop; Go & Do; At Your Service; and Mind, Body and Spirit. Join us in toasting the city’s best cocktails and pristine businesses and experience Bakersfield’s best.

bakersfieldlife.com

Eat & Drink B A KE RS FIELD

Best Chinese Restaurant Best Bakery

Bill Lee’s Bamboo Chopsticks

Smith’s Bakeries 2808 Union Ave. • 661-325-6357 • www.smithsbakeries.com

1203 18th St. 661-324-9441 www.billlees.com

Smith’s Bakeries have been treating us with their sweets since 1945. Their signature treats can be found in five different locations around town. • Every morning, we make 1,300 smiley cookies a day and about 54,000 Christmas cookies during the holidays. They are all made and iced by hand. • Our most popular cake flavor is still chocolate. Banana nut comes in close

From takeout to catering, Bill Lee’s Bamboo Chopsticks has been serving the most authentic Chinese food in Bakersfield since 1938. • Our No. 1 dishes include our fried shrimp and barbecue spareribs. • At our lounge, you have to try our signature mai tai. The blended drinks are served in our signature tiki mug. • One of our busiest times is dinner on the weekends. • The best part of owning a restaurant in Bakersfield is seeing happy faces when they enjoy our food and getting to know local families. – Sherman Lee, owner

Bakersfield Life Magazine

May 2016

after chocolate. • Every morning, we have someone that arrives to the bakery at 1 a.m. to turn on the ovens. From 2 to 4 a.m., our baking and decorating crew comes in to start working. • Christmas, Valentine’s Day and Halloween are our busiest times of year for cake orders. – Jim Balmain, owner

Best Bakery

Best BBQ Restaurant

Winner Smith’s Bakeries Favorite Sweet Surrender Favorite Sugar Twist Bakery

Winner Salty’s BBQ & Catering Favorite Lucille’s Favorite Famous Dave’s

Best Bar

Best Breakfast Restaurant

Winner The Padre Hotel Favorite Lengthwise Brewing Company Favorite Tahoe Joes Famous Steakhouse

Winner 24th Street Cafe Favorite The Village Grill Favorite Cope’s Knotty Pine Cafe

Best Basque Restaurant

Best Buffet

Winner Wool Growers Restaurant Favorite Benji’s French Basque Restaurant Favorite Noriega Restaurant & Hotel

Winner Hodel’s Country Dining Favorite La Mina Cantina Favorite Don Perico Mexican Bar & Grill

Best Romantic Restaurant

The Mark 1623 19th St. • 661-322-7665 • www.atthemark.com

With a little more than three years in Bakersfield, The Mark Restaurant offers not only exquisite and tasty food, but the atmosphere inside or out in the patio is like none other. • We have a great combination of atmosphere, service and food. The food is top notch. We have music on Friday

and Saturday nights. But we still give that intimate fine-dining experience. • On the weekends, we see about 200 people at the restaurant. • Our Steak Diane – an 8-ounce butterflied filet mignon, topped with a dijon mustard and brandy demi — is one of our more popular items on the menu.

We also have a great seafood selection. • The best part of owning a restaurant in Bakersfield is the support you get from the locals. It warms your heart when it takes guests a few minutes to get to their table because they are busy saying hello to everyone they know along the way. – Terry Maxwell, general manager

Best Burger Place

Best Happy Hour

Best Margarita

Winner In-N-Out Favorite Moo Creamery Favorite Eureka! Burger

Winner Tahoe Joe’s Famous Steakhouse Favorite Mexicali Restaurant Favorite La Costa Mariscos

Winner Mexicali Restaurant Favorite La Costa Mariscos Favorite Red Pepper

Best Chinese Restaurant

Best Italian Food Restaurant

Best Mexican Restaurant

Winner Bill Lee’s Bamboo Chopsticks Favorite Great Castle Chinese Restaurant Favorite P.F. Chang’s

Winner Luigi’s Favorite Uricchio’s Trattoria Favorite Frugatti’s

Winner La Costa Mariscos Favorite Mexicali Restaurant Favorite Red Pepper

Best Deli/Sandwich Shop

Best Lunch Spot

Best Microbrew Selection

Winner Sequoia Sandwich Company Favorite Caesar’s Italian Delicatessen Favorite Luigi’s

Winner Luigi’s Favorite Sequoia Sandwich Company Favorite Jake’s Tex Mex Cafe

Winner Lengthwise Brewing Co. Favorite Temblor Brewing Company Favorite Eureka! Burger

bakersfieldlife.com

Best New Restaurant

The Broken Yolk Cafe 3300 Buena Vista Road • 661-695-9655 • www.thebrokenyolkcafe.com

Celebrating its one-year anniversary on April 6, The Broken Yolk Cafe is the latest buzz in southwest Bakersfield. • The most popular items on our menu are any of the benedicts. There are five different styles you can choose from. • If you’re looking for something sweet, I’d recommend the stuffed French toast. The

100

toast is stuffed with creamy mascarpone cheese and sliced bananas. It’s topped with caramel sauce, more bananas and a dusting of powdered sugar. • A handful of locals have been crowned winners of the Broken Yolk Iron Man and Iron Woman Special challenge. – Sara Unk, marketing

Best New Restaurant

Best Seafood Restaurant

Best Sushi/Japanese Restaurant

Winner The Broken Yolk Cafe Favorite Johnny Garlic’s Favorite Temblor Brewing Company

Winner La Costa Mariscos Favorite Kan Pai Favorite Red Lobster

Winner Akira Japanese Restaurant Favorite Kan Pai Favorite Tokyo Garden

Best Pizza Spot

Best Steak Restaurant

Best Thai Food

Winner Tony’s Pizza Favorite Rusty’s Pizza Parlor Favorite Pizzaville USA

Winner Tahoe Joe’s Famous Steakhouse Favorite KC Steakhouse Favorite Steak & Grape

Winner Chef’s Choice Noodle Bar Favorite Blue Elephant Favorite Thai House

Best Romantic Restaurant

Best Sunday Brunch

Winner The Mark Favorite Valentien Restaurant and Wine Bar Favorite The Belvedere Room at The Padre Hotel

Winner Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace Favorite Hodel’s Country Dining Favorite The Padre Hotel

Bakersfield Life Magazine

May 2016

bakersfieldlife.com

101

Mind, Body & Spirit B A KE RS FIELD

Best Health Food Store

Lassens Natural Foods & Vitamins 4308 California Ave. • 661-324-1264 • www.lassens.com

Lassens Natural Foods & Vitamins store has been serving Bakersfield a healthy alternative to some of our favorite foods for the past 13 years. • They have diverse sections to choose from, like organic produce to natural cosmetics, but you don’t want to miss out on their deli.

Best Specialty Doctor

Doctor Christopher Hamilton Southern California Orthopedic Institute 2400 Bahamas Drive, Suite 200 661-328-5565 • www.scoi.com

Doctor Christopher Hamilton has been in Bakersfield since 1998, bringing full-time, sub-specialty orthopedic care to Bakersfield. • Hamilton tries to provide extremely high-level sports medicine orthopedic care to his patients. • He advises to train oneself for the next big adventure planned. • His best memory is seeing patients continue to reach their goals on the playing field and advancing to college and professional ranks while staying healthy. – Doctor Christopher Hamilton 102

Bakersfield Life Magazine

Best Chiropractor

Best Fitness/Health Club

Winner James Turner at Turner Chiropractic Favorite Christopher Berry at Advanced Wellness Center Favorite Matthew Tatsuno at Tatsuno Chiropractic

Winner In-Shape Health Clubs Favorite Body Xchange Sports Club Favorite Total Woman Fitness Centers

Best Dentist/Orthodontist Winner Montano & Cardall Orthodontic Specialists Favorite Thurman Orthodontics Favorite Dr. Thomas W. Frank DDS

Best Doctor/General Practitioner Winner Rajendra A. Patel, MD Favorite William J. Farr Sr., MD Favorite Hemmai Kothary, MD

May 2016

• This is a store that cares about you. It is picky on what comes through its doors and into your cart. • They buy local as much as possible. What ends up on your table is mostly grown right here in Bakersfield. – Brandy Spulding, store manager

Best Health Food Store Winner Lassens Natural Foods & Vitamins Favorite Sprouts Favorite Cones Health Foods & Vitamins

Best Hospital Winner Mercy Southwest Favorite San Joaquin Community Hospital Favorite Bakersfield Memorial Hospital

Best College/Higher Learning

Cal State Bakersfield 9001 Stockdale Highway • 661-654-3036 www.csub.edu

Cal State Bakersfield has given the community a place to learn and grow for the past 46 years. • Average enrollment for fall 2015 was 9,228 students, offering graduate and undergraduate programs to those who apply. • The most popular major for undergraduate students is business administration. For graduate students it is social work. • CSUB sits on 375 acres of land donated by the Kern County Land Company • The CSUB men’s basketball team won the WAC Tournament and made its first appearance in the NCAA Tournament in its Division I history. – Evelyn Young Spath, executive assistant to the president

bakersfieldlife.com

103

Best Veterinarian

Travis Thurman, Thurman Veterinary Center 2720 Calloway Drive, Suite E 661-589-9900 www.thurmanvetcenter.com

Dr. Travis Thurman is a Bakersfield local and has been taking care of your pets needs since 2008, making sure you get the best care for your furry family members. • His background in 4-H and FFA helped foster his passion for caring for animals, especially since being raised around livestock. • His proudest moment has been opening his practice, so that he is able to help you and your animals. • Helping an egg bound Golden Eagle at CALM has been one of the more exotic animals that he has helped. • Dogs are said to be man’s best friend, but try a cow or a pig. It might change your mind. – Travis Thurman, veterinarian and owner of Thurman Veterinary Center

Best Medical Group

Best Plastic Surgeon

Best College/Higher Learning Source

Winner San Dimas Medical Group Favorite Beautologie Cosmetic Surgery & Medspa Favorite Kaiser Permanente

Winner Dr. Vipul Dev Favorite Dr. Darshan Shah Favorite Dr. Gordon Mitts

Winner Cal State Bakersfield Favorite Bakersfield College Favorite Taft College

Best Specialty Doctor

Best Day Care/Preschool Facility

Winner Christopher Hamilton, MDSouthern California Orthopedic Institute Favorite Milan Shah, MD-Beautologie Cosmetic Surgery & Medspa Favorite Ravi Patel, MD-CBCC

Winner Little Red School House Favorite St. John's Lutheran Children's Center Favorite Stockdale Christian Preschool

Best Ophthalmologist Winner Greg Stainer, MD- Southwest Eye Care and Laser Favorite Daniel H. Chang, MD- Empire Eye and Laser Center Favorite David Hair, MD-Bakersfield Eye Institute

Best Veterinarian Best Physical Therapy Group Winner Terrio Physical Therapy & Fitness Favorite Glinn & Giodanno Physical Therapy Favorite Pair & Marotta Physical Therapy

104

Bakersfield Life Magazine

May 2016

Winner Travis Thurman- Thurman Veterinary Center Favorite Paul Ulrich-Bakersfield Veterinary Hospital Favorite Mark Holland-Southwest Veterinary Hospital

Best Place to Worship Winner St. Francis of Assisi Parish Favorite Valley Bible Fellowship Favorite Valley Baptist Church

Best Private School Winner Garces Memorial High School Favorite Bakersfield Christian High School Favorite Stockdale Christian School

bakersfieldlife.com

105

Go & Do BAKERSF IELD

Best Family Entertainment

CALM Zoo 10500 Alfred Harrell Highway 661-872-2256 www.calmzoo.org

Situated on 14 acres a few miles east of Bakersfield, the California Living Museum is a one-of-a-kind getaway into nature. It’s a destination famous for its wide variety of wildlife, rehabilitation efforts and special events, such as Holiday Lights. Come join the zoo experience. • We house and care for almost 100 species of unreleasable animals. • Our oldest animal is our tortoise, which is nearly 60 years old. • Last year, we averaged 77,000 visitors to the zoo and 50,000 to Holiday Lights. • Future goals for us include opening our “Coast Room” Touch Tank and jellyfish breeding exhibits. – Lana Fain, zoo director

106

Bakersfield Life Magazine

Best Community Theater

Gaslight Melodrama 12748 Jomani Drive • 661-587-3377 • www.themelodrama.com

Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, the Gaslight Melodrama Theatre and Music Hall remains one of Bakersfield’s most beloved places to see family friendly shows, experience live stage acting, cheer the hero and boo the villain! • We’re one of just three professional melodrama theaters in all of California.

Best Annual Event

Best Kids/Family Entertainment

Winner CALM Holiday Lights Favorite The Kern County Fair Favorite Relay for Life

Winner CALM- California Living Museum Favorite Rush Air Sports Favorite Maya Cinemas

Best Community Theater

Best Place to Take Out-of-Town Guests

Winner The Gaslight Melodrama Favorite Stars Theatre Favorite The Empty Space

Best Golf Course Winner Seven Oaks Country Club Favorite Stockdale Country Club Favorite Bakersfield Country Club

May 2016

• We usually develop and show six productions a year. • The theater capacity is 145 people. • The writers of all our plays are our artistic director Michael Prince and our musical director Warren Dobson. – Lina Larma, owner

Winner Dewar's Favorite Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace Favorite Wool Growers Restaurant

Best Golf Course

Best Place to Take Out-of-Town Guests

Dewar’s Soda Fountain & Fine Candies Three locations across Bakersfield www.dewarscandy.com

Whether you’re in the mood for a milkshake, an ice cream sundae or a few irresistible chews, Dewar’s has it all. The local ice cream shop has been in Bakersfield for 107 years, and it still uses the same recipes and ingredients. • Our most popular ice cream flavor is a tie between our Black & White and our Georgia Special (chocolate milkshake with banana and walnuts). • Peanut butter chews is a favorite. • Peppermint and lemon flake are our most unique ice cream flavors. • We make all of our own chocolates, chews, ice cream and toppings. – Heather Dewar, owner’s daugther

Seven Oaks Country Club 2000 Grand Lakes Ave. • 661-664-6404 www.sevenoakscountryclub.com

Since 1991, Seven Oaks Country Club has been known as one of California’s premier golf courses, with breathtaking greens designed by Robert Muir Graves. • Our most common membership is our golf membership, because we have a 27-hole championship golf course. • Our most popular nine is our Oaks Course, with No. 5 being one of our longest drives. • What sets us apart from other clubs is that we are family oriented, with many junior league activities and day camps for our children. • Our indoor country club spans 38,000 square feet. – Eryn Urban, director of membership services

bakersfieldlife.com

107

Shop B A KE RS FIELD

Best Florist

Log Cabin Florist 800 19th St. • 661-327-8646 www.logcabinflorist.com

Flowers speak to the heart. That’s why Log Cabin Florist has been creating the most breathtaking flower arrangement for the past 78 years. • Our most popular arrangement is our Best of Bakersfield. It’s a dozen roses and a dozen carnations. We do this special arrangement after our nomination in the Best Of issue. • December is our busiest month. The week during Valentine’s Day is our busiest and so is the time around Mother’s Day. • Flowers are meaningful. If you talk to anyone who has received flowers, they remember each time, from where they were to what they got. • If you use the preservatives that come with each arrangement, your flowers should last two weeks. Keep them away from fans. It’s all about placement. – Dawn Baumgarten, owner

108

Bakersfield Life Magazine

Best Carpet/Flooring/Tile

The Carpet Outlet Plus Carpet Outlet Plus Inc. • 4301 Rosedale Highway • 661-323-3133 • www.carpetoutletplus.com

Mark Carroll has been supplying your flooring needs for the past 21 years. • The best-selling flooring is whatever is in season.

• The staff is there for your flooring needs as well as installation. • At the moment, tile that looks like wood is the most popular. – Mark Carroll, owner

Best “Made in Bakersfield” Product

Best Bike Shop

Winner Dewar’s Favorite Smith’s Bakeries Favorite Pyrenees French Bakery

Winner Snider’s Cyclery Favorite Action Sports Favorite Finish Line Bicycles

Best Antique Dealer

Best Bridal Wear

Winner Woolworth’s (Five & Dime Antique Mall) Favorite In Your Wildest Dreams Favorite Farm Girls Vintage Finds

Winner David’s Bridal Favorite Ladies & Gents Bridal Favorite Enchanted Bridal Boutique

Best Carpet/Flooring/Tile Winner Carpet Outlet Plus Favorite Stockdale Tile Favorite Bill Ray Ceramic Tile Center

May 2016

Best Bike Shop

Snider’s Cyclery and Locksmith East Location, 2700 Union Ave. • 661-324-4759 Southwest Location, 2100 New Stine Road • 661-833-2700 www.sniderscyclery.com

Snider’s Cyclery and Locksmith has been family owned since 1904, and it continues to give customers a plethora of choices their cycling hearts’ desire.

• Safety is one of the most overlooked items in cycling, so remember to purchase helmets and a bike pump. • Air your tires once a week and get your bike inspected every year

or two. • Cruisers are our popular bikes. • For kids, our 20-inch BMX bikes are the way to go. – John Panick, general manager

Best Electronics

Best Jewelry Store

Best Nursery/Garden Store

Winner Best Buy Favorite Urner’s Big Screen City Favorite Costco

Winner American Jewelry Company Favorite Knight’s Jewelers Favorite Wickersham Jewelers

Winner White Forest Nursery Favorite Bolles Nursery Favorite Robby’s Nursery & Landscape Service

Best Furniture Store

Best Local Clothing Boutique

Winner Ashley Furniture Favorite Red Door Interior Favorite Urner's Sofa's Etc.

Winner Emporium Western Store Favorite Apricot Lane Boutique Favorite Sugardaddy’s

Best Home Appliance

Best Mattress Store

Winner Urner’s Appliance Center Favorite Lowe’s Favorite Sears

Winner Urner’s Z’s Please Sleep Center Favorite Slagle’s Mattress Factory Favorite Mattress Land

Best Shoe Store Winner Guarantee Shoe Center Favorite DSW Favorite Macy’s

bakersfieldlife.com

109

Best Shopping Center Winner The Marketplace Favorite Valley Plaza Mall Favorite Outlets at Tejon

Best Sporting Goods Winner Dick’s Sporting Goods Favorite Action Sports Favorite Big 5 Sporting Goods

Best Tuxedo Store Winner Mr. Tuxedo Favorite AJ’s Tuxedos Junction Favorite The Men's Wearhouse

Best Car Dealership

Motor City Buick GMC

Best Florist Winner Log Cabin Florist Favorite Garden District Flowers Favorite Vons

3101 Pacheco Road • 661-735-4976 • www.motorcitygmc.com

Kern County’s No. 1 volume dealer, Motor City Buick GMC is located in Bakersfield. Offering versatile and powerful models, along with the largest Buick and GMC inventory in the state, you will want to make sure you shop here first before your next car purchase. • The GMC Sierra truck holds No. 1 position for the most popular vehicle sold for Motor City GMC.

Best Car Dealership Winner Motor City Buick GMC Favorite Jim Burke Ford Favorite Bill Wright Toyota

110

Bakersfield Life Magazine

May 2016

• Motor City has been family owned and operated since 1940. • From finding your perfect vehicle to getting the financing you need, Motor City believes that every step of the car-shopping journey should be an enjoyable and effortless experience. • White and silver are the most popular colors sold. – Lezley Pumphrey, marketing manager

bakersfieldlife.com

111

At Your Service B A KE RS FIELD

Best Retirement Home

Brookdale Riverwalk 350 Calloway Drive • 661-206-2034 • www.brookdale.com

Best Tire Store

Clerou Tire Company, Inc. 30 E. 21st St. • 661-324-6069 www.cleroutire.com

Brookdale Riverwalk has been serving Kern County for eight years providing specialized senior care. • Located on the Kern River, the campus includes many beautiful views of the landscape. • Brookdale offers sophisticated comfort and care from independent living to skilled

Family owned for 74 years, Clerou Tires is dedicated to selling quality. • We want customers to come back because we care about their well-being. • We are what we sell; we are honest to our customers and want to give them quality they deserve. • Treating employees as family is key to providing good service. • “United we stand and divided we fall. Take care of your employees, and they will take care of you.” These are words the family lives by. – George Clerou, owner of Clerou Tire Company, Inc.

112

Bakersfield Life Magazine

Best Advertising Agency

Best CPA/Accounting Firm

Winner Saba Agency Favorite Ugly Duck Marketing Favorite Ace Marketing

Winner Brown Armstrong Certified Public Accountants Favorite Daniells Phillips Vaughan & Bock CPAs & Advisors Favorite Hocking Denton Palmquist CPA

Best Bail Bonds Company Winner Aladdin Bail Bonds Favorite Bail Bond Leon Favorite Cowboy Bail Bonds

Best Bank/Financial Institute Winner Kern Schools Federal Credit Union Favorite Chase Bank Favorite Wells Fargo Bank

May 2016

nursing and rehabilitation. • Fitness and wellness programs are important. Brookdale focuses on six key dimensions of wellness: purposeful, emotional, physical, social, spiritual and intellectual to help residents live a lifestyle that promotes health, wholeness and fulfillment. – Brookdale.com

Best Dry Cleaner Winner Today Cleaners Favorite New City Cleaners Favorite Waterfall Cleaners

Best Funeral Home Winner Greenlawn Mortuary and Cemetery Favorite Hillcrest Memorial Park and Mortuary Favorite Basham Funeral Care

Best Spa

EuroPhoria Medical and Personal Spa 9500 Brimhall Road • 661-847-4772 www.europhoria.com

EuroPhoria Medical and Personal Spa is not your ordinary beauty spot. For the past eight years, the spa has been offering guests with personalized treatments that you can not find anywhere else. • When you come to EuroPhoria, you get the exotic experience of a destination spa in your own hometown. • We strive to provide a luxurious and relaxing oasis to members and guests of the community. • We offer a wide range of services, including Botox, massage, facials, laser hair removal and body treatments. • EuroPro Inc., which owns EuroPhoria Medical and Personal Spa, donates around $50,000 in services to local nonprofits each year. – John Van Tassell, president of EuroPro Inc.

are honored to have been nominated for Best Doctor/ General Practitioner We thank you, Bakersfield, for your support and confidence throughout the years.

Nominated for

Best Doctor/General Practitioner

9880 Brimhall Road, Bakersfield, CA 93312 ~ (661) 587-8990 ~ www.farmedicalgroup.com bakersfieldlife.com

113

Best Law Firm

Rodriguez & Associates 2020 Eye St. • 661-323-1400 www.rodriguezlaw.net

Rodriguez & Associates has been serving Kern County for 15 years with more than 80 years of combined experience. • We work mostly with personal injury and wrongful death cases. • We are successful with clients because we communicate constantly. Our free consultation offer is a symbol of our dedication to helping people in our community. • Investing in the community through fundraising, charity work and donating is important to us. We believe our dollars earned stay in Kern. • Our presence in the community is strong. Many of our team members are locals dedicated to helping people in the community get compensation they deserve. – Patrick Benitez, litigation director at Rodriguez & Associates

Best Hair Salon

Best Retirement Home

Best Real Estate Agent

Winner Essentiels Spa Et Beaute Favorite Opulent Salon & Day Spa Favorite Protege Hair Designs

Winner Brookdale Riverwalk formerly Glenwood Gardens Favorite Rosewood Favorite Brookside Senior Apartments

Winner Jon Busby at Miramar International Favorite Brian Tuttle at Coldwell Banker Preferred, Realtors Favorite Jeff Jackson at Miramar International

Best Heating/Air Best Spa

Winner Oasis Heating & Air Favorite Bland Solar & AC Favorite Gundlach’s

Best Law Firm

Winner EuroPhoria Medical & Personal Spa Favorite Beautologie Cosmetic Surgery & Medspa Favorite Essentiels Day Spa

Winner Rodriguez & Associates Favorite Chain | Cohn | Stiles Favorite Young Wooldridge

Best Home Improvement Building Contractor

Best Lawyer

Winner DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen Favorite Sorci Construction Services Favorite Blue River Cabinetry, Kitchen & Bath

Winner Daniel Rodriguez, Rodriguez & Associates Favorite David Cohn, Chain | Cohn | Stiles Favorite Robert Noriega, Young Wooldridge

Best Pest Control Company Winner Clark Pest Control Favorite Banks Pest Control Inc. Favorite Oxley Pest Control Inc.

114

Bakersfield Life Magazine

Winner Motor City GMC Buick Lexus Favorite Bill Wright Toyota Favorite Jim Burke Ford

Best Tire Store Winner Clerou Tire Company Favorite Costco Favorite America’s Tire Co.

Best Hotel Best Mortgage Company Winner Buena Vista Mortgage Services Favorite Kern Schools Federal Credit Union Favorite Agape Mortgage

Best Real Estate Company Winner Miramar International Favorite Coldwell Banker Preferred, Realtors Favorite Watson Realty ERA

May 2016

Best Auto Service

Winner The Padre Hotel Favorite Bakersfield Marriott Hotel Favorite DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Best New Home Builder Winner Froehlich Signature Homes Favorite John Balfanz Homes Inc. Favorite Brandt Oliver Homes Inc.

Thank you for making us Kern Countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s choice Find out what the right accountant can do for you Bakersfield | Fresno | Pasadena | Stockton bakersfieldlife.com

115

HELEN’S HEART SLIDERS This gorgeous abstract printed slide features a 3-inch hidden wedge and platform for added height while maintaining stability. Sugardaddy’s, 5512 Stockdale Highway, 661-325-8300, www.facebook.com/ sugardaddys.

mother’s day package • Opulent Signature Facial (60 min) • Opulent Signature Manicure • Opulent Signature Pedicure • Kerastase Treatment w/Blowout • Makeup Application • Lunch

Valued at $330 for

$199

Mother’s Day package must be used by Nov. 8, 2016, and must be completed within (2) two session.

Opulent, 11420 Ming Ave., 661-473-1000

MOTHER’S DAY BRUNCH Celebrate Mother’s Day at the Elements Venue, Sunday, May 8, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Live music, omelet and waffle bar, carving station, hot entrees, menudo, dessert bar, milk chocolate fountain and much more. Limited seating! Call 661-301-4681 for reservations. $16.95 for adults, $8.95 for children 12 and under. 3401 Chester Ave. www.elements-venue.com

116

Bakersfield Life Magazine

May 2016

HOBO LAUREN WALLET The new spring designs are now in! The legendary Lauren wallet is adored for its versatility and stylish silhouette with compartments, zippers and slots for all of your necessities. Available in a variety of solid colors and patterns. Christine’s, 4915 Stockdale Highway, 661-834-3068.

Find mom a giFt as unique as she is

give mom a bouquet that doesn’t wilt

Farm Girls Vintage Finds 2113 Q St. Open Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. www.farmgirlsvintagefinds.com

A painting by local artist Charlotte White. Her paintings are on display at the Art Center, 1607 19th St. White is also accepting commissions. To contact the artist, call 661-330-2676.

AUNT MAE’S SWEET TOOTH

paint a platter For papa! Father’s Day is just around the corner! If dad or grandpa is a golfer, this barbecue platter stamped with his child's or grandchild’s footprint would be tee-rrific! Paint yours today at Color Me Mine at the Marketplace, 9000 Ming Ave., 661-664-7366, www.bakersfield.colormemine.com.

TREASURED FINDS OF ALL KINDS From vintage to contemporary. All purchases help us care for the abandoned and homeless animals in our rescue program. Rags to Rescue 234 H St. Open Tuesday through Saturday, noon to 4 p.m. Visit us on Facebook www.haltrescue.org

This Mother’s Day 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 gift. Available in milk chocolate, dark chocolate and white chocolate toffee. Available at Luigi’s, Sweet Surrender Bakery, Garden District, Brookside Market, San Joaquin Community Hospital gift shop and Sullivan Petroleum stores, 661-725-5200, www.auntmaessweettooth.com.

HONOR MOM WITH A LASTING GIFT IN THE PATH OF LIFE Recognize a special woman or women in your life with a custom brick in the Path of Life at the entrance to the beautiful new Houchin Community Blood Bank Bolthouse Donor Center at 11515 Bolthouse Drive. Bricks start at just $150 and gift certificates are available. What a great and lasting Mother’s Day gift you can create! Your personalized tribute will be laser engraved and installed in the exclusive Seven Oaks Business Park. Call Pam Hornbuckle at 661-332-5677 to arrange your lasting tribute today!

bakersfieldlife.com

117

Business Profile

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Goodwill Industries of South Central California

What is Goodwill’s mission? At Goodwill, our mission is a simple one: We put people to work. Every day, men and women throughout our community face barriers that make it difficult for them to find work and earn a paycheck to support their families. Sometimes it’s lack of training or education, limited job skills or a disability. But with the support of donors and shoppers like you, we help them overcome those barriers. Goodwill gives people the tools they need to find a job, which allows them to support themselves and their families. Your donations and store purchases really do help. What else does Goodwill do? Goodwill offers a number of programs and services. We Goodwill Industries partner with the Department of of South Central Rehabilitation to provide assessCalifornia ment and placement services. 13 locations in Kern, Kings We partner with the Transition to and Southern Tulare counties Independent Living Program at www.thegoodwill.org Taft College, serving students in an on-the-job experience in our Taft Store. And at our Success Center in Bakersfield, Goodwill offers job-search resources such as computers, help with writing a professional resume and cover letter, provides information about employment opportunities, delivers training and so much more.

118

Bakersfield Life Magazine

May 2016

How are Goodwill’s programs and services funded? Our programs and services are funded by the community that so generously donates clothing, household goods and other items, which are turned into revenue in our retail stores and salvage Sheryl Chalupa, programs. A small portion – President and CEO less than 2 percent – is funded by government fees to provide assessment and placement services. What else should we know about Goodwill? We work hard to ensure that we offer quality programs and services that our community can be proud of. Our programs and services are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), an independent, not-for-profit agency promoting quality, value and optimal outcomes of services through a consultative process that centers on enhancing the lives of the people receiving services. In addition, we are a Gold-Level GuideStar participant, demonstrating our commitment to transparency. We are grateful to all who support Goodwill through their generous donations and shopping in our stores, making jobs possible right here at home.

bakersfieldlife.com

119

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

PHOTO BY MARK NESSIA

Business Profile

HealthSouth Why should a patient or family member insist on receiving their stroke rehab at HealthSouth Bakersfield Rehabilitation Hospital? HealthSouth is the only rehabilitation hospital in Bakersfield. We offer advanced technologies and evidence-based rehabilitation care to provide the very best stroke rehabilitation program available in Kern County. In fact, HealthSouth is certified in stroke rehabilitation by the Joint Commission. Will HealthSouth take my insurance for my stroke rehabilitation? We accept virtually all insurance types at HealthSouth, including Medicare, GEM Care, Qual Care, Blue Cross and others. Some insurance types require preauthorization, but we will work directly with your insurance company to handle that for you. If you have a stroke, or any other accident, illness or injury, all you have to do is request a HealthSouth evaluation by calling us at 323-5500. What should a patient expect if they come to HealthSouth for stroke rehabilitation? HealthSouth is an acute rehabilitation hospital, not a skilled nursing facility (SNF) or nursing home. All acute rehabilitation hospitals are strictly regulated by Medicare and have guidelines that must be followed in order to maintain their hospital status. At HealthSouth, each patient must be accepted and overseen by a physical medicine and rehabilitation physician (a doctor who specializes in rehabilitation). Our patients receive therapy three hours a day, five days a week by licensed therapists. Most stroke 120

Bakersfield Life Magazine

May 2016

patients at HealthSouth stay an average of two weeks before returning to their home setting. You can find out more about what to expect at HealthSouth by watching a video at healthsouthbakersfield.com/expectations. What if my stroke is old and I didn’t go to HealthSouth for rehabilitation when it first occurred? Depending on your circumstances, Martha Samora, RN, CPHQ, FACHE, you may qualify for our Second Chance Chief Executive Officer Stroke program, a program designed to target improvement of a person’s functional status and mobility, even months or years after their original stroke. You might qualify if you have new or recent deficits, after suffering a stroke in your past, even if you didn’t have a new stroke. Do I have to be admitted to a hospital in order to be evaluated for admission to HealthSouth? Medicare patients do not need a qualifying hospital stay to be admitted to HealthSouth Bakersfield Rehabilitation Hospital. Because we are a hospital level of care, we can accept patients directly from their home setting, an emergency room or even a skilled nursing facility (SNF). If you or someone you know would like an evaluation to see if you qualify to be directly admitted to HealthSouth for your stroke rehabilitation or rehabilitation HealthSouth after any other 5001 Commerce Drive accident, illness or 661-323-5500 injury, please call us www.healthsouthbakersfield.com at 323-5500.

bakersfieldlife.com

121

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

PHOTO BY MARK NESSIA

Business Profile

Today Cleaners What sets Today Cleaners apart from other dry-cleaning companies? The biggest thing that sets us apart is our customer focus. Everything we do is for the benefit of the customer – to make it easier, better, more convenient. For example, we have 10 locations around Bakersfield so that customers can drop off and pick up their clothing at the most convenient location for them. We also provide same-day service, seven days a week – if it’s in by 11 a.m., it will be ready at 4 p.m. every day. We are open longer hours than any other dry cleaner in the area. And because every Today Cleaners facility has its own full drycleaning plant and shirt laundry on-site, your clothes never leave the building. This allows faster service and the highest possible quality. What other services are unique to Today Cleaners? Today Cleaners is proud to exclusively use the GreenEarth cleaning system, which not only maintains the highest standards of cleaning quality, but is also environmentally responsible. We have used this proprietary cleaning system for more than 15 years and have invested in the most advanced cleaning

122

Bakersfield Life Magazine

May 2016

machine technology available. As far as personnel, our staff is professionally trained and very friendly. We have skilled garment specialists at each location to give our customers perJeff Newman, Jr., sonalized, expert Owner service. We also offer Express Service for the ultimate in customer convenience. Express Service saves time by allowing customers to drop off their garments in a drop box using a barcode-identified bag, then pick them up without waiting in line because their encrypted payment information is securely stored in our point-of-sale system. Customers love our Express Service! Is Today Cleaners a large chain dry cleaner? No. We are proud to be born and bred in Bakersfield. We are very invested in our community and have been locally owned and operated for more than 65 years. We consider our customers as friends and we work very hard to please them and make them comfortable in our stores. Our stores are nicely decorated and amazingly clean.

We have a very friendly staff, many of whom have been working at Today Cleaners for many years. Our staff not only knows its customers, it cares about them, their time and their clothes. How does Today Cleaners utilize technology? We continue to stay on the cutting edge of technology to make our customers’ experience better. We use technology to send emails to inform clients when their orders are ready and alert customers about special promotions. Another way we utilize technology is through our Today Cleaners Customer Rewards Program. This program rewards our loyal customers for their consistent trust in our company. All of our customers automatically earn points based on dollars spent. Our system tracks their points – they don’t have to sign up or carry a card. When they reach 100 points, they receive a reward coupon for 50 percent off all garments on their next incoming order – with no limit. It’s just another way to fulfill our mission to provide ready-to-wear garments back to the customer, at their convenience, seven Today Cleaners days a 10 locations www.todaycleaners.com week.

bakersfieldlife.com

123

Business Profile

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Electrical Systems and Instrumentation ESI is known for its work in the oil and gas industry. What other industries do you serve? ESI provides a full spectrum of electrical, automation and instrumentation services in any industrial or commercial sector – we cover it all. Our customers include an array of companies, from mining and minerals to water and waste water to food and beverage companies. ESI is highly respected for its quality of service as well as its ability to serve a diverse customer base. We continually seek ways to provide excellent results for each of our customers and their unique needs. How have you created and maintained your reputation for excellence? Although the typical response might refer to our work, at ESI we believe our excellence stems from our employees. They are the greatest asset we have! Our employees have a passion for producing exceptional work in everything they do. We treat our employees like family, providing ongoing opportunities for training and safety strategies, encouraging family priorities and listening to their suggestions for improving the way we do business. ESI has a very high employee morale and corresponding low turnover rate. We have found that when employees are highly valued, they, in turn, want to provide the highest value to our

Electrical Systems and Instrumentation (ESI) Headquarters 6906 Downing Ave. 661-587-9322 800-ESI-0800 www.elect-systems.com

customers. ESI is a company built on trust and positive relationships, both with our employees and with our customers. That level of trust naturally leads to excellence.

124

Bakersfield Life Magazine

How long has ESI been in Bakersfield? ESI was founded in Bakersfield in 2004 – this is our home. Over the past 12 years, our company has grown exponentially, and we currently have an office in West Texas, in addition to our home offices in California. And recently, we received our license in Oklahoma. We will continue to partner with our current customers to fulfill their electrical system needs, and we anticipate adding customers who are seeking the types of high-quality services we provide. What services does ESI provide? ESI provides a full spectrum of industrial and commercial electrical and automation services, such as electrical power, control systems, instrumentation and process control, overhead line construction, and panel and system fabrication (UL508A). We offer both construction and maintenance services for our clients as needed. In addition, our employees are committed to offering the highest level of integrity, professionalism and respect. What does “SQV” mean to ESI? SQV stands for safety, quality and value. Together they create a foundation on which every decision is based, whether it’s made

May 2016

by an employee on a service call or by the leaders of our company regarding future action. We pride ourselves on our safety record and stress the priority of safety every day. Why? Because not only Robert C. Riley, President do we want our employees to be safe on the job when they interact with customers, we also want them to get home safely to their families. We have a safety manager and several safety specialists who monitor and encourage safe behavior and work strategies. Similarly, we want every product and service we provide to be of the highest quality. Quality includes using trained personnel for each project and making sure we comply with all electrical codes and standards. We want it done right and done efficiently the first time. This provides the highest value to our customer – they get the best service for the best price in the most effective and efficient way possible. If something doesn’t add value for our customer, we don’t do it. It’s as simple as that.

bakersfieldlife.com

125

Business Profile

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Brehmer Law What is Brehmer Law? Brehmer Law is the top law firm in California representing clients accused of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. What does Brehmer Law specialize in? When science intersects with law, Brehmer Law focuses on cases dealing with all types of laboratory analysis in an effort to ensure that convictions don't result from less than the reliable science of breath and blood alcohol testing. With more specialized training than the users that operate the breath and blood alcohol instruments, the attorneys at Brehmer Law have achieved results uncommon in the practice of scientific legal defense. What separates Brehmer Law from other law firms? The attorneys at Brehmer Law are the most trained in scientific defense, are the most published in forensic science in central California and have the most national speaking engagements in the area of forensic science among all lawyers in the region. Who should contact Brehmer Law? If you or a loved one is accused of driving under influence or any case involving chemical testing or forensics, Brehmer Law can help. What should clients look for Brehmer Law in an attorney? The area of 1200 Truxtun Ave., Suite 120 law, like the area 661-447-4384 of medicine, is www.brehmerlaw.com broad. Clients must select the best-trained, most educated lawyer who specializes in forensic science cases to obtain the very best results. The attorneys at Brehmer Law are, in fact, the most trained and most educated. Past clients and colleagues across the country agree.

126

Bakersfield Life Magazine

May 2016

CLIENT ENDORSEMENTS:

ATTORNEY ENDORSEMENTS:

“Mr. Brehmer was able to achieve the result I was hoping for without going to trial. I met with many other attorneys before retaining him and not one of them instilled great confidence in me that I would keep my commercial license. I was worried at first about his fee being more than most, but it was one of the best investments I’ve ever made.” – Scott

“Attorney Brehmer is hands down the most experienced, credentialed and qualified DUI attorney in the Central Valley. He is one of those rare attorneys that not only cares about his clients, but also uses impeccable legal reasoning and cutting-edge science to achieve justice for his clients. I highly recommend him.” – Christina Oleson, Criminal Defense Attorney

“I went out with my friends and believed I’d done everything right. No more than one drink per hour for about 4 hours. When I was arrested for DUI, I was devastated. I assume if I was arrested, I must have been guilty. Mr. Brehmer’s office discovered that the test they used was expired and therefore not credible. I never would have known to check or what to do if I did know it was expired. He handled the DMV, so there was no loss of my driving privileges and he appeared many times on my behalf until the case was dropped. He saved me and my family from catastrophe. Just call him. He will honestly assess what he can do.” – Robyn

“Jeremy Brehmer is one of the best DUI attorneys in the country. He is incredibly intelligent and considered by all who know him in the legal DUI community as an ‘attorney-scientist.’ He regularly teaches other DUI attorneys throughout the country the science of blood alcohol and drug testing. He also uses his knowledge very effectively in court for his clients. He is certainly someone I go to when I need advice. I definitely endorse Jeremy Brehmer as an excellent DUI attorney-scientist.” – Barton Morris, Federal Crime Attorney

bakersfieldlife.com

127

People & Community

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

By Lisa Kimble

PHOTO BY CASEY CHRISTIE

Hospital’s chapel dedicated to revered local priest Memorial gives sanctuary new lease on life

During prayer at the Memorial Hospital dedication of a new interfaith chapel, all those involved held hands representing different faiths in the community. It was named the Monsignor Craig F. Harrison Interfaith Chapel.

128

critical area inside Bakersfield Memorial Hospital has a new lease on life. It’s chapel, where people in their darkest hours and sick with worry for loved ones have sought solace, had become dated, musty and depressing. As vital and important as the space was, it was never at the top capital improvement lists, however. Two and a half years ago, when the hospital finally took steps to revamp the sanctuary, the effort gained major momentum and funding when administrator Robin Mangarin Scott and Tuesdy Small thought it fitting to name the updated chapel in honor of the man so many in the community have turned to for spiritual guidance – Monsignor Craig Harrison. Tuesdy and her husband, Kevin, who donated the funds for the Lauren Small Children’s Medical Center at Memorial, spent countless hours in hospital chapels, including Memorial’s, as their daughter, who lost her battle with cancer in 2005, fought for her life. Much of that time was spent with Harrison, a family friend and pastor. “It seemed very appropriate as Father Craig

Bakersfield Life Magazine

May 2016

spends a lot of time at that hospital,” Tuesdy said. “Beloved” is a word used often to describe Harrison, who was born at Memorial. When he returned to his hometown to oversee his childhood parish, St. Francis Church, his flock multiplied. Today, it is the largest in Kern County. His charismatic way has drawn thousands, like the Smalls, through his church doors. Many believe the renaming was long overdue. Harrison learned of the idea just days after his mother’s death. He’d buried his father six months earlier. “I thought, at first, ‘I’m not even dead yet,’” he recalled with a laugh. “I was honored and humbled. People need a place to go and just be. I have sat with hundreds of families there, and I remember it was always so dark and I wanted to take families out into the parking lot.” Tuesdy reached out to prospective donors, eventually 99, including local philanthropist Marj Nixon, who suggested large inscribed tiles on one wall. There are 35 of them. Two years and $176, 298 later, the Monsignor Craig F. Harrison Interfaith Chapel at Bakersfield Memorial will be officially dedicated Monday.

wooden, moveable pews. “This has a lot of Outside, an open-air meaning. In my heart, this is more a dedication to my serenity garden enclosed by three walls features a parents. I owe my priestwater fountain, donated by hood to them,” he said of Harrison’s friend Diane Don and Dorothy HarriLake in memory of her late son, well known in the daughter. Another wall reccommunity. “I see this ognizes Memorial’s first ecumenical space as the pastor and another muchcrowning glory to my loved clergyman – Revpriesthood because, above erend Glenn Puder, pastor all else, my mother always stressed the importance of for many years at First Presbyterian Church having respect for all faith downtown. traditions.” Open around the The 960-square-foot clock, the sacred space has chapel is light, airy and also become a quiet place sounds echo off the hardfor employees. wood floor as if one is “Our clinical staff see walking into a church. the range of human experiSome of the donor tiles ences and they are also include Bible verses and affected and touched by inspirational sayings from that,” said hospital Vice other sects. There is an alcove with two kneelers in President for Philanthropy Sue Benham. front of a small tabernacle. “As a Catholic, the Another wall displays month of May is dedicated prayer cards from Sikh, to our Blessed Mother,” Jewish, Zen and Native Harrison said, recalling his American traditions, to mother and the timelines name a few. A corner, of the dedication. “I know stage-like area serves as a healing will take place in nondenominational altar this space full with a backlit of light and stained glass hope.” panel, created by renowned Judson O pinions Studios in Los expressed in Angeles and comthiscolum n missioned by the are those of Wheeler Family. Lisa Kim ble. There are 12 Lisa Kimble

bakersfieldlife.com

129

People & Community

FA M I LY V E R D I C T

And the No. 1 Mother Award goes to ... By Katy Raytis

n keeping with the Best Of Bakersfield theme, I thought I should do a column on “Best Parenting Advice.” Then I realized I’m not really qualified to give any advice. In fact, last year, my youngest daughter gave me a keychain for Mother’s Day that said “#1 Mom.” I asked her why she picked that for me and she said, “Because I only have one mom.” Hmmm. I’d finished first in a one-horse race. Not exactly a ringing endorsement of my parenting skills. The problem with parenting is that there isn’t any advice. If there is, you don’t want to read it. I read “What To Expect When You’re Expecting” with my first child and turned into a total hypochondriac. By the time the next kid came along, I didn’t have time to read advice books, nor did I have any brain cells left that could capture and retain new information. The tricky part is that the parental battleground is ever changing. I started out as “World’s Greatest Mom.” I have five mugs and a T-shirt to prove it. But somewhere along the way, my oldest turned 14, and my highly decorated military status vanished. Overnight, I went from being the trusted general in command to subversive enemy spy. That’s the nature of parenting. Whatever “advice” you accumulate comes through unexpected trial and error – lessons gleaned from both hostile and friendly fire that feel like they leave you with more battle scars than wisdom. Military metaphors work. Just ask other parents. Their advice usually sounds more akin to shared war stories: strategic reconnaissance, logistics coordination, tactical planning for the teenage years. I don’t discount the practical survival tips. If you keep a bottle of shampoo and conditioner with the pool toys, your kids will actually wash their hair in the summer.

130

Bakersfield Life Magazine

May 2016

You can finish social studies homework for a tired second-grader if you just use your left hand and include a couple spelling errors. If the kids are fighting nonstop, just pop in some silicon earplugs. You won’t hear anything but the gentle hum of your own breathing. It’s magical. Like snorkeling on land. However, the practical tips aren’t really the advice that parents need. The advice we want is how to make sure we will come out on the other side with our hearts in one piece. A few months ago, I was lying in bed with my youngest daughter while she was falling asleep. I told her that I hoped she knew how much I loved her and that, in fact, I loved her so much that there is nothing in the entire world that I wouldn’t do for her. She turned to me, with her sweet, sleepy eyes and said, “Remember yesterday when I asked you to get me a glass of water and you told me to get it myself?” That’s the secret. Sometimes good parenting involves getting the glass of water for them. But sometimes it requires teaching them to get it themselves. Figuring out the difference between those two situations is what really makes us World’s No. 1 Best Mom after all.

Katy Raytis

Opinions expressed in this column are those of Katy Raytis.

When it comes to your family, only the best will do. The Best Locations

Whether you are a young family buying your first home, a busy professional seeking convenience, a move-up buyer looking for a showcase home or an active adult wanting to down-size and take it easy, a private, gated Castle & Cooke community offers the “Best of Everything.”

The Best Value

The Best Parks

The Best Pools

The Best Communities

Now Selling

Final Phase!

VILLAGE GREEN

BRIGHTON PARKS

Homes from the mid $200’s Private Resort-Style Community Pool P Stockdale Hwy. & Renfro Rd. 661-387-6427

Homes from the low $200’s Gated, Active Adult Community Stockdale Hwy. & Jewetta Ave. 661-829-1775

WINDERMERE

HIGHGATE

THE VILLAS

at Seven Oaks Homes from the mid $300's Gated Community Chamber Blvd. & Lanesfield Dr. 661-664-5870

at Seven Oaks Grand Opening coming Summer 2016 Gated, Master Planned Community Ming Ave. & Allen Rd. 661-664-6039

at Seven Oaks Homes from the low $500’s Gated, Country Club Community Ming Ave. & Grand Lakes Ave. 661-665-0683

CastleCookeHomes.com CA BRE #01254164

bakersfieldlife.com

131

People & Community

PERSONALITY

Bringing hope to the streets

PHOTO BY MICHAEL LOPEZ

Stay Focused Ministries empowering the youth through mentorship programs

Manuel Carrizalez is the founder of Stay Focused Ministries. Here he poses outside of his office in one of Bakersfield's toughest neighborhoods. You can help out by donating, volunteering or supporting Stay Focused Ministries at stayfocused.org.

132

By Laura Liera

he streets of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and Cottonwood Road hold secrets and memories. There have been tears, fear, laughter and bonds made on these streets. And for Manuel Carrizalez, driving on this side of town takes him

Bakersfield Life Magazine

May 2016

back to his childhood, where life shifted dramatically before he even started high school.

THE BEGINNING Like most kids, Carrizalez had dreams of growing up and being someone cool and important in life. He idolized drummers Eugene Bertram “Gene” Krupa and John Bonham of Led Zeppelin.

“I wanted to be a drummer for a band,” Carrizalez remembers. Although the 51-year-old was raised in Santa Ana for part of his childhood, Bakersfield became the place he called home. He still remembers running around the neighborhood with his friends in the afternoons and then all heading to his grandmother’s house for tamales and homemade

tortillas. But as he entered junior high, everything changed. “You had to fight to survive in the areas we lived in,” he said.

The Cottonwood Road and Felix Drive streets were where Carrizalez said he unfortunately made bad choices. The mentors he had in his life and choices he made led him to drugs. “I had a broken heart,”

Carrizalez said. “No one ever came to our neighborhood and told us that we could make a change or that we were never made to be gang members.” Heroin became his kryptonite. His childhood dream of becoming a lead drummer in a band, became an afterthought. In 1983, at 18 years old, Carrizalez was sent to prison for three years after being convicted of burglary. That would be the first of two trips to prison. In 1990, when Carrizalez stepped out of prison, he realized that in order to stop the cycle he was currently on, he had to make a change in his life. “When you’re locked up, everything stops,” Carrizalez said. “Time stops and you think everything is the same out in the real world, but then you realize nothing has stopped for you.” Continued on page 134

We’re honored to have the opportunity to serve you!

T I L E BUY DIRECT & SAVE

THANK YOU It has been a pleasure serving you. And we want you to know we appreciate your business. We will do everything possible to merit the confidence you have shown in us.

Come by and see us soon.

The COMPLETE Tile Store OPEN EVERY DAY (661) 366-3255 6301 E. BRUNDAGE LN. • BAKERSFIELD, CA

All of us at Smith’s Bakeries wish to thank you for the opportunity, over the last 70 years, to prepare the best quality baked goods we know how to make. You expect us to use the best ingredients and our artisans enjoy the fact that baked goods made with a combination of their hands and hearts are still appreciated.

Bakery

All in one convenient location Northeast Southwest 3700 River Blvd. • (661)324-9701 2739 Panama Ln. • (661)834-8820

O ’ C H O IC E P

Hablamas Español

R S’ C H O I C E P

2014 AD

E R S’

C H O IC E

L OL

SFIELD CALIF OR

R KE

SFIELD CALIF OR

2015

2010

R KE

E R S’

C H O IC E

AN NI

ERS

SFIELD CALIF OR

AN NI

R KE

2009

RSFIELD CALIF OR N

FD 1347

AN NI

E AK

N IA

FD779

“Made In Bakersfield” Product

Kern County’s Only Certified Master Baker Brookside Market

Bake Shop And Sales

Coffee & Hageman • 588-2070

2808 Union Ave. • 325-6357

White Oaks Plaza

Decorating Dept.

6401 White Lane • 834-1916

2808 Union • 325-3411

Brookside Market

Grand Island Village

The Marketplace • 654-0858

(Inside Sully’s Chevron Station) 11400 Ming Ave. • 663-8611

www.GreenlawnMortuaryandCemetery.com

bakersfieldlife.com

133

Continued from page 133

CHANGE IN STEP Although time stopped for no one, the neighborhood friends Carrizalez knew waited for him back home, expecting him to return to the same lifestyle that got him into prison. But as faith would have it, Carrizalez met Wendell Tyler and Jo-Jo Sanchez of Inner City Youth Ministries in Rosamond and became a part of their program. “That’s where God touched my life,” he said. Carrizalez was soon sharing his story to high school students and talking to them about hope. He began to mentor kids and knew that his calling was to help kids who had broken hearts – something he related to firsthand. In 1990, Carrizalez founded Stay Focused Ministries, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping at-risk children and families in Bakersfield and across the country. He has spoken at stadiums and auditoriums, from Oakland to the hoods in Chicago. In 2006, Carrizalez spoke at the White House FaithBased and Community Initiatives Conference, focusing on the importance of parent involvement in the prevention of gang violence. But the key, he said, is consistency and trust. Through Stay Focused Ministries’ different mentor

134

Bakersfield Life Magazine

May 2016

programs, the youths are constantly in contact with a mentor. Carrizalez said there are five to six different outreaches every week around the community and kids who spend time after school at the Stay Focused Ministries location on California Avenue are fed everyday. For those parents who don’t have a way of getting their kids to the programs, the mentors go to them. “We always come back to the neighborhoods because that’s where it all happens,” Carrizalez said. Throughout the 26 years of Stay Focused Ministries, many people have labeled the group as a “gang outreach ministry.” But the truth is, Carrizalez said, the nonprofit is a mentorship program that reaches anyone, not just those involved in gangs. “The streets have beaten up these kids so bad,” he said. “We are here to prevent them from being another statistic.”

5bakersfieldlife.com

135

People & Community

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

The gift of speed Ridgeview senior achieves goals in track, football By Stephen Lynch

136

Bakersfield Life Magazine

with seven games of 100 or more yards rushing and three games in which he topped the 200-yard mark. During a September game against Stockdale, Smith ran for 260 yards and four touchdowns, setting new career highs in both categories. Smith’s exploits on the gridiron helped Ridgeview win the Central Section Division II championship and earn a coveted berth in the CIF Division 1-A state playoffs. Despite losing 30-25 to Harbor City-Narbonne in the SoCal Regionals, the

“

With it being my senior year, I knew I had to step up and be a leader.

”

– Darius Smith

Wolf Pack ended the year with a sparkling 13-1 record. “With it being my senior year, I knew I had to step up and be a leader,” Smith said. “I knew it was going to be a big year. I just wanted to go out hard because it was going to be the last time playing with most of those dudes. I just wanted to cherish that.” While Smith enjoys foot-

May 2016

PHOTO BY NICK ELLIS

l Davis, the former longtime owner of the Oakland Raiders who passed away in 2011 once said: “Speed kills. You can’t teach speed. Everything else in the game can be taught, but speed is a gift from God.” If that sentiment is true, then Darius Smith owes a big debt of gratitude to the Almighty because the Ridgeview senior is the fastest high school athlete in the Central Section. He proved that last spring by clocking a winning time of 10.69 seconds in the 100-meter finals of the Central Section Masters Meet. Smith continued to showcase his extraordinary speed this past fall on the football field, rushing for 1,668 yards and 23 touchdowns. The 5-foot-7, 165-pound running back was a threat to score a touchdown every time he touched the football. “It’s an advantage on the field knowing that you’re pretty fast,” Smith said. “It’s a pretty cool tool.” Smith averaged nearly a first down (9.6 yards) every time he carried the ball and had a plethora of runs over 50 yards, including a 95-yard breakaway during the Wolf Pack’s season-opening 37-30 win over Frontier. He finished the season

Top: Ridgeview High’s Darius Smith runs to the finish line in the boys 100-meter dash at Buchanan High. Facing page: The Lemoore defense can only watch as Ridgeview’s Darius Smith takes off on big gain.

PHOTO BY FELIX ADAMO

Darius Smith

PHOTO BY CASEY CHRISTIE

ball, track is his favorite sport. “I always liked football,” Smith said. “It was the first sport I played when I was little, but I fell in love with track.” On top of winning the section 100meter title a year ago, Smith placed third in the section in 200. But he failed two weeks later at the state meet to qualify for the finals of either event. “It was a big transition going from my sophomore year to junior year, having a new coach and going to different kind of meets,” Smith said. “It was a pretty good season. It didn’t end like I wanted it to end. I didn’t have a good state meet but I thought I had a pretty good year overall.” Smith hopes to go even faster this year and win at least one medal at the state meet. “I’m more grown up now and probably more in shape this year,” Smith said. “I’ve just been struggling (so far) running better times. It’s a process I have to follow. I just want to peak at the right time … I want to get on the podium (at state) this year.” That would likely top Smith’s biggest track highlight of his career so far: winning last year’s 100-meter section championship. “It felt really good to know I won that race,” Smith said. “I worked really hard to get there. I just looked at my mom. She was going crazy in the stands.” Smith plans to continue running track in college. Several Pac-12 schools

• Born in Bakersfield on Dec. 31, 1997 • Parents are Ahmed Smith and Dina Padilla. Has six siblings (three brothers and three sisters) • First Team All-Area in track and field and football in 2015 • Hobbies include playing “Halo 5” and “Mortal Kombat X” and hanging out with friends • Has a 3.5 grade-point average and is currently enrolled in AP calculus and honors physics

and other NCAA Division I colleges have shown strong interest in him.

bakersfieldlife.com

137

People & Community

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

Downtown living, urban lifestyle Downtown development offers unique housing experience

By Gabriel Ramirez

Above and below: An artist’s rendering of the future 17th Place Townhomes. Opposite page: Construction continues with the first 14 units targeted for completion in November.

138

f you’ve driven by 17th Street between O and N streets, then you might have noticed the framing of a new development. The development is 17th Place Townhomes, an environmentally friendly downtown community that will provide a unique urban experience. The town homes will provide Bakersfield residents the opportunity to live near downtown areas of attraction – many within walking distance – and enjoy a piece of the big city life in our “small” city. “This will be the first luxury town home development for rent in downtown Bakersfield,” said Austin Smith, owner of Sage Equities Real Estate. “The finishes will be highend, the architecture is top-notch and residents will be able to walk to all of the amenities that Bakersfield has to offer. This is truly a unique project for Bakersfield.” Some of the high-end features

Bakersfield Life Magazine

May 2016

and finishes include private garages, in-unit washers and dryers, quartz countertops, stainless steel energyefficient kitchen appliances, quality cabinets, vinyl plank flooring, ultra high-speed Wi-Fi, LED lighting, no-VOC paint, lush drought-sensitive landscaping, secure courtyard space, tranquil fountains, barbecue and fire pit. Rent for the units will start at $1,400 a month for two-bedroom, 1.5-bath town homes with attached two-car garages. “This development has been well received and we have received a number of excited inquiries. We anticipate lease-up of the town homes will occur very quickly,” Smith said. “Our entire Sage Equities team is very excited to offer quality housing in a location that Bakersfield has not yet experienced.” Smith said that cities across America are experiencing a downtown renaissance and Bakersfield is no different. “Tenants have the opportunity to

embrace an urban lifestyle, in quality new construction that has not yet been experienced in our city,” Smith said. Sage Equities also has a cafe under development as well as another luxury apartment development near 18th Street, which means the options for downtown living will increase and the options for dining and entertaining in the central district will improve. The first 14 units of 17th Place will be available for occupancy this November. Preleasing will begin in September. For more information, visit 17thplacetownhomes.com.

bakersfieldlife.com

139

P H I L A N T H R O P Y M AT T E R S

Give where you live Give Big Kern aims to raise thousands for local nonprofits By Kristen Barnes

RSFIELD CALIF OR N

K BA

SFIELD CALIF OR

E R S’

C H O IC E

Bakersfield Life Magazine

SFIELD CALIF OR

2015 RE

E R S’

C H O IC E

AN NI

L ER

AN NI

O ’ C H O IC E P

O R S’ C H O I C E P

2014

ERS

AN NI

140

SFIELD CALIF OR

2011 EA

SFIELD CALIF OR

2010

May 2016

C HOI CE

E R S’

FIELD CALIF OR

FAVORITE

FAVORITE RE

E RS

2010

AN NI

2009

N IA

TH E

FIELD CALIF OR

TH E

E RS

2009

K BA

O R S’ C H O I C E P

organizations. Since the first of the year, the Give Big Kern Taskforce, a dedicated group of nonprofit leaders and foundation staff, has been hard at work addressing details that go along with such an expansive undertaking as Give Big Kern. While our goal is to raise awareness of – and money and volunteer hours for – the many fantastic organizations working tirelessly to make our community stronger, along the way we are also helping nonprofits strengthen their own capacity to attract donors and build for the future. By hosting several training sessions over the past few months, Kern Community Foundation has provided nonprofit participants opportunities to hone their skills in marketing, social media, and board and donor development in an environment of collaboration and connectivity. So whether your desire is supporting local arts, educating youth, helping struggling families or preserving our surroundings, Give Big Kern is an opportunity to embrace that giving feeling, show your community pride and support the nonprofits that are working hard to make our community great. Please join us on Tuesday, May 3, and give where you live by visiting givebigkern.org.

hilanthropists come in all shapes, sizes, colors and ages but they all share a desire to make a difference. What if, for just one day, we could channel our common desire, embrace that giving feeling and support dozens of worthy causes? You can on May 3 with Give Big Kern! Hosted by Kern Community Foundation, Give Big Kern is part of a national giving day movement called Give Local America. Last year, these local giving days raised over $68 million in 24 hours for over 9,000 nonprofits. For the first time, Kern County will join hundreds of communities across the country looking to demonstrate their dedication and support for local causes. Give Big Kern aims to raise thousands in charitable donations for nonprofit organizations in Kern County during 24 hours of collective, online giving. Think of it as a sort of online telethon, but instead of supporting one cause, you can choose from dozens of local nonprofits. From any smartphone, tablet or PC – in the comfort of your home or office or anywhere you have Internet access – you can log on to a secure online platform with searchable profiles of participating nonprofits at givebigkern.org. The minimum donation is $10 but you can also pledge volunteer hours to your favorite cause. You can give just one time, to one nonprofit or throughout Kristen Barnes the day to countless

Kristen Barnes is the President and CEO at Kern Community Foundation. Contact her at Kristen@kernfoundation.org or 616-2601. The views expressed in this column are her own.

Family owned and operated since 1954! “Voted Best Basque Restaurant 20 years in a row!”

RSFIELD CALIF OR N

ERS

O ’ C H O IC E P

SFIELD CALIF OR

O R S’ C H O I C E P

Our 61st Anniversary!

SFIELD CALIF OR

2014

AN NI

2010

AN NI

2009

N IA

FAVORITE AD

C H O IC E

SFIELD CALIF OR

2014

E R S’

C H O IC E

SFIELD CALIF OR

2015

AN NI

E R S’

AN NI

FAVORITE

Top: League of Dreams Inc.

E R S’

C H O IC E

SFIELD CALIF OR

2015

Some of the charities to give to on Give Big Kern Day at givebigkern.org.

E R S’

C H O IC E

AN NI

Best Basque Restaurant

Best Place To Take Out-Of-Town Guests

327-9584 620 East Nineteenth Street www.woolgrowers.net • Closed Sundays

Center: Marley’s Mutts Dog Rescue Bottom: Tree Foundation of Kern Inc.

Wool Growers Restaurant &

COCKTAIL LOUNGE bakersfieldlife.com

141

Participating Kern County nonprofit organizations Concert Association Bakersfield Art Association Bakersfield Master Chorale Bakersfield Museum of Art (BMOA) Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra The Fox Theater Foundation Kern Dance Alliance Kern River Valley Art Association Maturango Museum of the Indian Wells Valley Ridgecrest Chamber Music Society Valley Public Radio

Animals California Living Museum Foundation (CALM) Bakersfield SPCA The Cat People Critters Without Litters Marley's Mutts Dog Rescue

Arts & Culture The Arts Council of Kern Bakersfield Community

Children & Youth Court Appointed Special Advocates of Kern County (CASA) Bakersfield Sikh Women’s Association Best Buddies International Boys and Girls Clubs of Kern County Covenant Community Services Girl Scouts of Central California South Global Family Care Network H.E.A.R.T.S. Connection

Mike George “Exceeding Customer Satisfaction” NMLS# 226626

142

Bakersfield Life Magazine

May 2016

Junior League of Bakersfield Kelly’s Therapeutic Riders League of Dreams Olivia’s Heart Project

Community & Society Bakersfield ARC (BARC) Advancing Parenting AHH (A Helping Hand) Alliance Against Family Violence and Sexual Assault Autism Society-Kern Autism Network Bakersfield East Rotary Foundation Bakersfield Homeless Center Borax Visitor Center Foundation Boron Alive! Casa Esperanza Transitional Home for Women Community Action Partnership of Kern (CAPK) Dress for Success Bakersfield Garden Pathways

Gay & Lesbian Center of Bakersfield Golden Empire Gleaners Habitat for Humanity Golden Empire Housing & Opportunity Foundation of Kern Kern River Valley Revitalization North of the River Recreation Foundation Volunteer Center of Kern County Woman's Club of Bakersfield

Jim Burke Education Foundation Junior Achievement of Bakersfield Kern Literacy Council Parent Institute for Quality Education (PIQE) R. M. Pyles Boys Camp ValleyPBS WarmLine (La Cresta Foundation)

Environment Economic Development Downtown Bakersfield Development Corporation Kern Economic Development Foundation

Education African American Network of Kern County The Agape Love Connection Buena Vista Museum of Natural History and Science California State University Bakersfield Foundation

Keep California Beautiful Panorama Vista Preserve Reaching by Recycling Tejon Ranch Conservancy Tree Foundation of Kern The Wildlands Conservancyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Wind Wolves Preserve

Health Alzheimer Disease Association of Kern County (ADAKC) American Heart Association Bakersfield Memorial Hospital Foundation Bakersfield Ronald McDonald House

CSF Medical Non Profit Foundation Friends of Mercy Foundation Hina Patel Foundation Hoffmann Hospice JJâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Legacy Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) Kern County Teen Challenge Links for Life M.A.R.E. Riding Center National Multiple Sclerosis Society Optimal Hospice Foundation Partners in Care Foundation Valley Fever Americas Foundation

Humanitarian Aid American Red Cross Kern Chapter Flood Bakersfield Ministries Independent Living Center of Kern County (ILCKC) The Mission at Kern County New Advances for People with Disabilities (NAPD) The Plank Foundation Wounded Heroes Fund

bakersfieldlife.com

143

O U R TOW N

PHOTOS COURTESY OF BARBARA BUTLER

People & Community

Heavenly terrain Wind Wolves Preserve presents opportunities for learning, convening with nature By Diana Greenlee Green and serene, Wind Wolves Preserve is an ideal destination for a weekend hike or picnic.

144

alph Waldo Emerson said the most valuable aspect of real property is the landscape. Being nestled within the confines of several scenic mountain ranges, Bakersfieldians have access to a virtual treasure trove of natural beauty, including the popular Wind Wolves Preserve. Located about 30 miles south of town, wildflowers dust the 93,000acre conservatory. It is the largest nature preserve on the West Coast and former home to the Chumash tribe. According to Preserve Manager Landon Peppel, the Native Ameri-

Bakersfield Life Magazine

May 2016

cans inhabited the area until the Spanish missionization during the 18th century. The land has changed hands several times, and at one point, it belonged to Tenneco Oil. Peppel said complications with water and other resources discouraged development on the property, and in 1996, it was acquired by the Wildlands Conservancy. Wind Wolves Preserve is one of 16 protected areas belonging to the private nonprofit. The manager said the area holds significant historical and cultural value. It has sparked the interest of the archeological community and digs are underway on the property today.

Wind Wolves Preserve 16019 Maricopa Highway 661-858-1115 www.wildlandsconservancy.org or find them on Facebook.

He said the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History houses artifacts recovered from various sites within the preserve. “The historical tribe resided here up to the Santa Barbara coast,” Peppel said, referring to the Chumash tribe. “People come from around the world to study this area.” And they come in droves. More than 40,000 visitors are

SFIELD CALIF OR

2014

AN NI

FAVORITE RE

E R S’

CH O IC E

SFIELD CALIF OR

2014

AN NI

TH h.v 3TREET $OWNTOWN "AKERSlELD s OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK

FAVORITE RE

The preserve schedules a variety of fun and educational programs for youngsters, including informational hikes, bird watching and outdoor survival training. drawn in every year; about 25 percent are children. The preserve schedules a variety of fun and educational programs for youngsters, including informational hikes, bird watching and outdoor survival training. They also offer family friendly activities, such as picnicking, camping and viewing movies at no cost.

Peppel said the Backcountry Adventures, which allow visitors to tour the area in a vehicle, are a local favorite. The sojourn into the wilderness provides breathtaking views of the Sierra Nevadas and enables folks to observe wildlife in its habitat. Peppel said it’s not unusual

E R S’

C H O IC E

NORTHEAST

SOUTHWEST

NORTHWEST

3615 Mount Vernon Ave. (661) 871-3556

6417 Ming Ave (661) 396-9608

4750 Coffee Road (661) 588-4700

CENTRAL

NOW N O W OOPEN! PEN!

SHAFTER

4130 California Avenue OUTLETS AT TEJON 300 Lerdo Hwy. (661) 325-4717 (661) 746-9244 (661) 858-2425 www.tonyspizzabakersfield.com

Continued on page 147 bakersfieldlife.com

145

PHOTO COURTESY OF GLENN HAMMETT

A group of mountain bikers explore the trails of Wind Wolves Preserve.

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.

146

Bakersfield Life Magazine

May 2016

Continued from page 145

to see California condors, mountain lions or bears on the excursions. If you’re lucky, you might also get a glimpse of the rare Tule elk. “Before the gold rush, there were half a million,” he said of the elk. “We introduced 30 in the late 1990s, and now there are 350 to 400. They are naturally producing.” The protective hand of the conservancy has allowed the expanse of land to maintain its primitive feel, and the vegetation and landscape, including a waterfall, ponds, and numerous endangered plant and animal species flourish – many without assistance. “All of the grasses in the valley are non-native annual Mediterranean varieties,” Peppel said. “The seeds were dispersed on the landscape during the 18th century by the Spanish.” Peppel said the facility is supported through donations, and they have more than 1,000 volunteers, which allows them to provide everything free of charge. Steeped in Emersonian virtues, the manager said their goal is to provide programs so that children may know the wonder and joy of nature. “We believe nature is a birthright,” Peppel said.

Friday, May 13, 2016 6:00 pm- 10:00 pm Bakersfield Country Club 4200 Country Club Drive Bakersfield, CA 93306

Event Emcee,

Tami Mlcoch KGET 17

Cocktail Reception & Silent Auction begin at 6:00pm Tickets- $100 each | Tables (10 seats) - $1000

Please contact Lara Weberling at Lara.Weberling@lls.org or 661.845.2710 for more information. bakersfieldlife.com

147

People & Community

Top: Bryan Lynch Bottom: Aubrey Logan

O U R TOW N

Jazz Fest returns to CSUB

Facing page: Tito Puente Jr.

By Gabriel Ramirez

he staple of Bakersfield’s artistic calendar is returning this year on May 6 and 7. We are, of course, talking about the 30th annual Bakersfield Jazz Festival, which will again delight and entertain the community at Cal State Bakersfield. “This event is fun, supports student scholarships, enriches our community with a great family friendly event and brings people to our wonderful campus to share in a weekend of music, food, art and fun,” said Jim Scully, co-coordinator of the CSUB 148

Bakersfield Life Magazine

May 2016

music program and incoming director of the Bakersfield Jazz Festival. “The Bakersfield Jazz Festival is an extraordinary event in that it marries scholarship, philanthropy, music and family in one big package. Where else can you hear world-class jazz music, see $25,000 in scholarships handed out to students in multiple disciplines and bring your whole family with a picnic lunch in the Bakersfield spring weather?” The musicians who take the stage at the Bakersfield Jazz Festival are internationally recognized virtuosi on their instruments, Grammy winContinued on page 150

Bakersfield Jazz Festival, CSUB Amphitheater Stage FRIDAY, MAY 6, 7 P.M. 7 p.m. - Doug Davis • 45 minutes 8:05 p.m. - Mike Stern Band • 65 minutes 9:40 p.m. - Brian Culbertson

7:40 p.m. - Brian Lynch’s “Unsung Heroes” Project featuring Ralph Moore • 70 minutes 9:15 p.m. - Fireworks Show 9:20 p.m. - Tito Puente Jr. Orchestra

Tickets in advance: General $40, student $26 Tickets at the gate: General $50, student/CSUB alumni with alumni ID $30

Tickets in advance: General $45, Student $29 Tickets at the gate: General $55, Student/CSUB alumni with alumni ID $35

SATURDAY, MAY 7, 4 P.M.

Ticket Information: Two-day combo tickets: General $65, student $40, Children under 12: Free A two-day reserved table for six for $600

gates open at 6 p.m.

gates open at 3 p.m. 4 p.m. - Kern County Honor Jazz Band • 45 minutes 5:10 p.m. - Tony Rinaldi • 50 minutes 6:20 p.m. - Aubrey Logan • 60 minutes

Buy tickets online: www.vallitix.com

bakersfieldlife.com

149

Continued from page 148

ning composers/performers and trend-setting and genre-bending artists. “The style of jazz is inclusive. It is an amalgam of all that has come before, and the varied artists we present, are a great tribute to the inclusivity of the music,” Scully said. “This event is a staple of the Bakersfield artistic calendar. Every May is Jazz Festival time. It’s been here long since before the boom in the southwest and northwest.” Among the supporters of the event is presenting sponsor BMW. “We are pleased to continue our long relationship with this local business, and we think the iconic BMW brand is an appropriate representation of the worldclass talent and artistry at the event,” Scully said. “This event supports students in multiple disciplines across CSUB. Music majors, engineering majors, liberal studies majors, nursing majors and the list goes on. But additionally, it allows the campus to take its rightful place in the community of supporting the arts and, in fact, championing them.” Over the years, the Bakersfield Jazz Festival has hosted amazing talent like Scott Henderson, Dave Douglas, Christian Scott, Bela Fleck, Gerald Albright, Dizzy Gillespie, Joe Sample, as well as local and regional talents.

Mike Stern Facing page: Brian Culbertson

Proudly Serving Bakersfield for 76 Years! www.kcsteakhouse.net

2515 F Street • (661) 322-9910 Family Owned & Operated Monday - Thursday 11:00am - 10:00pm Saturday: 5:00pm - 12:00am Friday: 11:00am - 12:00am Closed Sunday

150

Bakersfield Life Magazine

May 2016

IN BAKERSFIELD

GLASS SLIPPERS ARE SO BACK.

RODGERS + HAMMERSTEIN’S

December 22, 2016

January 5, 2017

May 18, 2017

Box Office | 661-852-7308 RabobankArena.com bakersfieldlife.com

151

People & Community

H O M E TOW N H E R O

The road to success Auto shop owner embodies leadership traits learned in USMC

Top: Joe Rueda with his bike. Bottom: From left: Brothers Valeriano Rueda, Jaime Rueda and Joe Rueda in uniform.

152

By Cheryl Scott

no-quit attitude and commitment to leadership are just two of the classic characteristics most Marines share. Joe Rueda, owner of Wheels Automotive in Bakersfield, is no exception. He weaves together these and other traits learned – and honed – in the USMC in a way that draws people to him, whether it’s customers, family or his motorcycle-riding friends. Rueda enlisted in the Marines in 1976 because, like his brothers before him, he knew the military could unlock the door to opportunity. “We didn’t have big money to go to college,” he said. “Joining the military would give us the chance to go to school.” In fact, Rueda and his four brothers all joined the military. Rueda spent the majority of his three years of military service in Okinawa, Korea and the Philippines. “It was pretty cool at that age to be able to learn their culture and way of life. They were so polite and we were very welcome. I was overwhelmed,” he said. “Growing up in Hollister, I had felt like that was the

Bakersfield Life Magazine

May 2016

world. My eyes were opened,” he said. Rueda still embodies the 14 leadership traits he learned in the military. In fact, he considers “becoming a leader” to be his greatest military accomplishment, having achieved the rank of corporal. “The Marine Corps teaches you who you are. You learn that it’s not about telling others what you’re about ... it’s about showing who you are. It’s about being decisive and never quitting,” he said. The Marines helped him form the character that brings him success as a business owner, and even in his role as a father and as husband to Guadalupe, his wife of 38 years. Some of Rueda’s favorite advice builds upon his own attitude of determination: “Don’t quit. When you experience a failure, it just means you’re getting ready to succeed.” Fulfilling his plan to attend college after the Marines, Rueda spent two years at Gavilan College in Hollister. There, he prepared for a career in the automotive business. He eventually moved to Bakersfield, then decided to open his own auto shop in 2004. Selecting a name for the business came easily since Rueda in Spanish means “wheel” and it was his nickname growing up. Plus, Rueda has always had a love for wheels, whether it was his first car (the 1947 Chevy Fleetmaster he still owns) or motorcycles (which he learned to ride when he was 9 years old). Wheels Automotive is a family affair. Son Joey can be found working the counter, and granddaughter Gabbie (just 20 years old) is already handling the bookkeeping (and admits she wouldn’t mind running the place some day). When he’s not at the shop, Rueda is often found riding his Harley Davidson, with his wife Guadalupe on the back, leading group rides of 75 or more to places like Reno, Arizona or Hollister.

2016 CADILLAC CT6

The CT6 combines advanced technology with breathtaking design. Matching the available 3.0L V6 Twin Turbo engine is an entirely new, lightweight vehicle architecture for a superb driving experience that is agile, solid, and secure. And every journey delivers the utmost comfort and convenience for all with optional BoseÂŽ PanarayÂŽ Sound System featuring 34 speakers, individual climate control and extended comfort seats with five massage settings. The result is a daring expression of ambition.

Experience the luxury at Three-Way Cadillac.

Celebrating 60 years of being your hometown dealershipSM

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re Here To Helpâ&#x20AC;?

Three-Way Cadillac Ć°ĆąĆŹĆ qÂŠÂ&#x2039;ÂşÂ&#x2013; VÂ&#x2019;Ç?Ç&#x2DC; Â&#x20AC;Â¸Â&#x2013;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x161;Ä&#x192;Â&#x2013;ÂşÂ&#x2019; 661-283-3300 3wayautomotive.com

Sales: Mon.-Fri. 8-9, Sat. 8-6, Sun. 9-5 Service: Mon.-Fri. 7-7, Sat. 8-4 Parts: Mon.-Fri. 7-6, Sat. 8-4

bakersfieldlife.com

153

People & Community

WHY I LIVE HERE

Summers take local teacher to Ireland, but Bakersfield is “home”

Left: Daughter Addison and Vicky Dinan. Right: Vicky, Addison and Bryan at their daughter’s dance show.

“

By Cheryl Scott

he might be Irish by birth and by blood, but Vicky Dinan is a “Bakersfield girl” by choice – and she’s happy to let friends and family know just why she loves living in Kern County. Dinan, 28, came to Bakersfield with her mother in 1988 when Dinan was just an infant. The two left Dublin during an economic downturn in Ireland and her mother, Cliona Murphy, landed a professor position at Cal State Bakersfield, where she still teaches history today. After all these years, Bakersfield continues to suit Dinan just fine. She attended Stockdale High School and went on to CSUB, where she was a member of the women’s swim team while she also coached the Stockdale High swim team. —Vicky Dinan “I’m still friends with some of my teammates, and a group of us still gets together when we can,” she said. After graduation, Dinan’s college friends began to

I really like it here. I like the people, the diversity, the restaurants. There’s a broader culture here than people realize.

”

154

Bakersfield Life Magazine

May 2016

move away but she chose to establish her roots in Bakersfield. “I really like it here,” she said. “I like the people, the diversity, the restaurants. There’s a broader culture here than people realize.” On top of that, she said, “I can do more with my teacher’s salary here!” Originally, Dinan thought she’d pursue a career in journalism, but after spending some time in the classroom as a substitute aide, she decided to switch gears and go into teaching instead. Since earning her teaching credential two years ago, Dinan has taught fourth grade at North Beardsley Elementary School; it seems to be a good fit for her own cheerful personality. “I enjoy working with younger kids because they’re not cynical,” she said. “They’re refreshing and positive.” One of the most rewarding parts of working with young children, Dinan said, is creating a safe and structured environment for her students. “It’s more than just being a teacher,” she said. “It’s about making an emotional connection.” During her summer vacations, Dinan returns to Ireland to visit her father and other family members in Dublin and Cork. She also returns to the water and provides private swim lessons for children here in Bakersfield. Spending time with family, especially 4-year-old daughter Addison and her dad, Bryan, tops Dinan’s list of favorite activities. They enjoy playing at the park with their pit mix, Bruno, and their Chihuahua, Bella.

bakersfieldlife.com

155

People & Community

Top: From left, Rick, Marianne and Cheri Laxague are the owners of the Pyrenees French Bakery. Middle: Gabrial Valdez works with 800 pounds of dough as he prepares to make sourdough bread. The dough is then weighed for individual loafs. Bottom: Servando Rodriguez loads bread pans with dough that will be allowed to rise for about four hours before it is baked. The Pyrenees French Bakery bakes about 2,500 units of breads every day.

156

Bakersfield Life Magazine

May 2016

I N S I D E STO RY

Best thing since sliced bread Pyrenees French Bakery continues recipe, reputation By Sara Carey Photos by Henry A. Barrios

rom the inconspicuous exterior, you’d never guess that Pyrenees French Bakery stands a landmark of entrepreneurship and expertise. Purchased in 1945 by the Laxague family, its tradition of quality, distinguished bread making is still carried on today. Now the matriarch, Marianne takes pride in her family’s recipe. “My father, Pierre, brought his old-world formula over from France, and we haven’t changed his starter in 70 years,” she said. Cheri, Marianne’s niece by marriage, elaborated on their technique. “A lot of unnamed sourdough places use a mix, and you can taste the bitterness because it’s not fresh. We grow ours and continuously build upon it – it never sits still,” she said.

Their dough, imported from General Mills, is dropped into an industrial mixer and rotated until it reaches a blistering heat. Then it’s moved by troughs into a series of smaller mixers and finally placed onto a conveyor belt, which spins the unformed dough into a loaf shape. “This process is more complex than anybody ever realizes,” Cheri said. “We have two shifts of workers who are here all day and all night.” More than 7,000 pounds of flour is used to churn out upward of 3,000 loaves a week, and the Laxague family and crew still bake and ship their bread six days a week. In a continued testament to their devotion, they deliver their highly sought-after bread not just to restaurants and stores in Bakersfield, but all over the United States. “No matter what part of the country, the biggest compliment we receive is definitely on the quality. When you try it, you know it came from Pyrenees,” Marianne said.

bakersfieldlife.com

157

POWER COUPLE

PHOTO COURTESY OF BRICKYARD BOYS PHOTOGRAPHY/FARRAH GAMAZ

People & Community

The couple that works together, stays together A well-rounded couple: Tortilla partners support each other, community By Ellen Ewing

hen Denise CastanedaOrnelas first met her future husband, she was demonstrating tortillas at the grocery store. Her mother knew Denise would be perfect for growing interest in the La Bonita product. Castaneda-Ornelas is an

158

Bakersfield Life Magazine

May 2016

outspoken, friendly woman who quickly takes initiative. “I was 15 when La Bonita hired me to go out to the stores and do demos,” Denise said. “I had never really met with the person in charge; nobody knew who I was because I would take my own little table, my own everything.” “We were paying someone to do the

demos every week, and no one really saw her,” Albert Ornelas said. So Albert, the 21-year-old son of La Bonita’s owner at the time, went to check to make sure the demonstrator was actually showing up to work. “That’s how we met,” Denise said. Denise eventually moved on from her part-time job experience. But Albert and Denise remained acquain-

tances through family and mutual friends for several years until one day Albert went on a date that led him to see Denise in a different way. “I was working at Red Robin,” Denise said. “He came in on a date and we started talking, and I said, ‘Hey, we haven’t seen each other in so long.’ We had a lot of mutual friends, so that night we all ended up hanging out. From that day forward we’ve been together.” Albert and Denise will celebrate their 20th wedding anniversary in December. They have worked side by side in the tortilla business just as long. Denise handles marketing and Albert “does everything else,” according to Denise. “We just get along so well,” Albert said. “We do business together; we know what the other is thinking.” “We’ve learned to communicate by bouncing ideas and suggestions off each other,” Denise said. “I think it helps our marriage because we’re strong in this together. We know each other’s jobs. Working together makes it stronger. When you’re in a good, healthy relationship, you get each other. You strive to make it better.” Staying positive and goal-oriented has been key to the success Albert and Denise have enjoyed in business and in their lives together. Instead of expanding La Bonita geographically, they chose to stay within Kern County, venturing to the Central Coast for the Christmas season. Since taking over the company in 2004, Albert and Denise have gained several more vendors, including Wal-Mart and WinCo. “We work really hard

day and night, especially Albert,” Denise said. “Because of our kids. That’s our No. 1 priority.” They have two children, Gabriel and Jessica. Gabriel is a senior at Bakersfield High School, and Jessica, who was born deaf, is a junior at Highland High School.

Grow with us We are cultivating long-term relationships, nurturing California with programs that invest in the rural communities we serve, and supporting the banking needs of our customers. Watch our video and learn how we are helping California grow in every way. Visit: rabobankamerica.com/grow Scan here:

“

We’ve learned to communicate by bouncing ideas and suggestions off each other. I think it helps our marriage because we’re strong in this together.

”

—Denise Castaneda-Ornelas

5151 Stockdale Hwy 2700 Mt. Vernon Ave 3990 Gosford Rd 900 Truxtun Ave, Ste 100 3800 Riverlakes Dr

NMLS ID: 649477 Personal Banking

Home Lending

Business Banking

Food & Ag

“We have to stay focused for Jessica especially, because she requires a little more than the average kid,” Denise said. When Jessica was 3 months old, Albert and Denise learned she was deaf. “As soon as we found out, we became very active in the deaf community,” Denise said. “We were one of the original families that implemented testing newborns at the hospital, because many deaf babies were being born and parents weren’t finding out until their children were 5 years old.” To raise more awareness, Denise remained president of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing PTO long after her daughter entered high school. Jessica regularly attends business functions with her parents in another bid to spread the word about deaf culture. bakersfieldlife.com

159

People & Community

H I STO RY

The final journey of a pioneer padre

CALIFORNIAN FILE PHOTO

Setting Bakersfield’s past in stone

By Julie Plata On April 27, 1939, workers delivered the statue of Father Garces to the center of Garces Circle. Facing page: Sculptor John Palo-Kangas working on the statue in March 1939.

160

ne hundred and sixty three years after Father Francisco Hermenegildo Tomas Garces trekked across the Mojave Desert to the place he christened San Miguel de los Noches, he once again stood in the spot he first came upon during his journey for the Spanish crown. This time, Father Garces’ arrival was not about exploring uncharted lands; it was about setting down permanent roots and taking his place of honor among Bakersfield’s citizens. Members of the Garces Memorial Committee of the Kern County Historical Society devised a plan to commission a distinguished piece of art to commemorate Father Garces. In 1938, they hired Finnish sculptor John Palo-Kangas to create a giant limestone statue that, according to the July 13, 1938, Bakersfield Californian, was “destined to become one of the most famous statues in California because of the historic significance of the subject.” The sculpture of Father Garces held another honor of distinction, as it is also a fine example of the art projects

Bakersfield Life Magazine

May 2016

created under President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal. Managed under the umbrella of the Works Progress Administration, the Federal Art Project (FAP) was created in 1935 to provide work relief for artists while bringing art into communities throughout the United States. Palo-

A miniature model of the statue presented to the committee by (John) Palo-Kangas was praised for its “suggestion of modernity with classical simplicity.” Kangas earned a reputation in California as a distinguished artist for other statues he previously created for the FAP. Palo-Kangas initially designed many different poses for the statue before deciding on the final concept. On July 12, 1938, the Garces Memorial Committee, led by R. W. Loudon, met with the city planner, the city planning commission and the city

engineer to finalize the plans for the final concept. A miniature model of the statue presented to the committee by Palo-Kangas was praised for its “suggestion of modernity with classical simplicity.” The committee chose May 7, 1939, the anniversary of Father Garces’ arrival to Bakersfield, as the perfect day to unveil the sculpture. The Kern County Historical Society, Native Sons and Daughters and the Knights of Columbus headed the memorial’s fundraising efforts. Donations from generous citizens amounting to $2,000 and a $1,000 contribution from the City Council paid for the commission of the project. On April 27, 1939, the 10-ton statue was delivered via a cradled truck and set upon its resting place by two large derrick cranes. The Bakersfield Californian reported on April 28 of that year that the delivery was met by “several hundred spectators, several cameramen, one Technicolor motion picture man and the sculptor,” who held their breath until it was securely set down in the wet cement on the bronze uprights. Palo-Kangas finally “wiped the perspiration of anxiety from his brow.”

CALIFORNIAN FILE PHOTO

Ten days later, the unveiling of Father Garces’ memorial occurred with much fanfare. Members of the local VFWs, Boy Scout troops, the Kern County Union High School band and community members proudly marched along the parade route to Garces Circle. Distinguished guests from across California attended the dedication. Entertainment included additional performances by the high school band, chants by the grey robed choristers from the Santa Barbara Mission and Spanish songs by the young women’s choir of Our Lady of Guadalupe church. Reverend A.S. Donat, Right Reverend Monsignor McGrath and Reverend Augustine Hobrecht provided blessings. Dr. Herbert Bolton and Norman Thompson gave speeches and S. MacDonaldWright presented the State

Registered Historic Landmark No. 277 to the city. The moment the crowd waited for finally arrived and Henry Lawrence (Wanhumchah) and Mary Santiago (I-Hal-yut), the last full-blooded members of the Yauelmanl tribe, unveiled the statue. The beautiful depiction of the Spanish padre, dressed in an authentic Franciscan robe worn with a rosary, staff and hat, stood over 22 feet tall from its decorated and inscribed carnelian granite base to the top of its limestone head. The statue remained in the center of Garces Circle until its relocation in 1955 to accommodate the Chester Avenue overcrossing. Seventy-seven years after its unveiling, Father Garces’ towering presence still marvels visitors and remains a solid reminder of Bakersfield’s past.

BAKERSFIELD’S MUSIC DEALER for more than 37 years years 40 • Pianos and Keyboards • Band Instruments/ Rentals • Music Lessons • Acoustic/Electric Guitars • Piano Moving/Tuning • Repair Department • Sheet Music 100 Oak Street (corner of Oak/Stockdale) 327-5397 • californiakeyboards.com

bakersfieldlife.com

161

People & Community

REAL PEOPLE

You’ve seen him, now get to know him Revealing the man behind the sign

By Kate Leonard

s you drive by Stockdale Highway and California Avenue, you may have seen his familiar face. You don’t know him personally, but somehow a smile always appears as you turn the corner and see Priest Morrison, the sign holder for Little Caesars Pizza waving and dancing in your direction. Morrison, 40, has been waving hello on that corner for the past seven years.

162

Bakersfield Life Magazine

May 2016

His response for the job that was given to him when no one else would give him a chance is “blessed.” One can say that Morrison was looking for that opportunity to succeed in life. For two years, Morrison was at the Rescue Mission, until 2007 when he was encouraged to stop living on the streets. Morrison then went from job to job, being turned down due to lack of experience or not fitting the ideal candidate. In 2009, he walked through the doors of Little Caesars Pizza and they gave him his first shift later that day.

We’re honored to serve the people of Bakersfield since 1881

St. Francis Church would like to thank Kern County for their 12th year of being nominated for the “Best Place to Worship” Category.

PHOTO BY MARK NESSIA

Msgr. Craig Harrison

Ever since, Morrison has become the familiar face waving and busting moves seven days week, 365 days out of the year. But Morrison admits he didn’t expect to last too long – two months at the most. “I was praised for my excellent work ethic that I thank my family and my first job at Outback Steakhouse for,” he said. Being a sign holder is not about a paycheck for Morrison. The cold winters and hot summers he spends twirling pizza signs are gratifying for one reason: to make someone

For over 26 years, Ladies and Gents Bridal has been helping brides with their dream of finding the perfect gown for their special day.

Continued on page 165

bakersfieldlife.com

163

Random slices about Priest • He has 100 dance moves • Pacifist • Knows martial arts • His go-to song is “Those Who Fight” by Nobuo Uematsu • Helped build the Garces High School gym • Enters dance competitions to practice his new moves • Authorized to babysit up to five kids at once

JOIN THE FORCE AGAINST LUNG CANCER Every 5 minutes, a woman in the U.S. is diagnosed with lung cancer. Lung cancer is the #1 cancer killer of both women and men.

LUNG FORCE LUNCHEON RAISE YOUR VOICE FOR LUNG HEALTH TUESDAY, MAY 17, 2016 | 11:30 AM—1:00 PM Stockdale Country Club 7001 Stockdale Hwy | Bakersfield, CA 93309

Register today at action.lung.org/bakersfieldluncheon Event is free, but registration is required. For questions about the event, contact the Lung Association at 661.282.3297 164

Bakersfield Life Magazine

May 2016

Continued from page 163

smile. “I want to make someone’s day a little lighter,” Morrison said. His positivity is fueled by serving others. “Do your best to work on making someone else happy,” he added. “I get blessed in other ways. People smiling, that’s a thank you to me.” Morrison laughs at the idea of his notoriety around the community. He just loves what he does. “I’m getting paid to have fun,” he said. “I don’t know who I would be without them (Little Caesars) because that is me out there

when I am doing moves or talking to people. You can’t do that at any other job.” Because of his enthusiasm and work ethic, local businesses and filmmakers have approached Morrison offering him bigger opportunities, but he has declined all of them. Morrison said: “(Little Caesars) has been really good to me – really loyal. When I am practicing, it is always about what would look good at the job.” When Morrison isn’t waving at passersby, he taps into his artsy side working on his graphic novel that he hopes to publish soon. “I have my own style and I am proud of it and I’m just going to try,” Morrison said.

bakersfieldlife.com

165

877.314.7511 BakersfieldHyundai.com

Bakersfield College Silver Dinner Date: March 31 Held at The Petroleum Club Photos by Greg Nichols

Marlene Heise, Lauraine Cook, Sonya Christian, Jerry Cook and John Hefner

Kirk, Sara, and Matt Hessler and Vanh Mancevice

Nancy and Phil Oehler

Dana and Tom Gelder

Karen and Paterick Thompson and Cindy and Sam Chow

Shelby Clarke, Helen Harp and Rosalee Pogue

Sharon Smith and Jeri Merlow Schueler

Adam and Tiffani Alvidrez, Vince Fong and Abby Auffant

2016 HYUNDAI

ELANTRA

3,578

TOTAL NET SAVINGS OFF MSRP

PRICES DO NOT INCLUDE GOVERNMENT FEES AND TAXES, ANY FINANCE CHARGE, ANY DEALER DOCUMENT PROCESSING CHARGE, ANY ELECTRONIC FILING CHARGE AND ANY EMISSIONS TESTING CHARGE.MUST OWN HYUNDAI VEHICLE TO QUALIFY FOR HMA VALUE OWNER COUPON. AD EXPIRES 4/30/16.

DEALER DISCOUNT: $828 + HMA REBATE: $2,250 + HMA VALUE OWNER COUPON: $500 = NET SAVINGS OFF MSRP: $3,578

ยกHablamos su idioma!

661.952.7234 BakersfieldHyundai.com

5300 Wible Rd. Bakersfield, CA 93313

877.314.7511 BakersfieldHyundai.com

CASA Superhero Run Date: April 2 Held at The Park at River Walk Photos by Jan St Pierre

Nancy Garcia

Don Moss and Barbara Moss Livingston

Allie Madrid, Diana Shaw and Mia Cifuentes

Kelsey Taylor, Colleen McGauley and Jesse Gomez

Amelia and Chris Ferguson

Valerie Jara and Kayli Burgess

Pam Miller and Michael and Rachel Long

Brandon Goenawan, Alice Alverado, Edward Ramirez and Sarah Eskander

2016 HYUNDAI

SONATA

LEASE

179

PER MO

MORE THAN 5 AT THIS OFFER. PAYMENT EXCLUDES TAX AND LICENSE. SONATA LEASE 36 MONTHS WITH $4399 DUE AT SIGNING ($2399 CASH OUT OF POCKET OR TRADE EQUITY, $2000 HMA LEASE CASH). 0 SECURITY DEPOSIT REQUIRED. MUST FINANCE THROUGH HMF ON APPROVED CREDIT. TERMINATION FEE $400 AT LEASE END. PURCHASE OPTION AT LEASE END $12,648. 12K MILES PER YEAR WITH $0.20 PER MILE THEREAFTER. OFFER EXPIRES AT END OF THE MONTH.

ยกHablamos su idioma!

661.952.7234 BakersfieldHyundai.com

5300 Wible Rd. Bakersfield, CA 93313

877.314.7511 BakersfieldHyundai.com

Bakersfield Family Motors Porsche 911 Date: April 7 Held at Bakersfield Family Motors Photos by Greg Nichols

Avery and Andy Zaninovich

Laura Arredondo and Mike Vega Carl Knoll, Alex Gilman, Scott Herrick, and Alyssa Duran

Steven VanMetre and Scott Herrick

Nona and Jim Darling

Sergio Arredonda and Jason Huerta

Special Services Include: • Colonoscopy • Endoscopy • Video Capsule Endoscopy • ERCP • Cancer Screening Esophageal pH & Motility Study • Treatment fo Liver Diseases • Ambulatory Endoscopy Center 9870 Brimhall Rd. #100 Bakersfield, CA 93312 (661)588-8725 Fax (661)588-8749

20041 Hwy 202, Valley Blvd., Unit 3, Tehachapi, Ca 93561 (661) 822-0377 Fax (661) 588-8749

www.bakersfieldgi.com 168

Bakersfield Life Magazine

May 2016

Kurt Cooper and Desiree Ornelas

877.314.7511 BakersfieldHyundai.com

Mac and Cheese Fest Date: April 16 Held at CSUB Photos by Jan St Pierre

Katie Askew and Alex Raya

Claire and Robert Castro

Glenda Williams, Samantha Imhooftran, Michael Jorden and Suzi Hatton

Madison Gutierrez and Joe Carrete

Michele Burrow and Laura Creech

Rita and Larry Waugh

Melissa Villagomez, and Marisela and Monica Plascencia

Melaynie Lopez and Steven Armas

Jennifer Castro, Keith Reddig and Adam and Kelly Pennell bakersfieldlife.com

169

877.314.7511 BakersfieldHyundai.com

Kern County 150 Years Date: April 16 Held at Kern County Museum Photos by Greg Nichols

Isabella Actis, Ainsley Erickson, Lilliana Hand, and Brooke Rausch

Michael, Ryder, Casey, and Hailey Woodruff Alyson Tackitt, Maycee Knight, Ashley Tackitt, Isabella Actis, Shendan Knight, Aubrey Barkley, and Isabeau Ennis

Wendy and Rob Purdie, Sarah Starr, Sarah Elam

Twila Walker and Adrian Martinez

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

725 EAST 19TH STREET 322-0926 Everything served in Luigi’s Restaurant Can be purchased in our delicatessen

DELI/SANDWICH SHOP

DAILY SPECIALS AVAILABLE WWW.SHOPLUIGIS.COM

170

Bakersfield Life Magazine

LUNCH SPOT

May 2016

David Brust and Doug Pickard

The legacy of leadership

Great leaders leave a mark on the communities they serve. They bring people together, create a consensus and work hard to make positive change. What is accomplished today can last for generations. The Bakersfield Californian Best of Kern Winners, thank you for creating a lasting legacy of success.

877.314.7511 BakersfieldHyundai.com

Foothill High Athletic Hall of Fame Date: April 2 Held at Bakersfield Country Club Photos by Carla Rivas

David Reese, Lee Vasquez, Joe Thompson and Joe Turner

Melisa and Joe Rizo

Sara and Marc Rodriguez

Shannon Gregg and Pat Carlotti

Mark and Cindy Pollard, Marian and Carl Bowser

Kara Susank, Chris Wilson, Lisa Cooper and Lari Setser

Cindy and Ryan Valencia

Dave Duncan, Shari Butler and Rudy Tafoya

SFIELD CALIF OR

2015

AN NI

2014

AN NI

Chiropracter Matthew Tatsuno

FAVORITE RE

172

Bakersfield Life Magazine

May 2016

E R S’

CH O IC E

E R S’

C H O IC E

Donte Stancil, Dan Shannon, Eddie Wilson and Daron Nunn

877.314.7511 BakersfieldHyundai.com

The Heart Never Forgets benefiting ADAKC Date: April 14 Held at the Stierâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s home Photos by Carla Rivas

Sarah Cisneros and Patrick Birchfield

Theresa Trigueiro, Linda Bradford and Bettina Belter

Mark Slater, Kaylee Stier and Joshua Albright

Mark and Robin Woodward, Amanda and Ryan Frank

Monsignor Craig Harrison and Edith Bianco

Greg Frank and Mira Patel

Diane Ruff, Bill Alexander, Rocki Parnell, Arno and Marinda Du Toit

Victor Martin, Melissa Watkins and Michael Bowers

Hair Salon

Kristin Derr, Kate Eucce, Terri Agcaoili, Casey Muir and Julie Juarez

3310 TRUXTUN AVE, SUITE 140

1811 OAK ST. SUITE 125

661-852-0976

661-323-1168 bakersfieldlife.com

173

877.314.7511 BakersfieldHyundai.com

Sierra Club Annual Awards Dinner Date: March 26 Held at Hodelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Photos by Carla Rivas

Ann Williams and Stephanie Aranda

Bob Smith and Chris Romanini

Kathy Love and Gaby Kidwell

Cynthia Lane and Marge Minner

Harold Wood and Woody Smeck

Joanne Dudley and Janet Wood

Ara Marderosian and Carla Cloer

Lyzz Goatcher and Don Van Lue

Thanks for the nomination,

Bakersfield! Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve loved serving you for the past 43 years.

Thanks Again! 2828 Niles St. (661) 837-0270 174

Bakersfield Life Magazine

9500 Brimhall Rd. (661) 588-7004 May 2016

Aaron Mair, Susana Reyes and Evan Gillespie

bakersfieldlife.com

175

People & Community

LAST WORD

Graduation, gratitude and choices Big decisions loom for students, families following graduation

By Sally Baker

aving one daughter graduating high school and another graduating college, I was asked if I would like to reflect on this turn of events. Anyone who has a child in the last two months of high school, especially with those involved with sports, will know there is no time to reflect. At least not yet. However, it is always good to slow down, take a breath and glance back before taking in the view of our potential family future. The emotion that dominates is gratitude. I’m grateful for a rigorous education at BHS, for amazing teachers who take the extra step to ensure excellence, for the depth of friendship forged along the trail, for a wealth of tremendous opportunities laid before them and, most of all, for the kind, balanced, decent people they have become. Four siblings, all different in so many ways, three still pursuing further education, all ferociously devoted to each other. An older sister, Katy, in veterinary school is able to share in the trivia of daily sister life, from prom dresses, to college acceptance letters and boyfriends, through WhatsApp (free Wi-Fi based communication). Dozens of photos posted weekly keep them connected. My high school graduate, Maggie, strong academically and athletically, has many awesome options, from a small school in Iowa, a huge school in Utah, an old engineering school in New York, along with our wonderful California UCs and CSU universities. Student-athletes not only have to navigate major options, but also have the complication of team and coach choices, but that’s another column. Many great choices have made picking the right one exceedingly

176

Bakersfield Life Magazine

May 2016

hard. I have no doubt she will be fine anywhere and, therefore, have tried to offer no advice. She will figure it out and follow her heart. Choosing a major derived from her much-loved grandparents – her grandpa (a surgeon) and her poppa (an engineer) – she is excited about a path into biomedical engineering. We look forward to watching them all navigate opportunities and to celebrating successes small and large. As with so many college graduates, my college graduate daughter, Sarah, has found herself exploring “next step” options necessary to be able to secure work. Questions regarding graduate school, internships and part-time jobs become part of their lives before cementing a decision. It can be a difficult crossroads as they transition. She will be fine; all is well. Life is full of choices, some easy, some needing time and more consideration. One day they may all finally leave, only returning for visits, holidays and transitions. The door is always open. I’ll grocery shop less, pay fewer bills, maybe have a little less on the daily to-do list, but I don’t imagine slowing down much. I’ll just watch them from a different perspective, and support from afar. Words of advice? I don’t need to voice them, my kids know, I hope, what is important. Work hard, keep moving (exercise every day), surround yourself with good people, give back, get enough sleep, find joy in small things (clue: they are free and all around you), be kind, be happy and DREAM BIG! Congratulations, good luck and best wishes to all of you graduating. O pinionsexpressed in thiscolum n are those of Sally Baker.

178

Bakersfield Life Magazine

May 2016

Jon Busby is Honored to have been voted Best Real Estate Agent again for 2016... CA

L I F O R NI A

N COUNT

SFIELD CALIF OR

rs’ C h oice

SFIELD CALIF OR

2015

AN NI

2014

AN NI

2010

AN NI

N IA

TH E

FIELD CALIF OR

E RS

2009

r s’ C h oi c e

K BA

N COUNT

I RS’ CHO

O P

FAVORITE AD

E R S’

C HOI CE

ERS’ CHOI

N COUNT

2005

L IFORNIA

20 TH

LIFORNIA

N’

1999

1998

O R S’ C H O I C E P

E R S’

CH O IC E

E R S’

CH O IC E

Thanks!!

Jon Busby • Kim Busby • Annette Huston • Jeri Schueler • Angela Ropchan Angelica Roquemore • Nicci Borel • Barbara White • Martin Buchanan • Kerri Thompson

661- 410-SELL www.TeamBusby.com ␣ jonbusby@teambusby.com CalBRE#00974087

(7355)

M I R A M A R I N T E R N A T I O N A L MI L L

ROCK

Jon Busby, Broker Associate

Memorial Day Savings on All New 2016 Hondas!

Hurry In Today!

2016 CR-V 2WD CVT LX RM3H3GEW 2WD CVT AT

starting at

24,645

2016 Fit CVT LX

Huge Selection - Save During This Event! 2016 Civic Sedan CVT LX

GK5H5GEW CVT AT

FC2F5GEW CVT AT

starting aatt

starting at

17,525

20,275

Trust the Locally Owned Dealer who’s been Serving Kern County for 60 Years!

Barber Honda 4500 Wible Road

at the Entrance to the Bakersfield Auto Mall

V E R S A R N I YY

www.barberhonda.com

N AA

1955

2015

1-888-475-8958 Se Habla Español

1. MSRP excluding tax, license, registration, $835.00 destination charge and options. Dealer prices may vary.

LOCALLY OWNED