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November 2017
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A ME MB E R OF THE
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www.bakersfieldlife.com
THE MAN ISSUE
Religious debate Locals find podcast success
The 471-horsepower 2018 Lexus LC 500, courtesy of Motor City Lexus.
Kern County’s own
Poet Laureate $3.95
History of
New Car Guide
Famoso 30 jaw-dropping offerings Raceway now in local showrooms
November 2017
FEATURES
New Car Guide Motor vehicles come in all shapes and sizes, from budget-minded economy models and versatile crossovers and SUVs to high-performance sports cars and powerful trucks. We highlight 30 vehicles in this annual section.
PHOTO BY JONAH AND LINDSAY
Page 55
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November 2017
www.cbiz.com www.mhmcpa.com
NOVEMBER 2017
DEPARTMENTS Up Front Bakersfield Life dispels some car maintenance myths on Page 16.
Eat & Drink What’s a tomahawk ribeye you ask? Find out in the Dining Divas story on Page 23.
Lifestyles
Moo Creamery offers up its recipe for the Manly Meatball Melt on Page 28.
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Learn all about the redesigned 2018 Hyundai Sonata Limited on Page 30.
Go & Do Bacon, beer and bulls come to Bakersfield this month. Check out the details on Page 37.
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Up Front 14 The Big Picture 16 12 Things ... 17 Word on the Web 18 Arts & Culture 19 Short Take 20 Happenings
26 Lunchtime Picks 28 What’s Cooking
Eat & Drink 23 Dining Divas
Go & Do 37 Entertainment
Lifestyles 30 On the Road 33 Tech Talk 34 Money Matters 34 What’s Haute
Bakersfield Life Magazine
PHOTO BY JOHN HARTE
PHOTO BY GREG NICHOLS
In our “Trip Planner” this month, get some ideas for your trip to San Diego on Page 40.
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38 Out & About 40 Trip Planner
48 Your Body 52 Love and Life
B Well 44 Ask the Doctor 47 Feature – Combating the Stigma: Stressing the importance of men going to the doctor
People & Community 70 Business Profiles 74 Bakersfield Matters 76 Millennial Voices 78 History
November 2017
80 Personality 82 All-Star Athlete 84 For A Cause 86 Our Town 88 Philanthropy Matters 90 Prime Finds 92 SNAP! 98 Last Word
B Well Read up on the signs, symptoms and treatment for Valley fever on Page 44.
People & Community
A crowd of 31,253 at an auto race in Kern County? Yes! Read up on the history of Auto Club Famoso Raceway on Page 78. The whole world is alive in poetry and Kern County has its own poet laureate to document those events. Read up on Don Thompson on Page 80.
MORE FASHION MORE FOOD MORE FUN
Over 50 Stores, Restaurants, Boutiques & Spas Stockdale Hwy. & Calloway Dr.
STAFF SHARES Bakersfield’s Premier City Magazine November 2017 / Vol. 12 / Issue 2 Bakersfield Life™ Magazine is published by TBC Media Publisher Ginger Moorhouse Associate Publisher
President/CEO
The 471-horsepower 2018 Lexus LC 500 is now available at Motor City Lexus. See more details on Page 67. Photo provided by RAKAFILM.
Michelle Chantry Editor Jim Lawitz Sales Manager Diana Bolin
Coming Next …
Assistant Managing Editor
Community Giving Guide and Holiday Gift Guide
Mark Nessia Specialty Publications
To Advertise, contact
Diana Bolin at dbolin@bakersfield.com or 395-7521.
“I cherish our big Thanksgiving family get-togethers with my mom’s delicious cooking, especially her one-of-a-kind potato salad with fresh apples. We thank God for all our blessings.” – Nina Ha, contributing writer “My mom’s cranberry relish. I’m not a fan of plain cranberry sauce, but I love the crunchiness of the celery and walnuts and the tangy mandarin oranges in this dish. Making it, I feel close to my mom, who’s been gone 13 years.” – Linda Petree, advertising account executive
Virginia Cowenhoven
ON THE COVER
What dish do you look forward to every Thanksgiving?
Coordinator
“I look forward to stuffing – some call it dressing. It’s not Thanksgiving without stuffing. And turkey and gravy. Oh, I’m getting carried away.” – Michelle Lanham, advertising account executive “I always look forward to the mashed potatoes and green bean casserole! I love Thanksgiving food!” – Shelby Parker, contributing writer
Kasey Meredith Art Director Glenn Hammett
Watch for this icon throughout the magazine to know which stories have videos.
Holly Bikakis
Bakersfield Life videos this month on our Facebook page and at www.bakersfieldlife.com.
Photography
1) Get cooking with the “What’s Cooking” recipe of the month: Moo Creamery’s Manly Meatball Melt.
Rivas, Rod Thornburg
Felix Adamo, John Harte, Kasey Meredith, Mark Nessia, Greg Nichols, Carla
Contributing writers Nina Ha, Hillary Haenes, Lisa Kimble,
2) In the car market? Go “On the Road” with the Hyundai Sonata Limited.
Stephen Lynch, Louis Medina, Dane Oleson, Shelby Parker, Julie Plata,
3) Walk through Talladega Frights with our very own Kasey Meredith.
Chris Thornburgh, Liarida Yoakum
Connect with us – www.bakersfieldlfe.com facebook.com/BakersfieldLifeMagazine Instagram/bakersfield_life twitter.com/BakersfieldLife
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“Hands down, my mother’s sage dressing, perfected over decades by my sister. And it is available upon request.” – Lisa Kimble, contributing writer
Graphic Designer
November 2017
“The dish I look forward to the most for Thanksgiving would have to be the green bean casserole. Not only because I make it, but because it’s the only dish I know how to make.” – Ashley Sanchez, advertising account executive “The dish I look forward to most during Thanksgiving is my mom’s green bean casserole. With its creamy inside and crunchy outside, it’s hard to resist a second helping of it.” – Dakotah Skinner, advertising account executive
We want to hear from you – Send comments or letters to the editor to Mark Nessia at mnessia@bakersfield. com. Please include name, city and phone number. We reserve the right to edit letters for clarity and to excerpt them.
Contact us – 1707 Eye St. Bakersfield, CA 93301 661-395-7500
For 17 years we’ve been committed to providing premier cardiac care. We bring that same commitment to the rest of your body.
Cath Lab C
Spine Center
Women’s Heart Center Full-Service ER
Joint Replacement Center
Center for Wound Healing
There’s more to good health than just having a healthy heart. At Bakersfield Heart Hospital we’ve been busy adding even more health care services to our already award-winning cardiac care. Things like the Joint Replacement Center, Brain and Spine Center, Center for Wound Healing and, just in case, our Full-Service Emergency Department. Of course you’ll still be able to get the best cardiac care possible in the Women’s Heart Center, the Cath Lab, and our Cardiac Rehab Center. Only now you’ll be able to get that same excellent care for all your other parts, too.
We Accept the Following Insurance Plans
We put our hearts into healing yours.
BakersfieldHeartHospital.Com http://bakersfi eldhearthospital.com/
Anthem Blue Cross (HMO, PPO, SISC, Senior Medicare, Covered California) PacifiCare/United Health Group/TriCare
3001 SILLECT AVE. BAKERSFIELD, CA 93308 THE HOSPITAL IS PA RTIALLY OWNED BY PHYSICIANS
EDITOR’S NOTE
NICE GUYS (SHOULD) FINISH LAST I have never understood why being labeled a nice guy carried such a negative connotation. Sure, they say nice guys finish last, but is it really terrible to be someone who’s gentle, compassionate or sensitive? Vulnerable even? For men, it apparently is. From an early age, males are told to “man up” but what does that really mean? Masculinity is a social concept; the definition is constantly evolving depending on what society deems acceptable. Its meaning fluctuates, but the designation typically revolves around strength, bravery and stoicism. But the notion that men should avoid being anything but seems silly to me. This is by no means a knock on the traditional description of what a man is. Men should be strong and courageous. But there are different types of strength and there are different kinds of courage and it’s how those attributes are used that matters most. Sure, physical strength has its advantages but men should be strong so they can lift others up in times of need. Men should be brave so they can stand up for what is right and protect those who cannot defend themselves. But courage also means not being afraid to deviate from the norm. Men are often told to hide their feelings because it is a sign of weakness. I disagree wholeheartedly. I think our actions should be guided more by
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love and empathy. After all, we should be appreciative of the love and affection we receive from others by showing love and affection in return. We should communicate more often and use our words to express our thoughts and feelings rather than just locking them up inside. A simple conversation can resolve the most complicated problems. Men shouldn’t think too highly of themselves to believe that they are above certain actions or deeds. We should be accepting of those who are different and encourage them to be comfortable in their own skin just as we should strive to be comfortable in ours. There are billions of people in the world so why strive to be homogeneous? Individuality is one of the greatest gifts we have and we should take full advantage of it. Being a man in this day and age should mean to being confident in who you are regardless of what society thinks. To be good role models for younger generations by being courteous, respectful and loving – to be nice guys. Nice guys finish last because they push others across the finish line first. Mark Nessia And that’s not Assistant Editor such a bad 395-7383 mnessia@bakersfield.com thing.
UP FRONT
Find out what’s “Happening” this month on Page 20.
The Big Picture / 12 Things / Word on the Web / Arts & Culture / Short Take / Happenings
BAKERSFIELD MARATHON The second annual Bakersfield Marathon is a USATF-certified full marathon, half marathon, two-person half marathon relay and 5K taking place on Nov. 12. For the full story on this year’s event, turn to Page 38. Photo by Rod Thornburg
www.BakersfieldLife.com
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Up Front
T HE B I G P I C T U RE
EXHAUST FUMES FLY Wayne Mellinger hits the throttle on his funny car during his burnout to heat the tires during a March Meet at Auto Club Famoso Raceway. Photo by Felix Adamo
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www.BakersfieldLife.com
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Up Front
12 T H I NG S .. .
CAR MAINTENANCE MYTHS
Compiled by Bakersfield Life
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Is premium gas better than regular? Most cars now have sensors to prevent misfires or mistimings that were common in vintage vehicles and lower-quality gas. However, it is still good practice to adhere to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
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A warranty is not voided if maintenance is done outside a dealership. Not performing routine maintenance, however, will.
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It’s commonly accepted that oil should be changed every 3,000 miles, but most cars can travel up to 7,500 miles between oil changes under normal driving conditions. Changing oil more often can be better for an engine but it won’t be as kind to your wallet. Be sure to check the vehicle’s user manual for the recommended maintenance schedule.
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Warming up a car before driving is outdated advice. Driving the car is the fastest way to warm an engine up and the sooner it warms up, the better it performs.
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Jump-starting a car battery doesn’t charge it up right away; it can take hours to give it a full charge, especially in cold temperatures.
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Spare tires are short-term solutions; they aren’t meant to be used over long distances. Use a spare to get the vehicle to a shop where it can be replaced.
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Speaking of tires, a puncture isn’t the end of the world. Most reputable tire shops will repair leaks and punctures rather than selling you a new set of tires.
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A highly debated maintenance issue is when to conduct a transmission flush. Mechanics say transmission fluids need to be changed every 50,000 miles but some manufacturers say that can be done every 100,000 or even 150,000 miles. When in doubt, consult the owner’s manual.
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Just because you can’t see, feel or hear a problem with your car doesn’t mean there isn’t one. Many issues can go undetected by the driver, so it’s best to play it safe and take it to a mechanic for inspection.
10 Many drivers mistake the
maximum PSI, which is listed on a tire’s sidewall, for the recommended PSI, which is actually listed on the doorjamb sticker and in the owner’s manual.
11 Opening your windows in-
stead of using your air conditioner doesn’t necessarily save gas. Open windows create wind resistance, which forces a car to work harder. Studies have shown that open windows use the same amount of gas as running the air conditioner.
12 Replacing coolant fluid and air filters are common suggestions during an oil change. But they aren’t related to engine oil and don’t require regular replacement. See the owner’s manual for recommended replacement timing.
WORD ON T H E W EB
What car did you want when you first got your license and why? “’69 AMC Javelin. Fast and unique.” – Jeff Burum
“1967 Rally Sport Camaro. Why? Because it was and always will be the ultimate classic car!” – Robin Oldemeyer Flores “A Jaguar XJS because I was really into British bands when I was 16!” – Amie Lee Pinho
“Wanted a Mercedes 280SL. Loved the lines and total look of that automobile. Wasn’t in my budget so my first car was a Chevy Nova!” – Leniel Thompson “A Chevy pickup. My dad had a ’57 that I really wanted! She was a beauty!” – Jessica Mathews
“Camaro, because I thought I would look good in one.” – Darla Haussler
Like Bakersfield Life Magazine on Facebook to be a part of future “Word on the Webs.”
San Dimas Pediatrics
Stockdale Pediatrics
500 40th Street Bakersfield, CA 93301 661-327-3784
300 Old River Road, Suite 125 Bakersfield, CA 93311 661-663-3122
7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Se habla español
8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Se habla español
We offer the following services: • Well exams
• Sports physicals
• Sick visits
• Same-day appointments
• Immunizations
• After hours on-call
Accepting most PPO, HMO and Medi-Cal insurances.
valleychildrenspediatrics.org www.valleychildrenspediatrics.org www.BakersfieldLife.com
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Up Front ART S & C U LT U RE
THIS MONTH’S PICKS
Music Guitar Masters Presents Adam Miller With practice, a competent guitarist can learn to play a highly polyphonic piece of music by breaking it down into its individual components and slowly putting them together. But it takes an impossibly gifted player to improvise independent melodies, harmonies, and bass lines – all at the same time – while maintaining an impeccable groove. Australia’s Adam Miller is one such rare phenomenon. When: Nov. 9 at 7:30 p.m. Where: Bakersfield Music Hall of Fame, 2231 R. S. Tickets and more information: www.bakersfieldmusichalloffame.com
Bob Clatterbuck Memorial Concert Composer and musician Bob Clatterbuck left his legacy on Bakersfield when he passed away earlier this year. The Clatterbuck Memorial Concert will feature many of his compositions and arrangements sung by the Clatterbuck Choir. Free event. When: Nov. 12 at 4 p.m. Where: Mill Creek Church, 1660 S. St.
Adam Miller
Theater “Bakersfield Mist” See what the Los Angeles Times calls “a perfect marriage of emotion and ideas that is rare indeed.” “Bakersfield Mist,” a new play at the Stars Theatre, is a comedy-drama inspired by true events. Maude, an unemployed bartender is suddenly convinced her thrift store find is a lost Jackson Pollock piece. Enter Lionel Percy, a New York art expert who challenges Maude’s bold claims. Steven Sach’s acclaimed play returns to its titular origins, Bakersfield. When: Nov. 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 17, 18 Where: Stars Theatre, 1931 Chester Ave. Tickets and more information: www.bmtstars.com 18
Bakersfield Life Magazine
November 2017
SHORT TA K E
JJ’S LEGACY GRILLIN’ AND BREWIN’ This year marks the second annual JJ’s Legacy Grillin’ and Brewin’ at Temblor Brewing Company, 3200 Buck Owens Blvd., on Thursday, Nov. 9, from 5:30 to 10 p.m. The Legacy’s mission is to increase the number of organ, eye and tissue donors in Kern County. There will be award-winning Kansas City BBQ Society champions, Bakersfield’s Ridge Route Boys, live music by The Kelly Twins Dueling Pianos, a raffle and more. A beloved member of the Bakersfield community,
Jeffery Johns passed away in 2009, but his legacy lives on through the nonprofit JJ’s Legacy. Johns was an organ donor and his mother, Lori Malkin, founded JJ’s Legacy to inspire and educate the community on the importance of organ and tissue donation. Johns himself saved five lives through being an organ donor. Admission, $45 per person, includes two drink tickets and barbecue. Tickets can be bought in advance on Eventbrite.com by searching “JJ’s Legacy.” To learn more about JJ’s Legacy, visit jjslegacy.org.
When it matters most, count on us! When Mom or Dad can no longer live alone, call: Darlyn Baker, RN
We can assist with: • Bathing/Grooming • Shopping • Personal Assistance • Companionship • Preparing Meals • Light Housework • Hospital Sitting …and much more!
Home Care Organization License # 154700001
Tim Kounter, CSA
4801 Truxtun Avenue • (661) 395-1700 www.MyBakersfieldHealthcare.com www.mybakersfi eldhealthcare.com
www.BakersfieldLife.com
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Up Front HAPPENINGS
November
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 Kern County Tamale Fest will be on Nov. 19 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Stramler Dwight Yoakum Park, 3805 Chester Ave. Show off your grandma’s, Nov. 3 tia’s or mom’s tamale recipe Selwyn Birchwood Conat this year’s Kern County cert, 7 to 11 p.m. at World ReTamale Fest. Tamales are cords, 2815 F St. Tickets a tradition in Latin are $20-30 and can culture and each be bought at Nov. 4 family has a shopworldreal nu An 5th secret trick cords.com. n Ru to making Autism on the Full Run them. The 5th Annual Autism on the Moon Bike to t even K The is a family friendly 2K/5 Ride, starts bility disa tiple mul ease incr tamale at 7 p.m. at awareness in Kern County. festival will Beach Park, eeds will benefit the Proc also have League of Dreams. 3400 21st St. live bands, CSUB, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Free admisDJs, vendors, a 9001 Stockdale Hwy. sion. For more bar and more. information, visit Tickets availwww.bikebakersable at kerntamaleffield.org/calendar or call est.com or Vallitix.com. 321-9247. All rides begin at Beach Park and end at The Marketplace. 20
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PHOTO COURTESY OF EMILY JOYCE
Kern County Tamale Fest
Nov. 5 Día de los Muertos and Day of the Dead Celebration, 2 to 7 p.m. at the Kern County Museum, Pioneer Village, 3801 Chester Ave. Admission is $5. For more information, email aracelib@kchcc.org. Nov. 7 Fall Choral Concert, 7:30 to 11:59 pm at the Dore Theatre at CSUB. Admission is $5-$10. For more information, email Angel Vazquez-Ramos at avazquezramos@csub.edu. The University Singers and Chamber Singers will be performing music from around the world and from time periods spanning the Renaissance to the 21st century.
Nov. 8 Kern Energy Summit hosted by the Kern Economic Development Corporation, 7:30 a.m. to noon at the DoubleTree by Hilton, 3100 Camino Del Rio Court. Breakfast and break snacks are included. Tickets are $100 and can be bought online at kcenergysummit.com. Nov. 10 & 11 Dwight Yoakum in concert, country musician, influenced by the Bakersfield Sound, Dwight Yoakum takes the stage at the Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday nights. Yoakum’s tour following his latest release, “Swimmin’ Pools and Movie Stars,” will
Nov. 10 Wounded Warrior’s Fund Black Tie Affair, from 6 to 11 p.m. at Seven Oaks Country Club, 2000 Grand Lakes Ave. There will be music, dancing, hors d’oeuvres, dinner, raffle prizes and a no-host bar. Tickets are $75 for general admission and $600 for a VIP table and can be bought online at blacktieaffair2017. eventbrite.com.
Día de los Muertos and Day of the Dead Celebration.
plant identification, native plant gardening and a presentation with guest speaker, Dr. Anna Jacobsen, on “Mediterranean Shrublands.” Nov. 11 Bakersfield Uncorked, from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Kern County Fair Grounds, 1142 S. P St., tickets are $75 per person. For VIP tables or more information, call Tamra Mazzei at 343-6341 or email uncorked@juniorleagueofbakersfield.org . Enjoy an evening of delectable wine, beer and food pairings at Bakersfield Uncorked. Must be 21 or older. Enjoy some entertainment with live music, games, and silent and live auctions. Proceeds benefit the projects and activities of the Junior League of Bakersfield. Nov. 12 Bob Clatterbuck Memorial Concert, from 4 to 5 p.m. at Mill Creek Church, 1660 S St. Free. Email pollypearl@gmail.com for more information. Nov. 16 California Native Plant Society meeting, 7 to 11:59 p.m. in the Hall Ambulance Community Room, 1001 21st St. Admission is free. For more information, visit meetup.com. The California Native Plant Society is holding a discussion on
Nov. 17 CSF Saving Lives Gatsby Gala, 6 to 11 p.m. at Seven Oaks Country Club, 2000 Grand Lakes Ave. There will be cocktails, dinner, entertainment, a silent auction and dancing. Tickets are $100 per person or $800 per table. RSVP at 333-5746 or at csffoundation.org. The dress code is “Hollywood attire.” Nov. 18 Taft Chamber Trout Fishing Derby, 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Buena Vista Lake Webb, 13601 Ironbark Road, Taft. Admission is $10 children, $20 adults. Register at the Taft Chamber of Commerce, 400 Kern St., Taft; Bob’s Bait Bucket, 2131 Chester Ave.; or Cope’s Tackle and Rod, 1654 Calloway Drive. Arrive to the lake early to claim your spot. The heaviest trout caught wins $1,000 and prizes will go out to winners of other categories. Nov. 20 Bakersfield Winds Fall Concert, 7:30 to 8:45 p.m. at Valley Baptist Church, 5500 Olive Drive. Visit bakersfieldwinds.com or call 393-5683 for more information. A suggested donation is $10 for
PHOTO BY FELIX ADAMO
come through Bakersfield giving a spin on his usual country performances by playing some bluegrass music off his new album. Admission is $79.50-$89.50 and available on vallitix.com by searching “Dwight Yoakum with King Leg.”
general admission and $5 for seniors and students. Nov. 21 Line Dancing at Temblor Brewing Company, 3200 Buck Owens Blvd. Dancing is from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. and admission is $5. For more information visit temblorbrewing.com. Temblor Brewing hosts line dancing on most Tuesdays. Enjoy a night of dancing, food and beer. This event is family friendly. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Nov. 28 Book Club in a Pub, hosted by Beale Memorial Library at Goose Loonies, 816 18th St. from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, email ariel.dyer@kernlibrary.org. This event is for anyone interested in talking about the books they have read or are reading. Book Club in a Pub is held on the fourth Tuesday of the month. Nov. 30 Mannheim Steamroller Christmas, 7:30 to 11:59 p.m. at Rabobank Arena, 1001 Truxtun Ave. Admission ranges from $35-$67.50. For more information, visit AXS. com. Enjoy a live musical performance to springboard you into the holiday season. www.BakersfieldLife.com
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Eat & Drink
DINING DIVAS
KC STEAKHOUSE
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November 2017
Promotional Content
Facing page: Tomahawk ribeye steak
APPETIZERS Beatris Espericueta Sanders on the sautéed mushrooms: An excellent start to a meal, the mushrooms are soaked in white wine, butter and lemon. This combination was well thought out, and I’m glad they left the stem on. It’s hard not to share this generous portion of mushroom appetizer, it easily complements any entrée on the menu. You might be surprised at how well the lemon and mushroom go together; you can’t have just one. Andrea Caldwell on the calamari: I chose to try the calamari as an appetizer and it was wonderful. Lightly breaded, not overpowering the heartiness of the Promotional Content
ENTRÉES
Sautéed mushrooms Calamari appetizer Shrimp cocktail
KC Steakhouse
28TH ST
2515 F St.
Joanie Haenelt on the lobster mac and cheese: The lobster mac and cheese was delicious. The fun, corkscrew-shaped pasta was mixed with smoked Gouda cheese and chunks of lobster meat, topped with panko breadcrumbs then baked to a golden brown. It paired well with the complimentary garlic bread. Beatris Espericueta Sanders on the petite filet fromage: With a menu that runs through a host of delicious cuts of beef, there is nothing petite about my selection: the petite filet fromage. There is good news in Bakersfield for those who still share the secret pleasure of red meat, Continued on Page 24
CHESTER AVE
As the doors of KC Steakhouse have been open to all walks of life, seating in a nostalgic, iconic restaurant of Bakersfield is an experience in and of itself. Since 1933, KC Steakhouse lends an experience that many will note for the restaurant history books. It gives a warm and genuine welcome, even before the memorable dining experience begins. The atmosphere, live music, great food and friends make for a truly wonderful dining experience.
squid. It was sprinkled with just enough kosher salt, ground pepper and hints of garlic, bringing a light balance. Tamara Clark on the shrimp cocktail: After searching for years for a traditional, tasty and fresh shrimp cocktail in Bakersfield, I have found it. Presented in a raised glass bowl, the five large, plump, juicy and deliciously chilled shrimp were the perfect start to any steakhouse supper. The fresh cocktail sauce and intricately cut lemon half were the perfect accoutrement to this appetizer.
26TH ST
24TH ST
22ND ST
F ST
Compiled by Bakersfield Life Photos by Greg Nichols
This page clockwise: Dining Divas from left: Beatris Espericueta Sanders, Andrea Caldwell, Joanie Haenelt and Tamara Clark
500 FT
KC Steakhouse 2515 F St. 661-322-9910 Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday, 4:30 p.m. to midnight; Sunday, closed www.kcsteakhouse.net www.BakersfieldLife.com
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Clockwise: Lobster mac and cheese Petite filet fromage Halibut Stuffed pork chop Facing page: Butterfinger pie Chocolate mousse cake N.Y. cheesecake
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Continued from Page 23
rare, well cut and seriously stuffed with blue cheese. Don’t forget the ribbon of bacon that wraps this filet. Combined with russet potatoes and green beans, this is hard to beat. Iron up, folks. Beef: It’s what’s for dinner. Andrea Caldwell on the ribeye steak: We graduate to the grand presentation of the ribeye steak, clearly enough for two people or
Bakersfield Life Magazine
November 2017
a morning breakfast with eggs. The gracious chef presented me a 20-ounce ribeye steak in a sizzling, smoky cast-iron skillet, with the drama of a rib bone extending to prepare the soul, ready to conquer this master cut of beef. Accompanied by fresh string beans and roasted garlic potatoes, one can taste the care and attention to the master flavor. The marbled texture gave the juiciness and rich flavor, perfectly seasoned, with the simplicity of cracked pepper, kosher
salt, garlic and butter to seal in the flavor. To think of A.1. Sauce would certainly be an insult! Simple and rich with incredible flavor, this is obviously one of the signature dishes of KC Steakhouse. Tamara Clark on the halibut: My main meal was a large slab of flaky, white halibut covered in a light lemon cream sauce. The sauce was perfectly seasoned and the fish cooked to flaky perfection. The side of colorful fingerling potatoes were cut, seared and well-seasoned, providing a salty and starchy bite to complement the delicate fish. I opted for the asparagus as my vegetable, which was broiled and seasoned with lemon pepper. Delicious! Joanie Haenelt on the stuffed pork chop: I ordered the stuffed pork chop, which I must say, was extraordinary. It was a hand-cut bonein chop that was tender and stuffed with an apple breadcrumb mixture, then topped with a delicious cranberry relish. Each bite was a savory burst of flavor. It paired nicely with the green beans sautéed with bacon and mashed potatoes. Promotional Content
Congratulations & VAS FOOD I D ES
DIN I
D DU
NG
to our winners!
• CONTEST • 2018
The 2018 Dining Divas are ...
Doretha Jones Lynn Agabashian Tamara Baker Erin Koehler The 2018 Food Dudes are ...
DESSERTS Beatris Espericueta Sanders on the N.Y. cheesecake: If cheesecake is ever an option on a dessert menu, I am guilty of always ordering it. The cheesecake slice is bold and confident among the raspberry drizzle, but nothing prepares you for how thick the cake actually is. Creamy and not too sweet, this dessert is one you will make room for. Tamara Clark on the Butterfinger pie: KC’s homemade Butterfinger Promotional Content
pie can only be described as a mountain of ice cream teeming with Butterfinger candies, bordered by a sweet crust covered with whipped cream and drizzled with a ribbon of chocolate sauce. It was an absolutely divine end to a delicious meal. Joanie Haenelt on the chocolate mousse cake: Their chocolate mousse cake is a melt-in-your-mouth treat for the serious chocolate lover. It was light, creamy and full of flavor.
Josh Fitzpatrick Henry Sanchez Robert Gautney Jeremy Hearron Coming up in our next issue... The announcement of team captains.
Thank you to our readers who sent in their nominations. www.BakersfieldLife.com
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Eat & Drink
LUNCHTIME PICKS
FIT PANTRY By Holly Bikakis and Kasey Meredith Photos by Kasey Meredith
Top: Kale + quinoa salad Bottom: Plate Your Own: Garlic rosemary chicken with broccoli and brown rice
For on-the-go lifestyles, finding a quick healthy meal is not always easy. At Fit Pantry, it’s fast fit food as their slogan says. Co-owners Sarah Kuhlmann and Tarin Meadows are friends who have a passion for fitness. Tarin started doing meal preps out of her kitchen for herself in training for fitness competitions and then she began making them for her friends. When it came time to turn this passion into a business, she called on her friend Sarah, who was living in San Diego at the time, to come back to Bakersfield. Together, they dreamed of having their own location complete with a drive-thru for the ultimate convenience of food on the go. Along came Bakersfield’s version of “Shark Tank,” in which an investor was found, and the dream became a reality with the opening of their northwest location. Now, they are celebrating their one-year anniversary Monday, Oct. 30, and everything on the menu will be $5. Some changes will be coming soon in early November with expanded hours and the addition of breakfast and lunch items like their new line of “balanced bowls.” Check out their
menu online; they offer something for everyone at any point in the day, from light options like smoothies and açaí bowls to three-course meals. Keep them in mind at your next event for your catering needs. Plate Your Own – Garlic rosemary chicken with broccoli and brown rice ($11): At Fit Pantry, you have the option of creating your own dish by choosing a protein with two side items, such as vegetables, fruits, quinoa, sweet potato fries and more. The garlic chicken rosemary is tender, moist and flavorful with a touch of lemon juice. The broccoli was cooked al dente. I thought there was a seasoning on it because it was so flavorful. The brown rice was also good in that it was moist and not too dry. This dish has the potential to be bland and boring because this food is clean of sauces and seasonings, but what comes through is fresh-tasting, good food. A nice touch to this place was the lemon cucumber water that makes for a clean palate at the end of your meal. Kale + quinoa salad ($10): Everyone’s favorite ancient grain, quinoa, has the tendency to be
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too crunchy or too wet, but not Fit Pantry’s. This quinoa is pearlescent and fluffy and when the zesty lemon dressing hits those grains, the dish is transformed. Fit Pantry’s zesty lemon dressing is simple, yet a killer combination: lemon juice, cayenne pepper and olive oil. The quinoa and dressing aren’t the solo stars of the show. Topped with cucumbers, tomatoes, feta cheese and red onion, this salad is a fun spin on a Greek salad. Instead of romaine lettuce, this has kale, a leaf packed with nutrients that has the tendency to be tough. Not here though; its slight bitter taste cuts the sourness of the dressing and feta. The kale and quinoa salad perfectly encapsulates Fit Pantry’s cooking – simple, yet effective. Bold flavors packaged in straightforward dishes.
Fit Pantry 5519 Calloway Drive 661-679-7684 Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Find them on Facebook, Instagram, on the web at www.fitpantry.com.
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LUNCHTIME PICKS
Left: Avocado toast Right: Fried chicken & sweet cornbread
Eureka! Story and photos by Mark Nessia
In 1895, an article was published pleading for an alternative to the meat-heavy postchurch meals in Victorian England. Author Guy Beringer proposed a new meal, served around noon, that starts with lighter items, characteristic of those in breakfast fixtures, before moving on to heavier fare. The word Beringer coined that day became a staple of weekend dining throughout the globe: brunch. The meal that combines breakfast and lunch has a cult following, with enthusiasts embarking on a seemingly endless quest to find the perfect brunch spot. Emphasizing quality over quantity, Eureka threw its name into the mix, entering the brunch scene two months ago with a small-but-mighty menu exclusively available on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. “It’s more personal,” bar manager Sid Moore said, adding that straying from the high-volume, fast-paced environment of buffet-style service falls in line with what the brunch experience should be – a rePromotional Content
laxing time surrounded by good friends, good food and good drinks. The rotational menu will feature seasonal ingredients and is paired with brunch-exclusive drinks like the Weekend Thyme, made with gin, aquavit, carrot, ginger, thyme and lemon, and "Do You Even Juice Bro?!", which contains tequila, tomatillo, tomato, cucumber and horseradish. Avocado Toast ($9): The outlandishly simple, yet surprisingly delicious combination of bread and avocado that constantly graces social media feeds and food blogs finds its way to Eureka’s brunch menu. Delicious? Yes. Simple? Not at all. Avocado mash is spread across a thick, perfectly toasted baguette and topped with hard-boiled egg, diced tomato, watermelon radish and a chimichurri sauce that ties everything together, providing a salty kick to what could otherwise be a bland affair. On their own, the flavors of avocado and egg are rather mild but the chimichurri sauce adds much-need zest to a dish that will fill you up without weighing you down. The toast also comes with a side of fruit.
Fried Chicken & Sweet Cornbread ($13): Fried chicken is something that, while delicious, can be forgettable at times. An item commonly found in some shape or form on menus all over, fried chicken that stands out from the pack is something you hold on to and never let go – and that’s exactly what Eureka has created. The boneless chicken breast is soaked in buttermilk and coated with breading containing spices like sumac, paprika and cayenne then delicately placed on top of sweet cheddar cornbread and topped with bacon and a jalapeño-infused maple glaze that perfectly pairs the saltiness of the chicken with a bit of sweetness and the sweetness of the cornbread with a bit of spice. This dish alone is worth a trip to Eureka for brunch. The only drawback is that this entrée isn’t available all week long.
Eureka! 10520 W. Stockdale Highway Brunch served Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to midnight; Sunday, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. 661-241-5999 www.eurekarestaurantgroup.com
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Eat & Drink
WHAT’S COOKING
Moo Creamery’s Manly Meatball Melt Meatball Ingredients: • 1 pound ground pork • 1 pound ground beef • 1 onion, diced and sautéed • 6 garlic cloves, chopped and sautéed with onion • 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese • 1 egg • 1/3 bundle parsley, chopped • 1 cup breadcrumbs • 1 tablespoon fennel seed, toasted and ground • 2 tablespoon Tapatío • 1 tablespoon salt • ½ tablespoon pepper • 2 tablespoons olive oil (reserved for frying)
Marinara Ingredients: • ¼ cup olive oil • 1 small onion, diced • 6 cloves garlic, diced • 2 28-ounce cans crushed tomatoes (preferably Centro or San Marzano) • ½ cup red wine (cabernet sauvignon or heavy red) • 1 tablespoon salt • 1 tablespoon pepper • 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
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Assembly • 4 sub rolls • 8 slices mozzarella • 8 slices provolone
Directions: Meatballs In a large bowl, mix everything together by hand; don’t overmix or the meatballs will be tough. Shape into golf-ball-sized balls and fry in olive oil until brown but not done. Once brown, put into marinara for 15 minutes until cooked through. Marinara Heat olive oil on medium-high, add onion, garlic, red pepper flakes and a ½ tablespoon salt and pepper. Sauté until translucent, 10 minutes. Add red wine and reduce by ½ (5 minutes.) Add crushed tomatoes, 1
tablespoon salt, 1 tablespoon pepper. Bring to a boil and reduce to simmer for 45 minutes. Taste and adjust if more salt is needed. Assemble Sandwiches Place 6 meatballs on each sub with sauce and 2 slices mozzarella and 2 slices provolone. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes at 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Makes four servings.
Watch the video on our Facebook page or at www.bakersfield.com/bakersfield_life.
THE NEWLY REDESIGNED 2018 HYUNDAI SONATA...
THE BEST SONATA EVER 661-836-7321
BakersfieldHyundai.com http://www.bakersfi eldhyundai.com/ 5300 WIBLE RD, BAKERSFIELD, CA 93313
Based on total package of warranty programs. See dealer for LIMITED WARRANTY details.
Lifestyles
ON THE ROAD
2018 Hyundai Sonata Limited Redesigned midsized sedan ups the ante on style and comfort
By Glenn Hammett Photos by Mark Nessia
It’s interesting to look back at the evolution of the Hyundai Sonata. In the model years leading up to 2010, it was a very functional, but ordinary-looking midsized sedan. It received high marks for value and was making noise in the industry with its refined interior, but the exterior design was lackluster. That changed with the 2010 model and the debut of Hyundai’s Fluidic Sculpture design language. With its nature-inspired curvy, flowing lines, the design was bold and unlike anything in what has historically been the least daring segment of the market: the sedan. Hyundai also broke new ground by abandoning the six-cylinder engine option in the Sonata that year, opting to engineer more power into lighter, more fuel-efficient fours. 2014 saw the launching of Fluidic Sculpture 2.0. The Sonata became sleeker 30
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and more refined with a greater focus on details and driver experience. The 2018 Sonata marks the next step in its evolutionary process. The entire front end (hood, grille, headlights, bumper and corner vents) has been redesigned, as has the rear portion of the car. The result is a more aggressive design with a level of sophistication that rivals the leading Japanese luxury brands. Another upgrade in the 2018 model
November 2017
is the suspension. Hyundai has stiffened things up in the front and rear and employed an advanced bushing system to improve handling, ride quality and steering responsiveness. The Sonata I tested was equipped with the standard 2.4-liter motor. I found it more than powerful enough to quickly accelerate up to freeway speeds or safely Continued on Page 32
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It’s all in the details
Five favorite features of the 2018 Hyundai Sonata Limited: 1. LED headlights with dynamic bending light. 2. Navigation system with 8-inch touchscreen. 3. Lane keep assist system. 4. Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. 5. Smart cruise control with start/ stop capability. What makes the 2018 Hyundai Sonata Limited stand out among other midsized sedans? LED headlights with dynamic bending light and hands-free smart trunk are standard in the 2018 Hyundai Sonata Limited and is not in most of its competitors. Target customer: Customers interested in safety, comfort, economy and style. Four words to describe the 2018 Hyundai Sonata Limited: Durable. Dependable. Affordable. Beautiful. What do you like most about the 2018 Hyundai Sonata Limited? I like the fact that the 2018 Hyundai Sonata Limited has everything I need for less. Source: Abdulla Aldhulay, sales consultant, Bakersfield Hyundai
Watch the test drive video on our Facebook page or at www.bakersfieldlife.com.
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hustle past an 18-wheeler to make a pass. The 185-horsepower four-cylinder engine is paired with a silky-smooth six-speed automatic transmission. The Sonata is also available with either a gas-stingy 1.6-liter or a high-performance turbocharged 2.0 that puts out an impressive 245 horsepower. The comfortable, spacious and smartly designed interior of the 2018 Sonata Limited belies its modest sticker price.
The wide layout of the center stack allows the buttons to be large and clearly marked and the infotainment and climate controls are logically grouped into distinct areas. Heated and ventilated leather seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and a power sunroof are all standard on the Limited model, as are rearview camera, blind spot detection and rear cross-traffic alert. The car I tested also included the $2,900 Ultimate Package, which adds about every safety and technological feature in the industry, including smart cruise control, lane keep assist, wireless device charging, navigation and a sweet-sounding Infinity premium audio system. Over the last decade, the Sonata has evolved from modest, value-oriented, basic transportation to a full-featured midsized sedan that rivals the best in the category. The 2018 edition boasts a beautifully designed exterior, a spacious and refined cabin, a full complement of safety and tech features, extraordinary fuel economy and a remarkably low sticker price. Evolution. It’s a beautiful thing.
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TECH TALK
Aftermarket products to help modernize older vehicles By Mark Nessia
Backup cameras, blind spot detection, smart cruise control, GPS, Bluetooth connectivity, premium sound systems, wireless charging – the list of tech packed into today’s cars is staggering. But just because you’re not driving the most current version of a vehicle doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the same features. Aftermarket products are an efficient and cost-effective way to get the latest technology into your vehicle without having to upgrade.
1 DASHCAM
A nonstandard feature in vehicles, dashcams can document memorable drives on long road trips. But a secondary purpose is documenting an accident – the footage can show who is at fault.
2 BLUETOOTH CAR KIT
You can implement Bluetooth connectivity into older vehicles with the help of Bluetooth car kits. These kits plug into your car allowing you to make hands-free phone calls over your car speakers as well as play music from your mobile device.
3 GPS TRACKER
A portable GPS tracker helps you keep track of your vehicle’s location using your smartphone. This can come in handy in the unfortunate event of car theft or for keeping tabs on teen drivers. It’s also a useful way of helping you remember where you parked.
4 BACKUP CAMERA
A feature commonly found in modern vehicles, backup cameras help drivers monitor their
surroundings when backing out of tight spaces. Older vehicles can enjoy the same perks with the installation of an aftermarket backup camera system. Simple setups consist of a license plate frame with built-in cameras that display the footage onto a smartphone.
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5 AUTOMATIC SMART DRIVING ASSISTANT A device that plugs into a car’s on-board diagnostics port and displays the data onto a smartphone via Bluetooth, Automatic is a smart driving assistant that helps users diagnose that pesky check engine light, as well as display trip history, track mileage and call for help in the event of an accident.
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6 PORTABLE JUMP-START KIT
Even with roadside assistance, there’s no guarantee help will be around when you really need it. A portable jump-start kit is a useful item to have in your trunk in case your car battery gives out. The kits are relatively inexpensive and can get you out of a pinch in a hurry.
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7 TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR Most modern vehicles have built-in features that keep track of tire pressure, but for older vehicles, a portable tire pressure monitor can be useful. More advanced monitors not only measure tire pressure, but temperature as well and displays the information on a screen that plugs into a vehicle’s cigarette lighter.
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Lifestyles
MONEY MATTERS
WILL TAX REFORM PROVIDE RELIEF FOR 2017? FEWER ITEMIZED DEDUCTIONS
By Chris Thornburgh
If you’re like most taxpayers, tax reform (aka tax relief) can’t come soon enough. At the beginning of 2017, many of us anticipated lower taxes. As the year winds down, retroactive tax cuts are yet to be passed so hopefully you weren’t holding your breath while waiting. Yet things are heating up. The hot buzzword, “tax reform,” has been upgraded to a new sexy term called “unified framework.” On Sept. 27, a unified framework for tax reform was released, which sets the foundation for Congress to shape legislation. The framework has notable changes from previous proposals. For some, hopes will be dashed while others will celebrate. Let’s see why.
INDIVIDUAL TAX RATES AND BRACKETS The number of individual tax brackets shrink from seven to three: 12, 25 and 35 percent. While the top bracket drops from 39.6 percent to 35 percent, don’t celebrate too soon if you are a high-income taxpayer. The framework leaves an opening to include an additional top rate for high-income taxpayers, leaving room for compromise. There is no indication where one bracket ends and another begins.
PERSONAL EXEMPTIONS AND STANDARD DEDUCTION Personal exemptions are eliminated. The standard deduction nearly doubles to $24,000 for married taxpayers filing jointly and $12,000 for single filers. Blind or elderly taxpayers receive an additional deduction, though the amount is unstated. Sadly, the Head of Household filing status is on the chopping block.
LOWER CORPORATE TAX RATE
Most itemized deductions would be eliminated except mortgage interest and charitable contributions. This would be a huge blow for California taxpayers who get to write off their state income tax.
ESTATE TAX ELIMINATION The estate tax and generation-skipping transfer tax would disappear. No mention was made about the gift tax. Also silent was the income tax basis at death “perk.” This tax perk allows heirs to step up an inherited asset’s value to its fair market value at date of death.
ALTERNATIVE MINIMUM TAX REPEAL The framework would eliminate the alternative minimum tax. AMT is arguably one of the biggest tax nuisances for the average taxpayer.
NET INVESTMENT TAX The 3.8 percent net investment tax appears to stay for now. The framework is silent to its fate as well as the 0.9 percent additional Medicare tax on high-income earners. The net investment tax applies to certain high-income taxpayers. The surtax is imposed on interest income, dividends, capital gains, rental and royalty income, as well as other passive income.
CHILD TAX CREDIT The child tax credit will significantly increase to an unspecified amount. Currently, taxpayers receive up to $1,000 per child under age 17, subject to phaseout limitations.
CATCHALL
The top corporate tax rate would drop from 35 percent to 20 percent. However, multinational corporations will face a repatriation tax on profits held overseas.
The framework hints at the likely repeal of many exemptions, deductions and credits for individuals in an effort to simplify a fairer tax code. Tax benefits will encourage work, education and retirement but details are yet to be drafted.
TAX RATE FOR PASS-THROUGH ENTITIES
THE BOTTOM LINE
Income of small businesses conducted as sole proprietorships, partnerships and S-corporations would be taxed at a maximum rate of 25 percent. Watch for loopholes to close on certain planning opportunities – the writing is on the wall.
The stage is set for big changes in tax reform. Final legislation could significantly differ so plan closely with your CPA for its impact in 2018.
EXPENSING OF CAPITAL INVESTMENTS For at least the next five years, businesses would be allowed to immediately expense the cost of new depreciable assets (other than structures) purchased after Sept. 27.
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Chris Thornburgh
Chris Thornburgh is a CPA and partner at Brown Armstrong Accountancy Corp. Contact her at cthornburgh@ bacpas.com or 661-324-4971. The views expressed in this column are her own.
WHAT’S HAUTE
Custom Jewelry by Raul Zavala The “and more” in Lucky’s Boutique & More is the introduction of the mega genius of all jewelers, Raul Zavala, who as of the past few months, is housed in the same location as Lucky’s Boutique. He was previously located at 1304 Wible Road called Original Designs. Raul is a fourthgeneration jeweler with an eye and imagination for the unusual and the traditional. He has no limitations in bringing his craft to the very highest level of creativity, regardless of what you might need – a watch repair, setting a diamond, designing a piece of custom jewelry, selecting the perfect engagement ring, a battery for a watch or cleaning your jewelry
while you wait. Raul has over 40 years of experience. He works in all mediums: gold, silver and platinum. He allows the customer to guide him in the developing of the particular piece of jewelry they conceptualize. His end goal is for the customer to be happy and to wear the piece in pride. Remember: Jewelry signifies “special” with all who receive it. Put a happy face on family, friends and all loved ones; look into the purchase of jewelry. With Christmas around the corner, go for the big WOW. Visit Raul for the most exciting gift ever. Hit a home run this holiday season and make a visit to 5009 Stockdale Highway. His wife feels diamonds are a girl’s best friend!
Raul Zavala
SAMPLE PIECES
LUCKY’S BOUTIQUE & MORE 5009 Stockdale Highway 661-633-2278 Facebook@luckysboutique Instagram@luckysboutiquefashion
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Go & Do
ENTERTAINMENT
PHOTO BY JOHN HARTE
Fourth Annual Bakersfield Bacon and Craft Beer Festival
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The Park at River Walk, 11298 Stockdale Highway Saturday, Nov. 11 1 to 5 p.m. (VIP entrance at noon) www.baconandcraftbeerfest.com
PBR: Real Time Pain Relief Velocity Tour Rabobank Arena, 1001 Truxtun Ave. Saturday, Nov. 18, at 7 p.m. www.rabobankarena.com
PHOTO BY JOHN HARTE
COURTESY OF BACON AND CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL
Bacon, beer and bulls come to Bakersfield
By Liarida Yoakum
Nothing brings men (and women) together like food and sports and November brings two events to Bakersfield to keep everyone well-fed and entertained.
BACON AND CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL If you have a love for bacon and a fresh, cold beer, you’ll want to check out the Bacon and Craft Beer Festival on Nov. 11 at The Park at River Walk. This is the fourth annual festival put on by founder Austin Powell and representing sponsor Lengthwise Brewing Company. All the proceeds collected by the event will be given to children’s charities. Strongman Mini Donuts will keep you wanting more with its bacon maple doughnut, all the while Eureka keeps it interesting with its bacon cocktail concoction, along with creations from Moo Creamery, Locale Farm to Table Eatery and many more food vendors. Centro 18 Cuisine and Lounge will make its first appearance at the festival. General admission tickets will be $60 prior to the event and $70 the day of the festival; VIP tickets are $95. VIP allows early access to the festival, special pours and a free T-shirt. The price of admission includes food samples, beer, games and bottled water. The festival begins at noon for VIP, 1 p.m. for general admission, and runs till 5 p.m. This event is for the 21-and-over crowd. For more information, go to baconandcraftbeerfest. com, the Bacon and Craft Beer Festival Facebook page or Instagram @baconandcraftbeerfest.
PROFESSIONAL BULL RIDERS: REAL TIME PAIN RELIEF VELOCITY TOUR It’s a two-athlete kind of
sport – man versus beast. The Professional Bull Riders comes to Bakersfield Saturday, Nov. 18, for its Real Time Pain Relief Velocity Tour for one night only. This will be the third trip the Velocity Tour has made to Bakersfield. It’s a two-hour event and it starts at 7 p.m. at Rabobank Arena.
Not only will you have a chance to see the bull riders compete, but you have a chance to compete yourself. The fan that is the loudest and has the most energy will get a chance to win a customized belt buckle! 2017
There will be 40 competitors from all around the world – Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, Mexico, Canada and the United States. The riders travel all over the United States and receive points all throughout the tour to be able to make it to finals, which is held in Las Vegas. Shortly after that, the world finals will also take place in Las Vegas at the T-Mobile Arena. Not only will you have a chance to see the bull riders compete, but you have a chance to compete yourself. The fan that is the loudest and has the most energy will get a chance to win a customized belt buckle! Brace yourselves, you may be called down into the pit for some fun games. This event is available for all ages. Tickets range from $15 to $150. For tickets or more information, go to rabobankarena. com/events.
We’re consolidating Red Door Furniture Outlet and Red Door Interiors together. Great saving in both stores OUTLET 2701 F St. 322-9079
RED DOOR INTERIORS 2300 Eye St. 327-9999
www.reddoorinteriors.com NEW HOURS: Monday thru Saturday 10-6, Sunday 11-5, Closed Wednesday
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Go & Do
OUT & ABOUT
Bakersfield Marathon:
Run where legends are made
By Hillary Haenes
PHOTO COURTESY OF HILLARY HAENES
Bakersfield streets will again be filled with runners for the second annual Bakersfield Marathon on Sunday, Nov. 12. Along with the scheduled races – a USATF-certified full marathon, half marathon, half relay and 5K – this communitywide event offers something for everyone. To pay homage to the local country music scene, The Bakersfield Sound is being highlighted in a special way. Through generous licensing with the Buck Owens family, the finisher’s medallion is inspired by Buck’s signature red, white and blue guitar. Starting the day before the race, participants and supporters can attend the Health & Fitness Expo at Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. In addition to picking up race information and a ton of swag, more than 25 vendors will be showing off their wares. Come and
visit Pair & Marotta Physical Therapy, Fit for Life Gym, Bucket List Running Shirts, Fit Pantry and Active Pacific Sport Sunglasses. Since this is a true community event, it is strongly encouraged to show your spirit and cheer on family and friends along the race route. The race starts and finishes on the CSUB campus, with water stops through dozens of iconic neighborhoods, including the Stockdale Financial District, Oleander, downtown Bakersfield, Westchester, Kern County Museum, Bakersfield College, Panorama Bluffs and, finally, along the scenic Kern River Parkway, aka The Trail of Talent, where live music and entertainment will energize runners to the finish line. This year’s participants will be welcomed by a crowd of friendly faces as they complete their race into the Finisher’s Village at CSU Bakersfield. This all-day festival is open to the public and will begin at 8 a.m. and continue until
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4 p.m. with food trucks, a beer garden and live music from local band Last Call. An awards ceremony will recognize the top runners – some of whom will be going home with part of our $10,000 prize purse! “We’re so excited for year two,” said co-founder Charles Brown. “Our team is working to enhance every element of the day. From the course to the swag to the party after – we’re expecting an amazing weekend.” One exciting new feature for this year’s race includes recognizing returning runners through the Legacy Club. This free program offers exclusive perks to past participants who run any of the race distances every year. We’ll be starting small in year one, but watch for the Legacy Club to gain more benefits and exclusivity with each passing year. The Bakersfield Marathon is greatly appreciative of the support from its sponsors, including presenting sponsor Dignity Health – Mercy & Memorial Hospitals; half-marathon sponsor Barber Honda; 5K sponsor CSU Bakersfield Alumni Association; along with its many other local and national sponsors. For race registration, volunteer opportunities, or for more information, go to runbakersfield.com.
Left: A runner is cheered on by his family. Right: Starting line of the 2016 Bakersfield Marathon.
PHOTO BY ROD THORNBURG
JANE’S
JEWELERS Where Bakersfield Gets Engaged
9530 Hageman Road (Corner of Calloway & Hageman Road)
661-587-6242
STORE HOURS: Tuesday thru Friday 10AM-6PM Saturday 10AM-3PM Closed Sunday-Monday
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Go & Do
TRIP PLANNER
SAN DIEGO
By Kasey Meredith
A view of downtown San Diego from Coronado Island.
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San Diego is worth a short weekend getaway. Its old-town, Southern California charm and serene beaches make the perfect blend between Santa Barbara and Los Angeles, making it worth the four-hour drive. Its blend of historical architecture and modern attractions make it suitable for a family friendly vacation or a getaway with friends. The Gaslamp Quarter is almost as bustling as Bourbon Street in New Orleans, truly coming alive at night with bicycle cabs decked out in neon lights. There are plenty of restaurants here, each more eclectic than the last.
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November 2017
The Gaslamp Quarter isn’t dead during the daytime. There are plenty of pleasant shopping excursions and walkable streets that capture the San Diegan experience. The Horton Plaza, San Diego’s version of LA’s The Grove, is a great way to get your shopping fix. If you’re not feeling the city life, check out San Diego’s crown jewel, Coronado. Zip across the inimitable San Diego-Coronado Bridge, Southern California’s Golden Gate Bridge, and you’re there. Coronado is a quaint beach city with plenty of eclectic boutiques and cafés to choose from. ShopContinued on Page 42
Left and bottom: The Gaslamp Quarter downtown covers 16 1/2 blocks with stores, restaurants and bars. It includes 94 historic buildings. Below: Little Italy, once a predominately Italian fishing neighborhood, has evolved into a scenic neighborhood composed mostly of Italian restaurants, Italian retail shops, home design stores, art galleries and residential units.
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Go & Do
TRIP PLANNER
Continued from Page 40
ping isn’t the only attraction in Coronado; one could not pass up the impeccable beaches that Coronado has to offer. Spend some time doing water sports like kayaking or standup paddleboarding or stay sandside by bicycling up and down the pristine waters of the San Diego Bay.
Balboa Park has got it all: a natural history museum, miles of walking and biking trails and the world-renowned San Diego Zoo. If you’re not feeling any of the fare offered at Coronado’s many restaurants, maybe take the ferry to the mainland, 42
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arriving in the Gaslamp Quarter, near sunset. Another great section of San Diego chock-full of food and boutiques is Little Italy. These boutiques are geared toward those who want more artisanal and panache pieces. Just walking up and down India Street, one of the main streets of Little Italy, enticing smells of all sorts of cuisines will waft your way. But if you’re a seafood lover check out Ironside Oyster & Fish Bar. Reserve a day to visit the immense Balboa Park before you leave the birthplace of California, San Diego. Balboa Park has got it all: a natural history museum, miles of walking and biking trails, and the world-renowned San Diego Zoo. Spend some time leisurely walking around the park and you might stumble upon a local artist fair, where you can buy authentic San Diegan art to bring back as a souvenir. If you’re really up for walking,
November 2017
check out the San Diego Zoo. This zoo is so enveloped by lush flora and giant trees that it gives an expeditious effect, similar to Jurassic Park, minus the dinosaurs. The San Diego Zoo offers many interactive elements to its animal exhibits, like feeding polar bears and rhinoceroses. A behemoth of a zoo, it can be intimidating to trek the entirety of it, so by taking the kangaroo bus, a double-decker bus or the park’s Skyfari, an aerial tram, you can see the zoo without breaking a sweat. San Diego is impossible to conquer in one go, but by visiting these sections you’ll be able to get a taste of what one of California’s oldest cities has to offer.
PHOTO BY KASEY MEREDITH
PHOTO BY KASEY MEREDITH
SAN DIEGO’S BEST EATS Ironside Oyster & Fish Bar: Chowder Fries You can find it on India Street in Little Italy. Its menu ranges from sea urchin, a raw oyster bar with a multitude of different oysters, lobster prepared at least three different ways and rockfish ceviche.
Searsucker: Niman Ranch bone-in pork chop Inside the bustling life of the Gaslamp Quarter is Searsucker, on Fifth Avenue. It’s got it all, from latenight bites, handcrafted cocktails or an excellent meal. They serve anything from blackened opah to duck pot pie.
WWW.SPECTRUMBAKERSFIELD.COM
Facing page: Balboa Park fountain Horton Plaza Above: San Diego Zoo entrance and the seal exhibit.
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B Well
ASK THE DOCTOR
Valley fever signs, symptoms and treatment By John Miller, MD, and Zeba Yamin, MD, of Dignity Health Medical Group – Bakersfield
Valley fever is caused by a fungus that lives in soil throughout Kern County and other parts of the world. When dormant soil with Coccidioides fungus growing beneath it is upturned, microscopic spores are released into the air. Inhaling these spores is what causes Valley fever and it is extremely rare to contract the infection any other way. Most cases of Valley fever in Kern County are acute, meaning the symptoms are generally mild. Some people with acute Valley fever mistake the infection for the flu or common cold and recover without medical attention. Signs of acute Valley fever include: • Fever • Chest pain • Dry, hacking cough • Fatigue • Night sweats • Muscle aches • Joint pain • Skin rash (often red, painful bumps on the shins) Sometimes, Valley fever can evolve from acute to chronic status. If your body can’t fight off the initial fungal infection, or you don’t receive treatment, you could experience: • Pneumonia • Weight loss • Swollen lymph nodes • Blood in your sputum (mucus you cough up) • Difficulty breathing • Headache • Vomiting • Stiff neck In rare cases, Valley fever can spread throughout the body. This severe version of the infection is called disseminated coccidioido44
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mycosis and requires immediate medical attention. The most commonly affected body parts are skin, bones (including the skull or spine), brain, liver, heart and joints. Signs of this serious disease may include: • Ulcers • Skin lesions • Lesions in the skull, spine or other bones • Painful, swollen joints • Infection of the membranes and fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord (meningitis)
5 THINGS TO TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR ABOUT IF YOU THINK YOU’VE BEEN EXPOSED TO VALLEY FEVER • Explain why you think you’ve been exposed to Valley fever. If your work or hobbies involve spending time in dusty environments, let your doctor know. • If you’ve traveled recently, let your doctor know where and when. The fungus that causes Valley fever is commonly found in specific regions. • Discuss your symptoms and how long you’ve had them. If they have gotten worse over time, be sure to explain how. • If you are pregnant or have other health conditions, let your doctor know. Those with weakened
immune systems are at a higher risk for more severe Valley fever symptoms. • Learn more about how your doctor will screen for Valley fever, how long it will take to get your results and your treatment options.
SCREENING FOR VALLEY FEVER Screening for Valley fever requires specific blood tests in order to be accurately diagnosed. Usually, people who have had Valley fever once build antibodies and immunity to the infection, but there have been cases of reactivation or reinfection. The best thing you can do for prevention is educate yourself on Valley fever. Learn where the fungus grows and signs of the infection. If you are experiencing symptoms and may have been exposed to Valley fever fungus, see your doctor for a diagnosis right away. John Miller, MD, and Zeba Yamin, MD, are both family medicine physicians with Dignity Health Medical Group – Bakersfield, located at 3838 San Dimas St., Suite A200, in Bakersfield. Both practitioners are now accepting new patients. To schedule an appointment, call 661214-3805. Promotional Content
Behind the scenes, build a relationship for your health. New Jobs. New Homes. Birth Announcements. Each event signals an exciting change in a relationship. Behind the scenes, some relationships stay important no matter how life changes — like the one between you and your doctor. The care team at Dignity Health Medical Group – Bakersfield would like to be one of the lasting relationships in your life. With online scheduling and same-day appointments for several providers, access to quality care at one of our five locations can be easy. Find a provider, see insurances accepted and learn more about our group at dhmf.org/bakersfield/familymedicine. Or simply give us a call at 877.464.1254.
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FEATURE
COMBATTING THE STIGMA Stressing the importance of men going to the doctor
Breast cancer survivor Nick Marantos speaks at this year’s Links for Life Lace’n it Up event.
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Story and photos by Kasey Meredith
N
ick Marantos, like most men might’ve been, was surprised when his doctor found a lump on his breast during a yearly physical. He was flabbergasted when his doctor said that it wasn’t there the year before. Marantos had been going to his doctor for physicals because of his high-blood pressure and other reasons, but never imagined this outcome. “He saved me,” Marantos said of his doctor, Dr. Baker. Because when Marantos had a biopsy, it turned out that his lump was a carcinoma and Marantos was diagnosed with breast cancer. “I just had my mammogram,” Marantos said. “Most men wouldn’t understand that or even want to say the word mammogram,” he said. Marantos has been cancer-free for four years now but still performs self-examinations. “I preach to my daughter who is 46 and my son who is 44,” Marantos said. He is an advocate for self-examination to all of his male friends as well. And it’s not just getting checked out for cancer. Chief of internal medicine at Kern Medical, Dr. Everardo Cobos said that it’s hard for men to come to the doctor’s office at all. “In many instances, men are reluctant to come to the doctor,” Cobos said. “Many delay, procrastinate or ignore; it can be seen as an inconvenience.” Colonoscopies are a somewhat scary procedure that Cobos said can be a matter of life or death. However, it is the major screening for colon cancer. “I can’t tell you how many times it’s a problem to get them to do routine tests,” Cobos said. “I’ve had the spouse, girlfriend or relative say to me, ‘I had to force him to come here.’” Cobos doesn’t blame it all on societal norms. He recognizes the physician’s role in public health and said it doesn’t take a lot for a physician to talk to a family member as there is always an opportunity for teaching moments. “It’s a matter of education,” said Cobos. “As men, we’re taught ‘don’t complain, don’t cry,’ but going to the doctor isn’t showing any signs of weakness.”
Ultimately, it’s about getting the message across: getting men to go to regular checkups and do the necessary screening procedures when necessary. Cobos said educating men and women differently when it comes to health practices is crucial.
“It’s a matter of education. As men we’re taught ‘don’t complain, don’t cry,’ but going to the doctor isn’t showing any signs of weakness.”
– Dr. Everardo Cobos
“As men get older, the prostate enlarges and they can have problems urinating; it’s not uncommon but men don’t even talk about that amongst themselves,” Cobos said. It’s a lot more common for women to talk to each other about their exams, like mammograms or Pap tests. A U.K. group known as the Lions Barber Collective combats the stigma of men not talking about their mental health, by actively having its barbers talk to their clients about this topic. Cobos mentioned this as a way to open up the dialogue on health alternative to physicians talking to patients. Prostate exams and colonoscopies are the two major tests that Cobos said are usually obstacles in male patients. “I suggested a colonoscopy to one of my patients and his facial reaction was almost comical as he kept saying ‘I’m not going.’ It’s like I was suggesting brain surgery,” Cobos said. Marantos’ case is uncommon, but he said his doctor has helped him get through other ailments such as Valley fever by having yearly physicals. “Most people say they feel good but that’s the mental part,” Marantos said. “ You may feel good but you’re not.” Putting yourself first can be a matter of life or death. “Take at least one day out of the year for yourself,” Cobos said.
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YOUR BODY
SUPERFRUITS
By Kasey Meredith
The term “superfruit” is a marketing term, but that doesn’t mean that these fruits aren’t special. “It’s more functional than other fruits,” said Pooja Vyas, a registered dietician at Dignity Health. “It’s a nutrient-dense food item versus one that’s high in sugar.” Superfruits tend to be exotic fruits, imported from places such as Indonesia and Brazil. Vyas said it’s important to know what form of the fruit contains the most nutrients and if that form is readily available. “Many studies claiming superfruits can do things like reverse cell damage are done in the raw form of the fruit. How are we going to know what type is good if we can’t consume the rawest form?” Vyas said. Superfruits are anything that are jampacked with many nutrients or a lot of one type, such as antioxidants or xanthones. These superfruits are considerably some of the most popular and versatile of the bunch.
MANGOSTEEN Only similar to the mango in name, these fruits pack a sour, tangy punch. Hailing from Indonesia, these fruits are high in anti-inflammatory, heart-health-boosting properties. This is because of mangosteen’s high concentration of xanthones and antioxidants. “Xanthones can fight free radicals and some studies suggest that it can eventually strengthen cell walls,” Vyas said. “However, these are observational studies and not conducted on humans.” The skin of the mangosteen is the part of the fruit that contains the most nutrients, so finding it in its raw form is ideal.
GOJI BERRIES These oblong jewels originating from China are also known as the wolfberry. These tiny berries are jampacked with antioxidants, vitamin C, carotenoids, flavonoids and also contain a surprising amount of protein. Goji berries have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. Because of its nutritional properties, Goji berries are good for anti-inflammatory problems, as all eight essential amino acids are found in the berries. These berries are most commonly found in its dried form in the U.S. and taste slightly sweeter than dried cranberries. Its chewy consistency makes it taste like nature’s Starburst candy. But be careful – these berries can have negative interactions with warfarin, a blood thinner. 48
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Y O U ’ R E A LWA Y S W E L C O M E A T
STAR FRUIT Otherwise known as the carambola, these fruits resemble a novelty star shape when cut vertically. Antioxidants run amok in the yellow veins of the star fruit. The star fruit is also high in potassium and vitamin C. Some extracts of the fruit even show antimicrobial activity against E. coli. The funshaped fruit is citrus-like in flavor, with some varieties being more sour in flavor. Star fruits also have a decent amount of electrolytes, so eating this before or after your workout could be beneficial in helping to hydrate your body.
DRAGON FRUIT Also known as pitaya, they may look incredible on the outside, but the fleshy, white interior can taste rather bland. Dragon fruits may not pack a powerful punch in the taste category, but dominate in nutritional values. This Malaysian fruit is crammed with oleic acid, an essential fatty acid that helps raise good cholesterol and lower bad cholesterol. Dragon fruits, like açai, have been popularized by the smoothie bowl movement.
AÇAÍ BERRIES The Amazon’s finest berry, the açaí berry has 500 percent more antioxidants than your average blueberry. Similar in taste to its blue counterpart, this berry has a slight sour kick to it. Antioxidants break down the chain reactions of free radicals, which is why they have become so popular. Açaí berries are mainly found in smoothies and açaí bowls, a healthy alternative to ice cream. Antioxidants aren’t magical, though. Vyas said, “A diet only rich in antioxidants isn’t providing all the necessary nutrients to your body.” Superfruits, despite the name, aren’t going to rescue your health. Vyas stresses balance when it comes to introducing superfruits to your diet. “One fruit can’t provide you with everything, just like a man can’t support himself on bread alone,” she said.
Gables Residential Care Homes What are they? Xanthones: A phytonutrient, like antioxidants, that studies say point to things like repairing cell damage. Antioxidants: A phytonutrient, antioxidants break the oxidizing chain of reaction that free radicals cause. They fight free radicals, which in turn, leads to the claim that antioxidants can solve things like cell damage and strengthen cell walls. Free radicals: Free radicals are electrons formed when oxygen interacts with it, forming a chain reaction in your body. This reaction can cause damage to DNA, inflammation and even cause the cell to die, Pooja Vyas said.
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Finding superfruits Powders: Many of these superfruits, açaí and the goji berry for instance, are available in powder form that you can add to your smoothies or sprinkle over yogurt. Smoothie packs: Like frozen berries, these packs are usually more concentrated than the juice form and are used to create smoothie bowls. Açaí and dragon fruit are normally found this way. Juices: Said to contain fewer nutrients than other forms of superfruits as they are less concentrated. Fruit itself: Registered dietician Pooja Vyas suggests this to be the best form to intake and the one that contains the most nutrients.
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TAKE THE QUIZ
How well do you know your superfoods? Compiled by Bakersfield Life
1. This berry is known for having almost 500 percent more antioxidants than blueberries. a. açaí berry b. goji berry c. strawberry 2. Which of these can be a complete source of protein? a. pasta b. quinoa c. basmati rice
3. This food packs a surprising amount of omega-3? a. spinach b. broccoli c. avocado
5. Which of these rootderived powders is said to boost energy? a. maca powder b. taro powder c. yuca powder
7. Which of these spices contains the antioxidant curcumin? a. coriander b. cumin c. turmeric
4. Which of these is also known as the “wolfberry?” a. wild blueberry b. goji berry c. black cherry
6. This southeast Asian fruit has a large concentration of xanthones, which is linked to fighting inflammation in the body. a. mango b. pineapple c. mangosteen
8. Which of these nuts contains selenium? a. almonds b. brazil nuts c. cashew
9. Superfoods are miracle foods that can save your life if you eat enough of them. a. true b. false 10. The dragon fruit is also known as: a. Malaysian mango b. spiny melon c. pitaya
Answers: 1a, 2b, 3c, 4b, 5a, 6c, 7c, 8b, 9b, 10c
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B Well
LOVE AND LIFE
The Superhas with their Supercar.
ODE TO THE FAMILY CAR By Nina Ha
Our first family car was a used light-blue Mercury four-door sedan with the plates 272YLG. It was a hard-earned vehicle, purchased by a young couple from Taiwan determined to make a living in America for their two young daughters. Our parents encouraged us to admire the beautiful scenery passing us by while my older sister and I rolled around without seat belts in the back (pre-California law). Our family laughed, cried and bonded over the miles. After my baby brother was born, our family entered the station wagon phase. We had a blue Oldsmobile wagon with wood paneling and later, a dark blue Ford with chrome trim. Our first really cool family car was a silver-and-black Dodge van that boasted a fancy chessboard table, window blinds and even a TV! My siblings and I would recline the seats, use ourselves as human 52
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antennas for the tiny television and crash after long trips to Vegas. Now that my husband and I have a family of our own, I’m starting to realize that our cars are like silent members of the family. And, like people, they come and they go, but live on in our stories and memories. Our first real family car was an ocean-mist-blue Honda Odyssey that was only a few months older than our son. Like all new parents, we cautiously drove him home from the hospital in it. Our minivan was the only car he and his older sister ever really knew. It was the vehicular stage for life’s big and small moments such as baby diaper catastrophes, family sing-a-longs and even minor fender benders. When it finally gave out after a strenuous trip over the Grapevine, we thanked our beloved “supervan” for its many years of dependable service, took one last picture and tearfully said goodbye. Our current family car is a fourdoor mini SUV. Surprisingly, the
November 2017
state-issued plates actually bear my initials. I’m grateful for our cars, past and present, and I thank God for all the memories we’ve made together.
Now that my husband and I have a family of our own, I’m starting to realize that our cars are like silent members of the family. And, like people, they come and they go, but live on in our stories and memories. May all of our cars keep us safe, take us on many adventures and serve us well. Here’s to the many roads we travel in life and the cars that take us there.
Nina Ha
Opinions expressed in this column are those of Nina Ha.
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PHOTO BY JONAH AND LINDSAY
Motor vehicles come in all shapes and sizes, from budget-minded economy models and versatile crossovers and SUVs to high-performance sports cars and powerful trucks. But one constant that cuts across all categories is, year after year, they con-
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tinue to get better. Greater performance and fuel economy, more advanced safety and tecnology features, and improved luxury and driver conveniences are common themes among the 30 cars we highlight in our 2018 New Car Guide.
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2018 Ford Mustang Base Price: $25,585 MPG: 21 city, 31 highway The latest iteration of the legendary American muscle car is faster and more powerful than any of the 5.0-liter V-8 engines that came before it, utilizing a new port fuel and direct injection to pump out 460 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque. The optional 10-speed SelectShift automatic transmission features real-time adaptive shift-scheduling to ensure the right gear at the right time, including skip-shift and direct downshift capability, resulting in smoother shifting and better performance. On the exterior, the grille and hood have been lowered and the mouth widened leading to a more athletic look while still retaining the Mustang’s well-known look and proportions.
Jim Burke Ford
2018 Ford F-150 Base Price: $27,380 MPG: 16 city, 23 highway The 2018 Ford F-150 sports the most advanced powertrain lineup resulting in best-in-class torque, bestin-class towing and best-in-class payload (up to 3,270 pounds). The available 3.5-liter EcoBoost twin-turbo V-6 generates 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque – beating out all gas and diesel competitors – allowing you to tow up to 13,200 pounds. The class-exclusive Pro Trailer Backup Assist makes backing up a trailer as easy as turning a knob – just rotate the knob in the direction you want the trailer to go. Made of high-strength, military-grade aluminum alloy over a fully boxed frame made of up to 78 percent high-strength steel, the 2018 F-150 is up to 700 pounds lighter than the previous generation without sacrificing durability and toughness.
Jim Burke Ford
2018 Lincoln Navigator Base Price: $72,055 MPG: 16 city, 23 highway The 2018 Lincoln Navigator is the product of size meeting luxury. A lot of time and emphasis were put toward the interior, every surface and space optimized for unrivaled levels of comfort. Pairing one-touch tiltand-slide second-row seats and a power-reclining third row with best-in-class leg room, the passenger experience inside the Navigator is memorable regardless of location. Powering the full-size luxury SUV is a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter engine with a 10-speed transmission capable of producing 450 horsepower that results in a smooth and controlled ride that doesn’t sacrifice performance. Six distinct drive modes help drivers tackle a wide array of driving conditions all with a twist of a knob, satisfying the desire for control and excitement.
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Jim Burke Lincoln Promotional Content
2018 Lincoln Continental Base Price: $44,720 MPG: 17 city, 26 highway At first glance, the 2018 Lincoln Continental screams luxury and comfort. The Lincoln Star mesh within the bold one-piece signature grille is indicative of the quality that comes with the brand. But the luxury sedan, whose beautiful interior design is both physically comforting and visually soothing, also houses an available twin-turbocharged V-6 that puts out 400 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque that result in a memorable driving experience you’ll want to repeat again and again. Welcome lighting illuminates the ground on either side of the front doors to greet you and overhead dome light and colored ambient lighting on the inside make for a warm welcome each time you step inside. The Continental is a perfect fit for those who define luxury on their own terms.
Jim Burke Lincoln
2018 Honda Civic Si Coupe Base Price: $24,100 MPG: 28 city, 38 highway With a 205-horsepower turbocharged engine paired with an adaptive damper system, the rear wing of the 2018 Honda Civic Si Coupe will be a sight other cars will get used to seeing as they are left behind in the dust. An aggressive front bumper beneath a menacing black grille that wears the Si tag like a badge of honor means the sports coupe has the looks to match its performance. A customizable driver-focused display contains features such as rev-limit indicator and G-meter to keep track of every thrilling outing that will pin drivers back into the deep bolstered sports seats as they press down the accelerator.
Barber Honda
2017 Honda CR-V Base Price: $24,045 MPG: 26 city, 36 highway Brawn meets beauty with the Honda CR-V. Perfectly balancing rugged design with modern sophistication, this SUV fits any lifestyle while looking great in any environment – from the urban streets of downtown to the lush hills of the countryside. The 190-horsepower turbocharged engine with real-time all-wheel drive can adapt to any driving situation while the Honda Sensing suite – including lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, collision mitigation braking system and road departure mitigation system – alerts drivers to things on the road they might miss. The rain-sensing windshield wipers automatically adjust to match the amount of rainfall to keep vision clear and focused on the road ahead.
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2018 Honda Odyssey Elite Base Price: $46,670 MPG: 19 city, 28 highway The “elite� tag on the 2018 Honda Odyssey Elite is evident when looking at the list of standard features. A 3.5-liter V-6 engine with a class-first 10-speed automatic transmission, Honda Sense driver-assistive technology, navigation, rear entertainment system, heated/ventilated front seats, 11-speaker premium audio system, front and rear parking sensors, and so much more. Completely redesigned with a dynamic, streamlined front end with an angular new grille on the outside with features that make driver and passengers more comfortable and connected on the inside, the Odyssey may just be the perfect family minivan.
Barber Honda
2017 Honda Pilot Base Price: $30,745 MPG: 19 city, 27 highway Honda redefines the family SUV with the Honda Pilot. With a rugged, aggressive grille, smooth lines and a more aerodynamic body, the Pilot is lighter and more fuel efficient, allowing drivers to transport up to eight passengers farther. The rear entertainment system with 9-inch screen and Blu-ray capability keeps passengers entertained while the available, independently adjustable tri-zone automatic climate control keeps them comfortable. Keep mobile devices running with up to five USB ports and three 12-volt outlets and take in-car entertainment to a whole new level with a 115-volt outlet and HDMI port for a gaming console.
Barber Honda
2018 Honda Fit Base Price: $16,190 MPG: 29 city, 36 highway The 2018 Honda Fit is a prime example of why you shouldn’t judge something by its size. The hatchback may look compact on the outside, but the interior houses over 93 cubic feet of passenger space and up to 52 cubic feet of cargo space. This small-but-mighty package can fit up to five passengers comfortably and the 2nd-Row Magic Seat, with four configurations, can adjust to accommodate the cargo you want. Use Bluetooth connectivity and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility to blast music from your mobile device on the available 180-watt, six-speaker audio system.
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2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Base price: $42,990 MPG: 24 city, 28 highway A 280-horsepower, turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four eight-speed automatic can bring the 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio from zero to 60 in 5.4 seconds. Bells and whistles include an available 8.8-inch infotainment display, 10-way power seats, genuine leather, 18-inch wheels, proximity-key entry, remote start, adaptive headlights, rear parking sensors, backup camera and a power liftgate. The Ti trim adds heating to the front seats and steering wheel, satellite radio and front parking sensors while the sport model adds paddle shifters, aluminum interior trim and pedals, painted brake calipers and gloss-black exterior trim.
Maserati Alfa Romeo of Bakersfield
2018 Maserati Quattroporte Base Price: $120,970 MPG: 13 city, 22 highway The 2018 Maserati Quattroporte is the perfect choice for drivers seek the rewards of rear-wheel driving backed up by four-by-four traction. Powered by an available 430-horsepower V-6 petrol engine provides an adrenaline rush every time you step on the accelerator. Additional features include: 8.4-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay compatibility, Wi-Fi hot spot, power anti-whiplash adjustable front head restraints, front and rear parking sensors, side impact beams and blind spot sensor. Heated 12-way adjustable front seats provide comfort and customizability.
Maserati Alfa Romeo of Bakersfield
2018 Maserati Levante S Base price: $88,700 MPG: 14 city, 20 highway The 2018 Maserati Levante S embodies the endlessly progressive spirit of Maserati in an SUV. Designed by Maserati, built by Ferrari and shared by no one, the Levante has a max speed of 164 mph and goes from zero to 60 in 5 seconds and provides a compliant ride on and off the road. The interior boasts lots of wood and leather, an 8.4-inch touch screen, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The Levante comes standard with advanced safety features as well as advanced driver assistance systems technology.
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2018 BMW 530e xDrive Base price: $54,700 MPG: 72 combined gasoline electricity This powerful plug-in hybrid is built to the same exacting standards of the 5 Series, but with an additional electric motor that delivers better fuel efficiency and surprisingly powerful torque. Lightweight, high-strength steel, aluminum and magnesium gives the 5 Series sedan its awe-inspiring acceleration. Under the hood is a 2.0-liter TwinPower Turbo inline 4-cylinder, 16-valve 180-horsepower engine and high-precision direct injection and eDrive 111-horsepower electric motor (total power output of 248 horsepower) eight-speed. The BMW 530e can run from zero to 60 mph in just 5.8 seconds.
BMW of Bakersfield
2018 BMW M760i xDrive Sedan Base price: $156,700 MPG: 13 city, 20 highway Sporting a 6.6-liter TwinPower Turbo V-12 pumping out 601 horsepower, the 2018 BMW M760i can go from zero to 60 in 3.6 seconds. The Carbon Core is stronger than steel yet 50 percent lighter, allowing the 7 Series to reach higher levels of performance and taking advantage of the six driving dynamics control modes. Additional features include available 16-speaker, 1,400-watt Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround sound system with illuminated speakers, multi-contour front seats, chrome exterior design and so much more.
BMW of Bakersfield
2018 BMW X7 Base price: $75,000 (est.) MPG: Not available The BMW X7 is expected to be available in a standard seven-passenger configuration in addition to an ultra-luxury four-passenger limousine variant. The BMW X7 will rival its competitors in terms of luxury, performance and capability. Standard editions are expected to be built around the 300-horsepower 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo inline-6 paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive design. Upgrade options available include an anticipated 445-horsepower, 4.4-liter TwinPower Turbo V-8 powermill. Gas, plug-in hybrid and diesel variations are expected. Concrete details and specs have yet to be released for the highly anticipated debut at the LA Auto Show.
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2018 Subaru Crosstrek Base Price: $21,795 MPG: 27 city, 33 highway The 2018 Subaru Crosstrek sets the bar for standard features. Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive; vehicle dynamics control with active torque vectoring; 51.9 cubic feet of storage space with 60/40-split fold-down rear seats; 8.7 inches of ground clearance; integrated roof rails; Starlink Multimedia system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Pandora integration; and rear-vision camera are standard on all models. The 2.0i Limited model comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, Harman Kardon premium sound system, LED steering-responsive headlamps, and blind spot detection and rear cross-traffic alert standard. This is in addition to a standard 2.0-liter Subaru Boxer 4-cylinder engine that features direct injection, allowing drivers take on roads others can’t.
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2018 Volvo XC90 Base Price: $46,900 MPG: 22 city, 29 highway A perfect blend of driving pleasure and performance, the 2018 Volvo XC90 delivers sporty comfort in a package that is the finest expression of modern Scandinavian luxury. The meticulously designed interior creates a spa-like atmosphere that can accommodate up to seven passengers and is built using high-quality materials while paying close attention to the finest of details. Features like navigation, panoramic moonroof, award-winning collision avoidance technology, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control and pilot assist are designed to meet the demand for style, comfort and safety. When it comes to performance, luxury and design, the XC90 passes with flying colors.
Sangera Automotive Group
2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA Base Price: $32,700 MPG: 24 city, 37 highway From its signature three-pointed star on the diamond-block grille to the LED taillights, the Mercedes-Benz CLA is easily recognized but hard to forget. The front of the luxury four-door coupe houses a 208-horsepower turbo inline-four-cylinder engine that produces more torque with less fuel. The middle contains a sporty and spacious cabin headlined by a standard 8-inch color screen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility and a 450watt Harman Kardon Logic surround sound system. High-back power front sport seats featuring MB-Tex upholstery are as durable as they are comfortable. The back contains 13.1 cubic feet of storage space while the split-folding rear seats expand cargo capacity. This is Mercedes-Benz luxury and performance at an eye-opening price.
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2018 Mercedes-Benz Metris Base Price: $25,995 MPG: 22 combined Designed to execute and built to last, the Mercedes-Benz Metris brings the automaker’s standards to businesses, emphasizing safety, performance and cost efficiency. Crosswind assist helps stabilize the van in windy situations while lane-keeping assist, collision prevention assist, blind spot assist and Attention Assist keep the driver aware of surroundings at all times. The standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged direct-injection gasoline engine puts out 208 horsepower and has a towing capacity of 2,502 pounds. A service interval of up to 15,000 miles ensures drivers will spend more time on the road than in the shop.
Sangera Automotive Group
2018 Cadillac XT5 Crossover Base Price: $39,395 MPG: 19 city, 27 highway The Cadillac XT5 is designed with your life in mind. A generously sized interior with remote folddown rear seats – allowing up to 63 cubic feet of storage space – with hands-free lift gate for easy loading. Room to fit five passengers comfortably. A sophisticated network of radar and cameras to keep you aware of your surroundings at all times. An active fuel management system to keep you on the road instead of the pump. This is just the beginning of the list of features found in a vehicle that is progressive inside and out – the pinnacle of function without sacrificing detail and style.
Three-Way Cadillac
2018 Cadillac CT6 Base Price: $54,095 MPG: 22 city, 30 highway The world’s first true hands-free driving system, Super Cruise, finds its way inside the 2018 Cadillac CT6. Designed for use on limited-access freeways, Super Cruise steers the vehicle to maintain lane position while also monitoring the driver’s attention to the road. Working with the adaptive cruise control system, Super Cruise reduces the monotony of steering, braking and accelerating on long drives. This is in addition to a luxury sedan that already pushes the envelope for performance, technology and craftsmanship. The CT6’s strength and style are accented by lines, curves and sweeping planes that create a look that is distinctly Cadillac.
Three-Way Cadillac 64
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2018 Chevrolet Traverse Base Price: $29,930 MPG: 18 city, 27 highway The 2018 Chevrolet Traverse contains all the technology and safety features to accommodate go-getters, adventure seekers and the family that’s always on the go – seating for up to eight passengers, best-in-class cargo space of 98.2 cubic feet, available 4G LTE Wi-Fi, and up to 14 advanced safety features, including forward collision alert, surround vision and Intellibeam headlamps. On the outside, the Traverse has been completely redesigned for a bold, new look. On the inside, details like available leather appointments and premium stitching paired with a noise-cancelling cabin ensures passengers can ride in comfort, peace and quiet. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, along with the myChevrolet Mobile App, provide the ultimate smartphone-vehicle connection.
Three-Way Chevrolet
2018 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD Base Price: $33,610 MPG: Not available The 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD is built for the real world. Built to last year after year, mile after mile, the Silverado HD’s legendary capability and durability is the reason it’s been named “Most Dependable Large Heavy Duty Pickup” by J.D. Power and Associates three years in a row. With best-in-class available 445 horsepower and max available torque of 910 pound-feet, the Silverado HD can handle anything thrown its way. The 2500 HD’s standard Vortec 6.0-liter V-8 can tow up to 14,800 pounds while the available Duramax 6.6-liter Turbo-Diesel V-8 can pull up to 18,100 pounds. The reimagined hood features functional vents that enable easier and more confident hauling and trailering.
Three-Way Chevrolet
2018 GMC Yukon Denali Base Price: $66,165 MPG: 16 city, 23 highway A peek inside the 2018 Yukon Denali reveals the standard for refinement and innovation in large SUVs. With three rows of first-class seating, the interior is the result of uncompromised craftsmanship, comfort and capability, with features like heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats and tri-zone automatic climate control. Built-in 4G Wi-Fi hot spot keeps devices connected and wireless charging keeps batteries full. A comprehensive suite of safety technologies, including seven standard airbags across all three rows and GMC’s industry-first front-center airbag, provide piece of mind knowing that those who matter most will be protected.
Motor City Buick GMC 66
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2018 GMC Terrain Denali Base Price: $37,520 MPG: 22 city, 28 highway With a satin-chrome finish on the insert and block-style elements carefully crowned to catch light, the 2018 GMC Terrain Denali’s signature grill is guaranteed to make a memorable first impression. The bold styling and powerful stance set a new standard for compact SUVs, delivering unmatched elegance. On the inside, the Terrain Denali combines bold design with premium materials resulting in first-class comfort and versatility. The 2.0-liter turbocharged engine delivers premium performance and responsiveness to the tune of 252 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque.
Motor City Buick GMC
2018 GMC Sierra 2500HD Base Price: $34,540 MPG: Not available An available 6.6-liter Duramax diesel engine putting out 445 horsepower and 910 pound-feet of torque with max trailering capacity of 18,100 pounds make the 2018 Sierra 2500HD GMC’s most powerful Duramax diesel ever. Nearly two-thirds of the cab structure is made from high-strength steels and make up a rigid frame as well as a quiet cabin. Available Duramax diesel power and integrated trailering technologies like Stabilitrak with hill start assist, trailer sway control and digital steering assist provide drivers with confidence and control over heavy loads. Inside, standard dual-density seat foam, heated and ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel, 110-volt power outlet, wireless charging pads and more make it easy and convenient to take work on the road in comfort and style.
Motor City Buick GMC
2018 Lexus LC 500 Base Price: $92,000 MPG: 16 city, 26 highway With all the attention put toward comfort and convenience, the driver experience is often left lacking. That is not the case with the 2018 Lexus LC 500. To match the luxury on the inside, the LC 500 comes with a 471 horsepower engine and a class-leading 10-speed automatic transmission making it Lexus’ most responsive vehicle to date. Near-perfect weight distribution and a low center of gravity make for instinctive handling and the driver-centric cockpit features magnesium paddle shifters and LFA-inspired performance gauges. The LC 500h introduces Lexus’ first-ever multistage hybrid that redefines the concept of hybrid performance.
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2018 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Base price: $39,995 MPG: 84 combined electric and gas Awarded 2017 Kelley Blue Book’s Best Buy and the only minivan to receive the 2017 IIHS Top Safety Pick. Seating for up to eight passengers. In addition, available heated front- and second-row seats and heated and ventilated front-row seats offer individualized comfort. Power-folding seats are available in the third row. Capable of traveling 33 miles electric and 84 MPGe when using both electricity and gas for a total driving range of up to 566. Standard features include: afety Tec featuring blind spot monitoring, rear cross path detection, ParkSense Rear Park Assist with Stop and more. Available Uconnect 4 and Uconnect 4C NAV, 8.4-inch touch screen, HD Radio, integrated Uconnect Voice Command, Bluetooth Streaming Audio and SiriusXM Satellite Radio.
Bakersfield Chrysler Jeep Fiat
2017 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon Recon Base price: $37,445 MPG: 16 city, 21 highway This vehicle includes a military-inspired Dana 44 front axle, heavy-duty differential covers, a host of interior upgrades and more. The Wrangler Unlimited is one powerful freedom machine. Its Trail Rated status, 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine, Command-Trac and Rock-Trac 4x4 Systems are just a few of the reasons why Wrangler Unlimited capability is a force to be reckoned with. Fender flares, iconic seven-slot grille, removable doors and top and Freedom Top hardtop available on select models confirm its Jeep lineage. Interior features include available heated leather-trimmed front seats and an available auto-dimming rearview mirror with integrated LED map lights.
Bakersfield Chrysler Jeep Fiat
2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Base price: $53,995 MPG: 18 city, 25 highway The Grand Cherokee Summit sets the standard as the most luxurious vehicle in its class. The all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk is the quickest SUV ever with a blinding 3.5-second zero-to-60 time. It features superior comfort and convenience with a 19-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system, exclusive exterior and more. A confident and elegant exterior design exudes strength from every angle. From Laredo to Trackhawk, Grand Cherokee offers premium exterior styling treatments, including a modern front grille and fascia and available features like daytime running lamps and LED fog lamps.
Bakersfield Chrysler Jeep Fiat 68
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Promotional Content
35,891
36,639
35,863
27,687
YEAR TO DATE
32,297
40,000 35,000 30,000 25,000 20,000 15,000 10,000 5,000 0
30,288
CARS SOLD
New cars sold in Kern County by year
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
YEARS
Most popular months to buy a new car in Kern County 2012-2016 average
1. July 2. June
3,301 cars sold 3,195 cars sold
3. April 4. August
3,149 cars sold 3,123 cars sold
Source: Dominion, Cross-Sell Report 2016-2017. Compiled by TBC Media Market Research Department.
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People & Community
BUSINESS PROFILES
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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS AND INSTRUMENTATION (ESI) 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 wastewater 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 Robert C. Riley, customers and their President 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 70
Bakersfield Life Magazine
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 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. 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 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.
November 2017
What does “SQV” mean to ESI? SQV stands for safety, quality and value – the foundation for every decision at ESI. Safety comes first for a reason. We are proud to say that ESI was named to the EHS Today 2017 list of America’s Safest Companies. This honor puts ESI in elite company – only 12 other companies nationwide received this designation based on their commitment to safety from the CEO to the newest hire. Each of the 2017 America’s Safest Companies demonstrated support from management and employee involvement, innovative solutions to safety challenges, lower-than-average injury and illness rates, and comprehensive training programs. In addition, these companies highly value prevention and regularly communicate to employees and customers the importance, value and benefits of safety. ESI prides itself on its safety record and stresses the priority of safety every day. Why? Because not only 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 want each job done right, done efficiently the first time and done safely. Ultimately, this provides the highest value to our customer – they get the best service for the best price in the most effective, efficient and safest way possible.
Electrical Systems and Instrumentation (ESI) Headquarters 6906 Downing Ave. 661-587-9322 800-ESI-0800 www.elect-systems.com
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Safety, Quality and Value EHS Today named ESI to their 2017 list of America’s Safest Companies Electrical Systems and Instrumentation, Inc. is a full-service electrical and instrumentation service company. Specializing in many industrial and commercial sectors, we provide both construction and maintenance services.
ESI Headquarters 6906 Downing Avenue , Bakersfield, CA 93308 Phone: (661) 587-9322 • Toll-Free: (800) ESI-8655 Fax: (661) 587-8655 • www.elect-systems.com California C-10 #837498 | Colorado EC.0100775 | Nevada C-2 #0068774 New Mexico #378509 | Oklahoma #00169304 | Texas #28803
Our Capabilities include: • Electrical Power • Control Systems • Instrumentation • Overhead Line Construction • Panel and System Fabrication (UR508A) Our Market segment expertise includes: • Water and Waste Water • Oil and Gas Production, Pipeline and Refining • Food and Beverage • Mining and Minerals
People & Community
BUSINESS PROFILES
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 in an attorney? The area of law, like the area of medicine, is broad. Clients must select the best-trained, most educated
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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.
CLIENT 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 “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
ATTORNEY ENDORSEMENTS: “Attorney Brehmer is hands down the most experienced, credentialed and
November 2017
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 “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
Brehmer Law 1200 Truxtun Ave., Suite 120 661-447-4384 www.brehmerlaw.com
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MR BREHMER IS THE ONLY CENTRAL CALIFORNIA DUI ATTORNEY to be a three
straight year selection to the Southern California Super Lawyers Rising Star list (top 2½% of lawyers in California) and is recognized as one of Southern California’s “Top Attorneys” as published in Los Angeles Magazine. He is honored to be designated an “ACS-CHAL Forensic Lawyer-Scientist” by the American Chemical Society having obtained the highest student score on the examination among all California lawyers. PRIOR TO BEING RECOGNIZED as California’s Top Lawyer-Scientist, Mr. Brehmer received specialized training and further education in standardized field sobriety testing; gas chromatography; solid drug dose analysis, DNA, airway gas exchange, and is the only Kern County Defense attorney to be trained in drug recognition examinations. He is routinely asked to consult with both private and public attorneys throughout the country on issues of toxicology and pharmacology.
ACS-CHAL FORENSIC LAWYER-SCIENTIST
JEREMY BREHMER FELLOW AAFS
In February 2016 Mr. Brehmer was recognized by the President of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences for his substantial contribution to the Academy.
WWW.BREHMERLAW.COM | 447-4DUI
CO-AUTHOR OF SIX BOOKS on toxicology related subjects, in addition to other publications and those in process Mr. Brehmer has authored chapters about forensic science in criminal cases, search and seizure, pharmacology, drug detection limits, and discovery in several Aspatore/ Thomson Reuters books. He is a contributing author on a blood alcohol analysis for West publishers, the co-author of the feature article for the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers publication, the Champion, and is co-editor/author of Medicolegal Aspects of Marijuana, 2015 California edition by Lawyers and Judges Publishing. AS A DIRECTOR AND COMMITTEE CHAIR for the national DUI Defense Lawyers Association and as an instructor at Trial Skills University Mr. Brehmer is a firm believer that a rising tide lifts all boats. It is for this reason that he dedicates much of his time to help train other lawyers in the scientific aspect of criminal defense to fight that only valid science is presented in American jurispruidence. MR. BREHMER IS HONORED TO have presented multiple times to the American Academy of Forensic Sciences, the American Chemical Society, state and local public defender associations across the country, state defense bar conferences, law schools, and others associated with the forensic and legal community. Mr. Brehmer was recently selected to moderate the final jurisprudence session of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences annual meeting in Florida. 1200 TRUXTUN AVENUE, SUITE 120 BAKERSFIELD, CA 93301 (661) 447-4384
People & Community
BAKERSFIELD MATTERS
By Lisa Kimble
In late September, with the snip of a ribbon, history was made locally at the opening of the Robert A. Grimm Children’s Pavilion for Emergency Services at Memorial Hospital. It is the first pediatric ER in Kern County and the only one between Los Angeles and Madera. And it has been many years in the making. Not in attendance that morning was the man who, nearly three decades earlier, envisioned pediatric services expansion at the medical campus but didn’t live long enough to see his dream become a reality – C. Larry Carr. It was also serendipitous. A few hours later and a few miles away, the annual Larry Carr Memorial Golf event was held. “We couldn’t have planned it any better,” said his widow, Nancy. Memorial had only been open eight years when a young Carr began working at the hospital under then-Administrator Kevin Hegarty. He met his wife, Nancy, in the hospital gift shop 74
Bakersfield Life Magazine
where she volunteered and they married six months later. In 1967, at the age of 26, the BHS and UCLA grad became the youngest hospital administrator in the nation when he was named president.
“It was Larry who made the decision and commitment that Memorial would be the pediatric hospital for Bakersfield.” – Jon Van Boening
“Back then, leaders of the other hospitals decided they didn’t want to do pediatrics. They didn’t think there was a lot of volume and it was hard to recruit doctors,” recalled Memorial President and CEO Jon Van Boening. “It was Larry who made the decision and commitment that Memorial would be the pediatric hospital for Bakersfield. Everything we have done has been built on that foundation.” Carr asked his board members to embrace the idea as well. There was a children’s November 2017
PHOTO COURTESY OF BAKERSFIELD MEMORIAL FOUNDATION
PHOTO BY FELIX ADAMO
Late hospital administrator envisioned pediatric expansion
From left to right: Larry Carr, Jerry Brock, Lisa Kimble, Dr. James Donovan and Mark Olesh in a 1992 CMN Telethon.
department, but no pediatric before he passed, he gathered intensive care unit or separate staff and told them he wanted emergency wing, and the neothem to complete the north natal intensive care unit wasn’t tower.” nearly the size and scope that Larry Carr died in 2002. it is today when, in 1991, Carr Three years later, Van Boening accepted the offer to partner enlisted Nancy’s help in completing the tower her husband with the Children’s Miracle Network. The first telethon was had wanted so desperately. Children’s services growth held the following year. followed soon after. Under “Back in those days, it was the current administration, all about the telethon and tote board,” said Memorial Hospital with Carr’s vision in mind, the Foundation’s Development Di- enormous expansion of the rector Caryl Schweitzer. They pediatric service line includes coincided with the national the Lauren Small Children’s events, complete with the preCenter and the Robert A. sentation of giant checks and Grimm Children’s Pavilion for acknowledgement of CMN Emergency Services. community partners. Today, It is hard to imagine how that round-the-clock format differently the Bakersfield has given way to a one-day hospital might look today radio and television mediathon had a young hospital chief and millions have been raised who was known to describe locally through the 26-yearhimself as knowledgeable in old CMN partnership. the sciences but “Larry’s vision was inexperienced in certainly the building administration not out of the pediatric had the foresight service line,” Schand dedication. weitzer added. Opinions “He dedicated expressed in this his life to the staff column are those of and patients,” Nancy Lisa Kimble Lisa Kimble. remembered. “Days
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People & Community
MILLENNIAL VOICES
THE BUSINESS OF AGRICULTURE: HERE COME THE MILLENNIALS By Dane Oleson
I first walked on the scene of agriculture three years ago as a recent college graduate ready to take on the world. With zero ag experience, I was shocked to begin working in an industry filled with ex76
Bakersfield Life Magazine
tremely successful businessmen who still used flip phones and had never sent an email in their lives. More recently, I was surprised to learn our sales department was invited to participate in a national webinar titled “How to Deal with Millennials in Agriculture.” November 2017
The title alone demonstrates that the younger generation and their comfort with new technology is something new to the agriculture scene. We have arrived and we’re bringing our native comfort with technology to an industry as old as life on the planet. Now three years in as an equipment and agricultural technology salesman in Kern County, I have found a large amount of tech-savvy variance in the local farmers: Some stick to the way their families have been farming for generations; others embrace the change. One person at the end of the technology spectrum has never sent a text message; the person at the other end is monitoring fluctuations in trunk diameter in order to precisely plan irrigation events based on the actual needs of a particular tree. That represents quite a spread between different farmers growing the same crop in the same county. For the most part, the common denominator is the age of the people involved on the farm. Older gentlemen whose children are not involved are usually still farming close to the same way their grandfathers farmed. Farmers who have integrated younger generations are more willing to accept change and adapt. In addition to the equipment, which measures tree trunk diameters, there are plenty of other amazing pieces of new technology that are coming from younger generations, such as “smart” pesticide sprayers, which use real-time weather information to monitor wind conditions and prevent the pesticides from drifting. Almond growers are using new equipment to scan almonds on the ground, allowing them to create a yield map for each tree.
Those same almond growers can now measure hydration levels of each tree to determine when the nuts are ready to shake for harvest.
One person at the end of the technology spectrum has never sent a text message; the person at the other end is monitoring fluctuations in trunk diameter in order to precisely plan irrigation events based on the actual needs of a particular tree. The industry of agriculture is viewed as rough and dirty, dominated by older, hardworking men. They bring decades – generations, really – of experience and expertise. But the business is adapting as more and more millennials become decision-makers and bring their science-based tech with them. Both generations can bring their strengths to increase production and together redefine the business of agriculture. As one of those millennials, I am excited to help bring a new familiarity and understanding of technology to a business as old as the earth itself. – Dane Oleson moved to Bakersfield in 2010 to attend California State University, Bakersfield, and swim for the school, graduating in 2014. He now sells tractors and agricultural technology at Kern Machinery. Dane is a newlywed, happily married to an NICU nurse named Anna. The views expressed in this column are his own.
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HISTORY
PHOTO COURTESY OF TOM MACHT
People & Community
Top fuel driver Tony Bartone does a burnout during March Meet at Auto Club Famoso Raceway.
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Gentlemen, start your engines The March Meet’s starting line By Julie Plata
At the same time Hollywood experienced its golden age in the 1930s, drag racing was born on the dried lakebeds of Southern California. Over the distance of one-quarter mile, drivers tested their bravado and souped-up engines across the dried desert land. After World War II, drag racing’s popularity soared. Teenagers staged illegal matches as a means to show off their cars and compete against their peers. The sport grew up quickly and within a couple of years,
Bakersfield Life Magazine
November 2017
associations, such as the Southern California Timing Association, started to organize legal events at unused air strips. In 1949, the first organized event occurred at the Goleta Air Base in California. Soon, more organized events sprung up across California, and in 1951, Wally Parks founded the National Hot Rod Association. That same year, Bakersfield’s local club, Smokers Inc., began hosting races at an abandoned airfield off Maricopa Highway. Large crowds of race enthusiasts showed up to watch the dragsters compete for the best times.
Three years later, in 1954, the club struck a deal with Cecil Meadows to lease an unused airfield just off Famoso Woody Road. This was the start of something big that would soon become a Bakersfield tradition. The closing of the Santa Ana strip – where previous championship events occurred – provided the opportunity for Smokers Inc. to establish the first United States Fuel-Gas Championship. Feb. 28 and March 1, 1959, promised to be two giant days of drag racing. For the admission price of $1.50, fans could witness a showdown
between the United States’ best racers from the East and West. Drivers on the schedule included California champion Art Chrisman, Texas champion Bobby Langley, Midwest champion Setto Postoniak and national champion Don Garlits. Garlits was the real attraction. He had recorded a solid 180 mph in his championship race and the California racers wanted to challenge him. Drivers were slated to compete for $2,000 in savings bonds and trophies.
For the admission price of $1.50, fans could witness a showdown between the United States’ best racers from the East and West. In the days leading up to the meet, The Bakersfield Californian ran a full-page ad on Feb. 27, 1959, urging readers to come see “200 of the fastest cars in the nation at the Famoso Drag Strip.” But word of the event had already spread across
the country. On Feb. 7, 1959, the Chamber of Commerce’s Convention Bureau reported to The Californian that they expected a crowd of 5,000 and that most accommodations were full. There was even a reservation from “as far east as Boston, Massachusetts.” The chamber also estimated $75,000 would be spent in the city by those attending the races. The chamber’s crowd size estimate was significantly off as the number reached 31,253. This was unprecedented for the Famoso race strip, where crowds usually topped 2,000 to 3,000 fans. In the end, the California drivers blew Garlits away. The top eliminator and new U.S. champion title went to Art Chrisman of Compton, California. He clocked an impressive 160 mph. Tommy Ivo of Burbank won top eliminator in the gas dragster class, clocking 144.33. Shirley Shahan of Visalia took the top award in the super stocks class. Shahan was one of the pioneering women of the drag racing industry. Now known as the March Meet, the tradition continues at the Auto Club Famoso Raceway for new generations of drag race fans.
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PERSONALITY
Don Thompson captures the beauty of Kern County through poetry Story and photos by Kasey Meredith
Not everyone can hear the sweet music that rocks sing, but poet Don Thompson does. “The whole world is alive,” Thompson said. Capturing the beauty of Kern County through the lens of spindly almond trees in his poetry garnered him the title of Kern County’s poet laureate. Thompson was nominated and ultimately won the title because of his transcendentalist, detailed poetry on Kern County’s natural beauty. “I generally write about things I see, I’m not a romanticist,” Thompson said. “My mind works the same as anyone else’s.” However, the fire within Thompson to become a poet needed to be toked — he went 25 years without trying to publish. Poetry is a private affair for Thompson, as he described his efforts to publicize his work “awkward and uncomfortable.” Thompson first fell in love with poetry while wandering in a library and coming across “Traveling Through the Dark” a collection of poems by William Stafford. “BAM, it was like nothing anybody had ever heard of,” he said. At first, he only thought of himself as an observer and didn’t take the pen to paper until another visit to the library. “I was reading Thoreau and a phrase struck my fancy and I made a poem of it,” Thompson said. Nowadays, Thompson writes poems daily with the occasional poet laureate duty sprinkled throughout, like speaking to high schools or a book club. In the beginning, he would get up around 5 or 6 a.m. to write his poem for the
day, because between finishing school and working other jobs, he had no energy left at the end of the day. “I’m a poet; I live in my head,” Thompson said. He would even be thinking about the poems he was going to write while at other jobs. He said he was always drawn to what poetry was able to do to him: make him have that “yes” feeling. Thompson said that his work has evoked the same feeling in readers of his poetry. “I’ve had people say to me, ‘I’ve never heard of that but that’s how I feel,’” he said. Because even if it does feel uncomfortable to publicize his work, he does it to connect with his audience. “It’s not about the horizontal audience,” Thompson said, referring to how many people the poem reaches. “But it’s about making the vertical connection, making the connection that goes deep.” And now that he’s a fully established poet, he hasn’t stopped observing. Like Thoreau’s “Walden,” Thompson writes about “trees, rocks and critters.” Thompson is far from being a nihilist; he’s constantly observing and searching for the world’s meaning. Eventually, Thompson got to a point where he could just pump out poems and they would be published. But coming back to his idea about the vertical connection of one of his poems and a reader made him keep going. ”What inspires writing is the act of writing; you can’t write without words and many times it’s just one word,” Thompson said. He writes every word as though it will be his last font of inspiration. “There’s something in me that questions, ‘Is that the last one?’” he said. “Or do I smolder to the end?”
Poet what now? A poet laureate is someone who is appointed by the community to write poems about a specific region, celebrating occasions and events. Also known as the most celebrated poet of a particular region. One of Thompson’s role as the poet laureate of Kern County is that he appears at schools of all levels to give talks on poetry.
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ALL-STAR ATHLETE
ONE STEP, ONE PUNCH, ONE ROUND AT A TIME Local boxing phenom dominates competition in pursuit of long-term goals By Stephen Lynch Photos courtesy of Joel Iriarte
Fourteenyear-old Joel Iriarte is a freshman at Ridgeview High School.
Outside of the boxing ring, Joel Iriarte is a mild-mannered 14-year-old who makes good grades and likes to have fun. But once the Ridgeview freshman steps inside the ropes, his personality changes drastically. He suddenly becomes a serious pugilist looking to rack up points and deliver knockouts with an array of fast, hard punches. The Bakersfield native has been highly successful using his fists, winning six USA Boxing amateur national titles since 2015. “I try to be as calm as possible,” Joel said. “I’ve never fought in school. I only do it for the sport. I’m a pretty good student, too.”
Joel, who hasn’t lost in two years, is currently ranked No. 1 by USA Boxing in the 106-pound Boy’s Intermediate Division. Joel began boxing eight years ago after visiting a gym run by his father’s friend, Jose Cardenas. Joel trained under the late Cardenas for two years and
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then another coach for the next four years before his dad, Temo, took over as his trainer two years ago. The father-and-son combination has produced stellar results, especially this year. This past summer, Joel won the 106-pound Intermediate Division title at the 2017 USA Boxing Junior Olympics, Prep Nationals & Youth Open Championships in Charleston, West Virginia. Last month, Joel claimed the 114-pound Intermediate Division championship at the 43rd Annual National PAL Tournament in Oxnard. He won the championship bout via a second-round TKO. “I felt like I had the conditioning and the stamina to withstand whatever my opponent was going to give me,” Joel said. “I already had the mentality that I was going to win. So winning this last one, I felt glad that all the work in the gym paid off. I was pretty excited.” Joel, who hasn’t lost in two years, is currently ranked No. 1 by USA Boxing in the 106-pound Boy’s Intermediate Division. He has an amateur career record of 97-8. Joel has never been knocked out and knocked down only one time. When that occurred, he got up off the canvas and rallied to win the bout. The young right-handed (orthodox) boxer considers himself an aggressive fighter
but is willing to adjust styles depending on the situation. “If I see that my opponent is aggressive, then I’ll outbox him,” Joel said. “I’ll score points. I’ll make sure that I make him miss a lot. If he’s more of a boxer that likes to score points, then I’ll be the aggressor but fight smart and keep my hands up to make sure that I’m not caught with any shots that don’t need to be
landed.” Joel doesn’t try to pattern himself after any other boxer. “I have a unique style,” he said. “However, I still try to get different techniques from different fights to see if that will help me in the ring.” Joel trains two to three hours, seven days a week for his fights, which consist of three 90-second rounds. His daily workouts entail running 6 miles,
bag work, mitt work and cardio. He lifts weights two days a week and spars whenever he gets the chance, which most of the time requires a trip to Tehachapi, Fresno or Los Angeles. Joel’s long-term boxing goals are to qualify for the 2020 Olympics and then turn pro. “I love the sport,” Joel said. “It’s taught me a lot of discipline and a lot of character. I like to fight too.”
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FOR A CAUSE
A NIGHT AT THE GATSBY GALA By Shelby Parker
If one has ever wondered what an evening at one of Jay Gatsby’s infamous parties is like, an opportunity has presented itself. The CSF Foundation is hosting its first “CSF Saving Lives” Gatsby Gala, in partnership with Dignity Health Mercy and Memorial Hospitals, on Friday, Nov. 17, at the Seven Oaks Country Club. Unlike Gatsby’s, this party is for a good cause, benefiting surgeries for those who are low income and/or uninsured. “We thought it was time for a gala,” said Alfonso Garcia, the statistics/grant coordinator of the Cirugia Sin Fronteras Medical Non Profit Foundation, as they’d made great connections in the community after their Beautiful Bakersfield Health Award win through the Greater Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce. The foundation was founded two years ago. Curia Sin Fronteras gave patients an 85 percent discount and put them in charge of their own surgeries. Even with a discounted rate through the corporation, people still weren’t able to afford costlier surgeries. That’s where the foundation steps in to assist with partial costs, and in some cases, all of the surgery – though it’s rare. The Gatsby Gala is a chance to bring doctors and those who work in the medical
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field together for an elegant night out and a chance to raise money for those in need and are contributing and working in the community so they don’t have to rely on hospitals and the government. “We’re already taking into consideration some cases that need the help,” said Garcia. CSF promotes self-reliance and responsibility for health care and bills. If patients have the necessary amount for their surgery, the foundation can help with the rest. The evening will begin with cocktail hour at 6 p.m., dinner at 7 p.m. and the rest of the event carrying on until 11 p.m. with live jazz music, dancing and a silent auction, including wine and items from Victoria’s at The Marketplace, House of Moseley and more. Dr. Jorge Enriquez, the creator of the Cirugia Sin Fronteras and reason for the foundation, will be the evening’s speaker. The impact of the event will affect families long after the last song has been played by “being able to still sustain their family economy – by being able to provide for their families,” said Garcia. Guests are encouraged to dress in their best 1920s attire or in formal dress. Tickets may be purchased by calling Garcia at 404-4748 or via email at administration@ csffoundation.org.
November 2017
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People & Community
OUR TOWN
A CHRISTIAN AND A MUSLIM WALK INTO A STUDIO
Story and photos by Kasey Meredith Bob Prater (left), a former evangelical pastor and Emad Meerza, a former president of the Islamic Shoura Council of Bakersfield, are the co-hosts of the podcast “A Christian and a Muslim Walk Into a Studio.”
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Bob Prater and Emad Meerza debate anything from what to order for breakfast to what the intent of sharia is. Prater and Meerza host the podcast “A Christian and a Muslim Walk Into a Studio,” where both past Bakersfield religious leaders discuss what they term “hot-button issues” from their respective perspectives. Prater is a former evangelical pastor, who now leads a small group of Christians through change in their personal lives, and Meerza is the previous president of the Islamic Shoura Council of Bakersfield. But they weren’t always best friends able to have calm banter about religion. After meeting on a radio talk show, where they
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were guests talking about the rift between Christianity and Islam, Prater asked to buy Meerza coffee. “I said, ‘Why would I want to do that?’” Meerza said. Reluctantly, Meerza accepted and after a few more thrilling coffee get-togethers, which often turned into debates, “A Christian and a Muslim Walk Into a Studio” was born. In the beginning, Prater asked the questions that many conservatives would want to ask, drilling Meerza on the horrific practices cited in the Quran. But it got to a breaking point – Meerza said that the narrative was hurting him and Muslims. “It’s in the Quran just as it’s in the Bible,” Meerza said. “We have to watch this propaganda machine hurt us; it’s insanity.”
Prater also received flak from the Christian community. He said some accused him of sympathizing with terrorists, aiding and abetting, and that Muslims were evil and trying to take over the world. “People aren’t interested in peace; they’re interested in conflict,” Prater said. “Fear sells. If we were like everyone else, we would make a lot of money.” The worst thing anyone could tease Meerza for being Muslim when he was a boy was a “camel jockey,” but for his son, some would call him a “terrorist.” “I’ve lived in Kern County since I was 5,” Meerza said. “I love fishing and hunting, but I am an Orthodox Muslim and it’s gut wrenching and heartbreaking to hear those things.” Both acknowledge that “A Christian and a Muslim Walk Into
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Light Up A Life at The Marketplace a Studio� is not the most popular podcast in Kern County – however one video got 28,000 views in an hour from Middle Eastern viewers. Prater and Meerza are just happy to create a space for the dialogue. In fact, Prater said that a prominent religious leader in Fresno had a change of heart toward Islam because of “A Christian and Muslim Walk Into a Studio.� As the show went on, Meerza and Prater made a conscious decision to create a dialogue that was purely informational and not in any way targeting either religion. “I just want people to stop killing each other, the end,� Prater said.
The two decided to bring other areas that could have religious nuances, such as sports, onto the show and have guests on the show to add more to the dialogue. Meerza has recently returned with his family to reside in Kuwait, but both will continue the show through remote broadcasting. Prater is even in the process of creating another podcast called “A White guy and a Black Guy Walk Into a Studio.� “We speak the language of agreement,� Prater said of him and Meerza. “It’s vital for us to have conversations like this. Proverbs 31:8 and 31:9 say, ‘There’s time for us to take a stand, speak up for those who are oppressed.’�
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PHILANTHROPY MATTERS
Give the gift of giving By Louis Medina
How many of you recall the pride your son or daughter felt when you allowed them to drop your family’s offering in the collection basket at your place of worship – just like you did as a child when your parents allowed you to do the same? What about the pride you felt when you watched your children saving their allowance or selling chocolates, cookies or lemonade to raise money for a charitable cause? Or, if you’re an employer, how about the team building and morale boost you and your staff experienced when you all pitched in to give back to the community by supporting a local charity? Remember how rewarding it felt to take a group photo with grateful representatives from the nonprofit you helped and have your company’s assistance acknowledged publicly, maybe through a certificate or plaque? Yes, there is something about giv88
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ing that, as the proverb says, can make it an even more “blessed” experience than receiving gifts. Scientifically, that can be explained as a chemical reaction. According to randomactsofkindness.org, the warm fuzziness you feel when you perform an act of kindness, such as giving, happens in conjunction with your brain’s release of the “love hormone” oxytocin, which can have such positive effects as lowering blood pressure, reducing anxiety and stimulating bonding with others. Furthermore, the website says, adopting a lifestyle of giving has been found to decrease stress, depression, even pain, and help one develop a more optimistic outlook on life and even live longer. And giving to charity as an act of kindness has the added benefit of being tax-deductible. Knowing this, doesn’t it make sense to consider giving “the gift of giving” this holiday season? You can “bless” your family, friends, employees, business partners and local non-
November 2017
profits while helping to promote your health and theirs, and sowing seeds of community goodwill in the process.
Giving cards are just like preloaded retail gift cards, except they can only be redeemed to benefit 501(c)(3) organizations, including places of worship, anywhere in the U.S. Kern Community Foundation’s Charity Giving Cards, available for purchase in denominations of $20, $25, $50, $100 and $500, can help. Giving cards are just like preloaded retail gift cards, except they can only be redeemed to benefit 501(c)(3) orga-
Pick your Charity Giving Card design, amount and quantity at kernfoundation. org.
OP
SH
D O N AT E
nizations, including places of nonprofits can ask for them worship, anywhere in the U.S. to be customized with their Imagine giving them out corporate logo, too. as holiday gifts that inspire The cards can be ordered philanthropy and generosity through our website, kernfoundation.org, by calling 616-2617, in the recipient or, if given directly to a nonprofit, imagine or writing to donorservices@ kernfoundation.org. how welcome they’ll be during By giving the gift of giving the busiest season of the year through a charity giving card for community-based organizations. from Kern Community Foundation, you, too, can Giving cards come in five standard designs including one become an important partner in “Growing Community and called “Holiday Lights,” which Growing Philanthropy” in Kern is perfect for the season. There County. is also a “With Sympathy” that is ideal for fulfilling the “In lieu of Louis Medina flowers, donate to … serves as manager of ” wishes of a grieving community impact family. at Kern Community Companies Foundation. The wanting to give views expressed in charity giving cards this column are his to their clients, assoLouis Medina own. ciates or partnering
JOBS
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PRIME FINDS
Join us for our first monthly market at the new location. Farm Girls Vintage Finds is now in two buildings on an acre lot full of farm-fresh finds, furniture and decor. Nov. 16-18, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Nov. 19, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 3216 State Road Find out more details at www.farmgirlsvintagefinds.com.
Paint trees just like grandma’s! These vintage light-up trees are easy to paint – even the kids can do it! Perfect for adding a nostalgic touch to your holiday mantle or table! The trees range in height from seven to 18 inches! Available only at Color Me Mine, Bakersfield's only paint-yourown pottery studio! Color Me Mine at The Marketplace, 9000 Ming Ave., 661-6647366 or www.bakersfield. colormemine.com.
Iconic Kern County Scenes Be thankful for simple things ... And all we have. Thank you for two years of loyal patronage and support of H.A.L.T. Rescue! Visit our store Rags to Rescue at 234 H St. Open Tuesday through Friday, from noon to 4 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Follow us on Facebook, www.facebook.com/ haltragstorescue.
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Local Bakersfield landmarks captured on canvas or watercolor paper in an ongoing exhibit at The Arts Center, 1607 19th St. To commission your favorite icon, contact the artist, Charlotte White, at 661-330-2676.
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Northgate Chamber Mixer Date: Sept. 28 Held at: Highgate Shires Photos by: Greg Nichols
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Bakersfield Young Professionals Street Party Date: Oct. 13 Held at: Wall Street Alley Photos by: Greg Nichols
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LAST WORD
Ride-along program can improve law enforcement-community relations By Louis Medina
My first ride-along with the Bakersfield Police Department in fall 2015 was actually a requirement for a community leadership program in which I was enrolled. Wanting to get a little “Cops”-like action out of the experience, I chose to go on a Friday night patrol that turned out to be a roller-coaster ride of excitement. I witnessed two takedowns of burglars, one of them involving a canine officer; a booking into the county jail; the weighing and turning in of drug evidence; a police and ambulance response to a stabbing; and several less dramatic calls for service. Once I learned that BPD allows civilians to go on one ride-along every six months, I was hooked. Two years, several ride-alongs with Bakersfield Police and the Kern County Sheriff’s Office, and a 13-week Sheriff’s Community Academy later, I count myself fortunate to have taken advantage of these opportunities local law enforcement agencies offer community members so they can learn about the work of policing in an up-close-and-personal manner. This is particularly important in our era of strained law enforcement-community relations. One reason I like ride-alongs is because you can get to know an officer or deputy in a much more intimate way than at a coffee-with-a-cop event. Since you have them all to yourself for an entire shift – as it’s just you and your officer in the car – you can get them to open up about things. You can physically see the lively demeanor of a fast-talking, self-assured cop change to brooding and quiet when you ask him what his most difficult call for service was (a child-not-breathing incident where the infant couldn’t be resuscitated) or that of another jovial and upbeat officer turned agitated and indignant when he talks about the unfairness of people judging all cops by the actions of a few crooked ones. 98
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Louis Medina with Kern County Sheriff Donny Youngblood.
You get indignant alongside of them when you witness the rudeness and unreasonableness of many of the people they encounter: people on drugs; people who cuss at them; people who, as one of my ride along officers put it, “expect us to solve their problems for them.” You almost feel their weariness as they tell you about the 30 pounds of gear they have to wear around their waist and torso (gun, baton, Taser, pepper spray, handcuffs, radio, bulletproof vest) and how all that extra weight can cause hip and back pain and make the heat of summer so much more unbearable. Cops are, after all, human, like the rest of us. A ride-along helps us remember that. I truly believe law enforcement-community relations could improve if more civilians went on ride-alongs. Thinking
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about it optimistically, it’s a chance to get to know your officers. Thinking about it cynically, if you’re concerned about officers using excessive force against civilians, your presence could act as a dampener: After all, with you as a witness, officers are bound to be on their best behavior. To find out about ride-alongs with Bakersfield Police, visit Bakersfieldcity. us and type in “BPD ride-along” in the search bar. To learn about Kern County Sheriff’s Office ride-alongs, go to kernsheriff.org, then scroll down and click on the “Forms & Applications” icon. To inquire about the Sheriff’s Community Academy, call Sheriff’s Headquarters at 391-7500. Opinions expressed in this column are those of Louis Medina.
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