Bakersfield Life Magazine November 2015 by The Bakersfield Californian Specialty Publications

November 2015

A MEMBER O F T H E

T H E

Car I S S U E

T BC M ED I A FAM I LY

• The Exclusive 2016 Car Guide • Local car clubs share the love • The passion of car restoration

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Autumn craft beers

Where to give this Thanksgiving season

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Veterans Day Salute • Meet Bakersfield’s new Army Ranger • An ode to brothers who served in WWII • Hometown Heroes: Twin Bakersfield Marines

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F E A T U R E S November 2015

New Car Guide Check out the hottest cars. Page 71

Surprise, Suprise! Family, friends and car clubs restore â&#x20AC;&#x2122;66 Mustang for loved one. Page 100

Fast and Friendly Car club members talk about the ultimate pastime.

Ashley Goodall is overwhelmed with emotion as she looks at the interior of her restored â&#x20AC;&#x2122;66 Mustang.

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November 2015

PHOTO BY ROD THORNBURG

Page 104

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Lifestyles 44 46 48 52 54 56 58

Word on the Street The Big Picture Money Matters 12 Random Things Named After Short Takes On the Web In Season Finding Fame My Pet By the Numbers What I’m Reading Happenings Letters to the Editor

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On the Road Technology Pastimes In My Closet Health and Wellness Home and Garden Welcome Home

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Dining Divas Food & Wine Fit and Fresh Lunchtime Pick

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

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S TA F F S H A R E S Bakersfield’s Premier City Magazine November 2015 / Vol. 10 / Issue 2

WHAT IS YOUR DREAM CAR?

Bakersfield Life™ Magazine is published by TBC Media The magazine is inserted into The Bakersfield Californian on the last Saturday of every month and available with The Californian through its digital subscription. To subscribe, please call 392-5777. Additional copies can be purchased at The Bakersfield Californian for $3.95. To advertise, contact Lisa Whitten at lwhitten@bakersfield.com or 395-7563. Publisher Ginger Moorhouse Associate Publisher Virginia Cowenhoven President/CEO Richard Beene Senior Vice President Chief Operating Officer Logan Molen Senior Vice President Revenue and Marketing Mike Skrocki Advertising Sales Manager Lisa Whitten Advertising Traffic Manager Shauna Rockwell

If $115,000 miraculously appeared in my bank account today, I’d buy a Mercedes-Benz G550 SUV in matte black. It’s a sleek and elegant vehicle that I would enjoy driving everyday. — Laura Liera, specialty publications coordinator

I’ve always dreamed of having a classic Porsche convertible with an ivory paint job and red leather interior. — Holly Bikakis, graphic designer

Market Research Lisa Beason, Jose Granados Editor Olivia Garcia Assistant Managing Editor Mark Nessia Specialty Publications Coordinator Laura Liera Art Director Glenn Hammett Graphic Designer Holly Bikakis

I absolutely love the Tesla Model S. The technology in that car is astounding and the door handles retract into the body of the car! How cool is that?! — Mark Nessia, assistant managing editor

It’s not really a car, but I would love to own a luxury, spacious, tech-savvy RV so my family can hit the road and travel the country in style. — Olivia Garcia, editor

Editorial Intern Barry Ramirez Photographers Felix Adamo, Henry A. Barrios, Casey Christie, Nick Ellis, Katie Kirschenmann, Joe Kukler, Tanya X. Leonzo, Michael Lopez, Mark Nessia, Greg Nichols, Carla Rivas, Jan St Pierre, Rod Thornburg Contributing writers Sally Baker, Alexis Clark, Diana Greenlee, Lisa Kimble, Katie Kirschenmann, Stephen Lynch, Breana Oliver, Shelby Parker, Julie Plata, Gabriel Ramirez, Katy Raytis, Paul Rivas, Cheryl Scott, Jennifer Shelton, Anna C. Smith, Chris Thornburgh, Michael Wafford, Miranda Whitworth

On the cover The Lexus RC 350 F Sport boasts an aggressive design inside and out. Photographed at Bakersfield Jet Center by Loyd’s Aviation. Photo by Mark Nessia

Bakersfield Life Magazine

November 2015

C O N T R I B U TO R S E D I TO R ’ S N OT E

CARS, CARS, CARS

ne of the perks of being an editor for Bakersfield Life (as I have said in the past) is the opportunity to regularly test-drive new cars

and trucks. I get to explore the latest models, firsthand, that include luxury, 4x4s, electric, crossovers and more. My family enjoys being “backseat” reviewers, if you will, in my test-drive assignments. So it shouldn’t surprise many that I love the Car Issue, which is what you are reviewing this month. With technology advancing so much, I am amazed how the auto industry quickly moves to implement those changes into the makeup of their models on a consistent basis. Those improvements improve the driver and passenger experience. In this issue, you will get to explore several new models, ranging from Lexus and Mercedes to Honda and Toyota. Interested in luxury? Trucks? Economical? They are all here. Give it a review and let us know what car you are putting on your buy list. Best Of 2016

Alexis Clark is a 22-yearold full-time student attending Cal State Bakersfield. She is currently pursuing a degree in journalism along with a minor in marketing. Alexis is a part-time barista at a local Starbucks and enjoys writing on her WordPress blog: Life By Alexis in her spare time. Her dream job is to be an anchor on the “Today” show. To learn more about Alexis, visit her blog: alexisdanee.wordpress.com.

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Readers, please keep an eye out for the December issue when we will announce the deadlines to nominate a business or individual for the 2016 Best Of readers’ choice contest. As many of you know, each year, we ask our readers to vote on the cream of the crop so that we can feature them in our annual Best Of edition scheduled for May 2016. However, planning is underway. In December, we will be asking readers to nominate a business or individual. More details on how to nominate and where will be shared in the December issue, which is our Holiday and Giving Back edition.

Olivia Garcia and Olivia Castro

Under the leadership of CEO Cathy Ferguson, the Girl Scouts of Central California South, which serves more than 10,000 girls from kindergarten through 12th grade in Fresno, Kern, Kings, Madera and Tulare counties, has made some amazing achievements in the lives of youth. They are developing future leaders. If you haven’t already, please find a way to support your local Girl Scouts. I also want to give a special shoutout to one of my littlest fans. She is an 8-year-old Girl Scout and her name is Olivia Castro. She was so smart that she recognized me from the magazine and The Californian. And she proved to be a very kind, respectable and intelligent little Girl Scout – thanks to her mom and Girl Scouts.

PHOTO BY TANYA X. LEONZO

Barry Ramirez, although a native of Porterville, has recently made Bakersfield his new home. He received his bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Cal State Bakersfield and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in English. While an undergraduate, Ramirez worked as a journalist for the campus newspaper, The Runner. Actively working as an intern at Bakersfield Life Magazine has allowed him to pursue his passion for writing. When he isn’t busy studying feverishly or working, he enjoys writing fiction, reading and playing his acoustic guitar.

Girl Scouts I would like to thank Girls Scouts of Central California South for honoring me as one of three Women Inspiring Girls recently. The other deserving honorees were Caren Floyd, retired educator and youth mentor, and Sheryl Chalupa, president and CEO of Goodwill Industries of South Central California.

November 2015

Olivia Garcia Editor 395-7487 ogarcia@bakersfield.com

Up Front

WORD ON THE STREET

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HOW DO YOU CELEBRATE THANKSGIVING? Jennifer Burger

Enrique Garcia

Trevor Richards

I celebrate Thanksgiving with family. Our tradition has been to spend it with my brother in the Bay Area.

I go and shop at Target and Wal-Mart for Black Friday. They get crowded, but you can still get in.

We go to my grandmother’s, and everybody brings food… It’s like a potluck.

Helen Colin

Mayci Banducci

Joseph Salazar

My whole family comes over and we make a bunch of food.

With my family. We have linner. It’s like lunch/dinner, and my mother makes us say grace.

I usually get together with my family and talk about what we did at work and school. We have a meal and say thanks for everything.

Casey Harris

Ricardo Marquez

Wendy Ruiz

In my family, we usually don’t have Thanksgiving; everybody is busy with work.

We have a huge family gathering. We usually change places between family members.

All our family gathers together. All bring desserts and gather with each other and eat and tell jokes.

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Up Front

THE BIG PICTURE

START OFF WITH A BANG Photo by Mark Nessia

Fireworks greet members of the Bakersfield Condors as they skate onto the ice. The Condors opened the season with a new coach and in a higher league. Read more in “Talk of the Town” on page 124.

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November 2015

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Up Front

M O N E Y M AT T E R S

NEGOTIATING AN AUTO LEASE FOR THE BEST DEAL By Chris Thornburgh

ost dealers assume car buyers are clueless when it comes to leasing, which is unfortunately true. Scams related to leasing typically take advantage of this confusion. Before diving into negotiations on an automobile lease, make sure you know the jargon and the calculations used to determine your monthly payment. Capitalized cost The most common scams have to do with raising the price of the vehicle. The capitalized cost, or “cap cost,” is basically the vehicle’s selling price. Shoppers don't realize the cap cost can be negotiated, so dealers get away with charging MSRP on a car that is normally discounted thousands of dollars. Negotiate the price of the car up from the dealer’s rock-bottom cost. You can find the market value and cost of the car at Truecar.com or Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.com. Capitalized cost reduction This is a fancy term for a down payment. Watch for lease ads that offer low monthly payments while burying a huge down payment figure in the fine print. Remember, the cost of your lease isn’t just the monthly payment. Factor in the down payment. If you put $3,600 down on a 36-month lease, your real cost per month is $100 more than your monthly payment ($3,600 divided by 36 months). Residual value An important factor in leasing a car is its residual value – how much it will be worth when the lease ends. When negotiating your lease, the higher the residual value, the better. Understand that you are paying for the car’s expected decline in value while in your possession. If you lease cars that retain their value, you’ll pay less for depreciation during the lease. Look for models with low depreciation rates in the Automotive Lease Guide (ALG). Mileage Since a car’s mileage affects its resale value, leases have an annual

mileage limit typically between 10,000 to 15,000 miles per year. Dealers offering low-cost leases cash in by setting this mileage limit low. Ask about the limit and the cost-per-mile if you go over. If it’s too low, negotiate a higher limit, but doing so will increase the cost of the lease. If you drive significantly more than 15,000 miles a year, you may be better off purchasing instead of leasing. Charges for overages on the mileage limit usually range from 10 to 30 cents per mile depending on the vehicle brand. Let’s say you drive 14,000 miles instead of the 10,000 allowed each year for three years. At 20 cents for each additional mile, you’ll owe $2,400 at the end of your lease (12,000 excess miles times $.20 per mile). That’s an extra $67 a month. Money factor Dealerships may be reluctant to disclose this number, so be persistent. This is the equivalent of the interest rate on a loan and usually is expressed as a decimal such as .00260. At a glance, you may think you are getting a reasonable rate but not really. To get the interest rate equivalent, multiply by 2,400. A money factor of .00260 means you are being charged an interest rate of 6.24 percent. Hidden costs Don’t assume the quoted monthly lease payment is the actual amount you will pay. It may be quoted without sales tax or license. Ask about other fees that come into play, including acquisition, purchase option and disposition fees. These one-time fees still affect the cost of the lease. Bottom line When negotiating an auto lease, give yourself the option of walking out if you aren’t sure of the deal. A knowledgeable CPA can crunch numbers for you to decipher a good deal from a bad deal.

Chris Thornburgh

— Chris Thornburgh is a CPA and partner at Brown Armstrong Accountancy Corp. Contact her at cthornburgh@bacpas.com or 324-4971.

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

PHOTO BY MARK NESSIA

KATHERINE HORTON

I wake up every day at 3:30 a.m., even on my days off, because the early bird gets the worm.

I rode the bus when I went to Miami, Chicago and, most recently, in Europe.

Every morning I have oatmeal with flaxseed, turkey bacon, a cappuccino, wheat toast, juice and my vitamins.

I prefer a red velvet cupcake over a slice of cake.

The busiest bus stop on my route is the Panama Lane Wal-Mart stop.

My favorite ice cream flavor is orange sherbet.

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I enjoy all of Whitney Houston’s songs.

hen Katherine Horton started as a Golden Empire Transit bus driver on Nov. 18, 1980, she was one of only four female drivers. Fast-forward to today and Horton is 74 years young, still driving a 40-foot-long bus in Bakersfield and is GET’s longest-tenured driving employee. Horton remembers her first day – 35 years ago – like it was yesterday. “A driver called in sick, and I took his route,” Horton said. “I might have went three blocks when I got a flat tire.” Horton was more concerned about being on schedule and making sure her passengers got to their destinations on time than anything else that day. And that same care has been Horton’s priority at GET after all these years. You can catch a ride with Horton on Route 47 – starting at the CBCC on Truxtun Avenue and down to the Panama Lane Wal-Mart bus stop. She also does a stop at the U.S. Social Security Administration office on Office Park Drive. Horton travels that route every day from 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Through her years as a bus driver, Horton said her favorite part of the job is meeting new people. When she has bus riders that aren’t having the best day, Horton tries to make their day better. “I tell them to sit down and talk to me,” she said. “And tell them that it will get better.”

Olive Garden is my favorite place to have lunch.

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I cook a lot of vegetables and collard greens at home.

The nicest comment I’ve been told from a bus rider is that I look nice, clean and neat.

My dream car is a BMW 7 Series.

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday because we do a potluck with the family.

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NAMED AFTER

PHOTO BY CASEY CHRISTIE

Up Front

COLLEGE HEIGHTS By Lisa Kimble

he northeast Bakersfield neighborhood known as College Heights traces its roots back to the early 1950s, before its centerpiece, Bakersfield College, opened its doors. Bordered by Panorama Drive to the north, Mount Vernon Avenue to the east, Columbus Avenue to the south and River Boulevard to the west, establishment of the area, known as Section 16, was led by prominent developers like Joe Gannon, Pat Paola and Ralph Smith Jr. Smith had developed part of Truxtun Avenue, an area of Westchester and a tract of homes along South Chester Avenue when the young bravado put everything on the line and impressed the president of Bank of America during an elevator ride to lend him the money. Smith and partners already owned the La Cresta Airfield at the east corner of Panorama Drive and River Boulevard across from Greenlawn Cemetery. “It was high and the junior college was going in,” recalled Smith’s daughter, Donna James. “He was very hands-on and I remember driving that tract with him.” Back then, James said, developers named the streets. With the opening of the junior college imminent, adjacent streets surrounding the school property were named after

Bakersfield Life Magazine

November 2015

institutions of higher learning in California and across the country – Berkeley, Princeton, Duke, Vanderbilt and Yale to name a few. “He was so pleased when developers of the college found a natural bowl for the stadium,” James added. Memorial Stadium was completed in 1955, and a year later, the campus opened for students. Bakersfield College, founded in 1913, was located at Bakersfield High School, known then as Kern County Union High School, before it was relocated to the site “on the hill” in the northeast. Before the Smith family moved to Panorama Drive, they lived near the famed Bakersfield Inn on Union Avenue. Smith developed some of those surrounding tracts as well, and named streets like Donna Avenue and Bill Avenue west of Union after two of his children. Ralph Smith’s influence in the community extended beyond real estate development. Known as the “godfather” of Bakersfield Memorial Hospital, he was approached in 1951 by a group of physicians and fellow businessmen eager to establish a new hospital. In 1951, the Memorial Hospital Corporation was started and a fundraising campaign was launched. The 112-bed community hospital – Greater Bakersfield Memorial Hospital – opened in 1956. Today, a nursing scholarship in Ralph Smith Jr.’s name is given out annually by the Bakersfield Memorial Hospital foundation, and Smith’s daughter Donna and granddaughter Jenny Waguespack serve on the foundation board of directors.

S H O R T TA K E S

CORNHOLE FOR CHARITY EVENT AT TEMBLOR

he Active 20-30 Club of Bakersfield is happy to announce the first Cornhole for Charity event taking place at Temblor Brewing Company on Saturday, Nov. 21. Proceeds from the event will benefit the club’s annual Christmas Experience event that aims to provide each in-

need family in Kern County with toys and clothing. This year, 300 children will have a brighter holiday, club chairman August Klein said. There are only 64 team spots available, with two people per team. Entry includes two drinks and one meal per player. There is a $1,000 prize for

first place. Tickets are $120 per team and can be purchased at Temblor Brewing Company, 3200 Buck Owens Blvd. Registration starts at noon with playing time at 1 p.m. For more information, visit active2030.org. – Bakersfield Life

FESTIVAL CELEBRATES ENERGY, STEM EDUCATION

he inaugural Kern Energy Festival is coming to town Nov. 7 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Kern County Museum to celebrate energy and its many contributions to the local economy. The educational event will feature local food vendors, family friendly bands, bounce houses and interactive educational opportunities for young, eager students. The Mobile Oilfield Learning Unit, Science 4 Kern van and Energy Transforms zone will be at the event to teach students about STEM (science, technology, engineering and math). The price of admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children. For more information, visit kernenergyfestival.com or call 348-4349. – Bakersfield Life bakersfieldlife.com

PHOTO BY FELIX ADAMO

BREWCALIFORNIA.WORDPRESS.COM

SHOOTING COMPETITION CHARITY EVENT IN SHAFTER

et your four-person team together and test your skills in this fast paced, recreational shooting competition, hosted by Advanced Personal Protection on Saturday, Nov. 21, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Shafter Police Department gun range, 18825 Shafter Ave. Teams will be challenged during several competitive pistol and shotgun courses for first-, secondand third-place awards. There will also be a “Top Shot” competition. Participants will receive a goody bag that comes with an event T-shirt. Lunch will be included with admission. Raffle tickets will be available for a chance to win firearms, holsters and other prizes. Admission for a team of four is $200. Proceeds will benefit the Kern County Law Enforcement Foundation and the Kern County 999 Foundation. For more information, call Randall Meyer at 3404618. – Bakersfield Life

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November 2015

Up Front

S H O R T TA K E S

ON THE WEB We asked our readers to send in pictures of their first car. Here are some of the favorites:

n Sunday, Nov. 1, thousands will gather at Central Park at Mill Creek and the Bakersfield Museum of Art for the seventh annual Altares de Familia and Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) Celebration – an event that brings families, friends and the community together to pray for and remember loved ones who have died and help support their spiritual journey. Dia de los Muertos is a Hispanic tradition that dates back to Aztec times where the festivities were dedicated to the goddess known as La Calavera Catrina, or Dapper Skeleton. The tradition has been kept alive in Bakersfield thanks to local organizations like the Kern County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the Bakersfield Museum of Art, this year’s organizers. Most of the museum’s gardens will be adorned with family altars, each paying tribute to their loved ones in their own way. Not one altar is the same. Some have photos, food, and traditional vibrant art and even music playing in the background, while others have large photo collages and decorative tables. Besides the altars, attendees can enjoy traditional Mexican food, cultural craft vendors, exhibitors booths, live entertainment, a children’s crafts area and traditional face painting booths at Central Park at Mill Creek. Admission is $3 per person, children 6 and under are free. The event is from 4 to 8 p.m. at 1930 R St.

1964 Chevelle Malibu - David Anderson

2013 Hyundai Elantra - Jace Dooley (David Anderson’s grandson)

My very first car was a brand-new 1963 Chevy Corvair with a “four on the floor” as we used to call the manual four-speed shifting that was on the floor. This photo was taken in 1968 with my then 2-year-old son. - Joy Lampe Stewart

CSUB THEATREFEST PRESENTS ‘THE SERVANT OF TWO MASTERS’

SUB is holding its annual Theatrefest. The troupe will be performing a variety of productions, including Shakespeare and musical theater, but this November will be staging Carlo Goldoni’s commedia dell’arte masterpiece “The Servant of Two Masters.” The play tells the story of a hungry servant who believes he can double his wages by having two masters. Identities become confused, engagements severed and everything comically goes wrong. The play will be held Nov. 5 through 7 at 8 p.m., and on Nov. 8 at 2 p.m. in the

1941 Dodge half-ton 4x4 reconnaissance command car - Eric J. Solum

Have a great Halloween costume this year?

Dore Theatre. General admission is $10, $8 for seniors and $5 for students with ID. For more information, contact Mandy Rees at 658-3156 or visit csub.edu/theatre. – Bakersfield Life

Share your ghouls and gobblins with us for our next issue. Send photos to bakersfieldlife@bakersfield.com. Title your e-mail: Halloween Costume along with your trick or treaters name(s) by Nov. 9.

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Up Front

IN SEASON

’TIS THE SEASON

Jeanne Carroll delivers heaping plates in a filled dining room at the Bakersfield Homeless Center during its annual Thanksgiving meal.

By Laura Liera

ith the holidays approaching, places like The Mission at Kern County and Community Action Partnership of Kern County Food Bank tend to see more individuals walk through their doors. The last part of the year, for some, is actually the busiest. “Once the weather starts changing, we start to see the influx of people that need our help,” said Carlos Baldovinos, executive director of The Mission at Kern County. With the idea that no one should go to sleep hungry or cold, The Mission serves an average of 500 meals a day. Having a hot meal at The Mission is not just for a young woman or man who has nowhere to live. “Somebody may be going through a tough time in life and they can come here for help or a hot meal this holiday season,” Baldovinos said.

Bakersfield Life Magazine

November 2015

For a Thanksgiving meal, Baldovinos said guests can expect turkey, mashed potatoes, green beans, corn, cranberry sauce and a roll. On Christmas Eve, besides a delicious ham meal, people also receive a present. Whether it is a shoebox filled with gloves, socks or a hat, everyone has the opportunity to unwrap a Christmas gift. “We want everyone to feel loved,” Baldovinos said. The CAPK Food Bank does not offer a holiday dinner but they do provide groceries and ingredients for people to cook their holiday meals. Glen Ephrom, program manager of the food bank, said CAPK has 106 distribution sites in Kern County where people can pick up goods. “We distribute 1 million pounds of food a month,” he said. And during the holidays, that number increases. In order to keep the food bank stocked, CAPK depends on local community donations.

Food like celery, apples, stuffing, cranberry sauce and turkeys, are sought after during the holidays. Whether people decide to donate food baskets or just a few cans during this holiday season, one thing is for sure: “There is a great need in our community because one out of five people are food insecure, and half of those are children,” Ephrom said.

Local Food Banks The Mission at Kern County 816 E. 21st St. 661-325-4565

CAPK Food Bank 1807 Feliz Drive 661-398-4520

Bakersfield Homeless Center 1600 E. Truxtun Ave. 661-322-9199

Golden Empire Gleaners 1326 30th St. 661-324-2767

PHOTO BY HENRY A. BARRIOS

Donate food, clothes to those in need

F I N D I N G FA M E

SINGING TO THE BEAT OF HER HEART Youth aspires to land chance at ‘The Voice’

By Paul Rivas

PHOTO BY GREG NICHOLS

tanding in the middle of her living room, 10-year-old Alissah Lopez sings the national anthem like an ambitious pop star ready to take on the entertainment world. Her delivery and powerful voice fill the room, and one can be amazed by her natural singing ability. A self-taught singer who, at the age of 4 years old, began singing Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep,” Alissah uses her keen ear to develop her talented vocal cords. “When I practice at the house, I find my own range. I try to sing high or low with my voice, and I listen if it sounds good or bad,” said the College Heights Elementary School fifth-grader. Alissah recently performed a few cover songs, such as “Baby It’s You” by The Shirelles, and “Turn My Swag On” by Keri Hilson at the main plaza at the Kern County Fair. She opened her set at the Kern County Fair with the national anthem. She also sang the national anthem at a local car show. Singing has been with her since birth. As a baby, her mom, Laura Gutierrez, always gently hummed a soothing tune to help her fall asleep. “Every time she went to sleep, I would play a classical music CD, so we didn’t have to be real quiet in the house, and I would put it louder and louder so she could get used to noise,” said Gutierrez. Those melodies helped Alissah develop a strong musical connection, and since then, she’s been singing around the house nonstop. “When she started singing at 4 years old, she sang everything we would say to her,” Alissah’s father, Andre Lopez, said. “We would tell her ‘go to bed,’ and she would sing ‘go to bed.’” At 9 years old, she took second place in The Choice, a singing competition hosted by Victory Outreach Church. At first, she didn’t make it to the second round but was voted back by a wildcard decision. “We had no idea what we were going up against; it was all adults and she was the youngest one,” said Gutierrez. “The oldest was 57 years old, and a 21-year-old beat Alissah by one vote.”

Alissah Lopez

Right after The Choice competition and strongly supported by her loving parents, Alissah gained recognition and pursued a local singing career. After recording a three-track CD of cover songs at Bakersfield Music & Recording Studios, Alissah set out to promote herself with the help of her parents. She stood in front of different stores asking customers for donations in trade for her CD as she demonstrated her voice. “Some people didn’t believe her and she had to prove she can really sing, right then and there,” said Gutierrez. Alissah aspires to attend college with hopes of participating as a contestant on “The Voice” and becoming famous. “Being an artist, a lot of people know them and a lot of people get inspired by them, and that would be great if someone got inspired by me,” she said.

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Up Front

MY PET

FIVE’S A CROWD Full house contains lots of dogs, lots of love By Shelby Parker

Photos by Michael Lopez

iz Keogh has a heart for animals. Not only does it show in the way she cares, volunteering at clinics in the community, but also in the way she looks after her own animals. Keogh has a full house with five dogs now: Bisquit, 12 ½; PhD (pronounced “Fud”), 10; Desi, 8; Timi (short for Timid), 6 ½; and Homer, 3. Each of her dogs are rescues, either coming from a shelter or someone else privately. Despite their differences, whether in personality or background, they all have one thing in common: Keogh has made them her own. Desi is a boxer/pit bull/German shepherd mix and was adopted after a hoarding case by her previous owners. Keogh decided to name her something starting with “des” after being adopted in the desert. Keogh remembered that in French, “desire” means “wanted” and “la belle” means “beautiful,” which is how her name came to be Desiree La Belle. Bisquit, a Chihuahua-dachshund mix, has come out of his shell more since Homer came into the picture and is a bit more active than he used to be as the two dogs play together. Homer is a dachshund/beagle, or possibly even a basset hound, and can be a bit of a jerk. Although he is the latest addition to the household, he likes to run the show. “He thinks he should be the alpha dog; he wants to get all of the food, attention, play time,” Keogh said. PhD is a spotted white Chihuahua who was found near University Dog Park. He received his name because Ph.D.s are given at universities. Last, but certainly not least, is Timi, who froze every time she was put on the floor at PETCO during adoption day. Even now, she still hides under the bed. But, if one of the other dogs jumps on the bed while she’s there, she starts growling. 24

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November 2015

Liz Keogh plays with her dogs Bisquit, Desiree La Belle, Homer, PhD and Timi. “The reason I think that shelter/ rescue pets are the best … is that the animals adopted from a rescue or shelter know – or at least hope – that a better life is in store for them,” Keogh said. “They look forward to the liberation that comes with being freed from a cramped space, a noisy environment, being just another number on the roster.” Keogh said all the dogs have their own personalities and routines, and having so many leads to the formation of “little alliances.” Homer and Bisquit have a bit they do around dinner, chasing each other, spinning around and just carrying on with themselves. PhD and Bisquit also have a similar act: The dogs will both eat two bites out of their own bowls, then switch to eat out of the other’s bowl. Since Keogh is around so many animals in the community, how is it being a caretaker for them different than owning them? “When you’re living with them and taking care of them, you pick up on how they talk to you,” said Keogh. “And

Keogh poses with her newest family member, Timi. they do talk to you; you just have to learn how to listen to them.” Keogh says she could be like most people with just one pet or even three, but that just isn’t her style. “There’s more than that for me,” she said. “I want to see every animal loved and to see the euthanasia rate go down.”

BY THE NUMBERS

VEHICLE PURCHASE INTENTIONS LAST VEHICLE ADULTS PURCHASED IN KERN COUNTY AS OF MARCH 2015 WAS MOST POPULAR VEHICLE TO BUY NEW IN NEXT 12 MONTHS

Pickup Truck MOST POPULAR VEHICLE TO LEASE IN NEXT 12 MONTHS

Luxury Vehicle

ADULTS WHO PLAN TO BUY NEW VEHICLE IN NEXT 12 MONTHS

2014

2015

51,802 48,861

ADULTS WHO PLAN TO LEASE VEHICLE IN NEXT 12 MONTHS

12,143 5,503

2014

2015

Source: Scarborough Research – March 2014 R1 and March 2015 R1. TBC Media Research Department.

bakersfieldlife.com

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W H AT I ’ M R E A D I N G

KATHRYN MEARS By Barry Ramirez

years. Unlike many eager students who leap from high school into junior college or university, and then, should they dare, into graduate school, she has repeatedly disrupted the traditional flow to get married and to have and raise her child. She married her husband in 2011 and had her child Noah in 2012. But this isn’t a source of shame for her. It’s with a certain pride that she reflects back on her personal history. “It doesn’t really matter how long it takes you,” she said. “The point is that you get it done.” She graduated from CSUB with a bachelor’s degree in psychology in 1993 and a master’s degree in sociology in 1998. While she began coursework for her doctorate in 2004 at the University of La Verne, Mears took time off and finished in 2014. She has worked at the University of La Verne as an instructor and academic adviser for 12 years. She is currently teaching a course on gender. “I’m a lifelong learner,” Mears said. “I like learning about how things function.” What are you currently reading? “David and Goliath” by Malcolm Gladwell. Working as a teacher and an academic adviser, what have you noticed about students’ reading habits? I see students reading their phones.

this holiday season at PHOTO BY MARK NESSIA

athryn Mears didn’t take the conventional route toward obtaining her doctorate in public administration, which took her eight

Kathryn Mears with a copy of “David and Goliath” by Malcolm Gladwell. Mango Street” by Sandra Cisneros, “The Last Lecture” by Randy Pausch, “Beyond the Rain of Gold” by Victor Villasenor and “Papa Please Get the Moon for Me” by Eric Carle. Why do you read? I read to understand the experiences of others, which is why I’m drawn to nonfiction more. Books can give us an opportunity to see a different perspective, a new way of doing things, a world not like our own. Why do you think that reading is important for people?

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Up Front

HAPPENINGS

CAN’T-MISS EVENTS 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

Nov. 7 Boys & Girls Clubs Dodgeball Tournament, funds help kids attend summer day camp at no cost, 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Boys & Girls Club, 801 Niles St. $250 for team of six. 325-3730.

Nov. 1 Altares de Familia, 4 to 8 p.m. Bakersfield Museum of Art, 1930 R St. $3, children under 6 enter free. bmoa.org. Nov. 3 6th Annual Medical Aesthetics Bazaar, learn about latest nonsurgical, anti-aging treatments, wine, hors d’oeuvres, free raffle, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Empire Eye & Laser Center, 4101 Empire Drive, Suite 120. $10. 325-3937. Nov. 4 Bakersfield Friends of Wine, five-course gourmet dinner, wine, 6 p.m. La Foret, 6218 Sundale Ave. $120. 204-4016. Christmas Tree Demonstration, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Log Cabin Florist, 800 19th St. Free. Nov. 5 Dwight Yoakam, 8 p.m. Fox Theater, 2001 H St. $35-$75. vallitix.com Disney on Ice: Dare to Dream, Nov. 5-8, Rabobank Arena, 1001 Truxtun Ave. $15-$55. rabobankarena.com. Nov. 6 Guild House First Friday, music by Ken Fahsbender & Dan McGuire, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Guild House, 1905 18th St. $15 includes one plate of appetizers, one dessert, one glass of wine. 325-5478. 28

Bakersfield Life Magazine

Kern-Kaweah Sierra Club Fall Dinner, with speaker Tom Frantz, doors open at 5 p.m. with dinner at 6 p.m. St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 401 Truxtun Ave. $25 for dinner. 322-4891. Holiday Market, gifts, yard art, food, noon to 6:30 p.m., Saturday; 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday, St. Philip the Apostle Church, 7100 Stockdale Highway. Free. Kern Energy Festival, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Kern County Museum, 3801 Chester Ave. $10 adults, $5 kids under 12. kernenergyfestival.com. Barbecue Challenge, hosted by Kern County Deaf, food, car and bike show, raffles, vendors, photo booth, kids zone, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Bull Shed Bar and Grill, 2400 Camino Del Rio. $10 per plate with drink plus five samples. facebook.com/kerncountydeafevents. Bakersfield Police Memorial 5K/10K, 8 a.m. The Park at River Walk, 11200 Stockdale Highway. $25 before Nov. 4, $30 day of. 326-3685. Bakersfield Extra Life 12-Hour Gaming Marathon, to benefit the Lauren Small Children’s Medical Center. Create your own team with more than 70 gaming consoles, computers, board and card games, 9 a.m., CSUB Student Union, 9001 Stockdale Highway. $20, $10 for 7- to-12year-olds. Minors must be accompanied by a guardian. November 2015

PHOTO BY CASEY CHRISTIE

Kern City Annual Christmas Bazaar, yard art, crochet items, handmade jewelry, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Kern City Town Hall, 1003 Pebble Beach Drive. Free.

Bakersfield Police Memorial Run is on Nov. 7. extra-life.org/team/bakersfield. Lego’s Workshop-Star Wars theme, hosted by the Kern Autism Network-Autism Society, face painting, bubbles, coloring, games, photos, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Canyon Hills Assembly of God Church-Gymnasium, 7001 Auburn St. Free. 489-3335.

2800 Buck Owens Blvd. $16-$24. vallitix.com. Evening of Wine and Trees, hosted by the Tree Foundation of Kern, wine tasting, silent auction, food, 6 p.m. Metro Galleries, 1604 19th St. $60 or $110 for two. urbanforest.org. Nov. 14

Monster Truck Spectacular, 7:30 p.m. Kern County Fairgrounds, 1142 S. P St. $17 adults; $10 children. outlawmonstertrucks.com. Nov. 10 Taste of Home Cooking School, 3 to 9:30 p.m. Rabobank Convention Center, 1001 Truxtun Ave. $15, $55 VIP. Nov. 12 Strange Wilds, 8 p.m. Temblor Brewing Co., 3200 Buck Owens Blvd. $7. vallitix.com. Nov. 13 Suzy Bogguss, 7:30 p.m. Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace,

Autism on the Run, 2K and 5K run to raise autism awareness while benefiting the League of Dreams, 9 a.m. registration, 10 a.m. run, CSUB Student Recreation Center, 9001 Stockdale Highway. $30 before Nov. 13, $35 day of. ourleagueofdreams.com. Bacon and Craft Beer Festival, noon to 5 p.m. Stramler Park, 3805 Chester Ave. $40 general admission or $100 VIP. eventbrite.com. Bakersfield Uncorked, wine, food, beer tasting, 6 p.m. Kern County Fairgrounds, 1142 P

L E T T E R S TO T H E E D I TO R St. $75 with sponsorship available. 343-6341. B’Town Hoedown for Life, benefits the Right to Life of Kern County, 5:30 p.m. JC’s Place, 1901 Chester Ave. $65. 864-7508.

Nov. 21 Professional Bull Riders BlueDEF, 7 p.m. Rabobank Arena, 1001 Truxtun Ave. $19-$79. rabobankarena.com.

JDRF Walk to Cure Diabetes, 9 a.m. check in with race at 10:30 a.m. Kern County Museum, 3801 Chester Ave. $100 recommended to raise with team of 10. 636-1305. Holiday Faire, jewelry, bakery, collectibles, hosted by Disciple Women’s Group, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with lunch from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Mill Creek Christian Church, 1660 S. St. $10 adults; $5 children; 5 and under enter free. Model Train Display, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Golden Empire Historical and Modeling Society Clubhouse, 1534 19th St. Free. Nov. 15 Fall into Winter Fashion Show, presented by Bleu Lavender, 2 to 5 p.m. JC’s Place, 1901 Chester Ave. $20 general admission or $10 designated driver and $30 VIP eventbrite.com. Kathleen Madigan, 7 p.m. Fox Theater, 2001 H St. $40 at the box office.

Tribute to veterans

Nov. 22 8th Annual Bakersfield ComicCon, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Kern County Fairgrounds Building 1, 1442 S. P St. $7 admission with $2 off with donation of two canned goods. 829-2962. Nov. 23 Bakersfield Winds Fall Concert, 7:30 to 9 p.m. Valley Baptist Church, 5500 Olive Drive. $5. 805-2692.

Nov. 19

Nov. 25

California Independent Petroleum Association Golf Tournament, 10 a.m. check-in with 4:30 p.m. dinner and awards, Bakersfield Country Club, 4200 Country Club Drive. $35 dinner only, $165 nonmembers, $140 CIPA members, $130 CBC members. cipa.org.

Juan Gabriel, 9 p.m. Rabobank Arena, 1001 Truxtun Ave. $65.50-$225.50. rabobankarena.com.

Professional Bull Riders BlueDEF is Nov. 21.

Dear Editor, Veterans Day is Nov. 11 and I can’t help but reflect on my brothers’ honorable achievements. The Marrufo brothers – my brothers – are bigger than life to me. They did not hesitate to enlist when the call to duty came. I had six brothers and one sister and when we lost our parents, Silvestre and Godeleva, my sister Margaret, 13, became the mother figure to all of us. Five of the six brothers – John, 22; Arthur, 21; Neyo, 20; Henry, 19; and Tommy, 18 – all joined the U.S. Army with four serving during World War II and one in the Korean War, except Paul, who stayed home to maintain the agriculture life in Arvin. My brothers were all highly decorated and I am a very proud sister of their achievements. It was their privilege and honor to serve the country they loved so deeply. Till we meet again. Your sister, Lupe Marrufo Rosales

Remembering father, uncles Dear Editor, It is with pride each year that our family – the Hernandez-Marrufo family – pays tribute to relatives who proudly served our country. The Hernandez brothers were my dad, Leo, and uncle Manuel. They had three sisters: my aunts Juana, Lupe and Carmen. The Marrufo brothers were my uncles as well: John, Arthur, Tommy, Henry and Neyo. They had another brother Paul and two sisters, my mother Margaret and Lupe. Both families migrated to Kern County in the early ’40s. They found farm labor as their main means of support. Both families were extremely close. The bond between them became even stronger when one of the Marrufo brothers (John) married one of the Hernandez sisters (Carmen), and one of the Hernandez brothers (Leo, my dad) married one of the Marrufo sisters (Margaret, my mom). My dad and uncles are now gone, but our families remain very proud of their contributions to our beloved USA while they served in World War II and the Korean War. I cherish all the moments I spent with my father and uncles. I love and miss them very much. Diana Torres bakersfieldlife.com

Eat & Drink

D I N I N G D I VA S

Fried chicken and waffles with corn and cornbread

J’S PLACE

APPETIZERS

Southern food made right Compiled by Bakersfield Life

Photos by Greg Nichols

f you’re looking for great, old-fashioned, downhome, comforting food, then J’s Place is the place to indulge! This month, the Divas enjoyed our final meal together – as Dining Divas, though we’ve planned an outing – at one of Bakersfield’s favorite chow-down spots: J’s Place. And since we all enjoy food that reminds us of home and family, this was the perfect send-off!

Bakersfield Life Magazine

November 2015

Amber Chiang on the corn nuggets: I’ve visited J’s Place a number of times, but haven’t tried an appetizer before (I’m usually just ready for my chicken and waffles). Imagine sweet cornbread, creamy, delicious, and chock full of corn, then deep fried. Wowza! These were bites of heaven. Jessica Mathews on the fried green beans: So good! I love me some fried green beans. These are lightly breaded and not greasy at all. Crispy, and when dipped in the spicy ranch, they are AH-MAZ-ING.

ENTREES LaMeka Ross on the chicken n’ dressing: This dish reminds me so much of a meal I enjoy on Thanksgiving Day. The dressing is well seasoned with chicken shredded throughout. The serving size is big enough to share, even

The Dining Divas, from left: Dianne Hoover, Jessica Mathews, LaMeka Ross and Amber Chiang.

Meatloaf Seasoned ribs with red beans, rice and mixed greens

Fried green beans

2681 Calloway Drive

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though I can eat it all in one sitting since it tastes so good. Our waitress offered gravy with it, but it was moist enough that it was not needed. If you like cranberry, a slice is also served on the side. Dianne Hoover on J’s seasoned ribs: These three giant ribs filled up the entire plate! Seasoned just right with various herbs and spices, the tender meat fell right off the bone. The seasoned ribs come with barbecue on the side, which was sweet with a touch of spice. I ordered my ribs with a side of red beans, rice and mixed greens. The red beans and rice are not on the menu every day, but my recommendation is to order them whenever you can. More than just beans and rice, J’s Place adds in sausage and pork for texture, flavor, and comfort. This combination will send you packing to the South. Amber on the chicken and waffles: I am a creature of habit. Every time I come to J’s Place, I have the same thing. Thankfully, my Divas let me stay the course and I was able to indulge! I enjoyed a huge chicken breast that was seasoned and fried to a golden brown outside, but stayed tender and juicy on the inside. No joke, J’s Place has the best fried chicken this side of

300 FT

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J’s Place

J’s Place 2681 Calloway Drive 661-587-8420 Hours: Closed Monday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday jsplacebakersfield.com

Continued on page 32

bakersfieldlife.com

Continued from page 31

the Sepulveda Pass. The waffle was soft and ready for me to attack with butter and maple syrup. Yum! Jessica on the red snapper: The fried red snapper is a great choice! The black-eyed peas were great, too – not too salty, which is how I’ve found them to be served at so many other places. All the meals come with corn bread that is sweet and moist. Dare I say it’s the best in town!

DESSERTS LaMeka on the sweet potato pie: You can really taste the sweet potatoes in this creamy pie served with a dollop of whipped cream. This reminded me of dessert that came right out of my grandmother's kitchen. With Thanksgiving around the corner, this would be a wonderful pie to order in advance for your family dinner. Dianne on the average chocolate pie: The folks at J’s Place are joking, of course, since there is nothing average about this pie. It is layered on an amazing flaky and nutty crust with whipped cream, chocolate and vanilla puddings, and caramel sauce. Save room for this one; you will not regret it!

SFIELD CALIF OR

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Assorted desserts

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Bakersfield Life Magazine

November 2015

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Amber on the banana cookie pudding: Just like grandma used to make. No, really. J’s Place opts for banana pudding, vanilla wafer cookies and whipped cream. So delicious, even without the fresh bananas. The banana pudding was so cold and refreshing after the meal!

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If you’ve been in Bakersfield a while, you’ll remember J’s Place in a small location on Ming Avenue. Now, they’re located on Rosedale Highway and Calloway Drive in a much larger location that has a room that can be converted for banquets. If you’re looking for the best homemade Southern food in Bakersfield, check out J’s Place. You won’t be disappointed!

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bakersfieldlife.com

Eat & Drink

FOOD AND WINE

Assortment of fall beers from Imbibe

Bakersfield Life Magazine

November 2015

Lengthwise Brewery's Oktoberfest beer

FALL INTO DEEPER FLAVOR Local brewers offer seasonal brews for cooler weather By Miranda Whitworth

Photos by Michael Lopez

all means cooler temperatures, warmer clothes, comforting foods and big, flavorful updates to the beer case. Say goodbye to your light lagers and hello to amber-colored marzen-style beers. These medium-bodied brews are often labeled Oktoberfest in honor of the centuries-old Munich festival where they were originally served. But you don’t have to travel to Germany for this traditional fall favorite; just head to your favorite local brewer and raise a glass in honor of the cooler weather. Temblor Brewing Company is just one of several local breweries churning out these seasonal favorites. Co-founder Thomas Maxwell says the weather is just right for this kind of beer. “It isn’t overly heavy,” he said. “When it’s 70 degrees outside, the trees are starting to lose their leaves and Halloween is coming up, that’s when I think of drinking some Oktoberfest.” Jeff Williams is a veteran of the local brewing scene, manning the helm at Lengthwise Brewing Company. Their fall lineup also includes a nod to Munich. Continued on page 37

bakersfieldlife.com

What to Try Lengthwise – Oktoberfest A medium-bodied, maltintensive beer that’s perfect for fall. Pair with mac and cheese or chili for the perfect comfort meal.

Imbibe – Uinta Pumpkin Ale Traditional fall spices paired with fresh pumpkin to create a crisp spin on a holiday favorite. Pair with sweeter, creamy cheeses or Thanksgiving-style side dishes.

Temblor Brewing Company – Oktoberfest Less hop forward with an amber pour. Pair with traditional German sausages and mustard for a Bavarian treat.

Kern River Brewing Company – Pumpkin Ale Brewed with real pumpkin and allspice. Try it with butternut squash lasagna for a twist on Thanksgiving comfort.

Bakersfield Life Magazine

Top left: Kern River Brewing Company, Pumpkin Ale. Top: Temblor craft beers from left to right: Six Six One - Kolsh Style; Streets of Bakersfield - IPA; Under Blood Orange Sky - Belgium Wit Middle: Temblor’s Meeting People Is Easy - Double IPA Middle right: Mac 'N' Cheese at Lengthwise Brewery goes great with craft beer. Bottom right: Imbibe’s various bottles of fall beer.

November 2015

Continued from page 35

“Our Oktoberfest is only available once a year and compared to the others in our lineup, it’s a little maltier and in style with a fall beer,” he said. Williams agrees that weather has a lot do with what flavors are in fashion. “When it’s 107 degrees out, an IPA works well,” he said. “But when the temperature drops, you want to try our porter. It’s dark, rich, hearty and has a little coffee in it. It’s like a bowl of soup. It’s so comforting when it’scold outside.” While latte fans have been waiting since January for the return of everything “pumpkin spiced,” beer fans are also in for the same kind of fall treat. Kevin Hiles is a beer manager at Imbibe Wine & Spirits. His watering hole is known for its vast selection of wine, whiskey and craft beers. In addition to a Sierra Nevada Oktoberfest, Hiles says what’s good

for coffee is good for craft brew. “We have an amazing pumpkin oatmeal stout that keeps selling out,” he said. “But Uinta Brewing Company has an imperial ale that’s brewed with fresh pumpkin and traditional spices. That one really stands up.” From down in the valley up to Kernville, where Kern River Brewing Company dominates the craft beer landscape, Rebecca Giddens is on the same page as her big-city counterparts. For KRBC, fall is the perfect time to pull a deeper flavor from its vats. “Traditionally, the change in weather and the fall harvest come together to give brewers fresh ingredients and a desire for more full-flavored beers as opposed to the light beers of summer,” she said. “The town starts to quiet down, which gives us a little more time to be creative with different styles of ales.”

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Eat & Drink

FOOD AND WINE

French apple and pear pie

COOKING MADE EASY World’s largest cooking school comes to Rabobank Theater By Michael Wafford

aste of Home, presented by Smart & Final and hosted by TBC Media, brings the knowledge of a world-class chef and breaks it down so that both a first-time cook and culinary expert can benefit in the world’s largest cooking school inside Rabobank Theater. Created by Taste of Home Magazine, the event pairs homemade cooking and professional savvy together with a dash of retail therapy and a pinch of friendship. Shauna Rockwell, specialty events and traffic manager for TBC Media, said the event serves as a chance for busy home chefs to learn how to make nutritious and delicious meals on a tight schedule.

Bakersfield Life Magazine

November 2015

Throughout the night, culinary specialist Renee Morgan will give the audience a walkthrough of 10 recipes in two hours. “We’re rocking ’n’ rolling through the program,” Morgan said. Morgan said recipes will vary from desserts to salads and appetizers to entrees, ensuring there is something for everyone. All the recipes that evening will be from Taste of Home Magazine and are created in the homes of cooks ranging from newlywed brides to grandmothers who have cooked for decades. Morgan said: “The recipes are ones that any home cook can accomplish. They’re not complicated masterpieces you would find in a

high-end restaurant.” A professional chef and caterer for several years, Morgan trained at Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Austin. Since 2011, Morgan has received awards for culinary excellence including one from celebrity chef Stephan Pyles through the Texas Hill Country Wine and Food Foundation,

which netted her a prize of $15,000 and the opportunity to travel and work with many world-class chefs. The lessons throughout the night are taught from a beginner’s perspective so that everyone can benefit from the program, Morgan said. Aside from the ability to pick up some new kitchen skills, the night also gives amateur chefs a chance to bond with friends and family over food and drinks or, perhaps, make a new bond with some of the hundreds in attendance. “There’s something special about sharing real food with family and friends,” Morgan said. Morgan describes the event as a good way to spend a night out with the girls as well as a good idea for a date or family night out. There will also be a chance to experience some

retail therapy before the cooking clinic begins. There will be more than 40 vendors selling everything from candles to clothing to help you get a head start on your holiday shopping. “They’ve really been fun. I feel like when I go to shows, I end up making a lot of new friends. They learn a lot, we share a lot of tips and tricks – it really is a great deal of fun,” Morgan said. Urner’s will be hosting a VIP lounge. VIP attendees will receive a Taste of Home Cookbook, a reusable shopping tote, a free drink ticket and food samples, as well as the opportunity to enter the experience before anyone else. All attendees will receive a goody bag filled with items from national and local sponsors and chances to participate in raffles and win prizes throughout the night.

Pasta baked with tomato and cheese

Taste of Home Nov. 10 1001 Truxtun Ave. VIP doors open at 2 p.m.; general admission doors open at 3 p.m.; cooking show begins at 6 p.m. $15 for general admission, $55 for VIP Tickets can be purchased at www.rabobankarena.com or at the Rabobank Arena box office.

WE WOULD LIKE TO SALUTE OUR VETERANS! THANK YOU FOR OUR FREEDOM!

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Lifestyles

FIT AND FRESH

STAYING FIT, BEING MINDFUL THIS HOLIDAY SEASON De-stress with exercise, food, family and friends By Sally Baker and Katie Kirschenmann

he holidays are a time for get-togethers and celebration. While it’s important to get your exercise in, never forget about spending quality time with friends and family. This time of the year can be stressful, but we have some tips to help you get through it all. Bakersfield Police Department Memorial 5K/10K Run The 33rd Annual BPD Memorial Run will return to The Park at River Walk Nov. 7 and is back in the morning with a starting time of 8 a.m. for the 2K followed by the 5K and 10K at 8:30 a.m. This is a competitive event, drawing runners who seek a wellorganized run, with great goodies, quality T-shirts and a reasonable price. This year, the BPD joins with Kaiser Permanente to provide a bigger and better-than-ever event. Medals will be awarded for the top three finishers in each race for each gender. The first 400 to register are guaranteed a shirt. Registration is $25 before Nov. 4 so don’t procrastinate! Registration is $30 on 40

Bakersfield Life Magazine

November 2015

the day of the race but a shirt is not guaranteed. Register online at kerneventregistration.com or print out an application form to mail in. For questions, email bpdruns@gmail.com, or call Andrea Pflugh at 326-3685. Being Mindful this Holiday Season It’s officially here! The holidays are here once again. A time of the year for family, friends, joy, eating and, inevitably, stress. There are ways to manage stressful situations and move through the busy days without burning out. One way of protecting yourself is being mindful. Practicing mindfulness is merely focusing on being present and alert throughout your day rather than just going through the motions, becoming a zombie of your own creation. Here are five simple tips to becoming alert during your day: 1. Be connected. Don’t check out. In the most boring of meetings and tasks, focus on connecting to your surroundings, your peers and your family. 2. Get active. Remember to stay committed to your health. Part of that is moving. Set reminders to get up from your desk at work. Don’t put off the gym if you’re feeling stressed for time. 3. Be curious. Don’t get lost inside the daily grind. Think actively about what is on the task list for today. Think about ways to make the list less mundane. Use your creativity. 4. Learn. Every situation we are presented with (even the negative ones) offer opportunities to learn and grow if we would only open up our eyes to it. 5. Give. Offer a hand to someone who needs your help. We all need a helping hand at some point. Be careful not to close your eyes to family, co-workers and friends that may need your gift of spirit and kindness. We forget how easy it is to overlook the needs of others.

Lunchpail Wraps

2.) Cover the tortilla with lettuce, spinach or your choice of leafy greens.

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4.) Top with your choice of cheese.

PHOTO BY KATIE KIRSCHENMANN

3.) Top the lettuce with your choice of meat, shredded chicken, leftover turkey, beef, pork or more veggies – whatever you like.

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1.) Take a tortilla and spread with hummus or pesto all the way to the edge.

PHOTO BY KATIE KIRSCHENMANN

If you are tired or bored with trying to think of something quick and easy, but also nutritious and delicious, try this simple “salad in a wrap” recipe. A tasty change from a sandwich, this wrap is versatile, quick and keeps well until the lunch bell.

5.) Tucking all the ingredients in tightly, start to roll. Cut in two, and sit them next to each other as you tightly wrap with plastic wrap to hold snugly in place. Tickets available at www.urbanforest.org

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Eat & Drink

LUNCHTIME PICKS

HUICHO’S COCINA & TEQUILA Bold Mexican flavors found in Rosedale area By Laura Liera

Photos by Mark Nessia

ove over Mexican restaurants, Huicho’s Cocina & Tequila is coming in caliente! Owners Nadia and Rigoberto Nunez celebrated the restaurant’s one-year anniversary in September and could not be more grateful for the local support. “More people are coming in to try our full menu selection,” Nadia said. And yes, the Nunezes own the taco mecca located downtown – Los Tacos De Huicho – which has been serving up mouthwatering tacos for 20 years. But if you are in the mood for a bigger punch of Mexican flavor, the Rosedale location is your next lunch spot. Huicho’s is rocking the Sonora, Mexico, flavors in Bakersfield! The homemade recipes made fresh every day are the reason why locals keep coming back for more. So prepare yourself for its more-thangenerous portions and let your taste buds indulge in authentic Mexican flavors. Enchiladas de mole ($12.95): Truth time. When it comes to mole, I’m very cautious with this Mexican sauce. Mole is made different in various

Bakersfield Life Magazine

states – either sweet or tart – with the common sauce being the red mole. When these two soft corn tortilla enchiladas filled with simmered chicken made it to the table, I dipped my fork into the red mole first. And let’s just say, that single taste took me back to my mom’s kitchen. I could taste the variety of chili peppers used and knew it was homemade. The chef didn’t skimp on the mole poured over the enchiladas and every bite was authentic. The mole was the star in this dish! The enchiladas were served with rice, beans and onion relish. Fillet of fish ($14.45): As soon as I cut into this basa fillet (a species of catfish), I knew it was going to be flavorful. The breading complements the tender fish and gives it just the right amount of crunch. Pour the creamy chipotle sauce on the fish and your taste buds will go into overdrive. The white rice and steamed vegetables that come with the fillet add a healthy bite to the dish. When I asked Nadia about the breading, she said it was a secret home-

Fillet of fish

Enchiladas de mole

November 2015

made recipe you can’t find anywhere else. That’s smart, because you’ll come back to Huicho’s just for this fish.

Huicho’s Cocina & Tequila 4215 Rosedale Highway 661-633-1948 Find them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Snap and tag a photo at Huicho’s and receive 10 percent off your bill.

Even after the enchiladas and fillet, Nadia brought over a chile verde burrito that was large enough to feed a family of three! And for dessert, Huicho’s is now serving up a family-size flan. Forget the individual slices, this flan comes on a main course plate that an entire table can share. And if you’re in the mood for a margarita, Huicho’s has a full bar serving up happy hour from 2 to 9 p.m., Monday through Saturday and all day Sunday. Don’t forget their lunchtime menu is only $8.45 with a daily special priced at $6.95.

LUXURIOUS BEATS LUXURY-ISH THE NEW 2016 LEXUS ES Compromise is the opposite of luxury. That’s why you won’t find an ounce of it in the luxuriously transformed Lexus ES. With available features like the panorama glass roof and the Mark Levinson® Premium Audio System,* every aspect has been crafted to inspire. And the available Lexus Safety System+ helps deliver ultimate peace of mind with innovative features like the Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist and intelligent high-beam headlamps. So don’t just dip your toe into luxury, go all the way.

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Lifestyles

ON THE ROAD

The rear-wheel drive 2016 Lexus IS 350 combines the performance and handling of a sports car with the comfort and refined ride of a luxury sedan.

2016 LEXUS IS 350 Top-tier luxury and high performance in one well-balanced package By Glenn Hammett

Photos by Mark Nessia

Bakersfield Life Magazine

November 2015

f ever there was cause to call into question the biblical adage that it is not possible to serve two masters, it was after test-driving the 2016 Lexus IS 350 with the F Sport package. With the latest iteration of the company’s rear-wheel drive sports sedan, Lexus seems to have found that elusive balancing point between performance and luxury. In my mind, the Lexus brand is one focused on making comfortable, safe and reliable luxury sedans. Cherif Guirguis, sales manager at Motor City Lexus of Bakersfield, explained that the IS was redesigned two years ago to compete with sports sedans from Germany and increase its appeal to a younger demo-

graphic. “The IS absolutely targets a younger audience than the ES (Lexus’ midsize luxury sedan),” he said. “It’s important to get them into the Lexus brand early.” From the outside, the IS 350’s swooping lines, aggressive stance and 18-inch five-spoke wheels make it immediately clear that there is more to this car than just a comfortable ride. The F Sport package adds an upgraded bumper and grille and LED headlamps. The IS 350’s sporty disposition is carried through to the interior with deep red F Sport heated and ventilated front seats, a TFT instrument cluster and aluminum accelerator and brake pedals. I have test-driven three Lexus vehi-

It’s all in the details

The IS 350’s sporty 18-inch five-spoke wheels.

Gas mileage (city/highway/overall): 19/28/22 Price tag (base/as tested): $40,870/$48,580 Five best features: • 306 horsepower V-6 • Optional 15-speaker Mark Levinson premium surround sound audio system • Optional F Sport adjustable suspension • iPhone compatible Siri Eyes Free messaging system • Optional all-wheel drive Target customer: One who is looking to combine a smallsize sedan without having to sacrifice performance or luxury. The 2016 Lexus IS 350 is perfect for … Those who enjoy the occasional weekend drive, but also want something comfortable and practical for any day-to-day routine. Three words that define the 2016 Lexus IS 350: Bold. Luxurious. Sporty. What do you like most about the 2016 Lexus IS 350? I love the optional F Sport package. In my opinion, it is the only way to equip the car. The front grille is incredibly aggressive and just as functional for cooling the engine and brakes. The adaptive variable F Sport suspension offers a wide range of comfort and performance depending on each unique situation. Additionally, the eight-speed Direct Shift transmission helps keep all 306 horsepower in check. My favorite car of the lineup by far. Source: Parker Christian, Lexus technology specialist

The design of the IS 350’s interior is refreshingly simple.

cles in the past year and the thing that I am most consistently impressed with is the design and execution of their interiors. The materials are first-rate, the fit and finish is flawless, the seats are remarkably comfortable and the controls and gauges are conveniently and logically placed. The design of the IS 350’s interior is refreshingly clean, based primarily on simple straight lines and rectangles. Also of note is the surprisingly roomy rear seating area. Guirguis told me that increasing the interior space may have been the most significant result of the model’s 2014 redesign. The IS 350 comes equipped with a 3.5-liter V-6 motor that puts out a robust 306 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque and is paired with a silky smooth

eight-speed automatic transmission. The performance package adds a Sport S+ mode to the standard eco, normal, sport and snow driving modes. Driving up Wible Road, I tried a different mode each time I took off from a stoplight. The difference between modes was startling. In eco and normal, the car felt very Lexus-like, quiet and smooth, while the two sport modes turned it into a lightning-fast, high-revving machine. But don’t get the idea that the IS 350 is an uncompromising sports car. The expert reviewers at Edmunds.com said: “The IS sedan's precise, well-tuned steering is an unexpected pleasure that enhances driver confidence in all situations. Its upscale ride quality, however, is perhaps its best

The IS 350 features heated/ventilated F Sport front seats and a roomy rear passenger area. attribute, approaching the suppleness and refinement of the larger Lexus GS sedan.” High performance and top-tier luxury might seem mutually exclusive, but with the 2016 IS 350, Lexus has mastered both in one smart, attractive and compact package.

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Lifestyles

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

A Chevy Volt charging up

GREEN CAR TRENDS Electric technology promises to help clear air By Anna C. Smith

ransportation has been labeled the last industrial sector to truly electrify. Much of the pollution in our region comes from vehicle exhaust, according to experts at San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District. The problem and the solution may lie in the way our cars gain energy. Tadeh Issakhanian, air quality specialist for the air district, says internal combustion engine vehicles – what most of us drive – emit seven times more pollutants than electric vehicles and twice as much as plug-in hybrids. Even with tremendous improvements to air quality in the valley over the last two decades, including 80 percent reduction in emissions, there is 46

Bakersfield Life Magazine

November 2015

still work to be done. Many cannot give up a car but can drive a low-emission option and help clear our air, says Susanne Campbell, rideshare coordinator for Kern Council of Governments. CommuteKern, Kern COG’s rideshare program, promotes alternative modes of transportation other than commuting alone in a car every day. CommuteKern’s ultimate goal is to reduce carbon emissions – alternative fuel vehicles further the cause. Since the Toyota Prius, a hybrid electric, debuted in Japan in 1997, alternative fuel cars remained steadily in the news. In 2000, the Prius was released worldwide; Tesla debuted its first fully electric car in 2008. Consumers now have multiple options for hybrid or fully electric vehicles, including the Chevy Volt, Nissan Leaf and BMW i3. Recently, hints circulated that Apple will launch an electric car

in a few years. An all-electric vehicle uses a battery to store electrical energy that powers the motor. EV batteries are charged by plugging the vehicle into a power source. Although most electricity production contributes to air pollution, EVs are considered zero-emission vehicles because they produce no direct exhaust or emissions. Because EVs use no other fuel, widespread use could dramatically reduce petroleum pollution. EVs are typically more expensive than similar conventional and hybrid cars. Some cost is recoverable through federal tax credit and state and local incentives. While EVs have a higher initial purchase price, cost of ownership is much lower – just think, no gas! Owners like their simplicity; EVs have fewer moving parts, so less could go wrong. There’s also less maintenance – no oil changes, spark plugs, transmissions, fuel filters, etc. Electric vehicles are not a new invention. Versions of today’s EVs have been around for decades. Celebrity Jay Leno owns several ancestors of

2015 BMW i3 electric car

Additional information The air district offers rebates to encourage residents to make the switch. Charge Up! offers valley businesses and public agencies up to $50,000 per applicant to install charging stations at their location. Visit www.arb.ca.gov for information on CARB’s Clean Vehicle Rebate Project. For details on the air district’s Charge Up! and Drive Clean! incentive programs, visit www.valleyair.org. Residents can contact the air district’s electric vehicle team at 559-230-5800.

today’s alternative-energy cars, including a 100-year-old electric. Even Leno is not confident that the EVs and hybrids sold today are what will drive us into the future. Many say hybrids’ complicated dual drive system and EVs’ driving range are barriers to mainstream growth. Driving Range Current EVs have a shorter range per charge than most conventional vehicles have per tank of gas. Typical EVs last 100 miles on a fully charged battery. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, 100 miles is sufficient for more than 90 percent of

2016 Nissan Leaf

household vehicle trips. For longer trips, users charge or swap the battery en route. Range varies substantially based on conditions and habits and is reduced by extreme outside temperatures, high speeds, rapid acceleration, heavy loads or significant inclines. Charging EVs There are around 18 public charging stations in the valley. The most recently installed is downtown at Kern Community College Foundation’s campus on Chester Avenue. For outof-town trips, stations exist at Tejon Ranch, off Interstate 5, and in downtown Tehachapi, near Highway 58. Mesh Cowork also hopes to install a charging station at a planned second location downtown in the future.

Charge times vary based on how depleted the battery is, energy capacity, type of battery and equipment. The time it takes to charge ranges from 15 minutes to 20 hours or more, depending on these factors. San Joaquin Valley Clean Cities Coalition and Charge Across Town hosted Electric Vehicle Week Oct. 5 through 9. Events included test-drives of the latest EVs. Linda Urata, regional planner for Kern COG and board member for SJVCCC’s Project Clean Air, says our region has more EV rebates than anywhere else in California. The SJVCCC also plans to host workplace test-drives and community events over the next year to drive our community into what some call the era of the electric car. bakersfieldlife.com

Lifestyles

PA S T I M E S

CLIPPING AWAY SAVINGS Local couponist shares national sensation By Laura Liera

Bakersfield Life Magazine

November 2015

Shannon Flores keeps the cabinets full with the deals she is able to find through couponing.

PHOTO BY MARK NESSIA

ou can find Shannon Flores power walking through Target at night, hands gripping the shopping cart, ready to find the best deals that some of us wouldn’t even bother with. Although she doesn’t consider herself an extreme couponist – yet, at least – Flores said she would take the time to make a run to the store if that means walking away with 10 Herbal Essence body wash bottles. “Couponing is saving me money, and it’s a hobby that I really enjoy,” the 29year-old local said. Her first coupon-clipping experience started after her first daughter was born in 2009. What started off as clipping $1 coupons for diapers, turned into Flores clipping Sunday coupons for grocery store deals. And one can say the adrenaline rush of the savings simply hooked Flores. But the days of clipping coupons and categorizing them into binders has slowed down, Flores said, with mobile couponing making the hobby that much more convenient. “I’m constantly on social media to make sure I’m not missing any deals,” Flores said. When that coupon alert buzzes her phone, Flores said she sometimes drops everything and makes a trip to the store. You can catch her couponing every other day. And time doesn’t get in the way of Flores. “Once I asked my neighbor’s wife at 10 p.m. if she could run to the store with me to get some items,” Flores said in between laughs. Besides shopping at big box stores like Target, Flores also looks for coupons

in clothing department stores. She’s purchased shirts for as cheap as $3 and even 50-cent Halloween shirts for her kids. “My kids are ready for Halloween this year because I got their costumes at the end of last year’s holiday at a really cheap price,” Flores said. One of the perks of couponing – besides the plethora of items stocked in a closet – is how easy it makes gift giving. For birthdays or holidays, Flores puts together gift baskets with shampoo, body wash, makeup, makeup remover, laundry soap, etc. “When my mom, friends or neighbors come over, I just tell them to help themselves on whatever they need,” she said. “It makes me happy to help other people.” For beginner couponers, Flores suggested starting with the Sunday paper coupons and downloading coupon apps. Take surveys, sign up for any rewards programs and be patient. “Even if you get those annoying emails, sign up,” Flores said. On almost every shopping transaction, Flores said she saves between $20 to $50. Besides clipping coupons, Flores said there are many Facebook pages devoted to couponist. Members let each other know about sales and deals that are going on any day, week or even month. “Couponing is exhilarating,” Flores said. “Even if you are just saving a buck, I think you’re getting something out of it.”

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Lifestyles

PA S T I M E S

Students paint self-portraits, the lesson of the day. Kids classes are taught Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

WHEN WORDS CAN’T EXPRESS Colorful Strokes CA provides colorful release, healing progression within By Gabriel Ramirez

Photos by Mark Nessia

eople in Bakersfield work hard and often forget that with hard work comes the need for relaxation. Colorful Strokes CA can give you that much-needed relaxation with just a few brush strokes. “Everyone needs a stress release,” said Sheila Goff, artist and executive director/owner of Colorful Strokes CA. “Art in itself is healing and combining art with good music in our colorful room is over-the-top healing and the perfect outlet. Whether you come in for a 30-minute paint day, a one-hour paint night, a workshop or a party, Colorful Strokes is a place to create great memories with your loved ones or friends.” Colorful Strokes CA has been in business for one year and already has people raving about it. For Anna Arroyo, who frequents the location every other weekend, art is a hobby and has become a form of relaxation for her and her two children, ages 9 and 10.

Bakersfield Life Magazine

November 2015

“I highly recommend Colorful Strokes because it’s a different atmosphere than going to the movies or the park,” said Arroyo. “This place give you peace of mind and you can get some one-on-one help.” Goff initially started her business by taking the studio to clients’ homes and businesses. The gallery and workshop found a home in the East Hills Mall three months ago. According to Goff, Colorful Strokes CA was inspired by two of her sons, one who has learned to use painting on canvas as a tool to express his feelings and the other who is intellectually disabled and uses drawing as a tool to bring calm. Goff and her sons decided to create a place where people can go to release their feelings when words just can’t express. “Our mission statement is to enable all children, individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities, seniors, families and friends, and especially the ones in need to release colorful visual expressions to

Sheila Goff

achieve empowering and healing progression within,” Goff said. “Colorful Strokes CA is about empowering our children, healing our seniors, intellectually enriching people and providing a place for our community to come and release their thoughts and feelings artistically. You do not have to be an artist to enjoy this experience.”

Colorful Strokes CA offers after-school empowerment workshops for children ages 5 to 12, Friday paint nights, friends and family paint days, kids and adults paint parties, art enrichment field trips, office team building workshops, senior paint socials, and church fellowship on canvas. “Our children’s empowerment workshops are developed by myself, an artist and an early childhood consultant. But we are more than a workshop, we are also a fine arts gallery that showcases my art, which depicts my Caribbean culture,” Goff said. “We hope the name Colorful Strokes CA will be known as the place you go to release and express your thoughts and feelings artistically. We hope to be able to share this healing experience with as many people as possible.” For more information, go to colorfulstrokesca.com or contact them at 201-9458.

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Lifestyles

I N M Y C LO S E T

DOUG GOSLING Attorney flaunts cowboy boots By Laura Liera

Photos by Mark Nessia

oug Gosling, 37, has been practicing law for eight years, three of them at the Law Offices of Young Wooldridge LLP. Growing up near the Kern County Superior Court, Gosling always found being an attorney captivating. Gosling’s mother was a probation officer for 30 years and that gave him the opportunity to spend time in courtrooms, learning exactly how the justice system worked. “As attorneys, there’s a competition,” he said. “They are trying to solve tough problems and help people.”

1 2

4 Personal Style

5 7 6 1 A custom-tailored suit jacket specially made for Doug Gosling

2 A frog tie pin is one of Gosling’s favorite accessories.

3 A Sons of the American Revolution tie pin

4 Mismatched silk cuff links 52

Bakersfield Life Magazine

5 One of Doug Gosling's many silk

“Give me a solid bold color that isn’t too busy,” Gosling said about his go-to color wheel of choice. Red is his favorite color to wear because it portrays strength and boldness. But even this attorney likes to push the envelope with his style. “I have a charcoal gray suit with light orange pinstripes,” Gosling said. “If you looked at it, it would look like white pinstripes but if you look closely, you’d see it’s orange.”

ties that have just enough pop while still being professional.

The Boots

6 Custom label in Doug’s suit jacket 7 A pair of buckaroo boots

The “clunk, clunk” sound of Gosling’s cowboy boots echo down the halls at

November 2015

Young Wooldridge in downtown Bakersfield every day. Wearing a suit, Gosling’s cowboy boots are definitely an eye-catcher, or as Gosling says, “a conversation starter.” The Double-H Boots he sports have intricate stitching patterns on the boot shaft and pull straps. Although he only owns five or six pairs of boots, each is unique. One of his favorite boots has different shades of brown on the counter, vamp and boot shaft. “From a young age, I’ve always had cowboy boots,” Gosling said. “Boots send a certain message and it’s not your typical dress shoe.”

eeping d Bakersfield informed, no matter what it takes. akes. Baseball Baseball fans fans crowd crowd the streets streets of of downtown downtown in fr front ron ont of of T The he C Californian aliffornian building in the 19 1920s live ve e upda updates off the 20s tto o ffollow ollow liv tes o World Series. scoreboard. W orld S eries. The The Californian Californian would would receive receive information information via telegraph telegrraph and a post post it on the baseball baseball diamond s coreboard.

For F or ne nearly arly y 120 120 years years of of family family ownership, ownership p, The The Bakersfield Bak kersfield C Californian alifornian areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most trusted has been the ar re eaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mo st trus ted source sourrce of of news news and information. information. Today, TBC we grow new ways meett T oday, as TB C Media, w e continue continue to to gr ow and find find ne ww ays tto o mee the ever-changing community. ever-changing changing needs o off the c ommunity.

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Lifestyles

H E A LT H A N D W E L L N E S S

BABY STEPS TOWARD HEALTHY EATING Wellness isn’t just about nutrition By Sally Baker and Katie Kirschenmann

n the rush of daily life, work and family, we may sometimes forget to care for ourselves. It is possible to move about your day in a smart, clean way. In fact, “eating clean” has become a new mantra for many. But is it possible in today’s busy lifestyles? Yes. 54

Bakersfield Life Magazine

November 2015

We talked to Bryn Randolph Milton about her thoughts on “eating clean.” We chose her because she’s an active mother of two beautiful little girls, a yoga instructor and ChiRunning specialist. Like you, Milton finds ways to move about her day with integrity, humor and honesty, including eating well and having fun with it! In our interview with Milton, this is what she shared in her own words:

APRIL COOPER, R.N.

AESTHETIC NURSE

Probably my earliest memory of eating “healthy” was when my mom began blending tofu into our pancake batter. She was determined for us to eat this wondrous food source that she (and the rest of America in the late ’70s) had discovered. What began as dabbling in tofu recipes evolved into mom’s lifelong interest in nutrition and, in the end, survival. Mom was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 1990 and through a combination of conventional medicine and a very involved regimen of integrative medicine, she lived and thrived until 2003. So I suppose my mother was a major influence on my attitudes and behavior around food. But it’s never that simple, is it? Mom juiced every day, twice a day. I go through phases with the ol’ juicer. Mom loved to cook and experiment with kale and chard and all the greens she’d discover at the farmers market. I buy the big bag of organic mixed greens from Costco and vow that I will juice every day before it goes bad (50 percent success rate on this). My kids will eat two or three vegetables and that’s what I cook (steam) for the most part – broccoli, asparagus and artichokes. If I have one of those on the table for dinner each night,

then it’s been a good week. The truth is, I don’t love to cook. And ironically, my current job description is “stay-at-homehome-schooling-mom” whose husband even comes home for a freshly prepared lunch each day! That translates into a lot of time in the kitchen thinking about and being involved with food. I make it work for me by keeping it simple and finding a rhythm that flows with my family and doesn’t burn me out. Most of us know that we could do “just a little better” in our lifestyle choices. Start there. Do a little better each month, or each year, and over time you’ve incorporated some healthy lifestyle habits without any extreme measures. Rather than attempting numerous unsustainable “I’m-only-going-toeat-moth-balls-for-a-month-get -fit-and-detox-quick” diet schemes, approach wellness changes in a gradual progression and voila! Change sticks. It’s not just about nutrition. Wellness is a delicate weave of nutrition along with exercise, emotions, spirituality, community, sleep, leisure, feeling productive, feeling appreciated, genuine gratitude, gentle humility and on and on and on. In closing, I quote my 7year-old’s favorite phrase of the month: “And so it is.”

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Lifestyles

HOME AND GARDEN

EYE-CATCHING HOLIDAY DECORATIONS How one home continues to wow neighborhood

Debbie and Dan Dalton’s home is constantly decorated for holidays like Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Valentine’s Day, Easter and Fourth of July.

By Laura Liera

Photos by Mark Nessia

heir inviting, eclectic and life-size holiday decorations have made hundreds of Bakersfield locals come to a screeching halt in northwest Bakersfield year after year. What started off as a gigantic pumpkin man on their front lawn, has grown into 30 years of a theme-park look for homeowners Debbie and Dan Dalton. Inflatable decorations that stand 7 feet tall and can be spotted more than a block away are just a few of the fun attractions motorist and neighbors on

Bakersfield Life Magazine

November 2015

the corner of Oakhaven Street and Olive Drive see throughout the year. Whether it’s Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Valentine’s Day, Easter or Fourth of July, the plethora of decorations are eye-catching. “We keep decorating because of the lovely letters of appreciation we receive from locals,” Debbie said. The decorating is still done by Debbie and Dan although they now get help from family — walking and up down the attic stairs isn’t as easy as it used to be, 72-year-old Dan notes. Getting the entire look to come together takes some time. Halloween decorations take two days to put up, while Christmas can

take up to a week. The bigger the inflatable or decoration, the better. “We get anything that is big enough to see from the street,” Debbie said. Because of sunny Bakersfield days, a lot of the decorations only last two or three years. The sun damages the inflatables, and they tear easily or they fade, prompting the Dalton’s to toss and replace. One inflatable can set them back $250. But the key to decorating is to shop smart, Debbie said. Lowe’s has a good selection of holiday decorations but they sell out quick. Within the first week of stocking,

Each piece is expertly crafted in your choice of Platinum, Yellow or Rose Gold Bonded Sterling Silver with the world’s finest simulated diamonds and genuine birthstones. With prices from $125 retail

Debbie Dalton they are sold out, Debbie noted. When a homeowner has decided what space will be used for decorations, Debbie suggested they also keep in mind the safety of each item. “Keeping extension cords

out of the way for safety reasons is important, especially if kids are going to be walking near the decorations,” she said. Having plug-ins outside the home is also more convenient. One thing is for sure, the electricity bill will see a spike during the holidays. But for Debbie, the extra $150 is worth it. “We don’t do these elaborate decorations to impress friends; we do it for the kids, the children of the neighborhood,” she said.

Amethyst

Blue Topaz

Amethyst

Peridot

Citrine

JANE’S JEWELERS Where Bakersfield Gets Engaged

Lemon Quartz

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

Lifestyles

W E LC O M E H O M E

CAMDEN COVE Pinnacle Series from Lennar offers comfort and luxury

Bakersfield Life Magazine

November 2015

By Shelby Parker

he Pinnacle Series at Camden Cove offers a comfortable living experience, while also including some of the finer things in life. This series by Lennar Homes will consist of 105 lots surrounded by great schools, shopping and restaurant options in northwest Bakersfield. There are four models to choose from and each one has its own unique set of qualities and designs that will fit the owner, depending on what he or she is looking for. However, the Excelsior is a favorite. The idea behind the Pinnacle line is that it would offer a little more to the

customer who wants a larger floor plan, while still staying with the “everything included” package. Lennar is able to give its homes a lot of amenities and options that other builders don’t. A single-story, the Excelsior gives the effect of a two-story home with an elevated outward appearance adorned with a lighter stone finish. The Excelsior, at 3,050 square feet, has four bedrooms, 3 ½ baths, plenty of storage space and features that are sure to be a hit with families, such as green technology, granite countertops and flat-screen TV prewire in the great room and master suite. The kitchen features plenty of room

for cooking, an island bar, granite countertops, full tile backsplash, oil-rubbed bronze hardware and GE Advantium appliances. The open floor plan has the kitchen overlooking the great room, making guests and home owners feel included in all of the festivities, whether a birthday, holiday or celebration. The great room can also double as a cozy space with a stone fireplace and mantle and extra lighting – perfect for dayto-day activities. The master suite and bath are like something out of a resort with a spacious walk-in closet, oilrubbed bronze ceiling fan and

PHOTO BY MARK NESSIA

PHOTO COURTESY OF LENNAR

plenty of light that shines through the windows. The bathroom includes dual vanities with granite counters, as well as plenty of cabinets for storage. A soaking tub is available for relaxing and unwinding as well as a separate shower with adjacent drying station. There’s something for everyone with Lennar, and it comes down to satisfying the customers and giving them what they want. With quick access to Highway 99, the Pinnacle Series, near Calloway Drive and Snow Road, is far enough from the busyness of the city, yet close enough to all of the main attractions in town.

PHOTO BY MARK NESSIA

Excelsior model

Camden Cove Price range: Low $400,000s (but Lennar is having its year-end blowout through Nov. 30). Floor plan: 2,893 to 3,404 square feet Amenities: Front yard landscaping with water-wise irrigation system; oil-rubbed bronze ceiling fan with light kit in great room and master bedroom suite; ceiling fan prewire in secondary bedrooms; data and phone ports with Cat5e wiring in all bedrooms, great room and kitchen; 8-foot tall interior doors with arched top and plank detail; painted wood shelving in all closets; extensive recessed lighting throughout the home; Nexia home intelligence system including wireless keypad lock/keyless entry; Energy Star-qualified dishwasher; USB charging stations in kitchen; GE appliances; and much more. Target Customer: Middle-class professionals School Districts: Norris School District, Kern High School District, Olive Drive Elementary School, Norris Middle School, Centennial High School, Bakersfield College Parks: Norris Park, Northwest Baseball Park and Links at River Lakes Country Club Shopping: Northwest Promenade, Amelia’s Boutique

bakersfieldlife.com

Lifestyles

W E LC O M E H O M E

Windermere’s Traditional model

WINDERMERE AT SEVEN OAKS Kern County sanctuary balances peace, luxury

Bakersfield Life Magazine

November 2015

By Miranda Whitworth

eep in southwest Bakersfield lies a hidden jewel, a breezy neighborhood where the city buzz is muffled by quiet country surroundings. Narrow tree-lined streets border stately residences and families settle into what they know will be their forever homes. The neighborhood is Windermere, and it’s a sanctuary for Kern County homeowners on the hunt for the perfect balance of peace and luxury. Windermere’s “Traditional” home is just one of four styles offered in the gated neighborhood, all feature single- and two-story floor plans. At 3,016 square feet, this home includes

Photos by Mark Nessia

four bedrooms, a den and three bathrooms with the option to transform the den area into a fifth bedroom. The gourmet kitchen features granite slab countertops with an island breakfast bar and pendant lighting making the eating area formal for entertaining, yet functional for everyday family life. Stainless steel appliances, a spacious walk-in pantry that spans the depth of the kitchen and designer cabinetry provides substance without sacrificing style. The kitchen overlooks the dining room and beyond to the family area. While the open floor plan allows for a natural flow, a coffered ceiling over the living room gives definition to

the space. The choice between maximizing wall space or upgrading with an elegant mantle and gas fireplace gives homeowners the option to make their great room a formal affair or a place perfect for a large flat-screen TV and endless entertainment. The family wing of the house sits off the kitchen and contains two bedrooms, a full bath and a corridor to the master suite. Oversized windows provide the master bedroom with brilliant natural light and a view of the backyard while the spacious master bath combines privacy and functionality for a busy couple preparing for the day in the same space. From the great room, visitors or extended family have access to the

guest wing, which includes the fourth bedroom, third full bathroom, access to the indoor laundry room and finished three-car garage. Selected lots in Windermere are large enough to accommodate up to a 3,652-square-foot floor plan while allowing homeowners the opportunity to add a generous pool and landscaping to their property. Green space is abundant within the Windermere gates with numerous parks and paths perfect for stepping out of the house while staying in the neighborhood. Situated across from the new Grand Island Village Shopping Center, residents are a short drive from restaurants and retail and less than 10 minutes from the Westside Parkway.

Windermere Price Range: From the high $300,000s Square Footage: Approximately 2,116 to 3,652 Amenities: Gated community, two full-sized parks with playgrounds, several pocket parks, walking/jogging paths Target Customer: Maturing families, empty nesters, business relocations Schools: Ronald Reagan Elementary School, Earl Warren Junior High, Stockdale High School Parks: Windermere Park Shopping: Grand Island Village Shopping Center, The Shops at River Walk

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

PHOTO COURTESY OF BAKERSFIELD SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

Go & Do

“The Nutcracker” tickets go on sale Nov. 12.

’TIS THE SEASON TO BE ENTERTAINED Local performers dance, sing, play to happier holiday

erformers throughout Bakersfield will dance, sing and play their way to a happier holiday, and they’re inviting the public to join the show. Whether you enjoy the traditional “Nutcracker” performance or want to catch local talent deliver a classic encore of some of your favorite Christmas songs or if you want to show collegiate spirit, then we have the answers for you. The following is a glimpse of three holiday events happening this season.

Bakersfield Life Magazine

November 2015

CSUB Concert Band

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE RUNNER ONLINE

By Michael Wafford

CALIFORNIAN FILE PHOTO

Bakersfield Master Chorale

“The Nutcracker” For its 38th year, “The Nutcracker” will leap and pirouette its way back into Rabobank Theater from Dec. 11 through 13. “It’s an exciting ballet for people who have never seen a ballet before. It has something for everybody. For children, there’s mice who battle little soldiers. Then there’s classical aspect of the sugarplum fairy,” Director Cindy Trueblood said. “If you aren’t a regular balletgoer, it provides a lot.” Tchaikovsky’s music will be performed by the Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra. Tickets will be available starting Nov. 12. Bakersfield Master Chorale The divinely inspired sounds of the “Hallelujah” chorus will ring through the walls of St. Philip the Apostle Church when the Bakersfield Master Chorale takes the stage to perform selections from Handel’s “Messiah” on Dec. 5. The music tells the story of Jesus Christ from birth to resurrection, set to music that made the elite of England stand and applaud in 1743. The traditions have been repeated by audiences ranging from orphans to royalty every since. For the first time, a chance to see the work that goes into the performance will be available. On Dec. 4, a dress rehearsal will be open to the public. CSUB Music Holiday Concert Cal State Bakersfield’s music program will be hosting an afternoon of familiar favorites on Dec. 6. To accompany the traditional performance of the CSUB Concert Band, the program has incorporated a jazz section, adding a spontaneous twist to seasonal standards. The family event will feature audience interaction with CSUB’s own Santa Claus and several opportunities throughout the performance for the audience to sing along.

“The Nutcracker” Dec. 11, 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 12, 1 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 13, 1 p.m. Rabobank Theater, 1001 Truxtun Ave. Tickets: $28 to $34 adults; $15 to $17 students 18 and under; $10 children 6 and under. Tickets go on sale Nov. 12 and can be purchased at www.rabobankarena.com and at the Rabobank Arena box office.

The Bakersfield Master Chorale Dress rehearsal: Dec. 4, 7 p.m. Performance: Dec. 5, 7 p.m. St. Philip the Apostle Church, 7100 Stockdale Highway Dress Rehearsal: General admission: $10, $5 students. Performance: $20 per person; $10 students. Tickets can be purchased at www.bakersfieldmasterchorale.org or at the door.

CSUB Holiday Concert Dec. 6, 3 p.m. Dore Theatre, 9001 Stockdale Highway Tickets: General admission: $10; $5 students and seniors; free with CSUB ID. Tickets will be available at the Dore Theatre box office about 30 minutes before the start of the concert. Cash or check.

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Go & Do

TRIP PLANNER

HELLO … PEPPERMILL! Named the Expedia Elite top-ranked hotel in North America

By Jennifer Shelton

Photos by Joe Kukler

t the Peppermill Resort Spa Casino, visitors will find an exemplary balance of unparalleled service, luxury and value represented by sophisticated technology, superior amenities and inimitable personalized touches to make guests’ stay truly memorable. Peppermill’s enhancements, energy conservation efforts and attention to detail have culminated to provide a redefined resort that will exceed visitors’ expectations time and time again. It is no surprise that the Peppermill has earned the AAA Four Diamond Award for five consecutive years. Experience the luxury and tranquility of Peppermill’s Spa Toscana, a 33,000-square-foot sanctuary, with a stunning caldarium, featuring an indoor pool, sun deck and secret garden. Natural light, soothing baths, cascading waterfalls and peaceful sanctuaries set the tone for a spa journey focusing on holistic rejuvenation and renewal. Guests can immerse themselves in Spa Toscana and the resort’s unique approach for personal well-being – inside and out. During their stay, guests will be treated to an unforgettable dining experience in any of Peppermill’s 10 restaurants, including savoring hardwood-grilled steaks, chops and seafood in an unparalleled atmosphere in Bimini, Peppermill's gourmet steakhouse. Or enjoying Reno's finest Italian cuisine in Roman opulence! Visitors can also experience Romanza’s handcrafted pastas made daily, fresh seafood grilled over a mesquite wood fire and vine-ripened garden vegetables roasted to perfection. Both restaurants have earned Wine Spectator’s 2014 Award of Excellence, so there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy a perfect pairing – making the wine just as memorable as the meal. If an evening of high energy is what you’re looking for, Peppermill’s world-class nightspot, EDGE, is the place to be Thursday through Saturday. As a convergence

Bakersfield Life Magazine

November 2015

Soak up the sun and relax at one of Peppermill’s two gorgeous, resort pools. Featuring a stunning waterfall, three spas, private cabanas and poolside dining in a beautiful Tuscan environment, Peppermill’s year-round, geothermally heated swimming pools are a delight to all.

Whether you’re looking to relax fireside or sip a pint in a traditional pub setting, Peppermill has a bar, lounge or hidden hot spot that’s your perfect fit.

The Tuscany King Suites are decorated with custom furnishings and offer either pool or mountain views.

The Terrace lounge features live music nightly and happy hour specials. of nightclub and ultra lounge, visitors can dance and take in the laser light and liquid nitrogen experience or relax and enjoy the gorgeous views from the patio. Enjoy a free nightly concert series and handcrafted cocktails at the luxurious Terrace or slow the tempo down at the iconic Fireside Lounge, where it all began. A little sizzle, a quiet simmer or something in between, you’ll find just the right degree. The resort proudly offers guests a world-class destination for casino action, nightlife, dining and family fun. Relax, win, dine, play ... only at the Peppermill.

Peppermill Resort Spa Casino 2707 S. Virginia St. Reno, NV 89502 775-826-2121 www.peppermillreno.com

bakersfieldlife.com

A STROKE

SURVIVAL STORY “When I had my stroke, the first thing I did was pray. It’s no coincidence that the ambulance took me to San Joaquin Community Hospital.” - Terrance Minnoy, Stroke Survivor, with 6-year-old daughter, Taylor

Healthy 44-year-olds aren’t supposed to have strokes…at least, that’s what Terrance Minnoy thought. But there he was, paralyzed on the bedroom floor, phone just out of reach. Thankfully, his son heard dad’s mumbled cry and called 9-1-1. The EMTs quickly arrived and told Terrance they were taking him to San Joaquin Community Hospital – home to Kern County’s most experienced stroke team. Just 12 weeks later, Terrance is almost back to 100 percent and equally clear on his hospital of choice. “Stroke, heart attack or any other emergency…it doesn’t matter. SJCH is the only hospital I would go to.”

W H E N S E C O N D S C O U N T, N AT I O N A L LY- R E C O G N I Z E D E M E R G E N C Y C A R E I S S TA N D I N G B Y: s 4HE HOSPITAL CHOSEN BY MORE PEOPLE IN +ERN #OUNTY TO PROVIDE EMERGENCY care in critical situations s 4HE lRST HOSPITAL IN +ERN #OUNTY TO HAVE BOTH A (EART !TTACK 2ECEIVING #ENTER AND #ERTIlED 0RIMARY 3TROKE #ENTER UNDER THE SAME ROOF s ,IFE SAVING TECHNOLOGY DELIVERED BY AN EXPERIENCED MEDICAL TEAM

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Go & Do

TRIP PLANNER

CRUISE INTO THE PAST Petersen Automotive Museum in LA captures history for the enthusiast Reopening Dec. 7 By Gabriel Ramirez

o many, a car is just an appliance but for some, it is a passion. The Petersen Automotive Museum has been highlighting this passion since 1994. Located on the corner of Fairfax Avenue and Wilshire Boulevard in Los Angeles, the museum boasts unforgettable architecture by world-renowned architect Welton Becket. The building, initially a Japanese department store, was the source of inspiration for Robert E. Petersen, who saw the windowless building as the perfect location for a museum because it kept the items away from damaging sunlight. “Seeing the building's true potential as an automotive-inspired educational institution, Mr. and Mrs. Petersen put forth a

Bakersfield Life Magazine

November 2015

large portion of the money necessary to create the Petersen Automotive Museum,” said Michael Bodell, director of marketing and external affairs for the museum. “The museum was to be much more than a large room filled with cars parked in rows like an indoor parking lot. From the beginning, the vehicles chosen for exhibition had to be displayed in context to give them real meaning and a better experience for all who would come to visit.” According to Bodell, the museum

features more than 130 vehicles on the first three floors, which include some of the most iconic race, Hollywood and vintage vehicles ever produced. Some of these vehicles include Steve McQueen’s Jaguar XKSS, the Shah of Iran’s Bugatti, a round door Rolls Royce and Rita Hayworth’s Cadillac Ghia. An additional 150 vehicles live in the Petersen’s vault and can be seen through the daily vault tours. On top of all the vehicles, there is also a vast collection of 2-D

Petersen Automotive Museum 6060 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90036 323-930-2277 www.petersen.org

• Sofitel Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills, 8555 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90048 www.sofitel.com Reservations: 310-228-2707

2015 Preferred Hotel Listing:

• Elan Hotel Modern, 8435 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90048 www.elanhotel.com Reservations: 323-658-5300

Please ask for the Petersen Automotive Museum Preferred Corporate Rate.

• The Hotel Wilshire, 6317 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90048 www.hotelwilshire.com Reservations: 323-852-6000 Blackout dates: June 9-13 and Dec. 31.

and 3-D objects spread throughout each of the floors adding to the thousands of stories being told in the museum. Bodell said the museum features 25 new interactive galleries and more than 300 vehicles if you include the vault. “To explore the galleries and collections, we’ve developed a multi-language self-guided app that allows you to navigate through the collections and providing a deeper dive into the stories behind each vehicle,” Bodell said. “The New Petersen will

also house a 10-sled Microsoft/Xbox Forza racing simulation room, adjacent to the Nearburg Motorsports Gallery, and feature a unique version of the cutting-edge racing simulator created for the museum. In an automotive museum first, the new Forza simulators will feature the groundbreaking new Ford GT while the actual Ford GT concept car sits just a few feet away, alongside the Petersen’s rare Ford GT40 MkIII.” Bodell said the Petersen is now a Los Angeles destination, not just a car

IMPORTANT! The museum is currently closed until December. Please refer to website or call for opening date information.

museum. “It encompasses art, design, engineering and science and holds thousands of stories from all of the artifacts and objects on display. Visitors can see everything from Art Center College of Design students rendering vehicles to the iconic BMW Art Cars,” Bodell said. “The storytelling is the most unique part of the museum. We collect stories at the museum and the new museum design allows us to utilize the latest technology to tell those stories.”

bakersfieldlife.com

Bakersfield Life Magazine

October 2015

New Car 2016

I D E

Compiled by Bakersfield Life

hange is in the air. Not just in the weather, but in the new lineup of 2016 models. From redesigned bodies, turbocharged engines, sports-tuned suspension and the latest in safety technology, the new wave of cars will turn heads and make hearts race every time the engine fires up. Whether it's a family friendly SUV with room to spare or a sports car that goes from zero to 60 in the blink of an eye, our car guide will help you find the vehicle that's right for you.

bakersfieldlife.com

New Car 2016

G U I D E

2016 Acura RDX MSRP: Starting at $36,190

BARBER ACURA MPG: 20 city, 29 highway

The 2016 Acura RDX is a car that takes care of its driver and passengers. Heated front seats, second row A/C vents, and more legroom and shoulder room for front and rear occupants ensure a high level of comfort, while the available AcuraWatch suite provides allaround safety. The suite includes Acura’s Collision Mitigation Braking System, lane keeping assist system and adaptive cruise control. The RDX also features engineering changes to the front body structure that further improves frontal collision performance and incorporates structural enhancements in the roof and side pillar areas for added roof crush resistance. The engine also gets an upgrade with significant boosts in performance, fuel efficiency and refinement, courtesy of the new 3.5-liter SOHC iVTEC V-6 engine.

BARBER ACURA

2016 Acura TLX MSRP: Starting at $32,165

MPG: 24 city, 35 highway

Enter the 2016 Acura TLX, close the door and escape the outside world. Active Sound Control senses unwanted mechanical noise and emits opposing frequencies to help cancel out the slightest rumble. Inside the 2016 TLX, you have a haven of calm and quiet. With the available Precision All-Wheel Steer and Super Handling All-Wheel Drive, the TLX monitors traction and input to provide superior handling on any surface or weather condition. The Integrated Dynamics System gives the driver four driving modes (Normal, Econ, Sport and Sport+) that ranges from class-leading fuel efficiency to adrenaline-pumping, high-RPM performance. Acura is also the first luxury brand to earn 2015 Top Safety Pick+ rating across its entire model line from Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

THREE-WAY CHEVROLET CADILLAC

2016 Cadillac ATS-V MSRP: Starting at $72,340

MPG: 17 city, 23 highway

Its look is distinctive. Its interior feels as if it was crafted just for you. It delivers the kind of drive that makes you even more driven. This is the new Cadillac ATS Sedan. The performance nature of the ATS Sedan is reflected in every line and curve. Its low, powerful form slices through the air, while its available 18inch forged aluminum wheels are designed not only to look stunning but also to be lightweight and strong. A higher number isn’t always an indicator of better performance. When it comes to weight, less is more. Engineers applied an innovative scalloping technique and used lightening holes to lessen the overall vehicle weight — while providing incredible strength and rigidity — helping to make the ATS light on its wheels and exceptionally fun to drive.

Bakersfield Life Magazine

November 2015

bakersfieldlife.com

New Car 2016

G U I D E

2016 Cadillac Escalade MSRP: Starting at $76,775

THREE-WAY CHEVROLET CADILLAC

MPG: 15 city, 22 highway

The 2016 Escalade and Escalade ESV are a perfect combination of sophistication, functionality and technology. It delivers powerful performance when you need it. Created with craftsmanship not seen in other SUVs, the refined lines and features make one thing immediately apparent — it is first and foremost a Cadillac. Inside the 2016 Escalade is a collection of both practical and refined features. From abundant storage compartments to wireless charging capability to entertainment systems, you’ll find a vehicle that surpasses your expectations of what an SUV can offer. With a safety cage constructed from ultra-highstrength steel alloys and strategic crumple zones, the 2016 Escalade offers a solid foundation to protect you. And with a long list of features that work to support that foundation, get used to more confident driving.

THREE-WAY CHEVROLET CADILLAC

2016 Chevrolet Silverado MSRP: Starting at $42,040

MPG: 16 city, 23 highway

The new 2016 Silverado 1500 builds on Chevy trucks’ legacy of dependability with a dramatic new design, advanced connectivity and enhanced customer-focused technologies. The new front-end design, with a bolder, more sculpted appearance, reflects the underlying durability of the Silverado’s high-strength steel construction, which gives the truck the ruggedness and low-cost of ownership customers count on. Powerful, efficient V-8 engines are an integral part of the Silverado’s success. They employ advanced technologies, such as direct injection, Active Fuel Management (cylinder deactivation) and continuously variable valve timing, to offer the best V-8 fuel economy ever in a pickup – 23 mpg in 5.3liter models – and the most powerful V-8 in a lightduty truck – 420 horsepower from the available 6.2liter engine.

2016 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 MSRP: Starting at $80,395

MPG: 16 city, 29 highway

When the Z06 rejoined the Corvette lineup in 2015 as the most capable model in the car’s long, storied history, it also joined an elite fraternity of the world’s most capable supercars. It returns in 2016, offering more choices for personalization to complement its world-class levels of performance. Three all-new color-themed design packages offer custom-tailored appearances that elevate the Z06’s presence on the street or track, while features such as an available front parking camera and power-cinching latch for the coupe’s hatchback or convertible’s trunk enhance convenience. The Corvette Z06’s capability is rooted in its LT4 supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 engine, which is SAEcertified at 650 horsepower, making it the most powerful production car ever from General Motors and one of the most powerful production cars available in the United States.

Bakersfield Life Magazine

November 2015

THREE-WAY CHEVROLET CADILLAC

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New Car 2016

G U I D E

2016 Dodge Challenger MSRP: Starting at $26,995

HADDAD DODGE

MPG: Up to 30

The 2016 Dodge Challenger pairs iconic styling with American muscle and technology. The 3.6-liter V-6 engine can get up to 30 mpg while the 6.2-liter Hemi V-8 can get up to 707 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque with the available six-speed manual transmission. The class-exclusive TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters provides precision performance and up to an 11 percent fuel economy improvement. Inside, the Challenger boasts an available 8.4inch class-exclusive touch screen with 3-D graphics and real-world building renderings. Uconnect takes technology to the next level with ondemand Wi-Fi hot spot, hands-free calling and mobile apps.

2016 Dodge Charger

HADDAD DODGE

MSRP: Starting at $27,995

MPG: 31 highway*

Bold new styling crafted for a more stylish and comfortable ride gives the 2016 Dodge Charger a performance-inspired interior. The sides and grille have been redesigned giving America’s only four-door muscle car a more chiseled look. The Charger makes a bold statement with redesigned LED fog lamps, high-intensity discharge headlamps and racetrack tail lights. The 2016 Dodge Charger has four engine options. The award-winning 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine delivers 292 horsepower and up to 31 mpg highway. The 5.7liter Hemi V-8 combines power and efficiency, getting 370 horsepower and 25 highway mpg. The 6.4-liter Hemi V-8 flexes the Charger’s muscles with 485 horsepower and the supercharged 6.2-liter Hemi SRT Hellcat V-8 engine features a staggering 707 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque, making the Charger SRT Hellcat the world’s fastest and most powerful four-door sedan. *3.6-liter V-6 engine

2016 Dodge Ram 1500 Crew Cab MSRP: Starting at $33,505

MPG: 21 city, 29 highway

The best just keeps on getting better. The available EcoDiesel engine on the 2016 Dodge Ram 1500 Crew Cab is transforming power and efficiency. The 3.0-liter power plant is a turbocharged, dual overhead camshaft 24-valve V-6 engine that produces 240 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque that receives the best fuel economy of any full-size pickup. The Crew Cab gives passengers increased comfort and capacity with the most legroom in the Ram truck lineup. The available Uconnect System doubles as a mobile office or entertainment center, all on an 8.4-inch display. The Dodge Ram 1500 Crew Cab was named the 2015 Rocky Mountain “Truck of the Year,” one of KBB.com’s 2015 “Best Family Cars of the Year” and 2015 “Best Truck for the Money” by U.S. News & World Report.

Bakersfield Life Magazine

November 2015

HADDAD DODGE

2016 Dodge Ram 2500 MSRP: Starting at $32,680

HADDAD DODGE

MPG: N/A

Engineered to deliver outstanding performance in the toughest conditions, the 2016 Dodge Ram 2500 delivers best-in-class maximum towing of 17,980 pounds and generates up to 800 pound-feet of torque. The available class-exclusive RamBox Cargo Management System offers lockable storage with available AllSecure remote access. The system also includes a cargo bed extender/divider, cargo bed rails with adjustable tie-down cleats and cargo box lighting. New to the 2016 Dodge Ram 2500 is the five-link coil rear suspension. It utilizes proprietary spring technology that helps reduce overall friction in the system without sacrificing heavy-duty towing capability, resulting in improved turning ability and an enhanced ride on every driving surface. The Dodge Ram 2500 was named “Heavy Duty Truck of Texas” for the second year in a row by the Texas Auto Writers Association.

2016 Ford Explorer

JIM BURKE FORD

MSRP: Starting at $31,050

MPG: 19 city, 28 highway

The 2016 Ford Explorer builds on 25 years of innovation by fusing performance with technology. America’s best-selling SUV for 25 straight years gets more innovative with available features like enhanced active park assist and Active Grille Shutters that close to reduce drag at highway speeds and open to deliver airflow to cool the powertrain. The new 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine delivers more horsepower and torque than the previously offered 2.0-liter EcoBoost. The available Platinum series raises the SUV to a new level of performance and comfort customers can see and feel with its multi-contour front seats wrapped in Nirvana leather, real aluminum and original ash wood on the door and instrument panels, wood and leather-wrapped heated steering wheel, industry-exclusive 500-watt Sony audio system and more.

2016 Ford F-150 Lariat MSRP: Starting at $26,135

JIM BURKE FORD

MPG: 19 city, 26 highway*

America’s best-selling truck for 38 years continues to get better with the addition of breakthrough towing technology, SYNC 3 and alternative fuel capability. The 2016 Ford F-150 Lariat’s available 5.0-liter V-8 engine offers a gaseous-fuel prep option, making it the only light-duty pickup capable of running on compressed natural gas or propane. The F-150 features SYNC 3, Ford’s newest communications and entertainment system, which includes voice recognition and a high-speed performance and capacitive touch screen. The 2016 Ford F-150 Lariat also ups the ante with unique 20-inch premium anodized darkpainted aluminum wheels with red sport lettering, special edition seats with Alcantara inserts and a dark anodized grille with red accents. *5.0-liter V-8 engine

bakersfieldlife.com

New Car 2016

G U I D E

2016 Ford Fusion MSRP: Starting at $22,110

JIM BURKE FORD

MPG: 22 city, 34 highway Hybrid model 34 and 44

The 2016 Ford Fusion is simple, yet elegant. Acclaimed as a design leader in the midsize sedan segment, the 2016 Fusion sports a redesigned center stack that offers a simplified user experience with the SYNC screen and mechanical buttons. The new S Appearance Package includes 18-inch alloy painted ebony black wheels, front fog lamps and rear spoiler while the SE Cold Weather Package offers the Power Code Remote Start System, heated cloth seats and allweather floor mats. All-wheel drive is available on the Fusion SE with 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine that puts out 240 horsepower.

BARBER HONDA

2016 Honda Accord MSRP: Starting at $22,925

MPG: 27 city, 37 highway Hybrid model 50 and 45

Stylish. Sleek. Aggressive. The 2016 Honda Accord unites performance, technology and safety into one complete package. A top safety pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and named to Car and Driver magazine’s coveted “10 Best” list, the all-new suite of Honda Sensing safety features available as standalone options on the sedan, coupe and hybrid models include: collision mitigation braking system with sensor fusion technology, lane departure warning, forward collision warning, lane keeping assist, road departure mitigation and adaptive cruise control. The all-new 7-inch display audio screen lets users touch, pinch and swipe and Apple CarPlay compatibility allows for smarter and simpler iPhone use inside the vehicle.

BARBER HONDA

2016 Honda Civic MSRP: TBD

MPG: Targeted to receive EPA highway fuel economy ratings in excess of 40 mpg

With new standard equipment like automatic climate control, electronic parking brake and walk-away auto door locks, the 2016 Honda Civic is economical and sporty. The new platform and package yields the largest cabin in the compact class. Its larger configurable center console provides up to 7.2 liters of secure storage space, which approaches SUV levels of console utility. A 58 percent reduction in cabin air leaks results in class-leading quietness. The 2016 Honda Civic is available in a sedan, coupe, high-performance Si model, five-door hatchback and the first-ever Civic Type R, which features the first Honda turbo engine in the U.S.

Bakersfield Life Magazine

November 2015

Picture for illustration purposes only

bakersfieldlife.com

New Car 2016

G U I D E

2016 Honda HR-V MSRP: Starting at $19,995

BARBER HONDA

MPG: 28 city, 35 highway

The 2016 Honda HR-V is a game changer. The brand-new vehicle is redefining the compact crossover genre by combining coupe-like style and sportiness with SUV usability. The 2016 HR-V offers 100.1 cubic feet of passenger space and 58.8 cubic feet of cargo volume with the second row magic seats folded down. It also offers four versatility modes (cargo, utility, long and tall) and includes standard rearview camera and Bluetooth connectivity. It was also designed to achieve top safety ratings. The 2016 HR-V received a New Car Assessment Program five-star overall vehicle score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and a top safety pick rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

BARBER HONDA

2016 Honda Pilot MSRP: Starting at $30,875

MPG: 19 city, 27 highway

Honda not only re-energized the 2016 Pilot, it ensured your devices stay energized as well. Family functionality is better than ever with a host of ports and plugs to accommodate virtually every imaginable device — from smartphones to iPads, game consoles to digital voice cameras — with up to four 2.5-amp USB outlets for charging the family’s most power-hungry devices. The 2016 Pilot’s 109.2 cubic feet of cargo space ensures plenty of room for everyone’s stuff, even at the limit of eight passengers. The new, more powerful and efficient powertrain features a direct-injected 3.5-liter V-6 engine that provides brisk acceleration and impressive fuel efficiency. Kelley Blue Book named Honda the “Best Overall Brand” three years in a row and the Honda Pilot is one of the reasons.

BARBER HONDA

2016 Honda Odyssey MSRP: Starting at $30,155

MPG: 19 city, 28 highway

The 2016 Honda Odyssey is the ultimate family vehicle. A “wide mode” second row and third row “magic seat” provide 172.6 cubic feet of passenger volume, fitting eight passengers comfortably. The built-in vacuum, available on the SE and Touring Elite models, makes cleaning easy with its long reach removable waste bin – perfect for cleaning up after passengers of all ages. The 8-inch intelligent multi-information screen displays information like incoming text messages, music info from Pandora and fuel consumption. The 2015 Odyssey was named a 2015 Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, making it an excellent choice as a family vehicle and the 2016 Odyssey is no exception.

Bakersfield Life Magazine

November 2015

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New Car 2016

G U I D E

2016 Kia Sorento MSRP: Starting at $24,900

HADDAD KIA

MPG: 21 city, 29 highway

The 2016 Kia Sorento is adventure refined. The 2016 Kia Sorento has a longer chassis for more space and a revamped interior design. Available nappa leather heated and ventilated seats provide premium comfort for up to seven passengers. The UVO eServices infotainment system with 7inch touch screen provides personalized connectivity with the Sorento, from voice-command navigation to apps like Google Send-to-Car and Pandora. The Infinity surround audio system with Clar-Fi plays music the way it was meant to be heard, while the panoramic sunroof brings in the open sky when you hit the open road. The all-new 2.0-liter turbo engine paired with the fully active Dynamax all-wheel-drive system delivers optimum performance no matter what’s thrown in the Sorento’s path.

2016 Kia Soul

HADDAD KIA

MSRP: Starting at $15,690

MPG: 24 city, 31 highway

When it comes to the 2016 Kia Soul, more is more. More features and more technology make this vehicle more fun to drive. Xenon high-intensity discharge headlights allow for better visibility when driving at night, while the panoramic sunroof allows for better visibility during the day. The available UVO eServices infotainment system lets you control a smartphone and music with your voice or the touch of a button all from a trusty 8-inch display. Leather-trimmed heated and ventilated seats are also available. The 2016 Kia Soul is a top safety pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, was included in the “Best Hatchback for Families” category by U.S. News & World Report, earned a five-star safety rating from Edmonds.com and made Subcompact Car’s “Most Popular” list.

HADDAD KIA

2016 Kia Sportage MSRP: Starting at $22,150

MPG: 21 city, 28 highway

Ready for whichever road you choose, the Sportage is a small SUV with a big personality. Completely redesigned inside and out, the 2016 Kia Sportage boasts a 182-horsepower 2.4-liter engine (available turbocharged 260-horsepower 2.0-liter engine for the Sportage SX). The UVO eServices infotainment system with 7-inch touch screen with navigation allows drivers to make hands-free calls and play music — by giving intuitive voice commands — through the available Infinity surround sound system. The rear-camera display shows a live image of what’s behind the vehicle and the sonar sensor system activates an audible warning when the vehicle gets too close to an object.

Bakersfield Life Magazine

November 2015

HADDAD DODGE 3000 Harris Road â&#x20AC;˘ Bakersfield Auto Mall

www.haddaddodge.net

661-398-0264

Se Habla Espanol bakersfieldlife.com

New Car 2016

G U I D E

2016 Lincoln MKX

JIM BURKE LINCOLN

MSRP: Starting at $44,345 MPG: 17 city, 26 highway without premium fuel

Lincoln engineers developed the Lincoln MKX to make every drive a liberating experience, applying careful thought, craftsmanship and innovation into every detail. The 2.7-liter twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V-6 engine is powerful. The heated and cooled front seats trimmed with deep soft Bridge of Weir leather are a luxury. Wood-trim appointments, push-button shifter, advanced drive control for continuous dampening and the stunning wheel options make the MKX unique. Sound has been brought to a new level with the new Revel audio system. Combined with the Lincoln Black Label experience, it’s no wonder Lincoln has grabbed the attention of enthusiasts.

MASERATI OF BAKERSFIELD

2016 Maserati Ghibli MSRP: Starting at $71,850

MPG: 16 city, 24 highway

The 2016 Maserati Ghibli is the definition of Italian elegance and class. Luxury, performance and style come together in a sports sedan that blends the soul of Maserati’s GranTurismo with a powerful new shape that delivers excitement every time you drive. New features that come standard are a sunroof, autodimming lights, and start-and-stop engine for fuel efficiency. The backup camera, parking sensors, speed limit warning and navigation sound system round out the best interior features of the 2016 Ghibli. Under the hood is a 3.0-liter, twin-turbocharged V-6 engine that’s designed to achieve lower fuel consumption and emissions while delivering stunning performance.

2016 Maserati GranTurismo MSRP: Starting at $134,625

MPG: 13 city, 21 highway

Ferrari technology finds itself in the elite and powerful 2016 Maserati GranTurismo. Its 4.7-liter V-8 engine puts out 454 horsepower and goes from zero to 60 in 4.7 seconds, demonstrating the mechanical sophistication that is synonymous with Maserati. The new start-and-stop engine feature helps maximize fuel efficiency. New to the 2016 GranTurismo is a premium Harmon Kardon audio system and new color selections, which add to the sophisticated and luxurious interior that already features state-of-the-art ergonomics for unrivaled comfort. The GranTurismo is also available in a convertible that features a fabric soft-top whose design stylistically keeps up with the Maserati tradition.

Bakersfield Life Magazine

November 2015

MASERATI OF BAKERSFIELD

POWER WINDOWS • BLUE TOOTH • POWER LOCKS • AM/FM CD • SIRIUS RADIO

*Warranty is a limited powertrain warranty. For details, see retailer or go to kia.com.

bakersfieldlife.com

New Car 2016

G U I D E

2016 Maserati Quattroporte

MASERATI OF BAKERSFIELD

MSRP: Starting at $101,700 MPG: 15 city, 24 highway

The 2016 Maserati Quattroporte is an agile supersedan that blends style and power. The 404-horsepower engine is lightweight and versatile, and the all-wheel drive ensures the Quattroporte does not compromise on handling. Driving the car is like being in a much smaller vehicle, a sensation made possible by the optimal front/rear weight distribution and a sophisticated suspension system. Inside, the Quattroporte offers elegant seating, a dashboard featuring touch-screen displays and an optional Bowers & Wilkins sound system. New color selections are available to complement a cabin adorned with luxurious Italian premium leather, prestigious open-pore Radica wood trim and fine stitching.

MOTOR CITY GMC

2016 GMC Canyon Duramax Diesel MSRP: Starting at $34,875

MPG: N/A

The GMC Canyon returns, offering a new 2.8-liter Duramax turbo-diesel. The Duramax Diesel expands the Canyon lineup to give customers more choices and the capability of exploring more possibilities on and off the road. The Canyon Duramax Diesel boasts an all-new powertrain that expands the Canyon’s already class-leading capabilities, including the trailering capacity of up to 7,700 pounds. Like the legendary Duramax V-8, Canyon’s available all-new Duramax 2.8-liter I-4 Turbo Diesel engine delivers abundant torque and horsepower, doing it all with stingy efficiency. Available in SLE and SLT Crew Cab models, with 2WD or 4WD.

2016 Nissan Altima MSRP: Starting at $22,500

NISSAN OF BAKERSFIELD

MPG: 27 city, 39 highway (2.5 SL)

Nissan had a few goals in mind when redesigning the Nissan Altima: great fuel efficiency, cool looks and a fun-driving experience. As a result, the 2016 Nissan Altima received best-inclass fuel economy at 39 mpg (2.5 SL models); a revised exterior design, featuring new front and rear bumpers, fascia hood grille, boomerang headlights and chrome dual exhaust tips and door handles. The V-6 engines produces 270 horsepower. Zero gravity front seats recreate a “neutral position” that minimizes stresses on the body by offering continuous support from the pelvis to the chest with seat cushions that flex in response to each person’s unique pressure points. Nissan’s objective for the 2016 Altima was to get drivers’ hearts racing before and after they get behind the wheel. Mission accomplished.

Bakersfield Life Magazine

November 2015

Boldly Go

Introducing the Redesigned 2016 Honda Accord Sedan

How do you improve a car that’s an automotive icon? You take all the technology, performance and innovative thinking that made it a legend and add a healthy dose of style and great new thinking. It’s more than a car: it’s a legacy, and the redesigned 2016 Accord is the latest evolution. Drive it now at Barber Honda. YY

4500 Wible Road

at the Entrance to the Bakersfield Auto Mall

V E R S A N I R

1955

2015

1-888-503-8891

www.barberhonda.com

Se Habla Español

LOCALLY OWNED

DRIVE LIKE A BOSS

THE NEW 2016 RDX

More powerful. More efficient. More aggressively styled.

From the studio to the test track to the streets, the new RDX has been meticulously crafted to move with purpose. Luxuriously appointed inside and out, every 2016 RDX model is built to put you confidently in charge.

Barber Acura

www.barberacura.com

4625 Wible Road Bakersfield Auto Mall • 398-4260 Se Habla Español

bakersfieldlife.com

New Car 2016

G U I D E NISSAN OF BAKERSFIELD

2016 Nissan Leaf MSRP: Starting at $29,010

MPG: 126 city, 101 highway

Quiet, smooth and surprisingly fast, the 100 percent electric Nissan Leaf is efficient but fun. With zero tailpipe emissions, the Leaf delivers power, superior handling and high-end technology. The Leaf's remarkably quiet ride can be credited to the 80 kW AC synchronous electric motor. Inside, the Leaf has Bluetooth and USB connectivity; heated folding rear seats crafted from recycled materials, a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel and seating for five. A quick charge pack is available. With a larger battery size of 30 kWh on the SV and SL, the 2016 Nissan Leaf delivers best-in-class range of 107 miles per charge, three times the distance of the average American’s daily commute.

2016 Nissan Maxima

NISSAN OF BAKERSFIELD

MSRP: Starting at $32,410

MPG: 22 city, 30 highway

The 2016 Nissan Maxima sets a new standard for luxury. Inspired by the layout of a modern fighter jet, the Maxima surrounds its occupants with ambient lighting that casts a warm, understated glow across the cabin, tilts the center console 7 degrees to focus on the driver and keeps everyone in place with zero gravity front seats, even during high-G cornering. The 8-inch touch-screen display with navigation now comes standard. Under the hood, more than 60 percent of the engine’s components have been redesigned, borrowing some performance technology from the GT-R. The VQ V-6 engine now puts out 300 horsepower. This isn’t a sedan; it’s a four-door sports car.

NISSAN OF BAKERSFIELD

2016 Nissan Rogue MSRP: Starting at $23,140

MPG: 26 city, 33 highway

Economical, versatile and innovative, the 2016 Nissan Rogue is the complete crossover. With 70 cubic feet of cargo space and the Divide-N-Hide cargo system, the Rogue can handle anything you put in it, no matter how tall, short or wide. Passenger capacity can be increased to seven with the optional third row. New to the 2016 model is the inclusion of forward emergency braking, which gives audio and visual display warnings to reduce speed if necessary or engage the brakes if collision is unavoidable; a power liftgate; and Siri Eyes Free, which provides hands-free access to a Siri-equipped iPhone. The 2.5-liter engine puts out 170 horsepower and up to 33 mpg highway.

Bakersfield Life Magazine

November 2015

NORTH BAKERSFIELD TOYOTA

2016 Scion IM MSRP: Starting at $19.529

MPG: 27 city, 36 highway

The all-new Scion IM is versatile, affordable and comes with a huge assortment of standard features. This sporty, fun to drive and economical car focuses on ease of ownership, fuel economy and Toyota’s QDR principles (quality, durability, reliability). Plus the pricing for all you get with this car will surprise you — in a good way! This vehicle appeals to tech lovers, money savers and doggy lovers alike with a slew of dogfriendly accessories.

2016 Toyota Tacoma MSRP: Starting at $22,748

NORTH BAKERSFIELD TOYOTA

MPG: 19 city, 23 highway

The all-new 2016 Tacoma is rugged, sporty and tough. The Tacoma’s 3.5-liter V-6 engine allows you to climb and play in the outdoors, and with its 6,800pound towing capacity, you can bring all the toys along. Make a statement with available solid chrome accessories, or, if you are all business, choose the utility model. Venture off the beaten path with Tacoma’s offroad packages that include a perfected four-wheel drive option. Tacoma ranked No. 1 in best resale value after five years and offers JBL audio, navigation and 110-volt power outlet.

BILL WRIGHT TOYOTA

2016 Toyota Camry MSRP: Starting at $24,130

MPG: 25 city, 35 highway

The Toyota Camry is the No. 1-selling car in America for a reason. J.D. Power and Associates’ most dependable midsize car is reinventing itself with a sexy new body style and hybrid lineup. All four Camry models are six-speeds, while the XSE and XLE boast a more powerful 3.5-liter V-6 engine and 268 horsepower. Inside, the Camry offers wireless cellphone charging and JBL Audio with Entune. An upgraded sport suspension allows for more controlled handling and Camry continues to offer stellar safety features with blind-spot monitors, lane departure alerts, a backup camera and more. And the Camry’s bold design is anything but boring.

bakersfieldlife.com

New Car 2016

G U I D E BILL WRIGHT TOYOTA

2016 Toyota Tundra MSRP: Starting at $30,634

MPG: 15 city, 19 highway

The 2016 Toyota Tundra is built to do just about anything â&#x20AC;&#x201D; including, in 2012, towing the NASA space shuttle weighing almost 200,000 pounds. The six-speed automatic boasts 381 horsepower, a 5.7-liter V-8 engine and can tow up to 10,200 pounds, making towing your boat or trailer a breeze. This workhorse of a truck can get just about any job done and you can do it in style and comfort. Coming in a huge assortment of trim levels, there is a Tundra for everyone.

SANGERA SUBARU

2016 Subaru WRX MSRP: Starting at $26,595 MPG: 18 city, 24 highway

Every Subaru model is designed with features important to you. And when it comes to the 2016 Subaru WRX Premium, WRX Limited, WRX STI, WRX STI Limited, that means style, power and allout performance. The balanced design of symmetrical all-wheel drive creates uniform stability and delivers an optimal distribution of power for maximum traction. It makes for improved handling, efficiency and a quicker response to road conditions. Along with a big dose of performance, the WRX also features more than 96 cubic feet of interior volume. Add in a standard 60/40 split-folding rear seat and 12 cubic feet of trunk space with a flat load floor, and you've got the versatility to carry a full set of wheels or your crew.

2016 Subaru Outback MSRP: Starting at $24,995

SANGERA SUBARU

MPG: 25 city, 33 highway

Adventure has a stylish side. The 2016 Subaru Outback was designed to allow you to experience the world on the road. The Outback features a spacious 143.6 cubic feet of interior room with soft-touch surfaces and upgraded materials. And with its roof rails and crossbar system, the Outback can carry up to 150 pounds of equipment. When not in use, the crossbars can be folded into the integrated roof rails to help fuel efficiency and to make for a quieter drive. So whether you choose the 2.5i, 2.5i Premium, 2.5i Limited or the 3.6R Limited model, the Subaru Outback is a conceptual mashup thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s better than the sum of its parts.

Bakersfield Life Magazine

November 2015

CHOOSE YOUR

FAST LANE

bakersfieldlife.com

New Car 2016

G U I D E

2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA250 MSRP: Starting at $31,300

MERCEDES-BENZ OF BAKERSFIELD

MPG: 25 city, 35 highway

A bold and authentic SUV design, ultramodern cabin, advanced aerodynamics and class-leading torque and fuel-efficiency can all be found in the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA250. New additions include dual-zone climate control, keyless start, a 7-inch display with Bluetooth audio streaming and ECO start/stop that shuts off the engine at red lights to save fuel. The most compact SUV to wear the Star earns it in a big way. Its bold design fuses function with passion. Its nimble size delivers an ideal mix of flexibility, fuel-efficiency and fun. And its advanced engineering delivers true SUV capability with industry-leading innovations. Anyone can make a compact SUV, but the all-new MercedesBenz GLA250 is in a class of its own.

2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe

MERCEDES-BENZ OF BAKERSFIELD

MSRP: Starting at $65,100

MPG: 17 city, 23 highway

What defines a Mercedes-Benz coupe is not just its body but its soul. And among SUVs, nothing reveals true depth of character with an unmatched breadth of capabilities like the Star in its grille. From its aggressive stance to its muscular shape, the 2016 GLE Coupe is a new breed of thoroughbred performance. A team of advanced technologies enhance safety, reduce driving stress and help to smooth every move. Collision Prevention Assist Plus can brake to avoid a collision autonomously. Pre-Safe Plus helps prepare you for front, rear and rollover accidents. Dynamic Select includes five settings that allow for personalization of engine, steering and efficiency controls with a flip of a switch. Combined with a 362-horsepower biturbo V-6 engine, the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe performs the way you want, when you want.

2016 Alfa Romeo 4C MSRP: Starting at $53,900

ALFA ROMEO FIAT OF BAKERSFIELD

MPG: 24 city, 34 highway

Alfa Romeo has a long history of creating racetrack-inspired vehicles for the street. The Alfa Romeo 4C gives drivers the ability to create a customized vehicle experience according to driving conditions or desired vehicle responsiveness. The 4C is equipped with an Alfa TCT six-speed automatic transmission with a twin clutch and paddle shifters, a solution that combines the instant power of a sequential shift with all the convenience of an automatic. With a zero to 60 in 4.1 seconds and 237 horsepower, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re sure to feel the unrivaled driving pleasure.

Bakersfield Life Magazine

November 2015

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bakersfieldlife.com

New Car 2016

G U I D E

2016 FIAT 500X MSRP: Starting at $20,000

ALFA ROMEO FIAT OF BAKERSFIELD MPG: 25 city, 34 highway

The all-new 2016 Fiat 500X boldly enters the crossover market with innovation, functionality and Italian style. Fiat designers and engineers took the Fiat 500 and added more space, utility driver-centric amenities, capability, and advanced safety and security features. The all-wheel-drive system seamlessly engages at any speed automatically, helping to provide excellent traction and responsive performance on a variety of surfaces and conditions. Models available in Pop, Easy, Lounge, Trekking and Trekking Plus.

BAKERSFIELD CHRYSLER JEEP

2016 Jeep Renegade MSRP: Starting at $17,995

MPG: 22 city, 31 highway

From the iconic seven-slot grille to the strong stance, the Renegade is definitely a Jeep brand vehicle. For exploring new trails or heading out on the town, the 2016 Jeep Renegade is ready, willing and able. The interior of the Renegade is an incredible combination of smart technology, cool colors and innovative materials. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a capable command center with the tools you need for discovering everything thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s out there. The available My Sky dual-panel roof features secure panels that are fully lockable when in place. Models available in Sport, Latitude, Limited and Trailhawk.

BAKERSFIELD CHRYSLER JEEP

2016 Jeep Cherokee MSRP: Starting at $23,295

MPG: 22 city, 31 highway

An eye-catching exterior design, a sculpted interior, and available safety and security features put the Cherokee Limited in a class of its own. The Cherokee includes leather-trimmed seats with heated front seats and a Uconnect System with voice command and Bluetooth. The interior combines state-of-the-art, high-tech features with the adaptability to take on almost any project or adventure. Versatility in the Cherokee is key with 60/40 split second-row seats with fore/aft functionality. The seat also has a recline function for added comfort. Models available are Sport, Latitude, Limited and Trailhawk.

Bakersfield Life Magazine

November 2015

New Car 2016

G U I D E

2016 BMW 7 Series

BMW OF BAKERSFIELD

MSRP: Starting at $81,300 MPG: 21 city, 29 highway

The future of luxury is here. The all-new BMW 7 Series reaches new altitudes with technology, comfort and performance while integrating them seamlessly into a luxury experience for both drivers and passengers. With more innovations than any other car in its class and a wealth of athleticism, the 7 Series effortlessly takes the pole position for the future of luxury travel. The 7 Series’ revolutionary lightweight Carbon Core creates a lower center of gravity to improve agility, while a 445-horsepower V-8 TwinPower Turbo engine powers this beast to a not-so-subtle class-leading zero to 60 time of only 4.3 seconds. Models available include the 740i and 750i xDrive.

2016 BMW 4 Series Coupe MSRP: Starting at $41,850

BMW OF BAKERSFIELD

MPG: 22 city, 34 highway

It’s impossible to see the BMW 4 Series Coupe, Convertible and Gran Coupe and not feel their athleticism. A sleeker, more aggressive design matched with thrilling power makes each 4 Series model stand out in its own beguiling way. Each model sits low, evoking a power even in stillness. Engineering features like the low height and stiffer suspension make for incredible handling and agility. The 4 Series Coupe takes turns and turns heads like no other. Whether you choose the 428i, 428i xDrive, 435i or the 435i xDrive model, you’re sure to feel powerful and sophisticated behind the wheel.

BMW OF BAKERSFIELD

2016 BMW X1 MSRP: Starting at $34,800

MPG: 20 city, 28 highway

Command up to 445 rumbling horses and leave everyone else in the dust with the BMW X models. The X models are spacious and conquer every terrain. But, more importantly, they possess the same sports car prowess you expect in a BMW. From signature grilles to performance-enhancing aerodynamic designs, every model is unmistakably the ultimate driving machine. Ready to explore the open road? With the option of 40/20/40 rear-folding seats, you’ll have enough space and storage configurations to comfortably bring everyone, and everything, along for the ride.

Bakersfield Life Magazine

November 2015

bakersfieldlife.com

New Car 2016

G U I D E MOTOR CITY LEXUS

2016 Lexus ES MSRP: Starting at $38,000

MPG: 21 city, 31 highway

The 2016 Lexus ES is aggressive and stylish inside and out. With its bolder, chrome-tipped spindle grille, LED headlights, new front fascia L-themed taillights and semi-integrated exhaust, the ES is sure to be the center of attention everywhere it goes. The interior features new finishes, including linear dark mocha, illustrious piano black wood and bamboo with a matte finish. A flaxen interior, Mark Levinson premium sound system and panoramic roof are now available with all option packages. Under the hood is a standard 268-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 engine. A hybrid model is also available in the ES300h.

MOTOR CITY LEXUS

2016 Lexus IS MSRP: Starting at $37,325

MPG: 21 city, 30 highway

Push the limits with the Lexus IS lineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first-ever 2.0-liter turbocharged engine. The new standard for the 2016 IS puts out an adrenaline pumping 241 horsepower and combines it with a highly rigid chassis with tracktuned suspension. The IS 200t and IS 350 also inherit the same eight-speed sport direct-shift transmission found in the ultra-high performance Lexus RCF. The optional V-6 engine delivers up to 306 horsepower, while the dual variable valve timing with intelligence helps enhance fuel efficiency and provides added torque at lower speeds as well as greater acceleration at higher speeds.

MOTOR CITY LEXUS

2016 Lexus RX MSRP: Not yet available

MPG: 20 city, 28 highway

With its race-inspired cockpit and sport-tuned suspension, the 2016 Lexus RX forges an even greater connection to the road. The completely redesigned chassis and body results in a wheelbase 2 inches longer than the outgoing model and complement the enhanced performance of the standard 295-horsepower V-6, eight-speed automatic transmission and optional all-weather drive F Sport package. A new 12.3-inch navigation screen provides high-resolution maps with more than 8 million points of interest and recognizes more than 100 voice commands. The F Sport package is also available on the Lexus RX 450 Hybrid.

Bakersfield Life Magazine

November 2015

Tax | Audit | Consulting | Bookkeeping

Harvest your automobile deductions Find out what the right accountant can do for you.

Bakersfield | Fresno | Pasadena | Stockton 4200 Truxtun Avenue, Suite 300, Bakersfield, CA 93309 (661) 324-4971 | www.bacpas.com bakersfieldlife.com

Twenty-four-year-old Ashley Goodall sits in her restored 1966 Mustang as friends, family and car club members express their approval.

Local car clubs foster loyalty, charity and friendship 100

Bakersfield Life Magazine

Motor Oil is thicker than water

November 2015

Mark Goodall pushes his daughter around the 1966 Mustang to see all the work her friends, family and the car clubs did to restore the car she had since she was 18 years old.

All those involved with the restoration signed the interior of the trunk lid.

B Y

D I A N A

G R E E N L E E

P H O T O S

ocal car club enthusiasts may not agree on the cleanest ride, but there are a few subjects on which many concur: the importance of friendship and family, the commitment to reach out to those in need and a deep devotion to a fine automobile – not necessarily in that order. Reflecting their values, the Outlawz Car Club, Golden Empire Mustangs and Mopars of Bakersfield came together last month to pull off a covert reconditioning project on a ’66 Mustang, taking a page from the “Overhaulin’” television show’s playbook. The car’s owner, Ashley Goodall, 25, is suffering with complex regional pain syndrome. Six months ago, the crew threw up a smokescreen, leading Goodall to believe the car was headed to a friend’s for a tuneup, but it was restored to its former glory, funded by donations and sweat equity from the clubs. So on a warm Sunday afternoon on the threshold of fall,

B Y

R O D N E Y

T H O R N B U R G

club members from the three organizations buzzed around the shiny gun-metal gray pony, placing the finishing touches on the car’s interior in preparation for Goodall’s surprise. Golden Empire Mustangs President John Coates said it’s not their first rodeo. “That’s what the Bakersfield car community does,” John said, motioning to the classic beauty with pride. Although local car clubs may be most recognizable for their flashy paint jobs, roaring engines and plush interiors, many are also active philanthropic agencies contributing significant amounts to charities. Mopars of Bakersfield President Lisa Wise owns a 2013 Dodge Challenger and a 1969 Super Bee. The cars have swag, but she says she’s also proud of the contributions their club has made to the local Ronald McDonald House. She said they

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Ashley Goodall is presented a Ford Mustang sweatshirt to go along with her newly refurbished car.

Ashley Goodall is overwhelmed with emotions as she looks at the interior of her restored ’66 Mustang.

Continued from page 101 donate all the proceeds from their annual car show – $50,000 over the last four years. “We are their largest private contributor,” said Mopars of Bakersfield Vice President Val Miller. In the meantime, the Outlawz Car Club wasn’t just out stealing hearts in their pre-’69 cars and trucks. Not to be outdone, their group supports children and families at Kern Medical Center through its annual toy drive and by offering certificates for food and gasoline to parents of newborns being transferred out of the area for treatment, allowing families in

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distress to stay together. “We want to be sure and give moms and dads in emergency situations something to get going,” said Outlawz Vice President Jeff Hill. The big-hearted, tight-knit groups organize and attend car shows, hold monthly meetings and spend time assisting each other with their own projects, even if they don’t share the same tastes. They have their own hangouts and requirements, but motor oil is thicker than water. “It’s a love for the cars,” said Coates, “But we’re all still friends.”

Celebrating Kern County’s Rich Ties to the Energy Industry

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EVERYTHING OLD

IS NEW AGAIN

BY DIANA GREENLEE

PHOTOS BY MICHAEL LOPEZ

ob De Leon turns heads when he rolls up in his red and flat black ’59 Volkswagen Beetle. Not long ago, the vintage bug was stashed in an El Cajon parts yard when De Leon, president and founder of Kern County Air Kooled, a car club for Volkswagen enthusiasts, discovered the treasure online. It had a little rust and a lot of potential. “It’d sat for three years,” he said. “It wasn’t running – it had a lot of issues. You could barely push it.” A graphic designer by trade, De Leon, 46, said the bug had problems with its wiring, brakes, and steering and needed engine repair in addition to paint and body. He did most of the work himself, only commissioning custom interior to match the exterior red. He’s invested plenty of time and

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Members of the Kern County Air Kooled from left: Joe Gutierrez, Jim Martin, Club President Rob De Leon, Paul Glidewell and Brian Selvey.

Car restoration a popular pastime for fun and profit

money, but today, it’s his daily driver. It’s clean but he doesn’t worry too much about taking it on the street. “I’ve restored cars to the point that you don’t even really enjoy them,” he said. “This one’s kind of an old hot rod style.” De Leon said restoration can be costly, but individuals skilled in the automotive trades can save money if they have the time. Bakersfield Car Club Council spokesperson Chris Addington, 66, agrees with De Leon. He turned his avocation into a deferred retirement plan when he started restoring cars more than 12 years ago. Lately, the spokesperson has been tooling around in a teal ’59 Chevy Impala with a white top he finished about a year ago. It looks like it just rolled off of the showroom floor. The voice of experience, Addington, a retired architect, says those interested in taking on a restoration project need a strategy.

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Continued from page 105

Chris Addington is the Bakersfield Car Club Council founder and spokesman.

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“Make sure the car is California legal. Get it cleared through the DMV before you do anything,” he said. “You’ve got to have a plan and attack it like a business project.” The retiree said the restoration process is time intensive. He disassembles the vehicle and then applies a process called media or bead blasting, stripping the parts down to bare metal. After repairs, he applies an epoxy primer to the frame while it is still separated from the body. The paint and body is next, then polish, chrome and assembly. Addington said he dropped a complete “crate motor” into the Impala, then fitting glass, doors and installing trim. Wheels and tires are his last formal steps, but there are always options to consider later. “Tires have an expiration date, so I don’t get them sooner than I have to. They shouldn’t be over 6 years old,” he said. “And once you buy them, you’ll see five new styles you like better.” De Leon echoed Addington. It took him two years to finish the Volkswagen, and he’s still tinkering with improvements on the engine. He says it’s a source of pride and fun to work on, especially when his son Robby, 9, and daughter Lili, 8, join in. “She (Lili) likes working on the mechanical bugs,” he said beaming.

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

PHOTO BY MARK NESSIA

Business Profile

HEALTHSOUTH Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new at HealthSouth Bakersfield Rehabilitation Hospital? HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital is excited to announce its 20-bed expansion, planned to open by the end of the year. In total, it will become an 86-bed hospital, ready to serve our community as the only rehabilitation hospital in Kern County. What are the features and benefits of the new addition? The approximately $7.2 million expansion, mainly built by local contractors and suppliers, adds 20 beds in private rooms, bringing the total number of beds to 86. Each of the HealthSouth Bakersfield new rooms includes stateof-the-art equipment, Rehabilitation Hospital such as in-room oxygen 5001 Commerce Drive and specialized plumbing 661-323-5500 for on-site hemodialysis www.healthsouthbakersfield.com services. In addition, two deluxe rooms have been created with bariatric patients in mind, including wider doors, larger restrooms and built-in patient lifts for employee safety. Are you anticipating the hiring of any new personnel? Yes. Initially, 20 new positions have been added to the hospital

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Martha Samora, RN, CPHQ, FACHE, CEO

staff, including a nurse supervisor, registered nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, case manager and rehabilitation liaison. Two new physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) physicians have been recruited to treat the additional patients who can now be seen due to the HealthSouth Bakersfield Rehabilitation Hospital expansion, bringing more experts into the community.

Is there anything else youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like to share about HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital? HealthSouth is an acute rehabilitation hospital, not a skilled nursing facility or nursing home. All acute rehabilitation hospitals are strictly regulated by Medicare and have guidelines that must be followed in order to maintain their hospital status. At HealthSouth, each patient must be accepted and overseen by a physical medicine and rehabilitation physician (a doctor who specializes in rehabilitation). Our patients receive therapy three hours a day, five days a week by licensed therapists. HealthSouth is the only acute rehabilitation hospital within 100 miles of Bakersfield, so it is exciting to be able to offer more patients and their families access to the therapy they need to regain their independence. You can find out more about what to expect at HealthSouth by watching a video at healthsouthbakersfield.com/expectations.

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People & Community

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

By Lisa Kimble

RANGERS LEAD THE WAY

n a foxhole or on the front lines, America’s military will be well served to have more Jake Lermas in its ranks. The Bakersfield native and BHS alum managed to do what many have tried and failed: complete nine grueling weeks to become a member of the elite United States Army Ranger School’s historic class of 2015. Standing alongside the storied Ranger Brigade’s first two female graduates several months ago, Lerma became a witness to history as the 94 men and two women received the coveted black-and-gold Ranger tab at the ceremony at Fort Benning, Georgia. It was a radical change from a few years earlier when the outdoor enthusiast first considered a career in the legal profession after college. “I found myself sitting at a desk one day, thinking there has to be a way that I can work in the great outdoors, be an effective leader and make a difference every day,” 24-year-old Lerma recalled. “The military is a great opportunity to have a profound effect on a lot of people.” Knowing there would always be another shot at a career in law, he made an about-face. “You can only do what I’m doing while I’m young. I knew I wanted to work with people, to be an infantry leader on the ground,” Lerma said. He enlisted, made his way through the Army Officer Candidate School then volunteered for Ranger School. But nothing could have pre-

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pared the athletic Lerma for the arduous regimen ahead that put strength and endurance to the test. Sixty-one days of intense conflict management training, often described as the “toughest combat course in the world,” and considered the most physically and mentally challenging leadership program the Army has to offer. “It is not for the weak or fainthearted,” Lerma said with a laugh. The first phase, Darby, was by far the roughest, Lerma said. Then it was on to the rugged mountains of northern Georgia, which he described as the most challenging. For those who survived, the swamps of Florida awaited where field-training exercises simulating combat were held. “In Florida, you don’t sleep. Ten days seem like 40 and night missions get more complicated,” he said of what he called a “black” period. Lerma was only able to send two letters to his new wife. “Every day you think about quitting,” he said. By then, everyone, including Capt. Kristen Griest and 1st Lt. Shaye Haver, had proven their mettle. “I was immediately impressed with her (Haver) and she was a really big part of the squad success of Charlie Company,” Lerma said. Griest and Haver went through the Darby phases twice before continuing to become the first women ever to successfully complete the combatqualification program. Just how difficult the Ranger program is can be

Bakersfield Life Magazine

November 2015

Jake Lerma and his wife, Ema.

measured in numbers. According to the Army, 4,057 students attempted the rigorous course last year. Less than half – 1,609 – earned the Rangers tab. Only 9 percent of this year’s graduates were first-timers, including Lerma. The others had recycled from a previous phase. “I feel so blessed to be a part of that 9 percent. The first emotion I felt in Florida when I passed was that I left so many Lisa Kimble buddies

PHOTO COURTESY OF JAKE LERMA

Bakersfield native on the front lines of history

along the way,” he reflected. “Ranger buddies make sure you graduate. I thought, ‘I’m leaving all these guys who did not.’” Lerma was the only one of his four roommates to make it all the way. The next stop for 2nd Lt. Jake Lerma will be more training and settling in at Fort Wainwright, Alaska, with his wife, Ema. His goal, he says, is to be an infantry platoon leader on the front lines. They are the best of the best, and Lerma is well on his way, already having proven he has the right stuff. To learn more about the Army Ranger School, contact Jake Lerma at 925-389-0490.

FOR A CAUSE

SMALL IS BEAUTIFUL Children First Campaign enriches lives of some of Bakersfield’s smallest residents

hen it comes to making a difference, there are people who have great ideas but never put them into action, and there are those who see a need for change and do something about it. Those involved with the Children First Campaign are the doers. The Children First Campaign is a Bakersfield-based nonprofit organization that was “created to provide additional support and enrichment opportunities for children in underserved communities throughout Bakersfield,” said Executive Director Andrae Gonzales. “The idea was simple: In order to improve the condition in which our children live, we had to build a large coalition of caring and attentive adults to provide support and resources and build a safety net so tight that no child can fall through the cracks.” The primary focus for the past year and a half has been Williams Elementary School and its students and neighborhood. The school sits in east Bakersfield on Williams Street. The Children First Campaign has partnered with many in the community to create wonderful projects, not only for the students, but their families as well. “I saw that my community needed a lot of help,” said parent volunteer Juanita Contras. In doing so, she also wants to teach her daughter not to be selfish and to look out for her community. Children First has partnered with Keep Bakersfield Beautiful for cleanups, which take place every second Saturday of the month, picking up litter around the school and surrounding area. In December, they partnered with AARC Technology and Bright House Networks to provide no-interest loans to families so they would be able to purchase

The Williams neighborhood team of the Children First Campaign consists of 60 active parents and 50 students who are regularly involved in making the area a better place to live.

refurbished computers at a discounted rate with high-speed Internet. Williams School has “the fewest number of parents who are connected to the Internet and anywhere in the Bakersfield City School District,” which Gonzales says the nonprofit group is working to change. Most recently, Chevron partnered with Children First allowing students to take field trips over the summer to Los Angeles to see places like The Hollywood Bowl, the California Science Center, Griffith Observatory, The Getty Museum and the beach. They were also able to take local field trips to the Bakersfield Museum of Art, Beale Memorial Library and Cal State Bakersfield to “combat the summer learning loss,” said Gonzales. Their latest project is turning an empty

PHOTO BY MARK NESSIA

By Shelby Parker

lot on Monterey and Niles streets into a pocket park. It would be another way to bring the Williams neighborhood together to hold community activities, like Zumba, “movie in the park” nights, carnivals or swap meets. “There’s more collaboration and partnership happening among the families,” said Williams Elementary SChool Principal David Tapia. It has been a result of the community looking safer and more secure these days. While Gonzales says they hope to expand to other communities in the future, they don’t want to spread themselves too thin. Their motto is “small is beautiful,” and by focusing on this particular community, it gives them a chance to go deeper rather than wider. bakersfieldlife.com

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PERSONALITY

PHOTO BY HENRY A. BARRIOS

People & Community

Lance McCullah is an assistant football coach at BHS and is battling ALS.

LIVING WITH, NOT DYING FROM ALS High school football coach finds strength in adversity By Alexis Clark

iving with a debilitating disease isn’t easy, but Bakersfield native Lance McCullah doesn’t worry about it. In 2009, McCullah started to show symptoms such as weakening in his legs and muscles. Three years later, he was diagnosed with ALS. ALS, short for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, is also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. It involves the death of motor neurons, which carry signals from the spinal cord to the muscles to produce movement. It can also cause difficulty in swallowing, speaking and eventually breathing. Despite its challenges, McCullah does not let the disease 114

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control his life. For years, he has been involved in the Bakersfield community and plans to continue to do so until he’s unable. For 11 years, he’s been part of the football coaching staff at Bakersfield High School. He believes that being around his players and other coaches while having their support helps him stay positive and upbeat. “I want to make an impact and help out my players any way that I can,” McCullah said. Although, during practices and games, he is limited to being in a wheelchair, he doesn’t let it change his mentality. His goal is to teach them what they need to know and succeed on and off the field. Any adversity, he said, can be overcome with positivity and determination, and his players agree. “Coach (McCullah) has impacted the way that I look at my life when things are difficult and not going as smooth as I would like them,” said Chris Hannible a former BHS quarterback. “He’s taught me how to fight adversity and how it’s up to you on how you will handle it. Either you’re going to let it break you and make you want to give up, or you’re going to choose to fight and find a way to stay positive and get through the hard times.” Not only does McCullah impact his players on the team,

PHOTO BY CASEY CHRISTIE

McCullah receiving a proclamation from Bakersfield Mayor Harvey Hall (not pictured) for his outstanding leadership and volunteer work in the community.

but he helps others in the community. McCullah and his wife, Leeta, have been involved in ministry at Bakersfield First Assembly of God for more than two decades. They were youth leaders for 12 years. Lance has been on more than 35 missionary trips to Central and South America to help build churches, hospitals, houses and more. He’s also volunteered and helped with Teen Challenge, a

substance abuse recovery and prevention program for men and women. At age 27, married and with two children, Lance developed a drug addiction. As a former drug addict who recovered with the help of the program, he felt it was right to give back and help those in his previous position. In 2013, Bakersfield Mayor Harvey Hall proclaimed June 5 as Lance McCullah Day. The same year, he received the Kern Leadership Alliance Award for being a servant to the community. Yet he’s not the award-seeking person. “I don’t find the things that I do to be considered extraordinary; I just find them being normal,” Lance said. In 2014, the ALS ice bucket challenge swept the nation. People everywhere were participating in the challenge by dumping buckets of ice on each other or donating money to the ALS Association, although some did both. Many people from the Bakersfield community made videos and mentioned Lance saying, “This one is for you!” The average life expectancy of an ALS patient after diagnosis is three to five years. Lance has already surpassed the average. “No matter what you’re going through, you don’t have to surrender to it,” he said. “It’s a choice. “Adversity makes you stronger. I’m a very transparent person. If my story ends up impacting someone else and helping them in their own life, then I feel like I’ve made a difference.”

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People & Community

FA M I LY V E R D I C T

By Katy Raytis

LIFE IS ALL ABOUT THE JOURNEY

he secret to “family time” is a flat tire, a dead battery or both. About two weeks ago, we went through a six-day stretch that included two flat tires and a dead battery. Translation: We were down to one car, meaning we had to go everywhere together. This was a lot of family time. It was like going on a road trip minus the cool destinations. After replacing two sets of tires and a battery, we couldn’t have afforded the Disneyland Grand Californian Hotel anyway. When the kids were little, car time wasn’t about going places (unless you count driving around the block for hours so they would stop screaming). Those days were consumed with trying to figure out how to get them in and out of car seats. I was more excited when they graduated from car seats than from diapers. Diapers might have an off smell, but so does a car seat after a few bouts of car sickness. At least diapers don’t involve a fivepoint harness and four nylon straps that hook into the floorboard of the car. Maybe my inability to understand how a car seat works is due to

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the brain damage I sustained rolling around in the back of a Suburban knocking heads with my three sisters. Having one car for two working parents and three activity-plagued kids requires serious planning. After six days, I felt like I had earned an honorary logistics degree, not to mention the forced marital therapy that follows from driving your spouse to and from every work appointment. Did “for better or for worse” include the car, too? I love Dan, but he’s easier to love when he doesn’t try to take control of my car radio or eat lunch at KC Steakhouse instead of just staying at his office and starving. When you have three kids, forget the house because you live in the car. Our third child has been raised in the back seat. I’ve never had a conversation with her that didn’t start with “OK, honey, put your seatbelt on.” School, volleyball, art,

November 2015

died in 2012. soccer, cheerleading, birthHowever, the biggest day parties, orthodontist, thing I learned during our cotillion. My life is really just nondestination road trip was the great kid shuffle, but with how little time we spend one car, we were now all shuffling together like prison- together just being silly. We painted the town with some ers in a chain gang. serious family bonding, We learned things in our made up words to songs, six-day, one-car span. Dan organized back-seat flash learned that I don’t know mobs, pulled Dad’s cheeks anything about tires since I back so it looked like he was told the guy at the tire shop that he could just throw away driving in hyperspeed – it was a happy road trip, and the old tire. Turns out there is we hadn’t even left the city a wheel part that you need to limits. keep. We learned that Evy, Whoever said, “Life is all who has thus far seemed illitabout the journey,” must erate, can actually read. At least, she can read every “rest have had a few flat tires. I thought that the car took us in peace” sticker within a 3to where life happens, but I mile radius. I’m not sure realized that a lot of life actuwhen we moved from “baby ally happens in the car. If you on board” to the cemetery are feeling disroster, but that trend connected from seems to have taken your family, try off. It felt like every driving over a time a happy Taylor few nails. You Swift song came on, might be surwe would get a tiny prised where the voice from the back road ends up seat informing us Katy Raytis taking you. about someone who

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Cory Harris

PHOTO COURTESY OF HARRIS FAMILY

H O M E TOW N H E R O

PHOTO COURTESY OF HARRIS FAMILY

People & Community

Dylan Harris

CORY AND DYLAN HARRIS Similar interests lead twins to join Marine Corps By Shelby Parker

rowing up, twin brothers Dylan and Cory Harris had a lot of similar interests and did a lot of the same things. That was fine with them. Although identical in appearance, their personalities set them apart. Dylan says he has a shorter temper and tends to say what’s on his mind more and always has a plan, while Cory is generally a pretty happy person and goes with the flow. Born and raised in Bakersfield and graduates of Frontier High School, the

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21-year-old brothers both enlisted in the Marine Corps after high school. Dylan didn’t feel that school was for him, so on Oct. 22, 2012, he decided to give the military a shot. He had looked into other branches of military, including the Air Force, but the Marines were the first to pick him up. He’d heard good things about their branch and decided to go with them. Cory was taking classes at Bakersfield College and was working night shifts at Target but wasn’t making much, especially while having to pay for his own schooling. He had seen Dylan go through boot camp and it

looked like he had everything going for him, so he decided to join a year later. “If he made it, I can make it,” said Cory. He also added that because he had seen Dylan’s journey prior to joining, he was able to “mentally prepare” for what was to come. Though their family doesn’t necessarily have a strong military background, the Harris boys’ father and grandfather served some time in the Air Force and one of their uncles was in the Navy. “My first reaction was pride in

them for wanting to serve our country and about five seconds later, I had a nervous butterfly in my tummy and started to ask questions,” said their mother, Angelia Harris. Both Harris men are lance corporal E-3s, which means they are ranked above private first class and below corporal. They are the workers and the backbones of their jobs. Dylan is an electrician and sets up power grids while in the field at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center in Twentynine Palms, California, and Cory is a technician at Camp Pendleton near San Diego. Throughout their time serving in the military, the young men have learned valuable lessons, like people skills, not taking things for granted and expecting the worst. The twins have been in the Marine Corps for a while now, and Angelia says she’s proud of her boys. They have always been “good, respectful kids/young men,” but after boot camp, there was a good change in them. While the boys are not likely to re-enlist, their parents are on their side either way. “Their dad and I have been talking to them about the positive in it if they did stay in,” Angelia said. “Whatever they decide, I think this has been a great experience for both of them.”

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People & Community

WHY I LIVE HERE

RICK GOMEZ Come for the food, stay for the people By Barry Ramirez

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PHOTO BY MARK NESSIA

t was a pleasing accident that Rick Gomez found Bakersfield. Having been raised in North Hollywood, his father, who worked as a head chef at Vallarta Supermarkets, traveled from city to city throughout California teaching local Vallarta chefs how to prepare tasty foods. By chance, one of the cities he was assigned to was Bakersfield, and in 2001, the family decided to make the move. Gomez, 26, is currently the special events coordinator at Metro Galleries in the Downtown Arts District. He was most drawn to journalism in high school, but soon found his interest waning. “I really just like interacting with people,” Gomez said — an inspiring accomplishment for someone who was chronically bullied in high school for being gay. Rather than sliding straight into college after graduation like many of his classmates, Gomez made the stern choice to enter the job market, find his passion and work his way up in his chosen field. He is excited about the evolving appreciation of the art scene in Bakersfield. “I haven’t seen so many people downtown in years,” Gomez said. Apart from busily coordinating weddings and art shows, Gomez donates part of his time to working for Sisters for a Cause, a charity organization dedicated to spreading AIDS awareness. When he isn’t working or giving himself to charity, Gomez most enjoys working on his burgeoning toy collection. While he has been fervent about the WWE and Marvel in the past, Gomez’s current obsession is Pop bobbleheads.

What is your favorite restaurant in Bakersfield? I really like Chef’s Choice Noodle Bar. How would you describe Bakersfield to people? It’s a double-edged sword. It has a small-town vibe, but also that big feeling of the city. Where is your favorite place to vacation? I enjoy going to Napa Valley to get

away. I go to enjoy the wine there, and I have friends in the Bay Area. What is your favorite place in Bakersfield? I like going to Hot Topic, Barnes & Noble, The Padre and Mama Roomba. What compels you to stay in Bakersfield? Family and friends keep me here. And my partner is another reason. I don’t have anything against Bakersfield, except the heat.

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

Ridgeview quarterback Lawrence White (7) runs to the sideline during first-half action against Frontier.

PICK YOUR POISON Ridgeview star a playmaker on offense and defense By Stephen Lynch

or the past two years, opponents of the Ridgeview football team have had the nightmarish task of trying to deal with the immense athletic ability of quarterback Lawrence White. White has been an unstoppable 122

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offensive force, as he’s used his speed and elusiveness to rack up a slew of yardage and touchdowns for the always-dangerous Wolf Pack offense. But this season things have gotten even worse for opposing coaches. They now have to deal with White on defense.

November 2015

After spending his sophomore and junior years playing primarily on offense, this season White is branching out more. Arguably the most prodigious offensive threat in Kern County is now being utilized much more on defense as a starting cornerback. The expanded role of White paid off almost immediately for Ridgeview. The 6-foot, 175-pounder had two interceptions in the Wolf Pack’s second game of the season, a 29-14 victory over powerful Liberty. With that win, Ridgeview improved to a stellar 22-8 during White’s varsity

PHOTO BY NICK ELLIS

People & Community

career. Two years ago, White helped Ridgeview reach the Central Section Division II championship game. Last season, he led the Wolf Pack to a D-II title and a berth in the state playoffs. Despite the presence of 2,270-yard rusher Sheldon Croney in the backfield with him, White amassed 1,228 passing yards, 1,077 rushing yards and 26 total touchdowns a year ago. With Croney now at Iowa State, White is primed to put up even bigger numbers this year. But for him, the 2015 season isn’t about individual accomplishments. “We have a great group of guys this year,” White said. “We

“

Lawrence White • Born June 13, 1998, in Bakersfield.

We have a great group of guys this year.

• Family includes mother Aasia Newsome, step father Aldon Newsome and younger sister Janae Hutson.

— Lawrence White

• Started playing organized football at age 7.

have a lot of young guys but they are really maturing and are stepping up. … I expect a winning season this year. That’s what we’re ultimately trying to do: win as many games as possible. For me, I just want to be the best leader I can be for my team.” Being a team leader, White was more than willing to take on the added stress of starting both ways. He actually prefers playing defense over offense. However, he still enjoys his role as quarterback, too. “It’s fun being on both sides of the ball, being able to try to make plays on both sides to help the team out the best way you can,” White said. All of White’s gridiron exploits have drawn the attention of several colleges including Colorado State, Iowa State, Nevada, Washington State, Fresno State and Eastern Washington. Most of the schools pursuing White are recruiting him to play defensive back. White didn’t even think about playing college football until a couple of years ago.

• Has been a member of the Ridgeview varsity track team, competing in the long jump, triple jump and 400-meter relay since his fresh man year.

”

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• Qualified for the Central Section Championships in the long jump last year. His personal record is 23 feet, 9 inches. • Last year was named first team All-Area and All-SWYL in football. • Hobbies include playing video games and riding dirt bikes.

“The end of my sophomore year is when it really dawned on me that that’s what I wanted to do,” White said. “That’s when I started training extra hard. “Not to sound overconfident but I pretty much I believe I can almost play any position on the field. Even if I can’t, I really do think I can in my mind.” bakersfieldlife.com

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

Condors forward Andrew Miller, far left, begins to celebrate as the puck gets past Grand Rapids goalie Tom McCollum for the first goal in Condors AHL history.

ALL EYES ON BAKERSFIELD Hockey fans get to know Bakersfield as the Condors enter the AHL

Story and photos by Mark Nessia

t was a typical downtown Bakersfield scene in early October. The aroma of freshly popped kettle corn filled the air mixed with the chatter of fans gathered in front of Rabobank Arena eagerly awaiting the start of a new hockey 124

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season. But something was different. What was once maroon and black is now blue and orange and what was once an arena for Double-A players is now home to those “one step away” from the NHL. This wasn’t the same Bakersfield Condors people have watched over the past 12 years. On Jan. 29, it was announced that a Pacific Division consisting of five California teams would begin play during the 2015-2016 season in the American Hockey League. The Condors was one of those teams. It was the latest chapter for an organization that continues to grow the sport of hockey in Bakersfield and gives outsiders a glimpse of the city hockey fans have come to know as Condorstown.

A Hockey Team Built Around Community The landscape of minor league sports is always changing. While many teams are content with surviving those changes, the Condors have managed to thrive. By creating a family friendly product and combining it with creative promotions, the Condors consistently draw thousands of fans to games year after year. But the true reason behind the Condors’ overwhelming support and success takes place off the ice – something that may get lost among the line brawls, loose birds and Undie Sundays. The Condors have helped raise more than $5.3 million for local charities and nonprofits since 1998. “We are at two decades of professional hockey in Bakersfield,” said

Andrew Miller was the first Condor to get called up to the NHL on Oct. 19. Kevin Bartl, Condors vice president of communications. “Half of the American Hockey League markets that have teams were not around 20 years ago. “Our connection with the community is the only logical explanation. We’ve made an effort over the years … that no matter what happened here, we were going to be community partners. We were going to help nonprofits raise money and help be a part of the community.” A Taste of Bakersfield The move to the AHL required the relocation of the Oklahoma City Barons to Bakersfield. That meant a change of scenery for players, coaches and staff. Over the course of his career, Condors coach Gerry Fleming made stops in seven different cities before coming to Bakersfield in the beginning of August. It didn’t take him long to see what Bakersfield is all about. “It’s a great family community,” he said. “A lot of people have a steep history in this city; they’re very proud of their city.” Those relocating from OKC aren’t the only ones getting acquainted with Bakersfield. The move to the AHL has attracted the attention of media organizations and hockey fans from around the world. The Bakersfield Condors and Rabobank Arena are even featured in “NHL 16,” the latest installment of Electronic Arts’ hockey video game franchise,

where gamers can play as the Condors. “There’s more eyes on the organization,” said Ryan Holt, Condors director of media relations and broadcasting. “More people care. For a lot of people, it’s their first exposure to what the Condors are and to what Bakersfield is.” A New Generation of Fans Bakersfield is a football and soccer town. Yet a sport played on ice has managed to win over those who grew up playing and watching sports played on turf. “This is an area that has plenty of hockey fans, but it doesn’t make up the largest segment of Condors fans,” Condors President Matthew Riley said. “The largest segment is folks that didn’t grow up playing or following the sport, but they’ve been exposed to the sport through the Condors.” That exposure has led to increased interest in hockey across all ages. Now new generations are exposed to the sport at an earlier age and have opportunities to get involved via youth and recreational leagues. This trend will only continue to grow and create generation after generation of hockey fans in Bakersfield – Condors fans. “Now we have people bringing their kids to Condors games who came to Condors games when they were kids,” said Bartl. “That’s crazy.”

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O U R TOW N

Owner Darci Atkinson shares a laugh with Grapery employees during a private cooking party Sept. 17 at The Kitchen.

COOKING UP FLAVORS AT THE KITCHEN Fun, unique cuisine experience found downtown By Laura Liera

Photos by Mark Nessia

he aroma of sauteed asparagus sizzling over medium heat wafted through the air on a recent Thursday evening at the latest hot spot on 20th Street. The Kitchen is Bakersfield’s newest functional commercial teaching kitchen in town. What started off as a kitchen to offer hands-on cooking classes for kids

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turned into a space where locals can cook with friends while taking in the unique experience. For owner Darci Atkinson, cooking is a skill that anyone can acquire and do, regardless of age. “You can always open your cupboards and refrigerator and find something to cook,” she said. For private hands-on cooking par-

ties – like the one Grapery hosted for a few of its employees – everyone gets a white apron, a cutting board and a chef’s knife. The evening’s menu is read by Atkinson and her staff passes out ingredients for each course, which includes dessert. As Linda Kreick, 66, sauteed chopped asparagus, she said the night was just beginning and she was already having a blast. “I do a lot of cooking at home but this is fun, interacting with everyone,” Kreick said as her husband, John, leaned in to echo her thought. Throughout the night, Atkinson makes her rounds around the different stations and gives tips on how to season ingredients, how to chop different veg-

PETROLEUM CLUB of BAKERSFIELD

IVE R D MEMBERFEASTUHRINIP G Above: Peter and Toni Frantz work together as they slice and prep focaccia for dinner. Top left: Suzy Friesen is all smiles as she crisps some pancetta, which will be used in a salad. Bottom left: Matchstick zucchini salad with pecorino cheese and pancetta. Below: Brett Ries inspects the tilapia, ensuring both sides are evenly cooked.

, STEVEFLORES N, JANICESTINSON, JOHNSTINSON JOEDREW, RICKDAVIS, DENNISWILSO

November 12, 2015 etables and why not to zest the white part of a lemon. When it opened in February, Atkinson didn’t expect the idea of The Kitchen to catch on like it has. Today, reservations for parties in November are already being booked. Whether people are learning to chop parsley for the first time or just want to learn a few cooking tricks, the vibe at The Kitchen is welcoming. Atkinson admits she enjoys eating out because there is nothing better than someone serving you a hot meal. “But I also think it’s OK to get in your kitchen and spend an

6 pm • $75/person $125/couple, $500 Table of 8

hour or 30 minutes cooking something just as delicious at home,” she noted. Atkinson’s cooking advice: Don’t get nervous when it comes to cooking. Learn flavors and spices so you can reach into your cupboard and refrigerator to cook something healthy.

Featuring live music by One Night Stand, dancing, silent auction and raffle prizes. Includes bountiful appetizer displays, Prime Rib carvery, complimentary butler passed champagne cocktails, and a no-host smoking martini bar. Reservations are required. Contact the Club for tickets. To donate an auction or raffle item, contact Weldon Sons at (661) 324-6561.

Petroleum Club of Bakersfield 5060 California Avenue • 12th Floor • 324-6561 *24-Hour cancellation notice required for refunds. Non-members may pay by cash or credit card.

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I N S I D E STO RY

Cruz Thru’s newest location on Gosford Road has a Jurassic theme.

A SMARTER WAY TO WASH YOUR CAR Cruz Thru continues to find innovative ways to conserve water By Barry Ramirez

Photos by Mark Nessia

ith the end of the California drought nowhere in sight, companies statewide are seeking innovative methods to conserve water. Cruz Thru, a car wash company with seven locations in Bakersfield, has developed a water reclamation system that recycles 90 percent of the water used in one wash cycle. While Cruz Thru has relentlessly sought ways to conserve water since the company first launched in 2002, it has recently completed a $500,000 project to enhance

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its water reclamation system. The recycle process, while creative, is simple. The water that is used to wash the car is collected into a large tank beneath the conveyor that tows the car through the length of the wash. From this underground tank, the water sifts to another tank below it where mud and large impurities are caught. The water is then filtered, injected with ozone to purify it and stored in large cylindrical vats, ready to be reused. While driving your car through the car wash during the drought may seem irresponsible, more water is wasted when you wash your car at home. It is estimated that it requires 150 gallons of water to wash your car at home. Other conveyor car washes use 30 to 40 gallons of water while Cruz Thru uses only 20 gallons. Outside of the water reclamation system, Cruz Thru has taken other steps to conserve water by using artificial turf, decorative rock and drought-resistant vegetation. “We are always looking for a better, smarter way to wash a car,” said JoAnna Smith, Cruz Thru assistant director of operations. “And people are at the heart of what we do.”

Cruz Thru’s water reclamation system recycles 90 percent of water used in a single car wash.

The Gosford Cruz Thru location tells the story of PT Dac as drivers progress through the car wash.

Experiments are constantly taking place behind the scenes to find more effective and efficient ways to wash cars.

A clean car and a happy ending to PT Dac’s story awaits at the end of a Cruz Thru car wash. Customers drive through an active volcano at the entrance of Cruz Thru’s Gosford location.

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POWER COUPLE

PHOTO BY MICHAEL LOPEZ

People & Community

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BRIAN AND TRACIE MONROE Bakersfield couple celebrates 19 years of marriage

By Barry Ramirez

espite their initial attraction, Brian and Tracie Monroe made a rare decision seen these days – to base their relationship on an enduring friendship. While in high school, they orbited a similar circle of friends. Brian and Tracie didn’t become romantically involved until late in their high school careers. Eventually, the couple chose to attend UC Davis together. Within a month after graduation, they were married. This year, the Monroes will be celebrating 19 years of marriage. Professionally, Brian practices as a physical therapist at Glinn and Giordarno, and Tracie stays home. But, as she sternly warned, “rarely am I home.” The Monroes have two daughters, Lindsay, 13, and Megan, 12, and Tracie

“

We support each other. No matter what each other is doing, I think we get on the bandwagon and try to support the other one through that activity or get involved in it, too. We don’t go different directions very often.

”

is actively involved in all their school activities. In addition, she teaches a ballet class at the Civic Dance Center, where she used to dance as a child. The Monroes enjoy teaching Sunday school at their church, First Presbyterian, to fourth-, fifth-, and sixth-graders.

How did you guys meet? Brian: We actually met at our church here in town in high school. We went away to college together ... and we we’re married right after UC Davis before I went to grad school. What was your first date like? We went to see a movie after a highschool football game and got pizza. We saw “Father of the Bride.” That was in ’91. We we’re friends for a long time before we had our first date. We hung out with the same crowd and did a lot together. We did that for about six months before we had our first date. What’s his/her best quality? Brian: I would say Tracie’s willingness to serve and help others. I think she has a strong desire wherever our kids are to be involved in what they are doing to help better them and whatever that organization is that they are involved with. Tracie: One of the first things that attracted me to Brian was his kindness to everyone, and he is still the same way. It hasn’t changed. He respects everybody. What are you most proud about in each other? We support each other. No matter what each other is doing, I think we get on the bandwagon and try to support the other one through that activity or get involved in it, too. We don’t go different directions very often. What do you think has been the formula for your successful marriage? Be willing to put the other’s needs first. Be willing to pray with each other and for each other, and our family. … We have that belief that no matter what, we’re going to stick it out one way or another.

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People & Community

H I STO RY

‘THE GREATEST DEMONSTRATION’ Bakersfield’s celebration for WWI veterans like no other

By Julie Plata

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PHOTO COURTESY OF THE KERN COUNTY MUSEUM USED BY PERMISSION

t 11 a.m. on Nov. 11, 1919, the residents of Bakersfield experienced a ruckus like no other. Drums boomed, horns blared and voices shouted throughout the city’s streets. But these were not warning sounds – they were the sounds of a great celebration. Exactly one year earlier, at the very same hour 5,000 miles away, an armistice between the Allied nations and Germany unofficially ended World War I. Five months later, on June 28, 1919, the Treaty of Versailles officially ended “The Great War,” and soon the first international day of patriotic remembrance was established – Armistice Day. President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation to the nation’s citizens that declared Nov. 11, 1919, as the first commemoration of Armistice Day. Small towns and large cities alike planned parades and celebrations to honor those who served in World War I. The residents of Bakersfield united to plan a day of festivities guaranteed to insure an Armistice Day celebration to remember. Bakersfield Mayor Jay A. Hinman issued his own proclamation to the readers of the Nov. 5, 1919, Bakersfield Californian that stated, “It has been ordained by the council of the city of Bakersfield that Armistice Day, Nov. 11, 1919, be declared a legal holiday.” Hinman urged businesses to close for the day and adorn the premises with patriotic decorations. In the days leading up to the events, the Bakersfield Morning Echo ran fullpage ads honoring the soldiers, sailors, marines and nurses who proudly served.

On Nov. 9, 1919, the paper praised Kern County’s 3,676 brave sons who “met every call 100 percent strong.” Every member of the community was expected to do their part to honor the veterans. The commander of the G.A.R. (Grand Army of the Republic) went so far as to issue General Order No. 8 in the Nov. 11 issue of the Bakersfield Morning Echo to all members of the Hurlbut Post No. 127, Grand Army of the Republic, Hurlbut Corps No. 115, Woman’s Relief Corps, Daughters of Veterans and Sons of Veterans. The order required members to participate in the Armistice Day festivities or face the punishment of being “court martialed and drummed out of camp with the

November 2015

usual ceremonies.” Members of Bakersfield lodge No. 266, B.P.O.E. were urged to participate as well and told to “remember the eye of Kern County IS on you.” Bakersfield’s first celebration of Armistice Day started at 10 a.m. on a fair Tuesday morning. Four American Legion posts, the G.A.R, veterans of the SpanishAmerican War, Daughters of Veterans, Sons of Veterans, Red Cross nurses, Canteen Committee, Boy Scouts, Woman’s Relief Corps, Salvation Army, representatives from fraternal and labor groups, as well as school children and citizens joined together in a parade that started at City Hall. Hubbard’s Garage hosted a lunch

banquet, veterans competed in sporting events at the recreation baseball park and everyone was invited to three different dances. The schedule kept the revelers busy past midnight. The following day, the Bakersfield Californian deemed the day “the greatest demonstration ever held in this city” and it “befittingly honored the return of 3,000odd service men and the first anniversary of peace after the World War.” Armistice Day celebra-

tions continued throughout the United States in honor of World War I veterans until June 1, 1954, when Public Law 83 (HR 7786) changed the day to Veteran’s Day. Military men and women who served in all wars are now honored every year on Nov. 11. The reminder from 1919 that “lest we forget” still rings true 96 years after Bakersfield celebrated the first Armistice Day, as residents still join together to honor Kern County’s brave men and women.

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REAL PEOPLE

ONE CHILD AT A TIME Boys and Girls Club impacts children’s lives, teaches life lessons By Breana Oliver

Photo by Michael Lopez

t’s 10 a.m. and Chris Molina meets with his five area program directors to discuss the goals for the week for the 62 Kern County Boys and Girls Club locations that he directs. The coffee is piping hot on a typical Monday for the director of operations of the largest Boys and

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Girls Club in the United States. After meeting with his area program directors, Molina calls an allhands-on-deck meeting with his managers, where they review attendance numbers, present new findings, organize site visits and disperse resources. Wrapping up his morning meet-

ings, Molina prepares to spend his afternoon doing what he loves: interacting with the staff and kids at his sites. When he arrives at a site for a visit, Molina meets with the site coordinator, supervisors and staff members to see what the property’s needs are and determine what resources are needed to solve those challenges. Plans are made and Molina starts his work behind the scenes, organizing donations, meeting with partners and providing professional development for the staff, all in the spirit of progressing the after-school program. “When I’m walking around on a site visit and a child stops what they’re doing to come and say hi to me, it makes all the difference in the world,”

Chris Molina is the director of operations for all Boys and Girls Clubs in Kern County.

said Molina. “It lets me know that the impact that we’re making on the community is real and what we’re doing is right.” A child of the Boys and Girls club himself, Molina knows firsthand what it’s like to grow up through the program and the lifelong lessons it teaches you. From values like sportsmanship and teamwork, to pillars of character, such as responsibility and leadership, the Boys and Girls Club teaches its members important life skills that will make an impact – an impact that Molina continues to feel today. While he wouldn’t change

anything specific about his job, Molina is always looking for ways to reach every child that needs it, even if there are obstacles in the way. “Sometimes the challenges we face aren’t a lack of resources, but a lack of commitment from the parents to allow their children to attend the program,” Molina said. “That’s what can be the most frustrating.” But Molina doesn’t let those roadblocks prevent him from doing his job and making a difference in the lives of the club members and his staff. One man, changing lives, one child at a time. bakersfieldlife.com

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PRIME FINDS

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A.V. Max Monogram Necklace Handmade in the USA, these beautiful designer necklaces come in a variety of monogrammed letters and semi-precious stone colors; 36-inch chain, 1-inch coin. Christine’s, 4915 Stockdale Highway, 834-3068.

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See You At The Top Gala Date: Sept. 18 Held at The Westchester Photos by Carla Rivas View these photos and more at bakersfieldlife.com.

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H.A. Sala, Sylvia Mendez, Connie Perez and Marcos Rodriguez

Mayor Harvey Hall and Chris Dutton

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Date: Sept. 19 Held at The Park at River Walk Photos by Carla Rivas View these photos and more at bakersfieldlife.com.

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Hoffman Hospice Home Open House Date: Sept. 19 Held at Hoffman Hospice Home Photos by Jan St Pierre View these photos and more at bakersfieldlife.com.

Marlene and Phil Haws

Rebecca Canizales and Angela Aguilar

Jeannie and George Bishop

Judy Snyder and Darlyn Baker

David and Sherry Brands

Gretchen Daughtery, Darci Nieto and Sheila Fryer

Barbara, Gary and Deanna Calkins 140

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Denise Collins and Dolores Lee

Althea Newhouse and Barbara Stowe

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Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra Stilian Kirov Meet and Greet

Ira and Carole Cohen

Lynn and Wayne Deats

Date: Sept. 26 Held at Imbibe Wine & Spirits Photos by Jan St Pierre View these photos and more at bakersfieldlife.com.

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Chris and Cynthia Smizer and Pam and Neil Walker bakersfieldlife.com

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Mendiburu Foundation Pyrenees Fiesta Date: Oct. 3 Held at Bakersfield City Firefighters Hall Photos by Jan St Pierre View these photos and more at bakersfieldlife.com.

Julian and Lisa Aguinaga and Melissa and Tony Donez

Brian and Valerie Mendiburu

Connie and Lyle Martin

Kelly and Evan Demestihas 142

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Yvonne and David Lopez

Julie and Larry McCurtain

Kenn Shanley and Adoree Roberson November 2015

Francisco Perez, John Surface, Marvin Fuller and Jim Madden

Brenda and Mike Payne

Beauty and Joe Roberson

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Gospel Fest Date: Oct. 4 Held at Bright House Networks Amphitheatre Photos by Rod Thornburg View these photos and more at bakersfieldlife.com.

Kevin and Helen Henson

Abigail, Mercedes and Elijah Naurot and Lilia Orozco Martinez

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Megan Simpson and Courtney Wade

Tracy Gibson and Pam Dally

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Ella Flores and Susan Golino

Brendan-Keefer-Johns and Patty Keefer bakersfieldlife.com

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11th Annual Dolores Huerta Foundation Golf Classic Date: Oct. 9 Held at The Links at RiverLakes Ranch Photos by Mark Nessia View these photos and more at bakersfieldlife.com.

Jay Tamsi, Dolores Huerta, Esai Morales and Dennis Leoni

Terri Agcaoili and Julie Juarez-Ceja

Jose Solano and Camille Shepherd

Steve Smith, Emilio Huerta and Buddy Ramsey

Johnny Ortiz and Maria Mesa

Arnulfo Puentes and Tony Morales

Eduardo Chavez, Dolores Huerta, Paul Chavez and Adriana Novoa

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877.314.7511 BakersfieldHyundai.com

99 Music Festival Date: Oct. 10 Held at CSUB Amphitheater Photos by Carla Rivas View these photos and more at bakersfieldlife.com.

Yohana Ruiz and Johnny Quintero

Pat Fields, Darlene Schimnowski, Velma Munis and Grace Ware

Diane Rosso and Christa Jones

Tedra and Chris Alexander

Tina Oats and Robyn McClain

Renee McQueen and Charlotte Popejoy

Sarah and Katie Woodman

John and Susan Boyles, Jamie and Troy Burden

Decorate For A Cause! Be Part of A Kern County 20th Annual Holiday Tradition Treat yourself, your friends, family and clients to beautiful poinsettia plants this season. Proceeds help the American Lung Association in California grow its awardwinning programs that promote lung health and prevent lung disease. *SPECIAL EDITION* Red Glitter A beautiful hybrid of the traditional red and classic white poinsettias. Poinsettia prices range from $6 to $20. Traditional Red and Classic White poinsettias also available for purchase.

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People & Community

LAST WORD

DEALING WITH GRIEF DURING THE HOLIDAY SEASON There are reasons to smile even during the darkest of times By Cheryl Scott

s an only child, I treasured our holiday gatherings, filled with my large and animated extended family. As an adult, I appreciate those get-togethers even more. But now, there’s an empty chair at our holiday table. Even while part of me is looking forward to Thanksgiving and Christmas, I already know I’ll be missing someone special as we enter the second holiday season without my mom. The holidays often bring added stress and heartache for those who are grieving. Whether it’s the passing of a loved one, the end of a relationship or maybe even the “anticipatory grief” of knowing a loved one’s days are short, the coming months can be challenging. I’ve come across many suggestions for coping with grief and loss, especially during the holidays. Here are four that have helped me the most: Be kind to yourself Marriage and family therapist Rosie Witt often counsels people grappling with grief and she advises clients, first and foremost, to be kind to themselves. “Take time for yourself,” she says. “When you are tired, rest. When the calendar is filled with parties and activities, choose what you feel up to doing and forgo the rest.” If you normally prepare the entire holiday meal on your own, ask for help, or ask someone else to host this time. Family and friends will likely be happy to relieve some of your stress. Rethink your traditions “Business as usual” may not be possible during a time of grieving. After 50 146

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November 2015

years of Christmas Eves at my parents’ house, the family party was moved to my aunt’s house. The change was good for everyone! Mom’s grieving sister was kept busy and distracted by the new responsibility, and the rest of us (including my dad) appreciated the new setting. Some traditions, on the other hand, may be the best way to honor your loved one. Whether it’s decorating for Thanksgiving, or sending out Christmas cards, the decision is yours. Just remember to refer back to suggestion No. 1 on a regular basis and be kind to yourself! Talk about it Now is not the time to be stoic and keep your feelings inside. Spend time with people who understand and consider finding a counselor who can help sort through your feelings. Not everyone, even some of your closest friends, will be equipped to give you the empa-

thy and wisdom you need right now; seek out those who can do it and try to be patient with those who cannot. Give yourself permission to smile and even feel a moment of joy Even in our darkest times, there are moments that bring a smile to our faces. A baby’s laugh, singing with family or a holiday memory of your lost loved one can be powerful enough to bring a moment of happiness. Let yourself smile and know that it won’t feel this way forever. The pain will always be there, in some form, but it will soften over time. Gearing up for the holidays during a time of mourning is difficult; there’s no way around it. Take heart in knowing the buildup is often tougher than the holiday itself. Just do your best and take it one day at a time.

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