Bakersfield Life Magazine August 2013 by The Bakersfield Californian Specialty Publications

August 2013

bakersfieldlife.com

Kern Life SPECIAL ISSUE Ask a local about their town Dining Divas try Taft cuisine Food Dudes dine in Tehachapi Bakersfield College turns

100 Taste Kern River’s

brews and chews

Discover Kern Valley

paddleboarding

San Joaquin Hospital 13198058

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F E A T U R E S August 2013

KERN LIFE Dive into this issue focused on the interesting people and activities throughout our great Kern County. Food Dudes visit a Tehachapi steakhouse, and the Dining Divas try Thai cuisine in Taft. Check out the brews and chews at Kern River Brewing Co. in Kernville and join Lois Henry as she paddleboards in Lake Isabella. And much more!

84 ASK A LOCAL As the saying goes, â&#x20AC;&#x153;When in Kern County, do as the Kern Countians do.â&#x20AC;? We ask longtime local residents across the county to share their favorite things about their towns.

108 CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION This school year, Bakersfield College will celebrate 100 years of local higher education. Learn how our community college came to be, why this centennial is so special, 10 important figures in BC history, and a calendar of centennial events throughout the school year. 6

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August 2013

D E P A R T M E N T S August 2013

13 32 34 36

Up Front It Manners a Lot Kelly Damian Dining Divas

40 44 50 56 58 60 68 70 72 76 116 126 130 134 136

Food Dudes Food and Wine Foodie Entertainment Hometown Hero On the Road Why I Live Here All-Star Athlete Talk of the Town For a Cause Business Profiles Pastimes Home and Garden History Our Town

138 142 146 152 156

Community Neighborhood Spotlight Ladies Whoâ&#x20AC;Ś Personality Real People

156

160 164 168 170 172 182

Fit and Fresh Trip Planner Health and Wellness Prime Finds SNAP! Inside Story

164 160

Bakersfield Life Magazine

August 2013

a new sip of bliss Enjoy a delicious moment with a McCafé Strawberry Banana, Mango Pineapple, or new Blueberry Pomegranate Smoothie. It’s more refreshment to love, only at your locally owned and operated Bakersfield McDonald’s.®

FEEDBACK Bakersfield’s Premier City Magazine August 2013 / Vol. 7 / Issue 11

STAFF SHARES

Bakersfield Life™ magazine is published by The Bakersfield Californian.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT LIVING IN KERN COUNTY?

The magazine is inserted into The Bakersfield Californian on the last Saturday of every month. To subscribe, please call 392-5777. To advertise, contact Lisa Whitten at lwhitten@bakersfield.com or 395-7563. Publisher Ginger Moorhouse

“Location, location, location. Along with all of the great things to do here in Kern County, we can still enjoy day trips to the ocean, mountains and L.A. museums.” — Gregory D. Cook, contributing photographer and writer

“So much to see and do at our doorstep: fishing (Isabella Lake), rafting (Kernville), wine-tasting (Tehachapi), nightlife (downtown Bakersfield)... too much to list here.” — Jorge Barrientos, assistant managing editor

“The small-town feel we still enjoy even though we are growing leaps and bounds. It seems nearly every time you meet someone, you have a common acquaintance.” — Jeff Nickell, contributing writer

“We have so much diversity in our county. We have mountains, the desert, the Kern River, agriculture, oil. Even our residents are diverse, but we share plenty in common: We are loyal, proud and giving in our county.”

“I like all of the Basque restaurants that are unique to Kern County. I have relatives from out of town who can’t wait to visit them while they are here!”

Senior Vice President Revenue and Marketing John Wells

— Greg Nichols, contributing photographer

Vice President, Administration and Operations Nancy Chaffin Director of Display Advertising Roger Fessler

“We are so close to great hiking, beaches and various other attractions.” — Emily Claffy, contributing writer

Interactive Sales Manager Gunter Copeland

“The people of Kern County are the best. I’ve lived all over the United States and the friendliest, most generous people live right here. It’s a great place to raise a family. No wonder so many college students return.”

Advertising Sales Manager Lisa Whitten Advertising Traffic Manager Shauna Rockwell Marketing Manager Mira Patel

— Chris Thornburgh, contributing writer

Distribution and Marketing Representative Patrick Wells Editor Olivia Garcia

“Definitely the people. Some have become like a second family, and I wouldn’t trade them for the world.”

Assistant Managing Editor Jorge Barrientos

— Mark Nessia, contributing photographer

“If I had to single out one reason, it would be ‘home.’ Kern is home to more cultures, cuisines, history, lore and prized commodities than many other counties in this country. And besides, home is always where the heart is!”

“Kern County has been wonderful to me. It has given me: Strong friends from the richly diverse and generous population that resides here; the Kern River in my backyard with its amazing wildlife; an awesome running, cycling and generally fit community; many different foods and an inexpensive, beautiful and vast array of fantastic produce. And, did I mention my friends? They are spectacular!”

— Lisa Kimble, contributing writer

— Sally Baker, contributing writer

— Olivia Garcia, editor

President/CEO Richard Beene

Specialty Publications Coordinator Hillary Haenes Editorial Assistant Estella Aguilar Art Director Glenn Hammett Photography Felix Adamo, Sally Baker, Henry A. Barrios, Casey Christie, Gregory D. Cook, Alex Horvath, Tanya X. Leonzo, Michael Lopez, April Massirio, Greg Nichols, Mark Nessia, Autumn Parry, Carla Rivas, Aaron Ruth, Jan St Pierre, Rod Thornburg Contributing writers Sally Baker, Emily Claffy, Gregory D. Cook, Kelly Damian, Gina L. Gordon-Lopez, Lois Henry, Danae Jarrett, Lisa Kimble, Katie Kirschenmann, Stephen Lynch, Kevin McCloskey, Jeff Nickell, Gabriel Ramirez, Zach M. Skow, Chris Thornburgh, Brian N. Willhite

PHOTO BY CASEY CHRISTIE

Interns

Bakersfield Life Magazine

August 2013

Scott Camp, Thomas Harlander, Zachariah Jones, Kaelyn De Leon, Andrea Vega On the cover Cover art by Mary-Austin Klein, “Silos, Weedpatch Highway.” Klein is a Los Angeles-based artist who has been painting Kern County’s beautiful landscapes for years. For more on her work, go to Page 126.

Celebrating Over 33 Years

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EDITOR’S NOTE

Editor’s Picks Speck case protector The summer always translates into vacation for many of us. But many of us are also likely to take our laptops along for work or leisure. I protect my MacBook Pro with a Speck SeeThru Satin case. It's a see-through soft, but solid, case that wraps around your laptop to protect it from all the traveling movement. Check it out at Best Buy or the Apple store. Comes in different colors. Cost: approx. $49.95

Nike Feather Light Dri-FIT Visor Summer has definitely arrived, and I’ve noticed plenty of families and individuals outdoors walking, jogging, running, cycling and hiking. Protect your skin and consider a visor. For the ladies, this Nike visor works beautifully and it’s colorful, too. Check local sports stores (about $20, but prices vary).

InstaWeather Since we are talking about outdoors and many of you love social media, here is a chance to have some photography fun. InstaWeather is a neat weather app that adds a weather data overlay to photos you take, and then you can share it on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and so forth. Want to show your friends how you have fun in 100degree weather, or how you escaped it by heading to the Coast? There’s an app for it (free on iPhone and Android).

Bakersfield Life Magazine

ALL ABOUT KERN I can say that I am truly lucky that my past newsroom reporter days gave me the opportunity to explore different parts of the county. I still continue to visit certain parts of the county, and I hope you do as well. In this issue, we give tribute to all things Kern. We feature a series called “Ask a Local,” where we interview longtime residents in different parts of Kern to help you understand what makes their communities stand out, and why you should pay explore them. The Kern Life edition is our annual issue we love because it highlight our whole area, and truly shows what makes us special from the rest of the state. Be sure to explore other sections of our magazine: • Catch up with former Dining Diva Sofie Zimmermann as she shares with us her English bull dog, Iwo Jima, in the “My Pet” section, and get to know why the Zimmermann’s family would not be complete without her. • Give a salute to our hometown hero, Marine Corps Cpl. Jorge Salazar of Delano. Semper fi. • Much love to Bakersfield College, which turns 100 years old this coming school year. We provide you with some interesting historical facts about BC. Go Gades. • Get to know my friend Roger Perez, who is now leading the Kern County Museum, and has great ideas in store for our community, especially in October and for the return of the Kern County Nut Festival! • In this issue, discover what it’s like to test drive the Fiat 500L and Chevy Silverado crew cab. Assistant managing editor Jorge Barrientos and I got a opportunity to review the new lines. Cinco de Latination It’s the time of year again for the annual Latination, a juried art exhibit, organized by Metro Galleries in the downtown arts district. Latination features local and statewide talent capturing the essence of all things Latin, says Don Martin, Metro Galleries owner and former Food Dude for Bakersfield Life Magazine. As usual, Bakersfield Life Magazine is the August 2013

proud media sponsor of the event. This year’s theme is Cinco de Latination, marking its fiveyear anniversary, Martin said. Latination Cinco kicks off on First Friday starting at 5 p.m. and finishes at 10 p.m. Sept. 6 at Metro Galleries on Eye Street, and will continue through the month of September. However, the first night is always special. Live music will be provided by Mento Buru, with food by Luis Aguilar’s famed restaurant El Pueblo from Lamont Currently, there is a call out for work, and submitted artwork must follow a Latin theme. The definition must come from the artist, though. We’ve left the door to their creativity open,” Martin says. “Show us what truly is ‘Latin’ life. What is Latin food? Who are the leaders? What does the Latin community look and feel like? That’s the passion we want to see from the artists. We want to know who they are, and what they feel.” A new feature in the art exhibit will be the youth category. Youth between the ages of 5 to 18 are encouraged to enter the contest, and will be judged separate of the adult professional artist category. If you know a young artist, please encourage him or her to enter this competition. Martin will make sure most of the submitted work is placed on display on First Friday in September. The youth work is expected to be showcased in the newly expanded area of Metro Galleries. Interested artists are encouraged to log on to themetrogalleries.com for more information, artist guidelines fand entry forms. Entries are due Aug. 28. Past mediums of work have ranged from pottery, sculpture, paintings and photography.

Olivia Garcia Editor 395-7487 • ogarcia@bakersfield.com

UP FRONT

WORD ON THE STREET Compiled by Gregory D. Cook

WHERE IN KERN COUNTY SHOULD PEOPLE VISIT AT LEAST ONCE? Joe Gomez

Gloria Okoya

Vanessa Castro

“Tehachapi for the apple picking, snow in the winter and the ostrich farm.”

“I love the California Living Museum. It’s really cool to see all the animals they have out there.”

“Up the Kern River Canyon near Kernville. The parks are nice up there, and it is a very pretty and relaxing place to be.”

Chris Carlos

Jenette Buentiempo

Maria Garcia

“Willow Ranch Restaurant, off the Interstate 5 and Highway 58, is a good place to eat on your way into town. Also, Stallion Springs, up in Tehachapi, has a great golf course.”

“I would have to say just take a day-trip hiking up around the Kern River. It’s fantastic family fun.”

“Lake Isabella because it’s a great place for fishing.”

Ruth Okoya

Kalei Rickard

Benjamin Lopez

“The windmills out by Mojave. I did some volunteer cactus planting out there, and it is a sight to be seen.”

“The Pine Mountain and Frazier Park area. It’s a lot cooler up in the mountains, not too far away, and very pretty up there.”

“Any of the mountain areas like Tehachapi, Lake Isabella or Mount Pinos are just beautiful.”

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THE BIG PICTURE Photo by Autumn Parry

SPEEDWAY IN THE SPOTLIGHT Sport Mod cars compete in their main event at Bakersfield Speedway, which consists of 25 laps. For more on the speedway, including schedule of events, go to bakersfieldspeedway.com.

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ehachapi, billed as the land of four seasons and home to the worldfamous Tehachapi Loop, wind farms and apple orchards, has been known by a number of other names and misspellings since its establishment. The Native American tribe, Kawaiisu, also known as Nuooah, occupied the Tehachapi Valley for thousands of years as the first inhabitants. In Kawaiisu, the word “tihachipia” meant “hard climb.” At one time, the area was called Summit Station. Others claim the town’s name is derived from the Indian word “tah-eechay-pah,” meaning “Oak Flat with springs” or “sweet water and acorns.” Early settlers John Moore and Amanda Brite moved to the area from Texas in 1854 and staked their claim to what is known today as Brite Valley. In the 1860s, the downtown area, which had previously been known as “Old Town,” was named “Williamsburg,” with another nearby settlement called “Greenwich.” The community was initially planned by the Western Development Company, owned in part at the time by the Intercontinental Railroad. In the 1870s, Southern Pacific built the railroad hub as a route to get from Southern California to the Bay Area. In 1876, the names of Williamsburg and Greenwich were changed to Tehachapi. Construction of the original Southern

Pacific depot marked the beginning of the development of downtown. It was the oldest building downtown until it burned five years ago. It has since been rebuilt. Work on the railroad through the Tehachapi Pass connecting the Valley with the Mojave Desert began in 1874 and took two years to complete. Thousands of workers using picks, shovels and dynamite created 18 tunnels, as well as the famed rail loop. On July 21, 1952, a powerful earthquake struck, buckling rail lines. Two tunnels with 18-inch thick walls collapsed east of town, blocking train travel for days. Railroad inspectors described an eight-mile crippled section of the tracks as “twisted like a licorice stick.” An engineering marvel, leaving Bakersfield, the tracks ascend a 2.2 percent grade until they reach Tehachapi. Winding their way up or down the mountain, trains pass through numerous horseshoe curves and several tunnels, the most spectacular considered to be at Caliente. Trains that are long enough will pass over themselves. Considered one of the busiest single-track mainlines in the world, upwards of 40 trains a day make the grade, which is also a major attraction for railroad enthusiasts. With an elevation of 3,970 feet, Tehachapi enjoys four traditional seasons of climate, and is a popular destination every fall for apple lovers. About 20 varieties of apples are grown in the orchards. And to the east, atop the ridges, powerful wind turbines dot the landscape, symbolic of the community’s most recent emerging “crop.” — Lisa Kimble

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Bakersfield Life Magazine

August 2013

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WHAT QUALIFIES Both the property you sell and the replacement property you buy must meet certain requirements. Both properties must be held for investment or business use. Typically this includes real estate, though any property held for investment or used in a trade or business qualifies, such as rental properties, equipment, and livestock, to name a few. Vacation homes, or “second homes,” may qualify under stricter rules. Property that does not qualify for a 1031 exchange includes personal residences, property purchased for resale, “fix and flips,” and land under development for resale. Other property that falls under the disqualifying umbrella includes stocks, bonds, notes, inventory and partnership interests. Replacement property must be like-kind. The like-kind rules are fairly flexible, when it comes to real estate. For example, a vacant lot can be exchanged for rental property.

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replacement properties. • Exchange Period: The final purchase of the replacement property must be complete within 180 days of the original sale. The 45-day and 180-day rules are strict and are not extended should the deadline fall on a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday.

REPLACEMENT PROPERTY OPTIONS In a typical exchange, anywhere from one to three potential replacement properties are identified. This is known as the “three property rule.” Other exchange options are available. Remember, you must close on your replacement properties within 180 days of the original sale. This may be challenging in a competitive market since there’s no guarantee of successfully purchasing the properties that were identified. In a seller’s market, consider a reverse exchange. Acquire the property you’re going to trade into first and then sell your property.

MORE RULES To completely defer income taxes, all proceeds must be immediately reinvested into the replacement property. Replacement property must cost the same or more than the property you’re exchanging. You can’t do a 1031 exchange alone. The sale proceeds must go through a qualified intermediary or all proceeds will be taxable. A qualified intermediary handles all assets involved and organizes the exchange. Make sure this person is bonded or insured.

DEATH OR TAXES? Since this is a tax-deferral strategy rather than a tax-free strategy, you should consider your long-term goals. For example, will you need the additional cash for retirement? Many use 1031 exchanges to defer taxes until their death. Potentially, your heirs can inherit the property without paying capital gains taxes that were deferred during your lifetime. Because of the complexity of 1031 exchanges, it’s important to have a tax advisor familiar with 1031 exchanges by your side. — 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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SHORT TAKES

TEHACHAPI MOUNTAIN FESTIVAL FEATURES 50 YEARS OF FAMILY FUN

YOUNGER PAIR HONORED WITH ‘COUPLES OF ACCOMPLISHMENT’ AWARD

he Arts Council of Kern celebrated the accomplishments of Milton and Betty Younger on July 25 during the “Couples of Accomplishment” gala and award dinner. The two were honored for their accomplishments in our community and their dedication to the continuation and availability of the arts to the public. Milton Younger is a seasoned lawyer, with more than 50 years of handling serious injury cases and a passionate advocate of the Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra, which performed at the gala at Bell Tower Club. Betty Younger is a sculptor and longtime promoter of public art as a board member of the Arts Council of Milt Younger Kern. Much of Betty’s work can be seen throughout town, including her Sculpture Garden and Younger Gallery on Truxtun Avenue. — Andrea Vega 18

Bakersfield Life Magazine

August 2013

CALIFORNIAN FILE PHOTO

Betty Younger and her sculpture, Mending Hearts, at the newest Houchin Community Blood Bank.

CALIFORNIAN FILE PHOTO

very year, in the third weekend of August, Tehachapi comes alive with a two-day family celebration of the mountain community. This year marks the semicentennial of the Tehachapi Mountain Festival. The festival on Aug. 17 and 18 in downtown Tehachapi will feature parades, a carnival, live entertainment, a car show, 5K and 10K runs, and many more attractions. The summer celebration will also include barbecue, kettle corn, funnel cakes and a beer garden. Proceeds benefit the Greater Tehachapi Chamber of Commerce and participating nonprofits. The festival will be centered at Philip Marx Central Park, 311 E. D St. and at Tehachapi Rodeo Grounds on Dennison Road. More information, schedule of events: tehachapimountainfestival.com. — Zachariah Jones

The pet parade is a popular attraction at the festival.

STINSON III SELECTED FOR JOHN BROCK COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD

into the CSUB Alumni en Stinson III has Hall of Fame. The been selected as a company started as recipient of the Stinson Grocery Comprestigious 2013 John pany in 1916 by his Brock Community grandfather, Ben F. Service Award, given to Stinson Sr. Son Ben Jr. a community member established Stinson who works to enhance Stationers in 1947. In local business while 1981, Ben III became displaying ethics and president. personal integrity. The John Brock Stinson III is the award is hosted by the president of Stinsons Stinson III CSUB School of BusiStationers, a member ness and Public Administration. of the CSUB Foundation board of Stinson III will be honored at a directors and involved in other recognition dinner on Sept. 5. local groups. He is a 1979 graduate — Kaelyn De Leon of Cal State Bakersfield, inducted

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CENTER OF THE WORLD FESTIVAL TO CELEBRATE STORYTELLING

CALIFORNIAN FILE PHOTO

t the base of Mount Pinos in the Los Padres National Forest, the Center of the World Festival will once again celebrate the tradition of storytelling. The festival, which emerged in 2005, embodies the Chumash idea of “Liyikshup,” or “community in balance,” through social theater with a heavy emphasis on storytelling. The festivities begin Friday, Aug. 16, with Native Angelo Caprio performs American storytelling and folk at the 2011 festival. tales. Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 17 and 18, feature a playwright contest, a film and digital video storytelling contest, and a songwriting contest for amateurs, adults as well as children. The festival aims to promote community dialogue via the creative art of story, emphasizing themes of environmental care and social justice. More information: cowfest.org. — Thomas Harlander

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August 2013

5 words to describe my pet’s personality: Being.

From left, Jilliann, Sofie and Reagann Zimmerman give Iwo Jima a kiss.

PHOTO BY MARK NESSIA

Sofie Zimmermann’s husband Kevin named their dog Iwo Jima, a 8-1/2-year-old English Bulldog, because Kevin is a former U.S. Marine and a history buff. They call her “Jima” for short. Jima and the Zimmerman’s family life is “very full,” Sofie says. Sofie and Kevin, chief deputy with the Kern County Sheriff’s Office, have nine kids together, four grandchildren, two dogs and one hamster. When Sofie’s not at soccer, dance or swim, she’s volunteering for various local nonprofit groups and community service work with law enforcement. Their school-aged children attend Saint Francis School, and the family is very involved with St. Francis of Assisi Parish. The Zimmermans cherish their time with Jima. “We know that Jima is in the winter of her life and, as such, we are very thankful for the many moments of family fun she has brought to the family, and we plan on enjoying many more.” How my pet became part of my family: My husband surprised us with her after we returned home from a visiting my father in Texas. I know my dog is moody when ... she thinks she has missed a meal. She pouts. What makes my pet happy: Food! She is willing and able to eat just about anything.

The. Center. Of. Attention. Favorite game: Pool volleyball. Favorite food: Paw Treats, pet ice cream. Talents: She was the main character in last year’s St. Francis’ talent show. Antics: She had a cameo on a local news channel concerning pet firework safety. Actually, she escaped and found the front door of a local news reporter. She was

local headline news for two days! Favorite moment: Having her grow up with the kids. Her having the patience to endure all the dress up, tea parties, homemade costumes, and basically being at the mercy of little girls for many years.

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UP FRONT

FINDING FAME

One of Mull’s models for the movie, “Inception.”

Bakersfield High grad Adam Mull is a model-maker who has worked on several blockbuster Hollywood films.

ADAM MULL By Kaelyn De Leon

Photos courtesy of Adam Mull

dam Mull says he never dreamed of working in Hollywood. But that’s what happened. “I wouldn’t say I had stars in my eyes about the movie industry,” the 1999 Bakersfield High grad said. “It was never a childhood dream or anything like that... It all kind of came together on its own over a series of events. I fell into it. I just wanted to do something artistic because that’s how I’ve always been.” Today, the 32-year-old has built quite a resume as a set designer and model-maker. “Inception,” “Transformers,” “Django Unchained,” and “Captain America” are just a few of the films on Mull’s resume. As a set designer, Mull turns concepts into working architectural drawings. As a model-maker, he turns conceptualized sets into physical models used by the director to plan out shots and direction of a film. “I didn’t even know this type of job existed,” Mull said, before explaining how he broke through the nearly impossible industry. After working as an electrician, he decided to change careers. But getting started in film-making was seemingly serendipitous for Mull, he said. “I had driven past the historical Ambassador Hotel (in Los Angeles) around the time they were preparing to demolish it,” he said. “I really wanted to sneak into the hotel and walk around before they tore it down. It made me 22

Bakersfield Life Magazine

August 2013

sad to think of all the history that has happened there just being thrown away, specifically the assassination of Bobby Kennedy.” In 2005, Mull got his first industry job on the 2006 film “Bobby,” written and directed by Emilio Estevez, where he worked as an art department assistant and got to look inside the historical Ambassador Hotel. He continued to work as an art department assistant for a few more years until he got the chance in 2008 to assist the model-maker on “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen.” On this film, Mull obtained enough working hours to join Local 800, the Art Directors Guild. From then on, it was a matter of perfecting skills and making connections, he said. In the film industry, most model-makers are hired as freelancers. Today, Mull has worked long enough to keep himself steadily employed, working 60-hour workweeks, with late nights in his garage, and on a project-to-project basis. “It’s a tough industry,” he said. “Your work has to be consistently good, and you have to be able to work in a collaborative environment. Your ego has to be in check. After all, we aren’t the stars.” Last year, Mull had the opportunity to build a largescale model of the Renaissance Room set from “2001: A Space Odyssey” for the Stanley Kubrick Exhibit at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. “I was honored to be asked because I have great appreciation of Kubrick’s work... and I heard that Mrs. Stanley Kubrick was very happy with my work.” Throughout his journey in the film industry, Mull says his wife Erika, a 2000 graduate of North High, has supported him the most. Today, it would appear that Mull’s hard work and consistency is paying off. He is currently working on director Christopher Nolan’s newest film, “Interstellar.” “I enjoy doing what I do because I never get bored,” he said. “You never work on the same movie twice!” — Do you know someone from Bakersfield who is finding fame, or is representing Bakersfield while in the spotlight? Email us an idea at bakersfieldlife@bakersfield.com with the subject line: Finding Fame.

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UP FRONT

WHAT I’M READING

CHRISTINE FRAZIER Kern County Superintendent of Schools

hristine Lizardi Frazier became Kern County Superintendent of Schools in 2009 after more than 30 years of working in public education as a teacher and administrator. No doubt she knows the value of reading. “As a child, I remember reading books that let me enter worlds that were beyond my imagination,” Frazier said. “I wish for all kids to have this experience.” What I’m currently reading: I just finished reading “My Beloved World” by Supreme Court Associate Justice Sonia Sotomayor. I was surprised to read how our upbringing and family dynamics were very similar. Favorite author: John Steinbeck! No one can read “Of Mice and Men,” “The Grapes of Wrath,” “Cannery Row” and “East of Eden” and not have his or her perspective on life change. Favorite book: “Anne of Green Gables” by Lucy Maud Mont-

gomery. I think I just relate to the strong-willed Anne Shirley. Book vs. Tablet: While I know that the feel of a good book in your hands is something to treasure, the reality is that the use of tablets allows you to put hundreds of books in your back pocket to be enjoyed at any moment. You just can’t beat that! Books I’ve read more than once: I continue to refer back to “Team of Rivals” by Doris Kearns Goodwin. This book chronicles not the life of President Abraham Lincoln, but his skills in leading the three members of his cabinet who were his rivals for the Republican presidential nomination and who came to become his biggest supporters. Other materials I like reading: Of course, I read The Bakersfield Californian e-Edition every morning quickly followed by The Sacramento Bee. Where I enjoy reading: The most pleasure I get is reading a good book on the shores of Pismo Beach, but the reality is I do most of my reading behind a desk. The book that’s been inspirational in my life: I am inspired by my mom’s old faded (really tattered) paper Bible where she added her life messages. She never bought the concept that you don’t write in books! I will thumb through her Bible and see notes like, “read this if you’re lonely,” “read this if you get jealous,” or “read this if you’re struggling with a decision.” Her handwriting alone gives me comfort. She passed away 15 years ago, and she is still my life coach.

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Bakersfield Life Magazine

August 2013

Favorite Deli! BAKERSFIELD’S

BY THE NUMBERS

179,000 Total K-12 student enrollment 3 Kern’s percent of total state enrollment 50 School districts 275 Public schools 13 Charter schools 38,000 Enrollment in Kern High School District, the county’s largest school district

PHOTO BY HENRY A. BARRIOS

KERN COUNTY EDUCATION

340,000,000 General fund budget for Kern High in dollars 7,000-plus Graduates each year from Kern High School District 10 Enrollment in the smallest, Blake School District 154,000 General fund budget for Blake in dollars

in Kern County

Source: Kern County Superintendent of Schools Office, California Department of Education (figures rounded)

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765 West Herndon Avenue

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PHOTO BY CASEY CHRISTIE

1 State university — Cal State Bakersfield 7,500 Teachers in Kern County 23-1 Ratio between teachers and students

PHOTO BY HENRY A. BARRIOS

3 California community colleges in Kern — Bakersfield College, Cerro Coso (Ridgecrest campus) and Taft College

Thank you, Kern County for your continued support!

UP FRONT

Find more community events at bakersfieldlife.com or submit yours via email: bakersfieldlife@bakersfield.com

HAPPENINGS: Can’t-miss Bakersfield events in August Thur. 1

Fri. 16 to Sun. 18

Fri. 30

Charlie Worsham, 7 p.m., Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace, 2800 Buck Owens Blvd. Free. 328-7560.

Center of the World Festival 2013, three-day festival with an amateur songwriting, video competition, music, Chumash storytelling, video contest, Pine Mountain Club, in the commercial center gazebo, 1626 Askin Trail, Pine Mountain Club. $10. Visit cowfest.org, centeroftheworldfestival.org or 242-1583.

Trace Adkins, 9 p.m., Eagle Mountain Casino, 681 S. Tule Reservation Road, Porterville. $35 general; $45 reserved. Visit eaglemtncasino.com or 559-788-6220.

Fri. 2 First Friday Downtown featuring live music, art openings, specialty shops, galleries and boutiques, artists will set up their artwork, 5 to 9 p.m., Downtown Arts District. Email don@themetrogalleries.com or info@themetrogalleries.com. Under the Sea Family Fun Night, 6 to 9 p.m., McMurtrey Aquatic Center, 1325 Q St. $3 per person; $10 for groups of 4 to 6. 852-7430.

Sat. 10 Chalk on the Walk sponsored by Tehachapi Valley Arts Association and Gallery ‘N’ Gifts; 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., Gallery ‘N’ Gifts, 100 W. Tehachapi Blvd., Tehachapi. $15 for participants, includes T-shirt, chalk, and square. Proceeds benefit art scholarships and project grants for local area art classes. 822-6062. Yokuts Park Fun Run, practice racing and earn points, 7 a.m., Yokuts Park, Empire Drive off Truxtun Avenue. Free. bakersfieldtrackclub.com or 203-4196 or 391-7080.

Tue. 20 WWE Smackdown, 7 p.m., Rabobank Arena, 1001 Truxtun Ave. $15 to $95 plus fee. ticketmaster.com or 800-745-3000.

Sun. 11

Sat. 24

Bakersfield Collector Con, vendors selling comics, toys, collectibles, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Holiday Inn Hotel, 3927 Marriott Drive. $3; children 7 and under are free. First 200 paid guests will receive a free prize at the door. If interested in being a vendor, call Nick at 932-1000 or Raymond at 6990910.

Courtney Love, 8 p.m., Fox Theater, 2001 H St. $28-$48. vallitix.com or 322-5200.

Thur. 15 Free Admission Day, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Buena Vista Museum of Natural History, 2018 Chester Ave. 324-6350. Joel Crouse, 7 p.m., Buck Owens Crystal Palace, 2800 Buck Owens Blvd. Free. 328-7560.

Thur. 29 Phil Vassar, 7 p.m., Buck Owens Crystal Palace, 2800 Buck Owens Boulevard. $30.50$38.50. vallitix.com or 322-5200.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

A ‘senior’ keepsake I just read your article in the June issue of Bakersfield Life Magazine (“To the class of 2013, don’t fall from the ‘great balancing act’”). I just love it! I am going to stick it in my son’s senior yearbook and make a copy for my stepson. Unfortunately, I think most seniors are too immature and egocentric to absorb the wisdom; however, I am hoping in 10 years, they will reread the article and glean some advice. My favorite line is, “No one owes you a thing.” I am so tired of the “entitled.” My second favorite line is the analogy of a crush and a Taylor Swift song... good dig! Thanks for a wonderful read! — Julie Morgan

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bakersfieldlife.com

UP FRONT

Find more community events at bakersfieldlife.com or submit yours via email: bakersfieldlife@bakersfield.com

HAPPENINGS: Can’t-miss Kern County events in 2013-14 2013 AUGUST Fiesta Days, Aug. 2-4, Community Park in Frazier Park, Monterey Trail Street and Park Drive. Frasierfiestadays.com or 431-8260. Howlin’ at the Moon Fun Run, 8 p.m. Aug. 17 at the Park at River Walk, 11200 Stockdale Highway. 326-3685. 50th annual Tehachapi Mountain Festival, arts and crafts, rodeo, food, carnival, 5K/10K run, Aug. 17 through 18, Phillip Marx Central Park, Tehachapi. 8224180. 26th annual Rubber Ducky Races, 10 a.m., lunch 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., race begins at 1 p.m., August 24, Riverside Park, Kernville. 760379-7785.

#100, Bakersfield. 831-1413. Italian Picnic, with games, bocce tournament and more, Oct. 13, Italian Heritage Hall, 4415 Wilson Road. 831-0867. 22nd annual California Hot Rod Reunion, drag racing and hundreds of cars, Oct 18-20, Auto Club Famoso Raceway, 33559 Famoso Road, McFarland. $25 or $65 for 3-day pass with goody bag. nhratix.com or 800-8846472. Links for Life Fashion Show, Oct. 17, Doubletree Hotel, 3100 Camino Del Rio Court. 322-5601. California City Renaissance Festival, Oct. 19-20, California City Central Park, 10460 Heather ave., California City. calcityrenfair.org or 760-3733530.

SEPTEMBER 5th annual Latination Art Exhibit opening, Sept. 6, Metro Galleries, 1604 19th St. Visit themetrogalleries.com or 634-9598. 44th annual Wasco Festival of Roses, Sept. 7, Wasco. www.ci.wasco.ca.us or 758-2616. 19th annual Business and Consumer Trade Show, 11 a.m. Sept. 15, Mill Creek Park, Hosted by Kern County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. 633-5495 34th annual Fall Harvest Faire, 10 a.m. Sept. 21-22, Railroad Park, Tehachapi. 8226062. Ultimate Bridal Event, Sept. 15, JC’s Place, 1901 Chester Ave., Bakersfield. ultimatebridalevent.com 2013 Kern County Fair, Sept. 1829, 1142 S. P St., Bakersfield. kerncountyfair.com

OCTOBER Lace n’ Up, Oct. 1, The Park at River Walk and Liberty Bell. 3225601. 14th annual Via Arte, Italian street painting festival, Oct. 5 to 6, The Marketplace, 9000 Ming Ave. Absolut Best Bloody Mary Contest, Oct. 13, The Prime Cut Meats & Eats, 9500 Brimhall Road

Bakersfield Life Magazine

Isabella. 760-379-4770. Annual Christmas Parade, Nov. 25, Lake Isabella. kernrivervalley.com or 760-3795236.

DECEMBER Holiday Lights at CALM, open daily 5:30 to 9 p.m. Nov. 30 through Dec. 31, closed Dec. 25., CALM 10500 Alfred Harrell Highway. $12; $10 seniors and children ages 13 to 17; $6 ages 3 to 12; under 3 are free. vallitix.com or 322-5200. 31st annual Bakersfield Christmas Parade, 6 p.m. Dec. 5, route will begin at the corner of L and 22nd streets in Bakersfield. bcparade.com Christmas in Kernville, parade and annual festivities, Kernville. 760-376-2629. 17th annual Holiday Classic Jr. Steer & Heifer Show, Dec. 14 to 15, Kern County Fairgrounds, 1142 S. P St. 833-4934.

FEBRUARY

2014 JANUARY

Dust Bowl Days, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 19, Sunset Middle School, 8301 Sunset Blvd., Bakersfield. Free. weedpatchcamp.com

NOVEMBER Outside The Box Film Festival, Nov. 8 to 10, Downtown Bakersfield. Tickets $15; student $7.50; with specialty passes $75-750. vallitix.com or 322-5200. Taste of Home, cooking event, 3:30 to 6 p.m. Nov. 12 at the Rabobank Theatre, 1001 Truxton Ave. ticketmaster.com or 3957586. Native American Heritage Day, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Nov. 7, Nuui Cunni Native American Culture center, 2600 Highway 155, Lake

August 2013

Weddings 2014 Bridal Show, VIP 11:30 a.m. and general admission noon to 3 p.m. Jan. 26, Kern County Fairgrounds, 1142 S. P St. $5; $10 VIP advanced; $10 at the door for general admission only. 633-9200. 2014 Polar Bear Plunge, make an ice plunge into the activity pool, must be 7 or older, 11 a.m. Jan. 1, McMurtrey Aquatic Center, 1325 Q St. 852-7430.

Annual Whiskey Flat Days, Feb. 14-17. For full schedule of events and activities, visit kernvalley.com/news/whiskey.htm or 760-376-2629. 28th annual Bakersfield Home & Garden Show, Feb. 21 to 23, Kern County Fairgrounds, 1142 S. P St. $8; $4 seniors (Friday only); 12 and under are free with paid adult. Happy hour pricing: 4 to 7 p.m. Friday only $4 admission for everyone. $2 off coupon available on website but cannot be used during the happy hour or senior discount day. bakersfieldhomeshows.com or 800-655-0655.

Family owned and operated since 1954! “Voted Best Basque Restaurant 19 years in a row!”

20th annual Battle of the Badges, benefitting youth programs of the Bakersfield Police Activities League. 283-8880. 21st annual Sharyn Woods Memorial Pro-Am Gold Tournament & Gala, gala April 26; tournament April 28. Visit linksforlife.org or 322-5601. 25th annual Bakersfield Women’s Business Conference, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 24, Rabobank Convention Center, 1001 Truxtun Ave. Visit bakersfieldwomen.org. 27th annual PRCA Stampede Rodeo, Kern County Sheriff’s Reserve Association, performances May 3-4, Kern County Fairgrounds, Grandstand, 1142 S P St. Visit stampededaysrodeo.com. Aztec Image Car Show, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 13, Kern County Museum, 3801 Chester Ave. 8688400.

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19th annual Kern County Scottish Gathering and Games, April 5. kernscot.com or 8658890.

N IA

APRIL

Fourth annual JJ’s Legacy Golf Tournament & Dinner, March 2-3. Visit jjslegacy.com. 48th annual Bakersfield Fiesta, March 14-16, Kern County Fairgrounds, 1142 S P St. Visit bakersfieldfiesta.com or 324-1390. Healthy Bakersfield, presented by Dignity Health Hospitals, March 22, Rabobank Arena, Bakersfield. Free. 395-7586.

25th annual Lake Isabella Fishing Derby, fishing derby contest, April 12-14, Lake Isabella. 760-3795236. 22nd annual Festival of Beers, April 26, Stramler Park, 3805 Chester Ave. 21 and over only. Visit bakersfieldfestivalofbeers.com.

MARCH

O R S’ C H O I C E P

MAY 15th annual Crawfish Festival, live music, May 10, The Prime Cut, 9500 Brimhall Road. 831-1413.

JUNE 65th annual Glennville Rodeo Roundup, June 6-8, GMVA Rodeo Arena, 196 Pascoe Road, Glennville. glennvillerodeo.org. Best Basque Restaurant

Best Place To Take Out-Of-Town Guests

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

JULY 2013 Philippine Weekend Festivities, July 25-27. Visit philippineweekend.org or 375-7177.

Wool Growers Restaurant &

COCKTAIL LOUNGE bakersfieldlife.com

UP FRONT

MY MOBILE LIFE

JAMIE BUTOW Compiled by Bakersfield Life Magazine

or Jamie Butow, mobile life isn’t just a lifestyle, it’s a career. Butow is a community engagement coordinator and oversees and moderates social media and online commenting on the Bakersfield.com Network. She’s a former local news editor with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and is working on her master’s degree in media psychology. She’s taught social media classes at the Levan Institute for Lifelong Learning at Bakersfield College and regularly writes a column on the web world in The Bakersfield Californian. She’s also an advocate for teaching digital responsibility to children. “Teach them to be digitally responsible while they are young enough to listen to you and respect your advice,” she said. “Too often, I hear from parents who are trying to establish boundaries with teens who aren’t interested in mom and dad’s involvement. It’s like please and thank you — get them doing it while they are young, and it will be a lifetime habit.” Aside from email and iMessage, she uses her synced work and personal calendars daily to keep track of everything from vet appointments, to return library books and her 9-year-old son’s baseball games. Here are a few other apps Butow uses in her mobile life. You can follow her on Twitter @jamiebutow and on Facebook/JamieButow2. You can also find a listing of all the Bakersfield.com Network social media accounts at Bakersfield.com/social_media. 30

Bakersfield Life Magazine

Instagram

Google Drive I can’t live without this. We use it here in the office, and I use it on my own Gmail account for all the papers I write for my master’s program. The app makes it possible for to me to view and edit documents anywhere. I can put my son’s baseball schedule there and share it with everyone in our family so they always have access to it, too. I haven’t used a Word document in almost two years — everything I do is stored in Drive.

Facebook and Facebook Pages Since social media is my job, I use these two daily. I really like the pages app. I’m an administrator on a total of 20 pages, so this app gives me quick access to them and prominently displays new “likes,” messages, and recent comments. That’s an important feature so I can reply to readers when I’m not at my desk.

August 2013

TuneIn Radio TuneIn carries just about all of the local radio stations including KERN 1180 AM, so I can listen to “First Look with Scott Cox” while I’m getting ready in the morning. They also carry my favorite Los Angeles stations, so I can listen to the programs I grew up with.

Wells Fargo Banking I get a lot done while sitting at baseball practices! Mobile bill pay is my best friend!

Twitter The iOS app is pretty slick and let’s me easily switch between my own account all the accounts I manage.

I have several friends who are doing some amazing photo editing within Instagram. It’s crazy what you can do with just an iPhone these days.

Games I’m pretty basic: Words With Friends and Angry Birds (all versions). I recently started playing Bubble Mania, and that’s addicting. I won’t allow myself to download Candy Crush — I don’t have the time for another game addiction!

News I have BakersfieldCalifornian.com bookmarked, of course, and I like the AP Mobile app for news outside of Kern County.

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IT MANNERS A LOT By Lisa Kimble

MEET AND GREET IS THE CORE OF FRIENDLINESS

f all the charming things outsiders note about our fair city and county, friendliness always seems to top the list. Being friendly, or unfriendly, of course, is highly subjective. But if it is one of our finer points, why isn’t Bakersfield on a list of America’s Friendliest Cities, released late last year by Forbes and compiled with the help of NextDoor.com? Maybe we aren’t as outgoing as we think? The language of good manners is punctuated with simple, easy gestures of thoughtfulness acknowledging each another. One that should come most naturally is the “greeting.” Whether it be at a restaurant, in church or a parking lot, the recognition of another person is civility at its most primal and purposeful. I can still remember the first time I strolled down a South Carolina beach one sunny summer morning. “Good mornin’, how y’all doing, ma’am?” one beach-goer after another said with Lisa Kimble a tip of the forehead. But like Robert De Niro in “Taxi,” this jaded Californian looked around and behind myself, certain the pleasantry was intended for someone else. I thought, “You talkin’ to me?!” How could that be, I wondered, hailing from Friendly-ville. In the years since, we’ve come to appreciate the fact that in the South, the cradle of civility, this is the norm, and not the exception it seems to be in other parts of the country (Hello New Yorkers. Yes, I’m talking to you). Fortunate to divide our time between both coasts, we have brought that basic polite exchange back with us to California. Our “good mornings” and “good days” aren’t always returned, but it hasn’t dissuaded us. As Emily Post writes in her Bible of good behavior, the bad

“CYCLISTS FARE BEST WHEN THEY ACT

habit of the slight, whether intentional or not, is rude. Much of Post’s standards may be considered archaic today, but nearly a century ago, Post wrote that “for one person to look directly at another and not acknowledge the other’s bow is a breach of civility that only gravest cause can warrant. The ‘cut’ — a direct stare of blank denial — is not only insulting to its victim but embarrassing to every witness.” “Happily, it is practically unknown in polite society,” she went on to write in the 10th edition of her tome. Sadly, she could not have imagined then just how pervasive the “cut” would become in our society. On my morning walks at the Bluffs, I like to measure the friendliness of neighbors on my greet-o-meter scale, hopeful that affirmation isn’t really dead after all. Most seem as surprised at the gesture as I did on that South Carolina beach. And of those, all manage to cough up an awkward “hello” or “hi” afterward. Strolling on, I wonder, had I not said something, would there have been a greeting at all? One hundred and ten miles to the south of us, in the City of Angels, the only meet and greets take place on red carpets with cameras flashing, and even that is rarely genuine or authentic. One needn’t be like Will Farrell’s character Buddy in the holiday film, Elf, tackling strangers with a bear hug, or acting like a Walmart greeter, but the next time you find yourself out in public, practice the art of the smile, and don’t forget to nod and greet your fellow human beings whose paths you cross. Ours, after all, is the friendliest of communities, and doing so will soften your demeanor, and most likely, that of your fellow man. And it “manners” a lot! — Agree, disagree? Send your questions, comments or topics you’d like to read about to me at itmannersalot@bakersfield.com or visit itmannersalot.blogspot.com.

Push your body. Find your beat.

AND ARE TREATED AS DRIVERS OF VEHICLES.” ~JOHN FORESTER

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Bakersfield Life Magazine

August 2013

The town of Bakersfield was named after one of its early settlers, Colonel Thomas Baker. The Colonel planted a ten acre parcel of land with alfalfa which was used by travelers to feed their animals when traveling from Visalia to Los Angeles. The field was called Bakerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Field. In 1869 he was appointed to survey a formal township and it was suggested the new town be named Bakersfield since it was already known to the travelers as Bakerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Field. Bakersfield was incorporated in 1898 and located in the County of Kern and is the county seat.

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K E L LY D A M I A N

ONE YEAR LATER, A FAMILY IS CHANGED

rief is a territory that nobody longs to explore. It is a place we are pushed into, always against our will. Unmoored from the mainland, it is an island drifting endlessly to some forgotten destination. For the past year, my friends Alma and German Robledo have been grieving the loss of their son Benicio, who, at 8 years old, died in a drowning accident. These 13 months have been surreal and painful for them. They make it through each day without their son. They dream about him at night. When they wake in the morning, he is not there again. “I would kill myself.” “I would go crazy.” People make these comments in passing when they think of their own children dying. For Benicio’s parents, these were not hypothetical situations. Alma tried to hold her grief at bay. She pushed back against the reality of the loss until she finally had to accept the fact that her sorrow might very well drive her to insanity. German questioned everything. Why live? Why wake up? What was the point of anything anymore? Their daughter Sophia felt exhausted from Kelly Damian the effort of pretending to be OK. What happened to their family was unfair. It was unexplainable. It was undeserved and irrevocable. A year later, the Robledos still ache for their son and brother. They yearn for the sound of his cars racing across the dining room floor. They miss the shouting, the wrestling, the dancing, the pretending. Their need for him is a real thing, a gnawing ache they feel every day. They have spent this year learning how to carry the hurt and how to live with pain and happiness side by side. Benicio will always be a part of the Robledo family, and the memories of his idiosyncrasies happily permeate their day. They know what he would have liked, what he would have thought was funny, how he might have said something.

Over 11,249 acres of wildlife habitat including seasonal wetlands, uplands & riparian areas with wintering & migratory birds, aquatic animals, & endangered species including the San Joaquin kit fox, Tipton kangaroo rat and blunt-nosed leopard lizard. There are 2 auto tour routes available which are all weather gravel roads open daily from sunrise to sunset. Carry binoculars and spotting scopes to get a closer look without alarming wildlife. Hunting is permitted during waterfowl season, Oct. through Jan.

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Bakersfield Life Magazine

August 2013

When they go to McDonald’s, they know he would have ordered the six piece chicken nuggets with barbeque sauce, chocolate milk and fries. They find treasures around the house — little things that Beni left behind as he played. A foam ball, blue sunglasses, gumballs, Dracula teeth in the couch cushions, a nerf bullet, his tetherball glove. Each one is like a carving on their tree of life — “Benicio was here.” The family celebrates these finds together. The toys are reminders of forgotten memories, pieces of the story of Beni. That each item brings celebraBenicio tion instead of mourning the family attributes to the support they have received from the community since the accident. For two months afterward, friends, family and acquaintances brought the family meals, cleaned their house and checked up on them. Their doctor saw them weekly. They were encouraged to seek psychiatric and therapeutic help. They began seeing a therapist who also lost a child. She has guided them, challenged them and reassured them. She knows the path they are on. She helps them find the strength to keep walking it. And what does strength look like? For the Robledos, it means they cry when they are sad. They are honest with each other. They survive the bad days when their loss is at them with bared teeth. They revel in the good days, when there is much to celebrate. They swim. They talk about their son with joy. They spend time with their daughter, Sophia. Benicio’s family was the spring from which he jumped and the net that always caught him. They miss him profoundly. Each day they make the decision to honor their son by taking care of each other. — To read more, visit kellydamian.com, or follow Kelly on Twitter @kellydamian2.

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D I N I N G D I VA S

ASIAN EXPERIENCE Taft restaurant offers tremendous taste of Thai and gourmet pizzas

Divas Andrea Ames, from left, and Mai Giffard hold a plate of pineapple fried rice as fellow Diva Marlene Morales and Asian Experience owner Dennis Schertz look on. 36

Bakersfield Life Magazine

August 2013

Tom yum soup

Shrimp ceviche

around with complimentary samples of sushi. The California roll was refreshing with sesame seeds, avocado, crab and cucumber; and the hot dragon was a deep-fried roll made with salmon, carrots, rice and eel, wrapped in nori. Delicious!

Photos by Greg Nichols

sian Experience is a destination restaurant worth the 30-minute drive to Taft, but thank goodness we arrived in style! It was one of the hottest days of the summer, so it was nice riding in a cool, luxurious suburban and being chauffeured by Tim Dobbs, owner and driver of Distinctive Limousine and Executive Car Service of Bakersfield. This restaurant serves authentic Thai food and gourmet pizza, and patrons have the freedom to customize each order to their liking, especially for spice tolerance. The high-quality of fresh ingredients makes this restaurant a great option for flavorful meals and healthy choices. Owners Dennis and Niki Schertz are a perfect complement to this unique and wonderful atmosphere. Niki is a native of Thailand and is the hard-working chef behind the scenes in the kitchen, while Dennis is out front greeting customers by name, encouraging them to sample sushi and try new menu items. Dennis was attentive to all of our questions about this interesting combo restaurant. Instantly, he asked if we were adventurous enough to try a little spiciness in our food, to which we all agreed. We loved that he and Niki also suggested the appetizers and entrees for us, which really showed us the variety of their menu, as well as their authenticity to Thai cuisine. The restaurant is housed in a 1920s brick building, and Dennis and Niki live upstairs above the restaurant. We appreciated the authentic decor from Thailand — woodcarvings and art were hung on the brick walls. It was a Saturday night when we visited, so we were treated to musician Johnny Miller Jr.’s vocals and keyboard, who had us singing and dancing along.

Mai and Andrea on the shrimp tempura and pot stickers: Hot, crisp and full of flavor! These pot stickers were filled with pork and vegetables accompanied with yummy dipping sauces. The fried shrimp were plump and sweet — there was definitely more shrimp than batter! Marlene on the chicken egg rolls: Crisp, fat rolls stuffed with meat, noodles and fresh vegetables then deepfried to perfection. Served with an authentic sweet and spicy dipping sauce made with thai red chili that gave it a kick! Andrea and Mai on shrimp ceviche: We both enjoy quality seafood, so this was a nice choice. A beautiful presentation of lettuce leaves filled with fresh shrimp, scallops, onion, tomato, dressed in chili and lime. It was spicy, yet sweet and ideal on our hot evening dining out. Mai on the mussels: These were spicy and baked in the half shell with cilantro and a housemade butter sauce. They were cooked well and the depth of flavor was so good with the freshness of the mussels.

Continued on page 38

APPETIZERS On Friday and Saturday nights, the waitresses walk

Thai seafood pizza bakersfieldlife.com

Asian Experience: Thai Food and gourmet pizza Location: 215 Center St. in Taft Phone: 763-1815 Website: asianexp.us Hours: Lunch 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday; dinner is 4 to 9 p.m.; open from 4 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Sunday. Dine in or take out. Enjoy live music on Saturday nights. Hungry for more? Check out more food photos on bakersfieldlife.com.

calamari stood out because it was not overcooked or rubbery, but was cut from a thick steak. I was very happy and impressed.

Shrimp pad thai

Continued from page 37

ENTREES Mai on the tom yum soup: I have had many authentic tom yum soups, but this is one of the best. The broth was so flavorful â&#x20AC;&#x201D; you could taste all the spices â&#x20AC;&#x201D; the layering of sweet, sour and spicy flavors with the perfect seafood flavor infused into it. The chunks of tomato, shrimp, scallops, crab and calamari were generous. The

Marlene on the thai seafood pizza: Amazing! The dough was like eating fresh-baked bread right out of the oven, generously topped with shrimp, scallops, crab, calamari, clams and garlic with their traditional pizza sauce. (The menu offers a variety of gourmet pizzas, as well as build your own pizzas with traditional toppings.) Andrea on the duck and asparagus: This was my first time trying duck, and I was pleasantly surprised at the mild, tender flavor. The duck breast was served with

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August 2013

Siamese sweet and sour lobster mushrooms and sweet red peppers over a bed of asparagus. Marlene on the pineapple fried rice: The presentation was beautiful — I thought I was in Hawaii. Upon the first bite, you immediately taste the fresh chunks of pineapple mixed with rice, shrimp, chicken, carrots, baby corn, golden raisins, cashew nuts and yellow curry. Outstanding! Mai on the shrimp pad thai: This was one of my favorites! Growing up in Southern California, I saw the popularity of Thai food growing fast with an abundance of Thai places all over. I am picky about certain dishes — this being one of them. However, the pad thai at Asian Experience is one of the best. The noodles were the perfect width, cooked properly (no mushy noodles here!), and the plump shrimp were mixed in the spicy sauce, which was savory and sweet with a strong peanut and chili flavor.

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Andrea on the Siamese sweet and sour lobster: This dish was served on the lobster shell with sweet, tender chunks of lobster, red bell peppers and cucumber, tossed in a light tomato sweet and sour sauce. It was a generous portion served with jasmine rice.

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FOOD DUDES

JAKE’S STEAKHOUSE Food Dudes’ trek to Tehachapi and find ‘gem on the mountain’

Rack of lamb

Bakersfield Life Magazine

August 2013

Colossal shrimp

Food Dudes, from left, Rick Kreiser, Vin Dang, Rick Hudgens, Derek Abbott and David Leon at the entrance of Jake’s Steakhouse in Tehachapi.

Photos by Greg Nichols

ur visit to Jake’s Steakhouse in Tehachapi offered us an opportunity to exchange the normal stomping grounds in Bakersfield with the rugged alpine scenery and cooler mountain temperatures. Set a block off the main drag of Tehachapi Boulevard, with warm and thoughtful decor and paintings of local landscapes, it feels like a neighborhood restaurant, especially when you’re greeted by friendly owner Barbara Ferrante, chef Matt Greene, and the rest of the most welcoming and attentive staff we’ve had the pleasure to meet in our ventures. As we first entered the establishment, we got the feeling that this atmosphere is a well-created design, with the beautiful bar on the right and the dinner seating area on the left. The seating is made of booths with very comfortable cushions, not like those cheap, sunken booths where as soon as you sit down, it’s almost impossible to get up. They sat us down at a circular booth that could easily fit six. Our waitress, Michelle, has worked at Jake’s for six years and was particularly accommodating as she thoroughly reviewed the chef’s specials of the evening. She wasn’t shy about recommending the best of the best after learning a bit about our individual tastes. We like that honesty. So, you can imagine the level of expertise and enthusiasm that is proffered.

APPETIZERS Derek on the colossal shrimp: We ordered the colossal shrimp entree for the table, splitting the jumbo prawns amongst our group. Those of you who follow our reviews have read of my passion for prawns, and while these shrimp weren’t the size of my head as I’d hoped, they were very satisfying — sauteed and glazed with lemon, butter and garlic. Rick H. on the chicken cordon bleu bites: Michelle suggested we try chicken cordon bleu bites, which had the ideal blend of cheese, chicken and ham, lightly fried and ten-

der. I highly recommend you order this flavorful appetizer, along with the seared ahi tuna and minestrone soup, when you visit.

Jake’s Steakhouse Vin on the calamari: The best appetizer for me was the calamari strips — not overly breaded, and made with chunky strips of calamari. It was a perfect combination of crispy and tender. The sauce is a bit different than your typical marinara. Jake’s mixes up their own Cajun creamy tartar sauce, which complements the calamari well. Address: 213 S. Curry St. in Tehachapi Phone: 822-6015 Website: jakessteakhouse.net Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday; 11:30 a.m to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Reservations recommended Friday through Sunday. Hungry for more? Check out more food photos on bakersfieldlife.com.

ENTREES Derek on the Kobe burger: Us Dudes try to vary our selections, so I went with the Kobe burger. I’m a man of many meats, meaning that I like to try new items on a menu, and I somehow hadn’t had Kobe beef, though I’ve heard much about it. Kobe refers to cuts of beef from the Japanese wagyu cattle. It is generally considered a delicacy, renowned for its flavor, tenderness and fatty, well-marbled texture — all of which make it sound like the perfect meat for a burger. The meat was prepared medium-rare based on server Michelle’s recommendation, which was great because that’s how I like my meat. It was well-flavored, juicy and seemed to melt in my mouth. Served on a kaiser roll with lettuce, tomato and onions, the burger deeply satisfied.

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proved to be mouth-watering. An excellent blend of pepper and other spices (Montreal Steak Seasoning), coupled with its tenderness, propelled me to devour the entire offering on my plate, along with the three neatly arranged dollops of mashed potatoes, and flavorful vegetable inclusion of zucchini and peppers. For a guy who does not usually enjoy steak, this was certainly one to implore others to put it to the test. On my next visit to Jake’s, I plan on partaking in steak again!

Stuffed filet

Continued from page 41 Rick H. on the rib-eye steak: I am not an advocate for beef, nor a connoisseur of it either. However, I decided that I would step out of my comfort zone and feast on a juicy ribeye steak, created the way Chef Matt prepares it — mediumwell and to perfection. Sampling roughly one to two steaks annually, I decided to indulge in this generous block of protein. Rick and Vin suggested I delve into the Harris Ranch rib-eye, so I obliged, and I am thrilled that I did. The first bite of the exterior of the meat

Thank You, Kern County!

David on the prime rib: For the main course, I chose the prime rib, served with au jus and creamy horseradish. It was cooked medium-rare, very tender and super flavorful. The portion was plenty for me; though if you come with an appetite, you may want to try their king-size option. It was nice to hear that Jake’s staff cut their own meat, utilizing the Tehachapi Butcher Shop. There is something very gratifying about knowing where your food comes from, and supporting a business in your local community beyond just the storefront. Vin on the lamb: I went with the special of the day, which was the rack of lamb and a creamy mushroom and brie soup. The mushroom and brie soup was incredibly creamy, similar to a chowder, and had a savory, hearty taste. It’s perfect for those windy nights in Tehachapi. There were thin potato strands mixed with small chunks of brie cheese. The

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Bakersfield Life Magazine

August 2013

Turtle cheesecake

main course came with four racks of tender lamb prepared to medium rare specifications. It went great with the sun-dried roasted vegetables and mashed potatoes. Rick K. on the stuffed filet: Michelle’s recommendation of the stuffed filet was perfect. For me, you could stuff just about anything into a thick, juicy filet and I’d power it down. So, I couldn’t resist the combo of tart, creamy blue cheese and medium-rare Harris Ranch beef that just pairs so well. Sharing the plate were thinly sliced scalloped potatoes served au-gratin style. If you’re a meat and potatoes kind of dude, this cut shows you how special it can be. My vote is to make it a regular menu item … maybe the “stuffed bleu Dude?” That has nice ring to it, doesn’t it? Tehachapi folks are lucky to have Jake’s. I’ll certainly make it a regular stop when venturing up the hill.

DESSERTS Derek and David on the cheesecake: Although we cleaned our plates, we did make room for the variety of desserts on the menu: turtle cheesecake, chocolate lava cake, key lime pie and Italian lemon cake. The turtle cheesecake really hit all the marks, with the right balance of richness, lightness and sweet flavor. Imagine a large slice of decadent cheesecake swirled with thick caramel sauce. Derek and Rick H.: The Italian cream cake was a light citrus layered cake that was perfect for a summer evening!

OVERALL EXPERIENCE Jake’s was a great place to spend a long, relaxing evening. It was a joyous occasion to escape the heat and relish in the pleasant fine dining in Tehachapi. With its well-constructed menu of steak, seafood, chicken and pasta, Jake’s offers a unique taste for everyone. On our visit, the restaurant was preparing to celebrate its 10th anniversary, and from the taste of it, Jake’s Steakhouse will be celebrating many more anniversaries! Barbara recently opened On the Boulevard Bistro in Tehachapi as well (which offers a fine assortment of soups, salads and sandwiches), so we expect that to be satisfying, too. Tehachapi, the gem on the mountain, is in great shape! Without question, we will soon visit Jake’s again and take some hungry diners to accompany us. We hope you follow suit! bakersfieldlife.com

FOOD AND WINE

MOUNTAIN BREWING Kern River Brewing Co. delivers award-winning brews and chews to Kern Valley

Story and photos by Kevin McCloskey

In June, Kern River Brewing Co. in Kernville celebrated its seventh year in business and has developed an impressive array of award-winning beers. 44

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August 2013

he increasing popularity of craft brewing has made it easier to find great beer throughout Kern County, but nothing compares to drinking it straight from the source. And while we may have just a few breweries in our fair county, those that we do have are world-class operations. In June, Kern River Brewing Co. celebrated their seventh year in business, and they have developed an impressive array of award-winning beers. Located in Kernville, the jewel of the Kern River Valley surrounding Lake Isabella, Kern River Brewing is a short trip into the mountains from Bakersfield, but well worth the drive. Co-owners Eric and Rebecca Giddens and Kyle Smith have built a rock-solid restaurant to compliment their compact brewery with a tasty menu of mountain-themed pub grub. The trio began their entrepreneurial journey shortly after Rebecca and Eric moved to Kernville from San Diego to be close to the Kern River, as Rebecca was training for the 2004 Olympics (in kayaking, naturally). Eric had completed his doctorate in oceanography, but Kernville, famous for its lack of proximity to any natural ocean, presented a problem for his chosen profession. Creating a brewery in their new mountain home was con-

Start your meal at Kern River Brewing Co. with ball park pretzels, spinach artichoke dip and, of course, a beer.

sidered to express their enthusiasm and love for craft beers, and when they met Kyle through a mutual “friend,” Kyle’s father, the idea began to take form. Kyle Smith was a captain in the firefighting division of the U.S. Forest Service and a home brewer for 10 years. Upon meeting Eric and Rebecca, he decided to take his brewing to the next level. The success and awards his beers have garnered over the years has proven the wisdom of that decision. The brewery currently produces approximately 1,200 barrels per year, at 31 gallons a barrel. It is available on tap and in bottles throughout Kern County (locations can be found on the website, KernRiverBrewing.com), but be sure to visit the brewery for the seasonal selections, the atmosphere and the fantastic food.

THE BREWS Kern River Brewing has four cornerstone beers that you will always find on tap: Isabella Blonde, Sequoia Red, Just Outstanding IPA and the Class V Stout. A flight of tasters will only set you back $5, but it will give you a perfect grasp of these four quality beers and a broad taste of their brewing craftsmanship. • At 4.5 percent alcohol by volume, the Isabella Blonde is the lightest of the four and a refreshing choice after a day of kayaking down the Kern River or water skiing on the lake. • Sequoia Red (5.2 percent) is an American amber ale that takes its name from the huge trees found in the mountains above Kernville. It has a well-deserved reputation as being “giantly delicious,” and you would be very hard pressed to find a better tasting red ale in the reach-in of your favorite craft beer source. • Just Outstanding IPA (6.8 percent) is a dry-hopped

India Pale Ale with a strong malt flavor. A favorite among hops lovers, this award winner was the beer that sealed the deal between the Giddens’s and Smith seven years ago when they decided to team up and give their brewery a shot. • Anchoring this stellar list is the Class V Stout (8.5 percent), named after the most difficult level of river rapids (class five) that can be negotiated by kayak or raft. A combination of oatmeal, milk, and Imperial Stout varieties, this dark beauty will please any stout fan and has enough character and flavor to convert a few longtime lager lovers. Seasonal offers change frequently, but on this recent visit there were three to sample. Single Track Pale Ale (4 percent) is a light, hoppy beer made from Pilsner malts. The Class X Bourbon Barrel Stout (9.5 percent) is a batch of the Class V Stout aged in a bourbon barrel. The bourbon taste is very apparent and compliments an already tasty beer. A third seasonal is the 7th Anniversary Imperial Coffee Stout (7 percent). The taste of coffee blends perfectly with this stout. For rabid fans of the Citra Double IPA, a 2011 Gold Medal winner at the Great American Beer Festival that helped bring international attention to this little mountain brewery, the next batch is coming. Plan your trip for the end of summer or early fall, and watch the brewery’s website and blog for exact release dates.

THE CHEWS Selecting the Ball Park Pretzels as a starter was a nobrainer. Pretzels and beer have probably been served together for as long as we’ve had pretzels and beer. Order it

Continued on page 46 bakersfieldlife.com

Continued from page 45 with the delicious Spinach Artichoke Dip and you may have to order a second helping of pretzels so as not to let any of it go to waste. The pretzels also come with a homemade Spicy Chipotle dip, or Class V Stout mustard, so there is absolutely no wrong dipping choice. The Fish and Chips with Waffle Fries are a favorite among the regulars, and it is easy to see why. Five strips of Icelandic cod, beer-battered with their Isabella Blonde ale, a generous portion of crispy waffle fries, and house-made tartar sauce — flawless! The Big Blue Mine Burger is named after an old gold mining venture north of town, and I can guarantee you that the Big Blue Miners never had vittles as tasty as this. Topped with bleu cheese, sautéed mushrooms and caramelized onions and served with the Class V Stout mustard, this burger will make you glad you made the trip. For dessert, I had the pleasure of sampling two unique treats. Bring enough people with you and order both with mul-

The fish and chips, beer-battered with Isabella Blonde ale, with waffle fries are a favorite among regulars at Kern River Brewing Co.

Continued on page 48

Wine Tasting

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REPLACEMENT WINDOWS Kern River Brewing Co. Address: 13415 Sierra Highway in Kernville Phone: 760-376-BEER (2337) Web: KernRiverBrewingCompany.com Hours: Open seven days a week, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. (to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday) Thirsty for more? See more chews and brews photos on bakersfieldlife.com.

Continued from page 46 tiple spoons in order to share the guilty pleasure. First up was the Class V Stout Brownie, topped with vanilla ice cream and chocolate sauce. A fairly standard dessert found on many restaurant menus, but what makes this one special is the brownie. Thick, soft, and gooey, it may be difficult to share this one after all. The second treat of the afternoon was a Framboise Float (FRAM-bwahz), a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream in a schooner of Lindemans Framboise (raspberry) Lambic beer. I first became aware of the Lindemans line of fruit beers (with a corked bottle) in the mid 1980s, and while they had a unique taste, I never knew what to do with them, when to order, or what to drink them with, so they fell off my mental beer map. But thanks to Kern River Brewing, those questions have now been answered — just add ice cream. The combination of these two ingredients could have easily given A&W a run for their money if the timing were right (and if they had a non-alcoholic version for the kids).

THEIR DUES Seven years of success is no small feat for an independent restaurant, but no doubt that Kyle, Eric and Rebecca will easily have another seven and more. The atmosphere, menu, and staff are all very welcoming, and you will leave planning your next trip back to see your new friends in the mountains. Kern River Brewing is both family friendly and dog friendly (on the patio and the porch), so don’t hesitate to stop by on your next family outing. You will typically find more family tables than all adults, especially in the afternoon. Live music is usually featured on Friday nights, happy hour is Monday through Friday, 4 to 6 p.m., and if the place is too crowded, the food and beer (bottles, growlers and kegs) are available to go.

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FOODIE

LUNE AND IBRAHIM KHOURY

Lune and Ibrahim Khoury, originally from Jerusalem, moved to Tehachapi six years ago and opened Petra Mediterranean Delicatessen & Restaurant.

Owners of Petra Mediterranean in Tehachapi love to share their cuisine Compiled by Hillary Haenes

une and Ibrahim Khoury, originally from Jerusalem, moved to Tehachapi six years ago and opened Petra Mediterranean Delicatessen & Restaurant. While Petra has only been around for a short while, this husband and wife team have really made a name for themselves in the mountain community. “It’s a small town where everyone knows each other. It’s a nice town; it’s quiet,” Lune, 46, said. The couple decided to move here from San Francisco after passing through. Together, they decided to start a restaurant because of their shared passion for cooking, and they enjoy seeing their customers’ satisfaction after

Bakersfield Life Magazine

August 2013

they’ve finished their meal. The Khourys menu offers a plethora of fresh Mediterranean dishes like salads, sandwiches, gyros, kebabs, falafel, garlic fries, hummus and tzatziki yogurt dips. The couple does everything together, Lune said, and one of them (or usually both) is operating the restaurant at all times. “Cooking is relaxing to us,” Lune said. “We get to do something that we love doing while connecting with the people of our community, as well as sharing a happy and healthy eating style.”

COOKING ADVICE First experience in the kitchen: My first real experience in the kitchen was when my kids were younger, and I volunteered to cook for more than 300 people at my son’s school.

A sampling of what you can order at Petra Mediterranean Delicatessen & Restaurant in Tehachapi.

My disastrous kitchen story: When the hot oil in the new fryer splashed all over my upper and lower right arm causing me to get first- and second-degree burns up and down my arm. Everything goes better with: Garlic — we use garlic in almost everything ... it’s even good for colds! I’m great at making: Baklava. I have had a customer tell me that he has traveled all over the country and nothing compares to my baklava. One of my cooking secrets: My mixing of all the spices. Nothing is measured unless I have to measure for certain purposes. For example, if someone asks how to make my hummus, I measure out my ingredients to tell the customer; other then that, it’s all by good judgement and trusting my inner chef. How I find inspiration to create a new dish: I will crave different things but want them all at once, so I find ways to make them mix well together. Before you know it, I have created something new and unique. One ingredient that I love to use in my recipes: Extra virgin olive oil because it adds a bit of a taste, and it’s one of the healthiest oils. If I could spend the day with a famous chef, it would be: Rachel Ray. I enjoy watching her on TV and love her cooking methods. Advice I would ask her: If there was anything that she knows now that she wished she would have known in the

past that could have possibly helped her on her way to becoming a successful chef.

TOOLS OF THE TRADE Favorite piece of cooking equipment: The pressure cooker because it keeps all the flavors of the food. Must-have kitchen tools: Great knives are one of the most important kitchen tools that we need around Petra. Go-to cook books: I don’t use cook books; most all of the recipes are family recipes that I have been cooking for years. Spice cabinet necessity: Cinnamon. Favorite cooking show to watch: “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.” Ingredients that I avoid: Garlic powder and onion powder because here at Petra, we use the real thing — fresh garlic and onions to flavor our foods. I buy this in bulk: Garlic and spices. We are known for our rich flavor of spices used in our food. Dream kitchen appliance: A great oven.

GLOBE-TROTTING Favorite cuisine: Mediterranean. Best food memory: It was actually just recently at a party that we had for my oldest son’s college graduation. Not

Continued on page 52 bakersfieldlife.com

Continued from page 51 only was the steak and lobster at Chopâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Steak, Seasfood & Bar in Sacramento amazing, but the mood and atmosphere contributed to the memory. Best culinary destination: I would love to end up in Italy some time, but just for a visit. I love the food and dream of opening an Italian restaurant where I would make everything from scratch. Weirdest food I like: I enjoy lamb tongue. Back home (in Jerusalem) itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a delicacy, but here I suppose it would be an abnormal meal.

A FEW OF MY FAVORITE THINGS Always in the fridge: Hummus. I am addicted to: Hummus and Persian cucumber. Comfort food: Garlic fries are my weakness. Dessert: Baklava. Healthy snack: Dolmas, which are stuffed grape leaves. Family recipe: Lamb cooked with a rich yogurt sauce. My splurge at the grocery store: All kinds of fruits. The single tastiest thing that I have eaten this month: I recently made a fish dinner for my family. The fish was seasoned just right and drizzled with a tahini parsley sauce, with a drop of freshly squeezed lemon juice to top it off.

Bakersfield Life Magazine

August 2013

Hummus Ingredients: 1 15-ounce can chickpeas (also known as garbanzo beans) drained and rinsed 1 medium garlic clove, peeled and smashed 1 medium lemon, freshly squeezed 1/4-cup tahini sauce 1/4-cup juice from beans, plus more as needed 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, plus more to serve 1 teaspoon salt Directions: Place beans, garlic, half of the lemon juice, tahini, water, olive oil and a big pinch of salt in a food processor fitted with a blade attachment; process until smooth. If the hummus is too thick, pulse in more juice from the can of beans, a tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached. Taste, adding more salt and lemon juice as needed. To serve, place in a bowl and drizzle with olive oil and paprika.

Baklava Servings: Recipe makes half sheet tray Ingredients: Honey Sauce 2 cups water 2 cups white sugar 1 teaspoon lemon juice 2 teaspoon rosewater 1 cup honey The Filling 2 cups butter 2 16-ounce packages of phyllo dough 2 pounds nuts (walnuts or pistachios), chopped 3 teaspoons ground cinnamon 1/2 cup sugar Directions: Make honey sauce before you begin. Boil sugar and water until sugar is melted. Add rosewater, lemon juice and honey. Simmer for about 20 minutes. Let it cool down. The syrup needs to be cooled before placing on the baklava.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter the bottoms and sides of a 9-by-13-inch pan. Chop nuts and toss with cinnamon and sugar. Set aside. Unroll phyllo dough. Start with 10 sheets, butter throughly. Cover phyllo with a dampened cloth to keep from drying out as you work. Sprinkle half of the nut mixture on top. Then top with two sheets of dough, butter and nuts, layering as you go. Be sure

to butter each sheet as you lay them down. Finish the phyllo dough. Using a sharp knife, cut into diamond or square shapes all the way to the bottom of the pan. You may cut into four long rows then make diagonal cuts. Bake for about 50 minutes or until baklava is golden and crisp. Remove baklava from oven and immediately spoon syrup over it. Let it cool. Leave it uncovered as it gets soggy if it is wrapped.

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We should never cut, ration, or restrict humanity. There’s something cold and impersonal happening when we talk about health care. The words budget, cut, and waste get used a lot. But the one word that’s said less and less, and has somehow lost its meaning, is the word we believe is most important of all. The word care. We’ve got to make it mean something enormous again. Every one of us came into this profession because we wanted to help people heal—to treat them not as numbers or charts or symptoms, but as human beings worthy of the best care and greatest compassion. We believe humanity is the very core of health care. And so we’ve always known what scientists and researchers are now proving to be true: Medicine has the ability to cure. But it’s our shared humanity that holds the power to heal. So now we ask every policy maker and health care professional to join us. Let’s make kindness and humanity part of every conversation and debate and policy decision. Let’s make them the absolute core that informs everything we say. And do. Budgets and constraints? Those can be legislated. But no one should legislate empathy or humanity. That would be inhuman.

Lloyd H. Dean President / CEO of Dignity Health

Learn more at hellohumankindness.org

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Mercy Hospital Southwest

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

FRAZIER PARK’S ‘FIESTA DAYS’ 46th annual Frazier Park celebration promises fun By Thomas Harlander

Bakersfield Life Magazine

August 2013

Frazier Park’s Fiesta Days is in its 46th year.

CALIFORNIAN FILE PHOTO

or the past 45 years, the rugged hills of Frazier Park have served as the backdrop for an annual event cherished by the mountain communities, the weekend-long “Fiesta Days” celebration. Now, with the 46th annual Frazier Park Fiesta Days just around the corner, the mountain community is gearing up for the many attractions and traditions that make it a Kern County attraction. The three-day Fiesta Days celebration will take place Aug. 2 to 4 and will boast a parade, carnival rides, a fishing derby, two pancake breakfasts, a car show, a pet show, Battle of the Bands, and plenty of food, games, music and more. Numerous contests and competitions, from log sawing to horseshoes to watermelon eating, attract participants of all ages. Admission to Fiesta Days is free, and all funds raised from activities go toward a variety of causes focused on improving the Frazier Mountain Communities — youth programs, emergency supplies for schools, Meals on Wheels and scholarships for high school graduates, to name a few. In 1968, Fiesta Days began as a fundraiser put on by the Mountain Memories Association. “Originally the event was started because there were no ambulance services in the mountain community,” said Sabrina Stolting, who serves on the event’s board of directors. “Then, in the late 1970s, early 1980s, it just became a part of the mountain community.” Indeed, by 1978, enough funds had been raised to establish a contract with Hall Ambulance, ensuring the availability of emergency services for residents of the mountain communities. Since then, Fiesta Days has developed into a beloved tradition, and the money raised each year has gone toward a wide range of charities, all of which contribute to the health and welfare of area residents. But Fiesta Days is more than just a way to generate funds for community improvement. The heart and soul of the celebration lie in its focus on family and friends, organizers say. Fiesta Days, above all else, is about community. Families plan their reunions around Fiesta Days, and old friends come together from all across the United States to participate in the festivities. “It’s the one time a year that you know you’re

Go and Do What: Frazier Park’s Fiesta Days Where: Frazier Mountain Park When: Aug 2, 3 and 4 Noteworthy events: • Friday: carnival and amusements open, Battle of the Bands • Saturday: Ed Perine Memorial Parade, family games • Sunday: fishing derby, log sawing contest More information, complete schedule: frazierfiestadays.com

going to be able to see people,” said Stolting. “Community support has kept it going.” Saturday’s lineup features a full schedule of family-oriented games, and the entire weekend is filled with amusements enjoyed by children, parents and grandparents. The atmosphere is one of togetherness, Stolting said. Local bands play their songs on the stage, local artists sell their wares at the artisan fair, and local teens show off their skills at the talent show. “A lot of our vendors are local vendors,” she said. “It’s about getting out and supporting each other.”

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HOMETOWN HERO

Salazar in a wheelchair basketball game at the 2013 Warrior Games in May in Colorado Springs. U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Jorge Salazar, of Delano, speaks to Deputy Cmdr. Robert S. Harward at the Naval Medical Center in San Diego.

JORGE SALAZAR Lance Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps Compiled by Kaelyn De Leon Photos courtesy of Defense Video & Imagery Distribution System

hile serving overseas in Afghanistan, USMC Lance Cpl. Salazar was wounded by an improvised explosive device after stepping on a pressure plate while guiding his squad to safety. The IED took out both of his legs and his left ring finger, leaving him as a double amputee. That hasn’t stopped him from moving forward. He recently took part in the 2013 Warrior Games, a Paralympic sports competition for injured service members that inspires recovery and physical fitness and promotes new opportunities for growth and achievement. Today, the 23-year-old Bakersfield and Delano native is back in the states serving, continuing therapy and sharing his story. Where I’m stationed: Camp Pendleton in San Diego, with 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Division. I’ve served in the military for: 5 years. Why I decided to join: I wanted to be part of something bigger than myself. I have been deployed to: Hawaii, Guam, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Thailand, Hong Kong, and Dubai while on an Marine Expeditionary Unit. My second deployment was to Helmand Province in Afghanistan. My greatest military accomplishment: Bringing all of our guys back alive and receiving a bronze star with a combat “V” for valor. My recent accomplishments: Just being on my legs for 58

Bakersfield Life Magazine

August 2013

Salazar participates in a volleyball game as part of the Warrior Games.

most of the day and feeling complete. What I like most about my job: Definitely how much traveling we do and time we get to spend with other countries. Oh, and of course, shooting all those guns is pretty awesome, too. My favorite memory of being in the military: Being with my Marines. I really enjoy the time I

spend with them. Valuable advice I learned while in the Marine Corps: Never give up! No matter what. What I missed most about Kern County: My family and friends. How I stayed connected to family and friends back home: Facebook is the best way for me to stay in contact, and while I am stationed in San Diego, I try and drive back to Delano at least once or twice a month. My favorite activity in Bakersfield: Just spending time with my sisters and cousins who live there. Something I would like to accomplish this year: To change at least one person’s life. My long-term goals: Finish my education and get a degree. What I am striving for now: I am continuing my therapy and persevering. What I would like the community to take from my story: I want people to know that you should always keep pushing forward and never give up.

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ON THE ROAD

2014 CHEVROLET SILVERADO

Bakersfield Life Magazine Editor Olivia Garcia picks up her sons, Mateo, left, and Diego, and their teammate P.J. Martinez from football practice in the four-door 2014 Chevy Silverado.

Silverado LT crew cab exudes, power, confidence, status By Olivia Garcia

Photos by Tanya X. Leonzo

have fond memories of the Chevy truck that date back to my childhood years. When I think of the Chevy truck, I take a cruise down memory lane to my very younger days when I sat snugly between my grandparents as my grandfather drove us around town in their 1952 Chevy truck during our regularly planned Sunday trips. The classic blue, bubbly, stick-shift truck remained with my grandparents even through my high school years, and I was constantly reminded of the memories, drives and conservations that took place in that now vintage pickup. Several years later, I ran across the Chevy truck again — this time, it was a 1990s Chevy Silverado LS single cab, and the owner was my then-young Marine boyfriend and future husband, Julio. A number of years, a marriage and babies later, we became owners of the Chevy Silverado 1500 extended cab 60

Bakersfield Life Magazine

August 2013

to accommodate our growing family, house work and yard work. So, when I was recently informed that I’d be driving a four-door 2014 Chevy Silverado 1500 LT crew cab from Three-Way Automotive in Bakersfield as part of this month’s test drive, I was beyond excited. There is something very meaningful about things that have a history in your life, and anything similar to it rekindles those special moments and feelings. I was curious to see how the Chevy evolved over the years. Let me say, Chevy truck owners and prospective ones, you will be pleased. As usual, Chevy does not let us down with its power. The 2014 Chevy Silverado I test drove is packed with an EcoTec3 4.3-liter V6 engine, 283 horsepower and 305 torque, although an even more powerful set — EcoTec3 5.3-liter V8 engine, 355 horsepower and 383 torque — is available, and a 6.2-liter V8 engine is expected to be released this fall. According to a recent article by the Associated Press, a renewed economy and a demand for larger trucks has returned. "GM said its new Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra, which went on sale (this summer), are spending just 10 days on dealer lots before being sold. A 60-day stay is typi-

The four-door 2014 Chevy Silverado features the MyLink system technology for radio, satellite music options, and Bluetooth capabilities.

It’s all in the details

cal," the AP article reported. One of the draws could be its bed selection. Now a motorist can purchase a four-door, two-wheel or four-wheel drive, with a larger bed. Choices are a 5-foot, 8-inch cargo box or the larger 6foot, 6-inch bed. For families like mine, who love to travel and pack up the gear, this will come in handy. However, it also works great for everyday needs, especially if you need to haul work equipment, sports gears, or even donated items to the Goodwill. There are other cab options, however, from the spacious fourdoor (yes, for a family like mine) crew cab to a single regular or double cab, which will come in forward-opening doors for easier loading and unloading. At the moment, the crew cab is available but the other two cabs will be out soon, says Tomas Villareal, a sales and leasing consultant at Three-Way Chevrolet Cadillac. I know I have covered a lot about power, size and utility; however, the technology is another great add. Can you say Bose Sound System? For a geek like me, that’s gold. I should note that whenever I test drive a truck or car, I usually incorporate a few other “judges” in my review. They are typically my husband, Julio, and teenagers, Diego and Mateo. My husband often prefers to provide the “passenger” review portion. This time, however, he was eager to hop in the driver’s

Continued on page 62

5 Best features about the 2014 Chevrolet Silverado Crew Cab 1. Fuel economy: 16/23 city, highway (two-wheel drive, 5.3-liter V8 EcoTec3) 2. Personal technologies: MyLink infotainment systems, which can include 8-inch touchscreen, HD radio, natural voice recognition, four customizable themes and much more. 3. Power and performance: 4.3-liter V6 285 horsepower at 5300 305 pounds-feet of torque at 3900 rpm, and 5.3-liter V8 355 horsepower at 5600 rpm 383 pounds-feet of torque at 4100. 4. Safety: Forward-collision alert, lane departure warning and safety alert seat. 5. Quieter cabin: Silverado’s class-leading quiet ride experience is made possible through smart efforts to reduce, block or absorb noise vibration and harshness. City and highway mileage 16 city and 23 highway with the 5.3-liter V8 EcoTec3 The 2014 Silverado Crew Cab is perfect for ... Just about everything, from family outings, towing and just as a daily driver, because it’s quiet, comfortable and safe. What makes the 2014 Chevrolet Silverado Crew Cab stand out from the others Safety before (Forward Collision Alert, Lane Departure Warning, Safety Alert Seat) and safety after (reinforced safety cage, dual stage airbags, automatic crash notification, automatic fuel system shut off, automatic unlock doors, automatic interior lights and automatic flashing hazard lights). Three words that define the 2014 Chevrolet Silverado Crew Cab Smarter. Stronger. More capable. What do you like most about the 2014 Chevrolet Crew Cab? It’s quiet, sips gas and so comfortable. Source: Mike Thomas, senior sales manager, Three-Way Automotive Group

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Continued from page 61 seat and get an up-close experience. He was in heaven. And my teenagers ... well, they were ready to keep the truck. They were pleased with the four doors, spacious room (I have some big boys) and comfortable seating. They also appreciated the MyLink system technology for radio, satellite music options, and Bluetooth capabilities to play their music from their iPhones. Happy sons. Happy husband. Happy family.

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Bakersfield Life Magazine

August 2013

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ON THE ROAD

2014 FIAT 500L

Bakersfield Life staff — Jorge Barrientos, Glenn Hammett, April Massirio and Hillary Haenes — are eager to take a ride in the new 2014 Fiat 500L. .

Bigger, better and roomier, the new four-door Fiat fits tons of features into its new frame By Jorge Barrientos

arlier this year, Bakersfield Life Magazine highlighted the 2013 Fiat 500, touted as an incredibly fun-to-drive, award-winning car that is an ideal choice for anyone looking for a sturdy, stylish and gas-efficient vehicle. Just introduced, the four-door 2014 Fiat 500L has everything its two-door counterpart has but is noticeably larger. Specifically, the 500L has more leg and headroom in the all-new “small-wide” architecture to fit the whole family, or even a team of four Bakersfield Life staffers, comfortably. If the success of the 2013 models are any indication, this 500L series will also be a hit. The Fiat seems to be gaining popularity each day, it seems, with eye-catching advertising campaigns hitting television screens and the web. Last year, Fiat saw a 121 percent increase in 500 series sales, according to Edmunds. To keep the momentum going, the Italian car company — established in 1899 and now part of the Fiat Group automo64

Bakersfield Life Magazine

August 2013

The 500L comes with a standard 1.4-liter turbo engine, with 160 horsepower and 184 pounds-feet of torque. tive companies that includes Chrysler, Ferrari and Maserati — introduced this larger model to North America, suited wonderfully for American-sized drivers and families. The 500L landed in Kern County in June, and they’ve been selling steadily, according to dealership personnel. It’s competitors include the Mini Countryman, Kia Soul, Nissan Juke and Scion xB. Fiat folks argue the 500L is a cheaper alternative and much more stylish.

Features include UConnect touch-screen infotainment system, navigation and rear camera with park assist — a $1,745 value that is free in the limited edition model.

Even better, this model features the best of what Fiat has already been offering, said Jorge Kassas, Fiat of Bakersfield product specialist. That includes a great fuel economy (25 mpg in the city and 33 on the highway) and a bumper-to-bumper, four-year, 50,000-mile warranty. And it’s still a part of the 500 series, a model that in 2013 has won the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety “Top Safety Pick” and the Consumers Digest’s “Best Buy” for subcompact cars. All Fiats come with seven airbags, anti-lock brake system, Bluetooth technology, with USB and auxiliary plugs, and steering wheel audio controls. The standard 1.4-liter turbo engine, with 160 horsepower and 184 pounds-feet of torque is also stellar. Fiat offers four versions of its 500L, and choosing one that’s perfect for you, for the right price tag, is easy. • The entry-level Pop model starts at $19,900, which includes 16-inch wheels, power windows and locks, and a tilt and telescoping steering wheel. • The 500L Easy starts at $20,895 and adds aluminum wheels, tinted glass, a leatherwrapped steering wheel and a premium Beats Audio sound system. • The Trekking Fiat starts at $22,995, and the miniature rugged SUV look is geared toward athletic and adventurous drivers. • The Lounge starts at $24,995, which includes chrome trim, heated seats and dual-zone climate control. The “limited-edition” test drive model I drove included an amazing deal: a premier package that flaunted UConnect touchscreen infotainment system, navigation and rear camera with park assist — a $1,745 value that is courtesy of Fiat. Other options include leather seats, a sunroof and Sirius Satellite Radio.

“

What’s truly surprising with the 500L, however, is how roomy the car is, while still compact enough to squeeze into the smallest of parking spaces and thread through tight traffic.

”

The 500L retains its signature whiskers and logo face and offers more room inside its four-door interior.

It’s all in the details Mileage: 25 city, 33 highway EPA Price tag: $19,900 base price (test drive model: $20,195 base, $24,895 loaded) 2014 Fiat 500L best features: The UConnect infotainment system. It has the touch screen, navigation, backup camera and sensors, and the Bluetooth streaming is just fantastic. It works with voice commands, and it comes with auxiliary, USB and SD Card slots. 2014 Fiat 500L is perfect for… families, road trips and fun. You can take it to the beach or camping. It’s practical for everyday life, as well as well for entertainment and travel. What makes the 2014 Fiat 500L stand out from others? The price tag — all the options you get on this car for the low price, even on a fully-loaded model. Some 500L models come out even cheaper than the little Fiats that we have, and you get two more doors, a nice hatch, and all of the features. The quality is something that stands out as well from every other car. It’s solid and well-built. Target customer: The people who really love the little Fiat are in the need of extra space. Someone who is looking The new 2014 Fiat 500L has for fun, style and emotional appeal, but also enough room to fit four grown needs a little more practiadults comfortably. cality, more space and room. What do you like the most about the 2014 Fiat 500L? I really like the tech package. It makes your life easier — just play your music without any cables. There are a lot of things you can do with the UConnect system. The camera also has guidance lines that guide you, making it easier to fit in tight spaces. Three words that define the 2014 Fiat 500L: Design. Quality. Value. More information: fiatusa.com Source: Jorge Kassas, product specialist, Fiat of Bakersfield

Continued on page 66 bakersfieldlife.com

The new 2014 Fiat 500L, a four-door, also includes a roomie hatch.

Continued from page 65 What’s truly surprising with the 500L, however, is how roomy the car is, while still compact enough to squeeze into the smallest of parking spaces and thread through tight traffic. Plus, new window arrangements around the 500L allow for a 360-degree view, essentially eliminating blind spots. In all, the 500L offers more space to cruise in, and still holds a sense of style and influence that looks like nothing else on Bakersfield’s roads.

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Bakersfield Life Magazine

August 2013

WHY I LIVE HERE

DON-MICHAEL SNOW

Don-Michael Snow, center back, is a champion youth baseball coach and prison lieutenant who has called Bakersfield home for all of his 35 years.

Bakersfield roots date back 35 years for prison lieutenant, youth baseball coach and champion Compiled by Bakersfield Life Magazine

Photos by Aaron Ruth

on-Michael Snow has made Bakersfield his home for all of his 35 years, growing up in the southwest and moving into northwest in 2005. He’s worked throughout Kern County. He started working with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation in 2000 at Wasco State Prison, was promoted to a sergeant in 2005, and in 2010, he became a lieutenant. Working now in Kern Valley State Prison in Delano is “extremely challenging and very rewarding.” When he’s not working, he’s bowling, cheering for the Oakland Raiders, spending time with his family, and coaching local championship youth baseball teams. Family: I married Tonya Sanders on June 6, 2001, and we have one son, Matthew Snow, 11. My neighborhood: I would describe my neighborhood as extremely safe. I have the greatest neighbors, and the majority of them are all hardDon-Michael Snow with working law enforcement officers. his son, Matthew. Interesting facts:

• I started bowling at age 2-1/2 at Freddie’s Top of Hill bowling alley in the northeast, and I have maintained membership in the Golden Empire United States Bowling Congress for 32 years. I have 22 sanctioned 300 games and four sanctioned 800 series games. • I grew up learning Judo and competed nationally. 68

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August 2013

• In 2012, I coached the Northwest Bakersfield 10-andunder All-Star team (my son was on the team) that won the district, state, and Pacific Southwest Regional titles and also the 10-and-under Cal Ripken World Series. Being a coach on this world champion team has been one of the best parts of my life. I have watched my son grow and mature as a great ball player. This sport has given my family great friendships, with the greatest parents. How I relax in Bakersfield: With my friends, enjoying a good bottle of red wine, or a very cold Bud Light. Where you will usually find me eating lunch or dinner: The greatest places for lunch is Luigi’s Restaurant, Tahoe

Joe’s Famous Steakhouse or Outback Steakhouse. What I enjoy most about living here: Bakersfield has an awesome community. This city may have tripled in size since I was born, but you can’t go anywhere without running into someone you know. Bakersfield is famous for: Bakersfield Business Conference, Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace, powerhouse high school and college sports teams, Bakersfield Condors and Bakersfield Blaze. Favorite community event: The Downtown Christmas Parade. The positive list I think Bakersfield would rank near the top: Bakersfield youth sports! My favorite Saturday activity: Spending the day at the

baseball fields, watching competitive youth baseball. If I want to get out of town, I go to… Las Vegas, Pismo Beach, Sacramento to visit my sister and brother-in-law, or driving to Oakland for a Raiders game! Perfect date night in Bakersfield: A night out enjoying a great rib-eye steak and going to the movies. — Do you know someone from outside of Bakersfield who now calls Bakersfield home, has chosen to stay in Bakersfield above anywhere else, or returned here after living away, and is proud of it? Please let us know. Email us a name and contact information to bakersfieldlife@bakersfield.com with the message subject line: Why I Live Here.

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

TYLER SHRYOCK By Stephen Lynch

Shyrock makes a nice stop before throwing a USC runner out at first base. 70

Bakersfield Life Magazine

August 2013

The CSUB dugout empties to greet Tyler Shryock as he scores the winning run against UC Irvine.

Despite CSUB getting knocked out of the WAC tournament in heartbreaking fashion, it was a spectacular season in every other way for Shryock, he said. “Overall, it was a great year,” Shryock said. “It was the best team I’ve ever played with. I love every guy out there, and I think I made some lifelong friends and memories... We came up a little short and that’s always disappointing. I don’t feel we got all we deserved for how hard we worked, but that’s baseball.” Shryock knows all about the ups and downs of baseball having played it since he was six years old. Homeschooled for much of his kindergarten through high school years, Shryock learned the basics and intricacies of the sport from his father Dennis, and older brother Wesley.

PHOTO BY CASEY CHRISTIE

aseball is Tyler Shryock’s passion. He enjoys playing the sport immensely and is very successful at it. In June, the former Cal State Bakersfield star shortstop was selected by the Chicago White Sox in the 12th round of the 2013 Major League Baseball Draft. However, the 22-year-old Tehachapi native doesn’t hide the fact that while he is serious about the “Grand Old Game,” it’s not the driving force in his life. That role is reserved for God. “It’s where I get my motivation,” Shryock said of his Christian faith. “It’s what drives me. It’s the biggest part of my life. I feel like God has blessed me with some gifts, that I go out and work as hard as I can ... and then I can use the platform that he’s given me to influence other people and have a voice in life and give back to the community.” Shryock certainly maximized his God-given abilities this past season, batting a hefty .357 while leading the Roadrunners to the Western Athletic Conference regular season title. For his efforts, the 6-foot, 170-pound junior was named the conference’s “player of the year.”

PHOTO BY ROD THORNBURG

For CSUB standout, Chicago White Sox draftee, baseball is a passion, but God is driving force

Tyler Shryock facts Coached by his father, Shryock had an outstanding prep career at Lancaster’s Desert Christian High School. As a senior, Shryock posted a .453 batting average and smacked 21 extra base hits. Those numbers, and Shryock’s outstanding defensive skills, caught the attention of CSUB coach Bill Kernen. CSUB was the only NCAA Division I school to offer Shryock a scholarship, so he happily agreed to join the Roadrunners’ newly-established baseball program. “I really felt like I wanted to play at the Division I level and (CSUB) was really the only opportunity to do that,” he said. “I was a little discouraged at first, and then (CSUB) called, and I knew it was the right place to go. It turned out to be the best fit possible.” Jumping from a small Christian high school to playing against the top college baseball teams in the country wasn’t an easy transition for Shryock. He batted just .244 as a freshman. But with determination, hard work, and with the help of the CSUB coaching staff, Shryock improved dramatically over his next two seasons with the Roadrunners. He hit .276 as a sophomore before busting out with a monster junior year. “Coach Kernen couldn’t have been any better to me,” Shryock said. “He was the perfect coach for my mentality and my style of play... I wouldn’t want to play for anybody else but him... He knew that I was dedicated and wanted to

Born March 23, 1991. Parents Dennis and Debbie Shryock; older brother Wesley, 25. Most Valuable Player of the Desert Mountain League as a senior in high school. Spent the summers after his freshmen and sophomore years at CSUB playing in the Alaska Baseball League.

Played hockey recreationally until freshmen year of high school. Walk-up music at CSUB was “My Savior Lives” by Christian singer Aaron Shust. Played high school and college baseball with friends Taylor Aikenhead and Chance Gusbeth. Attends Country Oaks Baptist Church.

play hard for him.” Shryock believes his success as a baseball player stems from his relationship with God and a willingness to work harder than the competition. “It helps me relax, to be able to know that (God) is in control of the results, and that I’ve worked as hard as I can, and that’s all I can do, and the rest is out of my hands,” Shryock said. Shryock’s faith and hard work has propelled him forward to the opportunity to pursue one of his lifelong goals, playing professional baseball. “I’m just feeling super excited and blessed,” Shryock said of being drafted by the White Sox. “I’m overwhelmed. It’s a dream come true for me.”

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TA L K O F T H E TO W N

Race fans came out for an entertaining evening of racing during opening night at the new Kern County Raceway Park.

KERN COUNTY RACEWAY PARK New track fills void for upstart drivers hoping to follow footsteps of local NASCAR stars By Stephen Lynch

ith all of its top-of-the-line amenities, Kern County Raceway Park has drawn the praise from racing aficionados and fans alike since opening its gates in May. Great sight lines and a layout conducive to multi-groove racing make the half-mile paved oval track, located on Enos Lane just off Interstate 5, a fun place to spend a Saturday evening. And while the launch of raceway has given Bakersfield’s auto racing fans a new venue to enjoy their sport, it has also filled a void for local upstart drivers hoping to someday make it to the upper echelons of NASCAR. By doing so, racers would be following in the footsteps of Kevin Harvick and Casey Mears, a pair of Bakersfield natives who currently race in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.

INSPIRED RACERS Harvick and Mears honed their skills at Mesa Marin Raceway in east Bakersfield before closing October 2005. 72

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Harvick, a two-time NASCAR Nationwide Series champion and winner of the 2007 Daytona 500, has a total of 21 Sprint Cup victories to his credit. Mears, a former teammate of NASCAR superstars Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson and nephew of four-time Indianapolis 500 winner Rick Mears, has just one Sprint Cup win (2007 Coca-Cola 600), but is still a regular in the series. Harvick and Mears are the inspiration for numerous local young drivers who now have a better chance to advance up through the NASCAR ranks with the birth of raceway. One raceway driver currently on the climb to the top is 31-year-old David Mayhew, who already has one Sprint Cup start under his belt. Mayhew finished 40th in last year’s Toyota/Save Mart 350 on the road course at Sonoma Raceway. Mayhew, a native of Atascadero, moved to Bakersfield eight years ago solely for the purpose of furthering his racing career. “Mesa Marin was going on at the time,” Mayhew said. “Trying to become a NASCAR driver... in Atascadero, there’s not a whole lot of racing going on over there. So we were just closer to everything over here.” In 2004, Mayhew won the track championship at Mesa Marin, but his desire to live near a NASCAR sanctioned paved oval ended a year later when the track went dark for good. Disappointed about the closure of Mesa Marin, Mayhew was excited when it was announced that raceway was in the works, and even happier when the track was finally completed. His affinity for raceway has only grown since he’s had a chance to race there. “This is definitely 100-percent first class all the way,” Mayhew said. Mayhew won six of the first nine NASCAR CITGO Lubri-

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Continued from page 72 cants Late Model feature races held at raceway. The 2006 SRL Southwest Tour Rookie of the Year also won one of the tracks first four Pro Late Model main events. Mayhew believes having a place like raceway to race at is important for the development of local young drivers. “All the kids coming from go-karts, bandoleros or some other beginner class, they’re looking for a place to progress to,” Mayhew said. “And this place is an awesome facility. The people running it are doing a great job. It’s getting better every week. The place is just going to be phenomenal here in a few years... For somebody coming out of go-karts to have a place to look up to and go participate at when they get older is really big.”

Kern County Raceway Park August Events Aug. 3: LKQ Auto Parts Night; NASCAR Pro Late Models 100, CITGO Lubricants Late Models 50, Legends, Bandoleros Aug. 4: Legends National Qualifier with Bandoleros Aug. 10: Monster Energy Night; NASCAR Pro Late Models 100, SpecMods, Mini Stocks, Mini Dwarfs Aug. 17: NASCAR CITGO Lubricants Late Models Twin 50s, Mini Stocks Aug. 24: 106.1 Krab Radio Night; NASCAR CITGO Lubricants Late Models 50, Legends, Bandoleros, Mini Dwarfs Aug. 31: Budweiser Night; NASCAR Pro Late Models 100, CITGO Lubricants Late Models 50, Legends, Bandoleros, Mini Stocks Source: kernraceway.com (compiled by Scott Camp)

Currently one of the track’s most popular racing divisions is the Mini Dwarfs, where kids as young as 5-years-old compete. Broken up into junior and senior divisions based on age, the mini dwarfs race on the track’s eighth-mile oval configuration. Kern County Raceway Park also has a quarter-mile layout for some of its other racing divisions. While the two smaller tracks at raceway have certainly produced exciting racing during the early going every Saturday night, from May 18 to October 26 schedule, arguably the best finishes have come on the half-mile. Mayhew has already been involved in several hotly-contested, down-to-the-wire battles with cousins Brian and Eric Richardson. “The racing is awesome,” Mayhew said. “You can run two-wide. (It’s) just good racing at a track you really have to drive unlike some of the other tracks here in California. This place, you have to drive the heck out of it every lap. You can’t just have a fast car and do well. You got have a fast car and drive the thing so it makes it nice.” Mayhew, who has competed the past few years in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West, is pouring most of his efforts this season into raceway. “We’re focusing mainly on out here, trying to help the car count and get people out in the stands,” Mayhew said. “Doing everything we can to promote the track out here.”

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The active 20-30 Club of Bakersfield volunteers organize in front of Kohl’s in preparation for “Childspree” in 2011. This year’s event takes place on Aug. 3.

PHOTO BY ALEX HORVATH

FOR A CAUSE

Local club hosts annual back-to-school shopping spree for underprivileged youth By Scott Camp

ith another new school year approaching, there’s one thing likely on the minds of many students: “What do I wear on the first day?” That question, however, can become worrisome, especially for youth whose unfortunate circumstances may prevent them for affording nice attire. But help is on the way. Thanks to the Active 20-30 Club — a national nonprofit group that focuses on giving back to underprivileged children through various fundraisers and community events — members of the Bakersfield community are reaching out to those who might not otherwise have the opportunity to re-stock their wardrobes and pencil cases before the 2013-14 school year. This annual event, known as “Children’s Shopping Spree,” takes more than 200 local disadvantaged students for a day of shopping — on Aug. 3 — at the Kohl’s department stores in Bakersfield where they are given a new backpack filled with school supplies, along with a $100 gift card for them to spend on new clothes. 76

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August 2013

Volunteers help kids spend their $100 gift cards at Kohl’s during “Childspree.”

PHOTO BYCASEY CHRISTIE

BAKERSFIELD ACTIVE 20-30 CLUB’S ‘CHILDREN’S SHOPPING SPREE’

Although pencils and paper may seem like rather disposal commodities, organizers of this event hope to give these children all of the basic resources they need to excel in the classroom. Therefore, each child is screened and selected based on a needs basis. “To start the year with new clothes, new shoes and a new backpack is very important to all of our children, but it makes a huge impact on our teens,” said Renee Stancil, youth connection-program director of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Kern County. “The (Bakersfield) Active 20-30 Club provides the opportunity for our teens to have the sense of belonging at their respective junior high or high school. Inclusion is vital at that age.” About $23,000 had already been raised by mid-July for the 240 students involved in this year’s event, which is headed by 20-30 member Patrick Pianezza.

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Teaming up with the club are Bakersfield Rotary, Court Appointed Special Advocates of Kern County, Community Connection for Child Care, California Youth Connection, and Boys and Girls Club of Kern County. “This might sound cheesy, but honestly, the Childspree smiles on the kids’ faces is When: Aug. 3 my favorite part (of ChildWhere: Kohl’s in Bakersfield spree),” said Bakesfield More information, donate: Active 20-30 Club president active2030.org Dave Porter. While the Active 20-30 Club’s focus is on children, each city’s chapter also has its focus for its respective community. The Bakesfield Active 20-30 Club, organized in 1928, aims to provide for underprivileged youth in the community, while also instilling leadership qualities in young men. As such, the chapter is run by and geared toward men in their 20s and 30s. The local club has raised millions for local children’s charities. Other programs hosted by the club include the annual Festival of Beers and the Christmas Experience, where the club provides and delivers Christmas gifts, a Christmas tree and dinner to families who otherwise cannot afford them. — Writer Zachariah Jones contributed to this article bakersfieldlife.com

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KERN COUNTY’S COMMUNITIES Compiled by Zachariah Jones

Arvin

Edwards Air Force Base

Population: 18,809 Mayor: Jose Flores City Hall: 200 Campus Dr., Arvin, 93203. 854-3134 www.arvin.org

Total Employed: 2,373 Kern County Supervisor, District 2: Zack Scrivner 868-3660

Lamont

Taft

Population: 15,883 Kern County Supervisor, District 5: Leticia Perez 868-3690

Population: 9,413 Mayor: Paul Linder City Hall: 209 E. Kern St., Taft, 93268. 763-1222 www.cityoftaft.org

McFarland Tehachapi

Population: 12,530 Mayor: Manuel Cantu, Jr. City Hall: 401 West Kern Street, McFarland, 93250 792-3091 www.mcfarlandcity.org

Population: 14,332 Mayor: Phil Smith City Hall: 115 S. Robinson St., Tehachapi, 93561. 822-2200 www.tehachapicityhall.com

Delano 155

Ridgecrest

Lake Isabella

Wasco 33

Isabella Lake

rn Ke

er Riv

Shafter

K E R N

C O U N T Y

Bakersfield Arvin 223 Taft

Tehachapi 58

Mojave 58

Boron Population: 2,323 Honorary Mayor: Susan Cunningham Chamber of Commerce: 26922 Twenty Mule Team Rd., Boron, 93516. 760-762-5810 www.boronchamber.com

California City Population: 13,684 Mayor: Patrick Bohannon City Hall: 2100 Hacienda Blvd., California City, 93505 760-373-8661 www.californiacity.com

China Lake Total Employed: 1,423 U.S. Naval Museum of Armament & Technology 1 Pearl Harbor Way, China Lake, 93555. 760-939-3530 www.cnic.navy.mil/chinalake

Delano Population: 53,204 Mayor: Joe Aguirre Town Hall: 1015 11th Ave., P.O. Box 3010, Delano, 93215 721-3300 www.cityofdelano.org

Bakersfield Life Magazine

Frazier Park

California City Boron

Edwards Air Force Base

5 MILES

THE CALIFORNIAN Flight Test Center Museum: 405 Rosamond Blvd., Edwards AFB, 93524, 277-8050 www.edwards.af.mil

Frazier Park Population: 2,467 Mountain Communities Chamber of Commerce: P.O. Box 552, Frazier Park, 93225 245-1212 www.mymountainchamber.com

Lake Isabella Kern Valley Population: 3,466 Kern County Supervisor, District 1: Mick Gleason 868-3650 Kern Valley Chamber of Commerce: P.O. Box 567 6414 Lake Isabella Boulevard, Suite D, Lake Isabella, 93240 760-379-5236 www.kernrivervalley.com www.lakeisabella.net

August 2013

Mojave

Wasco

Population: 3,987 Kern County Supervisor, District 2: Zack Scrivner 868-3660 mojave.ca.us

Population: 25,695 Mayor: Fred West, Jr. City Hall: 746 8th St., Wasco, 93280. 758-7214 www.ci.wasco.ca.us

Ridgecrest

Kern County

Population: 27,748 Mayor: Dan Clark Town Hall: 100 W. California Ave., Ridgecrest, 93555 760-499-5000 ridgecrest-ca.gov

Shafter

Overall Population: 856,158 Board of Supervisors: 1st District, Mick Gleason 2nd District, Zack Scrivner 3rd District, Mike Maggard 4th District, David Couch 5th District, Leticia Perez www.co.kern.ca.us

Population: 16,709 Mayor: Jon Johnston City Hall: 336 Pacific Ave., Shafter, 93263. 746-5000 www.shafter.com

Sources: Kern County “Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy 2012-2013 Annual Report,” U.S. Census Bureau

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he saying goes, â&#x20AC;&#x153;When in Rome, do as the Romans do.â&#x20AC;? Surely the same stands true for our home county, too. So, when in Kern County, do as the Kern Countians do. Bakersfield Life has asked longtime local residents of various Kern County cities to share their favorite things about their towns. Meet the residents here, take their advice, and take a trip to a Kern County destination today.

Bakersfield Life Magazine

August 2013

ARVIN Jim Young Compiled by Thomas Harlander

im Young’s family came to Arvin from Shamrock, Texas in April 1939 to work as farm laborers during the Dust Bowl. He has called Arvin home since. He commuted to Bakersfield from Arvin for 31 years while working for Kern High School District and Kern Community College District, and loved making the drive. Since retiring in 1999, Young has kept busy with volunteer work in Arvin education and community organizations. Eat: For the best shrimp quesadilla and freshly made tortillas, try La Fogata Restaurant, or for a delicious pastor torta, try Lupitas (both are on the east end of Bear Mountain Boulevard). Maria at Las Fuentes (212 Bear Mountain Boulevard) serves traditional Mexican dishes and margaritas. Finally, one of the best torta establishments is (don’t laugh) the Chevron Station on Main Street. See: A large variety of crops in the summer, when the harvests are in full swing. In the spring, drive east on State Route 223 to view the fields of wildflowers that attract tourists and photographers from all throughout California. Do: For me, Friday night Arvin High football games are can’t miss events since I played in 1955 and 1956 and coached there after college. What makes my city unique and special: The wonderful, unpretentious, hard working people who make the food we eat more affordable for our country. Favorite community event: The fall Crab Feed, the Arvin Christmas Parade and the Arvin Wildflower Festival. My city’s best-kept secret: The large tunnels under Arvin High School that were constructed in 1948 to carry utilities to all the buildings.

Saying of my city: “Sí se puede” (means “it is possible” or “you are able”): a phrase that Dolores Huerta and the farm workers would chant at labor rallies when striving for better working conditions and pay.

PHOTO BY ALEX HORVATH

Interesting historical fact about my city: The early growth of Arvin was fueled by the Dust Bowl migration, midwesterners looking for work and a better life. As they arrived, many migrants moved into the federal Arvin Migratory Camp, or as it is called in John Steinbeck’s “The Grapes of Wrath,” the “Weedpatch Camp.”

Dr. Jim Young has lived in Arvin for 74 years, apart from his time away at college. bakersfieldlife.com

Bob and Tina Leikam, at the Taft Oilworker Monument, have been the owners of Taft’s Domino’s Pizza franchise since 1986.

Bob and Tina Leikam Compiled by Kaelyn De Leon

ob and Tina Leikam have been the owners of Taft’s Domino’s Pizza since 1986. Tina was born and raised in Taft while Bob, originally from Texas, helped start many of the first Domino’s Pizza stores in several states before coming to Taft. Tina serves as the secretary for the Taft Rotary Club and was awarded the Taft “Businesswoman of the Year” award for 2012. Bob is a member of the Rotary Club and board member for the Taft Chamber of Commerce, and holds a new position 86

Bakersfield Life Magazine

August 2013

Eat: Breakfast at Jo’s Family Restaurant (510 Kern St.). Owners Joe and Ofelia Fuller run a great place. For lunch, try La Salsa Tex Mex Restaurant (101 E. Kern Street). Dinner in Taft should be spent at Black Gold Coffee House & Deli (508 Center St.). We love their long list of beers. See: The Historic Fort, the Oilworker Monument near the center of town and the West Kern Oil Museum (where Highway 119 meets Wood Street). If you’re an active person, check out “Rails to Trails,” a bike and walking path that runs through town. Lastly, take a trip to 25 Hill Drive — a nice spot that overlooks all of Taft. Do: Oildorado Days is one event that is can’t miss. It’s a 10-day birthday

celebration held in October once every five years. Our city’s best kept secret: Hollywood has been filming movies and commercials here for decades! They include “Five Easy Pieces” with Jack Nicholson, “The Best of Times” with Robin Williams and Kurt Russell, and Stan Lee’s Dr Pepper commercial. Favorite memory of our city: Our community’s support for two Guinness World Records: Leonard Gentieu’s largest sandwich in 1975 (almost 500 feet long) and our own Domino’s Pizza that baked 6,838 pizzas in 24 hours in 2010. Person to meet: Pete Gianopulos, historian, and Kathy Orrin, at Taft Chamber of Commerce, who always know what’s happening in Taft.

PHOTO BY AARON RUTH

on the City Planning Commission.

TAFT

of Red Rock Books (206 W. Ridgecrest Boulevard), which has new and used books, but also other great treasures.

RIDGECREST Lori Acton

Do: Maturango Museum will give you a real feel for all we have to offer. The Petroglyphs, on the Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, is an absolute must see!

Compiled by Zachariah Jones

Eat: Casey’s Steaks and Barbeque (1337 N. China Lake Boulevard) —the food is always terrific, and with good barbecue you really can’t go wrong. For Mexican there are several choices, but I’m really partial to the white enchiladas at Olvera’s (120 W Ridgecrest Boulevard). If it’s a sushi night, it has to be Miso Sushi (1315 N. Norma St.), which is tucked away off the beaten path.

PHOTO COURTESY OF LORI ACTON

ori Acton was born and raised in Ridgecrest and lived there her whole life, except for being stationed with her husband Chris in Oak Harbor, Wash. for eight years. Today, she is a councilwoman and enjoys her life with daughter Amanda, son Cody and grandson Rayden. In Ridgecrest, she is active in a broad range of organizations that keep her in touch with residents.

Shopping: Kelly’s Closet (128 Balsam St.) is just two doors from Olvera’s, and has great women’s clothes. Continuing on Balsam is an antique stores, clothing for teens, a dog boutique, and many more. I am particularly fond

My city is famous for… The technology developed at our Naval Base. We invented the sidewinder missile, the glow stick, and more than 100 other things! Favorite community event: Ridgecrest Desert Wildflower Festival What I do for fun in my city: Taking people to the museum on base so people can see all the outstanding technology that’s been developed here is always fun. I also enjoy all the open space: I can rock hound, off-road and hike ... just so many things. My city’s best-kept secret: The amount of movies filmed here. Interesting or fun fact about my city: Originally, we were called Crumville (go to the Historic USO Building on Ridgecrest Boulevard to learn more).

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FRAZIER PARK Patric Hedlund Compiled by Thomas Harlander

atric Hedlund has worked as a professional writer, producer, director and photographer in New York, Los Angeles, Arizona, Mexico and Europe. She and her husband, Gary Meyer, met while making films. And 10 years ago, they bought Hometown Publishing and its two publications — The Mountain Enterprise and The New Mountain Pioneer — to maintain a strong local voice for this region. Hedlund is the managing editor and has lived in The Mountain Communities for 13 years. Eat: In Frazier Park, say “Hi” to Veronica Camacho at La Sierra Mexican Restaurant (3500 Mt Pinos Way). You will also enjoy the Chinese food at Crazy Duck Restaurant (637 San Emigdio Way) and breakfast at Big John’s (3121 Mt Pinos Way).

Coffee Cantina (3011 Mt Pinos Way) offers garden fresh salads along with gourmet coffee and teas. Just up the road, Caveman Cavey’s Pizza (3620 Mt Pinos Way) has draft beer, and on Fridays, Cavey pulls out a big barbecue grill for tri-tip and chicken. See: The Whitener Tree is 1,000 years old, and the Bitter Creek National Wildlife Refuge is great for California Condor viewing. There are also tours of the San Andreas Fault. On moonless nights, you’ll find amateur astronomers from around the world bringing their telescopes to the parking lot at the top of Mount Pinos for a wonderful view of the galaxy.

Patric Hedlund and her husband bought The Mountain Enterprise and The New Mountain Pioneer 10 years ago to maintain a strong local voice for the region. She is the managing editor. 88

Bakersfield Life Magazine

August 2013

PHOTO BY GARY MEYER

Do: We have Fiesta Days from Aug. 2 to 4 — a hilarious mix of carnival and old-fashioned family-style competitions. Run to the Pines Car Showtakes place Aug. 10. Center of the World Festival is held at the base of Mount Pinos Aug. 16 to 18 and features original songwriters, video producers and playwrights. We also have the Pine Mountain Wine Festival and Art Walk and the Fall Festival coming up.

Don’t miss The Ridge Route Communities Museum, where you’ll see a wealth of intriguing displays about the history of these mountains. You’ll also enjoy a trip to Fort Tejon State Historical Park. One of the newest features in my area: The Frazier Park Branch Library and the 300- to 400-year-old oak trees that survived its construction.

bakersfieldlife.com

TEHACHAPI Doug DeGeer Compiled by Thomas Harlander

Eat: Kasagiri Japanese Restaurant (128 E F St.) has a wide variety of Japanese cuisine, including an extensive list of sushi (try their pepper jack roll). Kohnen’s Country Bakery (125 W. Tehachapi Boulevard, Suite D) has delicious sandwiches and amazing baked treats — my wife loves their lemon bars. Don Juan’s Grill (20700 South St.) is a great Latin American restaurant that serves a variety of different food. My favorite dish is the Buenos Aires grilled chicken. Finally, Redhouse BBQ (426 E Tehachapi Boulevard) is probably the best barbecue in Kern County.

Tehachapi High School teacher and coach Doug DeGeer has lived in Tehachapi since 1986. His wife, Danielle, also grew up in Tehachapi.

PHOTO BY CASEY CHRISTIE

oug DeGeer grew up in Tehachapi, and he has lived there since 1986 when his parents decided to move closer to the rest of their family. His wife, Danielle, also grew up in Tehachapi, and both of their families are still there. Today, Doug teaches at Tehachapi High School, and spends time hanging out with family, looking for new running trails and coaching freshmen football and junior varsity baseball at Tehachapi High.

Do: Mountain Park, off Highline Road, provides a great view of Tehachapi and is a wonderful place for camping, nature walks and hikes. Horse Thief Golf Course in Stallion Springs is about 10 to 15 minutes outside of Tehachapi and is an absolutely beautiful course. After your round, be sure to stop by P-Dubs Grille & Bar (27725 Stallion Springs Road) to get a refreshing beverage and a bite to eat.

Favorite community event: Tehachapi Mountain Festival is a fun summer festival with a parade and a weekend-long street fair in City Park. Also, Tehachapi rallies around its high school sports. What makes my city unique and special: I traveled all around the country and lived in a few different cities in the Central Valley, and there is no other place that shares the same sense of community and well-being as Tehachapi.

Bakersfield Life Magazine

August 2013

PHOTO BY CASEY CHRISTIE

Tehachapi has gone to great lengths to create a cozy and attractive downtown area, with local theaters and restaurants all within walking distance.

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Sandi Johnstone is a longtime server at Cherylâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Diner in Kernville and a resident of Kernville since 1985. 92

Bakersfield Life Magazine

August 2013

Sandi Johnstone Compiled by Andrea Vega

andi Johnstone has been a waitress for more than 35 years and has worked at Cheryl’s Diner in Kernville since 1985. She first worked for her grandmother, Nelda, at Cheryl’s and then her mother Cheryl at Cheryl’s. She and her husband, Ronald, have been married for 33 years and have known each other since they were 10 years old. Together, they have two grown children and five grandchildren.

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Eat: Of course, Cheryl’s Diner (11030 Kernville Road): great burgers, homemade pie and chicken fried steaks! My husband and I like to sneak over to El Rio Mexican & American Food (11 Kern River Dr.). They make a great chile relleno! McNally’s Restaurant (HC 1 Sierra Highway, 15 miles north of Kernville on Sierra Way) for steak and shrimp. No matter how hard I try, I can’t do the shrimp like they do. Try buffalo wing pizza at Pizza Barn (11401 Kernville Road). Brad, the owner, invented it. So good! See: Check out the Kern Valley Museum in Kernville (49 Big Blue Road) — it’s a wealth of information and has a great gift shop and outdoor exhibits as well. Drive up to the Trail of 100 Giants and see what everyone is talking about. Our Kern Valley Golf Course is a little jewel, right on the river, with a great patio.

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My city is famous for… The mountains and the Kern River that flows through it. Many visitors from around the world travel through the Kern River Valley. It is the gateway to the giant sequoias and a destination spot on the way to Death Valley.

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Favorite community event: Christmas in Kernville, Whiskey Flat Days and the Isabella Lake Fishing Derby. What I do for fun in my city: I love to entertain in my own backyard, take walks with one or more of my grandbabies, and sing with the local chapter of Sweet Adelines, where I write, cast and direct our plays. I also put on events and weddings here in the Kern River Valley with my dear pal, Nancy.

Interesting fact: This is really “new” Kernville. Old Kernville is under the lake! If you visit our town, you must meet… My Dad, because he knows so much about this place, has a love for this area, and he can tell a great story.

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Favorite memory of my city: A few years ago, it snowed... a lot (around 1989). The town was shut off, and Whiskey Flat Days loomed. The sun came out, but the snow didn’t melt. The town pulled together and cleaned up Circle Park. We built a giant snowman and had the best Whiskey Flat Days ever!

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Bakersfield Life Magazine

August 2013

PHOTO COURTESY OF JENNIFER WOOD

Jennifer Wood, a city councilwoman, has lived in California City for 22 years, moving there after being assigned to Edwards Air Force Base.

JENNIFER WOOD California City Compiled by Zachariah Jones

ennifer Wood is originally from Louisiana but has lived in California City for 22 years, moving there after being assigned to Edwards Air Force Base. She and her husband, Steve “Woody” Wood are retired and raised five children in California City. Both of them are U.S. Air Force veterans, and two of their children are currently on active duty. “We chose California City because of the wonderful people we met here and the city’s amenities,” said Wood, a city councilwoman. Eat: One of the most popular to the locals and visitors alike is Gloria’s Mexican Restaurant & Seafood (7027 California City Boulevard). Pick anything on the menu, and you won’t go wrong. Next door you’ll find the Coyote Cafe (7035

California City Boulevard), which serves great food all day, but it’s their breakfast that we enjoy most. At Foxy’s Landing & Restaurant (22636 Airport Way), folks can enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner in an aviation-themed environment overlooking the runway and tarmac. See: Visit the Desert Tortoise Preserve or play a round at the championship Tierra del Sol Golf Course. Do: If you are an off-road enthusiast, you can’t miss Borax Bill Park. It’s also the home base for the Desert Incident Response Team. Riders enjoy the variety of terrains they can experience here. What makes my city unique and special: Our police and fire departments are solely funded by California City citizens through a special tax initiative. Both are the pride of our community. Favorite community event: We just held our annual Fourth of July celebration and Fireworks Show that we all look forward to. The first weekend in May, the annual Desert Tortoise Days kicks off

with a parade to the park where there are many booths and activities. The California City Arts Commission and City of California City host a Renaissance Fair annually in October. My city’s best-kept secret: Birdwatching paradise. Favorite memory of my city: Raising our children here. Interesting fact about my city: California City enjoys the distinction of being the third largest city in California with land area that totals 203 square miles. We are the largest city in Kern County in terms of land size and the 11th largest city in the United States. If you visit our town, you must meet … Ted Sutherland and his friend of 45 years, Jay Sprague, because they are two of our pioneers. Ted served on the very first city council as a vicemayor, and Jay served on city council in 1989. Both have great stories about California City and its early residents, as well as their tireless efforts to build a city.

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SHAFTER Gary Ingle Compiled by Andrea Vega

ary Ingle is a retired Kern County Superior Court Judge, having served on the bench at the Shafter courthouse for more than 28 years. Born in Wasco, he grew up in Buttonwillow, graduated from Shafter High School, and attended Bakersfield College, UC Berkeley and University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law. He worked as an attorney for the Kern County Public Defender for three years and with the law firm Chain-Younger for two years. He and his wife Martha have two children and two grandchildren. Eat: For the small-town atmosphere as much as the food, go to China Cuisine (563 James St.) and the Don Perico Mexican Restaurant (301 E. Lerdo Highway).

Bakersfield Life Magazine

August 2013

The dining room of China Cuisine is like the community living room, kitchen and dining room. Scotty and Joy Dang have become close friends to each of their customers. I love to order the chicken coolie chow (not on the menu). At Don Perico, Jose and Marlene Villalba will welcome you like family, and the food is terrific. Shop: I take my cars to Smitty’s Garage (676 E. Lerdo Highway), Winter Automotive (236 S. Shafter Ave.), Shafter Automotive Service Inc. (219 S. Shafter Ave.), or Shafter Transmission & Smog (877 E. Lerdo Highway). You can trust them with your car and your bank book! I get my car parts at Hitchcock Auto Parts (620 Munzer St.) from owner Jesse Escobedo.

Other hometown favorites include Shafter Medical Pharmacy (825 Central Valley Highway), and Apple Market (111 Central Valley Highway), which has the best meat department around; ask for Jim Fain. Do: Our community’s 100th anniversary celebration will be held Oct. 17-20. We’ll have a parade, a melodrama, fireworks,

and a community band concert. What makes my city unique and special… The wonderful relationships that our people have with each other. You can always count on being greeted by folks who know and care about you. If you need help with something ... your neighbors will be there to help you. Favorite memory of my city: Playing in the 100-member alumni band for Shafter High’s 75th anniversary. Interesting fact: During World War II, we had a German prisoner-of-war camp here. We are proud of the agricultural research facility local growers rescued when the U.S. Department of Agriculture closed it last year. Person to meet: Jim Holt, a lifelong resident and owner of a lawnmower repair shop. He is the most unique and fun person in town, at 80-plus years, and he knows just about everything there is to know in Shafter. Ask him about his many motorcycle trips with his dog Harry.

PHOTO BY AUTUMN PARRY

Gary Ingle, a resident of Shafter for 44 years, dines at his favorite restaurant, China Cuisine.

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DEDICATED to a Healthy Community

Lifelong Lamont resident Alexsis Sanchez, 22, spends time at the Sunset Migrant Camp in Lamont.

LAMONT Alexsis Love Sanchez Compiled by Thomas Harlander and Zachariah Jones

lexsis Love Sanchez has lived in Lamont all of her 22 years and is a member of the Lamont Women’s Club, where she raises money for community events and scholarships. Her family has owned and operated C & T Automotive, Inc. in Lamont for more than 27 years. She is a recent graduate of University and enjoys life with her fiancé Jorge, her twin sons, Mugen and Luka, and two dogs.

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Eat: The Chinese food at Duffy’s Delight (10621 Weedpatch Highway) is the best (and only) in town. My favorite is the broccoli chicken with chow mein. They also make amazing cheeseburgers — try the double salad cheeseburger with extra sauce. Root Beer King (11000 Main St.) is notorious for cheeseburgers and onion rings, but I personally love their corn dogs and fried zucchinis. Shop: County Fair Market on (10415 Main St) has been in our community for more than 30 years. A special feature is their free shuttle service for customers who need assistance to and from the store. The Anderson brothers, owners Roger and Mike, are always welcoming. See: Located on Sunset Road near Highway 184 is Sunset Migrant Camp, which served as the inspiration for John Steinbeck’s novel, “The Grapes of Wrath.” The camp is well preserved and visited every year by Dust Bowl decedents, history buffs and “once-were” residents.

PHOTO BY CASEY CHRISTIE PHOTO BY CASEY CHRISTIE

The new, colorful signs greet motorists coming into Lamont along Highway 184, Weedpatch Highway.

Do: One of our biggest events is our annual Dust Bowl Festival. On the third Saturday in October, the migrant camp is open for tours, and a festival is held at Sunset Middle School. Photos, automobiles, books, food and music are all featured. More information: 845-1992. Favorite community event: Lamont Christmas Parade. As a part of the Greater Lamont Chamber of Commerce, I am the chairwoman of the event and love to see the community enjoy all of the entries. My city’s best-kept secret: We have some of the best bakeries in the valley. Carnitas Uruapan (9501 Weedpatch Highway) is famous for their soft, fresh bolillos. El Fogon De Los Morenos (8105 Paradise Road) has amazing conchas of all flavors — and they’re huge! Donut Farm (9740 Main St.) serves up the best donuts fresh every morning. Person to meet: If you visit our town, you must meet Earl Shelton because he is our Dust Bowl historian and a great dancer! bakersfieldlife.com

his church, El Buen Pastor Church.

MCFARLAND Jim Beltran Compiled by Kaelyn De Leon

im Beltran was raised, and still lives, in McFarland. Today, he is giving back to his community through the educational system, working to build up the schools he once attended. After graduating McFarland High in 1985, he attended Bakersfield College and Fresno State where he dedicated himself to becoming an educator. Since then, he has served as a sixth grade, seventh grade and high school teacher and in numerous coach positions. He was awarded the “teacher of the year” award on multiple occasions, and in 2000, he became the student affairs specialist at Delano High School, a position he holds today. Beltran is also the president of the McFarland Unified School District board of trustees and is involved in

Eat: Casa de Fajitas (108 W. Sherwood Ave.) is a new restaurant in McFarland and has quickly become the place to dine. Their specialty, as the name of the restaurant would suggest, is their fajitas. They also offer a great buffet. Maria’s Pizza (194 W. Kern Ave.) has been serving pizzas for more than 30 years. Many people come back to McFarland to have Maria’s savory pocket pizzas. Shop: For groceries, the people of McFarland go to its biggest supermarket, Palace Market (400 W. Perkins Ave). It has been in the community for many years. See: The mural tribute to the McFarland High School’s state champion cross country teams at McFarland High (259 W. Sherwood Ave.).

Favorite community event: Any event involving our schools. I enjoy going to school events as they allows me to visit with parents, teachers and students. Peron to meet: Lisa Marroquin because she is involved with many of the events that happen in McFarland. She is involved with the schools, as well as city planning. What makes my city unique and special: The small-town feel. Everyone seems to know everyone. One can go to the grocery store and run into someone, and spend most of the time visiting instead of shopping. This holds true also when one goes out to eat. Everyone is very caring and giving in McFarland.

Do: The annual Christmas Parade, Cinco de Mayo Festival and the Fourth of July celebration.

New feature in my city: The new twostory classroom building at McFarland High School. It has 10 classrooms equipped with state-of-the-art computers, science equipment and much more. It also has the only elevator in McFarland.

My city is famous for… Its state championship cross country teams.

Saying: McFarland is “the heartbeat of agriculture.”

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August 2013

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Jim Beltran, board president for the McFarland Unified School District, was raised in McFarland. Here, he sits in the McFarland High School gym.

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PHOTO BY CASEY CHRISTIE

Barbara Pratt sits at the Boron Chamber of Commerce. Her family came to Boron in 1932 when she was 12 years old, and today still calls it home.

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August 2013

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BORON Barbara Pratt Compiled by Bakersfield Life Magazine

arbara Pratt’s family came to Boron in 1932 about the time its borax mines became operational. She was 12 then, and today still calls Boron home. After earning her associate’s degree, she substitute taught at local schools for 25 years. Teaching part time gave her time to join several organizations including Boron Chamber of Commerce, Muroc Hospital District, parent-teacher association and the Women’s Auxiliary to the Borax Workers’ Union, holding various offices in each of them. She’s also been a volunteer at the 20 Mule Team Museum since it was established in 1984. About my city: Boron exists because of the borax mines, and the town has never been incorporated. At first, it was called “Amargo,” which appropriately means

“bitter” and was a reference to the taste of the water in the early days. In 1938, it was changed to Boron, the fifth element on the periodic table and is the chemical name for borates. In the 1950s and 1960s, the population was 5,000 to 6,000 with many retail stores and about six gas stations, but as the mining enterprise became more automated and employees chose to live in larger towns and commute, the population dropped to about 1,000. There is still a solid core of longtime residents who share a strong sense of community with their neighbors. Since we are unincorporated, and our official government is 100 miles away in Bakersfield, the Boron Chamber of Commerce is the main forum for addressing local concerns. Its members have a tradition of working together on projects, such as the two museums in town, Pioneer Park and our annual festival that bring visitors to the community. Eat: An excellent fast-food stop called The Barrel (27115 Twenty Mule Team Road) is at an iconic Route 66 type building shaped

like a root-beer barrel, which was built in the 1950s. Domingo’s (27075 Twenty Mule Team Road) serves seafood and Mexican food. The K&L Corral Café (26937 Twenty Mule Team Road) serves traditional American fare, and the Twenty Mule Team Café (26979 Twenty Mule Team Road) serves Mexican and American food. The proprietors and wait staff of these restaurants are welcoming, and no one is a stranger for long. See: The open pit Borax mine, with the small museum called the U.S. Borax Visitor’s Center right on the very edge of the pit. Two other museums are the Twenty Mule-Team Museum and Saxon Aerospace Museum next to one another on Twenty Mule-Team Road — Boron’s main street. Do: Every year, in the first weekend in October, Twenty Mule Team Days is held. It is a two-day festival with a parade at 10 a.m. on Saturday, followed by a gathering in the community park with games, contests, booths and activities.

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MOJAVE William H. “Bill” Deaver Compiled by Bakersfield Life Magazine

Bill Deaver’s family came to Mojave from Arvin in 1948, and he has been in and out since.

PHOTO BY CASEY CHRISTIE

ill Deaver’s family came to Mojave from Arvin in 1948. Today, he is a public and government relations consultant and, with his wife Billye, is the former owner, editor and publisher of the Mojave Desert News. He writes a weekly “East Kern Report” column in the Antelope Valley Press. Previously, Bill served on the staff of state and federal lawmakers and worked in two former presidential administrations (Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush). He has served some 20 years in public safety. He is also past chairman of the East Kern Economic Alliance, vice president of the Mojave Chamber of Commerce, president of the Mojave Transportation Museum Foundation and president of the Mojave Community Medical Center, Inc.

See: The Mojave Air and Space Port is a top attraction although much of what goes on is behind hangar doors. Legacy Park near the Voyager has the Rotary Rocket “Roton,” a full-size replica of SpaceShipOne, and a quarter-scale model of Voyager, the airplane Dick Rutan and Jeana Yeager built at Mojave and flew around the world without refueling, on display, along with a mining cart from the historic Golden Queen Mine (which is in the process of re-opening).

Traffic flows through Mojave.

PHOTO BY CASEY CHRISTIE

Eat: The Voyager Restaurant at the Mojave Air and Space Port (1434 Flightline St.) is a great place to watch airplanes (and spaceships!). My favorite dishes are the mini-tacos and the great (and gentle) chili.

What makes my city special: A new generation of commercial space vehicles is being designed and tested less than a mile from where the famed 20 Mule Teams were designed and operated. It’s a place where some friends are real rocket scientists and astronauts! Person to meet: Dick Rutan and Jeana Yeager can often be found at the Voyager Restaurant.

The Mojave Air & Spaceport is a bustling airport. 104

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August 2013

PHOTO BY CASEY CHRISTIE

Do: On the third Saturday of each month, the Mojave Transportation Museum Foundation hosts Plane Crazy Saturday at the Mojave Air and Space Port. This free family-friendly event offers a variety of airplanes (and the occasional spaceship) on display, along with booths selling aerospace souvenirs and more.

ORECK ORBITER Danny Arellano, 44, stands near a rose mural in Wasco. Arellano is the principal at Karl F. Clemens Elementary School, a school he attended as a child.

PHOTO BY AUTUMN PARRY

WASCO Danny Arellano Compiled by Andrea Vega

anny Arellano is the principal at Karl F. Clemens Elementary School, a school he attended as a child. He is the father of five children — three boys and two girls — and has lived in Wasco for more than 42 years. Outside of work, he coaches local youth sports. Eat: El Burrito Loco (803 7th St.) serves fresh-to-order carne asada tacos with all the fix-ins. During a short wait, they bring you warm fresh tortilla chips with salsa. If you’re really hungry, you might order the guacamole on the side.

Teresa’s Taco Villa (441 F St.) serves the tastiest Mexican rice in town. Personally, I think people haven’t tasted real Mexican rice until they’ve tried Teresa’s. They serve the best chili verde in town: tender, juicy and very spicy. Every bite is unforgettably hot! You won’t be disappointed with the kick.

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La Cocina Del Pueblo (931 7th St.) has the biggest tamales in town, but their signature dish, hands down, is menudo. They serve it fresh on the weekends, with homemade corn tortillas and all the fix-ins. See: Drive around to see the variety of agricultural scenery: from almond orchards to roses, cherry trees, corn fields, and much more.

Favorite community event: Wasco Festival of Roses. It’s a three-day event with a pageant, parade, art show, foods, crafts and more.

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Do: Attend local sports events. such as Friday night football, Saturday morning soccer games, and summer baseball and softball games. Afterwards, eat out. In the summer, there’s always swimming during the day and afternoons. My city’s best-kept secret: Wasco has many businesses owned by locals. One of my favorite hamburger places in town is Hoyett’s Sandwich Shop (727 6th St.). Kevin Newcomb is the owner and took over one of the oldest restaurants in town. Hoyett’s was established in 1948 and has more than 60 years in the community. The place has kept its original diner style-café appearance and appeal. The menu has been modified, yet continues to serve its famous charburger and Philly sandwiches but has added catfish and tri-tip to its menu. Favorite memory of my city: Walking to the local theater and watching movies on Friday nights. That theater is long gone, but the memory still lives on.

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Delilah Mascarinas has lived in Delano her whole life, and has worked 23 years for the Delano Union Elementary School District. She is the chairwoman for the annual Delano Philippine Weekend Festival.

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DELANO Delilah Mascarinas Compiled by Kaelyn De Leon elilah Madriaga Mascarinas has lived in Delano her whole life. A self-proclaimed “Mexipina” — what she calls being half-Mexican, half-Filipina — she has worked 23 years for the Delano Union Elementary School District as a secretary. She has also been a director of the Delano Harvest Holidays board and is its first vice-president. She is past director of the Delano Chamber of Commerce, a committee member and former “Mother Hen” of Delano’s Distinguished Young Women, and past captain for Delano’s Relay for Life and Bakersfield Heart Walk teams. In addition, she is the current chairwoman for the annual Delano Philippine Weekend Festival, a position she has held for the past three years.

Eat: Jenny’s Cafe (1001 Ellington St.) is a Mexican restaurant owned and managed by

the Munoz family. The minute you enter, you can feel the family ambiance. Everything is yummy, but the menudo is the best. Shop: State Market (1020 Cecil Ave.) is the best grocery store. Mike Young, the store’s owner, has great prices and he’s open until 9 p.m. seven days a week. His meat is fresh, and I like the fact that he carries select Filipino vegetables that no one else carries. See: We have three high schools that are state-of-the-art campuses and have excelled in academics. Heritage Park (330 Lexington St.) on the corner of Garces Highway and Lexington is loaded with Delano’s history. The Aviator Casino (1225 Airport Dr.) has a restaurant that is open all of the time for the whole family. Do: Every February, the Delano Chamber of Commerce hosts a “Crab Feast.” It’s great to eat all the crab your heart desires. Our annual Philippine Weekend Festival is held at Cecil Park the last weekend in July. It’s filled with cultural dances, food and traditions.

What makes my city unique and special: The diversity of this community and how our cultures come together as one to support each other. My city is famous for… Agriculture: our grapes are our claim to fame. Our agricultural products are exported throughout the world. Also, Cesar Chavez fought for farm worker rights here. Favorite memory of my city: Our annual Harvest Holidays Festival. When I was in high school, the whole city got involved and became a part of the festival. It gave us the opportunity to show off our jeans, boots and cowboy hats. Person to meet: Gary Girard. He knows everyone and everything in Delano. All you have to do is mention someone’s name or an event in our town, and Gary has a whole story to tell you about it. Visitors should know… Delano is growing, but it still has that hometown feel that most families appreciate. We are a hardworking community, and it is the people who make it so strong.

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100 years of higher education Bakersfield College set to celebrate its centennial this coming school year

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By Emily Claffy

he Bakersfield College “Renegade” nickname is fitting for the campus, considering the many challenges that occurred even before its opening on Sept. 8, 1913 with just 13 students. Here’s how it came to be Bakersfield’s college.

THE BIRTH OF BC • In 1907, Sen. Anthony Caminetti of Amador County sponsored a law that allowed junior college work to be offered within California’s high schools, thus laying the groundwork for the opening of junior colleges throughout the state. • It is unclear when the board of trustees of Kern County High School, now known as Bakersfield High School, approved junior college classes at the school, but it is believed to have occurred sometime in 1910. The idea of implementing junior college classes was new and met with some skepticism within the board. Dr. B. S. Gowan, Kern County High School’s new principle in 1913,

and Paul VanderEike, head of the high school’s scipeople in BC’s history. ence department as of Page 114: Centennial 1911, worked together to Celebration events calendar. convince the board of the importance of college courses at the school. The first classes were thought of as post-graduate work of the high school ,and were later recognized as a junior college courses in 1915. • In a 1913 circular printed by The Morning Echo, Gowan explained that the purpose of the college courses were “to provide the first two years of regular four-year college course” and also “enable pupils who have not planned to go away to college to get two extra years of schooling at home.” But it wasn’t until Aug. 6, 1917 that the board officially recognized the junior college in their minutes. In 1913, the closest colleges were Stanford University and UC Berkeley. During that year, VanderEike sought out advice Page 112: 10 important

Continued on page 110

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Bakersfield Junior College students in 1928 on the campus they shared with Kern Union High School (since renamed Bakersfield High School).

Continued from page 109 from various departments at the University of California in hopes to build a curriculum and solve articulation issues to the university. VanderEike received helpful counsel and also

criticism during the process. • The year of 1915 hosted the first graduate of the junior college division of the Kern High School District, transferring Josephine Chase with junior status to the University of California the following year. • In 1916, A.J. Ludden replaced Gowan as principal of the high school and VanderEike was appointed as the vice principal and dean of the college by the board. • In 1921, Grace Bird was appointed dean of the college after VanderEike’s leave of absence, and both became the high school’s co-vice principals. • By 1922 it was clear that the college student body wanted to separate themselves from the high school. That year, they held their first college-only student body meeting and formed their own football team separate from the high school “Drillers.” Morris Chain, one of the junior college football players and a sports writer for The Morning Echo, referred to their renegade team in an article. The team quickly took on the name, which helped create a new identity for the entire college student body. • A groundbreaking ceremony was held at the current location on Panorama Drive in 1953. Although the fall 1955 football games were played in Memorial Stadium, classes weren’t held on the new campus until the spring of 1956, with a total enrollment of 1,400 students.

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AMAZING ALUMNI Bakersfield College has grown exponentially since then with record-breaking numbers during the 20092010 academic year. In that year, there were 19,673 students registered in the fall, 972 graduated with an associate’s of arts or science degree, and 735 with a certificate, said Amber Chiang, director of marketing and public relations at Bakersfield College. Since its inception, BC has developed future leaders of our community, and throughout the nation. “If you look at the alums of the college, you find a group of amazing people,” said Jerry Ludeke, BC director of archives. “It has had a tremendous positive impact in developing really well-educated people with a broad cultural background.” Current BC president Sonya Christian said she believes that the college has a great impact on the community as well. “Bakersfield College is an engine of economic productivity and personal advancement,” she said. “It’s a complex organization of employees and experts who help community members earn jobs, start careers and who provide businesses with skilled professionals that grow our economy.... BC graduates over 1,700 individuals every year with a degree of certificate who have

Memorial Stadium, under construction, seen from the north in the early 1950s.

Continued on page 112 started a college career or learned a skill to bring back to the community.”

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10 IMPORTANT PEOPLE IN BAKERSFIELD COLLEGE HISTORY DEAN GAY AND THE GAY FAMILY In 1936 when Grace Bird offered the possibility of changing Bakersfield College’s informal nickname, it was Dean Gay who stood up and said, “We are the Renegades!,” ending the discussion as his statement was met with cheers. His son, David Gay, followed as a BC student. Both served on the Bakersfield College Foundation’s board of directors. Dean and his wife, Adah, were active in the BC Alumni Association and have supported the college generously. The Gay family’s contributions can be seen all over

the campus. The “Renegade” name and mascot, the “dark knight,” were officially adopted in June in honor of the centennial.

GERRY COLLIS Collis has been a successful coach of BC’s football and baseball teams, and was honored with the naming of Collis Field after him. Collis has been an avid, effective cheerleader and fundraiser for the college’s athletics. Known for his humor and great stories, he often is asked to speak at college and community events, even after retirement.

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BOB COVEY Covey is known for his track and field alumni award dinners, where he provided a booklet of information including scores, standings, individuals highlights and even of other sports that don’t typically get as much recognition. He has taken on the task of compiling a history of BC sports to be released during the centennial year.

nity college in the state. Bird remained in her position until 1950 when she left for a position with UC Berkeley. She was responsible for developing BC from a start-up school of less than 50 students to more than 1,300 with a greatly admired academic and cultural program.

JOHN COLLINS Before becoming president, Collins started the first cross country team for BC and became the school’s fourth head track coach in 1956. Collins was made director of student activities in 1958 and later named dean of students in 1961. He left BC briefly to

GRACE BIRD In 1921, Grace Bird became the dean of the college replacing Paul VanderEike, making her the first woman to head a public commu-

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serve as president at another college, but returned in 1972 to serve as president for the next 11 years. After retiring from presidency, he became a consultant for the Kern Community College District and was instrumental in forming the Bakersfield College Foundation and the Bakersfield College Archives.

SANDRA SERRANO Sandra Serrano is a Hastings College of the Law graduate who came to BC in 1990 to serve as associate dean of students, and later the vice president of student services. In 1998, she became the first Hispanic and the second woman to become president of the college. In 2004, she became the chancellor of the KCCD, which oversees three colleges.

DR. NORMAN LEVAN Although he had no formal connection to BC, Levan was made aware of the school’s fine standards through his close friend, John Collins. His gifts to the college total $20 million, the largest donations ever given to a community college in U.S. history. His donations have been used to create scholarships, the Norman Levan Center for Humanities, and the Norman Levan Institute for Lifelong Learning.

JOHN OGLESBY John Oglesby was a .400 hitter for the Renegades in the late 1940s. He returned to the college to head the Agriculture Department. He and his students built and placed the large “BC” logo behind the end zone in Memorial Stadium. Oglesby also started a farm equipment show that eventually developed into the Tulare Farm Show.

The cypress trees by the agriculture building were grown from seedlings from his ancestral Mississippi plantation.

HARVEY HALL Harvey Hall, Bakersfield’s longtime mayor, is one example of a BC alumnus who has gone on to become a productive worker and leader in Kern County and the city of Bakersfield. He has created his own business, proved himself as a community leader, served on the KCCD board of trustees, and is a faithful booster of the college.

GIL BISHOP Gil Bishop is a charter member of the Bob Elias Hall of Fame, a leader, academician, athlete and musician. He came to BC from East High School in 1953 as a basketball coach, and later became the athletic director and chair of the Physical Education Department. From there, he became the director of public information and then the district assistant chancellor. He is regarded as one of the most influential athletic leaders in the history of the college, and served as an active official in national and international athletic competitions. He was also the assistant team manager of the USA track and field team at the 1976 Olympics.

Sources: “The Junior College in Bakersfield: The Early Years” by Donald M. Johnson; “A Preliminary History of Bakersfield College” by Ray A. Chism; Grace V. Bird: Leader in Junior College Education at Bakersfield and the University of California by The Regents of the University of California; Bakersfield College Archives Newsletter Volume 6, Issue 2; Jerry Ludeke, director of archives at Bakersfield College.

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CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION CALENDAR OF EVENTS The following list of events and dates is subject to change, while additional events are still being planned. Questions, more information: Amber Chiang at amchiang@bakersfieldcollege.edu or visit bakersfieldcollege.edu/ centennial/calendar.asp.

100th Birthday Party and History Tour When: 11 a.m. Aug. 21 Where: Fireside Room at BC Birthday cake — baked and decorated by BC Culinary Arts students — and punch for all BC staff following the fall 2013 semester opening day activities.

Delano Campus Centennial Birthday Celebration When: 3:30 p.m. Oct. 10 Where: BC’s Delano Campus Barbecue and birthday cake will be served for the Delano community. Details: hcalip@bakersfieldcollege.edu.

Centennial Ball When: 6 p.m. Oct. 25 Where: Gil Bishop Sports Center This formal event will celebrate BC’s centennial anniversary with exhibits and displays of history, live music, and fine dining catered by the BC Culinary Arts program.

Alumni Association Hall of Fame Dinner When: 5:30 p.m. Nov. 14 Where: John Collins Campus Center at BC The event recognizes outstanding BC alumni. Nominations are being accepted for three to four inductees into the Bakersfield College Alumni Association Hall of Fame. More information: bwhitson@bakersfieldcollege.edu.

Sterling Silver When: 6:30 p.m. Feb. 1, 2014 Where: Gil Bishop Sports Center The annual Bakersfield College Foundation formal fundraiser will be centennial focused. More information: mstepano@bakersfieldcollege.edu.

Red & White Wine & Food Festival When: April 11, 2014 Where: Renegade Park The Bakersfield College Foundation’s annual wine tasting event will have a centennial spin. More information: mstepano@bakersfieldcollege.edu.

Garden Fest and Community Barbecue When: April 26, 2014 Where: Renegade Park Celebrate the BC’s centennial anniversary at the community barbecue during the annual Garden Fest event. Free food and entertainment. More information: amchiang@bakersfieldcollege.edu.

Bakersfield College Honor Reception When: 5 p.m. May 9, 2014 Where: Gil Bishop Sports Center Celebrate the centennial class of 2014 with a reception honoring their academic achievement. This event is sponsored by the Bakersfield College Foundation. More information: mstepano@bakersfieldcollege.edu.

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COLDWELL BANKER PREFERRED, REALTORS® Who is Coldwell Banker Preferred, Realtors®? We’re a local real estate company, an independently owned franchise of Coldwell Banker. Our owners were born and raised in Bakersfield, have strong ties to this community, and want to keep our town robust and vital. Our goal is to provide honest and ethical real estate services. By sticking to our founding principles and making our sellers and buyers the focus of every transaction, we feel it has strengthened our community, neighborhoods and the people who live here. What is Real Trends, and why is it significant that Coldwell Banker Preferred, Realtors® is the only local real estate firm that has been ranked in the top 300 for 10 consecutive years? It’s a nationally respected real estate consulting company and is the leading source of rankings in our industry. They report only evidenced factual data, which is why they’re so trusted. Many local real estate firms claim to be No. 1. The fact is, Coldwell Banker Preferred, Realtors is the only local company to place in the top 300. We feel it’s important for the consumer to know we close more transactions than any other local real estate company. 116

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What services do you offer? A one-stop real estate experience with experts in every field of the industry, from residential to business opportunities, and agricultural to commercial. Relevant services like short sale and foreclosure specialists. On-sight mortgage lenders who assist with everything from re-financing to purchase loans. An award-winning relocation department, utilized by major employers such as State Farm, Occidental, Chevron and many others. We also have three office locations, plus full-time staff available to answer your calls seven days a week during business hours. To what do you contribute your company’s success? Experience and satisfied clients. It boils down to customer service. A satisfied client is a customer for life, and will refer friends and family. The world of real estate is ever changing and we’re proud to say we have the most informed, trained and skilled agents in the industry. Nothing is more important than choosing a company and a real estate professional with resources to service the client in every possible real estate scenario. Why should someone looking to buy or sell choose Coldwell Banker Preferred, Realtors® to represent them? What should they expect? Service, experience and professionalism. The ultimate goal is for our clients to have a successful transaction. Whether looking to buy or sell a home, find the perfect business opportunity or create an investment portfolio, we have an experienced real estate professional to assist you.

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JON BUSBY RE/MAX MAGIC What do you specialize in? Residential, multi units and light commercial real estate. Why have you made real estate your career? It has always been a fascination to me, and I love what I do. It is very rewarding for my clients at the end result. What do you see in the future of real estate in Kern County? Steady growth! I hope it grows at a pace that won’t come crashing down again. This last boom hurt a lot of buyers and sellers. Why invest in Kern County? Bakersfield is the most affordable city in California! However, Bakersfield is not the best-kept secret. Investors are aware of its affordability. Buyers who want to purchase sometimes can’t compete with all cash investors. 118

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Do you offer anything special for buyers or sellers that other realtors may not? I have closed sales in which I have made several thousands more for my clients. The person that will step over a dollar to save a dime — I can’t help that mentality. We have closed sales that are of public record to back up my statements. What should a person look for when searching for a realtor? Honesty, work ethic and knowledge. Just be a good negotiator. How do you measure success in a real estate transaction? When both parties feel great about the closing of the real estate transaction all parties win — buyer, seller and the real estate brokers win. It’s called “referrals.”

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THE AMERICAN JEWELRY CO.

at Solomon founded The American Jewelry Co. in 1898, opening his shop on 19th Street in Bakersfield. At the turn of the century, the area of 19th Street near Chester Avenue was a bustling retail center with boarded sidewalks and horsedrawn carts. Solomon was a respected jewelry craftsman and businessman for many years. When Solomon died suddenly in 1947, Paul (Cheney) Campbell; his grandfather, L. W. Cheney; and great-uncle Jim Cheney, purchased The American Jewelry Co. from Solomon’s estate. Campbell learned the jewelry business by working as an apprentice in his grandfather’s store in Oakland, and his longstanding reputation for integrity and ethical business practices continues to this day. In 1949, the business moved from its location on Chester Avenue to 20th and Eye streets, where it remained The American Jewelry Co. for 39 years. Then in Address: 3200 21st St., Suite 500 1988, the store Number: 325-5023 moved to its present Website: americanjewelrycompany.com location in the fifth floor suite atop the Oak Park Tower. Paul Campbell’s son-in-law, Carl Saenger, joined the firm in 1975, and soon completed the coursework to become a certified gemologist appraiser awarded by the American Gem Society. Through the years, Saenger has learned a multitude of practical lessons about the jewelry business from his father-in-law (who passed away in 2010), but two precepts still resonate: “Treat the customer as you would like to be treated,” and, “Be true to your word.” Today, Saenger still enjoys the challenges of operating a family120

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owned business, noting that the business is more than just a 114year-old establishment, it’s also a part of Bakersfield’s rich history. The American Jewelry Co. is delighted to be your trusted family jeweler proudly displaying a broad range of designers. Our watch department features Rolex, Mont Blanc, Bulova and Citizen. For customers looking for an engagement ring, we carry Tacori, Simon G, Scott Kay, ArtCarved, Henri Daussi and Michael M. The fine jewelry department highlights Marco Bicego, Charles Krypell, Roberto Coin, Rhonda Faber Green, Pascal Pearls, Alexis Bittar and more. At The American Jewelry Co., we are proud to carry a variety of jewelry to cater to every taste and price range. Our selection includes gift items, watches, sterling silver, gold and platinum jewelry as well as custom designed and estate pieces. We also have an extensive inhouse repair department capable of simple soldering to complete rebuilding of vintage jewelry. We are known for having excellent customer service, professionalism and a dazzling array of the finest quality merchandise. Kern County shoppers come to us because they know we will strive to meet their needs and make their visit with us a pleasant and satisfying one. Located on the top floor of a five-story office building makes our business immediately different from other jewelry stores in Bakersfield. Not only can customers shop with confidence in our comfortable surroundings, but they can also enjoy the view! All of us at The American Jewelry Co. including Carl Saenger, Linda Points, Karen Kelty, Sandra Cope, Tara Aherne, Don Schambach and Dusty Wagoner are dedicated to customer service. We are prepared to take whatever time is needed to answer questions and assist customers in choosing from our beautiful collections. Our goal is to continue the tradition of personalized service for many years to come.

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MCMILLIN HOMES Who is McMillin Homes? Started in 1960 as a remodeling and custom home builder, The Corky McMillin Companies has grown into a fully integrated real estate investment, land development and home building company. The Corky McMillin Companies operates in the California regional markets of San Diego, Lake ElsiMcMillin Homes nore, Imperial ValSaybrook: 10013 Jersey Shore Drive ley, Bakersfield, Phone: 391-2780 Fresno and Visalia, as well as New Sanibel: 10008 Jersey Shore Drive Braunfels and San Phone: 391-2779 Antonio, Texas and Website: mcmillinhomes.com/Bakersfield Branson, Mo. The Corky McMillin Companies is currently led by Scott McMillin, chairman of the board and Mark McMillin, president and CEO. Our History More than 30,000 homes, 16 mixed use master planned communities, more than 20 community parks, thousands of miles of new roads, schools, shopping centers, business parks, college dormitories, and 2,000 military residences on seven bases have been built. This is the legacy of the Corky McMillin Companiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; more than 50-year commitment to improving communities and giving people the opportunity to live full and satisfying lives. Built on Principles The organizations and companies that comprise The Corky McMillin Companies are all united under one set of common core 122

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values. Derived from the character and passionate strength of founder Corky McMillin and honed more than 50-plus years of business, these core values reflect the thriving, growing, conscientious business that is the company today. They influence everything we do, and together, constitute our pledge and commitment to you, our customers, our business associates and our partners. Our Teams From constructing the highest quality homes to providing exceptional customer service, each of our team members is committed to providing you with the ultimate home-buying experience. Our friendly and knowledgeable sale representatives are among the top ranked in the industry. They take the time to understand what you are looking for in a home and go above and beyond to meet your needs. At McMillin Homes, each of our communities is built by a team of skilled craftsmen utilizing only the highest quality materials. Our Homes Our recent new home sensation, located in desirable Northwest Bakersfield, is Bridgeton. Bridgeton has nearly everything for any lifestyle: roomy homes sites starting from 10,000 square-feet, threecar garages, spacious floorplans, unique architectural appointments and solar. Bridgeton houses two phenomenal communities, Saybrook and Sanibel. Saybrook offers five gorgeous floorplans ranging from 1,500 to 2,400 square feet starting in the mid-$200,000â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. Sanibel features five luxurious floorplans ranging from 2,100 to 3,000 square feet starting in the low-$300,000s. With flexible floor plans, the latest building technologies and energy efficient appliances, including solar, Bridgeton is a great choice to make your new home!

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or nearly 50 years, Standard Pacific Homes has brought a blend of artistry and advancement to home design. Our architects continuously explore new ways to craft high-quality homes that address the changing lifestyles of homeowners and can be enjoyed and cherished today and for years to come. The way we live today has changed, and at Standard Pacific Homes, we design homes that reflect that. Our team of award-winning architects has created an all-new array of home designs, which are less formal, with a sense of beauty, quality and spaciousness. Our home designs feature the distinctive architectural details and timeless craftsmanship that we’ve always been known for, while embodying the casual Standard Pacific Homes luxury of today’s Address: 15360 Barranca Parkway lifestyle. Irvine, CA 92618 Elements you are Number: (949) 789-1600 likely to see in our Website: standardpacifichomes.com homes include spacious designs that flow from room to room, indoor to outdoor connectivity that fills the home with light and brings the outdoors in, flexible spaces that can be customized to your individual needs, and multifunctional living spaces that adapt to everyday living as well as formal entertaining.

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deliver daily — just ask our customers. There’s nothing that means as much to us as the praise of a satisfied homeowner, so we are pleased to have earned a reputation as one of the nation’s leading homebuilders for quality, customer service and beautiful home designs. Your home is the most important purchase you’ll ever make, and we are committed to making it a great experience before and after you move in. You’re not just buying a house, you’re choosing a homebuilding partner you can count for years to come. That approach to our business has earned us a reputation for exceptional customer service.

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Visit standardpacifichomes.com for driving directions standardpacifichomes.com 3ULFHV SODQV DQG WHUPV DUH HIIHFWLYH RQ WKH GDWH RI SXEOLFDWLRQ DQG VXEMHFW WR FKDQJH ZLWKRXW QRWLFH 3HUVRQV LQ SKRWRV GR QRW UHĂ HFW UDFLDO SUHIHUHQFH DQG housing is open to all without regard to race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin. Square footage/acreage shown is only an estimate and actual square footage/acreage will differ. Buyer should rely on his or her own evaluation of useable area. Depictions of homes or other features are artist conceptions. Hardscape, landscape, and other items shown may be decorator suggestions that are not included in the purchase price and availability may vary. To be eligible for a commission, (1) agent/broker must be an active real estate licensee in the state where the home is located; (2) agent/broker must accompany and UHJLVWHU EX\HU RQ EX\HUŇ&#x2039;V Ă&#x20AC;UVW YLVLW WR D 6WDQGDUG 3DFLĂ&#x20AC;F FRPPXQLW\ RU UHJLVWHU EX\HU ZLWK RQOLQH VDOHV FRXQVHORU SULRU WR EX\HUŇ&#x2039;V Ă&#x20AC;UVW YLVLW DJHQW EURNHU DQG FOLHQW PXVW VLJQ DQG UHWXUQ 6WDQGDUG 3DFLĂ&#x20AC;FŇ&#x2039;V IRUP FR EURNHU DJUHHPHQW EHIRUH RU DW WLPH EX\HU VLJQV D 3XUFKDVH &RQWUDFW IRU WKH KRPH DQG FRPSO\ ZLWK DOO RI WKH WHUPV RI VXFK DJUHHPHQW DQG EX\HU PXVW FORVH RQ WKH KRPH SHU WHUPV RI WKHLU 3XUFKDVH &RQWUDFW 6LQFH VHOOHU UHVHUYHV WKH ULJKW WR PRGLI\ RU GLVFRQWLQXH WKLV SURJUDP DW DQ\ WLPH ZLWKRXW QRWLFH SOHDVH FDOO WKH DSSOLFDEOH VDOHV FHQWHU LQ DGYDQFH WR FRQĂ&#x20AC;UP WKDW WKH SURJUDP LV VWLOO LQ SODFH &RPPLVVLRQ RIIHU QRW YDOLG IRU 3XUFKDVH &RQWUDFWV VLJQHG E\ EX\HU SULRU WR SXEOLFDWLRQ RI WKLV DGYHUWLVHPHQW &RPPLVVLRQ YDULHV SHU FRPPXQLW\ DQG KRPH VLWH DQG FDQQRW EH XVHG ZLWK DQ\ RWKHU VSHFLDO RIIHUV 6WDQGDUG 3DFLĂ&#x20AC;F &RUS &DOLIRUQLD 5HDO (VWDWH /LFHQVH 1R

PA S T I M E S

“Silos, Weedpatch Highway” by Mary-Austin Klein

PAINTER OF KERN COUNTY Prominent Los Angeles-area artist paints one of California’s ‘hidden-inplain-sight treasures’ By Danae Jarrett

ary-Austin Klein loves that the soft folded rolling hills in Kern County are like draped fabric backdrop to an industrious and sophisticated town. Winter storms bring dramatic skies and clarity to the air, creating crispiness that’s perfect to paint. Spring brings wildflowers, and summer produces monsoon clouds and shimmering heat. The prominent Los Angeles-based artist has been painting our county’s beautiful landscapes for years. Klein began showing her art in Bakersfield in 2006 when Don Martin opened Metro Galleries on 19th Street. Martin asked her to include her work in the exhibit, “The California’s — Visions of the Golden State,” a show that featured Klein’s desert paintings. Klein soon became fascinated with Bakersfield’s history of the devastating earthquake in 1952, and how it was rebuilt with numerous mid-century architectural gems. Her first Bakersfield painting was featured in the subsequent show, “Urban Color,” in 2009. “I think it’s interesting that a very popular and prominent L.A. artist has become so supportive of not only our arts community, but the city as a whole,” Martin said. 126

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“7 UP” Klein’s Kern County artwork collection has flourished from paintings of urban to rural landscapes, often capturing the natural beauty of the surrounding mountains of Tejon Ranch against the vast plains of agriculture and industry. What connects her most to Kern County is the downtown Bakersfield area and its mid-century architecture. “The downtown area has a sweet ‘trapped in amber’ nostalgia that is rapidly disappearing from our state of California,” Klein said. “Where Los Angeles has a powerful

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“House of Worship 1”

group supporting, preserving mid-century architecture and design, it seems Bakersfield is unaware of the dynamic examples of this era it contains, such as the Kern County Courthouse. By painting some of these buildings, I hoped to spotlight a few of these hidden-in-plain-sight treasures.” Klein also loves to capture the suburban edge of Bakersfield where there are some stylishly modest, yet classic tracts and custom homes from the 1950s to 1970s. When scoping out potential urban works, Klein looks for mood and nostalgia for a time that seems long lost in Los Angeles but can still be found here in the Central Valley. For prospective landscape works, she seeks a Kern area with hills or mountains as a part of the “The (Bakersfield) downtown composition, and a strong area has a sweet ‘trapped in sky. amber’ nostalgia that is Of her Bakersfield rapidly disappearing from paintings, one of Klein’s our state of California.” favorite works is a pair of — Mary-Austin Klein paintings called “House of Worship #1 and #2.” The two 1950s A-frame structures sit adjacent to each other on a downtown side street and create a wonderful unintended dialogue of triangular design. Klein said she would have loved to know more about the two structures, including what they replaced after the earthquake of 1952, who the architects were, and how the congregations felt about having such similar designs. Klein plans to work on more Kern County paintings soon. Her artwork can be seen from time to time in local exhibits. She is represented by Sue Greenwood Fine Art in Laguna Beach, where her paintings are also at the gallery for viewing. For more information on Klein, and to see more paintings, go to maryaustinklein.com.

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PA S T I M E S

An HO-scale Kansas City Southern locomotive makes its way through the mountains of the Golden Empire Historical and Modeling Society’s layout.

MINIATURE WORLD OF WONDER Model train enthusiasts create massively mini railroad layouts Story and photos by Gregory D. Cook

ehind a green door in an alley of downtown Bakersfield lies a world of transportation — in miniature. It’s a world where the mighty steam locomotives of yesterday haul freight between miniature towns, and Southern Pacific’s Daylight Special can still make its run along the California coast. It’s a world as diverse and eclectic as the people who, over the years, have created it and continue to bring it to life. It’s a world recreated in rich, miniature detail behind the green door with one word stenciled on it — “Trains.” The door leads to the clubhouse of the Golden Empire Historical and Modeling Society, and on any given Saturday, you can find its members hard at work and play on the club’s two massive model railroad layouts. 128

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Trains stack up at a station in one of the towns on Golden Empire Historical and Modeling Society's layout.

TRAIN FANATICS “In the beginning, we were just a group of guys who liked trains,” said Dan Seams, club vice president and one of its founding members. The guys would get together every Friday night, and eventually, sometime around 1990, they formed a club. Today, the club has more than 40 members, many of

Celebrating 19 Years of Caring! Golden Empire Historical and Modeling Society’s long freight train snakes its way down a river gorge reminiscent of Northern California’s Feather River Canyon.

whom can trace their love of trains and model railroading back to childhood. “As a kid, my family would ride the Shasta Daylight, or the Cascade passenger train from Oakland up to Portland,” club president Larry Saslaw said. “I was the kid that stood at the last car of the train and just watched the scenery go by.” Marshall Neal, one of the club’s newer members, has also been a fan of railroading since childhood. “I have a brother-in-law and an uncle who used to work for the railroad, so trains have always been a part of my life,” he said. “So to come here and have fun ... kind of brings it full circle.” Since 1994, the club has leased the second and third floors of the old Newberry’s Department Store building downtown for their clubhouse. Back when the building was a bustling department store, the upper floors were used for storage and offices and are only accessible by way of a narrow stairway and a freight elevator from the alley. “It’s great for us,” Seams said. “With no public access, what else could they do with it?” With two full floors to work with, the club is able to maintain two separate layouts, one in the popular HO scale, where 3.5 mm represents 1 foot, and another in the smaller N scale, which is nearly half the size of the HO. “With so much room, we are able to cater to both (scales),” said long-time member Doug Wagner.

SCALED IN DETAIL The sprawling layout of the HO scale trains on the third floor has miniature trains hauling their freight and passengers. Yes, many of the passenger cars are modeled in such detail that they have tiny passengers inside, rolling passed cities and towns and through rugged mountain passes, rolling hills and fruit orchards. It’s all painstakingly created in detail to represent the types of landscapes that can be found in and around Kern County. It takes more than a half-hour for a train to make a full circuit, Seams said. The N scale layout features a section of downtown Bakersfield, complete with miniature Tegeler and Padre hotels, a model of the Tehachapi loop, and a winding river valley inspired by the Feather River Canyon in Northern California. The attention to fine detail found in both layouts showcases the diverse skills of the club’s membership. Over the years, members have placed little inside jokes to one another in the signs and details of the layouts. “There’s different talents for different folks. There’s a little bit of all of us in here,” Seams said, pointing to a man, sound asleep, in a jeep along the tracks. The society puts on displays throughout the year at various local events, and also sponsors an annual model train show. More information: gehams.net. “We do this for the fun of it,” Seams said, “because here, it’s like we never grew up.”

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HOME AND GARDEN

NATIVE SANCTUARY Caring for drought-tolerant plants native to Kern, California can be tricky; try these tips Story and photos by Brian N. Willhite

s Monica Tudor walked through her backyard garden, she gently touched each plant she passed, describing their characteristics and purpose in certain locations. Wearing a straw hat to shade herself from the sweltering sun, she expressed joy about the natural habitat the indigenous plants form as she plucked some branches free from a tall sage to create a perch for the butterflies that have made her garden their home. Featuring a mixture of native plants from the Kern County and California area, as well as some similarly drought-tolerant plants, Monica Tudor Tudor, who is the treasurer for the Kern chapter of the California Native Plant Society, has created a therapeutic, botanical sanctuary, which she frequently visits to relax and enjoy the wonders of nature. “It doesn’t matter what’s going on outside the fence. Inside the fence, nothing matters, except the lizards, the bumble bees and the hummingbirds,” Tudor said. “It’s a great place to meditate.” With the typical drought and low rain frequency that Kern County is accustomed to, Tudor said taking care of native plants can be a challenge. Not because of a lack of water, but because many native plants can easily be overwatered if you’re not aware of a particular plant’s needs. She reached down toward a young California Fuchsia that she had overwatered and was now mostly damaged. She recalled how the dried, browned leaves and stems give the 130

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Monica Tudor's garden is a rich environment infused with colorful plants, like this lipstick salvia, and an angel statue, creating a harmonious and relaxing space.

impression that the plant needed more water — a lesson she said she learned the hard way as she attempted to nurse it back to health. Tudor said she was inspired to grow her garden after a sump adjacent to her backyard was cleared of wild plant life by the city in its effort to clean up the area in 2008. It was then that she decided to dedicate a 50-foot by 60foot area in her backyard solely for drought-

August 2013

tolerant plant life. Tudor said she had an obligation to provide the indigenous wildlife with a new home to replace the one they lost. “By the fall, the hummingbird migration was crazy,” Tudor said. Her garden is now a thriving ecosystem for the local creatures and insects that call her backyard home.

Getting started Experts Jere White from White Forest Nursery and Kathy Robinson from Robby’s Nursery, along with Tudor, weigh in with some helpful starting tips. • The first thing to consider is that the seasonal heat in Kern County can be a difficult time to cultivate; therefore, it is recommended to start your garden in the fall months until December for best results. • The next thing to do is know the type of soil of your growing space. The type of plants you will be able to successfully grow will depend on the amount of sand or clay in your ground, as well as how drought-tolerant your plants are. • Tudor recommends digging a 1-foot by 1-foot square hole and pouring water into it to see how fast it seeps into the ground. If the water passes through quickly, you have sand. If the water is still there overnight, you have a lot of clay in your growing space. Plant accordingly. There are soil treatments available to help formulate the necessary type of soil. • The next thing to consider is how much sunlight your plants will be receiving, and whether you need to consider factoring in shade for the plants you choose. Also, be sure to choose plants with similar needs including watering conditions, direct or indirect sunlight and size.

Monica Tudor's rustic garden features an abundance of plant life local to the Central Valley.

• Tudor cautions it’s always best to read the labels on the plants you buy because some plants will grow much faster than others. An example is the whirly blue sage, which can overrun a garden if not tended to regularly. She encourage gardeners to consult an expert with vast knowledge and experience.

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Choosing your plants • One variety of drought-tolerant plants recommended are sages, a shrub plant with many varieties that can be used decoratively in landscaping projects. • Native sages: Allen chickering, winnifred gilman, bee’s bliss and whirly blue • Recommended non-native sages include: grevilleas, rose of Sharon and lantanas (good for attracting butterflies) • Tudor’s Native favorites: desert marigold, California fuchsia, deer grass and California poppies. • White recommends: Manzanitas, California lilacs, matilija poppy, flannel bush, and the Texas ranger, which is a hybrid native breed that does well locally. • Like sages, a variety of colorful salvias and yarro plants are tolerant of the local climate and could offer more individual style and flair to your garden. • Some indigenous trees are also well received in gardens, including desert willow and a palo verde that provide shade, as well as an aesthetic appeal. • Citrus trees are a non-native alternative that does well in Kern County.

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The Texas Ranger is not native to Kern County, although it is common to the area due to its ability to acclimate well and its vibrant appeal.

Sources: Monica Tudor, treasurer for the Kern chapter of the California Native Plant Society; Kathy Robinson, Robby’s Nursery; Jere White, White Forest Nursery. — To learn more about purchasing supplies or getting started with your garden, visit White Forest Nursery and Robby’s Nursery or check out their Facebook pages. The California Native Plant Society’s annual plant sale will take place Oct. 26 at Cal State Bakersfield, and will include a guest speaker.

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Eagle Mountain Casino near Porterville is owned by the Tule River Indian Tribe, most of which are Yokuts.

NATIVES OF THE SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY Long before we called it Kern County, the Yokuts Tribe called this area home By Jeff Nickell

housands of years before the first white man sat foot in Bakersfield, the Yokuts Tribe were the inhabitants of the very land we now call home. The landscape was different, with marshlands filling much of the southern San Joaquin Valley. Less than 70 miles away from Bakersfield was the second largest freshwater body of water (in square miles) in the west, Tulare Lake. Closer to home, near Taft, was Buena Vista Lake (not the man-made one we have now) and Kern Lake near the Grapevine. Of course, these were not the Yokutsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; names for the bodies of water. The Yokuts, namely the Tulamni, lived off the land, fishing, hunting and gathering their food. They made tools or traded for them with other Indian factions to make their 134

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PHOTO BY CASEY CHRISTIE

HISTORY

daily lives easier â&#x20AC;&#x201D; everything from digging sticks, axes, projectile points, and waterproof baskets, and the list goes on. The Yokuts lived in varying styles of shelter. One such shelter was made by digging a circular hole about 15-feet wide and up to 2-feet deep. They would place poles inside of the circle and then weave them together with poles circling the shelter. The shelter was finished by attaching Tule mats to the outside with mud from the floor diggings used to provide even more shelter. Another style of shelter was made to house multiple families, using a pole structure with a pitched roof of Tule reeds that could be up to 300-feet long. The Yokuts taught their young boys how to hunt by using a small wheel or hoop. The wheel would be rolled between two men or boys, and other boys would try to throw spears and shoot arrows through it. The hole in the wheel was only about four- to five-inches in diameter. The Yokuts also caught fish using nets, scoops and weights. Snares were also made. One animal not hunted was the rattlesnake. Those were revered and used in ceremonies by a Shaman, who was in charge of religious ceremonies and also charged with curing the sick and warding off evil spirits. The rattlesnake is seen on much of the intricate basket work created by the Yokuts women. But the Yokuts women did much more than make baskets. They also gathered roots and acorns for eating. Acorns meal, or masa, was a staple of their diet. It first had to be

PHOTO BY HENRY A. BARRIOS

gathered in the mountains and dried for a year in a granary made of Tule reeds that covered a frame made of tree limbs. The Yokuts women carried burden baskets on their backs, held by a headband that went across the forehead. Some of the baskets could hold up to 150 pounds. Another burden basket, a cradle, was worn on their backs to carry babies. We all know petroleum is a major commodity in Kern County now, but did you know that the usage of the black, tar-like substance dates back hundreds, even thousands of years? The Yokuts were the first to use it. Under the protection of the Federal Emergency Relief Administration, petroleum use by the Tulamni branch of the Yokuts was studied by the Smithsonian Institution in the 1930s. The study used unemployed oil workers to dig into the land near the shoreline of the natural Buena Vista Lake, below the Buena Vista Hills, where the Tulamni once had a large village. The survey turned up artifacts that proved petroleum was used by Kern’s first residents. The survey found that the Tulamni used asphaltum to glue arrows and foreshafts together. The asphaltum was stored in round balls with a diameter of about 3 inches. It would be heated for use when needed. The Tulamni also used the substance to glue together soap root fibers to make acorn-meal brushes, waterproof baskets, and a myriad of other uses.

Yokuts Park in central Bakersfield. Today, signs of Yokuts can be seen throughout the Valley, including Yokuts Park in Bakersfield and Eagle Mountain Casino in Porterville, owned and operated by the Tule River Indian Tribe, of which a majority are Yokuts. — Jeff Nickell is the executive director of the Kern Adult Literacy Council and former director of the Kern County Museum.

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OUR TOWN

COMING TO THE ‘RESCUE’ Eastern Kern County groups, residents ‘work tails off’ to save local four-legged friends By Zach M. Skow

astern Kern County is one of the most beautiful and paradoxical places in California. The southern Sierra Nevadas, which peak at 7,000 feet, blend into the sub sea-level recesses of the Mojave Desert. The temperatures can be frigid one day and 60 degrees the next. Then there’s this paradox: How can such a beautiful place with such wonderful people have such a terrible reputation in regards to animal welfare and euthanasia? The area has made national headlines in recent years, thanks to a few hoarding cases. But Eastern Kern, Tehachapi in particular, is also home to idyllic centers of joy and good for animals. Organizations, like Doberman Pinscher SOS, Have a Heart Humane Society and Marley’s Mutts Dog Rescue, have woven themselves into Kern’s communities, which has laid the groundwork for tangible change. Representatives of these organizations are constantly working at spreading awareness and being of service. Whether its speaking at local schools, a “yappy hour” at the Tehachapi Pet Lodge & Outfitters, or a Have a Heart adoption event at RadioShack, these groups are everywhere and their underlying message is clear — Eastern Kern takes animal welfare seriously, and we aim to have our pets treated like family, and our horses and livestock cared for humanely. Even more, Kern County 2nd District Supervisor Zack Scrivner has followed through on campaign promises by making true his pledge to assist local organizations in curbing our animal euthanasia statistics. Recently, Scrivner got behind a campaign spearheaded by Have a Heart to provide low-cost ($20) spay and neuter treatments for pets of residents of Tehachapi. There is a mantra for rescuers: If you can’t adopt, foster; if you can’t foster, donate; if you can’t donate, share and cross-post. One of the favorite sayings is: “Live long and foster!” Here are some of the those organizations in Eastern Kern working their tails off to better the lives of our four-legged friends: 136

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Zach Skow, founder of Marley's Mutts, with Marley

HAVE A HEART HUMANE SOCIETY Have A Heart Humane Society is a nonprofit dedicated to rescuing stray, abandoned and unwanted pets. “We do this because we feel compelled to help save these animals’ lives,” said Chelley Kitzmiller, with Have A Heart. The society has found its purpose, Kitzmiller said. “Nothing is more satisfying than knowing that a death row pet has been saved because of us, and is now in a happy home.” — 1121 W. Valley Blvd., Suite A in Tehachapi, haveahearthumanesociety.org

DOBERMAN PINSCHER SOS Doberman Pinscher SOS is dedicated to the rescuing and “rehoming” of abandoned dobermans, and educating the public about the doberman breed and canine care. It is a nokill, nonprofit public charity. — P.O. Box 2195 in Tehachapi, 886-1721, dobiesos.net

SECOND CHANCE RANCH Second Chance Ranch family, friends and volunteers have a devout love of all equines and strive to aid those in need. Since 2005, the group has rescued, rehabilitated and found loving homes for more than 80 horses.

Second Chance has also educated the public on proper equine care and handling, along with raising awareness about horse abuse on local and national levels. The group stands firmly on the belief of the humane and ethical treatment of horses and wishes to continue saving those who are suffering at the hands of humans and prevent it in the future. — 23028 Cummings Valley Road in Tehachapi, 972-8395, “2nd Chance Ranch” on Facebook

MARLEY’S MUTTS DOG RESCUE Marley’s Mutts Dog Rescue is a registered nonprofit that focuses on saving the lives of Kern County’s incarcerated canines. Kern County’s shelters register some of the highest euthanasia rates in the country. The group is committed to these shelter dogs because they have no one and are closest to death. These dogs are at the shelter because they have been abandoned, lost, neglected, discarded or abused, and many of them have no way out unless they are rescued. Marley’s Mutts does not discriminate on the basis of breed or size. We are their rescuers, their voice and their future. — 972-3852, Zach@marleysmutts.com, marleysmutts.com — Zach M. Skow is executive director and founder of Marley’s Mutts Dog Rescue. Reach him at zach@marleysmutts.com or visit marleysmutts.com

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COMMUNITY

Talent Search Director Jesse Quintanilla helps West High student Jennifer Romero organize her schedule and register for classes.

A QUALITY EDUCATION, A BRIGHT FUTURE ‘Talent Search’ program helps local disadvantaged youth prepare for next level Story and photos by Brian N. Willhite

or nearly 1,000 local students, a quality education and bright future is within reach thanks to a program at Cal State Bakersfield for disadvantaged youth. It’s called Educational Talent Search program, where mentors help local students fund success in school and build a foundation to help them make better decisions about their future. “Myself and my staff, we all have a passion for what we do,” said program director Jesse Quintanilla. “Our hearts are in it to help these kids.” It’s one of nine programs under the U.S. Department of 138

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Education’s Trio Programs, a nationwide network of educational equity programs for at-risk youth to pursue successful higher education. Students in the program, in grades 6 to 12, attend biweekly after-school meetings at their campuses. Students typically come from low-income families, where parents did not graduate from college. Veterans of any age are also eligible for services. Curriculum consists of motivation-building skills, studying strategies, understanding financial aid, and preparing for college. Students are also introduced to various careers through workshops and guest speakers, as well as understanding the financial realities of career choices and costs of living. “It’s like a reality check,” Quintanilla said about student reactions to the program. “They have no clue that when you’re independent and out there on your own how much stuff costs.”

FUTURE POSSIBILITIES West High graduating seniors Jennifer Romero, 17, and Joshua Ramos, 17, said they have a new perspective on their future after going through the program. Having someone show her that college was more than an

option has opened a lot of possibilities for her, Romero said. “Since no one in my family has gone to college or knows anything about it, I thought that I probably was going to be the same and not go to college either,” she said. She is now interested in pursuing a career in the health sciences field. Romero and Ramos credit the persistency of their Educational Talent Search counselors for encouraging them and keeping them motivated. “There was always that one person there to keep pushing me to go to college and help me and motivate me to get to those next steps,” said Ramos, who has been in the program since his freshmen year. “I would not have had the determination myself. I wouldn’t know what to do, how to apply or the steps to get there.” Like Romero’s parents, neither of Ramos’ parents went to college and were unable to help him make decisions about his educational future, which Quintanilla said is common in the program, and why it’s so important. Many students don’t have those role models to follow. Ramos is pursuing an education in sports medicine.

A HEAD START Students in the Spartan Scholars Program at Sierra Middle School are also taking advantage of Educational Talent Search programs to better prepare for high school and get motivated

Graduating eighth graders from the Sierra Middle School’s Spartan Scholars program hang around after the graduation ceremony in the school's library. for college. “We’re already front-loading them at a young age so their thought processes are thinking way beyond than what they normally would at this age level,” said Javier Arambula, educational adviser and liaison between the Sierra and the program. Graduating eighth-graders Stephanie Villanueva and Alondra Valencia said they have learned how to stay focused in school during their three years in the program, how to be

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Continued from page 139 financially responsible, and how to make smart choices. “I learned that you could always be a leader yourself,” Valencia said. “It just depends what you want to do in your life.”

OPPORTUNITIES FOR LIFE Educational Talent Search counselor Lauren Ziegeler is an example of how future generations are affected by students succeeding in these opportunity programs. Her mother was part of Trio program in high school and graduated from UC Santa Barbara. Ziegeler said her mother encouraged the importance of higher education and guided her success. Now she is passionate about helping students, like her mother, succeed. “To see seniors graduate and come from these lowincome neighborhoods in Bakersfield make something out of themselves and to see them talk to their families about all these dreams that they thought they wouldn’t have or wouldn’t come true, is really awesome,” Ziegeler said. Learn more about the program at csub.edu/ets.

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Talent Search Director Jesse Quintanilla helps West High student Joshua Ramos look over a financial aid application for Bakersfield College.

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Most of the residents of Hart Flat enjoy views similar to this from their backyards.

HART FLAT: ‘THE WAY LIFE SHOULD BE’ Mountain community southeast of Bakersfield offers novel escape from city life By Gregory D. Cook

he neighborhood of Hart Flat might not be a neighborhood in the common sense of the word. Most of the plots are at least five acres, and more often than not, residents can’t even see their nearest neighbor’s houses. But for the residents of Hart Flat, found along Highway 58 between Bakersfield and Tehachapi, that’s just they way they like it. “You see this sign along the highway that says ‘Exit 137 Hart Flat?’” asked Pete Algra. “Thousands of people drive by it every day, never thinking there could be a 200-home community right there.” Algra, a retired Kern High School District administrator, moved to the area with his wife in 1987, and fell in love. “I tell people this was a move to pre-heaven,” he said. “We’ve really got some novel things out here that you just 142

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There is an abundance of wildlife in the area, like these two young deer visiting the Knight’s home for a quick snack in the garden. don’t have downtown.” Among the novel things are some of the most beautiful landscapes in Kern County, mild weather, an abundance of wildlife, and a legacy of self reliance and pride, passed down from the first pioneers. Hart Flat can trace its roots back to California’s gold rush days, when, in 1870, San Francisco carpenter Angus McCloud Crites, homesteaded 160 acres of land on the northern slope of Bear Mountain with his wife, becoming the first residents. Many of Kern County’s better known historic families have called Hart Flat their home. They include the Wells, Warners, McCarthys and Harts, from which the area gained its modern name.

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Hartt FFlat Har lat Area Area enlarged enlarged

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Today, the mountain setting of Hart Flat offers a retreat from the rat race of city life, while still being close enough for an easy commute. “It’s peaceful and quiet,” said Myra Knight, who moved to the her husband Bob 25 years ago. “My husband got so sick and tired of the noise and the traffic, he said, ‘I’ve got to get out of there.’ But this is far as he would go because he didn’t want to leave all of his friends behind.” The tranquility is a significant draw. “My favorite thing is getting up in the morning and sitting on the porch, looking at Bear Mountain, watching the birds, deer and my horses eat their breakfast,” said Sharon Reiswig, a longtime Hart Flat resident. “It’s so relaxing; it’s the way life should be.” The area’s weather is just right, especially in the summers, when the valley floor is baking in 100-degree heat waves. “It’s regularly 10 to 12 degrees cooler than Bakersfield, and actually a little cooler than Tehachapi in the summer,” said Sharon’s husband Randy Reiswig, a retired Kern County Fire Department battalion chief. “There’s almost a coastal feel to the weather,” he said. “And the scenery changes so much with each season.” The area is high enough to get snow every so often, but not so much that it becomes a hardship. The pioneering legacy is alive and well in Hart Flat, and the residents have a distinct sense of pride in their independence. “There’s very little in the way of government services up here,” said Randy.

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“There’s not a single road that was put in using government funds. They were all put in by the locals.” Water is supplied by a mutual water company, owned by property owners, and comes from a system of wells and springs. “The only thing we rely on the government for is the dumpsters in Keene we haul our trash to, and of course, the fire department,” he added. The threat of fire is taken seriously in the rugged landscape and to help the fire department’s efforts to battle any potential fires, area residents have built three large dip tanks for the fire department’s helicopters to quickly re-fill water. Art thrives in Hart Flat as well. Jewelry artist Judy Warren moved from the Bay Area and built her home and studio specifically to blend in with the natural landscape. “I looked at it as if I was designing the house as a piece of jewelry for the land,” she

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Pete Algra has lived in Hart Flat since 1987. “This is why I built this house here,” he explains, referring to the view from his living room.

Continued from page 143 said. The result is an organic split-level home that seems to flow with the contour of the land. Sculptor Dwight Dreyer was working out of his studio in Pasadena, when he decided to design and build his ideal studio in Hart Flat. “I love this area. I’ve always loved it,” he said. “Once you’re a mountain person, you’re always a mountain person.

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It’s a special neighborhood and a special group of people. This place is really a gem.” Algra, the retired administrator, echoed the sentiment. “Living up here calls for something unique in people,” Algra said from the seat of his tractor, which, at age 84, he still regularly uses to maintain his land. “We all have a common vision; we appreciate the land, and accept that we have to work together to be stewards of this place.”

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... LEAD SCHOOLS These four campus administrators prepare students, staff, parents to achieve Compiled by Gabriel Ramirez Photos by Mark Nessia

hey lead school campuses throughout Kern County, shattering the “glass ceiling” in our educational system while working behind the scenes to make sure our youth are prepared for the future. They are school administrators. Meet four of them here as they ready for the new school year.

Blanca G. Cavazos Cavazos, 53, is the newest superintendent of Taft Union High School District. She has been an administrator for 16 years, serving as assistant principal, principal and chief instructional officer. Why did you decide to go into administration? As a leader, I saw the

opportunity to make a greater, longterm impact on students, staff and the school.

Blanca Cavazos, superintendent of Taft Union High School District

What is the best part of your job?

Working with a team of adults — board members, teachers, staff, administrators and parents — focused on the common goal of improving student learning. If you had unlimited school funds, what would you get for your schools?

I would provide more individualized instruction for students. What school accomplishment are you most proud of? I am most proud

of our staff’s success in working together to develop a more rigorous and comprehensive curriculum for our students. In doing so, the team changed the culture and image of our school. Students began to see themselves and their classmates as capable and competitive. Success led to more success. The teamwork and the results were amazing and professionally 146

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rewarding. What advice do you have for women thinking of going into administration? My advice for any woman is,

‘Don’t let anyone else define who you are and what you are capable of achieving.’ Many times, we accept someone else’s assessment of our talents or abilities. We allow fear — that this person might be right — to keep us from attempting a new challenge. I love Facebook’s chief operating officer Sheryl Sandberg’s question: ‘What would I do if I weren’t afraid?’ I think this is a good question for all of us. What do you enjoy doing outside of work? I enjoy working on home

improvement projects. I like the satisfaction of seeing the finished product.

Addonica A. Stanley Stanley, 41, is the dean of students at Owens Primary School in the Bakersfield City School District. She has been an administrator for one year and has also served as acting principal of Penn Elementary in BCSD. Why did you decide to go into administration? As a child growing up, I

faced many challenges that were beyond my control — challenges I see students facing today. I know that a child can’t sit in a classroom, focused and expected to learn when their community and home environment negatively impacts them daily. As an administrator, along with my personal experiences, I identify the issues that rob students from learning. I

Owens Primary School Dean of Students Addonica Stanley

work with my team to advocate for student academic success, by providing tools and resources to our staff and families to produce resilient, critical thinkers, who will make positive contributions to our local community and abroad. If you had unlimited school funds, what would you get for your schools? I would offer a

competitive salary to lure the most talented teachers. I would provide for students based on their assessments, interventions and enrichment opportunities. I would form partnerships with local business and corporations to give students access to real-world application of learning. I would also install stateof-the-art computer labs with a full-time, highly-qualified computer technology teacher. I would establish an extended day program, where families can attend with their students to get assistance with homework and projects with full access to materials and supplies. Here, too, I would have highly-qualified staff available to tutor students and family members. I would ensure that my school had a multipurpose room or additional space to provide a

place for performing arts, physical fitness or shelter from unfavorable weather. I would also secure an engaging and fun structure for students to learn and play. What school accomplishment are you most proud of? I

am most proud of leading the work that has led to a 26 percent decrease in discipline incidences and 39 percent decrease of suspension days in comparison to the year before. This is due to establishing a positive behavioral intervention and support plan for our school. What is the best part of your job? That itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not a job! Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a divine

calling, where every single day I have the privilege and fulfillment of shaping the future of children who will in turn shape our local community, state and our nation. Knowing that I am taking part in something so great and awesome is the best. What do you enjoy doing outside of work? I enjoy growing

deeper in Christ, spending time with family and friends, and just having fun!

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Superintendent of Delano Joint Union High School District Rosalina Rivera bakersfieldlife.com

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Rosalina C. Rivera Rivera, 51, is the superintendent of Delano Joint Union High School District. She has been an administrator for 14 years, serving as coordinator of state and federal programs and assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction. Why did you decide to go into administration? It was my love for the students of

Delano and a sense of responsibility to their education. I also wanted to show that it is possible to be an administrator and a human being at the same time. I believe that there are many administrators who have ignored the human element when dealing with staff, parents and students. What is the best part of your job? I get to work with an incredible group of people who want to make a positive impact in the lives of our students. And the students are what it is all about. It is so rewarding to see

Michelle McLean, Arvin Union School District superintendent

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our students wearing their school colors, showing their loyalty to their school, accomplishing amazing things, and bringing honor to their school and community. What’s the funniest issue on campus you’ve had to deal with? The most

interesting part of my job has been interviewing prospective employees. One time, in the middle of interviewing a prospective employee, I asked, ‘Are you flexible?,’ referring to their ability to accept change or modification, of course. The candidate stood up and began to stretch, bend and jump in place, and then asked, ‘Is that flexible enough?’ If you had unlimited school funds, what would you get for your schools? I

would modernize our aging school buildings, enhance our existing programs, offer year-round enrichment programs, purchase the latest educational tools (technology), and develop all of our arts as well as our career programs. What school accomplishment are you most proud of? Among the schools in

our district, we have Title I Award winners, California Distinguished Schools, a National Title I Distinguished School Award recipient, America’s Best High Schools, California School Boards Association Golden Bell Award winners, and all three comprehensive high schools are ranked at the top amongst similar schools. But I am most proud of the students and staff for their commitment to personal excellence and for making this district such a great place to work each day. What advice do you have for women thinking of going into administration?

Make sure you have a balance between your job and your family. Your time-management skills will be put to the test.

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Michelle McLean McLean, 55, is beginning her fourth year as superintendent of Arvin Union School District. She has worked as an educator for more than 27 years, as a teacher and administrator in Bakersfield City School District and Semitropic and teaches at Point Loma University.

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Continued from page 149 Why did you decide to go into administration? I never aspired to be an administrator when I taught. My husband, Don, and my principal, Armando Carrillo, encouraged me to become an administrator because they said they saw that potential in me. These men told me that “great teachers make great administrators.” They really hooked me by telling me I could positively impact more children if I moved into administration. What is the best part of your job? I love being around our students, staff, and parents and watching them learn and achieve. If you had unlimited school funds, what would you get for your schools? I would build at least two

new state-of-the-art schools to replace our two oldest sites, hire counselors for all schools and teachers for music, art, science and physical education. I would expand after-school, winter and summer sessions to include every child who wanted to go, extend the regular school day for everyone, give teachers more time for planning and collaborating, and give stipends and pay off student loans for any teacher or administrator who goes through the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards certification process, and agrees to mentor others. I would expand our college scholarship

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program for junior high students, and pay students for good grades. I’d put health and dental clinics at the sites, and food banks for our families who are struggling. Finally, if we had unlimited school funds, I’d turn our district into a “charter district,” where every school would be a charter school with a particular emphasis, like visual and performing arts, STEM, dual immersion and International Baccalaureate magnet schools. What school accomplishment are you most proud of? Besides being very proud of student

achievement in spite of the challenges we face in Arvin — like poverty and large percentages of English-language learners and migrant students — I think I’m most proud about the collaborative relationship that we’ve built with the City of Arvin, the Arvin Police Department, the Kern County Superintendent of Schools, and the California Endowment. What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

Faith, family and fun! My husband of almost 40 years, Don, is an associate pastor at our church and I sing on our worship team. We have two daughters and six grandchildren, so you will usually find us spending time with our family. Don is my best friend, and we enjoy anything we can do together. I like to golf, hunt, fish, practice yoga, and we are huge Los Angeles Dodgers fans.

PHOTO BY AARON RUTH

PERSONALITY

Roger Perez is Kern County Museum’s newest executive director.

ROGER PEREZ Kern County Museum director sees limitless potential in newest role By Lisa Kimble

oger Perez, Kern County Museum’s executive director, is like a kid in a candy store these days. “This museum is a living history park and a theme park in one,” he gushes. “There are so many stories here and so much potential. I am bewildered and in wonderment every day.” No wonder. Walking the grounds of Pioneer Village, where so much of Kern’s history is housed, 41-year-old Perez is transported back to the days of his youth at a western heritage theme park in New Jersey. “I remember as a kid the mock gunfights and stagecoaches at the Wild West,” Perez recalls. The Staten Island native took over the helm of the Kern County Museum last fall at a time of growing dissatisfaction 152

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at the institution. There were lingering bad feelings in the wake of the departure of then-director Randall Hayes. “There were some poorly-managed relationships, so it was important to start with new relationships,” Perez said of the first five months of his tenure. And it didn’t hurt that Perez brought with him a wealth of experience in marketing and promotion as he set out trying to mend fences in the community. But custodian of a vast collection of history isn’t exactly what the University of Pittsburgh communications graduate envisioned himself doing. At the encouragement of a college professor, Perez applied for a job at a television station in Bakersfield. “I had heard Bakersfield referred to as Nashville West,” he said. “I fell in love with Bakersfield the second I got here. It was so different from what I was used to.”

PRODUCTION DAYS He joined KERO-TV in 1993 as an assistant promotions producer in a department with upwards of 10 people. “At KERO, it was the perfect fit. It was like family,” he said. “I was in my 20s, it was a cool thing to be in television, and

PHOTO COURTESY OF KERN COUNTY MUSEUM

nobody took themselves too seriously.” The following year, Perez was named the station’s director of promotions. “The job was sold to me as fun, and it really was a lot of fun,” Perez remembers. “In Pittsburgh, I was the overnight guy at a public access station in a union market, so there were a lot of restrictions.” Not so in Bakersfield, where Perez oversaw the promotion of Channel 23’s programming and news talent, which included Gail Assayama, Barry Zoeller and Miles Muzio at the time. But the television news industry’s business model was about to be thrown out of the window. From market to market, budgets were trimmed to the bone, and the fat and happy days were replaced with the mandate that fewer people did as much, if not more, with less staffing and resources. Talent began to jump from the sinking ship, and it wasn’t long before Perez says he was working 17-hour days. “I thought, ‘This is slowly killing me’,” he remembers. “It wasn’t as fun as it was when I started.” Perez left KERO in 2000 to work as marketing director for Cal State Bakersfield’s extension program. After five years, he started a production company with fellow former KERO-ers.

The Kern County Museum includes the renowned Black Gold Oil Museum.

Continued on page 154

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SCRATCHING THE SURFACE

MARKETING TO MUSEUM

“I see my job as driving new ways for people to come in off the street, stroll through the history of Pioneer Village, and take a walk through education. No question, we are defined by Pioneer Village,” he said, of the expansive property that includes the Lori Brock Children’s Museum, the renowned Black Gold Oil Museum, and a collection of more than a million pieces, including one of the largest photograph inventories in the state, and now the Burke Memorial Plaza, which serves as the new entrance, and Batey Gardens. Perez’s first big crack at bringing people through the gates came with the inaugural Kern County Nut Festival held in June, which exceeded organizers’ attendance expectations. “The Nut Festival highlighted our town, our great people and products, and got people to the museum,” he said. But what a difference a few years make. Perez says the festival, in the works for five years, might not have happened had the new organizational structure not been in place. “We are all about the broader strokes, or new strokes, or what has been kicked around but hasn’t been tried,” Perez said. Giddy with excitement, Perez can hardly contain himself as he describes future plans for the museum, including work on a new orientation center, and a revamped Safe Halloween, which will merge with Talladega Frights, to become Hal-

In 2008, promoting a good time came back onto his radar once again when Perez joined the North of the River Recreation and Park District as marketing director. “Not only was it a fun place to work, but I was selling fun to others.” Perez said the decision to leave NOR last fall was a difficult one, but the promise to affect change at the museum as he had at NOR swayed him. “I came into what I like to call the perfect storm,” he said, praising the museum’s board of directors, whom he describes as very hands-on and who were “basically running the operations.” Today, the facility, home to the original Kern County Chamber of Commerce, is a nonprofit operation under the Kern County Museum Foundation. “We run the museum in an operating agreement with the county,” Perez said. “In doing so, it afforded us to run it as a business.” Perez oversees a $1.5 million dollar annual budget, 25 employees, five of whom are full time, and a large stable of volunteers. “I want the staff to love being here.” The smiles on their faces affirms that.

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loween Town, spanning the entire month of October. “I can’t think of a better place to hang out in the fall,” he said, adding that coming to Pioneer Village is now a favorite pastime for his wife Kim and sons, Calvin, 5, and Dylan, 9. There is also discussion of extending the popular holiday Lamplight Tours from a few hours on a Saturday afternoon in December to the entire month. “This place offers so much old-fashioned family fun,” he said. “It is amazing here, and a treasure, and we haven’t even begun to scratch the surface.”

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REAL PEOPLE

CONSERVATIONIST Executive director of nonprofit — Stewards of the Sequoia —fights to keep public trails open

Compiled by Bakersfield Life Magazine

What’s your favorite trail in Kern County? That depends on the time of year, and whether I wanted to go for a hike or mountain bike, dirt

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Chris Horgan and his dog Luca on the Remington Trail. Horgan founded Stewards of the Sequoia in 2004.

PHOTO BY CASEY CHRISTIE

hris Horgan created Stewards of the Sequoia in 2004 when, he says, he “saw the writing on the wall” that local trails would suffer closures unless someone spoke up to keep them open. Now, as the nonprofit’s executive director, Horgan leads a group 2,500 members strong with a “trail appreciation program” that maintains 200 miles of trails each year. The group attends local agency planning meetings and reads thousands of pages planning documents to draft comment letters that are able to preserve access to public lands. “Unless the silent majority wake up and become involved, we stand to lose access to our public lands,” Horgan said. “Get out and enjoy the great outdoors.”

bike or 4x4. The “Just Outstanding” trail is great. The “Trail of 100 Giants” is a great hike, although that is just outside of Kern, in Tulare County. For visitors of Kern County, where would you say is a must visit? Salmon Falls in the spring can be pretty incredible, but more than any one place, adventure and variety is what Kern County offers. Put some food and water in a pack, get out the map and take a trail in a new direction.

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LONGTERMREVIEWS.COM

What’s the state of public land in Kern? Our public land is suffering. Over just the past few months, Stewards of the Sequoia has cleared more than 1,100 downed trees that were blocking the trails. There are literally millions of dead trees in areas that have experienced severe wildfires, from the Piute and McNally fires, for example. Brush fields are replacing what were forested areas only a few years ago. Sadly, these destructive wildfires totaling hundreds of thousands of acres did not have to happen. Unnatural wildfires harm the forest watershed and wildlife.

“Just Outstanding” trail decends to Isabella Lake.

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Continued from page 157 How has ‘Stewards’ been successful? Stewards of the Sequoia is the largest on-the-ground volunteer organization in the Sequoia National Forest. We have adopted 18 forest trails and our “trail appreciation program” has performed maintenance on more than 2,100 miles of trails, including clearing more than 3,000 downed trees and building almost 3,000 water bars to reduce erosion. Stewards have been able to keep many trails from being closed or restricted by working proactively with U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management staff. Where in Kern do you call home? Lake Isabella. It provides such a diversity of outdoor experiences — the desert below, the jagged forest peaks above, and the lake in the middle. Folks might not know that driving down to the lakeshore would have been prohibited if not for Stewards working with the Forest Service to find an alternative to closure. How can Kern residents help with your cause? There is one thing that has been lackluster, and that is fundraising. We need your donations so we can keep doing what needs to be done to keep your trails open. We are a nonprofit, so donations are tax deductible, and we get more done with $1 than most groups do with $100. We can also use volunteers to help on “Stewards Trail Appreciation Days.” There is no charge to become a Stewards member, and to add your voice to the growing group of 2,500 people who want their trails open. More information: stewardsofthesequoia.org.

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FIT AND FRESH

EXERCISE OF THE MONTH: BOSU BALL SINGLE LEG SQUAT WITH REACH

RUN INTO AUGUST WITH EXERCISE, EVENTS, TIPS Discover tips for burning calories, consider new exercise techniques By Sally Baker and Katie Kirschenmann

Photos by Sally Baker

TEHACHAPI MOUNTAIN FESTIVAL 5K-10K We are still hot here in the valley, so why not head up the hill to the Tehachapi Mountain Festival and Summer Fun Run on Aug. 17. It is usually about 10 degrees cooler in Tehachapi than in the valley, which is always appreciated by the Bakersfield runners. Choose from the 5K or 10K. Register before July 31 for pre-registration price of $25 to guarantee a T-shirt; $30 day of race. More information: bakersfieldtrackclub.com. — Sally Baker 160

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This is an awesome exercise for injury prevention, core stabilization, and overall conditioning for enhanced ankle, knee and hip strength. 1. Begin by placing left foot in center of Bosu Ball. 2. Slowly lift right knee. Engage core. 3. Very slowly take right leg behind, and reach arms out in front, bending at left knee. Stay strong through the core. Move slowly. Repeat exercise five times on each leg. — Sally Baker

HOWLIN’ AT THE MOON 5K-10K If you prefer to stay local, participate in the 11th annual Bakersfield Police K9 Unit’s ‘Howlin’ at the Moon’ event on Aug. 17. This nighttime race kicks off with a 2K fun run at 8 p.m., then the 5K and 10K follows at about 8:30 p.m. Runners go along the bike path in the dark, wearing glow sticks. Early registration by Aug. 14 is $25, or $30 on race day. More information: apflugh@bakersfieldpd.us or 326-3685. — Sally Baker

A FEW OF OUR FAVORITE THINGS • FAGE Total Greek Yogurt This product is delicious, healthy, inexpensive (less than $5 for 35.3 ounces) and very versatile. Its rich, creamy taste makes it perfect for many dishes, from breakfast on oatmeal with berries, to adding to sauces, curries, smoothies, and wherever you might use sour cream. It is fat-free, gluten-free and completely free of any artificial additives and preservatives. In just one cup serving, it has just 130 calories, but packs nine grams of carbs, and a hefty 23 grams of protein, while also giving you 25 percent of your daily calcium requirements. For a perfect breakfast, make a cup of “Scottish oatmeal”

(purchased in bulk from Winco). Sprinkle in a little flaxmeal when it is cooking, add half a cup of FAGE, and half a cup of blueberries. Delicious, nutritious, simple! — Sally Baker

WILL LISTENING TO MUSIC BURN MORE CALORIES? One of the most important keys to achieving your fitness and weight-loss goals is support. Working out with a friend who understands your journey helps motivate and provide accountability. It’s not so easy to blow off the gym when you’ve made plans to meet with a trainer or a friend. But inevitably, there are those days when it’s entirely up to you to complete a five-mile run or a circuit in the gym. When you are all alone on the trail or in the gym, it becomes easier not to challenge yourself. The best tool to combat the lonely workout blues is an iPod and a well-curated playlist. Truth be told, no one (at least no one I know) says, “Yay, it’s time for me to hop on the treadmill and run in place for half an hour!” The treadmill is my nemesis — we do not get along. However, when I have a great playlist, I increase my speed and actually enjoy myself. Your favorite music takes your mind off the burn and faster-paced music will actually motivate you to work harder.

Some great apps and websites are devoted to pairing the best music with your workouts. One useful site is runhundred.com. Each month, the site’s members submit and vote on their favorite running tunes. At the end of the month, members receive a “top 10” list. The lists are very

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Continued from page 161 good, and it’s also free to join. Rock my Run is an app available on iTunes. This application allows users to select genres and playlists specifically geared for races. Most notably, Rock My Run has a two-hour, half marathon playlist with either a steady beats-per-minute or a build-up beats-per-minute version. The only problem is if you can’t stand Chris Brown, tough. You’re stuck listening to “Fine China.” If you want to be your own DJ, there’s an app for that. Pace DJ uses your own music library and will design a playlist based on your activity — running, walking, cycling. It allows you to choose and adjust your beats-per-minute. The only drawback to Pace DJ is that the free version sticks commercials into your playlist, which defeats the purpose. So, you are more or less forced into buying the better $2.99 version. Creating your own playlist is the best way to take your workout to the next level. When selecting your music, think of a beginning middle and end. Start your workout off with a few tracks that will set the mood and the pace. Toward the middle, give yourself a rest and slow the beats-per-minute just a little. Then at the end, when you are feeling fatigued, crank it up. Choose motivational songs that will rev your motor and inspire a strong finish. Optionally, add a cool

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down song to your list. Choose a track that slows your pace and puts you in a meditative happy place. Using music to make your workout better will help you achieve your fitness goals. Anything that propels you forward and motivates your workout is a good thing. — Katie Kirschenmann

KATIE’S HOUR-LONG RUNNING LIST (SONG: ARTIST) 1. Army of Me: Bjork 2. Aerodynamic: Daft Punk 3. So What’cha Want: Beastie Boys 4. Seven Nation Army: The White Stripes 5. Float On: Modest Mouse 6. Simple Song: The Shins 7. Fire on the Mountain: The Grateful Dead 8. Roll Away Your Stone: Mumford and Sons 9. Karma Police: Radiohead 10. Shake It Out: Florence and the Machine 11. Go Your Own Way: Fleetwood Mac 12. Get Lucky: Daft Punk 13. Sure Shot: Beastie Boys 14. Dog Days Are Over: Florence and the Machine

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