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February 2010
ART WALK Downtown tour of public works of art
VALENTINE’S DAY GETAWAY Set the scene for love on Central Coast
ON THE RED COUCH These women know their sweets
FIRST YEAR We check in with college freshmen
www.bakersfieldlife.com
Modeled by Brian Kiser
(661) 283-4500 17th and K Street-Downtown www.hwalkers.com
Front & Rear Door Parking - Across from Uricchio’s - H.Walker’s, family owned since 1971
F E B R U A R Y
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F E AT U R E S
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38
College kids
In June, we profiled a group of standout seniors with big college plans. Like their parents, we weren’t content to just let them leave the nest, so we followed up on their first few months of college.
4130 California Ave (661) 325-4717
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK 10AM – 10PM
Bakersfield Life
February 2010
SPECIAL SECTION
Home & Garden
Amid the bleak weather, we look forward to spring and all the home and garden projects to undertake. From affordable remodels to ways to cut down on yard maintenance, we have some things for you to start planning while you wait out the winter.
46
Public art
Can’t make it to the museum or gallery? No problem — art is all around us! Take a look at some public works peppered through downtown.
64
CSUB Alumni Hall of Fame
This month, CSUB’s Alumni Association honors its 2010 Hall of Fame inductees with a black-tie ceremony. Find out more about the four remarkable individuals who’ve blazed a path in our community.
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J A N U A R Y
2 0 1 0
D E PA R T M E N T S 18 Real People
Log Cabin has made Valentine’s Day special for generations of local customers, says owner Dawn Baumgarten.
20 History
Archeological dig in the '30s at Buena Vista Lake unearthed details about the Yokuts Indians.
24 Food and Wine
Local eateries offer the perfect spot for a cozy evening for two.
28 Dining Divas
Enso Japanese Bar delights the ladies and their special guest.
32 Going Green
An organic diet is nothing new, but the produce is easier to come by these days.
34 On the Red Couch
These three businesswomen are living the sweet life. Photo by Casey Christie
52 Pastimes
Motorcycles are a growing passion for an eclectic group of aficionados.
54 Health and Fitness
Become a dynamic duo by working out with your significant other.
56 Guys On The Green
These local chefs are plating up romance for Valentine's Day.
60 Community
The League of Women Voters has offered a unique perspective on politics for more than 75 years. Mother honors her son, other organ donors with golf fundraiser.
Bakersfield Life’s cameras were at some of the city’s top events last month. Check out who was snapped there.
67 Why I Live Here
82 Last Word
68 Trip Planner Bakersfield Life
February 2010
74 SNAP!
62 Community
Fairly new to the Pinewood Lake neighborhood, Gari Cave tells us why she loves it.
The Central Coast is a wonderful place for a romantic weekend getaway.
Stockdale Country Club tennis director Hank Pfister shares his greatest advice.
Kym Plivelich RISING STAR
Lezlie Chaffin REAL ESTATE SALESPERSON OF THE YEAR
We’re Not National. We’re Your Neighbors.
W W W. R O B E R S O N H O M E S . C O M
3977 Coffee Road, Ste. C • Behind Chicago Title 661.588.6600
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EDITOR’S NOTE
Bakersfield’s Premier City Magazine
Bakersfield Life™ magazine is published by The Bakersfield Californian. The magazine is inserted into The Bakersfield Californian on the last Saturday of every month. To subscribe, please call 392-5777. Publisher Ginger Moorhouse President/CEO Richard Beene Vice President Sales, Marketing, Circulation & Operations John Wells Advertising Director Bryan Fahsbender Vice President of Content Olivia Garcia Assistant Editor Stefani Dias Art Direction Glenn Hammett Photography Felix Adamo Henry A. Barrios Casey Christie Michael Fagans Alex Horvath Michael Duffy Jessica Frey Chelley Kitzmiller Greg Nichols Tanya X. Leonzo Jan St. Pierre Rodney Thornburg Joseph Gomez Contributing Writers Jenny Bachman J.W. Burch IV Sean Kenny Gabriel Ramirez Annis Cassells Lisa Kimble Chelley Kitzmiller Dana Martin Jeff Nickell Advertising Lupe Carabajal lcarabajal@bakersfield.com 395-7563 Reader Inquiries Bakersfield Life magazine P.O. Bin 440 Bakersfield, CA 93302-0440 BakersfieldLife@bakersfield.com 395-7492 On the cover "Sun Catcher," a 9-foot-tall stainless and enameled steel sculpture, is one of many public works of art in downtown Bakersfield. Photo by Jessica Frey
10
Bakersfield Life
February 2010
All about the love in February February is a special month on many levels. For one, it includes Valentine’s Day, a time to tell your sweetheart how much he or she is loved and a reason to do something special with your companion. And if you haven’t thought about what to do yet, we might have a solution for you. Check out our Valentine’s Day getaway feature on the beautiful and romantic Central Coast. If you’d rather stay home, then consider some nice roses (we catch up with Log Cabin Florist inside), sweets (on our Red Couch, we highlight Sheila Heninger of Frosting Ink; Heather Dewar of Dewar’s Candy Shop and Stephanie Caughell of Gimme Some Sugar Cakes) or dining somewhere romantic. In this issue, we profiled a trio of intimate spots worth considering: Uricchio’s, Hungry Hunter and Red Pepper. Our Guys on the Green focused on local chefs: Ryan Steed of Valentien Restaurant; Robert Alimirzaie at the Petroleum Club; and Café Med owner Meir Brown. Our Dining Divas headed downtown to explore Enso Japanese Bar. Joining them was special guest Diva Diane Sandidge, who met the Divas at a Garden Pathways event. The Divas say Enso is definitely worth checking out. I agree, having been there a few times myself. February is also a time for local events honoring great people and organizations in our community. Inside, we previewed some of those events, including the CSUB Hall of Fame ceremony (my congrats to Jim Bock, Irma Carson, Sheryl Chalupa and Jeff Green). Also the Assistance League of Bakersfield will celebrate its Bargain
Box Thrift Store’s 50th anniversary. As the media sponsor of local nonprofit CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates), Bakersfield Life is proud to support its CASA Celebrations KickOff Party on Feb. 26. The event at Moorea Banquet Centre will feature a live and silent auction. Tickets are $50. For more information, call 631-CASA or visit: kerncasa.org. In June, writer Dana Martin helped us highlight some superstar high school graduates headed to college. She caught up with them over break and is giving up an update on their first semester. For the home and garden lover in mind, we have a special section inside just for you. Our Home & Garden section delves into many timely tips, including kitchen remodeling; how to make the most of your space; and the right keys to redecorating. Get more inspiration at the 24th annual Home & Garden Show Feb. 19 to 21. And who doesn’t love art? In this issue, writer Gabriel Ramirez decided to explore the beauty behind some local public art. Read up and then plan an art tour with friends or family. Also, I like to say thank you to reader Gari Cave, who shares why she loves Pinewood Lake for our neighborhood feature Why I Live Here. If you would like to share why you love your neighborhood, please e-mail bakersfieldlife@bakersfield. com with the details. Photo by Tanya X. Leonzo
February 2010 / Vol. 4 / Issue 5
Olivia Garcia Vice President of Content 395-7487 ogarcia@bakersfield.com
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It’s Named After
By Lisa Kimble
Leo Brown Hart, the namesake of the southwest Bakersfield elementary school, by all accounts, was considered one of the greatest humanitarians of his time. His pioneering efforts in education in Kern County earned him a place in the rich history of the Dust Bowl. In 1939, Hart developed the Arvin Federal Emergency School, better known as “the school at Weedpatch Camp,” after recognizing the plight of children who had migrated west with their families during the Great Depression. Immortalized in John Steinbeck’s “The Grapes of Wrath,” the children were quickly ostracized as “dumb Okies” and turned away from California schools. That all changed in May 1940 when Hart leased a 10-acre site from the federal government for $10. He and 50 Okie children built the emergency schoolrooms primarily with donations of labor and materials, a great deal of it provided by the children of the camp and their parents. The facility that was to become Sunset School began with no grass, sidewalks, playground equipment, toilets, running water, books or teacher. Hart recruited teachers who shared his passion and concern for outcast children and together they turned the school into an overwhelming success. Many of the children educated there went on to become judges, professors and businesspeople. The book “Chil-
Photo by Greg Nichols
LEO B. HART ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
dren of the Dust Bowl: The True Story of the School at Weedpatch Camp” pays tribute to Hart and his dedication to students. Former Oklahoma Gov. Frank Keating had a bronze plaque placed at the site in Hart’s honor. The Leo B. Hart Humanitarian Award, established in honor of the University of Arizona alumnus, is given out annually at the university to an individual who has made outstanding contributions to social justice and welfare. Leo B. Hart Elementary School, in the PanamaBuena Vista school district, opened in 1988 and is 16 miles from Shafter, where Hart resided, and 23 miles from Arvin, the community where Hart made his greatest contributions.
The Pulse: What’s hot and what’s not this month in Bakersfield
WHAT’S HOT
WHAT’S NOT
New police chief
Saying goodbye
North High grad and 20-year department veteran Greg Williamson takes over for retiring Chief Bill Rector.
Popular Padre Not only is the historic hotel reopening with three restaurants and two bars, but its iconic image will be the focus of a photo exhibit at Surface Gallery for First Friday.
The county is poised for a solar-powered gold rush as companies vie for a piece of the renewable energy pie.
Designs on downtown Nearly nine years after a key design planning session, dozens of projects have changed the face of the city’s center. Bakersfield Life
Fast food facts Don’t believe everything you read: Actual calorie counts for some restaurant chains and frozen meals were found to be 18 percent higher than reported.
Sleep surprise
Kern shines
12
We’ve lost some key community figures recently — longtime Chevron oilman Claude Fiddler and his wife, Shirley Ann; and Danny Maitia, former co-owner and head bartender of Wool Growers Restaurant.
February 2010
Don’t think you can catch up on the weekend. Studies show there’s no quick cure for sleep loss.
Detention deputy disappointment Two detention deputies were given prison time for their role in a 2005 jail-beating death while another is accused of having sex with a death row inmate.
UP FRONT
Short Takes
event to have a lock on fun OVERHEARD
Looking for romance? The key to your future happiness may be in the hands of the Women’s Active 20-30 Club, which is holding a singles’ event at Surface Gallery on Feb. 27. The 21and-over mixer will be a “lock and key” party: Men are given locks and women get keys with the goal of finding a match (and making conversation). To keep things lively, each key will match two or three locks, so every time a pair makes
a match each person will receive a raffle ticket for items that will be raffled off at the end of the night. After making a match, each person is given a new lock or key to continue the search. There is limited space for the event, with a maximum of 50 men and 50 women, so pre-register at www.2030girls.com. The cost is $20. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for cocktails and the event runs from 7:30 to 10 p.m.
Letters to the editor McCracken asset to Bakersield
“
Bakersfield’s got a cool downtown. It’s got some music things going. It’s got some destination restaurants. You’ve got the arts.
”
— Donna Kunz, the city's Economic and Community Development director, on the cultivation of the downtown district.
have a beautiful lake view, our own little docks, year-round fishing and boating as I want to commend you on your long as no gas engine is involved; home outstanding write-up of Ms. Aliza Mc- prices are very reasonable and we have Cracken in The Last Word in your Janu- the best neighbors anyone could ask for. We watch ducks swimary issue. During the past ming, sometimes the beauti20 years, she has volunful white egrets land in our tarily been an international trees, seagulls are often visiadvocate bringing wide tors, raindrops are especially recognition to Bakersfield’s lovely on our lake, and yet arts scene. Ms. McCracken this lovely gated community makes our community is mostly unknown by “born more beautiful just by beand raised” Bakersfield resiing who she is: a loving, dents. Aliza McCracken gracious and artistic soul. You should visit PineI hope to read more about wood Lake. It really is a special comher in Bakersfield Life! munity at the corner of Planz and Akers. Sincerely, Come see for yourself. — Karen Martin Sincerely, — Gari Cave
Pinewood Lake neighborhood unknown jewel
There is an unknown jewel in Bakersfield and we live in it. Every one of the 95 residents in this lovely oasis
Well, we took Gari up on her offer. Check out her neighborhood in this month’s Why I Live Here on page 67.
Got something to say? Letters to the editors can be emailed to bakersfieldlife@bakersfield.com or by mail, Olivia Garcia, Bakersfield Life Magazine, PO Bin 440, Bakersfield, Ca. 93302. We reserve the right to edit for clarity and space.
14
Bakersfield Life
February 2010
BY THE NUMBERS: Bakersfield Heart Hospital
68
Hospital response time, in minutes, for diagnosis to treatment of a heart attack
9,000 8 Numbers of patients the emergency department sees annually
10 5 Number of years in operation
Star rating (the highest) for treating heart attacks, according to nationally recognized company HealthGrades
Number of beds in the emergency department
324
Number of Bakersfield Heart Hospital employees Source: Bakersfield Heart Hospital
So You Want To ...
Throw a Super Bowl party 1. Keep the food simple — and portable. With no one likely to sit down at a table when the game’s on, a buffet is your only option. Opt for cold cuts, pizza or a variety of dips that can fit easily on plates.
2. Avoid unnecessary roughness. Have lots of paper towels, napkins and rug cleaner handy for any spills made during exciting plays. Protect your furnishings from accidents the best you can by clearing everything unnecessary from tables and end tables and set out plenty of coasters.
3. Drink up. Plan on plenty of beverages, and don’t forget the beer. With all of those beer commercials bombarding your guests, they’ll seek the suds.
4. Take pride in your team. If you want to decorate, think team colors, footballs, team jerseys, goal posts and pennants. Keep in mind, though, that most eyes will be more impressed by the clear reception on your television.
5. Know your fans. If the party is big enough, have one room set aside without a television for partygoers who aren’t interested in the game and would like a quieter place to talk. Designate the room with the best television for serious football fans who don’t want to be distracted by idle chatter. www.BakersfieldLife.com
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HAPPENINGS
WEEK 4
WEEK 3
WEEK 2
WEEK 1
Can’t-miss events in February
Find more community events at BakersfieldLife.com or Bakersfield.com/calendar.
Fri. 5
Fri. 5
Fri. 5
Sat. 6
Sat. 6
15th annual CSUB Athletics Casino & Auction Night, 6 p.m., Icardo Center. $30 pre-sale, $35 at the door. 654-3473 or gorunners.com.
FLICS presents “Treeless Mountain,” 7:30 p.m., Fox Theater. $5. 325-4815 or flics. org.
First Friday, featuring live music, art openings, specialty shops, galleries and boutiques, 5 to 9 p.m., Downtown Arts District. 634-9598.
Bakersfield Jam vs. Tulsa 66ers, 7 p.m., Rabobank Arena. $10. ticket master.com.
Mahler and More!, Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra, 8 p.m., Rabobank Theater. $32 to $48. 323-7928 or bakersfield symphony.org.
Thurs. 11 Fri. 12
Fri. 12
Sat. 13
Daniel Rodriguez, tenor, 7:30 p.m., Rabobank Theater. Season tickets range from $20 to $60. 205-8522, 6639006, or bakersfield cca.org.
Cupid’s Favorite Champagne, tasting with host Joe Bogorad, 5 p.m., Imbibe Wine & Spirits. $25. 633-9463.
Condors vs. Las Vegas Wranglers, 7 p.m., Rabobank Arena. $7 to $25. bakersfieldcondors. com or 324-7825.
Valentine’s Super Love Jam, 8 p.m., Rabobank Theater. $25.75 to $35.75.
Sun. 14
Thur. 18
Fri. 19
Condors vs. Ontario Reign, 2 p.m., Rabobank Arena. $7 to $25. 324-7825 or bakersfieldcondors. com.
Chris Botti, 8 p.m., Fox Theater. $29 to $54. 324-1369 or vallitix.com.
FLICS presents “Love Comes Lately,” 7:30 p.m., Fox Theater. $5. 3254815 or flics.org.
19-21 24th annual Home & Garden Show, 1 to 7 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, Kern County Fairgrounds. $7; children under 12 free.
Thurs. 25
Fri. 26
27-27
63rd annual Kern County Honor Music Festival, 7:30 p.m., Rabobank Convention Center. Free. 636-4635.
George Thorogood and The Destroyers, 8 p.m., Fox Theater. 324-1369 or vallitix.com.
Condors vs. Victoria Salmon Kings, 7 p.m., Rabobank Arena. $7 to $25. bakersfieldcondors. com or 324-7825.
WEEK 5
Sun. 28 “Camelot,” 7 p.m., Rabobank Theater. 852-7308 or rabobankarena.com.
16
Bakersfield Life
February 2010
You know where he always sits.
You know your friends’ birthdays.
Do you know where to go in a heart emergency? Bakersfield Heart Hospital.
Top 5% in the nation for heart intervention (PCI). Bakersfield Heart Hospital is the only hospital in Kern County that has been ranked in the top five percent in the nation for interventional heart procedures by HealthGrades®. And we’re the county’s first accredited Chest Pain
Center. That means we’re experts and we act fast. So if you know there’s a heart emergency, make sure it gets treated here.
Emergency? Get to our 24/7 ER. And let the experts treat you fast.
3001 Sillect Ave., Bakersfield, CA 93308 www.bakersfieldhearthospital.com
Photo by Casey Christie
REAL PEOPLE
Log Cabin Florist owner Dawn Baumgarten with items she sells in her shop for Valentine’s Day.
Love is in bloom Log Cabin has made Valentine’s Day special for generations of local customers By Jenny Bachman
V
alentine’s Day is a day for romance, but men, who find shopping anything but romantic, will often put off the gift search until the last possible minute. This can be frustrating for business owners like Dawn Baumgarten, who owns Log Cabin Florist, which sees a lot of traffic in the week before Valentine’s. Baumgarten thinks men should consider location and timing 18
Bakersfield Life
February 2010
when sending flowers to their valentines. “All women love to receive flowers at work … so we encourage the customer to send early and be a hero all week long,” says Baumgarten. For those customers who plan ahead, Log Cabin also offers some freebies to sweeten the gift. For orders placed by Wednesday, Feb 10, the customer receives free delivery, a keepsake card and rose petals. When orders are placed by Thursday, Feb 11, a keepsake card and rose petals are included. And for customers
who just beat the holiday weekend by ordering on Friday, a keepsake card — which reads, “I just couldn’t wait to tell you how much … I love you!” — is included. Baumgarten estimates about 100 people take advantage of the incentives, with the rest of orders coming in Friday and Saturday. The last time Valentine’s Day fell on Sunday (in 1999), sales were down about 5 percent for the florist. This year Log Cabin will be open on Sunday and then close on Monday, Feb. 15 to observe Presidents Day. The most popular flower for Valentine’s Day is the longstemmed rose, which requires the sacrifice of several rosebuds to present the perfect stem. After the Christmas season demand for red roses is filled, growers need 50 to 70 days to produce enough roses for Valentine’s Day. With plenty of red roses in stock and 72 years of floral holidays under its belt, Log Cabin is expecting a smooth week. Although the shop plans on delivering 800 to 1,000 Valentine’s floral gifts, Baumgarten isn’t worried about the rush, thanks to 12 additional drivers who help cover the work. “These drivers are seasoned help who come back each holiday and help us with our floral deliveries. Some are ex-employees that use the holidays as an extra paycheck; one is a friend that donates his delivery income to the Boy Scouts of America. “By adding the additional employees to our staff of 23, utilizing the floral design team at Bakersfield High School that we mentor
• Homemaker Services • Personal Care • Employees Screened Bonded and Insured • Dementia Care
during the year, Valentine’s 2010 will be our busiest week of the year,” explains Baumgarten. And for those men who still want to shop from the comfort of their home, Log Cabin offers ordering through its Web site and also has a Facebook page with more information. “We work hard to keep the Web site current and offer special discounts and offers, consumer information and photos about the shop and its employees,” Baumgarten says. “We have seen a growth in the direction of online ordering and feel that it will just continue to develop as our customer becomes more Web-based.”
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19
HISTORY
Re-enactment of a Yokuts Indian village.
By Jeff Nickell, Director, Kern County Museum Photos courtesy of the Kern County Museum
The archeological findings at
Buena Vista Lake
20
Bakersfield Life
February 2010
W
ith the goal of reducing unemployment in the United States, the Civil Works Administration, among its many projects, organized and financed a number of archeological projects in December 1933. Among those sites determined by the Smithsonian Institution was Kern County’s own Buena Vista Lake. According to Waldo Wedel, who wrote “Archeological Investigations at Buena Vista Lake” (1940) and was an assistant archeologist on the project, Buena Vista Lake was chosen for two factors: “mild winter conditions and proximity to abundant unemployed labor.” Actually, the climate — both weatherand economic-related — was the primary factor for projects chosen throughout the United States. Excavations at the Buena Vista site started on Dec. 20, 1933, under the direction of Dr. William D. Strong and W.M. Walker of the Bureau of American Ethnology. The project remained a federal endeavor until February 1934 when it became a county project until its completion in March of that same year. At one time the project employed as many as 187
“Your Family’s Partner for Home Care” Our Quality Home Care Services Include: Clara Barrios demonstrates acorn grinding with a mortar and pestle at the Kern County Museum.
people, made up mostly of unskilled laborers and unemployed oil workers. During the project, the Honolulu Oil Company donated housing space for the project’s supervising staff and allowed the staff to use many of its facilities, including its dark room and laboratory. In addition, several Kern County businesses, orThe historic landmark is unganizations and individveiled at the Tulamniu site. uals helped lend a hand to ensure the project’s completion, including Standard Oil Company, the Kern County Library, the Kern County Historical Society and Frank Latta, who allowed researchers to pore over his vast collection of unpublished information on the Yokuts Indians. (Latta later became the first director of the Kern County Museum.) Many different types of objects were found in the project: baskets, textiles, mortars and pestles, objects created from asphaltum and baked clay, ornaments, awls, bone tubes, beads, pendants, fishing weights, a variety of projectile points, chipped blades and ground stone knives, stone saws and hand axes and more. The objects found gave evidence to the fact that the Yokuts Indians traded Continued on page 22
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Bakersfield Life
February 2010
with other Indian factions in surrounding areas such as the Coast Range, Central Coast and Mojave Desert. The report also summarizes the cultural development of the Buena Vista Lake region. It states that the area was occupied by “relatively simple peoples whose subsistence economy revolved about the natural resources with which the lake and its immediate environs abounded.” Of course, this would have been the logical conclusion even without the exhaustive report carried out by the government. The report goes on to say that “camps on the lake shore may have been primarily for hunting and fishing, perhaps even being abandoned during certain seasons or for periods of years at a time.” Lending weight to this theory was the discovery of some sites that were near the water level and thus would have made occupancy impossible during “high stages of water.” The findings indicated that there was a “presumed” long interval of “nonhabitation” by man, which may have been the result of “exceptionally high lake stages.” It is not known for sure how long the “presumed” absence of habitation lasted, but material evidence collected gives a clearer picture of how the people lived. This may be because sites during this “second occupation” were well above water level, making continuous occupation possible. The Yokuts, in this period, relied upon fish, shellfish, birds, large and small mammals, and naturally growing products. One particularly interesting fact that the excavation work uncovered was the existence of the “domestic dog.” But a more surprising find was that of two bison horns, which were further evidence of trading and illustrated the distance that objects may have traveled or been transported. Although people like the Yokuts may not have ventured to certain areas, other people who bartered with them in the interwoven trade system did, meaning the bison horn findings may have been traded three or four times before reaching Kern County. Along with trading, Yokuts were crafty with their hands, using a number of natural materials to make textiles and containers. Artifacts unearthed showed that the Yokuts used coiled and twined baskets. There also was evidence of soft textiles woven from fibrous plant material. Speaking of plants, Tule was very important to the existence of the Kern’s early inhabitants. They used Tule to create “dome-shaped structures,” as well as make rafts, textiles, grave wrappings and more. The report states that the use of Tule is probably the most distinctive trait of the people who lived in the Southern San Joaquin Valley. In all, there were approximately 5,000 objects collected by “government relief labor.” Many of them were sent to the National Museum but there were duplicate objects that “were discarded to cut freight costs.” There is no record of whether this means they were simply thrown away or were sent to other museums or institutions.
Learn more The Kern County Museum has an extensive collection of Yokuts Indians artifacts, although none of it is from the Civil Works project. The museum utilizes the artifacts for public display and also has offered an elementary school Native American Life field study program for more than 60 years. The program conforms to State of California Standards for a number of educational subjects. For information about the program, please call Lili Soto at 852-5050.
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FOOD AND WINE
Reservations are recommended at Uricchio's.
Dining on romance This Valentine’s Day enjoy a romantic dinner at one of these local eateries By Lisa Kimble
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Photos by Felix Adamo
ovebirds looking to celebrate their romance with an intimate dinner this Valentine’s Day will find plenty of options in Bakersfield this year. From T.L. Maxwell’s and Valentien downtown to Café Med and Mama Tosca’s at The Marketplace, tried and true romantic dining options abound. Here are a few options for a romantic rendezvous for you and your sweetheart.
Uricchio’s 1400 17th St. 326-8870. This will mark the 15th Valentine’s Day for downtown dining staple Uricchio’s Trattoria. The authentic Italian eatery consistently
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combines generous portions, exceptional entrees and attentive service into a warm and intimate dining experience. Located in the heart of downtown Bakersfield, reservations are sought after at this popular establishment founded by Nick Uricchio and now managed by his daughter under the culinary guidance of executive chef Raphael Hernandez. Diners will feel as though they’ve been transported to a metropolitan restaurant. The elegant, engaging atmosphere also provides the perfect backdrop for people watching. Whether you stay on the light side with a shrimp Caesar salad or savor the melt-in-your mouth homemade cheese-stuffed ravioli, save room for the culinary piece de resistance, mouth-watering dessert imported from famed
Hungry Hunter is wonderful for families or a night out for two.
LaMousse in Beverly Hills. Reservations are recommended.
Hungry Hunter 3580 Rosedale Highway. 328-0580. If you’d prefer a dark, quiet corner table or booth, consider Hungry Hunter Steakhouse, which still boasts the best prime rib in town. The restaurant opened 18 years ago, and its menu has evolved over time to include a number of delicious culinary variations of surf and turf and poultry. But Hungry Hunter’s mainstay remains meat pared with its unique variety of wines and foods. Relax in the lodge-like feel of the restaurant’s decor under dim lights while sampling popular appetizers like calamari fritti or crab-stuffed mushrooms. Settle into a cozy, romantic setting in the extensive, dark dining room and savor a New York, porterhouse, or "Black and Bleu" rib eye with one of the restaurant’s signature sauces on the side, such as the whiskey peppercorn.
Red Pepper 2641 Oswell St. 871-5787. Red Pepper restaurant in northeast Bakersfield has withstood the test of time and hosted countless Valentine’s Day dinners over the last three decades. The venerable
Head to Red Pepper for a romantic setting and "Mexican done right."
restaurant and bar is celebrating 30 years of what its website boasts is “Mexican done right — doing the ordinary and extraordinary in an exceptional fashion.” The redecorated interiors imbue a warmth and intimacy, whether you choose to order in the bar or dine in a cozy booth. Red Pepper’s extensive new menu is as seductive to your palate as if Cupid had designed it himself. Shrimp Vera Cruz and ceviche
are popular dishes favored by regular patrons who live in the Pepper’s neighborhood. Camarones a la costa — three large gulf shrimp stuffed with crab, wrapped in bacon and cheese and baked golden brown, glazed with a jalapeno béarnaise sauce — is another mouth-watering must. The Pepper’s rich history and loyal following will make even first-timers feel welcome and right at home. www.BakersfieldLife.com
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OUR TOWN
Photo by Michael Fagans
Assistance League of Bakersfield’s Bargain Box Thrift Store
It opened in the fall of 1959. The opening day story from The Bakersfield Californian’s archives (Oct. 14, 1959): Tomorrow is opening day for the Bargain Box thrift shop of the Assistance League, announced Mrs. Bernie Minch, and the shelves are well stocked with a wide variety of treasures to delight the bargain hunters in Bakersfield. Antiques, appliances, adult clothing, layettes, tables, costume jewelry, rugs, linens and a large collection of “white elephants” are attractively displayed in the cheerfully decorated shop located at 1214 O St. near the northeast corner of California and O Street.
Barbara Sandrini, who does community outreach work for the Assistance League, stands inside their Bargain Box Thrift Store. The store will be celebrating its 50th anniversary.
It has had three locations in its history: first, at 1214 O St.; then to 916 California Ave. in October 1961; and to its current location at 1924 Q St. in 2005. It has gone through two expansions — one in 1977 and another in 1984. February marks its Anniversary Sale Month, thanking customers and donors, as well as Founder’s Day. Past Bargain Box chairwomen, including the original Chairwoman Jane Minch, will be honored by their peers and Assistance League of Bakersfield founder Ruth Ann Montgomery at the Founder’s Day Luncheon Meeting.
The Bargain Box started on O Street.
Assistance League's Bargain Box Thirft Store’s current location.
It moved to California Avenue in 1961. www.BakersfieldLife.com
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D I N I N G D I VA S
Enso Japanese Bar
Guest Diane Sandidge, center, joined the Divas — from left, Lori Ritchie, Aimee Williamson, Whitney Rector and Wendy Horack — at Enso Japanese Bar. 28
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Sushi surprise Divas delighted by Enso, thanks to a dining guest, culinary works of art Photos by Greg Nichols
Atmosphere
Aimee: When you walk into Enso, a sense of calm comes over you. The walls are covered with a light wood, soft music plays in the background, and candlelight covers your table. Your dining experience starts off relaxing, but once you see and taste your food, the excitement begins to build. I couldn’t wait to see what came to the table next!
Drinks and Diane
Aimee: We were so excited to meet our guest. I tried to make sure all the girls were on their best behavior, but that is difficult with this bunch. Diane walked into the restaurant and we immediately felt at ease! She introduced herself and joined the fun. We were so lucky to have such a fun and fashionable guest with us this month. We ordered two bottles of wine: a Kendall Jackson Vintner’s Reserve sauvignon blanc and a Francis Ford Coppola Ivory Label cabernet sauvignon. They were both very good and went well with the variety of foods we ate. Lori: Diane wasn’t quite sure she was going to have a glass with us, but
with a little persuasion she was all in! We drank our wine and got acquainted with Diane, and each of us told a little bit about ourselves. Wendy: It didn’t take long for Diane to warm up to us. “We have that effect on people.” She was a very sweet lady; I just hope we didn’t corrupt her too much. Sam, the manager, was excited for us to get started with our Enso experience. He had lots of recommendations and sent out a few new items that weren’t on the menu.
Jumbo scallops and shrimp (not on the menu)
Screaming Orgasm
Appetizer
Aimee: I started with the garlic edamame. The soybeans are served in the pod lightly salted and sautéed with garlic, butter and soy sauce. They were so delicious I could have eaten the whole bowl, but I was trying to keep up my good appearance in front of our guest, so I shared. We then had a sample of the gourmet spring mix salad. The garlic dressing should be bottled and sold. Wendy: The edamame was fabulous! Then out came a little taster from the chef. I sat next to Aimee knowing she wasn’t going to eat any of the extra goodies. I just helped myself to her portion. Pretty soon she was just passing everything straight to me! The broiled mussels are a must order. Served
Champagne lemon sorbet
Continued on page 30
Casanova
Crunchy Sexy roll
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Guest Diva Diane Sandidge, left, and Aimee Williamson sample the Mountain roll, a deep-fried layered mountain of lobster and crabmeat.
Continued from page 29
with lots of garlic and I think there’s a bit of white wine splashed on them too. They were excellent!
Lunch
Whitney: I ordered the jumbo scallop and shrimp. It was beautifully presented and the table marveled at the aroma of garlic. The scallops were pan-seared and had a hint of barbecue sauce with four very large shrimp that were tender and sweet. The dish also came with paella rice that went nicely with the scallops. My favorite part of the dish was the silky smooth avocado sauce. The table had agreed that Wendy and Lori would order the sushi and Aimee, Diane and I would order off the main menu. As soon as my entree hit the table, Lori and Wendy took half my meal. They kept saying how full they were, but I guess not. Aimee: I have to admit I was a little worried going to a sushi restaurant. I do have that issue with things that live in water, but I was pleasantly surprised. Enso’s menu is full of choices for everyone. I ordered the filet mignon (the only reason Wendy didn’t demand to eat this was she was too busy eating my portions of the sushi!). It is made with premium beef tenderloin grilled to perfection, topped with mushroom gratang and served with beerbattered onion fries. The meat just melted in your mouth, it is definitely a must try. 30
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On a roll
Wendy: Lori and I try to hit sushi bars for lunch as often as we can. We typically order three rolls and share them. Lori ordered the Red Bull roll for us. It had tempura shrimp in the center and sliced filet mignon on top. It’s like having your cake and eating it, too! If you aren’t sure you like sushi, you will after you taste that! Lori: Wendy and I love the rolls, and it was a tough decision to pick out three rolls with so many choices. I first noticed the Red Bull roll, knowing Wendy would love it because it has seared filet mignon over the top of it and inside was tempura shrimp, spicy crab and cucumber. Loving shrimp and the name, we had to order the Crunchy Sexy roll: masago crunch on the outside and on the inside was shrimp tempura, crabmeat, avocado and cucumber. The last one we decided on was the Mountain roll; it actually came looking like a deep-fried layered mountain of lobster and crabmeat. Not only were all the rolls so delicious, their presentation was absolutely gorgeous. All the detailing in presentation was remarkable — birds and flowers made out of shaved carrots. Whitney: I must say that the chef outdid himself with the wow factor in each and every presentation! My favorite roll didn’t have a name. The chef made us a roll with lobster, crab, rolled in thin cucumber. It was topped with tiny fish eggs that were made to look like a cherry with a
The atmosphere is Enso is tranquil, but a sense of excitement takes over when the food arrives.
green stem coming out of the top of it. You almost hate to eat it for it was just that pretty! Aimee: Each plate looked like a work of art. The chefs created butterflies and birds out of carrots. They were amazing and very detailed. Wendy took one home with her … I know she is going to try to recreate it! The chefs at Enso are incredibly talented people, Bakersfield is lucky to have their expertise in town!
Dessert
Wendy: Dear readers, order the Casanova. It’s a waffle with vanilla ice cream on top. You’re probably thinking what is so special about a waffle? This waffle is special. I can’t even put it into words how it tastes. You have to order it about 30 minutes in advance. Heck, I would order it at the same time you order your entrée. It’s “heavenly.” Whitney: My husband has turned me on to sorbet, so I was excited to see champagne lemon sorbet on the dessert menu. It was served with a little mint, which then turned it into a cocktail. One of the girls said it reminded her of a mojito and that hit the nail on the head. It was refreshing, light and yummy. I look forward to returning to Enso and trying everything on the menu. Sam told us he would make us a believer in the new restaurant in town and Sam ... all I have to say to you is, “I believe, I believe!”
The Guest Diva After winning an auction benefiting Garden Pathways, Diane Sandidge won the spot for a special meal with our Dining Divas. Here’s what she had to say about Enso and her dining companions: The Divas and I introduced ourselves and got well-acquainted through the nearly two-hour meal, finding mutual friends and interests. Enso is attractively furnished with mini lights strung around the bar and along the walls, lending a festive atmosphere. In the center is a spacious sushi bar with two enthusiastic chefs. I thought the prices were very reasonable and the wines excellent. The garlic edamame was a big hit with us. I like the seared ahi course as well. Aimee’s beef filet was the non-seafood hit of the day — so tender and well-seasoned.
Enso Japanese Bar
1419 19th St. 327-7785. Open 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Monday to Thursday, 11 a.m. until closing Friday, 3 p.m. until closing Saturday. Open late Fridays and Saturdays. www.BakersfieldLife.com
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GOING GREEN
Debbie Hall prepares an order for a customer at the Abundant Harvest organic food pick-up site in Bakersfield.
Growing movement Organic farming isn’t new, but more produce is cropping up in stores, markets
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By J. W. Burch, IV
s more people have become more aware of their diet, organic foods and produce have increased in demand and popularity. This change stems as much from health and environmental reasons as local sustainability. “The industrialization of our food is just rotten and terrible,” Mark Hall, the Bakersfield area host for Abundant Harvest Organics said. “Fast food is ‘cheap calories,’ but with organic produce you spend a little more for the calories that your body really wants.” Abundant Harvest targets these new consumers, functioning essentially as a mobile farmers market where subscribers can meet up on Saturdays for a box of locally grown organic produce. Subscribers do not get to choose what is in their boxes, but rather get whatever is in season and available. “It’s all packed and it is hours fresh; you’d be hard pressed to get that in a grocery store,” Hall said. “We’re just getting the farmers tied up with the consumers and making that link. We’re just cutting
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Photos by Casey Christie out the people in the middle and having the money that is spent stay within the community.” “Sometimes you get vegetables that you didn’t even know existed – and you discover that you really like it,” Abundant Harvest subscriber Richard Malicdem said. “It forces you to try new things and use new recipes.” Despite the recent rise in organic food awareness and popularity over the past few years, it is nothing new: “Conventional farming methods have only been around for 50 to 60 years. Produce before WWII was all organic, it wasn’t until then that synthetic fertilizer was around,” said Erick Ledford, regional produce manager at Lassen’s Natural Foods & Vitamins. “Organic farming is not just a blip on the map, it is the other way around — it has been around the longest.” But interested readers should not go full-steam into an organic diet. An organic diet should be built up to, especially if one’s diet has never involved organic foods.
“It is important to research what you’re doing. You don’t want to do it all at once; you have to start slowly,” Brandi Spaulding, Lassen’s manager and vitamin clerk said. “Otherwise, you’ll throw your body into shock.” “I eat about 40 percent organic produce and generally spend about the same amount of money on veggies as I did before,” Elena Thomas, Abundant Harvest subscriber said. “Within this last year, I got really concerned with the standards of food companies. And going local is safer, because you don’t know the quality of product that you’re getting from others.” Many people are put off by the difference in pricing between conventional and organic produce, and decide that they can not afford to under go this lifestyle change, or if it is even the right thing for them to do. But it should be known that consumers can ask for organic farmer’s certification at large grocery stores such as Albertsons and Vons as it is public record and required by law. “It is quality over quantity, that is why there is a 20 to 30 percent difference between organic and conventional,” Ledford said. “Organic produce is farmed in the shadow of the farmer, rather than in the shadow of big conglomerates and they have to meet stringent standards in their farming … and organic is healthier for you.” “Truthfully, I don’t know of any change from before I began an organic diet, health-wise,” Malicdem said. “I mainly started eating organic because of the genetic engineering done to our food and the pesticides that they are using on it … just knowing the methods used for mass production.” The pricing of organic produce is also dependent on the season and the labor involved. It takes more work on a smaller amount of
Melissa Dick, 5, holds up a piece of organic citrus that she and her family had in their box at the Abundant Harvest pick-up site. land to grow organic produce than it does to grow mass-produced conventional produce. Organic produce can be purchased at any number of locations. Farmers markets, although not as prevalent in the winter, offer local organic produce, as well as specialty businesses such as Abundant Harvest and Lassen’s. Now many grocery stores, such as Albertsons and Vons, are beginning to integrate organic produce onto their shelves.
www.BakersfieldLife.com
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ON THE RED COUCH
The sweet life When it comes to Valentine’s Day, we often think of confections, but these three ladies think about sweets all year long!
Photos by Felix Adamo
What is your favorite sweet treat? Heather: It may sound a bit biased, but my favorite sweet treat is English toffee from Dewar’s. I have been exposed to more candy than you can imagine, and our English toffee is definitely the best. Talk about a treat … or two. Yummy! Sheila: Ironically, I don’t eat many sweets. Owning a cupcakery, you would think I indulged in cupcakes every day, but I don’t. So when I want something sweet I would have to say my absolute favorite would be a fresh hot zeppole. Pure heaven. Stephanie: My weakness is chocolate peanut butter ice cream or dark chocolate gelato, but I will take an organic, 80 percent cacao dark chocolate bar any day of the week! Ooh, and my vanilla bean cupcakes ... and my caramel marshmallow doubledipped s’mores … do I have to stop there?
How will you be celebrating this Valentine’s Day? Heather: My husband and I have a 5year-old little girl and a 4-year-old little boy. I know it doesn’t sound romantic, but with Valentine’s Day falling on a three-day weekend, we are going to take the kids to our cabin for a long weekend. Maybe he’ll do all the cooking. Sheila: Of course, creating special Valentine moments for all my customers. Stephanie: Since it is on a Sunday this year, I will be able to enjoy the day off with the love of my life for once. I usually come home late with more chocolate on me than in any box! 34
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February 2010
Sheila Heninger Frosting, Ink
Heather Dewar Dewar’s Candy Shop
Why are sweets the best way to say “I love you”? Heather: Have you ever heard of anyone unhappy with the gift of candy? Sweets simply put a smile on your face. It’s the perfect gift; it’s thoughtful yet reasonably priced. Sheila: Sweets are the perfect recipe for your loved one. You can pick the wrong flowers or buy the wrong size, but you can never go wrong with something sweet for your sweetheart. Stephanie: I was always able to feel emotion from food, both sweet and savory. I felt love in my mom’s casseroles and always looked forward to her homemade birthday cakes for my sister and I. I was always very proud to bring sweets and baked goods to teachers and friends in school that we made together because it just felt like I was giving them a piece of me, even though I was too young to understand what that feeling was then. It seems to be a form of expression that everyone understands, no matter what language you speak or where you’re from, it brings people together.
Stephanie Caughell Gimmee Some Sugar Cakes
What was your most memorable Valentine’s Day on the job? Heather: Back in November of 2001 we opened our second location on Hageman Road. As our first Valentine’s at this location approached, it left me wondering what to expect. It was Valentine’s Day 2002, and the day seemed steady but slow, with most of our clientele being women. I wondered where all of the men were. At nearly 5 p.m. on the dot, I was shocked to see the store filled completely with men. Continued on page 36 www.BakersfieldLife.com
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Why does Bakersfield have such a sweet tooth?
Continued from page 35
I was trying to help these gentlemen with their purchases, and it was extremely easy. When I asked what they were looking for it was an almost unanimous response: I just need something to take home with Dewar’s candy in it. What an easy request. The men were in and out with their purchases. This went on for about two hours. It wasn’t until I received a call from my valentine, wondering if I was ever coming home, that I realized I was spending Valentine’s Day with everyone else’s valentines and needed to get home to mine.
Heather: I think the Bakersfield community has good taste buds. Being involved with a candy company that has been in business for over 100 years in Bakersfield, the longevity doesn’t lie. Our customers have kept us in business, allowing us to supply them with all of the candy and ice cream they can eat. We are lucky, Bakersfield has a lot to offer, sweet treats being one of them.
Sheila: I love holidays. Especially spending them with family. Valentine’s is a unique holiday because it inspires love and romance. Some people think of Valentines Day as a Hallmark holiday and why do we need one day to show our love; we should show our love for our special someone every day, right? Despite all the perspectives, I would have to say my most memorable Valentine’s is when I create the perfect sweet gift for my customers.
Sheila: Bakersfield has a long history of exceptional independent and locally owned restaurants. There’s Luigi’s, Mexicali, Happy Jack’s, SubStation Downtown and so many more. And with that, you need great bakeries. Dessert spots like the historic Dewar’s have paved the way for a new generation of sweets and desserts. Cupcakes are the latest craze. Frosting, Ink is not only feeding the craze but is here to stay. We have received accolades for our unique and tasty creations. I’m so proud to bring my dream business to life.
Stephanie: For me it was last year, the bakery was slammed, phone ringing like crazy and I probably hand-dipped 2,000 strawberries. But, because of my staff, we laughed all day and had such a great time.
Stephanie: If I had to guess, it would be that the “home and family” mentality here fosters our love for sharing great handmade things with each other … what is greater than great handmade sweets?
Stephanie Caughell 36
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Heather Dewar
Sheila Heninger
• Bakersfieldʼs only Certified Kitchen Designer / General Contractor • Full Service Remodels
• Countertops / Backsplash
• Flooring – Tile / Hardwood • 3 Dimensional Designing
From conception to completion, Stockdale Cabinetry will help you every step of the way. We donʼt just design it, we help you pick out the materials and put it all together. “Your project is my project,” Rick explains. “My work is my passion.”
Sam and Sue Frantz decided four years ago that they were going to stay in the home that they’ve owned for over twenty years. It was then that they decided to update and remodel their kitchen. After giving much thought about how they wanted to design the kitchen, Sue went to visit a friend who recently had her kitchen remodeled by Stockdale Cabinetry. She was so impressed by their work; she decided to give them a call. After sitting down with Certified Kitchen Designer Rick Sorci, he created a 3 Dimensional design with her input and together they created her “dream kitchen”. After seeing the design, and being able
to actually see exactly how the finished project would appear, they decided to go with Stockdale Cabinetry. One of the key features to the look of the kitchen was the cabinetry with KraftMaidTM Rutherford doors, which is a Stockdale Cabinetry exclusive door. They were very impressed with the fact that Rick was so involved in the process from beginning to end. From picking out the right appliances, to overseeing the project on site, it really took the stress out of the experience and made it very enjoyable. Everything went smoothly and they couldn’t be happier with their new kitchen. The Frantz family are third generation almond growers in Shafter. They have three grown children, and are heavily involved in the community and their church. They’re looking forward to the next 26 years in their beautiful home with their “dream kitchen”.
In our own
Derrick Chan
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Photo courtesy of Derrick Chan
Words
Photo courtesy of Allison Wiener
Allison Wiener
Last year’s high school seniors report on first impressions of college life
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By Dana Martin
very year, parents send their students away to college with dorm furniture, new sheets and expectations about life away from the nest. In June, Bakersfield Life identifies several outstanding high school seniors heading off to college and profiles their achievements and plans for the future. From the 17 outgoing graduates profiled in June, we were able to catch up with 12 of them and get a firsthand report on what they experienced as incoming freshmen at four-year universities. Did they get homesick? Was college life what they anticipated? Did they maintain those perfect grades? Here, they confess it all … in their own words.
Derrick Chan UCLA High school: Highland
Is the “college life” what you expected? The college experience is a huge growing experience. It also feels like a fresh start. It takes one out of his/her comfort zone. I spent much of the time during the first month meeting new and interesting people. I got to meet people that had lived in different states, countries, or other parts of California. Hearing their stories, experiences, beliefs and views really broaden my own horizons. I remember one of the first nights a group of new friends and I discussed controversial topics for hours. The social aspect of college is definitely how I expected it to be and more! How many “all nighters” have you pulled for course workrelated studies? I think my count for all-nighters is at three or four. My craziest day was having only four hours of sleep for 60 hours. I was awake
22 hours (working, going to class ...) then slept two hours, stayed up the next 24 hours, followed by two hours of sleep and then finishing off with about 14 hours of that third school day. Most of you are straight-A students. Have you received your first bad grade in college? How did it make you feel? I sadly had to accept my first Bs and Cs on tests in my academic history this quarter. They were a quick awakening and humbling experiences. They served as a strong motivation for me to improve next quarter. How often do you come home? When you do come home, how has the family dynamic changed? Before break, I was only able to visit for Thanksgiving. It was nice to know that my parents had missed me, and interesting to realize that the house is cleaner without me. I quickly realized that after arriving at my clean home that I was the one who disorganized it in the past.
Allison Wiener UC Santa Barbara High school: BHS
Do you get homesick? If so, what do you do to fix that? Yes, I did get homesick in the beginning. My new friends and I counted on each other for a good talk (over coffee on the beach) when one of us was missing home. We also went to the gym a lot. I’m lucky that my brother is in Santa Barbara. I visited him a lot in the beginning. When I was missing home, it helped to get involved in fun activities on campus. I joined the “Hall Happiness and Birthday” committee to make our dorm cheerful. Were you surprised by the work expected in college? Do you feel you were prepared for it, or did you need to re-evaluate your Continued on page 40 www.BakersfieldLife.com
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Vinny Oddo
much that night — it turned into a really good girls’ night.
Courtney Velasco
Continued from page 39
UCLA High school: West
study/work habits? I wasn’t necessarily surprised, but I will tell you the grading is a lot harder, expectations are higher and the workload is heavier. I developed good study habits in high school, but it is still hard to turn down a nice day at the beach when you have class work to do. How often do you come home? When you do come home, how has the family dynamic changed? I've been home quite a few times this quarter to visit my boyfriend who leaves in January. Our family dynamic hasn't changed, and my family treats me the same. What was the most surprising (or difficult) aspect of living away from home? Moving in with strangers and using a community bathroom. Being sick away from home is no fun either. Describe one funny experience you had in college so far. The birthday party we had without the guest of honor. We planned a birthday party in our hall for a fellow Gaucho from Russia who had never had a birthday celebration, but the plan to get him there wasn’t well-executed. The room was decorated, we baked him a cake, and he ended up being whisked away to UCLA by his frat. We laughed so
This is about your first day on campus. How did you feel when you were finally alone in your dorm room? When I was finally alone in my dorm room I was partly relieved and partly overwhelmed. I felt like I was officially at UCLA. I knew that my dependence on my parents ended as soon as they walked out the door. So when my parents left me to go home, besides being sad, I was ready for college life to begin. Is the “college life” what you expected? “College life” is more than what I expected it to be. I knew it was going to be a lot more work than what I was used to in high school, but I wasn’t prepared for all the opportunities to have fun. There’s almost something every night that you can do in L.A. I had to learn to prioritize my time in order to have fun while still doing well in my classes. Also when people go out they don’t necessarily drink and party. There’s a lot more to college than alcohol and studying. How many “all nighters” have you pulled for course work-related studies? I have yet to pull an “all-nighter.” I usually start doing work for my classes days before the due date because I can’t really
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Photo courtesy of Courtney Velasco
Photo courtesy of Vinny Oddo
Courtney Velasco
do work after midnight, and I can’t take the stress of doing work last minute. How often do you come home? When you do come home, how has the family dynamic changed? The first time I came home was for Thanksgiving break and it was almost as if I had never left. My little sisters went back to telling me about all their daily woes. My parents still treated me as if I was independent enough to take care of myself. The only thing that really changed is the fact that my little sister took over my bedroom, so when I come home it’s a bit of a mess trying to find room for me.
Vinny Oddo UC Santa Barbara High school: BCHS
Is the “college life” what you expected? Your teachers try and warn you about college life, but no one can prepare you enough until you experience it on your own. With lectures of 800 students, the teachers aren’t exactly your closest friends, and it’s up to you to remain on top of things. Being in college fosters even more responsibility. It’s so easy to go off and do whatever you please, hang out with friends, stay out super late, and abandon your schoolwork; it’s at that point I realized, “Dang it, I actually have to act like an adult now.” Most of you are straight-A students. Have you received your first bad grade in college? How did it make you feel?
Photo by Felix Adamo
Photo courtesy of Brian Williams
Brian Williams
Abril Martinez My first bad grade in college was devastating. I was a straight-A student in high school, so you can imagine my reaction when I got a 49 percent on my calculus midterm in college. I was so angry. I thought, “This isn’t me. I don’t get these grades! I’m going to fail college!” But you learn from your mistakes and realize that everyone there is just as smart and going through the same thing. You can’t expect perfection in the first few months but you learn how to pick yourself back up. At the end of the quarter I ended up with a B+ in calculus! How often do you come home? When you do come home, how has the family dynamic changed? Besides Thanksgiving, I only came home once. It’s funny to come home because my brother and my sister take over my bedroom and my side of the bathroom. I have to explain, “Hey guys I still live here, I’m just gone for a while.” They think I’m never coming back or something!
Abril Martinez The Art Institute of California High school: Ridgeview
This is about your first day. How did you feel when you were finally alone on campus? I actually started in the summer quarter. It was less than a month after graduating high school that I had to take off for college, so I was really nervous, and hadn’t had the time to let it sink in. The day that I had to leave, I was so scared I would get the wrong exit or
use my parking pass wrong and not be able to park properly. It really was a unique experience driving two hours for the first time by myself. Yet I felt so free, so liberated, and for the first time on the way back home at night, I cried because I was so proud of myself. I was going to the college of my dreams, and nothing, not even distance or money was going to stop me. People thought I wasn’t going to make it into art school, that it was going to be a phase I passed through, but here I was, going to not some art school, but The Art Institute in Santa Monica. Were you surprised by the work expected in college? Do you feel you were prepared for it, or did you need to re-evaluate your study/work habits? I would suppose I didn’t feel ready, because I transitioned to an art school, where art classes are no longer electives, but requirements, and English and math have become the electives. So it was a complete turnaround for me, but thankfully I took all of the art electives I could in high school, so I was more prepared than others. However the work is so much different from any other places. There is really no way to “cheat” in art, save for plagiarism, but there are so many inspirations being provided that copying someone’s work is impossible. There’s no calculator or spell/grammar check I can rely on when I need to be in a hurry. Here I have to spend hours making sure each background I do is right, and if there’s a smudge anywhere, I have to start all over brand-new. Although this is grueling work, I absolutely love it.
Brian Williams BYU High school: Frontier
Is the “college life” what you expected? Some things about the college life are as I expected but a lot of things were different. Classes are definitely tougher than I had anticipated and it took me several weeks to get back to a point that I felt confident in my abilities as a student. Going to a conservative school I was not surprised to find that almost all of my peers were Republican; however, I was surprised to find that many of my professors were not. Despite feeling that my classes were challenging I was also pleasantly surprised to find that I was able to find myself at the top of my classes. Most of you are straight-A students. Have you received your first bad grade in college? How did it make you feel? I did get my first bad grade on a test. Physical science, my first test, I got a 77! A 77!! I was mortified. Since I hadn’t been in school long, I was already starting to think that maybe I wasn’t as smart as I thought I was. In retrospect, I’ve decided it was for the best because it was a great wakeup call to say, “Hey, you’re gonna have to study harder if you want to get good grades in college!” Continued on page 42 www.BakersfieldLife.com
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Photo courtesy of Fabian Sanchez
Photo courtesy of Christina Apple
Christina Apple
Fabian Sanchez Continued from page 41
What do you look forward to when you come home? Home cooking! I don’t know about the rest of the students, but my mom is an incredible cook. When I lived at home my mom made me breakfast, lunch, and dinner … every day! (I’m spoiled I know. But who’s going to complain about a perfect mom?) Anyway, it isn’t that I don’t get enough to eat up at school, the quality just can’t compare.
Christina Apple
Fabian Sanchez
CSUB High school: North
This is about your first day. How did you feel when you were finally alone on campus? I actually stayed in Bakersfield for college, but when I had to leave my house and say bye to my mom I was terrified. I had about three emotions come over me: fear, excitement and happiness. About halfway to school another emotion came to me — pain! I was in a car accident on the way to my first day of school. I totaled my car and had to be taken to the hospital. I missed my whole first day of college. Were you surprised by the work expect42
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ed in college? Do you feel you were prepared for it, or did you need to re-evaluate your study/work habits? I was prepared for the workload that was given to me in school but because of my job I had to really work on time management to get everything done and turned in on time. How many “all nighters” have you pulled for course work-related studies? I really have not had to pull one of those yet. I believe the latest I stayed up doing an assignment for a college course was about 3 a.m. It turned out the teacher had sent out an e-mail saying it was not due for another two days but my e-mail was down and I did not get it. Most of you are straight-A students. Have you received your first bad grade in college? How did it make you feel? Yes, I did get my first bad grade in college. It made me feel horrible but now I just want to try harder next semester.
February 2010
USC High school: Golden Valley
This is about your first day. How did you feel when you were finally alone on campus? Being alone in my dorm for the first time was surreal. I had anticipated this moment for a very long time. I realized all the hard work I’d put over the years had finally paid off and I was truly happy to be fulfilling my dream of going to a great university. Do you get homesick? I always thought I would get homesick often, but that is not the case. I miss
my family and friends, but it is not until I am back in town that I realize how much I missed being home. Were you surprised by the work expected in college? Do you feel you were prepared for it, or did you need to re-evaluate your study/work habits? What surprised me was the length of time between each assignment for each of my classes; I was used to having homework all the time. My work consisted of lots of reading early in the semester, so I did not feel overwhelmed; I was very carefree. Once midterm exams and deadlines for papers loomed closer though, I began to study more and work harder for my classes. I started wasting so much time and working on getting everything done. Describe one funny experience you had in college so far. Moving day was pretty hectic: Students plagued the lobby of our dorm building trying to use one of the two elevators. I brought my siblings and cousins to help me move in. Working like an assembly line we got everything up to my dorm on the seventh floor; some used the stairs and some the elevators … it was funny seeing the girls panting once we were done and chilling in my dorm.
Nicole Banister Georgetown High school: Stockdale
Is the “college life” what you expected? “College life” is actually not what I expected. I personally thought everyone was going to be “bigger” just because they
Photo by Michael Fagans
were older, and I thought everyone — especially at Georgetown — would be really distinguished and mature. That is not the case. Honestly it’s just like high school but everyone lives together. The nerds are still nerds and the jocks are still jocks. College is really fun in a big city like D.C. though because on the weekends I just hop on the Metro and pick a new stop to explore. The city’s great and there’s so much to do if you find it, so it’s fun having the freedom to go and find out cool stuff about my new home. How often do you come home? When you do come home, how has the family dynamic changed? I can only come home for big holidays, so it was great being back with my family again. The only thing that changed was that my brother got my old room and I had to move into his room, and that was kind of hard because when I came back none of my posters were up and because I didn’t decorate the room it just didn’t really seem like it was mine. However, after being there, I realized that being with my family was what I truly consider as “being home,” so as long as they’re there with me, everything is fine
Nicole Banister with me. What was the most surprising (or difficult) aspect of living away from home? The most surprising and simultaneously difficult aspect of living away from home is getting used to people on the East Coast.
East Coast kids have really different clothing styles, attitudes, and everything they do seems to be so darn fast. They need to take a tip from us West Coast kids and chillll. Continued on page 44
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Continued from page 43
Dominic Gallegos MIT High school: Garces
Were you surprised by the work expected in college? Do you feel you were prepared for it, or did you need to re-evaluate your study/work habits? I knew coming in that the work was going to be difficult, but that doesn’t mean that I was prepared. Several lectures here covered material that other students knew from high school, while I had never heard of such concepts before. But the great thing about MIT is that collaboration with other students on assignments is pretty much necessary for success, and we are always willing to help each other out. Do you get homesick? Honestly, there’s no time to get homesick here. We’re all too busy with our classes to miss home. How many “all nighters” have you pulled for course work-related studies? Only two “official” all nighters so far, but there have been several nights when I have stayed up fairly late. Thursday nights were the worst since my physics and chemistry homework assignments were due on Fridays. In fact, getting more than five hours 44
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January 2010
Photo courtesy of Amber Rossi
Photo courtesy of Dominic Gallegos
Dominic Gallegos
Amber Rossi of sleep in any night during the week is usually wishful thinking. But weekends result in more sleep, sometimes. What do you look forward to when you come home? Definitely not having to worry about work. Describe one funny experience you had in college so far. One such experience was my first time doing laundry. The funny part? I forgot to put in the dryer sheets. The sad part? My friends and I argued about the physics of static cling for an hour.
Amber Rossi Cal Poly SLO High school: Liberty
Is the “college life” what you expected? College isn’t exactly like I expected. The fact that I am living on my own is nice because I have more freedom. But I didn’t expect to have so much free time during the day, and it was kind of weird having a night class. Do you get homesick? I do get homesick a lot, but that is what’s nice about living only two hours from home. When I am homesick I Skype or call my family and friends and talk to them that way during the week and I go home quite a bit on the weekends. What do you look forward to when you come home?
When I come home, I look forward to seeing my family, friends, and my dog the most. Also, it doesn’t hurt that I get to sleep in my own bed and I don’t have to share a bathroom with 20 other girls either. What was the most surprising (or difficult) aspect of living away from home? The most difficult aspect of living away from home is being completely independent. I still have to call my mom and ask questions for what to buy for certain grocery items, laundry detergent, carpet cleaner, etc. I also had to ask her for questions about my bank account and how to mail packages. My brothers are no longer around to help me with questions about my computer. Also, if I got lost driving I used to call my dad for directions, but now he can’t help me since he doesn’t know the San Luis Obispo area as well. My dad isn’t around to help me with car trouble problems either. Erika and I are slowly learning how to be self-reliant, but there are some things you wish you had your family to help you with!
Erika Rossi Cal Poly SLO High school: Liberty
Do you get homesick? I actually don't get homesick that often. If I do I simply just call my mom or dad and talk for a few minutes. How many “all nighters” have you pulled for course work-related studies?
Photo courtesy of Erika Rossi
I have had to pull a lot of "all-nighters" because I tend to procrastinate on most of my bigger or harder assignments but I always get them done and catch up on sleep the following day. How often do you come home? When you do come home, how has the family dynamic changed? I really don’t come home that often. Of course I miss my family but being away is why I went to college away from home in the first place. Very few of my close friends chose to go to college in Bakersfield and my boyfriend and sister are with me at Cal Poly; therefore, I only go home to see my parents and brothers. I choose to go home only when I haven’t seen them in a few weeks and when I don’t have a lot of studying to get done because whenever I go home I find it very hard to concentrate on my studies. For the most part, my parents let me do what I want now. I think they have accepted that I’m growing up and they are letting go a little bit. They are letting me make my own mistakes and figure out who I want to be. What was the most surprising (or difficult) aspect of living away from home? The most surprising aspect of living away from home is how much different life is, I feel like I’m living two separate lives. I have the town I grew up in, my old memories, and most of my family in Bakersfield. But then I have my new friends, the new memories I’ve made, and a new and exciting town with parts still needing to be discovered in San Luis Obispo.
Erika Rossi
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“Storytime”
Out of the
MUSEUM Take a walk downtown to view a stunning array of public art By Gabriel Ramirez
W
Photos by Jessica Frey
e’ve all driven or walked by the murals and sculptures that add zest to the downtown landscape. Most of the time we are left in awe and amazed at the imagery and work put into the art, but sometimes we just can’t help but ask, “What is it?” Artists weigh in on some of the art, but for the rest you’ll have to form your own opinion. If you’re looking for some light exercise with a dose of culture, take a walking tour downtown to see these painted walls and metallic masterpieces.
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February 2010
“Carousel”
“Carousel”
Artist: Betty Younger Location: Younger Sculpture Garden Description: Installed in 2004, the stainless steel and brass sculpture is 6 feet tall by 5 feet wide with a 1-inch thick cold steel plate. Artist commentary: “My inspiration was early American. It is supposed to be a sort of merry-go-round and appeal to children. I created special cuts that created a design that shows more movement.”
“Sun Catcher”
“Sun Catcher”
Artist: Betty Younger Location: Truxtun Avenue in front of the Bank of America Building Description: The 9-foot-tall stainless and enameled steel sculpture was installed in 2004. Artist commentary: “The inspiration for this sculpture was the Basque game jai alai. It shows two hooks catching a ball, which represents the sun.”
“The Oracle” “Tango”
“Tango”
Artist: Betty Younger Location: Younger Sculpture Garden (near the Bank of America building) Description: Installed in 2004, the enameled steel sculpture is nearly 9 feet by 5 feet. Artist commentary: “The interacting bird shapes, with the male enfolding the female in its wings interpret the excitement, color and passion of the courtship. The challenge of working with the metals and the birds was my inspiration. The sculpture was meant to have a Latin appeal.”
“The Oracle”
“Bakersfield’s Time Capsule 2020”
“Moon Window”
“Moon Window”
Artist: Betty Younger Location: Younger Sculpture Garden Description: Installed in 2004, the sculpture — made of steel, aluminum and brass — is 6 feet tall by 6 feet wide. Artist commentary: “The sculpture was designed with a Chinese theme and was intended to represent the moon.”
Artist: Betty Younger Location: Corner of Truxtun and Chester Avenue Description: This sculpture was installed in 1991. The two 5-foot circles depict light and shadow with negative space. Artist commentary: “My inspiration for this sculpture came from the ancient Greek oracles. Both the oracles and Bank of America serve the people.”
“Bakersfield’s Time Capsule 2020”
Artist: Betty Younger Location: Corner of Chester Avenue and 17th Street Description: The red earth on the top of the sculpture with compass was installed in 2004. The sculpture is made from high polished, thin stainless steel cones. Artist commentary: “The time capsule shines its vision of the future and honors the vision of the 2020 (Vision) Committee while standing tall on the rich history of its new home.”
Continued on page 48 www.BakersfieldLife.com
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“April in Winter” Continued from page 47
“April in Winter”
Artist: Jill Thayer Location: East wall of the Hayden Atrium Building, which houses the Spotlight Theatre on 19th Street Description: The mural — a 30-foot-tall-by-125-foot-wide latex enamel painting — was a centennial project done for the Hayden Atrium Building. Artist commentary: “The mural is based on one of my original landscape paintings. It depicts the beauty and tranquility of the Sierra Nevadas. It was inspired by my travels, especially the area around Kern County and the San Joaquin Valley.”
“Cancer Survivors Park”
“Lighting up the Arts Downtown”
Artist: Tom Zachery Location: West wall on the Bradford building on 20th Street Description: The painting of the Statue of Liberty with a three-dimensional operational fiberglass torch measures 38 feet tall and was installed in 2003. Artist commentary: “I kept driving by that building and told the owner of the building that I wanted to paint a mural on that wall. I took a digital picture of the wall and kept putting things on it and she worked perfectly. I thought to myself, ‘If I make her bigger and get her hand close to the top of the building, I can actually have a light that turns on.’”
“Lighting up the Arts Downtown”
“Fabulous Fifties”
Artist: Tom Zachery Location: Located on the corner of K Street and 19th Street on the east wall of the Woolworths building. Description: The 60-foot-by-12-foot painting was installed in 2005. Artist Commentary: “This used to be the area where everyone would drive through in Bakersfield during the ’50s and ’60s. It is an homage to cruising downtown.”
“Cancer Survivors Park”
Artist: Victor Salmones Location: Beach Park at the corner of Oak and 24th Street Description: The project of the Leadership Bakersfield class of 1995, this multipiece bronze sculpture consists of a walkway leading to “Cancer … There is Hope,” which consists of life-sized figures passing through a maze representing the fight against cancer. Identical sculptures are
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Bakersfield Life
“Fabulous Fifties”
February 2010
“A Salute to Emergency Medical Services” displayed at cancer survivor parks in 21 other cities in the United States and Canada.
“A Salute to Emergency Medical Services” Artist: Alfredo Cuellar Location: Corner of Chester Avenue and 21st Street
“Bear and Cubs”
Artist: Beniamino Bufano Location: Beale Library Description: The granite sculpture installed in the mid-1930s Note: Not photographed per artist’s request
“The Desert Tortoise”
Artist: Mark Rossi Location: Beale Library Description: 17 inches by 40 inches by 30 inches of cast bronze installed in 1994
“Storytime”
Artist: Gary Price Location: Beale Library Description: Measuring 34 inches by 64 inches, the bronze work created in the ’90s depicts the relationship between a brother and sister and their books.
“General Edward Fitzgerald Beale 1822-1893”
“The Desert Tortoise”
Description: The mural depicts firefighters, an ambulance and other emergency service-related themes. The artist worked on the mural for seven hours almost every day over a six-month period, using airbrush paints.
“General Edward Fitzgerald Beale 1822-1893”
Artist: Robert Hinckley Location: Beale Library Description: The bronze sculpture commemorates this pioneer, Kern County settler and founder of Tejon Ranch.
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PA S T I M E S
Nicole True and Erica King pose on Troy Melendez's — King's boyfriend — new 2009 HarleyDavidson motorcycle while enjoying Wednesday night bike night at Chuy's.
A new spin Past the stereotype of hooligans on Harleys, people from all walks of life find joy, camaraderie on the open road By J. W. Burch IV Photos by Alex Horvath
M
otorcycle riders have a natural air of intimidation that follows them – a curse brought on by outlaw biker gangs such as the infamous Hell’s Angels. But what was once a symbol of rebellion and dissention has grown into an American pastime crossing numerous social boundaries. There is a connection between bikers that — no matter one’s background, occupation or philosophy — demands a mutual understanding and respect. “We’re just a group of people from all different walks of life that share the same philosophy, sense of humor and the love to ride,” Warren Ash said. Ash is a real estate broker who organizes runs and meetings of a nonaffiliated and unnamed group. The group is simply a gathering
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February 2010
for whoever wants to enjoy a ride and the company of like-minded individuals. “There is an instant connection between bikers,” said Chuck Brummer, a retired motorcycle cop who rides with Ash. “If your bike breaks down and you’re stuck on the side of the road, another biker will stop to help you — that is a rare occurrence with cars.” Indeed, motorcycles are not only for rebels and criminals anymore. It has become a widely accepted hobby for anyone who tires of driving a car. Ash’s group, for instance, includes a plumber, a truck driver, an escrow officer and myriad other professions. “There are a lot of interesting people,” Lynnette Brummer, Chuck’s wife, said. “They look scary and bad when you’re on the outside – but once you are within the group, they are all very nice
Troy Melendez and Warren Ash lead a group of riders heading south on Route 33 towards Taft after spending some time at the McKittrick Hotel Penny Bar and Cafe.
and caring.” But what is the appeal? What makes trip on a motorcycle any different from a trip in a car? “When riding a bike there is nothing to do but observe and acknowledge the beauty – it’s like going to church,” Kern County Superior Court Judge Robert Tafoya said. “Riding a motorcycle is like being one with nature.” Tafoya continued: “All bikers have the love of riding in common, and that is what brings us together. There is a mutual respect, no matter what an individual’s background is.” Kelly Woodhouse, who owns Bikersfield with her husband, Bobby Sellers, said that the camaraderie is one of the main appeals of motorcycle riding. When it comes to bikers, Woodhouse says, “There is no other group that I would rather be around.” “Motorcycles are not just a hobby,” Woodhouse said. “It’s a lifestyle.” It’s a lifestyle built in part on trust, which is apparent during a group ride. There is a natural symmetry that takes place when a group of 10 or more bikers go for a run, lining up in groups of two, five rows long. Riding along, it becomes apparent that each member of the group is looking out for the rest. “We all ride as one,” Ash said. “If someone passes a truck on the road, I know I can follow – and if I can’t they will let me know.”
Jennifer Riddle, Warren Ash, Mike McCaffery, Tommy Estrada, Bill Bissell, Nicole True, Susie Halford, Don Tramps and Steve McCaffery gather at Chuy's Wednesday night bike night. But motorcycle riding year-round is something reserved for the truly devoted, as one is exceptionally vulnerable to the surrounding elements. Rain, hail and wind can turn an otherwise enjoyable ride into a nightmare. “One of the first rides I was on, I felt very vulnerable,” Sandra Serrano, Kern Community College District Chancellor and Tafoya’s wife, said. “I recognized that there was nothing between me and the asphalt. But I had to accept that whatever is going to happen, is going to happen and I just had to enjoy the moment.” “With warm weather comes more business,” Woodhouse stated. “People are less likely to ride in the cold and fog. The weath-
er definitely determines our days.” Many who ride use it as a sort of therapy from the hustle and bustle of their daily lives — an escape, if you will. “Riding for me is a chance to clear your thoughts, focus and just relax and have a good time,” Ash said. “You can’t hear the radio or have other distractions. You get a couple of hours of just you and the road.” “It’s like riding a bicycle as a child, only at a faster speed and you don’t have to peddle,” Tafoya said. “It’s something you have to experience to know – like going to New York City; you can’t know New York until you’ve been there and you can’t know what it is like to ride a Harley, until you get on one and just go.” www.BakersfieldLife.com
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H E A LT H & F I T N E S S
Team effort Working out as a couple can double the fun, results as you motivate each other
F
By Sean Kenny
ebruary is not only Valentine’s Day, but also National Heart Health Month. What better way to celebrate both than by exercising with your significant other? Not only will you be spending quality time together, but also reaping the numerous benefits of exercise as well. Working out with a partner has long been show to provide benefits beyond working out alone. Consider the following: Accountability This may be hard to believe, but there will be some days where
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February 2010
you don’t feel like exercising! I know, strange but true. Dating for almost two years, Erika Gatson and Kevin Philips of Bakersfield find working out together helps keep them on track. They have recently finished the Las Vegas half marathon. According to Gatson, “I’m positive that we would not have completed the run, had we not trained together as we did. We held each other accountable to our goal of finishing.” Knowing you have a partner that is depending on you can provide the accountability you need to stick to a consistent regimen. Likewise, you may be able to motivate them on days when their enthusiasm wanes. Philips says, “I run better when
I run with Erika. When I run alone I tend to not pace myself so much; together we slow it down and are able to run much further distances. Plus, the scenery is better with her in it.”
Quality time “Spend more time with me, you never take me anywhere, we don’t do anything together anymore.” Relationships can be tough, and sometimes the only exercise one gets is balancing time. By exercising together, you will not only be spending time together, but attaining a deeper connection and committing to improving your fitness at the same time. “If you’re working out as a couple, you’re with the person you want to spent all your time with, so your less distracted with what else you could be doing,” Gatson says. And you can make exercise part of your date night. After work on Fridays, Gatson and Philips often meet for a four- to five-mile run, cool off, make dinner together and then watch a movie.
Safety You’ve no doubt heard the saying there is safety in numbers. Well, even if the number is only two, it is still better than just one. Having a partner who can go for help if needed is always a good idea. This is especially true if you or your partner have a chronic health condition that may require assistance such as diabetes or asthma. In addition, if your workout includes weight training, your partner can help spot you and also monitor your form. Your partner can also help you keep an eye out to avoid injury. With a goal of staying injury free, Gatson and Philips check in with each other while on long runs together. “He’ll ask how my knees or ankles are holding up, often if one of us is not ‘feeling it’ we’ll slow up a bit and than finish strong together,” which is
A ‘couple’ of exercise suggestions Cardiovascular To burn fat, manage weight, stress, improve heart and lung function, cardiovascular exercise is key. Biking, running, swimming and walking are all wonderful, “couple friendly” forms of effective cardiovascular exercise. In the gym, try to find two adjoining treadmills, bikes, etc. to work out on side by side. Good conversation can help make the time fly. Weight training While cardiovascular exercise gets the weight off, weight training keeps it off. Building muscle speeds metabolism, but weight training also improves bone density,
and strengthens muscles, tendons and ligaments. Aim for a full body workout three times per week. While the weights you use may significantly differ, most exercises are unisex so workouts should be easy to do together. Stretching A good stretching routine will prevent injury, reduce next-day soreness, improve range of motion and help release muscle tension. Doing flexibility exercises with your partner assisting will help you achieve a greater, more relaxing stretch. Stretch before and after you workout to warm up and cool down for best results.
considered very sweet in the running world of couples, Gatson says.
Friendly competition Personal trainers push their clients more than they could by just themselves. Your significant other can help offer this encouragement as well, engaging in friendly competition. Setting fun goals or games can help keep one another motivated and moving along the path to a larger goal. Providing motivation, enthusiasm, and friendly competition will help take your workouts to a new, more productive level. Gatson says she thinks both of them are competitive and they like to talk about how close they are to their fitness goals.
Common interest As a couple, you can never have too many common interests. Shared experiences bring people even closer. In addition, it is fun to try new things together and learn from one another. Often, one person will have strength in an activity where there other may have a weakness and vice versa. Learning from each other will further cement a bond. Gatson says, “It’s not just exercise for us, this a hobby like waterskiing for other people. We enjoy the activity and it doesn’t take time away from each other. This is important as a couple, because with a schedule of four running days a week, plus you add in work and family, it doesn’t allow for much time together as a couple. So this works great for us.” She says they feel stronger as a couple because they can set and accomplish goals together. “If we can run 13.1 miles with each other by our side, how about 26.2? Well maybe.”
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55
GUYS ON THE GREEN
Recipe for romance When couples go out for Valentine’s Day, these three will be putting out the perfect plates.
Q
How did you get started in the restaurant business?
Ryan: Growing up, I was always in the kitchen with my mom. My mother and I both love cooking and food in general. This love drove me to enroll in the culinary program at Bakersfield College. There, Chefs Patrick Coyle and Patricia Davis pushed me to test myself and to expand my culinary horizons. They helped me get my first restaurant job. Meir: Nineteen years ago I found myself in a unique situation. I was 35 years old, had a little bit of money, great credit and the opportunity, or so I thought, to decide what to do with the rest of my life. I was a novice cook and everyone that I cooked for told me I should open a restaurant. In a moment of utter stupidity, I decided to take their advice, so now I have no money and terrible credit. Robert: My career started at age 8 as I convinced my best friend’s dad, who owned an Italian restaurant to trade a small pizza after school for a few hours of washing dishes. The rest is history.
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Ryan Steed Chef, Valentien Restaurant
Robert Alimirzaie Executive chef, Petroleum Club of Bakersfield
Photo illustration by Michael Duffy Summit Photography
Q
What was your most memorable Valentine’s Day (on the job or personally)?
Ryan: I’m of course always working on Valentine’s Day, so last year my girlfriend and I went to New York the week after to celebrate. We ate at some great restaurants, including some that featured molecular gastronomy, which inspired me to explore new techniques when I came back to work. Even on a Valentine’s Day vacation I’m thinking about work.
Meir Brown Owner, Café Med
Photos by Michael Duffy and Alex Horvath. Photo illustration by Glenn Hammett
Meir: If you are in the restaurant business, you don't have personal memories! So, on the job, I would have to say Valentine’s Day 2006. It was about 7 o’clock and we had already served 300 or so dinners, or what we call covers in the biz. I looked at my watch and turned to the staff and asked, “Do you want the good news?” “Yes,” they said, to which I responded, “It’s only 7 o'clock!” We got a good laugh and went on to serve 637 covers for the night. Robert: IIn my first restaurant I made the Valentine’s Day menu based on my parents’ favorites. I’ll never forget the joy in their eyes. Continued on page 58
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Continued from page 57
Q
What’s your favorite dish to make at home?
Ryan: Eggs Benedict. I love surprising my girlfriend with breakfast in bed. Meir: My favorite style of cooking involves stews and braised meats. One of my very favorites is pork riblets chili verde. Robert: Barbecue.
Q
What do you love to eat but hate to make yourself?
Ryan: Desserts in general, but specifically pâte à choux for things like éclairs and profiteroles. The tempering/timing aspect can be tricky. I’d rather just eat them. Meir: At a very young age I found that I loved food better when I cooked it myself and there started my long love affair with food. To this day I don’t think there is a food I don’t like to cook. Robert: A sandwich.
Q
Bakersfield Life
February 2010
Robert: I was fortunate enough to live my dreams. But if I was able to have one Valentine’s Day off and did not need to cook, I would like: Hama Hama oysters with Meyer lemon mignonette; sliced homemade artisan bread garnished with homemade butter and Persian golden beluga; pan-seared Dordogne goose liver served over toasted brioche and Persian mulberry compote; grilled Belgium endive garnished with Sicilian Abbamare (cheese) and balsamic vinaigrette; pan-seared lamb sweetbread served over Southern style collard greens, porcini mushroom broth garnished with wild mushroom ceviche; pan-seared filet of John Dory with roasted root vegetables garnished with brown butter; roasted Karakul rack of lamb served with fava bean-dill basmati rice accompanied by wild berries chutney; and Persian ice cream garnished with Bing cherry sauce.
Q
If the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, what’s the most effective dish?
Meir: A big steak — 24-oz. bone-in prime rib eye comes to mind.
Ryan: Oysters on the half shell with a citrus vinaigrette, lobster
58
Meir: Valentine’s Day is all about what you love best. I would have to say lobster, steak and, of course, chocolate!
Ryan: Oysters. Well, a good hearty meal is always good, but sometimes the simplest things work wonders!
What would be your dream Valentine’s Day menu?
Robert Alimirzaie
bisque, a nice filet mignon with béarnaise sauce, chocolate soufflé and maybe a little vanilla bean ice cream.
Robert: The perfect sandwich.
Ryan Steed
Meir Brown
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COMMUNITY
Californian file photo
Lois Chaney helps Tom Watson fill out a voter registration form as Mary Carroll and Marenne Edmiaston staff the League of Women Voters of Bakersfield booth in 2004.
A league of their own For more than 75 years, the Kern organization has informed, inspired women voters By Annis Cassells
W
here do voters turn for well-researched, nonpartisan information during political campaigns? They check with the League of Women Voters of Kern County. Known originally as the League of Women Voters of Bakersfield, for more than 75 years, this organization has held a premium spot in the county’s political arena. They research ballot issues, present the pros and cons, hold candidate forums and monitor elections, providing information on which citizens have come to rely. League newsletter editor Lynne Rosenstein said, “I always sought out the league’s stance on issues when I voted on propositions because I knew their position was well-thought out.” In 1920, six months before women won the right to vote with the passage of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution, the national
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February 2010
League of Women Voters was formally organized in Chicago. Serving U.S. citizens for 90 years, under the leadership of courageous, smart, dedicated women, the national League of Women Voters is a trusted organization, respected worldwide. The local league traces its beginning to one sweltering afternoon in 1932 in the offices of The Bakersfield Californian where some members of the American Association of University Women set the groundwork for the organization. Julia Linfesty, involved in the league for more than 55 years and unofficial historian, said. “We were very active during the Depression and World War II. In the ’50s, before women went back to work, the membership was huge.” Membership was large enough to spark a potential coup in the mid-1950s. Linfesty recalls, “Back in the McCarthy era there was a well-planned, secretive plot to take over the league at the annual
meeting.” Within three days of hearing about the plot, league organizers mobilized existing members, friends and neighbors. The meeting was packed, but the takeover was thwarted when Linfesty, acting as parliamentarian, read aloud from the league’s bylaws. A person needed to have been a member for six months prior to the annual meeting in order to vote. “The takeover group left, since they couldn’t vote, and never returned,“ Linfesty smiled, “and the league elected the nominated slate of officers.” How do people come to join the league? It starts with strong leadership. Nancy Burciaga, president from 1987 to 1989, was recruited by three-time president Bonnye Deal. Mover-and-shaker Laura Dennison served three terms as president and attracted many to the league. Julia Linfesty said, “Laura came in numerous times to rebuild the league into a stronger organization.” Passionate members also help add to the membership. As the district director for Sen. Roy Ashburn, Tracey La Monica spoke on redistricting and Proposition 11 at one general meeting, staying after to talk with two board members. La Monica said, “I liked their style and passion about the league and decided to join.” Some are drawn by the league’s drive to research issues and educate voters. Several years ago, Diane Williams, State Farm underwriter and current league president, attended a Pros and Cons forum at which the league discussed Proposition 55, the Public Education Facilities Act. “The league put it all in an understandable format,” Williams said. Attorney Majida Shehadeh said former president Lois Chaney asked her to volunteer as a timekeeper at the state league’s annual meeting that took place in Bakersfield one summer. The league’s
mission of women taking an active role in influencing local and state politics in an issue-driven, nonpartisan way impressed Shehadeh, and she signed up that day. Men have also been part of the success of the League of Women Voters. Several men joined the Bakersfield league in the 1960s when there was a fight to establish a water agency. In the ’90s, Stan Shires, now executive director of the North of the River Chamber of Commerce, served as co-president with Claire Heiller. “We needed a president and decided that if the two of us worked together, it would be easier,“ Shires said. The local organization relishes researching issues, then standing up and supporting the position they have determined to be best for the community, leading to real changes. Nancy Burciaga represented the league on the Fair Housing Advisory Committee, which instituted fair housing in Bakersfield and Kern County. The league was also instrumental in pushing for campaign finance reform. Past president Lois Watson (2003 to 2006) says through the efforts of Laura Dennison, Lois Chaney and others, the group in 2002 collected around 11,000 signatures — “without paying any professional signature gatherers” — to get Measure K on the ballot, where it passed. Today, the League of Women Voters of Kern County continues to protect democracy and to fulfill its pledge to “Observe, Advocate, Educate, and Vote.” Julia Linfesty encourages young citizens, “Become involved today. The country is divided on so many important issues. Misinformation abounds. Our future depends on informed and rational decision-making.” For more information about the League of Women Voters of Kern County, see its Web site at http://kerncounty.ca.lwvnet.org/.
Continued on page 62 www.BakersfieldLife.com 61
Photo by Casey Christie
COMMUNITY
People gather around the OneLegacy Bridging Lives Kern County Quilt at Kern Medical Center for the kickoff of National Donate Life Month last April. Proceeds from JJ's Legacy Golf Tournament in March will benefit OneLegacy, the nonprofit organ and tissue recovery organization serving Kern County.
The gift of life Mother organizes fundraiser to promote awareness for organ, tissue donation in honor of her son By Gabriel Ramirez
L
ast March Jeffrey Johns gave the greatest gift to five individuals — his organs. When Johns passed away from a head injury his family decided to do what Johns would have wanted and donate his organs. Along with the five individuals who received Johns’ organs, 50 others were helped by his tissue donations. This March Johns’s legacy continues to help those in need through the efforts of his mother, Lori Malkin. Malkin remembers her son as a fun-loving individual, who was outgoing and truly loved life. “He had an infectious smile and outgoing personality that drew others to him, and, once inside his circle, he kept you there,” Malkin said. “He was also a gifted athlete 62
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February 2010
who enjoyed baseball, football and golf.” Through the memory of her son, Malkin was inspired to begin JJ’s Legacy Golf Tournament. “JJ’s Legacy Golf Tournament honors Jeff, along with countless other Americans across the nation, who gave life in their passing as organ and tissue donors,” Malkin said. JJ’s Legacy Golf Tournament will include a fun-filled day of golf for all players, dinner and a live and silent auction. All will take place on March 1 at the Seven Oaks Country Club where Johns spent much of his leisure time golfing. Proceeds from the event will be donated to OneLegacy, the nonprofit organ and tissue recovery organization serving Kern County, to inspire the residents of our community to enroll in the Donate
Life California donor registry. OneLegacy Transplant Donor Network is one of 58 regional nonprofit, federally designated organizations dedicated to the life-saving and life-enhancing benefits of organ and tissue donation. Working together with the 14 transplant centers and 220 hospitals of Southern California, OneLegacy serves a diverse population of 18.3 million people in Los Angeles, Kern, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, Santa Barbara and Ventura counties. Brian Stewart, vice president of communications for OneLegacy, said that events like JJ’s Legacy Golf Tournament are very meaningful. “We have a number of events that have been inspired by donor family members,” Stewart said. “These events come from a very special place.” Jeffrey Johns While different events raise money to be used in distinct methods, Stewart said that Malkin wanted to keep the money raised by the golf tournament in Kern County to inspire people to become organ donors. Stewart said that although 98 percent of donors sign up through the DMV, people can also sign up to be an organ donor by visiting donatelifecalifornia.org or in Spanish donevidacalifornia.org.
“People must know that once they check yes to becoming an organ donor it is legally binding once you are 18 years old,” Stewart said. Malkin said that the money raised from the tournament will be used to inspire local people to become organ donors. “Becoming a donor is very important,” Malkin said. “The greatest gift to give is life. Becoming an organ donor allows you to give someone else a second chance in life.” Malkin hopes to make the tournament a yearly event and this March hopes to raise $20,000. There are five levels of sponsorship for the tournament: Tee, Team, Bronze, Silver and Gold ranging from $150 to $10,000, and include such perks as team registration, team photo, event ad program, additional dinner tickets and reserved table, depending on sponsorship contribution. If you don’t play golf you can still make a donation and attend the dinner. To sign up for the tournament or to get more information you can visit jjslegacy.org or you can contact Malkin at Lori@JJsLegacy.org.
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PERSONALITY
The 2010 Cal State Bakersfield Alumni Association’s Hall of Fame inductees are, left to right, Jim Bock, Irma Carson, Jeff Green and Sheryl Chalupa.
Welcome class of 2010 CSUB’s Alumni Association to honor its current Hall of Fame inductees this month Bakersfield Life staff and news reports
F
rom lawmakers to law enforcement, council members to congressmen, the Cal State Bakersfield Alumni Association’s Hall of Fame counts them all in its illustrious ranks. Now in its fourth year, the Hall of Fame recognizes alumni who have made significant contributions in their chosen field of endeavor and whose accomplishments have brought honor and distinction to the university. “The 2010 Hall of Fame class members serve as examples of graduates who have not only made significant and lasting impact in their professions, but more importantly, they have substantially improved the quality of life in our community. This is an opportunity for the community to celebrate these distinguished individuals, said Nancy 64
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Chaffin, CSUB alumna and chair of the Hall of Fame committee. The “class of 2010” — Jim Bock, Irma Carson, Jeff Green and Sheryl Chalupa — will be inducted at a black-tie ceremony at the Petroleum Club on Feb. 27. Here is a look at the inductees.
Jim Bock Bock is the managing partner for Daniells Phillips Vaughan & Bock, CPAs. In 1973, he earned a bachelor’s degree from CSUB in business administration, with an emphasis in accounting. As a senior, he was named the School of Business’ outstanding business student and was a member of Beta Gamma Sigma. Bock was named 2001-02 outstanding alumnus by the CSUB
School of Business. Bock has served on numerous boards including the American Heart Association, Court Appointed Special Advocates, Valley Achievement Center, Garces Memorial High School and the Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce. Based on the numerous congratulatory e-mails, phone calls and notes he’s had since the Hall of Fame announcement in November, Bock said he's realized how big an impact CSUB has had on the community and how proud he is to be a part of its success. For Bock, it was an honor just to be nominated. “Just to be considered for the CSUB Hall of Fame is flattering in and of itself. To actually be elected is truly humbling,” he said. He’s also pleased to be in such company as Carson, Chalupa and Green, saying that to have them as fellow inductees makes the recognition “even more special.”
Irma Carson Carson graduated from CSUB in 1978 with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. She was the first female black police officer to have a leadership role in the Bakersfield Police Department. Carson was selected 2007 Woman with a Heart for Bakersfield by Garden Pathways and is executive director of Ebony Counseling Center. In 1994, she was elected councilmember for Ward 1, where she will serve until her term expires December 2010. Carson was city vice mayor from 1998 to 2000; she’s also served as a Bakersfield City School District trustee. Carson said she was excited and humbled to join others who have received the prestigious award, and she hopes that her deeds will be passed onto others. Like Bock, she also cites the university’s impact on the community, saying, “We are blessed to have CSUB in our city providing an opportunity for all to achieve.”
Sheryl Chalupa Chalupa graduated from CSUB in 1995 with a bachelor’s degree in political science and in 2005 earned a master’s degree in public administration. Since 2001, Chalupa has served as president and chief executive officer of Goodwill Industries of South Central California. Under her leadership, the local Goodwill has seen significant growth in clients served and revenue generated. Before joining Goodwill, she was executive director of Girl Scouts — Joshua Tree Council. In 2007, she was appointed to the State Compensation Insurance Fund board of directors by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. She is a member of the Bakersfield Rotary Club and serves on the boards of the Greater Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce, Kern County Economic Development Foundation and Westside Energy Services and Education Center.
Chalupa is a past president of CSUB’s Alumni Board and is a current member of CSUB’s Council of 100 and the Public Policy and Administration advisory board. Despite all of her contributions to the community and CSUB, Chalupa said the honor came as a surprise to her. “It was something I didn’t expect and I am proud to serve alongside the other Hall of Fame award recipients in representing our university,” she said. She recognized that CSUB is an important part of her life, both by contributing to her professional success and providing her with an ongoing opportunity for continuing her education.
Jeff Green A former adjunct professor at CSUB, Green earned his master’s degree in business administration with an emphasis in finance from CSUB in 1992. He received an undergraduate degree from San Diego State University in 1981 and was awarded a law degree from the University of San Diego in 1984. Since 1990, he has worked as general counsel for Grimmway Farms, one of the nation’s largest carrot producers. Green currently serves on the boards of the Bakersfield Homeless Center, Alliance Against Family Violence and Sexual Assault, and Kern Economic Development Corporation. Green is a former commissioner of First 5 Kern, a former Bakersfield City Council member, and a former member of The Californian editorial board. He has served on numerous county advistory boards. In 2006, he was honored as CSUB’s School of Business Alumnus of the Year. Green said he owes a great deal to CSUB. “The MBA program that I attended has allowed me to pursue career paths that would not ordinarily have been accessible to me,” Green said. He is thankful to the committee for including him in the Hall of Fame’s impressive and distinguished group of past and present inductees. “From elected public officials to police chiefs; they are civic leaders all,” Green said. — CSUB news release with additional reporting by Bakersfield Life Assistant Editor Stefani Dias
The ceremony The Hall of Fame ceremony will be held Feb. 27 at the Petroleum Club, 5060 California Ave., 12th floor. Social hour starts at 6 p.m., with dinner and the program beginning at 7 p.m. Individual tickets are $75; seating is limited. Sponsorship levels range from $500 to $10,000, with proceeds benefiting the CSUB Alumni Scholarship Fund. For more information, contact CSUB’s Alumni Relations office at 654-3211 or alumni@csub.edu.
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Home&Garden SPRING 2010
Kitchen remodel
Research, planning and budget are keys Create an oasis in your backyard Right tools make gardenng easier Control kidâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s room clutter
Bakersfield Life 2010 Home & Garden
Bakersfield Life 2010 Home & Garden
Home&Garden
Research key to
redecorating Anyone can give kitchen a new look with a budget, planning By Gabriel Ramirez Tired of looking at those old cabinets and cooking on some notso-inviting countertops but feel like you just don’t have the cash to give your kitchen an upgrade? Rick Sorci, owner of Stockdale Cabinetry Kitchen & Bath Inc. and certified kitchen designer, says that a redesign doesn’t have to tap you out if you plan accordingly and follow some money-saving guidelines. “Researching the products you will need and the timeline in which it will take to do the project will help you create a budget,” Sorci said. “A budget set from the beginning will help the designer to help you during the process.” Stockdale Cabinetry Kitchen & Bath offers services that include design, cabinetry, hardwood flooring, plumbing, appliance selection
Photos by Felix Adamo and full remodel. “Not only can we design your perfect remodel but then we can bring it into reality,” Sorci said. Sorci said that redecorating under a budget isn’t difficult as long as you understand what choices to make. Some key choices to consider: Cabinetry – this will set the tone and usability of your kitchen. Countertops – recommended choices include granite, quartz and corian. Appliances – ranging from mid- to professional-grade, they can be as much as a quarter to half of your budget. Flooring – choices range from hardwood floors to tile.
Bakersfield Life 2010 Home & Garden
Home&Garden
Labor – this can vary upon the scope of the job. Deciding to move a wall or redesign a space can give your kitchen a better layout and save you money. When redecorating on a budget Sorci suggested not overlooking the small things. “Never underestimate painting your walls and lighting, which is a design element that often gets overlooked,” Sorci said. “When redoing a kitchen reusing some of the existing appliances can save you thousands.” Sorci also suggested that sometimes instead of prefacing (or resurfacing) your cabinetry you might think of replacing it, which usually cost the same amount of money and can give your kitchen a better layout and better functionality. If you are thinking about redecorating, the latest trends point to maple and cherry wood, granite, modular cabinetry and baked-on catalyzed finishes that give kitchens and bathrooms higher-end designer looks. “Trends have been moving away from oak to glazes and cherry kitchens with more emphasis placed on user-friendly design, open floor plans and higher-grade appliances,” Sorci said. “I think that Home & Garden and the Food networks have really influenced our industry.” If you are planning to remodel your kitchen or bathroom, Sorci says it is imperative to always hire a licensed and insured general contractor and to get advice from a certified kitchen designer, both of which his business employs. “Remember to save up and do it once the right way,” Sorci said. “Doing a half attempt will only cost you later.”
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Home&Garden
Welcome spring with a
real backyard Metro Creative As the frost fades, thoughts turn to the backyard: is it ready for spring? If your outdoor living space needs some serious TLC before the flowers bloom, here are some great ideas for creating a natural, authentic backyard oasis. Get decked out. The heart of any backyard is a solid wooden deck. It’s the perfect spot for grilling, sharing family meals, relaxing with friends, playing with the dog, and enjoying nature. Whether you have a deck that needs a little updating or you’re thinking of building a new wood deck, download
Bakersfield Life 2010 Home & Garden
the free Authentic Deck Guide at www.realoutdoorliving.com for information on upkeep, construction and building material selection. Add an outdoor room. Already have a wood deck? Great! So what’s next for your yard? Brad Staggs, HGTV and DIY show host and producer, and a licensed contractor, offers a few ideas: “Think outside the box and create a lovely little outdoor living room for your family and friends. Start with a nice, quiet spot under a tree or off in a corner. Add a garden
bench and a couple of wooden chairs, plus a fire pit or chiminea, and top it off with a deep arbor covered in a climbing vine. Involve the entire family by building a simple bench and chairs, and let Mom pick out the perfect flower for the arbor. Then, sit back, toast some s’mores and enjoy the fruits of your labor!” Keep it real. Your deck and other outdoor living projects should mesh with your backyard and be a seamless partner with nature. Unless you have plastic flowers and trees in your yard, why choose fake decking? Truth is, pressure-treated wood is the best option for decks and outdoor projects. It’s beautiful, strong, durable and affordable. Wood doesn’t conduct heat like other decking materials can, meaning no burned feet in the heat of summer. When treated properly, wood is impervious to rot and pests. And treated wood is proven to be people- and pet-safe. Sure there’s a little bit of upkeep — no building products are truly maintenance-free. Every spring when you clean
your home and wash and wax your car for the first time, take a look at your deck and see if it needs a little cleaning or perhaps another coat of sealant. That’s all it takes. Concerned about forests? Choosing wood for any home improvement project is a very wise environmental decision. Thriving, sustainably managed forests create a healthier environment for all of us. Choosing forest products — wood — encourages U.S. landowners to keep replanting trees. The forest industry plants more trees than they harvest every single year, ensuring wood will be around for generations to come. Wood is one of the only naturally renewable building products available, and the only energy it requires to manufacture it comes from the sun. You can’t get much more green than that. To learn more about wood, download free do-it-yourself project plans and podcasts, check out some inspirational photos and much more, please visit realoutdoorliving.com.
Bakersfield Life 2010 Home & Garden
Home&Garden
Take groans out of gardening Metro Creative Many gardeners don’t take the time to use the right tool to make the job at hand easier, leading to aches and pains at the end of the day. But with so many great tools and methods out there, gardening can be accessible and easy for just about anyone. No matter what your age or physical condition, we could all benefit from making some smart choices when it comes to gardening.
Gloves Above all, gloves offer protection that no gardener should be without. Yet, who wants to wear an uncomfortable or clunky pair?
Bakersfield Life 2010 Home & Garden
All too often, we make the choice to do without for the sake of comfort but at the cost of painful blisters or worse. Today there is a style of glove for every job, from the highly tactile, super comfortable and lightweight Atlas gloves, to the fashionable yet rugged and comfortable West County Gardener gloves that even offer a line made from recycled water bottles. And yes, they come in “green.”
Outerwear Now that your hands are covered, what about those knees? A
popular option while getting down and dirty in the garden are Green Jeans. These “garden chaps” are very much like what you’d see on a cowboy. But these aren’t heavy leather. They’re made of a washable, wind-resistant, water-repellant rip-stop nylon that’s lightweight and comfortable to wear. And not only do these chaps protect your pants from dirt and grime; they have kneepads sewn right into them. No more dealing with uncomfortable pads held in place with tight elastic that collects sweat and dirt and then slide down your leg. The Green Jeans’ pads stay in place because they’re part of the chap that’s supported from your waist. And they’re a snap to get on and off ... literally!
but necessary task of weeding. Yet once again, Fiskars has come to the rescue with their UpRoot and Extended Reach Weeders. Both are designed to grab, hold and easily extract even the toughest tap-rooted weeds like dandelions, all while standing in an upright position.
Tools Having the right tool for the job makes all the difference in the world. Here are some options from Fiskars. PowerGear Pruners: To start, these babies have three times the cutting power compared to standard pruning tools. They look good and feel great, too. The patented design provides maximum leverage near the middle of the cut, right when you need it the most! As an added feature, the pruner has a rotating handle. As you make a cut, the handle rolls with your fingers, reducing fatigue and stress. These pruners, along with the other power gear tools in the Fiskars lineup are the only tools in their class to receive the “Ease-of-Use” Commendation by the Arthritis Foundation. Now that’s saying a lot! Telescoping Power-Lever Bypass Lopper: Speaking of pruning, it’s a pain to drag out the ladder for those low-lying branches that you just can’t reach. A great solution are these telescoping loppers, which can reach over 37 inches with a simple extension of the handles. In addition, they have the added benefit of Power-Lever mechanism that increases leverage to make cutting easier. UpRoot Weed & Root Remover: Another drawback to gardening is the time spent bending over, often while tasked with the dreaded
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Home&Garden
Cut down on kids’ clutter Metro Creative
If you have ever paged through a home and garden magazine, it’s evident from those winning photographs of pristine living spaces that those households don’t have children. When children arrive they bring many blessings — and also a lot of stuff — into your life. What starts out as baby bottles, diapers and play mats quickly transforms into toys, toys and more toys. Every birthday, holiday and special event seems a ripe occasion for doting relatives and friends to bestow another toy upon your darling boy or girl. Very quickly your house can become overrun with kiddie clutter. Parenting involves making wise choices for your children, and 10
Bakersfield Life 2010 Home & Garden
one of the important ones you can make involves teaching them about responsibility and maintaining their personal property. Involving them in the organization and sorting of toys can be a worthy lesson. So how do you take back your house from the legion of toys setting up roosts in every corner? Here are a few organizational tips that can help. Create an area of the home that can be a kids’ play area. If there isn’t space in a basement or a spare room, the child’s bedroom will have to suffice. Purchase storage solutions according to the child’s age. Younger
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Bakersfield Life 2010 Home & Garden 11
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Bakersfield Life 2010 Home & Garden
WHY I LIVE HERE
Photo by Henry A. Barrios
Gari Cave
Gari Cave and her husband, Jerry, live by the lake on their Pinewood Lake neighborhood.
Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s so much to love about our town. From Rio Bravo to Rosedale, each neighborhood has its supporters. This month, Bakersfield Life asks Gari Cave what makes the Pinewood Lake neighborhood special. Has lived at Pinewood Lake: For just over 1 year! Three words to describe your neighborhood: Serene, friendly, safe. Best memory in your neighborhood: The care and creativity everyone shows when they are decorating for the holidays. Not just Christmas but throughout the year. Of course Christmas is the brightest with the lights shining on the lake, and most everyone decorates elaborately in the back of the house as opposed to the front since the lake is at the back of our homes. Favorite neighborhood activity: Twice a year there is a poolside potluck that most residents attend where everyone gets to visit and really get to know one another. The whole community is very friendly and courteous of one another. What attracted you to the neighborhood: Having moved from Morro Bay to Old Stockdale was wonder-
ful, but involved a lot of landscape and pool maintenance and work to keep a large home in good repair. Then my husband saw a real estate ad with a picture of the lake featured. I must say the price of the homes was very attractive, but also the fact that the homeowners association provides all landscape maintenance, water, trash, the lake stocked with fish for catch and release and they also provide a pool, tennis courts, boat and RV storage â&#x20AC;&#x201D; all in a gated community. Best thing about your neighborhood: Peace of mind about safety, the quiet atmosphere and freedom from maintenance of anything but your own patio and home. What you like most about your neighbors: The willingness to help if needed and the committees that make sure our surroundings are well maintained and groomed. What you would change: I would like to see the sale of homes that are bank-owned and still for sale. Why someone should move to your neighborhood: Moving to our neighborhood allows residents to just enjoy their lives instead of working every weekend to maintain yards and pools. It is such a pleasure to have family visit and fish, boat, swim, play tennis or just sit and enjoy the beauty of living by the lake. www.BakersfieldLife.com 67
Photo courtesy of the Ballard Inn & Restaurant
TRIP PLANNER
The front porch of the Ballard Inn & Restaurant oozes romance.
Coasting on romance Central Coast is a wonderful place for a romantic weekend getaway
T
Story and photos by Chelley Kitzmiller
here are lots of ways to say, “I love you,” to your special valentine: a card, a box of candy, flowers, a gift. But how about doing something really romantic this year like taking your sweetheart on a little Valentine’s Day trip to the Central Coast? It’s a great way to put the romantic spark back into your relationship.
Where to stay My vote for the most romantic place to stay is the Ballard Inn and Restaurant, set in the historic township of Ballard, founded in 1880 and named for the proprietor of an original Wells Fargo stagecoach station. Built in 1985, this two-story Victorian style inn oozes
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February 2010
romance — from the wide front porch with its white wicker furniture to its garden of constantly blooming white roses. Each of the 15 guest rooms boasts a different decor. Whether you like frilly and flowery or log cabin style — this inn has it. Room rates include a full cooked-to-order breakfast, wine and hors d’oeuvres and a bed turndown service with homemade cookies. For an additional fee you can surprise your valentine with a generous sprinkling of rose petals and a bottle of locally acclaimed Laetitia Sparkling Brut Cuvee, scrumptious chocolates on the pillows, dimmed lighting and soft romantic music. You can dine in their restaurant, which has been featured in leading food and wine magazines and take an afternoon stroll around town and visit Ballard’s
famed “little red schoolhouse,” built in 1882 and still operational.
Places to see The Victorian village of Los Olivos is the most romantic town I’ve ever visited. A century ago, it was served by a stage line and by the Pacific Coast Railway. Many of the town’s buildings and residences date back to the 1800s and new additions have continued the Victorian theme. Grab your sweetheart’s hand and stroll the quaint streets dotted with wine-tasting rooms, antique stores and epicurean restaurants. There are several art galleries, including Judith Hale Gallery on Grand Avenue, which displays metal sculptures unique and amusing enough to make visitors stand in awe. Let’s not forget the wine. The Santa Ynez Valley is home to miles of vineyards with breathtaking vistas of the valleys and mountains and more than 70 world-class wineries and tasting rooms. Whether you blaze your own trail or take a luxury tour, there’s nothing more romantic than spending the afternoon in the company of the one you love, sipping some of California’s finest wines.
Animal lovers delight If you love horses, be sure to see Flag Is Up Farms in Solvang. This incredible state-of-the-art training and boarding facility is also the home of Monty Roberts, the real-life “Horse Whisperer.” Within its 90-plus acres are lush, green pastures, stables, a quarantine facility, an aqua-treadmill, a training track, covered outdoor round pens and a 24,000-square-foot covered arena. I was able to tour the farm
From
$130
at my own pace without an escort, stop and whisper to the horses (oh, the secrets I told them), watch them being trained, bathed and pampered. I also met Shy Boy, the legendary wild mustang that Roberts tamed. The Quicksilver Mini Horse Ranch is a fun place for the entire family to visit. From a distance, the minis look like toy horses. Foals weigh approximately 20 pounds at birth and are 20 inches tall. They grow up to 34 inches, which is smaller than many dogs. The ranch sells 25 to 30 foals a year. You can tour the pristine stables, watch a horse bath or just stand at the fence and watch them graze. Just like standard horses they come in a variety of colors, from pintos to palominos! They make great family pets and many are now being used as therapy animals because they’re smart, affectionate and they have longer lifespans than dogs. As much as I loved the miniature horses, my heart was stolen by the miniature donkeys at Seeing Spots Farm in Ballard. The Marchi family started with two Mediterranean Miniature Donkeys in 1998 and fell in love as I once did with my standard-sized donkeys. There is nothing cuter or sweeter than a baby donkey, miniature or standard, which you can get up close and personal with while walking among the herd. So stop by and say, “Hee haw!”
Other places to visit So you think pigs don’t fly, huh? The Rolling Hills Garden Center is a wonderful place to visit. Not only can you truly stop and smell the roses and all the other beautiful coastal flowers but you can be Continued on page 70
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www.BakersfieldLife.com 69
Photo courtesy of the Ballard Inn & Restaurant
Wine and hors d’oeuvres in the Ballard Inn & Restaurant living room are included in room rates. Continued from page 69
amazed and amused by the garden art, especially the flying pigs, which are perched in the oak trees. Even if you aren’t into gardening, you’ll enjoy this garden center. If you like gambling, live concerts or outdoor theatrical performances, drop in at the Chumash Casino Resort. I have to admit that I miss the pull-handle on the slot machines but the machines still have all the bells and whistles when the three cherries come up! It’s easy to find romance on the Central Coast. The weather is generally mild, good restaurants and fine wines are plentiful, there are any number of things to see and do and you’ll have no trouble finding a wonderful place to rest your head. So let Cupid be your guide and viva romance!
The Santa Ynez Valley is home to miles of vineyards.
Santa Ynez Valley Guest Magazine has maps and information on events, wineries, tasting rooms, restaurants, accommodations and more. For the latest issue, visit syvguest.com.
Accomodations Ballard Inn and Restaurant 2436 Baseline Ave., Ballard (near Solvang) 800-638-2466
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Bakersfield Life
Flag Is Up Farms 901 East Highway 246, Solvang 888-U2-Monty Visitors are welcome seven days a week 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. No fee and no reservations required.
February 2010
Quicksilver Mini Horse Ranch 1555 Alamo Pintado Road, Solvang (between Solvang and Ballard) 805-686-4002 Open seven days a week, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Seeing Spots Farm 2599 Baseline Ave., Ballard 805-688-2275 Open seven days a week, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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PRODUCTS AROUND TOWN Show Your Pup Some Love
Valentine’s day is coming up and don’t forget your special Pup. Biscuit Boutique & Doggy Spa carries a wide variety of items for your dog, large or small. We have treats, collars, and clothing. Our collar prices start at $5.00 and go up to $300, so there is something in everyone's price range. You can even give your special Pup a spa day at Biscuit Boutique! Biscuit Boutique and Doggy Spa, 1617 19th St., (661)321-9602, www.biscuitboutique.com
Biscuit Boutique
bareMinerals at Lashes & Mustaches
For your enjoyment start your year with a kit of your choice. Come by Lashes & Mustaches and buy a kit today. 5060 Californian Ave #100, in the Stockdale Tower, (661)-836-9775
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Handmade English Toffee Pillows You Can Play With
What are My Pillow Pets? They are authentic huggable, lovable, and soft pillow pets that convert from a comfortable pillow, to a pet you can play with. They measure 18” x18” (large), 11”x11” (small), or you can choose from a selection of blankets, neckpillows, and slippers. These products are made from chenille fabric. They are low maintenance, machine washable, and can be air dried. $15-$30. FREE Delivery in Bakersfield. To Order contact 661-664-7954 or 760-696-6484 (cell), cehhampton@ earthlink.net, www.mypillowpets-bf.com
My Pillow Pets 72
Bakersfield Life
February 2010
Antonette and Diane started out making Aunt Mae’s fine handmade English toffee for close family and friends. Once their friends tried it they were hooked. The special combination of ingredients and the cooking process results in a rich candy that is mouth-watering, delectable and crunchy. This delicious English toffee can be found at Luigi’s, Flourishing Art and Sweet Surrender in Bakersfield. Open from October to May. Call (661) 725-5200 or visit www. auntmaessweettooth.com for direct orders, other locations and information. Gorgeous gift boxes are available in various sizes.
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www.BakersfieldLife.com
73
Marines Reserve Training Center rededication ceremony Dec. 20, 2009 Photos by Rodney Thornburg View these photos and more online at BakersfieldLife.com
Pfc. Kaitlin N. Crounse, Pfc. Aaryan M. Moore, Lance Cpl. Julio A. Gonzales and Pfc. Nick J. Armstrong
Pfc. Juan E. Robaldo, Lance Cpl. Javier A Perez and Pfc. Hector Alvarado
Gunnery Sgt. Derick Edwards, Capt. Eric Frey, Lt. Col. Darren L. Richardson
326-8130 TCP-17769-P
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Bakersfield Life
February 2010
Lance Cpl. Michael Sandaoval, Cpl. Carlos E. Palacios, Sgt. Edwin A. Carbajal and Lance Cpl. Jesus Gonzalez
Christ Kong, Rosemarie Ayala and Patrick Long
Irona Price and Denise Potter
21st annual 5K-10K Fog Run Jan. 9, 2010 Held at Lake Ming Photos by Jan St Pierre View these photos and more online at BakersfieldLife.com
RJ Bachman, Oceanna Javier, Curtis and Krista Bachman
Katie Duncan and Kimberly Schroeder
Tad and Sheri Stines and Kori Hillman
Megan Rodriguez and Bree Tape
Charlie and Jennifer Bolstad
Walaa Racheed and Skiffer Jesse
Sarah Ashbey and Ashley Jones
Kelly Sanchez, Crissy Cochran, Donnie Sanchez and Matt Ames
Richard, Jazmine, Jerry, Jaylyn and Robert Alarcon www.BakersfieldLife.com
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Glinn & Giordano Rio Bravo Rumble Jan. 16, 2010 Held at Rio Bravo Ranch Photos by Jan St Pierre View these photos and more online at BakersfieldLife.com
Ernie and Letty Ramirez, Janie Ibarra and Cara Johns
Jenny Rous and Sam Ames Tommy Bryant, Julie Snaman and Bekah Beltz
Andria Clements, Destiney Campbell and Alicia Garcia
Sarah and Rob Baker
Tracy Dean, Barbara and Paul Murphy
Tyler Williams, Leo Hines and Craig Bailey
Ashley Donato and Gareth Feldstein
Bob Britton and Joseph Thompson
Tina and Mikali Chapa
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February 2010
Arts & Ivories Fundraiser Jan. 15, 2010 Held at Bakersfield Museum of Art Photos by Jan St. Pierre View these photos and more online at BakersfieldLife.com James and Kathleen Geyer
Cindy Stiles and Gina Pearl
Donna Grays and Toni Ross
David and Tami Dobbs
Jan and Jeff Lemucchi
John and Ginger Moorehouse, Robert Crewdson, Glenn Hammett and Ken and Mary Fahsbender
Sharon Cox, Sheilah Woods, Giselle Alvarez and Raquell Jones
Michele and Rex Brown, Ira and Carole Cohen
Patty Keefer, Stacey Chambers, Wes Bartell and Betty Criner www.BakersfieldLife.com
77
Bossanovastudios grand opening Jan. 15, 2010 Photos by Greg Nichols View these photos and more online at BakersfieldLife.com
Michele Benham, Shiann and Ernie Hernandez and Terri Cline
Mark and Jill Hahs Johnny Ramos with Lynda and Gary Simmons
Eydie Gibson and Don Martin
Anthony Goss and Mary Amelia Reyna
Claudia Melgar, Heather Randolph, and Erica Alajarin 78
Bakersfield Life
February 2010
Deanna Cole and Dee Slayman
Lucia Haney, Lindsay Haney and Janelle Eastridge
Ellie Fergon, Grace Monrian, and Mike Cornett
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Toast of the Town Fundraiser for Supervisor Zack Scrivner Jan. 18, 2010 Held at The Padre Hotel Photos by Joseph Gomez View these photos and more online at BakersfieldLife.com
Ralph Bailey, Judy and Kevin McCarthy, David Morton, Kristine Morton, Barry Hibbard and Casey Hibbard
Monica Hoover and Stacey Bae
80
Kathy Dimonosski, Jeanne Giragosian, Dave Dimonosski and Nancy Turnipseed
Kim Hamilton and Gary Grillette
Mike Soper, Kevin Antongiovanni, Marcie Soper and Dominique Antongiovanni
Anne Marino, Jim Marino, Ashleah Pudiwitr, Teri Bjorn and Ronnie Balzer
Joel and Janice Ratzlaff and Dianne and Jim Howard
Vince Fong and Matt and Eva Billings
Bakersfield Life
February 2010
Home. It seems a “simple” enough concept. Home is the foundation of our lives. And while it can come in many colors, shapes and sizes, home is always bigger than the house it is surrounded by. For 103 years, our agents have helped people find the houses they call home. And now more than ever, it’s important we never stop moving.
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THE LAST WORD
Hank Pfister Director of tennis and fitness at Stockdale Country Club
Greatest piece of advice: Actually, I have two: 1. Winning is a process or a result of doing things right. When winning becomes the sole reason you are involved in any sport, you lose sight of the process and will no longer enjoy what you are doing, often ending up with worse results or even quitting your sport. 2. You can’t control everything on the tennis court, but you can be the fittest and most prepared on the court. Never let anyone outwork you. Something about you that few people know: I always have to have everything straight. Papers on my desk, silverware and stuff like that. I have thrown out a few tournament draws and event posters where the lines weren’t straight or the colors perfect. My staff think I’m a bit neurotic, but I think I’m just fine. What’s on your bookshelf: Books with too much dust. Your first job: Other than odd jobs as a kid like mowing yards and painting house numbers on curbs, it was working in the potato sheds out in Shafter. I worked on the “front line” hauling five, 100-pound sacks of potatoes on a hand truck out to trucks and refrigerated train cars. I worked for the first four or six weeks of the summer for several years making enough money to travel and play tennis up in Oregon and Washington the second half of the summer. Favorite getaway: Newport, R.I. I played many sum-
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February 2010
mers there at the Newport Hall of Fame tournament that followed Wimbledon in early July. The weather is perfect that time of year, the people were great, there is just so much to do and see and the town is just dripping with history. What was your most memorable moment in pro tennis? Beating Jimmy Connors in Las Vegas in 1978. Connors was No. 1 in the world, the top seed at the tournament and the touring pro from Caesar’s Palace where we played. It was my first full year on the tour and I had never played him before. I had beaten two top 10 players (Arthur Ashe and Roscoe Tanner) in the previous rounds so I had a bit of confidence going in. I truly was just hoping to hang in there and make it somewhat competitive but played well from the start and beat him in three close sets. Place you could be found having lunch on the weekend: Kim’s Kitchen (my wife). I don’t eat lunch out on the weekends, but when I do eat lunch out occasionally during the week, more often than not it’s at Sequoia Sandwich. Consistently great food quality and great service. Three things that define Bakersfield to you: The sincere friendliness of the people, the conservative, hard work ethic ingrained in most of us (Herb Benham would be an exception), and the diversity of the country around us. Within two hours, you can be camping, fishing, hunting or snow skiing in the high mountains, surfing at the beach or just about anything in between.
Photo by Casey Christie
Favorite part of your job: Teaching tennis to students (juniors or adults) who are truly excited about the sport. There’s nothing better that watching a student’s eyes light up when they get it right.
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barberhonda.com Subject to limited availability. From 1/5/2010 through 3/1/2010, to approved lessees by American Honda Finance Corp. Closed end lease for 2010 Accord LX Sedan with Automatic Transmission vehicles (Model CP2F3AEW), 2010 Civic DX-VP Sedan with Automatic Transmission vehicles (Model FA1F3AEW), 2010 Civic LX Automatic Transmission vehicles (Model FA1F5AEW), 2010 Civic EX Automatic Transmission vehicles (Model FA1F8AJW), and 2010 Insight LX Continuously Variable Transmission vehicles (Model ZE2H5AEW), for well qualified lessees. Not all lessees wil qualify. Higher lease rates apply for lessees with lower credit ratings. See dealer for complete details, model availability, customer qualification, length of term, cap cost, net cap cost, taxes, license, title fees, options and insurance cost and mileage restrictions.