31 minute read
Bites
Lassens Natural Foods and Vitamins
SOMETIMES PEOPLE THINK EATING BETTER MEANS GIVING UP THEIR FAVORITE FOODS.
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But if you use organic and fresh ingredients, you can enjoy so much more than you ever thought possible. Lassens Natural Foods and Vitamins is a purveyor of natural and organic foods, which means its deli section is filled with nutritious meals to help you meet your health goals. Hot sandwiches, such as the grilled chicken pesto, use the freshest ingredients (tomatoes, lettuce, onions) to make every bite even more scrumptious. If you’re thirsty, the deli also offers a variety of smoothie options. Lassens’ signature smoothie includes organic almond milk, bananas, strawberries, hemp seeds, lemon zest and bee pollen, which gives it a sweetness that isn’t overbearing.
Lassens’ grilled chicken pesto sandwich and signature smoothie.
Lassens Natural Foods and Vitamins
4308 California Ave. 661-324-6990
Better Bowls
Build your own better bowl.
THE NEW YEAR IS KNOWN FOR STARTING A “NEW ME”
MOMENT. We want to eat healthier but sometimes it’s hard to do that when you’re constantly on the go. Better Bowls does takeout in a much healthier way. Better Bowls is 100 percent plant based and gluten free. It offers signature bowls, drinks and dessert. If you’re a picky eater like me, you can order a “build your own bowl.” This bowl was based with Romaine lettuce and white quinoa topped with black beans, a flavorful tofu scramble, tender and baked russet potatoes, corn, shredded carrots, sliced cherry tomatoes and avocados drizzled with a yummy cilantro lime sauce. Customers can order their bowls in a regular or mini size depending on how hungry you are.
Better Bowls
1818 G St. 661-742-1228
Educators will likely remember 2020 for the rest of their lives. It was the year when they had students in classrooms one day and had to transfer everything online the next. Many thought distance learning would last for a few weeks, but school reopening dates continued to be pushed further back, until ultimately the year ended in a virtual format, and a new school year began the same way.
Despite the challenges with internet connectivity, technological problems and lack of motivation among some students, teachers continued to be champions and go above and beyond for their classes during unprecedented times. Bakersfield Life asked readers to nominate teachers for their dedication and commitment during this past year, and several of them are spotlighted in these pages.
By Ema Sasic and Julie Mana-ay Perez
Honoring Educators
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Daniel Diaz Senior counselor at McFarland High School Early College
After teaching and counseling students for several years — 12 years as a teacher and 14 years as a counselor — Daniel Diaz is no stranger to success. One of his duties is to target students who are struggling or at risk and help them.
Like many of his students, Diaz grew up in McFarland. He understands what students are facing — many work in the fields, come from families without economic resources, etc. Being surrounded by a big family that emphasized academic success, however, his upbringing helps him encourage students to keep up with their schoolwork so that one day they can walk across the graduation stage and receive their diploma. It also paints a bigger picture for students — they learn that there’s more to life than working in the fields and that they can achieve anything they set their mind to.
Diaz said many of his students are struggling as they learn online because it’s not the same as their in-person experience, but he emphasizes that his students should use him as a resource, either academically or mentally. When he works with a student, they narrow down what the problem is and make a plan to counter-attack so that they can tackle their assignments and pass their classes.
Diaz said one of the things he’s taught his students is to set goals for themselves to attract success. The mantra is if you don’t set goals for yourself, you’re not headed anywhere.
Thank you to our Educators!
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Honoring Educators
Whitney Dirkse Sixth grade teacher at Stella Hills Elementary School
Education and Whitney Dirkse go hand in hand. Prior to becoming a full-time educator, Dirkse worked for a nonprofit organization that helped probation and foster youth and their families. These children tended to look to their teachers as role models, and Dirkse realized the power teachers have to change lives.
When she joined the team at Stella Hills Elementary School, her experience working with children who come from disadvantaged backgrounds helped her take on her new career. Around 98 percent of students come from low socioeconomic homes, and Dirkse said she and her colleagues are always looking for ways to help take the stress off parents. Over the years she has put on various fundraisers and activities to teach students about compassion and community service. Over the past two years, the school has raised $1,200 for Red Nose Day.
When COVID-19 changed the educational landscape, that didn’t stop Dirkse from caring for Stella Hills families. She planned and organized a Thanksgiving food drive for almost 40 of the school’s families and put together a Christmas Wish drive, which provided gifts and more to students and their loved ones. In her distance learning classroom, Dirkse created videos and uploaded daily lessons onto a website to help students who may have missed some portion of class due to technical problems or who need a bit of a refresher. She also sent daily assignment lists to parents so that everyone was on the same page.
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Honoring Educators
Kate Karpinski Preschool special education teacher at Rosedale North Elementary School
Kate Karpinski had quite an unusual start to her teaching career in Bakersfield — she moved to town a week before COVID-19 shutdowns began — but nevertheless she has tried to make virtual learning enjoyable for her preschoolers.
She wasn’t sure how virtual learning would affect her relationships with her students, but she said the connection is just as strong. Her classroom logs on multiple times a day and completes certain activities together, and she makes time to help students or families on an individual basis.
Her students with moderate/severe disabilities each excel and struggle with different tasks, so Karpinski has taken it upon herself to create individualized activities for students to work on, which she drops off at their homes. For example, if students are learning about polar bears with a focus on math, a student who excels in the subject might be handed a more challenging puzzle, while a student who struggles to identify numbers will focus on matching numbers.
For a few weeks last year, Karpinski was able to hold in-person instruction with her eight-student class. To prepare for the return to school, she focused on making her students more comfortable with seeing face masks and shields being worn. Many of her students have previously spent time in medical settings, so parents were concerned seeing masks would make them upset. Karpinski began wearing her facial coverings on Zoom, and students soon learned they could have fun while staying safe. Being back in the classroom with her students was exciting for everyone, she said, and it made her happy to see her students bond so quickly, despite only seeing each other through a computer screen.
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Honoring Educators
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Jennifer Pelzer K-5 special education teacher at Noble Elementary School
Jennifer Pelzer knew she always wanted to be a teacher, but it wasn’t until she adopted her three youngest children from the foster care system that she found her calling: to be a special education teacher.
With her adopted children coming from an unfortunate domestic background, Pelzer made sure to educate herself on children with disabilities in order to protect them in the future. She then pursued a career in special education to be the voice for children who don’t have one.
Pelzer is a mother of six, so she is no stranger to leading a group of kids, but she acknowledges since teaching virtually, it’s been harder for her, her kids and her own students.
Pelzer is the kind of teacher who would go out of her way to help her students by visiting their homes and seeing what she can do to see them excel academically. Pelzer is used to calling parents for check-ups, making sure her special education students are OK and even dropping off food to their homes. Since the pandemic, it’s been difficult to do many of those things.
No matter the learning format, Pelzer focuses on teaching her students that education is important. She wants to encourage her students that they can do whatever and be whoever they want to be in life, no matter their background. As someone who grew up in a low-income area, she uses her own life experiences to show students what’s possible when they work hard and set their eyes on a goal.
To all of the Teachers: Thank You!
Honoring Educators
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Kimberly Stewart South High School English teacher
No matter the format of a school year, Kimberly Stewart’s main priority is to build relationships with her students. Prior to virtual learning, Stewart’s first concern was to make sure she cultivated a connection between her students so that they can engage and interact with others in the classroom. Since the pandemic, it’s been a bit difficult for students to communicate. But she still hasn’t given up on building relationships.
In her virtual classroom, Stewart divides her class into breakout groups or gives students the opportunity to talk in class to feel motivated and not feel distant from one another.
Stewart is also attending CSUB to obtain a credential in administration, so one of the ways she connects with her students is relating to them through her virtual experience and understanding that getting an education online can feel trying. By making herself “look more human” and not like a teacher, as she describes it, her students can see that she cares about them and is open to their communication.
That type of relationship building and care isn’t uncommon, however. Stewart said South High School is a hidden gem where staff members truly care about their community.
As an educator at South High School, Stewart believes the high school is a hidden gem and praises the staff for their standards and family values.
Thank you to our Educators!
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Honoring Educators
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Sukhdeep Kaur Sunner Eighth grade mathematics/ VEX robotics teacher at McFarland Junior High School
Teaching mathematics and robotics is difficult already, but having to teach everything on a digital platform may seem like an impossible task. Sukhdeep Kaur Sunner was ready for the challenge because she believes it is her responsibility to make sure her students are learning every day.
In her normal classroom, Sunner’s students are used to hands-on learning and building robots according to competition rules. With a background in computer science, Sunner has led her VFX robotics teams to great feats in recent years. Last year, three teams qualified for the state competition, and a previous team also competed in Ohio for the U.S. Championship.
Transitioning to a virtual format was a bit of a challenge. With no possibility of having students work together, Sunner has instead focused on programming robots online. It’s been a success so far, but she is also planning on ordering and delivering robot parts to her students and having them create small builds at home.
Other ways she has tried to adapt her classroom in an online form included creating an organized, easy to navigate digital Google Classroom, using multiple digital platforms for instruction, uploading “how to” videos that provide clear expectations for routines and procedures (such as how to download a document or end a Zoom call) and reaching out to at-risk students and their parents via phone call, email and Zoom. Math is a tricky subject for many, and going totally online was not ideal, but keeping up a consistent routine with her students and offering additional support has made the journey a little easier.
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Honoring Educators
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Joseph Tipay Bakersfield College, Art
Joseph Tipay is a two-year studio art professor at Bakersfield College, teaching art appreciation, art history and drawing.
Since the pandemic, things haven’t been easy for most students, but because Tipay has had prior experience teaching online courses, adjusting to an online environment wasn’t a drastic change.
Tipay sets his virtual class up with multiple camera angles to ensure that his students get the same in-class experience. His class even started using Discord to connect, chat and build a community among one another.
His classroom is a positive learning community, he said, which allows for students to pick each other up, learn together more effectively and get excited about learning as well.
Tipay wanted his students to look at virtual learning as a benefit — using this time to block out all of the troubles and noises going on and thinking of it as a space just for them.
Though online learning was a smooth transition for Tipay’s classes, he understands it wasn’t always easy for all of his students. He used to live in a rural area where he didn’t have internet access so he would frequently go to Starbucks, McDonald’s and the campus parking lot for connectivity. With that experience in mind, he remained flexible all while giving students information for resources to access.
One of his favorite things about teaching is seeing a light bulb moment from his students and being proud of the work they create in his classroom.
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Honoring Educators
Diane Valdez Fifth grade teacher at Wayne Van Horn Elementary School
When it comes to being ready to help in any way, shape or form, Diane Valdez is someone the Wayne Van Horn Elementary School community can count on. As a second-year teacher, Valdez has had an unusual start to her teaching career. When she had the opportunity to meet all of her students and develop a routine, in-person learning was halted. Now having to navigate the ups and downs of distance learning, she has lent a helping hand to Spanish-speaking families who are struggling as well.
She has interpreted items for the school, created helpful videos for families in Spanish and provided additional tutoring to students in her class and others outside. When one of her students expressed concern that his younger sister needed more help, Diane arranged extra support for the sibling.
Valdez found that her efforts opened doors that might have otherwise been closed to families who don’t speak English. They’re better able to understand daily tasks and can easily access assignments, she said, and it has also been helpful to other teachers. Even when students are able to attend in-person classes, Valdez hopes to continue providing additional supporting to Spanish-speaking families.
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To all of the Teachers: Thank You!
is in the
Interested in a date with one of these eligible singles? Contact Ema Sasic at esasic@bakersfield.com or call 661-395-7392.
Brooke Oscarson, 26
Master's student for licensed marriage and family counseling degree/secretary for a small business and daycare assistant
What does a perfect first date look like? Going to dinner usually feels like a good first date. It allows for conversation where we can both get to know each other better.
What’s a fun fact about you? I have been competing in pageants for the past 16 years. I am a previous Miss Bakersfield 2016 and Ms. California International 2019.
What’s the most spontaneous thing you’ve ever done? I crashed a wedding with my mom. We went to Huntington Beach for a weekend trip. There was a wedding happening by the pier. We decided to go sit and attend the wedding.
What’s your ideal Sunday? Wake up and have a nice breakfast. Watch a movie and just relax. Maybe have a game night. Most importantly get myself ready for the week ahead.
Turn ons? Someone who is active, witty and understanding. I am an active person who enjoys good banter. I find it attractive if someone can match my energy.
What’s your dream job? Working as a therapist with adolescents who deal with mental health. Once I finish my master's degree, I plan to find a job in this field.
Favorite local restaurant and your order? Italian food is my favorite so I would have to pick Luigi's. I usually get a 1/2 and 1/2, red and white, or some ravioli.
What makes a relationship great? Good communication. Having good communication will help strengthen all parts of the relationship.
What new hobbies have you taken up during quarantine? I decided to start my own garden. My favorite plant that I have in my garden would be my lavender. I am working on growing different herbs.
Chris Mateo, 27
Recruiter for staffing agency
Guilty pleasure? Being able to do nothing and just lounge around.
What’s the most spontaneous thing you’ve ever done? A random trip to Arizona.
Favorite movie? Anything with Meryl Streep.
Favorite quote? "Surrender to the cards you are dealt. It’s from that surrender that you get your power."
If you could meet anyone, living or dead, who would it be? Beyoncé and Edith Piaf.
What’s on your bucket list? A trip to Brazil and Greece.
What shows do you like rewatching? "30 Rock" and "Parks and Recreation."
My ideal quality in a partner... independence and a sense of humor.
I’m a great plus-one because… I love to dance.
What makes a relationship great? When both people understand each other and help each other grow both in all aspects of life.
Who or what are you listening to these days? Shay Lia, Yung Bae and Bad Bunny.
What new hobbies have you taken up during quarantine? Drawing and painting although I’m not very good at it.
Noemi Perez, 29
Community relations specialist
What are your hobbies/interests? I enjoy cooking, baking, working out, reading and spending time with my family.
What does a perfect first date look like? A perfect date would be in a relaxing setting where we could talk and get to know one another.
What’s something you’re weirdly competitive about? I am not a competitive person. I strive to always improve as a person and help others along the way.
What’s the most spontaneous thing you’ve ever done? I went to the mall to shop and left with a new ear piercing.
Favorite quote? "You get in life what you have the courage to ask for" — Oprah Winfrey
What’s your ideal Sunday? Church and then a family day.
Turn ons? Someone who is humble, kind, compassionate, respectful, hardworking, self-motivated, family oriented, sets goals, selfless and loving.
What’s on your bucket list? Visit Lake Tahoe, Colorado, Canada, go snowboarding and skydiving.
What’s your dream job? The current position I am in.
Favorite local restaurant and your order? Mariscos El Paraiso, Aguachiles.
I’m a great plus-one because… I’m always positive minded, easy going and I like to have fun.
Who or what are you listening to these days? Rock, country, Spanish and R&B.
Matthew Tate, 43
Physician assistant in the ER
What are your hobbies/interests? Playing drums with an up-and-coming band, riding my motorcycle, golfing, spending time with my family.
What does a perfect first date look like? A motorcycle ride to Ventura overlooking the Pacific.
What’s a fun fact about you? I've been to a presidential inauguration.
What’s the most spontaneous thing you’ve ever done? I went to NYC for COVID-19 relief in March 2020. Had my bags packed, will written and was in NYC in less than 48 hours.
If you could meet anyone, living or dead, who would it be? Ronald Reagan.
Turn ons? Spontaneity.
Turn offs? People that say, "It is....what it is." I need something original.
What’s on your bucket list? To see the Eastern Caribbean — St. John in particular.
Where do you want to travel to? Europe, Italy, Australia and New Zealand.
Favorite local restaurant and your order? Frugatti's - Garlic Chicken Calzone Deluxe - can't forget the Deluxe. We have cardiologists in town to fix the "Deluxe" portion of that calzone after we've had one too many.
My ideal quality in a partner... Keep me on my toes and surprise me from time to time.
I’m a great plus-one because… I live for today and appreciate the time we spend together because we are not promised tomorrow.
Griselda Cormier, 43
Mental health therapist, care coordinator, MSW
What are your hobbies/interests? Camping, traveling, martial arts, hiking, working out.
What’s a fun fact about you? I named my oldest son after Zack on "Saved By the Bell."
What’s something you’re weirdly competitive about? Everything.
Guilty pleasure? A great glass of wine.
What’s the most spontaneous thing you’ve ever done? Swing ride over a canyon in Cabo.
Favorite quote? "We are what we think. All that we are arises with our thoughts. With our thoughts we make the world." - The Buddha, quoted in the Dhammapada.
Turn ons? Bright, friendly, easy going people.
Turn offs? Egotistical, lazy and judgmental individuals.
What’s on your bucket list? Tavel to France, Australia, Italy, Lake Como.
What’s your dream job? Running an agency that is dedicated to helping people in need.
Favorite local restaurant and your order? Uricchio’s ravioli is amazing.
My ideal quality in a partner... Intelligent, successful, fun and generous with his time.
What makes a relationship great? Trust, compatibility, communication and honesty.
Justin Grier, 30
Electrician
What are your hobbies/interests? Weight lifting, biking, gardening, traveling and woodwork.
What does a perfect first date look like? Outdoors, conversation, simple.
What’s a fun fact about you? Best handyman you'll meet.
Any hidden talents or skills that you have? I play drums.
What’s something you’re weirdly competitive about? Sports.
Guilty pleasure? Coffee.
What’s the most spontaneous thing you’ve ever done? Fly across the country to meet someone in person for the first time.
What’s your ideal Sunday? Light outdoor activity with loved ones.
Turn ons? Godly women.
Turn offs? Disrespect.
What’s on your bucket list? Sky diving.
What’s your dream job? Multi-business owner.
Where do you want to travel to? Europe.
Favorite local restaurant and your order? Any sushi place.
Terri Trento-Lascone, 61
Business owner/mobile pet groomer
What are your hobbies/interests? I love working in my yard. I have dogs, cats, chickens, turtles, birds and a bearded dragon. I do a lot of clean up. I love to go camping, anything that involves water. Lakes, ocean, rivers and streams.
What’s the most spontaneous thing you’ve ever done? Had a trip to Hawaii planned by myself, decided the night before I left to bring my granddaughter.
What’s your ideal Sunday? Sunday used to be my travel day. Hit the road for a couple of days, usually no crowds, cheaper rooms.
If you could meet anyone, living or dead, who would it be? I would love to meet my life partner.
What’s on your bucket list? Showing my grandkids as much as I can, skydiving and a cruise.
What’s your dream job? I am already doing my dream job, I love animals and people who also love pets.
My ideal quality in a partner... Is someone who trusts, doesn't lie, accepts me and my family for who we are and supports me through what I go through having mentally challenged adult children. Someone who can handle my love for my dog and the rest of my pets. I want to be with someone who lifts me up and gives me the chance to lift him up. Also, have love for my grandchildren and not be jealous of them.
After work you can find me… Making dinner, answering messages for my business, then up in bed watching TV.
I never leave home without… My phone, granddaughter and dog.
Rikki Choate, 29
Licensed esthetician
What are your hobbies/interests? I love to be social! Anything outdoors — hikes, beach trips, wineries and road trips! I love to cook whether I'm good or not! And I love to try new restaurants as well as breweries!
What does a perfect first date look like? The perfect date would be a destination date! Pack a lunch and head to an awesome new trail. Pack for the beach and watch the waves! As long as we stay active. I love a traditional gentleman who opens doors, etc.
What’s a fun fact about you? I have a dark sense of humor. I am also very honest and I've been told it's more of a fault because I have no filter.
What’s something you’re weirdly competitive about? I hate losing any game, whether it be a board game, corn hole, any sport. As a child, I was a poor sport, even to the point of cheating!
What’s your ideal Sunday? A perfect Sunday would be sleeping in, making an amazing breakfast with mimosas, then going on a walk/hike/bike ride and finishing off the day making dinner with enough to bring to work on Monday and snuggling on the couch watching a show/movie.
Turn ons? A hardworking man. I love when a man can fix anything. A beard. What’s your dream job? I always wanted to be a flight attendant and travel the world!
What shows do you like re-watching? I love to re-watch "That 70s Show," "The Office," "Shameless" and "Weeds"
Favorite local restaurant and your order? La Tapatia and the sizzling fajitas
My ideal quality in a partner... Someone who is patient with me. Calms me down. I need someone who speaks my love language which is words of affirmation and physical touch!
David Kaplan, 30
TV news reporter
What are your hobbies/interests? Traveling, hiking, exploring, photography, skiing, white water river rafting, adventuring, watching basketball, watching movies.
What does a perfect first date look like? Eating outside with a beautiful view, then taking a walk and talking, listening to our favorite jams.
What’s a fun fact about you? I have been to 49 states (all but Oregon).
Any hidden talents or skills that you have? I can play acoustic guitar and the cajones.
Guilty pleasure? Cheese, cheese and more cheese!
What’s the most spontaneous thing you’ve ever done? Danced in the rain and in sprinklers on a date.
What’s your ideal Sunday? Go to church, have a nice lunch, take a nap, chill.
How do you like to relax? One word, Enya, haha.
Turn ons? Loves Jesus, tan, humble, loyal, sweet, funny, thoughtful, cute, someone who loves family.
What’s on your bucket list? Go to every national park in the U.S.
Favorite local restaurant and your order? Flame and Skewers Mediterranean Restaurant, a lamb wrap!
My ideal quality in a partner... Godly.
I’m a great plus-one because… I've always got a rhyme or a pun! Lol.
Jamie Absher, 35
Land analyst with E&B Natural Resources
What are your hobbies/interests? I love to travel and experience new cultures both domestically and internationally. I enjoy attending live sporting events and concerts. You can also find me on a golf course in my free time. I am passionate about advocating for the energy industry.
What’s a fun fact about you? I was recently crowned Ms. Kern County and I am honored to be a positive influence within the community.
What’s something you’re weirdly competitive about? I like to set goals and crush them. I am known as a "Goal Digger."
Guilty pleasure? My guilty pleasure is sneaking off to enjoy an all-day spa day. Another guilty pleasure is listening to hip hop.
What’s your ideal Sunday? An ideal Sunday consists of sports, food and relaxation.
If you could meet anyone, living or dead, who would it be? I would love to meet Nikola Tesla. He is a fascinating person to me and would love to converse with such an interesting mind.
What’s on your bucket list? For fun, I want to visit all 50 states and experience every country in the world. For educational purposes, my goal is to start and finish law school.
What’s your dream job? I love being a "Landman" but I am currently working on a podcast to advocate for the energy industry as Ms. Energy Progress so feel free to connect on social media :)
I’m a great plus-one because… The only thing in life that I can guarantee is a good time. I love to laugh and I am a great for conversation.
Who or what are you listening to these days? I'm a huge fan of podcasts! I always listen to the Oil & Gas This Week and Elevate with OGGN, The Jordan B. Peterson Podcast and Joe Rogan.
Eric Arias, 24
Public service
What does a perfect first date look like? A hike on the coast up to a vista point.
What’s a fun fact about you? I’ve been told that I get down in the kitchen!
Any hidden talents or skills that you have? I am a proud two-time Fantasy Football champion and a mediocre alto saxophone player.
What’s something you’re weirdly competitive about? Scrabble and Ping Pong.
Guilty pleasure? Watching cooking shows on Food Network.
What’s the most spontaneous thing you’ve ever done? While studying abroad in Europe, I made a last-minute decision to take a weekend trip to Greece, only to find the clearest of waters, the most delicious cuisine and some of the nicest people.
Favorite quote? “Never scoop too much dip for your chip.” — Anonymous
What’s your dream job? Coaching a youth basketball team.
What shows do you like rewatching? "Stranger Things" or "Cobra Kai."
Where do you want to travel to? Southeast Asia and the Philippines.
Favorite local restaurant and your order? Lobster mac and cheese from KC’s Steakhouse.
What makes a relationship great? Communication and trust.
What new hobbies have you taken up during quarantine? Corn hole and running.
Claire-Naomi Acosta, 38
Elementary school librarian
What are your hobbies/interests? I love to travel, read, go to the dog park, to the gym and try new things. I'm up for an adventure and road trip! I like to play fantasy football and gamble. Go Seahawks!
What does a perfect first date look like? Nice dinner or walk in the park/beach to get to know someone. If the Condors were playing, a Condors game would be fun! No movies allowed on first dates!
What’s a fun fact about you? I'm afraid to drive on the freeway! I’ll do it now, but it does frighten me! I had a dream I got squished in between two big rigs!
Any hidden talents or skills that you have? I personally love massages. But I give great massages!
What’s the most spontaneous thing you’ve ever done? It has to be one of the excursions I've done while traveling. Rappelling down a mountain or ziplining!
If you could meet anyone, living or dead, who would it be? Any of my grandpas because I never got to meet them, or Russell Wilson. Russell Wilson because he has a great character and contributes to his community.
How do you like to relax? A quiet beach and a bottle of wine listening to the waves crashing.
What’s your dream job? Being a musician — it will keep challenging me and engage me in learning new/old trends.
Favorite local restaurant and your order? Santiago's! Where the owner knows my order when I walk in regardless of how long it's been since I last visited. Fajitas and margaritas or whatever Santiago's has on special.
I’m a great plus-one because… I am great company and up for an adventure to make the memories count. I’m super friendly and not embarrassed to talk or dance with anyone (your niece or nephew or grandma) if we are at a wedding! LOL
Jennifer Montes, 30
Flight attendant
What does a perfect first date look like? A perfect date would be a nice dinner where we both can dress up nicely and enjoy a glass of wine and have a nice conversation.
What’s a fun fact about you? A fun fact about me is I tend to go on last-minute trips across the country without anything being planned.
What’s the most spontaneous thing you’ve ever done? The most spontaneous thing I have done is go to Hong Kong on a Friday and returned Monday.
Favorite quote? “Life is not the amount of breaths you take, it’s the moments that take your breaths away” — "Hitch."
What’s your ideal Sunday? My ideal Sunday is going on a hike followed by brunch with bottomless mimosas.
How do you like to relax? My way to relaxing is taking a bath followed with a glass of wine and documentary movie or show.
Turn ons? A turn on for me is someone who can remind me that men are still chivalrous.
Favorite local restaurant and your order? Tacos La Villa, you could never go wrong with tacos.
My ideal quality in a partner... someone who is family means everything, who is career driven and ambitious, someone who is smart with their money but not cheap. That they love to do spontaneous things. That they are romantic, funny, respectful and a gentleman.
After work you can find me… at Target buying unnecessary stuff or at home enjoying my time with family or friends since I’m usually gone for days in a row.
Vincente Herrera, 29
Works for the Bakersfield Fire Department
What are your hobbies/interests? My hobbies consist of pretty much anything that involves the outdoors. Whether it’s hiking, fishing, camping, playing sports, rock climbing and repelling, going to beach or having a barbecue with the family.
What’s the most spontaneous thing you’ve ever done? The most spontaneous thing I have ever done was probably between taking a solo trip to Europe for three weeks or when I took the opportunity to go skydiving at a moment's notice.
Favorite movie? "The Guardian" with Kevin Costner and Ashton Kutcher.
Turn ons? Contagious personality and smile. Someone adventurous.
What’s on your bucket list? Taking a trip to see the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights).
What’s your dream job? Being a firefighter has always been my dream job.
Where do you want to travel to? I want to travel to Italy, Germany and Australia.
My ideal quality in a partner... Hanging out watching movies or getting outdoors.
After work you can find me… Relaxing at home, trying to figure out my next outdoor excursion.
I’m a great plus-one because… I enjoy talking with people and like to dance from time to time.
I never leave home without… a change of clothes. Always ready to be outside.
What makes a relationship great? Communication and laughter.
Who or what are you listening to these days? Pretty much everything from country music to oldies.
