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June 2014
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Scholastic stars Get to know some of Bakersfield’s brightest grads
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F E A T U R E S June 2014
Travel
Oh, the places they’ll go! Meet 17 of our most accomplished recent high school grads and find out how they plan to change the world. Page 68
Snapped on vacation, our readers’ and staffers’ gorgeous travel shots taken across the state and the globe. Page 80
Twins and triplets share their take on leaving the nest. Page 76
Enjoy these California getaways with your soulmate, gal pals, buddies, or the whole family. We have one for every stage in life. Page 84
If rock climbing is on your bucket list, there are plenty of great spots along the Kern River. 6
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Your Kern County bucket list, adventures to relish close to home. Page 92
PHOTO BY CASEY CHRISTIE
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D E P A R T M E N T S June 2014
13 Up Front 36 Bakersfield Matters 38 Food Dudes 42 Food and Wine 46 Foodie 50 Entertainment 52 Hometown Hero 54 On the Road 59 Why I Live Here 60 All-Star Athlete 62 Talk of the Town 64 For a Cause 100 Business Profiles 106 Inside Story 108 Pastimes 112 Home and Garden 116 History 118 Our Town 120 In My Closet 122 Personality
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FOR THE RECORD: The title of one of favorite businesses in the Best of Bakersfield 2014 Best Wine Selection category was incorrect in the May issue. The correct title is Trader Joe’s.
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S TA F F S H A R E S
Bakersfield’s Premier City Magazine June 2014 / Vol. 8 / Issue 9
HOW DO YOU SURVIVE BAKERSFIELD’S SUMMER HEAT?
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. To advertise, contact Lisa Whitten at lwhitten@bakersfield.com or 395-7563.
“By spending as much time in the pool as possible, especially right before bedtime; it lowers the body temperature and makes sleeping more comfortable.” — Lisa Whitten, local retail sales manager
“The key to getting through the summer in Bakersfield is to become a morning person. You have to accept the fact that 5:30 a.m. is your friend.” — Glenn Hammett, designer “In the pool with my grandkids and I occasionally turn the air down just in the bedroom and make it my ‘woman cave,’ all dark and cool.” — Linda Petree, advertising account executive “Leave!” — Michael Lopez, contributor “Spend the afternoon under my favorite backyard tree or take an early morning hike to admire nature’s beauty.” — Olivia Garcia, editor “I survive the heat by swimming in the pool, going to the mountains, or hanging out at the ice rink.” — Richard Roux, contributor “Leave town.” — Katie Price, contributor “Catch an evening Blaze game or crank up the AC.” — Rachel Cook, assistant managing editor
“I try to stay indoors as much as possible. If I could stay inside ‘till fall, I would!” — Mark Nessia, contributor “With a sangria under a big umbrella by the pool.” — April Massirio, contributor “I survive by staying inside or submerging in a pool when outside! Also, by leaving town for a few days in July if possible!” — Melissa Peaker-Whitten, contributor “I don’t like the summer heat, so I try to take weekend getaways to the coast. But if I’m stuck here, I stay indoors most of the day unless I’m lounging poolside. I also drink plenty of water to keep hydrated.” — Hillary Haenes, specialty publications coordinator “Water sports. Go rafting on the Kern, waterskiing, swimming or just find a shady spot and do some fishing.” — Gregory D. Cook, contributor “Besides closing drapes, blinds and shutters? It is the perfect time to explore, for a day or a weekend, the charming communities in the higher elevations of Kern County where the days are perfect and nights are cooler, like Tehachapi, Lake Isabella and Frazier Park.” — Lisa Kimble, contributor “I go home to San Clemente and visit my parents’ house on the beach.” — Heather Hawkins, advertising account executive
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June 2014
Publisher Ginger Moorhouse President/CEO Richard Beene Senior Vice President Revenue and Marketing John Wells Vice President, Administration and Operations Nancy Chaffin Interactive Sales Manager Gunter Copeland Advertising Sales Manager Lisa Whitten Advertising Traffic Manager Shauna Rockwell Distribution and Marketing Representative Patrick Wells Editor Olivia Garcia Assistant Managing Editor Rachel Cook Specialty Publications Coordinator Hillary Haenes Art Director Glenn Hammett Photography Felix Adamo, Henry A. Barrios, Casey Christie, Gregory D. Cook, Ashley dePencier Photography, Alana Garrett, Jeff Giumarra, Shirley Given, John Harte, , Alex Horvath, Jeff Kirkbride Photography, Katie Kirschenmann, Michael Lopez, April Massirio, Greg Nichols, Mark Nessia, Carla Rivas, Norman Seeff, Orlando Trevino Contributing writers Robert Alimirzaie, Sally Baker, Chelsea Brewer, Gregory D. Cook, Lisa Kimble, Katie Kirschenmann, Stephen Lynch, Mark Nessia, Melissa Peaker-Whitten, Katie Price, Gabriel Ramirez, Richard Roux, Chris Thornburgh Interns Amanda Dixon, Alana Garrett, Sandy Ornelas, Paul Rivas On the cover Photograph by Michael Lopez. A few of Bakersfield’s brightest grads. Front, Michael Ko, Yasmeen Ahmed, Dustee Jo Albitre, Carol Sandoval and Vanessa Estrada; middle, Gurjot Kaur, Gathenji Njoroge, Abel Villanueva and Erin Glavin; on back right shelf, Allen Zeng and Mickey Cushine; back left Andrea Camacho and Jaskaran S. Sandhu.
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MEET OUR CONTRIBUTORS
EDITOR’S NOTE
Although born and raised here in Bakersfield, Chelsea Brewer has spent some time in Northern California, where she studied journalism and creative writing at Humboldt State University. She also lived in Los Angeles for several years, writing for the theatre section of an arts magazine. Almost two years ago, Brewer published her first book called “Girly Stories,” a collection of short stories about life experiences from a woman’s point of view (available on Amazon.com). In the meantime, Brewer enjoys creativity, traveling and the local theatre scene. She is most recently involved in improvisational sketch comedy with the Center for Improv Advancement.
CONGRATS, GRADS
She was born and raised in Salt Lake City, but after spending the last 12 years in Kern County, Miranda Whitworth is officially a California girl. She got her start in media working for Clear Channel Radio as a DJ, news director and public service director. Whitworth left radio in 2010 to work for Eyewitness News KBAK/KBFX as a producer, social media strategist and reporter, but left the television business two years later for a career in marketing and public relations. Whitworth is currently the marketing manager for Kern Federal Credit Union, a board member for the North of the River Chamber of Commerce and has been a contributing writer for The Bakersfield Californian since 2010. When Whitworth isn’t working she loves to cook, dance and socialize. Whitworth is a dedicated music traveler, an advocate for local arts and entertainment and the proud mother of a 7-year-old son. 12
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PHOTO BY HENRY A. BARRIOS
Carla Rivas has been shooting community events for Bakersfield Life for 10 years, but you will find her in a different venue during the day. As a counselor at Ridgeview High School she has been in education for 17 years, first as an English teacher and then counselor. Rivas loves working with her students and receives a great deal of satisfaction from helping them with whatever they need. She truly enjoys traveling and exploring other cultures, all the while capturing the uniqueness of each country with her camera. She was bitten by the “travel bug” when she traveled to Africa for a month to visit her daughter, Andrea, who was in the Peace Corps. Since then she has traveled to Belgium, the Netherlands, England, France, Thailand and Cambodia. Capturing any type of image that has to do with nature or culture is an extremely important part of her life.
J
une is a special time of celeBUCKET LIST bration for many local parents Many of us have bucket lists, and their sons and daughters things we want to personally as they relish high school achieve. What about a bucket list of graduation and look to their Kern County to-do things? Yes, we next adventure: college. have one! Check out our suggesI have seen or spoken to many tions for experiences to knock off friends and relatives who have your Bako bucket list. Get ready for spent the past year planning and an adventure! preparing their high school senior for college life. Many of these parWOMEN’S BUSINESS ents have mixed feelings at this CONFERENCE NOD exciting time. They are proud to see A special thank you to the board their son or daughter ready to move of the Bakersfield Women’s Busion, while at same time, they are sad ness Conference that recently honabout letting go. ored The Bakersfield Californian for College will be a life-changing its longtime sponsorship of the journey for these seniors and as a event. Because of The Bakersfield result, Bakersfield Life returns with Californian’s involvement, Bakersits annual tribute to local collegefield Life Magazine, which is owned bound students. by the newspaper, has been fortuHere, we profile top graduates nate to be involved in the annual from our local high schools in the event. Bakersfield area According and talk to them to Kathyrn about their high Mears, event school activities, chair, “The college plans and Bakersfield goals. I encourWomen’s age you to check Business them out. They Conference represent just a wanted to small portion of acknowledge the many local those who kids we have have made heading out to Olivia Garcia, right, accepts the long-term college this fall, a an award from Kathryn Mears. investment cohort to make and those who believe in the misour community proud. Congrats, sion and the value of a woman’s parents! You guys raised some aweconference to the businesses in some kids who will become future Bakersfield. Our sponsors have kept leaders and make our community, us going for the past 25 years to and others, a better place. make it into the next 25 years.”
TRAVEL Aside from getting your college kid packed and ready to move on, many of you are probably planning a nice getaway with family, friends or your sweetheart. Be sure to check out our suggestions for the right places to get away to this summer and our recommendations for all sorts of outings within decent driving distance.
Olivia Garcia Editor 395-7487 • ogarcia@bakersfield.com
UP FRONT
WORD ON THE STREET Compiled by Alana Garrett
WHAT QUALITIES DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR DAD? BECKY REDDIG
DIANA SHAW
MARIA SHEPHARD
“He was very handsome, he was sweet, and I was his favorite.”
“His level of integrity set the base for me growing up and I passed it on to my children.”
“He loved my family unconditionally.”
BRENDA WITCHER
ELIZABETH HAMLIN
VICTORIA MANNING
“My father was always kind and always gentle. He just knew how to love you.”
“He’s honest, trustworthy, works really hard and won’t take crap from anyone.”
“His work ethic and honesty. He was non-judgmental and loved unconditionally. He accepts you for who you are.”
BRET REED
KATHERINE HARRIS
BRIANNA MONAHAN
“He’s mentally strong, and nothing bothers him. He stays strong and works hard every day whether he’s sick or not.”
“He stuck with us even though the situation wasn’t great and took care of us.”
He’s caring, and always there for me. I share him with my friends. He’s just that dad, and I am grateful for him.”
ON THE WEB
Living well in Bakersfield Every week the pages of Bakersfield Life and B Well magazines come to life on Live Well, a live web show broadcast from the Dignity Health Studios at The Bakersfield Californian. With host Lisa Krch and producer Lisa Kimble, we showcase living well here in Bakersfield and beyond with expert guests in everything from fitness to fashion. Tune in to see the people behind the stories in the magazines and to tap into the latest local health and wellness trends. Watch The Live Well Show at 10 a.m. Wednesdays at bakersfield.com. Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/TheBakersfieldLiveWellShow. Forgot to tune in? Never fear, clips of the show are posted each week at bwellmagazine.com/video and on the Bakotube YouTube channel.
The crew of The Live Well Show. Front: Olivia Garcia, Louis Amestoy and John Farrand, back: Lisa Kimble, Rachel Cook, Lisa Krch and Hillary Haenes.
PHOTO BY FELIX ADAMO
Travel photo contest We received dozens of envy-inducing vacation snapshots from readers last month. Thank you for sharing your beachy, outdoorsy and close-to-home travel photos with us. Take a peek at a few of our favorites (including Jolie Brouttier, the winner of a dinner from Petroleum Club of Bakersfield Executive Chef Robert Alimirzaie) on page 80.
20 Under 40 Only one month to go! This spring, you nominated young up-and-comers for our “20 Under 40 contest” and our committee chose the top of the crop in May. The honorees will be revealed next month in the July issue of Bakersfield Life Magazine and will be recognized at an event in June. Watch our Facebook page (facebook.com/BakersfieldLifeMagazine) for photos later this month!
bakersfieldlife.com
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THE BIG PICTURE Photo by Felix Adamo
CIRCLE OF LIGHT This custom LED chandelier light fixture hangs in the lobby of the new Quest Imaging building in downtown Bakersfield. The fixture manufactured by Lukas Lighting in New York features two polished metal rings measuring 6 feet and 8 feet in diameter and one encapsulated, jewel-esque ring 10 feet in diameter. The 700-watt chandelier’s three rings weigh approximately 550 pounds total. The new building — part of San Joaquin Community Hospital’s Medical Corridor on Chester Avenue — is expected to open later this year.
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THE BIG PICTURE Photo by Felix Adamo
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SMOKE ‘EM IF YOU GOT ‘EM John Spainhoward, part of the Spanky’s BBQ team of Bakersfield, seconds before he pulled Texas brisket from a smoker at the Sixth Annual Bakersfield’s Biggest Baddest BBQ.
bakersfieldlife.com
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NAMED AFTER By Lisa Kimble
BAKERSFIELD RACQUET CLUB
Bakersfield Racquet Club founder Lake Lovelace celebrating the 25th anniversary of the club in 1973. 18
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wasn’t long before tennis began to make a comeback. And Lovelace was relentless in his quest to establish a private tennis club. By 1944, discussion of creating a club was resurrected. Late that year a committee was formed to explore the possibilities. In the winter of 1945, the Tennis Development Corporation of Bakersfield was formed. It sold a thousand shares of stock at $50 each, gathering enough seed money to buy land and construct a main building and a small pool. In June 1945, the Bakersfield Racquet Club was established as a not-for-profit operation. The following May, the property at Truxtun Avenue and Pine Street where the club sits today was purchased from Ralph Smith. Construction finally began in November 1947, and by the end of the summer of 1948, the coffee shop and more courts were completed. Dues at the time were $5.40 for a family membership, a buck and change less for a single enrollment. Home to more than 150 national titles, the Bakersfield Racquet Club hosted the prestigious Davis Cup in 1965 and produced national champions like Dennis Ralston, Marianne Werdel Witmeyer and Hank Pfister, Jr. Today, the sprawling property, a block away from Jastro Park where it all began, boasts 11 courts, two pools and a fitness center, and is an official site for Nike Tennis Camps. Lake Lovelace retired in 1977. He died in 1993 one month shy of his 98th birthday. In the mid-1980s, Lovelace wrote a book titled “A Home for Tennis” chronicling the evolution of the club built around family, a tradition that continues to this day. “Our goal was a club where tennis and friends are the major draw,” Lovelace wrote. “A club where all members are equally important and a club where kids want to be and where you want them to be. I think we came close.” Indeed he did.
PHOTO COURTESY OF BAKERSFIELD RACQUET CLUB
T
here is an energy and spirit over at the Bakersfield Racquet Club these days that hasn’t been palpable for a long time. The iconic downtown institution is enjoying a rebirth of sorts, thanks to restructuring, a recent high-profile tournament that drew international players to town, and a massive membership drive that saw the club’s rosters more than double. It is a far cry from the political infighting of a few years back that threatened to be the club’s demise as it struggled to maintain a piece of local history. Tennis in Bakersfield spans back to the late 1800s when the Bakersfield Lawn Tennis Club began in 1892. From the turn of the century into the 1920s, the game was played on courts at Beale Park. In 1922, an avid tennis player by the name of Lake Lovelace came to town. Born in Brighton, Colo., Lovelace served as an Air Force pilot in World War I and worked as carpenter in Arizona and Fresno before he came to Bakersfield to work as an appliance salesman for Urner’s. He met fellow tennis enthusiast and businessman Dave Urner and the two played regularly. In 1930, courts were constructed at Jastro Park, and a year later, Lovelace turned pro and began giving lessons. In 1932, he opened up a tennis shop there, and by 1939 he was floating the idea of creating a private tennis club. The response was lukewarm at best. By 1941, the bombing of Pearl Harbor thrust the country into war, and tennis and talk of a private club ceased. Rubber for shoes and balls had all but disappeared. But when the government built Minter Field airport that same year in Shafter, it included tennis courts. The Red Cross sponsored tennis tournaments there, and it
MONEY MATTERS
DIDN’T SAVE ENOUGH FOR COLLEGE? LOOK AT YOUR OPTIONS
J
oin the club! If you discovered all your good intentions to save for the kids’ higher education went by the wayside, you’re not alone. College savings are easily derailed when you’re struggling to pay for day care, braces, mortgages, and retirement. Somehow the college years snuck up too quickly and the dilemma is suddenly real. So how will you pay for college?
FINANCIAL AID IS AVAILABLE Unless you’re able to write painfully large checks, you will deal with the financial aid process every year. It helps to befriend a live person in the financial aid office early in the process. Financial aid officers often have some discretion.
EXPECTED FAMILY CONTRIBUTION This is the “pie in the sky” formula of the financial aid world. This formula determines how much a family should be able to contribute to a child’s college education but arguably bears no resemblance to reality. The formula considers income, assets, and family circumstances. To calculate your ballpark contribution, check out savingforcollege.com.
THE FINANCIAL AID PROCESS The financial aid “expected family contribution” formula is determined by a committee. Be prepared for a dozen detours and have last year’s tax return handy for the process. There are four basic steps to follow: 1. Alert each college that you are applying for financial aid — typically you check a box on the admissions application. 2. Complete the government’s online FAFSA form at fafsa.ed.gov. 3. Complete the College Board’s CSS Profile forms at student.collegeboard.org. Most private colleges require this application for financial aid eligibility. One submission to the College Board covers multiple colleges, but a
separate fee is paid for each. 4. Submit college-specific forms, if applicable.
FINANCIAL AID PACKAGE The financial aid package typically includes scholarships/grants, loans, and work study. Work study is usually less than 10 percent of the overall tuition charge and involves your student taking a campus job. • Scholarships – In a perfect world, our kids would receive scholarships or grants, which do not need to be repaid. Research scholarship opportunities during the sophomore and junior years of high school or earlier. This allows time to position your student for eligibility. Besides the wealth of knowledge from high school counselors, seek other opportunities through scholarships.com or Fastweb. These free services help you search for scholarships free of charge. Additionally, check for opportunities with your church, employer, community organizations, campus organizations, alumni associations, and your child’s “field of study.” • Loans – Since we live in reality, most of the financial aid package is in the form of loans, which come in a variety of forms and sources including Stafford, Perkins, Parent Plus, subsidized, and unsubsidized. Terms vary depending on family income and loan repayments begin after graduation. SimpleTuition.com allows you to easily comparison shop student loans offered by an assortment of private and federal lenders.
PRIVATE COUNSELORS AND THE BOTTOM LINE The whole process can seem overwhelming and confusing. There is a growing business of folks who assist with forms and provide guidance on how to shift assets and have many other priceless tips for applying. Consider seeking assistance. The good news is there is money available to go to almost any college. Don’t rule out a school because it is expensive. Seek out your options. — Chris Thornburgh is a CPA and partner at Brown Armstrong Accountancy Corp. Contact her at cthornburgh@bacpas.com or Thornburgh (661) 324-4971.
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UP FRONT
SHORT TAKE
COOKING WITH CHEF ROBERT
LATINA LEADERS TO HOLD ANNUAL AWARDS DINNER
HOMEMADE MEALS FOR COLLEGE-AGE KIDS
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he Latinas Leading the Way Annual Dinner is right around the corner and you’re invited to join the fiesta. The dinner will be held from 6 to 11 p.m. July 12 at the Bakersfield Marriott at the Convention Center. The Latina Leaders of Kern County aims to develop leaders and create opportunities for Latinas in the community. This year, three local women will be honored in the areas of health, education, and community engagement at the dinner. Marriott will cater the event and Los Angeles band HindSite will provide tunes so you can show off your dance moves. Latina Leaders’ influence has made significant changes in the perception of Latinas in the community. With the Youth Leadership program, many young women have been empowered to continue their education and give back to the community. The event is $60 per person, $550 for a table of 10. To purchase tickets, visit kernlatinas.org.
D
oes your college student miss your home cooking? My cousin was born and raised in California, and when the time came to go to college, she chose the one best suited for her future plans, which meant she had to move across the country. When I asked her what she missed most about home, her answer was, “I miss food. Real food. Not the food you get from your university’s cafeteria or the kind you are able to purchase with a meal plan. I’m talking about Mom’s homecooked meals.” This presented a culinary challenge but we came up with a solution for her using some old techniques. One of her favorite dishes is grilled chicken with mom’s herb roasted red potatoes and creamy marinara sauce. You
can get those same meals and make them last longer by vacuum sealing home cooked dishes. First, cook all the parts of the meal. After cooling the dishes, vacuum seal the food and freeze it. Reheat in the microwave. Keep in mind that all liquids need to be frozen before you vacuum seal them. As for my cousin, she’d rather have mom’s homemade frozen dinners (made by her favorite cousin) than storebought meals. — Robert Alimirzaie is the executive chef and operations manager at the Petroleum Club of Bakersfield.
FARM BUREAU NAMES FIRST FEMALE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
A
s the Kern County Farm Bureau celebrates its centennial this year, the organization also welcomes its first female executive director, Beatris Espericueta Sanders. The Kern County Farm Bureau promotes Kern County farms and ranches. Part of Sanders’ new role is to advocate for farmers. Sanders was raised in Shafter and has years of experience in farming. Her father built his own farming company growing pistachios, almonds and table grapes. “Through my parent’s hard work ethic, I have an appreciation for the farming industry, the laborers, the big and small farmers, the bees, the water and, most of all, the power of prayer,” Sanders said. Sanders brings administrative, legislative and political experience to her new position.
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GRILLED CHIC KEN
BREAST 4 boneless, skin le (about 1 3/4 po ss chicken breasts unds total) 6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 4 large garlic clo ves, minced 1 teaspoon drie d thyme 1/2 teaspoon dr ied oregano 1 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon fre shly ground blac pepper k 1 1/2 teaspoons lemon zest from lemon one Directions Place chicken br pieces of wax paeasts between two mallet, pound to per and, using a meat an even one-ha lf inch
thickness. Mix all ingredie nt together in a on s, except chicken, e Add chicken br gallon ziplock bag. ea marinade into m sts and massage ed. Seal the ba eat until evenly coatg the refrigerator and place in a bowl in (th against leakage) e bowl protects nate at least 4 . Let the chicken marihours or up to 12 hours. Clean grill and preheat to high . Lightly dip a wad of pa pe oil and, using to r towels in vegetable ng grates several tim s, carefully rub over coated. Place ch es until glossy and grill (make sure icken breasts on the they are well-c with the marin oated ad lemon zest and e; the more garlic, herbs on the ch the better!). Gr icken, ill minutes per sid covered for 2 to 3 e.
No one ever comes home complaining about a stressful day at the park. You have enough stress in your life already; you don’t need to bring any home with you.
At University Park there are plenty of ways to leave that stress right outside your front door, where it belongs. Like an invigorating walk with your dog along our meandering pathways. Or a relaxing soak in the spa at our resort-style pool. Or an evening cookout with friends around one of our convenient barbecue grills. Even the low maintenance Castle & Cooke homes in University Park are designed to
make your life less stressful. And with prices starting in the mid $200’s a University Park home won’t raise your blood pressure. So stop stressing and start living, in University Park.
Less stress. More living. New homes in a gated community from the mid $200’s.
UNIVERSITY PARK LIFE ENRICHED
Model homes now open. Ming Ave. at Gosford Rd. Sales Office: 661-663-3810
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bakersfieldlife.com
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UP FRONT
MY PET
SHAUNA ROCKWELL AND SOFIA By Alana Garrett
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Bakersfield Life Magazine
June 2014
Shauna Rockwell and 6-month-old Sofia. Smart, lovable, playful, plant destroyer! Favorite game: We play hide and go seek, which reinforces the basics of sit, stay and come. She also likes to play fetch. Favorite food: Since she’s still a puppy, she’s on a pretty strict diet, but she loves scrambled eggs and grilled chicken breasts. My pet’s talents: We’re still working on her talents. So far she can shake and speak along with the basics of heel, sit, stay, lay and come. We’re working on “play dead” and roll over right now.
PHOTO BY APRIL MASSIRIO
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amed after royalty, 6-monthold Sofia, aka Sofie, is the latest pup to carry on the Rottweiler legacy in Shauna Rockwell’s home. “My husband had a Rottweiler when I met him, and since then, we’ve always had a rottie or two in the house,” said Rockwell, who is the advertising traffic manager for The Bakersfield Californian. Rockwell loves these loyal, devoted, good-natured companions and after losing her previous girl, Ali, she started looking for another Rottweiler. Rockwell discovered a reputable breeder in the San Diego area and after several emails and text messages, Rockwell and her husband went south to bring Sofie home. “We met the breeder at her house, where we were able to meet Sofie’s mom, siblings and several other beautiful Rottweilers. I discovered later how fortunate we were to get Sofie, as her breeder had become quite attached to her and had seriously contemplated keeping her,” Rockwell said. Rockwell has become good friends with Sofie’s breeders and she makes sure to keep them updated on Sofie’s status. And in turn Sofie’s breeder keeps a Facebook album for her litter where all the owners can contribute updates on their pups. Not only did Rockwell gain Sofie as part of her family, but she also gained new friends as well. I named my pet (Sofia, aka Sofie) because… We named our Rottweiler Sofia after all the names we had originally put “in the hat” did not fit her. In desperation, I googled “German Royalty” and the name popped up, with several different spellings. It was the first name that seemed to fit her. My pet in 5 words or less:
These have been the most challenging to teach her. I’m confident she will become a proficient swimmer in the coming months as well as she seems to love the water. Antics: She likes to try out her new teeth on the poor yard plants. She will grab anything out of the yard — leaves, flowers, rocks, etc., and they end up under our bed! Favorite moments: I’ve had so many favorite moments watching her learn new things and am looking forward to many more.
CELEBRATING CATARACT AWARENESS MONTH Dr. Chang is proud to introduce Laser Cataract Surgery to the Central Valley • • • •
Customized Treatment Advanced 3D Imaging Laser Precision Bladeless Surgery
Come see the latest in Cataract Surgery Technology
661-325-EYES (3937)
Daniel H. Chang, M.D. Cataract and Refractive Surgeon, Corneal Specialist
Empire Eye & Laser Center EmpireH.Eye & Laser Center Daniel Chang, M.D. 4101 Empire Drive, Ste 120 Bakersfield, CA 93309 PH: 661 325 3937
4101 Empire Drive, Ste 120 93309 661-325-EYES (3937)
Montecito Aesthetic Institute Bakersfield, CA 1150 H Coast Village Rd Montecito, CA 93108 PH: PH: 805 565 5700
empireeyeandlaser.com
Joseph H. Chang, M.D.
UP FRONT
SHORT TAKES
EMPIRE EYE AND LASER CENTER UNVEILS NEW SYSTEM FOR CATARACT SURGERY
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ust in time for Cataract Awareness Month, Empire Eye and Laser Center is introducing new technology to treat this condition. Empire Eye and Laser Center is the first practice in the Central Valley to offer cataract surgery with the Catalys Precision Laser System. Ophthalmologist Daniel H. Chang said, “the goal of the laser is more predictability, safer surgery, more efficiency and better visual outcomes.” This new program allows key steps that used to be accomplished with
handheld instruments to be completed using a laser. Patients can have treatments with advanced 3D imaging. The procedure allows patients to have better vision from a distance or up close without the need for bifocal glasses, according to Chang. The surgery takes less than 30 minutes to perform. For more details, call the Empire Eye and Laser Center at 325-3937 or visit empireeyeandlaser.com.
Dr. Daniel H. Chang
WHAT I’M READING
LARRY SCHALLOCK Owner of Lambourne Travel
Larry Schallock at Temple Mount
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arry Schallock has helped Bakersfieldians explore exotic destinations for nearly 30 years. Schallock, a lifelong Bakersfield resident, graduated from Bakersfield
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June 2014
High School in 1966 and earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Cal State Bakersfield. He tried a few jobs before his globe-trotting career took off. Schallock worked for Bakersfield Congressman William Ketchum, owned a coin business, and was a partner in a jewelry business. He purchased Lambourne Travel from its founder in 1986 and entered the travel trade. Schallock enjoys biking and is an active member of St. John’s Lutheran Church. He is married to Pamela Mossman Schallock, an elementary school teacher and a fellow lifelong Bakersfieldian, and they have two children. What I’m currently reading: “Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy,” by Eric Metaxas Favorite author: Secular: Tom Clancy, James A. Michener. Spiritual: C.S. Lewis. Favorite book: “The Source,” by James Michener as a secular book; the Gospel of Luke as a sacred book. Books I’ve read more than once: Secular: “For a New Liberty: The Libertarian Manifesto,” by Murray N. Rothbard, “The Road to Serfdom: With the Intellectuals and
Socialism,” by Friedrich A. Von Hayek, “Atlas Shrugged,” by Ayn Rand. Religious: The Bible, “The Chronicles of Narnia,” by C.S. Lewis. Other materials I like reading: Biblical Archaeology Review and National Geographic. Where I enjoy reading: While eating lunch at a lunch spot (if I’m by myself, of course) and at home. The book that’s been inspirational in my life: The Bible (of course). The Book of Psalms is the most comforting and inspirational. Any other thoughts on reading you wish to share with readers? Keep your mind active and inquisitive in making your reading choices, in addition to choosing some light reading subjects.
RACE ON OVER TO THIS FUN RUN FOR ANIMALS
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photo shoot will be given to the first dog that finishes. The fun run includes a hot dog and chips lunch with a chance to win prizes from a drawing. A vendors fair will feature local vendors, including Holistic Hounds and Jamberry Nails, selling and demonstrating their cool merchandise. Cost is $25 for pre-registration, $30 after June 4. Register at kerneventregistration.com or email haltfunrun@gmail.com for an application or information about volunteering, sponsorships, and donations.
PHOTO BY CASEY CHRISTIE
camper to Yokuts Park on the first Saturday in June for a fun run that’s a blast for you and your canine family members. Helping Animals Live Tomorrow Rescue has helped more than 100 dogs find new homes in its six years of rescue work. The rescue group will hold its annual 5K/10K Fun Run on June 7. The race will be held in memory of Gordon Dole, who dedicated his life to rescuing animals. Registration starts at 6 a.m. and the race begins at 8 a.m. Awards will be given to the top three runners and a special award and
DREAMMAKER BATH & KITCHEN NETS REMODELING AWARD
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reamMaker Bath & Kitchen has a lot to celebrate. The company was recognized as Bakersfield’s Best Home Improvement Contractor in Bakersfield Life’s 2014 Best of Bakersfield competition — a title the business earned for the second year in a row — and the local business also earned prestigious national recognition for its remodeling work. DreamMaker earned a spot among Remodeling Magazine’s 2014 “BIG50,” a list of 50 companies “whose stores merit making them members” of the distinguished
list, according to be publication’s website. “When we received the news that we were chosen for the BIG50, we were ecstatic, but at the same time humbled by the call to the level of professionalism that it demands,” said DreamMaker Owner Patty Gray. “Everett and I have been blessed by those who brought us to this point in our career, namely our three sons, our loyal and talented team, which includes our in-house associates as well as our trade partners, and our wonderful clients that have put their trust in our company for the past 11 years.”
bakersfieldlife.com
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UP FRONT
SHORT TAKES
GET OUT AND VOTE!
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t’s election season again. Help decide who will fill your local, state and national offices by casting your ballot in the primary on June 3. To learn how to register to vote or where you can vote, visit elections.co.kern.ca.us/Elections. Here are a few of the offices and candidates you’ll find on the ballot. Office: U.S. Representative, 21st California District Candidates: Amanda Renteria, David Valadao (incumbent), John S. Hernandez Office: U.S. Representative, 23rd California District Candidates: Kevin McCarthy (incumbent) Office: State Senator, 14th District Candidates: Luis Chavez, Andy Vidak (incumbent) Office: State Senator, 16th District Candidates: Jean Fuller (incumbent) Office: Assembly Member, 32nd District Candidates: Romeo Agbalog, Pedro A. Rios, Rudy Salas (incumbent) Office: Assembly Member, 34th District Candidates: Shannon Grove, Virginia “Mari” Goodman Office: Member Board of Equalization, 1st District Candidates: George Runner (incumbent) Office: Kern County Superintendent, of Schools Candidate: Christine Lizardi Frazier (incumbent) Office: Beardsley School, Board Member, Short Term Candidates: Elizabeth McKinley, Jason P. Crossley and Jamie Hopkins Office: Supervisor, 2nd District Candidate: Zack Scrivner (incumbent) Office: Supervisor, 3rd District Candidate: William “Mike” Maggard (incumbent) Office: Assessor-Recorder Candidates: Russell Johnson, Lupe Esquivias Jr., John Lifquist Office: Auditor-Controller-, County Clerk Candidate: Mary B. Bedard (appointed incumbent) Office: District Attorney Candidate: Lisa S. Green (incumbent) Office: Sheriff-Coroner-, Public Administrator Candidate: Donny Youngblood (incumbent) Office: Treasurer Tax Collector Candidate: Jordan Kaufman (incumbent)
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Bakersfield Life Magazine
June 2014
THANK YOU TO THE SUPPORTERS OF YOUNG WRITERS OF KERN
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he task of educating children and producing well-rounded, informed citizens is not limited to schools. It takes an entire village to prepare the next generation of leaders. The 2014 Young Writers of Kern writing competition that addressed the theme, “How Agriculture Impacts Kern County” was designed to promote this goal. The individuals, organizations and businesses listed below are deserving of special recognition, along with the winning students, for their generosity and vision: • David Wolf, deputy District Attorney • John Hefner, retired principal • Dana Martin, president of Writers of Kern • Dennis Vanderwerff, vice president of Writers of Kern • Greg Cluff, professor Bakersfield College • Jack Brigham, retired professor Bakersfield College • Sandra V. Serrano, chancellor of the Kern Community College District • Robert Arias, superintendent Bakersfield City School District • Christine Frazier, superintendent of Kern County Superintendent of Schools • Harvey Hall, mayor • Jean Fuller, California state senator • Kern County Superior Court Judge Michael
This year’s winners were as follows: High School, ninth to 12th grade (Name, school, writing): Yazmin Morales, West, poetry; Jessica Zamora, Robert Kennedy, poetry; Brian Bangi, Cesar Chavez, poetry; Maria Beltran, Cesar Chavez, poetry; Jacob Newman, Highland, poetry; Virginia Lopez, Cesar Chavez, poetry; Kendall Black, Highland, poetry; Mikel Meneses, Highland, poetry; Marlen Estrada, Cesar Chavez, poetry; Violet Trujillo, Cesar Chavez, poetry; Yajaira Verdusco, Robert Kennedy, poetry; Arturo Navarette, McFarland, short story; Aaron Levins, Bakersfield Christian, short story; Evelia Mendez, McFarland, short story; Esmeralda Medel, Cesar Chavez, short story; Amber Sneath, Highland, short story; Gabriela Lemus, Cesar Chavez, short story; Jose Pimental,
Bush • Kern County Superior Court Judge Robert S. Tafoya • Yvonne Ortiz-Bush, Ph.D. educator • Milt Younger, attorney • David Torres, attorney • H. A. Sala, attorney • Mary Morton, writer • Mr. & Mrs. William Kelley, writers • Billy Barns, writer • Chris McGraw, writer • Dr. Jess Nieto, Ph.D, educator and community activist • Janie Sustaita, administrative assistant to Sen. Andy Vidak • Emilio Huerta, attorney • Sonia Rodriguez, director of PIQE • Leonel Martinez, KCSOS • Steve Flores, writer • Jill Egland, United Way • Steve Sanders, KCSOS • Writers of Kern Inc. • Bakersfield North Rotary • Paramount Farms • Kern Law Enforcement Association • Rabobank • Kern County Prosecutors Association • Bakersfield College, Agriculture Department
— Judge Robert Tafoya
McFarland, short story; Gabriel Ruiz, Paramount, essay; Amanda Robinson, Frontier, essay; Javier Alejandro Soto Gonzalez, South, essay; Arminder Sond, Paramount, essay. Middle School, sixth through eighth grade: Isaac Bingham, Pond, essay; Darrian Hardin, Pond, essay; David Schwartz, Fruitvale, essay; Paola Garcia, La Vin, essay; Elizabeth McGill, La Vina, essay; Valerie Lara, Pond, essay; Katelyn Blevins, Pond, essay; Moncerrat Guzman, Pond, essay; Aaron Fernandez, La Vina, short story; Molly Soper, St. Francis, essay; Anthony Sanchez, La Vina, poetry; Sean Crowley, St. Francis, poetry; Maddie Rivera, St. Francis, poetry; Lucy Brown, St. Francis, poetry; Heidi Lopez, Pioneer, poetry.
bakersfieldlife.com
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UP FRONT
FINDING FAME
FELICIA SANDERS By Chelsea Brewer
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Bakersfield Life Magazine
June 2014
Born and raised in Bakersfield, Felicia A. Sanders is a Deep Space Network mission interface manager for NASA.
PHOTO BY NORMAN SEEFF
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ommunicating with rockets isn’t a calling that Felicia Sanders expected. As a student at East Bakersfield High School, Sanders’ goal was to become a registered nurse. But during a summer job as a nurse’s aide, she quickly learned nursing was not the occupation for her. “I couldn’t take the sight of blood. I fainted on three different occasions!” Sanders said. “At that point, I knew I had better think about finding another profession.” Sanders’ parents were emphatic about education. Neither of them had gone to college after high school, but both knew the value of a good education. “(My siblings and I) were never asked whether or not we would go to college. We were asked, ‘Which college will you be attending? What will you study in college?’” Sanders said. Besides weekly church activities, Sanders recalls almost daily trips to the library. “Books, books, books. Lots of reading!” she reflected. After graduation, Sanders attended the University of California, Santa Barbara and obtained a degree in mathematical sciences with an emphasis in operations research and computer science. Soon after, she landed herself a job as a mission interface manager with the Deep Space Network (DSN), NASA’s international array of giant radio antennas that provide the connection between Earth and spacecraft that have been launched. “My job is to act as the interface between each spacecraft/flight project and the (Deep Space Network). It is my responsibility to ensure that the spacecraft telecommunication system is well understood, so that once the spacecraft has launched, the DSN can successfully communicate with the spacecraft,” Sanders explained. The DSN provides spacecraft controllers and scientists on Earth with the ability to send commands to and receive data from spacecraft. The data received provides the controllers on Earth with spacecraft health and status information. “The DSN facilitates our understanding of the universe, our solar system, and ultimately, our place within it,” Sanders said. Sanders also worked as the deputy mission interface manager for the Mars Science Laboratory’s entry, descent and landing. “No question, the highlight of my year was being in the Space Flight Operations Facility the night of the Mars Curiosity landing. That’s the kind of experience you never forget,” she said. When she’s not focusing on outer space, Sanders likes to keep her feet on the ground. “I like to work in my garden and work on art and craft projects,” she said of her spare time. “And there’s nothing like
a good high school football game.” The Pasadena resident also makes sure she visits Bakersfield at least once a month to see family and friends. “Even today, I continue to find inspiration from the lives of my family, friends, and even strangers... It’s people who have strong character — attributes of optimism, curiosity, and perseverance that inspire me the most,” she said. Sanders also takes inspiration from her own family. “My daughter, Danielle, motivates me to be patient at all times, and even if I’m not patient on one day, I can always try again at the next opportunity. My son, Reco, shows me what it means to be a true leader. My husband, Albert Williams, sets the best definition of what it is to have patience,” she said. Sanders knows her education has led her to success and encouraged Bakersfield’s new high school grads to stick with college, even when they have doubts. “While there are no guarantees that you’ll be the millionaire you’ve dreamed of being, believe me, you are better off with an education than without. Find the perseverance, energy, optimism, self-control, and curiosity that got you into college and use it to reach your goal of obtaining that degree!”
Joe and Adoree Roberson want to thank our exceptional Realtors for their support. Our reputation for honesty and integrity in Real Estate is because of these Realtors and our outstanding staff.
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IN SEASON
COLLEGE ADVICE Compiled by Bakersfield Life
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or an incoming freshman, going off to college is an exciting and scary time. A world of opportunities awaits, but new responsibilities arise. These tips and facts about college will help incoming freshmen make a smooth transition from teenager to young adult.
COLLEGE FACTS • In a 2013 survey of college freshmen, more than 86 percent of students indicated that going to college “to be able to get a better job” was very important in their decision to attend college. • 12.7 percent of students said they had major concerns about paying for their college; 55.1 percent had some concern. • In October, 65.9 percent of 2013 high school graduates were enrolled in colleges or universities, and 34.1 percent of those high school graduates enrolled in college were working or looking for work. • About six in 10 recent high school graduates enrolled in college attended four-year institutions.
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COLLEGE ADVICE FROM A PRO Jennifer McCune, the Advising Center coordinator at Cal State Bakersfield gave Bakersfield Life her advice for incoming college freshmen. 1. Get involved on campus Data shows us that students who get involved in the campus community are more likely to stay on track and complete their degree. A sense of involvement helps students stay motivated and gives them purpose. This is also a great way to meet new people who have similar interests. 2. Meet with your adviser frequently Students should meet with their adviser each quarter/semester to ensure that they are following their education plan and staying on track to graduate. Advisers are very knowledgeable about the majors and degree programs and can give students advice on course scheduling and registration, campus policies and procedures, the graduation application process and help point the student to campus resources. Your adviser should be your new best friend. 3. Get to know your professors Don’t be shy! Get to know your professor. Visit them during their office hours. Ask questions. You will be spending a lot of time with them over the next four to five years, you might as well get to know them! You never know when you may need a letter of recommendation.
4. Get to know your campus resources College campuses are filled with so many valuable resources for students. Take the time to research what is available at your campus. For example, CSUB offers a counseling center, a health center with pharmacy, tutoring centers, the Student Rec Center and so much more. All of these resources are designed to help you as a student. You pay for them as part of your tuition, you might as well use them. 5. Get ready for a faster pace Life as a college student is demanding — be prepared for it. Be ready to spend a lot of time outside of class studying and preparing for examinations. Learn to balance your school work with other activities such as work, athletics and fun time. Time management is key to success in college — start getting organized now. Use a calendar or a daily planner, map out each day. Find what works best for you and stick to it.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics U.S. Department of Labor, “The American Freshman: National Norms for Fall 2013,” by the Cooperative Institutional Research Program at the Higher Education Research Institute at UCLA.
bakersfieldlife.com
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UP FRONT
Find more community events at bakersfieldlife.com or submit yours via email to bakersfieldlife@bakersfield.com.
HAPPENINGS: Can’t-miss events in June Sun. 1 Kern County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce’s 16th annual Menudo Cook-Off, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Kern County Fairgrounds. $10 advance; $15 at the door. 633-5495 or kchcc.org.
Brit Floyd: Discovery World Tour, 7:30 p.m., Fox Theater, 2001
“The Women,” 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, The Empty Space, 706 Oak St. $15; $10 students and seniors. 327-7529.
Sat. 7 35th Annual Springtyme Faire, sponsored by Tehachapi
H St. $42.50 to $52.50 at the box office window only. vallitix.com or 322-5200.
Valley Arts Association; handcrafted gifts, arts and crafts, food, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Railroad Park, Tehachapi. Free. 822-6062.
Tues. 3
H.A.L.T. fifth annual 5K/10K Fun Run, food, beverages, ven-
“Sesame Street Live: Make a New Friend,” 6:30 p.m. Tuesday;
dors, opportunity drawing, dog adoptions, 8 a.m., Yokuts Park, 4200 Empire Drive. $25 by June 4; $30 day of event. Visit kerneventregistration.com or email haltfunrun@gmail.com.
10:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Rabobank Theater, 1001 Truxtun Ave. $15 to $30 plus fees. ticketmaster.com or 800-745-3000.
Fri. 6 Ron White, 8 p.m., Rabobank Theater, 1001 Truxtun Ave. $41.25 to $51.25 plus fees. ticketmaster.com or call 800-7453000.
Kern County Nut Festival, cooking demonstrations, music, dancing, arts and crafts, contests, nutty concoctions, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Kern County Museum, 3801 Chester Ave. $10 adults; $5 children; purchase in advance at the museum, Valley Republic Bank, Kern Schools Federal Credit Union, Kern Federal Credit Union and Farm Credit West without
Kiss of the Spider Woman added fees. Purchase online at kcnutfest.ticketleap.com. Tickets at the gate are $12 adults, $7 children. 437-3330.
Sixth annual Tigerfight Casino Night, casino games, food, live music, live and silent auctions, 6 to 11 p.m., The Padre Hotel, 1702 18th St. $150, includes appetizers, dinner, casino chips, chance to win prizes; $75, includes appetizers and dinner. Proceeds benefit the Tigerfight Foundation. tigerfight.org.
student dinner/show, $23 show only. 325-6100.
Sat. 14 Bakersfield Youth Symphony Orchestra, featuring student soloist Bryce Gagner on trombone, 4 p.m., CSUB, Doré Theatre, 9001 Stockdale Highway. Tickets at the door are $10 adults; $5 students. Visit bysorocks.org.
Comedian Doug Stanhope, 7:30 p.m., On the Rocks, 1517 18th St. 21 and over only. $25 plus fee, dougstanhope.com.
Fri. 21 “From Pismo with Love: A James Blonde Adventure,” 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday, Gaslight Melodrama Theatre & Music Hall, 12748 Jomani Drive. $12 to $23. 587-3377.
Kern County Nut Festival Super Freestyle Explosion, with Stevie B, Lisa Lisa, Lil Suzy, Cynthia, Lisette Melendez, Johnny O, Freestyle Evolution, Nu Shooz, The Original Cover Girls, 7:30 p.m., Rabobank Arena, 1001 Truxtun Ave. $28.50 to $39.50 plus fees. ticketmaster.com or 800-745-3000.
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Bakersfield Life Magazine
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Gregg Allman, 8 p.m., Eagle Mountain Casino, 681 S. Tule Reservation Road, Porterville. $35 general; $45 reserved. Tickets online at eaglemtncasino.com or 559-788-6220.
Thurs. 12
Sat. 28
“Kiss of the Spider Woman,” 7:30 p.m. Thursday
Media Music Jam, featuring Thee Majestics with media guest performers to benefit the Kern County Cancer Fund, 7 p.m., Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace, 2800 Buck Owens Blvd. $25.
through Saturday, Stars Dinner Theatre, 1931 Chester Ave. $54 to $60 for adult dinner/show, $38 show only; $39
Ron White
Fri. 27
BY THE NUMBERS
THE PAYOFF OF HIGHER EDUCATION 55 percent of Bakersfield
29 percent of Kern County
adults ages 18 to 20 are fulltime students.
adults ages 25 to 64 have some college education but did not graduate.
64 percent of college graduates have full-time employment.
14 percent of Kern County adults ages 25 to 64 have a four-year college degree.
48 percent of Kern County adults with just some college education have full-time employment.
35 percent of Kern County adults ages 25 to 64 completed high school but did not go to college.
43 percent of Kern County adults with just a high school education have full-time employment.
57 percent of college graduates have household incomes of $75,000 or more.
30 percent of Kern County adults with just some college education have household incomes of $75,000 or more.
15 percent of Kern County
18 percent of Kern County
adults ages 25 to 64 plan to go back to school in the next 12 months.
adults with just a high school education have household incomes of $75,000 or more.
Source: Scarborough Research (September 2013)
bakersfieldlife.com
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UP FRONT
MY MOBILE LIFE
MARK RAMSEY Compiled by Bakersfield Life Magazine
W
hether he’s editing photos on the go or preparing for a mountain biking adventure, Mark Ramsey relies on his trusted apps to complete the task at hand. The Bakersfield-raised businessman has been the principal and owner of Design Mark + Associates, a local brand design and development firm, for nearly 25 years. The Los Angeles Dodgers, Tejon Ranch, Grapery, Colorado Olympic Training Center and Dewar’s are a few of the many clients Ramsey’s firm has helped develop and promote their brands. Ramsey graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with a degree in design and his work has been recognized with numerous local, regional and national awards. His essential mobile devices are his iPhone 5S and iPad Air. Ramsey and his wife, Betsy, have been married for 15 years and their 13-year-old son, Miles, is a student at Stockdale Christian School. Ramsey stays active by fly fishing, skiing, hiking, cycling, and playing tennis. He is also heavily involved in the community as the creative director for the Bakersfield Jazz Festival and a board member for East Bakersfield Rotary and the Plank Foundation. With such a busy, rich life, it’s easy to see why Ramsey relies on these apps to keep him on track. Keynote: Great app that I use extensively for making client presentations on the iPad, including corporate identity programs, website design, packaging concepts, videos and TV spots.
Cyclemeter GPS: Not just for cycling, this is a fantastic fitness app for all kinds of activities including cycling, running, walking, skiing, hiking and more. It tracks, times, and creates maps, and records speeds, intervals, distances, and elevation gains/changes, all with the ability to share the information over a plethora of social networking sites and web browsers. Bank of America Mobile Banking App: Mobile banking for my personal and business accounts lets me do mobile check deposits, bill pay, account transfers and more. Pandora Radio: My choice for Internet radio. This app creates playlists based on genre, season, or artist and allows me to create personalized stations that are synced across my phone, iPad, work and home computers. Kindle: Ideal for acquiring and reading ebooks. Automatically syncs last page read, bookmarks, notes, highlights across all my digital platforms. A few on my list: “When God Winks,” “Aspire,” and “Creating Affluence.”
theScore: My sports app of choice! Allows me to keep up with any sport, team, or game and sports news. I can receive push alerts and player alerts. Urbanspoon: Great app to use when traveling
GoodReader: This robust PDF reader for both platforms gives me the ability to read most anything from anybody anywhere, including books, movies, maps, photos, docs and PDFs. It’s also a great editing tool that allows me to mark up PDFs.
Adobe Photoshop Express: Great photo editing tool while on the go. Easy and fast for basic edits before saving or exporting an image I’ve captured on the phone or iPad. Easily shares with social networking sites.
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to find the best food and dining experiences!
AroundMe: Helps me to find quick info on my surroundings — banks, restaurants, hotels, gas stations, parking, you name it. Great for traveling. Dropbox: Allows me to access and share all my personal and business files from my computers, phone, iPad and web, including photos, docs and videos.
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B A K E R S F I E L D M AT T E R S By Lisa Kimble
Graduates celebrate at the end of Centennial High School’s graduation ceremony for the class of 2013.
D
ear graduates, A lot of fuss will be made over you in the days ahead, and rightly so. You have presumably worked hard the past four years and spent many sleepless nights cramming for finals, writing papers and racing to class to reach this milestone. Celebrate yourselves, your diligence and achievement. And prepare to buckle up. Before the ink is dry on your diploma, consider this – when well-wishers congratulate you and tell you the future is yours, they aren’t kidding. It is yours to build upon what is already ours. No longer are we counting on you for extra touchdowns or gold stars, but for your passion and will to make this world, our world, a better place for all. Commit to doing at least one random act of niceness each and every day. They will be the stepping stones to a life of service over self. Doing something for someone else, especially one who may never be able to repay you in word or deed, will be the sod of a lifetime of giving rather than taking. Strive to want what you already have rather than have what you want. Immense peace and satisfaction will surely follow if you live by this advice. Chasing what is just outside your reach is admirable when running after dreams, but you will be on nothing more than an endless and exhausting hamster wheel if your main pursuit is material pleasures. Don’t blame the manufacturer — your parents. Our society likes to place blame at the feet of everyone else, including the people who brought us into this world. Stop the cycle of excuses. Take ownership and responsibility for your actions and words. Your grace period where everything is somebody else's fault is about to expire. While chasing your dream, don’t lose sight of where you are right now. This moment, and the ones to follow, will never come back in reruns. These may very well be the best of times. Don’t lose the opportunity to enjoy and celebrate them because your focus is way down the road of life. 36
Bakersfield Life Magazine
June 2014
CALIFORNIAN FILE PHOTO
WORDS OF WISDOM FOR THE CLASS OF 2014
Spend a little, save a lot. The rainy days of life are certain and your parents’ umbrella won’t always be there. The next cracked iPhone screen and parking ticket may be on your dime. If someone else’s trash blows across your path, pick it up. Life may never meet you 50/50. In fact, it will almost always be unfair and unbalanced. You may have had a privileged upbringing, but you are entitled to nothing, and no one owes you a thing. There is no greater feeling than acquiring what you alone worked hard for. Remember, too, that being polite never goes out of style. Always pen a thank you note, open doors, give up seats, and be the embodiment of civility and graciousness. Your mothers will be proud of you, and you will attract the right kind of friends and potential spouses to you like a magnet. Be mindful of the company you keep. Will they have your back? Who you associate with will speak volumes to others about who you really are. Don’t ride through life in the back seat. Hop up in front, buckle up and live with purpose, passion, and authenticity. The life ahead of you is your blank canvas, waiting for you to leave your imprint, your signature, your mark, your masterpiece. Trust the wisdom and advice of those older and more experienced than you, but listen to your inner voice as well. And engage in your community, whether it be your dorm floor, your campus, your neighborhood or church. Connect, get involved in the collaborative and collective effort to better your corner of the world. The future is yours for the taking and the nurturing. And your legacy, which will be measured in what you do and give, not what you drive or wear, starts now! Lisa Kimble
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FOOD DUDES
FIREHOUSE RESTAURANT Food Dudes seek out hot spot for summer
Food dudes Vince Fong, Chris Berry, David Rous, Jay Tamsi and Robert Rodriguez hang out at Firehouse Restaurant.
Photos by Greg Nichols
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f you’re simply looking for a place to unwind after work, somewhere to enjoy good food or just a fun spot to take family and friends to watch the big game, you can’t go wrong with a visit to Firehouse Restaurant. The locally owned and operated restaurant opened in March 2009 and is themed after the history of the Bakersfield Fire Department, which dates back to 1868. With fire station decor proudly on display along with vintage pictures of downtown Bakersfield, this restaurant offers something for everyone, including a full-service bar, 18 regulation-size pool tables, an arcade, foosball, darts, shuffleboard and more than 20 high-definition televisions. Its menu offers countless delicious options, including steaks, burgers, sandwiches, pizza,
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pasta, healthy salads and wraps. Firehouse Restaurant also prides itself on having one of Bakersfield’s largest selection of draft beer.
APPETIZERS Chris on the Firehouse wings: One of the toughest decisions of the night was choosing what kind of chicken wings to try. Firehouse offers a variety of wings including mild, hot, very hot, garlic parmesan, sweet & sour, barbecue and teriyaki. We decided to go with the hot and garlic parmesan wings. The generously sized wings were crispy on the outside, but juicy when you took the first bite. The hot sauce had the perfect combination of tanginess and heat. With wing restaurants gaining popularity these days, Firehouse holds its own with the best of them.
Firehouseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s savory hot and garlic parmesan wings.
Firehouse Restaurant Location: 7701 White Lane, Suite A-3 Phone: 831-4688 Website: firehouseeats.com Hours: 11 to 2 a.m.
Station commander nachos.
David on the station commander nachos: There are firefighter themes throughout the restaurant, even the menu items are appropriately titled. When the station commander nachos were set in front of me, I felt like I was in charge at our table. The nachos came stacked high atop a 12-inch by 10-inch platter. Nacho cheese sauce was drizzled on nearly every chip along with homemade chili, fresh pico de gallo, jalapenos and generous mounds of guacamole and sour cream; it all made for an impressive display. For a couple dollars more, I added chicken as recommended by our server. This is perfect game day food to share with a group of people because it would be a mistake to overlook the entrees. Vince on the smoky quesadilla with steak: Filled with
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Back burn blackened salmon with creamy garlic mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables. bakersfieldlife.com
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Type III cheesy bread tri-tip sandwich with onion rings.
noticed that Firehouse’s Atlantic salmon entree is prepared blackened. The thick, pan-seared salmon filet was cooked with a crispy brown sear. Each bite was loaded with the flavors of Cajun seasoning and garlic butter. While the exterior had a nice crunch, the middle was tender, juicy and flaky. The dish was complemented nicely with a side of creamy garlic mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables...This dish was exceptional. For all of the salmon lovers out there, a Firehouse trip is worth it just to try this entrée alone. David on the task force teriyaki burger: Before I even arrived that evening, I knew I was going to have a burger. Despite all of the other tasty offerings, I decided on the teriyaki burger. This half-pound USDA beef burger took me on an island excursion. The patty is marinated in teriyaki sauce and topped with a grilled pineapple ring, lettuce and tomato. The teriyaki flavor was bold but not overbearing, especially with the taste of sweet pineapple. I admit to putting my personal touch on this signature burger by placing a couple of crispy onion rings under the bun. Maybe Firehouse will make this a regular addition to those who order it “Food Dude style.”
Task force teriyaki burger.
Continued from page 39 jack and cheddar cheese, pico de gallo and marinated steak, this appetizer can be quite filling. Served with salsa for dipping, the quesadilla had great flavor and was pressed to have a nice crispy exterior. Order it as a meal or share with friends — you’ll enjoy this appetizer. If you’re not into steak, you can also add chicken to this cheesy goodness.
ENTREES Chris on the back burn blackened salmon: I wasn’t really considering a seafood dish until I read the menu and 40
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Vince on the smokehouse BBQ burger: Cooked to your liking, this burger comes with cheddar cheese, lettuce, fried onion strings, tomato, pickles, smoked bacon strips and Firehouse barbecue sauce. Full of flavor and served with fries, this half-pound burger is a must if you’re looking for a hearty meal. I’ll be ordering it again on my next visit! Robert on the Type III cheesy bread tri-tip sandwich: This sandwich was very good! Thinly sliced and very tender tri-tip is served atop cheesy garlic bread, which totally makes this sandwich. It’s served open faced to be eaten with a knife and fork because it is messy. The cheesy bread is made of a wonderful garlic spread sprinkled with a three cheese blend on a huge piece of French bread, then baked just the way I like it, crispy on the outside and soft in the middle. Onion rings were the perfect side with this tasty sandwich.
Jay on the master stream fish and chips: If you like fish and chips, then you can’t go wrong with Firehouse’s deep fried, beer-battered cod strips. These fish and chips have a lot of flavor and are served with french fries and coleslaw. The next time I stop in, I’ll be sure to place another order!
DESSERTS Jay on the chief officer brownie sundae: What’s not to like about fresh baked Ghirardelli chocolate brownies served with vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce? When the server put this dessert on our table, I knew I would not be able to have just one bite. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, you cannot, and should not, pass up the chance to order this sundae. Robert on the master plan carrot cake: This dessert was fantastic! Three layers of cake filled with shredded carrots, pieces of pecan and crushed pineapple with cream cheese frosting. While many people may think twice about ordering a slice of carrot cake, I certainly recommend it. Vince on the seasonal fruit cobbler: If you’ve managed to save room for dessert, a few bites of this homemade cobbler will complete the Firehouse dining experience. Served warm and topped with crumbled brown sugar and
The chief officer brownie sundae. vanilla ice cream, this dessert is delicious.
A FUN CASUAL DINING EXPERIENCE As you can see, we thoroughly enjoyed our dining experience at Firehouse Restaurant. We all agreed that we will have to return for a little billiard competition or to watch a baseball game on the big flat-screen televisions. If you find yourself in search of a good time this summer, stop by Firehouse to savor, swig and soak up some sports.
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FOOD AND WINE
Staff from Boys & Girls Clubs of Kern County and the American Heart Association prepare to whip up healthy salads with a group of kids.
COOKING UP A STORM Little chefs-in-training whip up delightful meals in local cooking classes By Chelsea Brewer
E
ggs cracking, blenders whirring, pans frying. These aren’t the typical sounds you would expect to hear from a group of kids playing around. But at the Boys and Girls Clubs of Kern County, the kitchen has become a bit of a playroom. Kids are learning how to grow and prepare healthy and wholesome food with the help of local chef, Stephanie Caughell-Fisher, owner of Gimme Some Sugar Sweet Company. Caughell-Fisher was hired by the American Heart Association to teach classes on healthy cooking emphasizing using healthy ingredients as alternatives to not-so-healthy ones. The club kids get to attend classes twice a week for 12 weeks. They learn the basics of slicing, dicing, seasoning, broiling, and baking. Often they use fresh homegrown ingredients from their very own garden at the center. “We have a community garden,” said Maggie Cushine,
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Children ages 6 to 8 prepare to make fruit garden salads with strawberries, blueberries, and oranges. resource development director at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Kern County. “The kids help plant it and water it. They pull from it and cook with what they grow. They made fresh salsa with cilantro and peppers from the garden.” The club kids aren’t just stopping at one or two fruits and veggies. They grow watermelons, citrus trees, pumpkins, beans and squash. “The pumpkins keep growing and growing!” Cushine said.
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Cole Pittman-Patrick prepares an egg for a fruit garden salad at cooking class.
The program is made available to the kids through a grant from the American Heart Association through Kaiser Permanente. The grant gives children of all ages an opportunity to learn to live a healthier lifestyle by cooking homemade meals out of fresh, organic ingredients. It’s a valuable lesson to learn and carry with them throughout the rest of their lives. In the U.S., one-third of children and adults are overweight or obese. In the state of California alone, childhood obesity is just over 20 percent. The skill of cooking for yourself is often overlooked these days when fast food is readily available any time, day or night. The club kids are also learning valuable skills like kitchen safety and how to properly handle knives. “I taught them how to properly slice strawberries,” said CaughellFisher. “That’s the stuff they don’t get to do at home.” They also gain a sense of pride and accomplishment when they taste the reward of their delicious finished products. Learning how to cook gives the kids a chance to explore their creativity. They can experiment with different ingredients and textures, making each dish they create as individual as they are. Cooking classes are also a chance to explore a new hobby, or perhaps discover an underlying passion. At Gimme Some Sugar, Caughell-Fisher holds baking classes for children every summer. For about
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Paradiz Gurule, 8, and Matthew Luna Jr., 9, take salad making tips from Karla Adams of the American Heart Association.
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Continued from page 43 six years, she’s been teaching kids the joys of making sugar flowers and homemade frosting. And what kid doesn’t want to lick the beaters after whipping up a homemade batch of cupcakes from scratch? “They come every day! It’s like a tornado of sprinkles and buttercream came through here!” Caughell-Fisher joked. “They have fun with me because I let them have fun and make a mess. I let them lick their fingers and the bowl. As long as they wash their hands, they’re fine!” At the end of the class, each student receives a diploma from Caughell-Fisher, along with a special little kitchen tool, such as their very own whisk or a wooden spoon. “It’s just a little thing, but all these tools add up to their very own set of kitchen tools,” Caughell-Fisher said. Caughell-Fisher estimates that about 20 percent of the kids coming to the camp want to be professional chefs one day. As for the other kids who are there just for fun, by the end of the class they all want to be cooks, Caughell-Fisher said. Such wonderful support and encouragement is surely bound to pave the way for a few brilliant chefs that will someday create a masterpiece meal.
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FOODIE
Ralph Fruguglietti, owner of Frugatti's, cooks up chicken in the Halos Pure Goodness Cafe kitchen inside the Halos plant of Paramount Citrus. 46
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Ingredients for lite pesto chicken pasta.
RALPH FRUGUGLIETTI Local Italian restaurant owner partners with powerhouse Paramount Citrus By Hillary Haenes
W
hether he’s in his home, corporate or workplace kitchen, restaurateur Ralph Fruguglietti brings fresh flair to every dish he plates. Fruguglietti was born in Southern Italy and has lived in Kern County for more than 30 years. The lively man doesn’t shy away from culinary challenges and his inventiveness prepared him to whip up something incredible for a standing lunch date with one of the county’s most health-conscious corporations. Fruguglietti’s beloved Italian restaurant Frugatti’s had catered plenty of events for Paramount Citrus, including its annual Christmas lunch, before Danny Garcia, the company’s director of human resources, came calling five years ago with an exciting proposition. He wanted Fruguglietti to open a cafe for the Delano-based company. “Danny and I traveled down to the headquarters of Roll Global (the parent company of Paramount Citrus) in Los Angeles and toured their corporate restaurant. This is when I realized their vision was not to just provide a cafeteria; what they wanted was a restaurant that provides employees with
Fruguglietti helped create the Citrus Grill inside a Paramount Citrus plant in Delano.
fresh, high-quality and healthful food,” Fruguglietti said. And thus, The Citrus Grill inside Paramount Citrus’ orange and lemon packinghouse was designed to offer everything made-to-order. It was such a hit that four years later, Halos Pure Goodness Cafe opened inside the Halos packinghouse. Employees were tapped for menu suggestions and Fruguglietti created an assortment of meals that cut calories and fat from traditional dishes (similar to Ralph’s Fitness Menu at Frugatti’s). Popular menu items at these company restaurants include the charbroiled chicken sandwich on ciabatta bread, baked mostaccioli and basil pesto chicken pasta. “David Krause, president of Paramount Citrus, instructed me to price everything so it is affordable for all of his employees. As a result, Paramount Citrus subsidizes a portion of their meal because he wants them to eat healthily,” said Fruguglietti, 59. Between the two Paramount Citrus restaurants, Fruguglietti employs eight people and visits the locations weekly. “Their employees get high-quality food on premises, and since we make everything from scratch, we can change a recipe to accommodate anyone’s dietary needs. And we have been able to develop a restaurant model that has allowed us to grow,” Fruguglietti said.
COOKING ADVICE I developed an interest in cooking when: I used to compete for the Italian national track and field team as a dis-
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Ralph Fruguglietti, owner of Frugatti's, partnered with ag giant Roll Global to cook up something healthy for Paramount Citrus employees.
Continued from page 47 cus thrower when I was at the University of Southern California. ... I was an Italian citizen at that time, so the Italian team flew me to Milan where I spent the summers competing all over Europe. I had quite a bit of extra time and got to know all the restaurants in the area. They invited me to their kitchen to talk about Italian cooking and the restaurant business. I guess you could say I acquired a taste for it. How often I entertain for family and friends: We have family night every Sunday at our house with all of our family and cousins. My wife, Anne, and I love this time with the family. Our kids and grandkids look forward to coming over to Nonni and Papo’s house for good food, a little wine and great, lively conversation. Everything goes better with: Wine, of course! My go-to ingredient: Garlic, basil or red pepper pesto. I buy this in bulk: Extra virgin olive oil. How I find inspiration to create a new dish: I travel to other states and Italy. I try different dishes everywhere I go; if I like something, I log it in my future recipe file. ... I also follow trends in the industry. Must-have kitchen tool: Temperature probe. Go-to cookbooks: The 50-year-old Italian cookbooks that my mother gave me 30 years ago. Spice cabinet necessities: Sea salt, pepper, cinnamon and a good meat rub. If I could spend a day with a famous chef, it would be Chef Robert Irvine because: His “Restaurant: Impossible” TV show is really interesting to me because he takes something that is failing and reinvents it into a successful concept. ... I enjoy watching the changes in the food, atmosphere and concept.
GLOBE-TROTTING Best food memory: Years ago we would go to my 48
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mom’s house for holidays — the smell of food cooking in that kitchen will always be a very fond memory. Most expensive meal: Gordon Ramsay Steak in Las Vegas, cost $600 for four people. We had amazing handselected steaks, fresh seafood and outstanding service. I wanted to see if he was all talk and no show, but guess what, the man can cook! Weirdest food I like: Nutella! I used to eat it in Italy as a child, and then I discovered it in the U.S. I have to avoid it or I would eat it by the jar! Most surprising food I’m not crazy about: Mushrooms. When I lived in Italy as a little boy, I used to see people get sick on wild mushrooms they picked in the forest. It scarred me for life! But one of my most popular appetizers at Frugatti’s is our stuffed mushrooms. Go figure!
A FEW OF MY FAVORITE THINGS Cooking equipment: My wood-fired oven from Italy. Local restaurant and my order: Jake’s Tex-Mex Cafe. I love Skip Slayton’s pit beef, tri-tip and tomato/cucumber salad. My granddaughter Sofie gets their famous chocolate cake. Always in the fridge: Eggs, tomatoes, cucumbers, fresh blackberries, yogurt and lately Similac Formula for our three grandbabies. I’m addicted to: Great coffee like Italian roast, espresso and cappuccinos — I want it all! Comfort food: Rigatoni with Bolognese sauce. Splurge at the grocery store: Vanilla bean ice cream and fresh blackberries drizzled with a sweet balsamic vinegar from Modena. The single tastiest thing I’ve eaten this month: A new menu item that will be out next month, it is a real Napolitano pizza with ingredients from a specific area of Naples that is known for its special flour, San Marzano tomatoes and Buffalo mozzarella.
one more reason to join:
JOURNEYS WITH STYLE
LITE PESTO CHICKEN PASTA Ingredients 2 ounces of dry Barilla penne pasta Extra virgin olive oil spray 5 ounces chicken breast 1 cup broccoli 2 tablespoons basil pesto Garlic salt Fresh parmesan cheese Directions Bake chicken breast in oven at 375 F till done. Let chicken cool, cut cooked chicken into half-inch cubes, then put to the side. Steam or cook the broccoli in water, then drain and put to the side. Cook the pasta in boiling water until al dente, drain and let cool. Spray a sauté pan with extra virgin olive oil spray (you can use actual extra virgin olive oil, but the calories and fat will be higher in this dish). Add the chopped chicken and heat slightly, add the broccoli and season to taste with garlic salt (not too much). Add the basil pesto and toss to mix. Add the cooked penne pasta and toss slightly till thoroughly coated with the pesto. Put the finished pasta on a plate and add fresh parmesan on top. If you would like a slightly richer dish (with a few more calories) you can add one tablespoon of heavy cream when you add the pesto.
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AND ARE TREATED AS DRIVERS OF VEHICLES.” ~JOHN FORESTER
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E N T E R TA I N M E N T
A SEASON FOR ART Take a trip to Tehachapi for the 35th Annual Springtyme Faire
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f you’re looking for an excuse to get out of town as the mercury rises, take a drive to Tehachapi for the 35th Annual Springtyme Faire. The faire is a great way to celebrate art for a good cause. The faire features handmade art by 40 vendors including hand-poured candles from Tehachapi Candle Co., iron art from Monica’s Junk Iron, handmade bee-inspired body care products from Tehacha-Bee Farms and much more. The free festivities are held on June 7 and 8 at Railroad Park on Tehachapi Boulevard and Robinson Street. Proceeds from the event help fund high school art scholarships and art supplies for local schools. While you feast your eyes on art, you can also fill your stomach with tacos, corn dogs, funnel cakes, kettle corn, lemonade and shaved ice, as well as coffees and smoothies from food vendors. And make sure you bring your wallet so you can pick up a unique, eyecatching piece of local art for your home or office. Gale Caldwell, the president of Tehachapi Valley Art Association and the faire organizer, has participated in the faire for 13 years. “I am looking forward to looking at the new items that vendors have came up with,” said Caldwell. The arts event and the Tehachapi Valley Arts Association have a long legacy in this mountain town. The Art Association started soon after World War II, bringing together local artists and crafters. The group hosted the town’s first judged arts and craft show in 1963. “TVAA discovered their new organization brought 50
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Unique art pieces like Shirley Given's pine needle and gourd creations will be for sale at the 35th Annual Springtyme Faire in Tehachapi.
PHOTO BY SHIRLEY GIVEN
By Sandy Ornelas
PHOTO COURTESY OF GALE CALDWELL
You’ll find everything from hand-poured candles to beautiful pieces of art at the Springtyme Faire.
in a modest income and they chose to return this to the children of Tehachapi by sponsoring art-related projects for students,” the group’s website states. In the ’80s, the group began the Springtyme Faire and Fall Harvest Faire. The faires are a tradition that continues to delight the community and vendors alike. Shirley Given is looking forward to her seventh year selling her pine needle baskets and pine needle gourd basketry at the faire. Given described the gathering as “a fun and laid-back, easy day.” “It’s a great place to pick a one-of-a-kind item that you are not going to find anywhere else, whether it is jewelry, basketry, candles (or) more,” Given said. Visit galleryngifts.com or check out facebook.com/galleryngifts for more details as the faire approaches.
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HOMETOWN HERO
JOSEPH DREW Lieutenant Colonel By Alana Garrett
J
oseph Drew is the senior vice president of real estate for Tejon Ranch Company, but this outstanding man is also a hometown hero who earned major honors in his 20-year Army career. Drew emerged a distinguished graduate from officer candidate school in 1963 and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Armor Branch. Drew later became a pilot and was deployed to Vietnam in 1966. During his first tour of duty in Vietnam, Drew received more than 20 medals, including two Bronze Star medals and two Distinguished Flying Crosses. He was promoted to captain and became an instructor and flight commander in Texas. Drew completed his bachelor’s degree and graduated magna cum laude from Park College in Missouri in 1970. He was deployed again to Vietnam after his graduation and received more awards, including the Purple Heart. He went on to serve his country in numerous positions and continued to earn awards as he built on his training. Perhaps most notably, he assembled “a unique cadre of forces” that eventually became the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, also known as “Night Stalkers.” Though Drew retired from active service in 1981 as a lieutenant colonel, he continued to apply the leadership skills he honed in the Army in his civilian career. He held positions as personnel director, airports director, and chief administrative officer for Kern County. Drew was later appointed CEO of the Los Angeles Metropolitan Transportation Authority, overseeing the city’s subways, trains and more than 2,000 buses every day. Retired Lt. Col. Joseph Drew and his In his current position son, Col. Thomas R. Drew. with Tejon Ranch Company, Drew works in all aspects of the real estate business, including design, development and finance. Though he has made the transition from the military world to the corporate world, Drew’s Army legacy lives on in his family. Last year, Drew and his son Col. Thomas R. Drew were inducted into the Army’s Officer Candidate School Hall of Fame together. Why I joined: When I became of age and finished high school, there was a draft of young guys. I decided to get my mil52
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Retired Lt. Col. Joseph Drew in November 1966 at Ben Hoa, Vietnam. itary service out of the way. Assignments: My principal duties revolved around flying helicopters and commanding units whose primary missions were to train, fly and fight aircraft in combat. Where I served: Multiple assignments, including two one-year tours in combat in Vietnam, three years in Washington, D.C., and two years in Alaska, as well as in other parts of the United States.
Joseph Drew in April 1971 at Chu Lai in South Vietnam.
Biggest challenges: Family separations, achieving excellence in my leadership duties, and combat fly-
ing. What I learned: Leadership, followership, personal fitness, and the importance of honesty and integrity. Greatest accomplishment: Being selected to be the first commanding officer of the “Night Stalkers,” the United States military’s premier special operations helicopter organization to this day. Favorite memory: There are many but they all associated with the outstanding soldiers and officers I was privileged to command over my years of service. Advice for those think of joining the service: Look forward to the service, accept the challenges with a good attitude, and always deliver more than expected. We need outstanding men and women to put the uniform on and wear it proudly.
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ON THE ROAD
Bakersfield Life assistant managing editor Rachel Cook and her dog Ulysses enjoy the Fiat 500L Lounge.
FIAT 500L LOUNGE Roomy four-door Fiat packs functional, fun punch By Rachel Cook
G
ood things come in surprisingly not small packages. That’s the lesson I learned in the driver’s seat of the Fiat 500L Lounge, a four-door wonder that will make you think twice before you settle for the average sedan. Words like “cute” and “adorable” generally don’t stick to cars, but I can’t think of any better automobile embodiment of the terms than the Fiat 500L. With its powder blue paint job and silver trim, the Fiat I drove was just plain darling. But, as a manly man friend of mine was quick to point out as he road in the back seat, the paint job was really the only girlie thing about this car. Inside and out, the imaginative design is sure to please either sex. While the mighty little two-door models are surely what pops to mind when people hear Fiat, the brand’s only fourdoor car is making quite an impression since its debut last year. 54
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The Fiat 500L Lounge leather-wrapped steering wheel is adjustable.
“We’ll sell one and we’ll end up selling four of five (shortly) thereafter” because people gush to their friends about the 500L, said Peter De Keles, sales manager for Fiat of Bakersfield. At only $19,995 for the basic model, the car is a steal. It’s also pretty modestly priced when you consider the cost of other brand-new sedans. “For me, it’s the most bang for your buck for a four-door car,” said Humberto Sandoval, Fiat sales and leasing consultant. For one, the Fiat is roomier than your average four-door vehicle. Flipping back to my 6-foot-2-inch buddy in the back seat, he was also impressed by how much space he had dur-
The Fiat 500L has four versions — Pop, Easy, Trekking and Lounge — each with its own design flavor and details.
ing our short ride and even remarked that the December review. “The A-pillar, which is the second row was just as roomy as his SUV. The front part of the frame that extends from the rear seats also slide forward and back, giving body to the front roof, is split in half, so tall passengers even more leg room. instead of having a thick slab potentially The trunk blocking visibility, comes with shelvyou have a wining and a screen dow frame.” to protect your You can valuables from upgrade to an view. And with a even better view quick pull of a with a full sunhandle, the rear roof, one that seats somersault extends all the over themselves, way over the rear opening up the seat to the hatch. entire back of the The 500L has car for storage. the eye-catching Then there’s design you’d The Fiat 500L Lounge comes with a 6.5the goodies up expect from a inch touch screen and GPS navigation. front, adjustable Fiat, but its persteering wheel, formance may “his and her” seat heaters, two glove comsurprise you. Fiat’s four cylinder turbo engine partments, backup camera and a 6.5-inch has plenty of pick-up to power you through touch screen. My test drive also had the Beats traffic on the highway, but the 500L still gets Audio system with six speakers and an 8-inch good gas mileage (24 mpg in the city and 33 subwoofer that produced clear, booming mpg on the highway). sound throughout the car. My favorite With all the perks of a newer sedan and thoughtful feature was the sneaky back seat more space, Sandoval said the 500L has been review mirror, giving parents a stealth peek at popular with two-door Fiat owners who are what the kids are up to. ready to upgrade. I’m sure it will continue to The view out the front window is incredicharm old Fiat lovers and win new converts to ble as well. I was skeptical when De Keles and the club. Sandoval raved about the 500L’s nearly 360When I asked Sandoval who this car was degree visibility, but I quickly came to appreperfect for, the salesman answered young ciate it. Like me, Robert Duffer of the Chicago families but also divulged, “I bought one for Tribune was impressed by the view. my mom.” “The windshield wraps around the front What better vote of confidence can you into large quarter windows,” he wrote in a ask for than that?
Fiat partnered with Dr. Dre for the available Beats Audio system.
It’s all in the details Price tag: $19,995 and up Five best features: • Available Double-Clutch transmission gives the performance and fuel economy of a stick-shift in an automatic. • Sliding, reclining, folding, and tumbling rear seats with an adjustable cargo shelf. • Available full front-to-back panoramic sunroof. • Unprecedented visibility, unique wrap-around windshield, built-in blind spot mirrors, and available backup camera let you see everything. • Beats Audio Sound System. Dr. Dre personally worked with Fiat engineers to make the system sound incredible! Target customer: The fun-loving and young at heart, who don't want to sacrifice style for utility.
The 2014 Fiat 500L is perfect for… Road trips, camping, tailgating parties, a night on the town, a guest suite for certain relatives…
Three words that define the 2014 Fiat 500L: Versatile, engaging and fun!
What do you like most about the 2014 Fiat 500L: I love to see the looks on people's faces when they see the interior for the first time. I feel like a magician, making all of this space appear out of nowhere! Source: Peter De Keles, Fiat of Bakersfield sales manager
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ON THE ROAD
Bakersfield Life editor Olivia Garcia drives the Ford F-250 Super Duty.
FORD F-250 SUPER DUTY King of the road boasts plenty of muscle, comfort By Olivia Garcia
Photos by Mark Nessia
T
est driving the 2014 Ford F-250 Super Duty Platinum series for a few days reminded me of pure Kern County, a salute to Americans who work hard and play hard, day in and out. I thought of ranchers pulling their multi-horse trailers. Dads hauling the fifth-wheel RV for a central coast family getaway or their boat for a trip to the lake. The independent small business owner driving to his next customer assignment, gear loaded and fitted perfectly in the bed of the truck. And of course, I thought of my girlfriend, Erica Lopez, who happens to own a F-250 with her husband Pete, and proves that women can drive the model without a snag. I have to be honest though. I was initially apprehensive when I stepped into the 2014 F-250 diesel series. “How could I drive this huge heavy-duty 4x4 truck?” I thought to myself. I mean, I’m 5’3”, well, almost 5’4”. Augie Reyes of Jim Burke Ford in downtown Bakersfield 56
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The 2014 Ford F-250 Super Duty Platinum series has plenty of room for you and your passengers. quickly reassured me that this truck can be adjusted to suit any driver’s size. He pointed to chrome running boards, which made it super easy to step in the truck, and the adjustable foot pedals, which can be brought up close for female drivers and extended for taller guys. There are other features worth boasting about, including the 4.2-inch LCD productivity screen, the fifth wheel/gooseneck hitch prep package, an integrated trailer brake controller, hill descent mode and traction control, the Sync/My Ford Touch system with navigation LCD screen and its Traffic and Travel Link service, which provides options like weather
reports and sports listings. Of course, just looking at the truck I imagined the amount of power it packed. I soon discovered the stats to back it up: 400 horsepower and 800 lb/ft of torque. Wow. Guess Ford’s slogan, “Built Ford Tough” is serious about the F-250’s strength and performance. Reyes spent some time going over the details of the truck with me before I headed off on my own. As he showed me the voice commands and connected my iPhone to the Bluetooth, I could tell he was a big fan. “I love the ride and interior comfort features,” he said “Who would of thought to have luxury features like heated steering wheel, heated and air conditioning seats as well as rear-heated seats in such a large truck? I also love the turning radius. I can make a Uturn without taking up the entire The Ford F-250 Super Duty offers an road.” available integrated tailgate step. He wasn’t kidding. To prove his point, he had me drive through Westchester neighborhood and make a few U-turns (legal, of course), and wouldn’t you know, I didn’t have to stop, back up, then go forward again. It all happened in one swing. Now I mentioned I test drove the diesel version and I was expecting to hear a repetitive diesel sound. However, this is another area where the latest model steps it up from its previous model. “It’s known for having the quietest diesel,” Reyes said to my relief. A few months ago, Motor Trend listed the Ford F-Series as the “best-selling vehicle in the United States.” Added Edmunds in its review of the latest Ford F-250 Super Duty, “Another reason that Ford's heavy-duty hauler is a fave is that it can handle massive payloads while also being easy to drive and comfortable to ride in. “In our review of this generation Ford F-250 Super Duty, we found it to be a strong performer. Even with a 15,000-pound trailer hitched to the back, acceleration was smooth and linear thanks to the diesel V8. The firm suspension provided a compliant ride along with relatively crisp handling. We also felt that the integrated trailer brake system is a great idea, as it links the trailer brakes to the truck's electronic ABS system for smooth emergency stops.” What Edmunds didn’t mention was the Ford’s F-250 digital system that can take drivers through a checklist of different towing options, and given that you can haul just about anything with the F-250, it’s a great feature.
The Ford F-250 Super Duty can make U-turns with surprising ease.
It’s all in the details Five best features of the 2014 Ford F-250: • Exceptional Capability and Efficiency – Super Duty delivers both. • Best in Class Maximum Conventional Towing: 18,500 lbs • Best in Class Maximum Payload: 7,260 lbs • Best in Class Diesel Horsepower: 400 Horsepower • Best in Class Torque: 800 ft/lbs Torque The 2014 Ford F-250 is perfect for up… to six passengers wanting unlimited power, performance and dependability at work or play! What makes the 2014 Ford F-250 stand out from others? In a world of work trucks, the F-Series Super Duty sets the standard for toughness that other trucks have to follow. The 6.7 liter Power Stroke Diesel is a 100-percent complete in-house built diesel engine and transmission. Target customer: Heavy-duty recreational These customers want a truck with enhanced towing capabilities for a large travel trailer, multi-horse trailer or heavy boat. They’re also looking for trucks that can be used as campers. These buyers are expected to make up about 50 percent of the Super Duty market. Because of their special requirements for towing, off-road use or extra passengers, these buyers may be especially interested in four-wheel-drive, dual rear wheel models or the 4-door Super Cab or Crew Cab. Small business This category includes single-vehicle owners/operators or those with fewer than five vehicles. Many of these buyers are “mixed use” operators, meaning that they use their vehicles for both business and personal purposes. Small-business customers are expected to account for about 30 percent of the Super Duty market. Because their work trucks may also double as family vehicles, these buyers may be especially interested in comfort and convenience features. Commercial These buyers need trucks that are able to do a specific job. Their reasons for buying may be just as specific, for example: A functional and dependable vehicle. Low operating cost. High power and torque requirements. Commercial customers are expected to make up about 20 percent of the Super Duty market. Super Duty pickups offer these buyers a variety of weight classes, heavy-duty suspensions, powerful powertrains and a number of heavy-duty options. Three words that define the 2014 Ford F-250: Work, play, and unsurpassed. Source: Augie Reyes at Jim Burke Ford - Downtown Bakersfield
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WHY I LIVE HERE
FRAN CVERLE
PHOTO BY HENRY A. BARRIOS
Croatian swimmer finds new home at CSUB
Fran Cverle is originally from Croatia and came to CSUB to join the men’s swimming program. After completing his final year of eligibility, he is staying at CSUB to earn a master’s degree.
By Sandy Ornelas
Definitely friendlier than any other place I have lived before.
B
What surprised you the most about Bakersfield? Even when I was in South Carolina, people would say, “Oh, my God, Bakersfield. It’s in the middle of the desert,” or, “It’s just farms and cows.” Then I came here, and it’s a city. It’s not as bad as everyone portrays it. I actually like it a lot.
akersfield is a long way from home for Croatian student athlete Fran Cverle, but things have gone swimmingly since he dove into California life three years ago. Born in Zagreb, Croatia, Cverle moved to California when he transferred to Cal State Bakersfield from Limestone College in South Carolina to join the Roadrunners’ men’s swimming program. “I was hearing good things about (CSUB); I didn’t hear anything bad. I contacted the coach, and he was very helpful. The entire athletic department helped me to figure out how to transfer here, and they managed to make it work,” said Cverle. Although Cverle is the only child of a single mother, his mom filled his place with a few furry stand-ins when he left home. “She replaced me with five different cats once I left,” Cverle said. Since he arrived in Bakersfield, Cverle has been a standout athlete, competing in the men’s 50 and 100 freestyle. When Cverle isn’t swimming, he helps coach and lifeguard at the pool. A senior in business administration, Cverle, 23, plans to stay on at CSUB after he graduates for three more years to earn a master’s in business administration. While he’s out of the water now, Cverle won’t be leaving the pool anytime soon. He plans to work as a graduate assistant coach. What is an interesting fact about you? I have been swimming for about 15 years now, and I don’t know what to do with myself without it. What is your favorite thing about Bakersfield? The people.
What is your favorite restaurant in Bakersfield? Camille’s Sidewalk Cafe in The Marketplace. What is your favorite thing to do in Bakersfield? I don’t have much time to do anything other than work at the pool, work out, or study. Hanging out with friends whenever I can. Where do you go to relax in Bakersfield? Lengthwise. What is one of your favorite memories in Bakersfield? Going floating down the mighty Kern River. Where you like to vacation? If it is for the weekend, I like to go down to either Santa Barbara, or up to Santa Cruz or Huntington Beach. But during the summer, I go back for a month to Croatia and that is enough. I’m over it in a week, and I want to go back to Bakersfield. How would you describe Bakersfield to outsiders? Don’t (believe) all the stereotypes about Bakersfield; just keep an open mind when you come here, and you are definitely going to like it. bakersfieldlife.com
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A L L-S TA R AT H L E T E
TROTTING TO THE TOP Local rider and her horse prance into success in the pinto world By Stephen Lynch Photos by Jeff Kirkbride Photography
U
nlike many girls her age, Andrea Mairs doesn’t spend a lot of time watching television, going to the movies, listening to music, browsing the Internet or shopping. She is much too preoccupied for all of that. Nearly every waking hour that she’s not in school, the local 15-year-old is either riding horses or preparing for an upcoming horse show. “It’s my life basically,” Mairs said of showing horses. “My life revolves around it. I love it so much. It’s my favorite thing to do. Honestly, it is all that I do. It takes up every second of every day. I’m either cleaning stalls, riding horses, organizing the horse trailer, or getting everything ready for the next show.” That singular purpose helped Mairs and her horse The Legalist (aka Cantos) take Junior Youth High Point Horse and Youth Western High Point awards at last year’s Pinto World Championship Show. Mairs, who began competing in horse shows at age 6, also won seven World Championship class titles and three Reserve Champion class titles at the prestigious annual event. Mairs’ interest in showing horses was sparked by her paternal grandmother, who worked for a barn and showed horses. “She introduced me to it and it kind of skyrocketed from there. I kind of took over. I loved it, so I kept doing it,” Mairs said. Mairs has competed in one Paint and six Pinto World Championship shows since 2007. During that time she’s
Andrea Mairs and The Legalist strut their stuff at the 2013 Pinto World Show in Tulsa, Okla. 60
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Andrea Mairs has been competing in horse shows since she was 6 years old.
amassed two Pinto World Championship titles, Three Pinto World Reserve Championship titles, four California State Paint Horse Championships, and many World Reserve and Championship classes. Last year, Mairs also won Zone 2 High Point in both the Paint and Pinto Horse associations and finished 12th in the top 20 for high point in the nation for American Paint Horse Association. But her proudest achievement so far was when she took reserve champion in the 18 and Under Billie Cousins versatility class at Pinto World last year. “It was really cool because I was competing against all of the older kids and even though I was the youngest kid in the class I was still able to come back and beat most of them,” Mairs said. Recently, Mairs got a second horse, whose name is Buzz. She plans to show him and Cantos at the Pinto World Championship in June in Tulsa, Okla. In July, Mairs will compete with Cantos at the Palomino World Championship Show in Tunica, Miss. It will be her first year in the 14 to 18 age division. Mairs’ two show horses are housed in a stable in Norco, Calif., but she also has three riding horses at her home in Hart Flat. She travels down to Norco once or twice a month to work with Cantos and Buzz under the guidance of her trainer Shelley Lunde. One of Mairs favorite things about going to horse shows is the opportunity to meet new people. “You learn a lot at the horse shows, being around other people and seeing what other people are like,” Mairs said. “And it teaches you how to treat yourself also because I’m really hard on myself.” Mairs’ father and paternal grandparents travel with her to every show. “It’s a good thing I have them because I wouldn’t be able to do it without them,” Mairs said. Mairs, who earned a 4.1 GPA as a freshman this past year at Bakersfield Christian High School, hopes her competitive riding skills will one day help her pay for college. She’s interested in attending Texas A&M, Fresno State or Texas Christian University. “My goal is to get a full-ride scholarship to go to a college and be on the equestrian team,” Mairs said.
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PHOTO BY APRIL MASSIRIO
TA L K O F T H E TO W N
Valerie Park and Jeremy Caldwell are among the first local educators to graduate from a joint doctoral program between Fresno State and Cal State Bakersfield.
LEADERS OF THE CLASS Kern’s first class of educators powers through Fresno State-Cal State Bakersfield doctoral program By Gabriel Ramirez
T
he number of Kern County educators who can call themselves “doctor” just got a little higher this spring. Fresno State University graduated 17 doctoral students in educational leadership from Kern County this May through a joint program with Cal State Bakersfield. The students are the program’s first Bakersfield cohort. For the three-year program, Fresno State professors come to CSUB and teach courses in conjunction with CSUB faculty. Three of these recent graduates shared their tests and successes with Bakersfield Life before graduation day. For many of the graduates, a doctorate was a personal goal they had always hoped to achieve and the creation of 62
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this local program made it possible. “(Earning my doctorate) is a goal I set for myself at a very young age,” said Valerie Park, principal of Planz Elementary School in the Greenfield Union School District. Park’s dream stayed alive as she grew older but she became even more passionate about pursuing her doctorate so she could set an example for her daughter, Kristie, to follow. “I want her to see, no matter how difficult the pursuit may be, dreams can always be obtained,” Park said.
HITTING THE BOOKS, HARD The program was no walk in the park even for seasoned educators. For Park, the hardest part was finding balance between work, school and family. On many vacations, Park had to pack up her books, laptop, research and assignments to take with her. “Luckily my husband and daughter were very supportive of me,” Park said. Jeremy D. Caldwell, academic coordinator of CSUB’s Intensive English Language Center, said that for him the most challenging aspect of the program was completing his dissertation.
“I spent nearly every weekend, 10 or more hours per day, working in my study,” Caldwell said. But Caldwell said the dissertation and all the hours that went in to it was also rewarding and a “great” part of the program. “I learned so much from the process and truly felt as though I made a positive contribution to humanity,” he said. “I wasn't expecting that feeling when I started writing the dissertation; yet, when I was writing my final page, this overwhelming satisfaction of ‘making a difference’ flooded my soul.”
SUCCESS IN RELATIONSHIPS Along with the struggles that came from the intense coursework, the graduates take with them many fond memories, new knowledge and lasting relationships. Troy Tenhet, a sixth-grade teacher at Bill L. Williams Elementary School in the Panama-Buena Vista Union School District and an instructor for Fresno Pacific University, said the friends he made were the highlight of the program. “We’ll always be connected because of this program and my capacity in life is now greater than it was before the program,” Tenhet said. Caldwell also feels his new friendships are his biggest takeaway from the program. “My fellow cohort members were the best thing about the program, — Jeremy Caldwell many of whom are now lifelong friends,” Caldwell said. “I can see myself as an old man sending a text message to my great friend Dr. David Sandles (another student in the program) saying, ‘You up for some Baja Fresh today?’”
“
…when I was writing my final page (of my dissertation), this overwhelming satisfaction of ‘making a difference’ flooded my soul.
”
AFTER GRADUATION DAY The graduates hope to use their degrees to move up the administrative ladder, to continue changing the field of education through their research and to keep helping students in our county and beyond. “I would love to become a district-level leader or teach in a teacher education department at the university level,” Park said. “I think the wonderful thing about education is the ‘sky is the limit.’ Whatever I decide to do, it will make a positive difference in the lives of our children.” And the number of doctorate-holding residents is going to jump again next spring as the program prepares to graduate another cohort. “In this program, I learned that I am part of a larger scheme in this life...Life is complex and I have a small, yet critical contribution to make,” Tenhet said. Editor’s note: Gabriel Ramirez is also a graduate of the educational leadership doctorate program.
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FOR A CAUSE
Chris Wilson and his son, Ryan. Ryan’s fight against leukemia inspired the creation of the Tigerfight Foundation.
POISED TO POUNCE Tigerfight Foundation prepares for casino night, transition to nonprofit status By Paul Rivas
W
hat began as a small fundraiser pioneered by family and friends is growing into a nonprofit worthy of its bold name. The Tigerfight Foundation’s first year of fundraising netted $9,932 for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Light the Night Walk event. Last year, the foundation tripled that amount, and in the past five years, the team has raised more than $64,000. That’s a pretty impressive sum of money raised by a dedicated team working to help others fight cancer. 64
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After five years of fundraising, Tigerfight is now making the transition to becoming a bona fide nonprofit organization. The group’s leaders are waiting patiently for its official nonprofit status. “The foundation is still in the waiting stage and should be active in July,” said Chris Wilson, chairman of Tigerfight Foundation. The foundation’s work began as Wilson’s son Ryan underwent treatment for leukemia. Ryan was considered leukemia free in 2011 and is now a healthy kindergartner. He loves to ride bikes, play video games, and enjoys playing soccer and baseball. “Our entire family feels blessed that Ryan made it through treatment and is now fully recovered. Bakersfield is such a giving community and we feel fortunate that we can now give back,” Wilson said. Tigerfight Foundation’s short-term goal is to hold one to two fundraisers annually with the proceeds going to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) and its Light the Night Walk team. But the foundation also has aims to help local
Tigerfight’s Casino Night returns in June to raise money for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
families one day. “Our long-term goals are to hold three to four fundraisers a year with half of our annual proceeds going to our Light the Night efforts, and the other half given to Kern County families who are going through any type of pediatric blood cancer treatment,” Wilson said.
THE SWEET TASTE OF SUCCESS The foundation continues to grow in interesting directions as its leaders seek out new ways to raise money. In one such venture, Tigerfight and Dewar’s Candy Shop joined forces to create the Tiger Chew, a orange and vanilla creamsicle flavored taffy. Wilson works for Wallace & Smith Contractors and presented the candy idea to Mike Dewar and Heather Dewar Cook when he was given the opportunity to build Dewar’s locations on Calloway Drive and Ming Avenue. Tigerfight “They both embraced the Casino Night idea. Mike called me a month • 6 to 11 p.m., June 7 later to come by my office to smell • The Padre Hotel different flavorings,” Wilson said. • Tickets are $150 for In December 2012, the first 50a casino ticket, $75 for pound batch of Tiger Chews went a social ticket. in to production. Last year, • Contact Chris Wilson Dewar’s produced more than at 978-0057 or visit tigerfight.org. 1,000 pounds of Tiger Chews. “Each (LLS) chapter has their own ordering code so that the donation Dewar’s makes to LLS can be credited to the specific chapter that ordered it,” Wilson said.
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THE CHIPS ARE DOWN Fun events continue to be an important part of the foundation’s fundraising strategy and Tigerfight will host its annual Casi-
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no Night on June 7 at The Padre Hotel. “The Casino Night allows people in the community to get together and play their favorite casino games, participate in a silent and live auction, and enjoy fantastic food at a historic venue,” Wilson said. Guests who partake in the gambling fun will be given a plastic cup with play money that they can exchanged for casino chips from professional dealers at casino tables. The Padre has whipped up a signature drink called the Tiger Martini, and Wilson said guests are sure to be impressed by the cuisine, including plates of chilled seafood, a porchetta station, a twice-baked potato bar, a tritip carving station, antipasto station, and a dessert station. Bakersfield country rock band The Fruit Tramps will provide live music at the Prairie Fire until 9 p.m. and a DJ will spin tunes between the band’s sets and into the evening. Laura Fahey, board member for the Tigerfight Foundation, is thrilled by how much the organization has grown and how it continues to thrive. “It all started with the Light the Night Walk and a few team members, then turned into a poker night fundraiser. Now it’s a full blown casino night,” she said.
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE PADRE HOTEL
Continued from page 65
The Padre Hotel has crafted a Tiger Martini for the 2014 Casino Night.
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Making the
grade Say hello (and goodbye) to 17 outstanding local high school seniors
BY BAKERSFIELD LIFE
C
ongratulations Class of 2014! You worked hard for four years to get the best possible grades to attend your dream school. Senior year, you applied to colleges, took the SATs and poured your heart out in admissions essays. Finally, you’re ready to throw your graduation cap in the air and receive your diploma. Now it’s time to begin a new chapter in your life: College. We’re proud of all of you who are pursuing higher education, whether you’re heading to Bakersfield College or Harvard. And there’s a group of you that we’re so impressed with that we have to introduce you to our readers. Some of these students plan to return to
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Bakersfield to practice their hard earned skills after college, while others dream of leading a major company or creating a nonprofit to fight cancer. From future doctors to a soon-to-be Air Force pilot, say hello to 17 of Bakersfield’s (and Tehachapi’s) brightest scholarly stars! These students got a taste of the college environment on a recent Saturday at the Grace Van Dyke Bird Library at Bakersfield College. While they’ll probably spend more time studying than smiling in libraries over the next four years, their enthusiasm and excitement for the future was infectious while they posed. Please join us in congratulating and saying goodbye (for now) to these great graduates.
Continued on page 70
PHOTO BY MICHAEL LOPEZ
Bakersfieldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s brightest grads are well on their way to achieving their dreams of becoming doctors, corporate officers, pilots and veterinarians. Front, Michael Ko, Yasmeen Ahmed, Dustee Jo Albitre, Carol Sandoval and Vanessa Estrada; middle, Gurjot Kaur, Gathenji Njoroge, Abel Villanueva and Erin Glavin; on back right shelf, Allen Zeng and Mickey Cushine; back left Andrea Camacho and Jaskaran S. Sandhu. bakersfieldlife.com
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College: Fresno State Major: Animal science Life goals: Become a veterinarian. The part of college I’m most excited about: I’m most exited about the freedom I will have once I get to college. I will be able to create my own schedule and be more independent. Most important lesson I learned in high school: The most important lesson I learned in high school is to not take what you have for granted. High school goes by so fast that you blink and it’s over. I learned that I just needed to relax and enjoy the time I had with my friends before I have to go off to college and the “real world.”
Continued from page 68
Yasmeen Ahmed Highland High School GPA: 4.426 Activities: Mock Trial, Academic Decathlon, senior class president College: UC Berkeley Major: Pre-medicine /biological studies and another language (most likely Arabic) Life goals: I hope to become a general surgeon and build clinics and hospitals overseas in underprivileged nations to make immediate medical aid accessible to all. The part of college I’m most excited about: I am most excited about being able to take advantage of the endless opportunities a college campus gives to its students, as well as finally being able to take my first steps toward accomplishing my life goals. Most important lesson I learned in high school: Get involved — high school is much more memorable that way. When describing school involvement, a friend of mine once said, “Your 70
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plate can never be too full and there’s always room for seconds.” This best describes my high school experience. I am involved in about 15 clubs, hold positions in eight, and I’m also the senior class president. Typically, there is always something to stress about, but I can honestly say that I still love every moment of it.
Mickey Cushine
Andrea Camacho
Dustee Jo Albitre North High School GPA: 4.0 Activities: California Scholarship Federation, Future Farmers of America. June 2014
Most important lesson I learned in high school: To not let a disability (vision loss) hold me back from reaching my goals and showing my true potential. A hardship such as this is just a speed bump in my life, not a dead end, unless I make it seem that way.
East High School GPA: 3.7 Activities: AVID, Campus Life, KIWIN’s College: Cal Poly San Luis Obispo Major: Architecture Life goals: To finish college with my bachelor’s degree and find a job in architecture, possibly pursue a degree in animation later in life. The part of college I’m most excited about: Getting to meet other people with the same interests. A taste of having to live on my own and be independent.
Independence High School GPA: 4.2 Activities: Senior class president, band drum major, Jim Burke Educational Foundation Dream Builders College: U.S. Air Force Academy Major: Aerospace engineering Life goals: I want to become a successful Air Force officer, fly fighter jets for my country, and become a proud, happy father. The part of college I’m most excited about: I am most excited about challenging myself physically and mentally while at the Academy in order to become a better leader and a respected leader in my community. Most important lesson I learned in high school: The biggest lesson I learned was when to lead and when to follow. It is easy as a leader to help others and lead them, but it takes an even stronger one to step back and allow someone else to lead and help you for a change.
looking back on all that I’ve accomplished, I have learned to be proud of myself without feeling the need to compare myself to anyone else for reassurance. I gained the confidence to think for myself when I made the biggest decision of my life so far.
Vanessa Estrada West High School GPA: 4.1 Activities: Tutor, Link Crew, National Honor Society, California Scholarship Federation College: Cal Poly San Luis Obispo Major: Liberal studies Life goals: I plan on becoming an elementary school teacher. I also plan on coming back to Bakersfield and teaching here. I hope to make my community a better place. Hopefully, I plan on sustaining the habitats and environments for future generations. I hope to travel all around the world. I hope to make a difference in a person’s life. Lastly, I hope to be content with all that I’ll do in my lifetime. The part of college I’m most excited about: Living in a totally different environment but also making my own decisions for the first time. Most important lesson I learned in high school: Over the years of high school I learned to develop into the person I am today. High school taught me how to be more independent and mature. People were always comparing themselves to others, competing for grades and causing unnecessary drama. At times, I couldn’t help myself from also taking part in this nonsense. Now, however, having been accepted to a great college and
Erin Glavin Frontier High School GPA: 4.5 Activities: Robotics Club, National Honor Society, STEM College: Barrett, The Honors College at Arizona State University Major: Industrial engineering Life goals: I am fascinated by the design and efficiency of mass manufacturing processes, and I have always been interested in running my own business. After I earn my degree and gain work experience, I hope to work my way up to director of manufacturing operations or possibly chief operating officer of a major corporation. The part of college I’m most excited about: I love learning and am most excited about furthering my education, especially in the areas of math and science. Most important lesson I learned in high school: Approach everything with a positive attitude and never be afraid to try new things.
4560 Coffee Road
661-588-7503
Coffee & Hageman Vons Shopping Center www.fabriejewelers.com
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The part of college I’m most excited about: I’m most excited about being exposed to a diverse pool of ideas, cultures, and lifestyles, all the while enjoying the freedom that comes with leaving home. Most important lesson I learned in high school: The most important lesson I learned in high school was that even during busy times, I should make time to relax and let off some steam.
meet people from around the country but also the world. The work ethic of these students will be unique because they are all in college to simply pursue a higher level of education...It is important for me to not only pursue higher academic standards but also to continuously challenge myself musically through the many programs offered at Berkeley. I’m excited for what many call the best years of their life. Most important lesson I learned in high school: Achieve great things, then achieve greater. I went into high school with the mentality of achieving greater things. Because I was willing to put in the time and effort, I was able to grow as a scholar and as a leader... With the right mentality, motivation, and hard work, anybody can be successful in their own way. Set up high standard goals, achieve your goals, and aim for another goal.
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Gurjot Kaur
Gabriel Macias
Ridgeview High School GPA: Unweighted: 4.386, Weighted: 4.423 Activities: Forensics, volleyball, tutor, National Honor Society. College: UCLA Major: Neuroscience Life goals: I foresee myself as a neurologist, furthering research in the medical field; however, I would ultimately like to become a Navy physician and serve my nation and represent Bakersfield the best way I can. The part of college I’m most excited about: I look forward to discovering myself as an individual in a completely new environment and creating my Bruin family! Most important lesson I learned in high school: It is very important to create connections when meeting new people and maintaining the relationships that we have created.
South High School GPA: 4.5 Activities: Gates Millennium Scholar, Jim Burke Educational Foundation Dream Builders, National Honor Society College: UC Berkeley, School of Engineering Major: Mechanical engineering Life goals: After earning a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Berkeley, I will apply to Stanford’s graduate School of Engineering. I will decide whether to work toward a master’s or doctorate in mechanical engineering. I would love the opportunity to research new ways for the human race to explore space through NASA. Part of college I am most excited about: I am excited for the diversity I will experience as well as the marching band that I will be part of at Berkeley. I will have the opportunity to not only
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Michael Ko Stockdale High School GPA: 4.5 (4.0) Activities: National Merit Scholarship finalist, first chair clarinet, Science Bowl Regional Championship team member. College: Pomona College Major: Mathematics, chemistry Life goals: Although I am not completely sure about what specific path in life I would like to take, I hope that whatever I do it will have a significant and positive impact on society. June 2014
Gathenji Njoroge Bakersfield Christian High School GPA: 4.38 Activities: Semi-finalist in the National Achievement Program, science fair standout, Region 8 President for the California Association of Student Councils College: Pepperdine University Major: Biology Life goals: My immediate goal is to study biology at Pepperdine University. After completing my
undergraduate study, I hope to apply to medical school to pursue my dream of becoming a neurosurgeon. My long-term goal is to practice medicine, spending a portion of my year abroad to provide medical attention to people in areas that lack adequate medical care. I hope to help patients both locally and globally and inspire children to follow their dreams. The part of college I’m most excited about: I am very excited to begin this new and somewhat mysterious phase of my life. I look forward to meeting many new people and learning in different ways, both inside and outside of the classroom. I do not know exactly what the college experience will be like, but I am excited about all the possibilities that lie ahead of me. Most important lesson I learned in high school: The most important lesson I learned in high school is that some of the most rewarding experiences come from stepping outside one’s comfort zone and trying new things. It is through exploring new areas of academics, athletics, performing arts, community service, and other fields that we are able to grow in unexpected ways and learn more about the types of people that we desire to become.
Esmeralda Rojas Golden Valley High School GPA: 3.95 Activities: Cross country, track, soccer, Project Lead the Way
College: UC San Diego Major: Undeclared (leaning towards a STEM-related field) Life Goals: Obtain at least a master’s degree in whatever subject I decide and use my education to come back to Bakersfield and give back to the community. The part of college I’m most excited about: I’m excited about exploring a new world of my own and becoming independent. I also look forward to furthering my education in a beautiful Southern California city. Most important lesson I learned in high school: If you set your mind toward something, you can achieve it.
Jaskaran S. Sandhu Centennial High School GPA: 4.5 Activities: Valedictorian, tennis player and captain, president and founder of DreamCatchers Club College: UCLA Major: Neuroscience Life goals: To enter the field of brain research and work to find a cure for Alzheimer’s. The part of college I’m most excited about: Meeting old friends and making new ones. Most important lesson I learned in high school: If presented with an opportunity, pounce on it.
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Seven years of superlative seniors For more than half a decade we’ve introduced you to Bakersfield’s standout seniors. Take a look at their bright faces through the years.
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Carol Sandoval Garces Memorial High School GPA: 4.50 Activities: Cheerleader, Key Club president, French Club president. College: University of Pennsylvania Major: Biology Life goals: After graduate school, I dream of having my own dental office and practicing orthodontics. Additionally, I hope to donate some of my time to helping low-income families afford dental care. The part of college I’m most excited about: I look forward to living in a vibrant, historic city like Philadelphia. Being in between New York City and Washington, D.C. I will have an entirely different world at my grasp. Tall buildings, brick libraries, cheesesteaks, and new experiences are only a few months away. Who would have guessed a little girl from McFarland would end up in the Ivy League? Most important lesson I 74
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learned in high school: You don’t get to choose the family you’re born into, your looks, etc. However, you do get to choose where you want to go and how you develop your personality. Where you start is chosen for you, but the path you take is yours to make.
president, senior class president, Kern Soccer League coach College: UCLA Major: Neuroscience Life Goals: Earn my medical degree in neurology with an emphasis on child development and help kids all around the world. Also, I plan on creating a foundation, which will be called “Cancel Cancer” that will raise money for cancer research. The part of college I’m most excited about: The fact that I will be able to take classes that will be more suited for my academic goals. Also, I’m really excited about making new connections and broaden my view of the world. Most important lesson I learned in high school: To be true to yourself no matter what your surroundings may be.
people by making them feel better, whether it is physically or mentally. The part of college I’m most excited about: Receiving a really good education that will help me grow scholastically and prepare me for a meaningful career while having the opportunity to play volleyball. Participating on a college volleyball team will motivate me to meet my full potential while collaborating with others towards a common goal. Most important lesson I’ve learned in high school: The most important lesson I learned in high school is to never give up. Perseverance while balancing a busy schedule helped me succeed by achieving good grades in school.
Abel Villanueva Kim Smith
Jeffrank Solorzano Foothill High School GPA: 4.5 Activities: Academic Decathlon June 2014
Tehachapi High School GPA: 3.8 Activities/clubs: Yearbook editor-in-chief, THEMA (Tehachapi High Engineering and Manufacturing Academy), Interact Club (aka Rotary Club) College: Vanguard University of Southern California Major: Kinesiology/nursing or anything in the medical field. Life goals: I want to come out of college with a job that is rewarding and involves helping
Mira Monte High School GPA: 4.2 Activities: Senior class president, treasurer of the California Scholarship Federation, varsity wrestler, Phoenix Scholar College: UCLA Major: Neuroscience Life goals: To become a neurosurgeon and start my own private practice in Bakersfield so I can have a positive impact on my hometown. The part of college I’m most excited about: I am excited to work with world-renowned pro-
fessors at UCLA and to have the opportunity to access the vast amount of resources available to the school. Most important lesson I learned in high school: Never procrastinate!
Allen Zeng Liberty High School GPA: 4.5 College: UC Berkeley
Activities: Artist, president of Science National Honor Society, Academic Decathlon Major: Electrical engineering and computer science Life goals: Idealistically, one day I hope to develop a computer system that is capable of intelligent thought. While I keep that in the back of my mind, I think I would try for a position at a video game development company for some odd years. Otherwise, I will just follow where life takes me and hopefully end up doing well. The part of college I’m most excited about: I look forward to being able to simply sit and read in a variety of public places without being looked upon by others with second thoughts. Most important lesson I learned in high school: Adulthood is an abstract concept.
— Student portraits by Michael Lopez, Felix Adamo and Henry A. Barrios.
KEEP SHARING. Sierra Grant Program recipients are doing truly incredible things. This year the program will be giving its millionth dollar since it
Building knowledge for 100 years
• Bakersfield College
ual to a community college in 2011, shattering records across the country, and bringing Norman Levan’s total gifts to the college to nearly $20 million. • After 40 years on the Bakersfield High School campus, Bakersfield College “moved to the hill” in 1956. • Grace Van Dyke Bird, Bakersfield College’s first president, was also the first female president of any California community college.
received the largest donation from a private individ-
Source: Bakersfield College
Bakersfield Community College has been molding students for more than a century. Here are a few fun facts about your community college. • Bakersfield College was founded in 1913 for 13 students, all destined to transfer to University of California, Berkeley. • The college graduated
nearly 1,200 students in May 2014 with associate of arts and associate of science degrees.
began in 2004. To celebrate this milestone and the future of the program, we’re doubling the annual grant contribution maximum to $200,000. In your hands, this money will help make our communities better. Side by side.
BankoftheSierra.com
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MOVING ON TO COLLEGE AS
multiples
Bakersfield triplets Isabella, Anthony and Sophia Busacca are heading off to college soon after they graduate from Liberty High School. 76
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PHOTO BY CASEY CHRISTIE
Triplets, twins prepare for “singlet” life
AUCTION APPRAISAL EVENT
PHOTO BY FELIX ADAMO
1\UL Bakersfield Museum of Art
A TIFFANY STUDIOS FAVRILE WISTERIA TABLE LAMP glass and bronze Sold for $792,400
Twins and Highland graduates Walker and Cole Frayne are preparing for life apart after high school.
Bonhams specialists will be visiting Bakersfield to provide complimentary auction estimates with a view to selling at upcoming auctions in the following categories:
By Paul Rivas
S
eparating from family and friends to further your education can be the hardest part of heading off to college. But if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re a triplet whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s always been known as one of a trio or have a twin who knows your every idiosyncrasy, the prospect of parting from your double for the next four years can feel like youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re losing a piece of yourself. For Liberty High School triplet Sophia Busacca, the weight of the impending separation hit when she visited the University of Pennsylvania, where she will be studying more than 2,800 miles away from her brother Anthony and sister Isabella. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I called my siblings twice and we talked for quite a while. It made me realize how close we are when we talked long distance, but it is still going to be extremely hard for me to not see them at every hour,â&#x20AC;? Sophia said.
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¡ Fine Paintings ¡ Prints and Photographs ¡ Furniture and Decorative Arts ¡ Books and Manuscripts ¡ Asian Art ¡ 20th Century Design ¡ Fine Jewelry ¡ Entertainment Memorabilia
APPOINTMENTS +1 (661) 323 7219 ConsignLA@bonhams.com Tickets available at the door, $20 for up to four items, $5 per additional item. All proceeds benefit the Bakersfield Museum of Art.
bonhams.com/la Â? )VUOHTZ )\[[LYĂ&#x201E;LSKZ (\J[PVULLYZ *VYW (SS YPNO[Z YLZLY]LK )VUK 5V ):).3
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Continued from page 77 Highland High School twins Cole and Walker Frayne are also preparing for life apart. While both young men are pursuing petroleum engineering, Walker will begin his college career at Mendocino College with plans to transfer to Texas A&M University, while Cole is heading to Cal State Bakersfield. “It will be weird not having him 10 seconds away,” Cole said. The Busaccas know that feeling. In high school, Sophia never had a class without one of her siblings. “There were days where all I wanted was to be a singlet and experience life without someone to tattle on me, but in the end it has made us close, especially as we begin to find our individual paths,” Sophia said. “It was nice to have someone at home who knew exactly what test or paper you were talking about or to debrief on a tennis match.” While Sophia is considering studying business and nursing back east, Isabella and Anthony are going north to attend the University of California, Berkeley, with Isabella majoring in environmental science and Anthony majoring in business. “I will definitely miss my sister like crazy next year, yet I am excited to see where our new adventures take us!” Isabella said. Anthony is also optimistic that he and his fellow triplets
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will stay in touch no matter what. “We will not see each other as much as now obviously, but instead I am sure that we will communicate by texts, calls, and Skype and continue to be extremely close,” Anthony said. Like Anthony, the twins are confident that they won’t lose their special connection even when they aren’t living under the same roof. “I will miss (Cole) a ton, but it will be so much more fun when we are together,” Walker said. For parents Liana and John Frayne, sending their boys to college is the culmination of 13 years of encouragement that started when they urged the boys to aim for college on their first day of kindergarten. “They have worked very hard to ensure the top schools made offers to them...Their decisions where to attend college were very difficult ones but well thought out,” Liana said. Molly and Bruce Busacca, parents of the triplets, also stressed the importance of college education. Balancing excitement and worry, they remain confident that their children will be successful away from home. “They will be exposed to lots of new situations and we have normal fears about how they will handle themselves. However, we feel strongly that it’s critical to face these types of situations to grow and mature to be successful in life,” Molly said.
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Wish you were here! Compiled by Bakersfield Life
Jolie Brouttier’s hike to the top of Half Dome in Yosemite National Park was no walk in the park. The 14-mile round trip took eight hours. Brouttier lost toe nails and a squirrel stole her trail mix, but she said the view from the top was “priceless.”
T
he sand falls out of your shoes and your sun tan slowly fades, but the snapshots of the good times had kicking back on the beach or exploring a new land are sure to last. Readers sent us beautiful glimpses of their seaside vacations and European tours. Here are just a few of our favorites, with a couple of our own adventure pictures thrown in for good measure.
Sheila Tiede kicked back last summer on South Lake Tahoe near Emerald Bay.
Christina and Richard Andrews vacationing in Paris in April. 80
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Gracie Contreras takes a leap into the water at Ka Lae, Hawaii.
Glenn and Teresa Hammett mountain biking near Winter Park, Colo.
Rachel Cook on a walk through coffee farm country in western El Salvador.
Hillary Haenes and Patrick Wells enjoyed a sunset and a glass of wine at Spanish Bay in Pebble Beach.
A view of Hong Kong from the top of Victoria Peak snapped by Marelle Williams.
Marty Lakin couldn't resist taking this â&#x20AC;&#x153;Which way to go?â&#x20AC;? photo in Flagstaff, Ariz. Lisa Kimble and her husband, Craig Edmonston, on fly fishing trip in the South Fork of the Snake River in Swan Valley, Idaho.
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Bakersfield Californian advertising account executive Connie Uthenwoldt saw a tornado pass by in Ardmore, Okla., this April while visiting family.
Zoila Balta Berling poses in Rothenburg, Germany.
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Getaways age at any
For a romantic getaway, there is no place like San Francisco. 84
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Summer trips for your gals, your golden years, or the whole family Compiled by Bakersfield Life
W
hether you’re heading for the mountains or the beach this summer, we’ve got the perfect trip for you and your loved ones at any stage of life with our summer travel guide.
Find romance in The City San Francisco is considered one of the most romantic cities in the U.S. With the amazing views, beautiful architecture, and refined eateries, it’s no wonder Tony Bennett left his heart in this city.
EAT • You’ll find fresh choices and catches of the day at Fisherman’s Wharf. From outdoor stands to restaurants like Neptune’s Waterfront Grill & Bar, Fisherman’s Wharf will not disappoint you and your special someone. fishermanswharf.org • If you are looking for a restaurant that offers a beautiful view and a vegetarian dining experience, check out Greens. greensrestaurant.com, 415-771-7955
STAY • For a luxurious trip, spring for a room at the InterContinental Mark Hopkins San Francisco on top of Nob Hill. Besides amazing architecture and central location, this luxury hotel also boasts a rooftop restaurant with a 360-degree view of the city. intercontinentalmarkhopkins.com, 415-392-3434 • The Chancellor Hotel on Union Square San Francisco is an elegant, family-owned boutique hotel rich with history. The hotel also offers romantic packages for couples. chancellorhotel.com, 415-362-2004
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PLAY • Enjoy a higher view of the city from a double-decker bus with Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus Tours. hop-on-hop-offbus.com/san-francisco-bus-tours, 866-633-7017 • Cruise the bay with San Francisco Bay Boat Cruises LLC. Catch a romantic sunset on the bay or check into private charters if you and your significant other crave alone time. sanfranciscobayboatcruise.com, 415-859-7052 • Take a walk in Golden Gate Park. Stop by the Japanese Tea Garden, California Academy of Sciences, and Golden Gate Park Aquarium. golden-gate-park.com
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Getaways
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Go into the wild with your family at Big Bear Lake Take a trip out of the city and enjoy nature with your family. Relax by the lakeside or take a hike; make memories in the wilderness this summer vacation with a journey to Big Bear Lake.
EAT • Grizzly Manor Café offers comfort food in big portions, including more than a dozen varieties of pancakes. The menu boasts everything from traditional breakfast items and breakfast specialties, to classic burgers and hot dogs. bigbearinfo.com/menugrizmanor.html • The Captain’s Anchorage offers tasty classics, including prime ribs, steak and a wide variety of seafood in a “rustic stone and log” setting. captainsanchorage.com
The Japanese Tea Garden is one of the many things to see in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park.
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STAY • After a busy day of adventures, Northwoods Resort and Conference Center offers a relaxing and comfortable getaway. northwoodsresort.com • For the complete mountain retreat experience, rent a cabin. A few websites to try are cabinrentalsbigbear.com, bigbearcoolcabins.com and bigbearvacations.com.
WE HAVE THINGS YOU’VE NEVER SEEN.
Spend a night or two – find what you’ve been missing. Camarillo
Bakersfield Life Magazine
Ventura
VenturaCounty West .com
(800) 648-2124
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Oxnard
Inspiring Choices
June 2014
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Big Bear Lake is a hot spot for everything from fishing to wakeboarding.
PLAY • If you are a fan of the “The Amazing Race,” enjoy your own mini-race with a scavenger hunt by Urban Adventure Quest. Participants will explore Big Bear by searching for clues on a mobile device or tablet. urbanadventurequest.com • Glide through the air like a bird and enjoy amazing scenic views with Action Zipline Tours. actionziplinetours.com, 909866-0390 • Take a wild ride on the water with Designated Wakesports. Try wakeboarding, waterskiing or tubing this summer. designatedwakesports.com, 909-556-3345
Spend your golden years in Morro Bay
EAT • A trip to the coast isn’t complete without the perfect seafood meal. Savor a beautiful view and fresh seafood at The Galley Seafood Grill and Bar. galleymorrobay.com, 805-772-7777 • For the perfect cup of coffee after a stroll on the beach, pop into Top Dog Coffee Bar. They also have great burritos and other munchies, as well as multiple locations. topdogcoffeebar.com, 805-772-9225
STAY • If you enjoy a homey feel during your vacation, consider a vacation rental. Check out Beach-N-Bay Getaways, beachnbaygetaways.com, 800-613-5606. • Bring your home on wheels. Morro Dunes RV Park is right on the beach and has a front row view of Morro Rock. 805-7722722
PLAY • Explore nature with a morning of bird watching or an afternoon hike. Visit slostateparks.com for tips on planning your trip. • If you’re up for a small side trip, visit Hearst Castle, the
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Find out what all those folks with weekend homes on the Central Coast are raving about. Whether you’re looking for an outdoor adventure or a relaxing weekend by the bay, Morro Bay is the perfect place to kick back with your partner.
Take in the opulence of Hearst Castle, just a short drive from Morro Bay. sprawling, art-pack estate built by William Randolph Hearst. hearstcastle.org, 800-444-4445 • A romantic weekend turned into a trip with the grandkids? Keep them busy with a trip to the Morro Bay Skateboard Museum (mbskate.com) or a whale watching expedition with Virg’s Landing. virgslanding.com, 805-772-1222
Ditch the chicks for a dudes weekend Guys who crave a big city adventure and nightlife excitement can travel south to big bad L.A. for a cultural experience unlike any other.
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PHOTO COURTESY OF NASA
Getaways The Space Shuttle Endeavour is on display at the California Science Center in Los Angeles.
• Right in the middle of the Sunset Strip, The Standard Hotel offers an eccentric experience with a lobby DJ and sleek comfort. standardhotels.com, 323-650-9090
Since opening in 1957, the legendary Troubadour club in West Hollywood has helped launch some of contemporary music’s most talented performers.
TURINBRAKES.COM
PLAY
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EAT • Grab an old-fashioned burger at Marty’s Hamburger Stand and time warp to the ‘50s with one juicy bite. Located at 10558 W. Pico Blvd., call 310-836-6944. • Try funky fine dining at Bäco Mercat, a Western and Eastern Mediterranean-influenced restaurant located at 408 S. Main St. downtown. bacomercat.com, 213-687-7000
STAY • Relax inside one of L.A’s historic hotels like the Millennium Biltmore Hotel Los Angeles downtown. millenniumhotels.com, 213-624-1011
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• Discover the wonders of science through the hands-on galleries at the California Science Center. In the Air and Space Exhibits you’ll gaze upon the Space Shuttle Endeavour and learn how aircrafts are designed. Located at 700 Exposition Park Drive, call 323-724-3623. • Wander the eclectic streets of Chinatown Los Angeles to experience Chinese culture with a Hollywood influence. Explore shops, art galleries, restaurants, cultural events, and Chinatown tours to learn the history of the community. chinatownla.com • Start your nightlife adventure with a few drinks at the Troubadour. At this historic club, you’ll find live music and good vibes for a reasonable price. You might even get to meet a Hollywood starlet. Check out troubadour.com or visit 9081 Santa Monica Blvd. in West Hollywood.
Visit Pismo with your group Grab your clique and enjoy a raucous or relaxing weekend in Bakersfield’s favorite vacation spot: Pismo Beach. A couple hours in the car will fly by as you and your friends head to the beach.
EAT • For the perfect buttery bread bowl brimming with steaming clam chowder, stop in at Splash Cafe. splashcafe.com, (805) 773-4653 • For a classy dinner the dudes and the divas in your circle with appreciate, head to the Ventana Grill. ventanagrill.com, (805) 773-0000
STAY • To be in the heart of the beach, snooze at the SeaVenture
Beach Hotel. seaventure.com, 800-662-5545 (See page 102 for more details.) • If your friends are adventurous, camp out. Visit slostateparks.com for options and contact information.
• Take a quick trip to check out (or check into) Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort and Spa. Stay the night or just reserve time in one of their open-air hillside mineral spring tubs. sycamoresprings.com, 805-595-7302 • Take to the sea together with a kayak tour. Check out Central Coast Kayaks, centralcoastkayaks.com, 805-773-3500. Or try out surfing with Sandbar Surf, sandbarsurf.com, 805-835-SURF. • Walk down the Pismo Beach Pier and check out the smorgasbord of shops and restaurants nearby off the sand, 100 Pomeroy Ave., Pismo Beach.
Grab a girls weekend at the Ventura Coast From surf to shopping, Ventura has it all. It’s the perfect place to spend a weekend with your girlfriends sunbathing, shopping or sampling some excellent local wines.
EAT • Dig into a plate of oysters or the freshest fish at Lure Fish
PHOTO BY FELIX ADAMO
PLAY
Splash Cafe in Pismo Beach is always a popular can’t-miss stop.
House’s Camarillo or Ventura location. lurefishhouse.com. • Enjoy Ventura’s downtown with a trip to Peirano’s Restaurant. Visit to peiranos.com see to what events are cooking, 805648-4853.
STAY • The Embassy Suites Mandalay Beach Hotel & Resort in Oxnard offers breath-taking ocean views along eight and a half acres of ocean front property, as well as a spacious swimming pool. embassysuites3.hilton.com, 805-984-2500.
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Over 11,249 acres of wildlife habitat including seasonal wetlands, uplands & riparian areas with wintering & migratory birds, aquatic animals, & endangered species including the San Joaquin kit fox, Tipton kangaroo rat and blunt-nosed leopard lizard. Take the auto-tour which is a 6.5 mile route all weather gravel road open daily from sunrise to sunset. Carry binoculars and spotting scopes to get a closer look without alarming wildlife. Migration begins in fall. Waves of waterfowl, primarily ducks, arrive by the 1,000’s to use refuge habitat. In the spring, as mudflats are exposed, large concentrations of shorebirds begin probing for food. In the summer, broods (groups of young ducks) begin to appear. Due to drought, our habitat is limited this year. Hunting is permitted during waterfowl season, Oct. through Jan. The Kern National Wildlife Refuge is located 20 miles west of Delano, CA., at the junction of Garces Hwy. & Corcoran Road.
For more information call (661) 725-2767 bakersfieldlife.com
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Continued from page 89 • For a quaint experience, try the Bella Maggiore Inn, a bed and breakfast located in downtown Ventura near shops and restaurants. 805-652-0277
PLAY • Hop on the Ventura County Wine Trail to taste the best wines in the region. Through the wine trail’s website, you can discover a variety of tours to suit you and your gal pals’ desires. venturacountywinetrail.com
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THINKSTOCK.COM
Getaways Shopping, wine tasting and plenty of sunshine make Ventura the ideal girlfriend getaway destination.
• No ladies weekend is complete without a little shopping, so head to the Camarillo Premium Outlets. This sprawling marketplace has top shops including Coach, Banana Republic Factory Store, Michael Kors and more. Spend an afternoon or a day at the outlets at 740 E. Ventura Blvd. in Camarillo. • Take a trek to the Channel Islands with Island Packers, a company that offers everything from whale watching tours to transportation to the islands. www.islandpackers.com, 805642-1393. Or on the more relaxed side, take a stroll by the lovely homes of the Channel Islands Harbor.
It’s in our Nature Halfway between LA and San Francisco, Morro Bay offers fresh ocean breezes, beautiful beaches, a calm bay, a fishing harbor, great dining, activities and more. And there is also a rich wine region, just minutes away. In Morro Bay there’s a wide variety of lodging to meet everyone’s needs, especially during mid-week travel.
Natural Morro Bay.
Visit our web site morrobay.org for more information
Your Kern County
Bucket List A dozen (or so) things to check off your bucket list right here in Kern
By Bakersfield Life
B
akersfield’s haters often bemoan the lack of culture and activities in this fair city compared to California’s more metropolitan localities. But here at Bakersfield Life, we think that talk is shortsighted. Kern County is home to a wealth of adventures, sights and sounds that are hard to come by in big cities. We set out to find a dozen things to check off your bucket list right here in Kern, but our list quickly grew. And we’re just scratching the surface of all the accomplishments you can cross off you bucket list without venturing very far from your front door.
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A silhouetted fly fisherman finds a good fishing spot along the Kern River, near Riverside Park in Kernville.
PHOTO BY CASEY CHRISTIE
Cast your line Pick up a rod and enroll in Kern River Fly Fishing School. Learn to fly fish while enjoying the great outdoors with help from this Kernville school. Visit kernriverflyfishing.com or call their fly shop at 760-376-2040.
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PHOTO BY JOHN HARTE
Stock car racing at Kern County Raceway.
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Live life in the fast lane with Bakersfield Racing School. Take an adventure in an Indy-style or stock car and floor it to speeds near 200 mph. Visit bakersfieldracingschools.com or call 877-996-9845 for reservations.
Bite into Basque Food brings people together and in Bakersfield, no meal draw compatriots closer than a family-style serving of Basque cuisine. Stop by Wool Growers at 620 E. 19th St., 327-9584, Noriega Hotel at 525 Sumner St., 322-8419, or Narducci’s Cafe at 622 E. 21st St, 3242961. Don’t forget to try the pickled tongue! PHOTO BY GREG NICHOLS
Get spooked Brave a paranormal experience at Silver City Ghost Town located at 3829 Lake Isabella Blvd. in Bodfish. Browse well-stocked antique stores and dare to shake hands with a ghost as you take a tour of the town. Tours are free for children 5 and younger, $4.50 for children age 6 to 12, and $5.50 for adults. For details on reservations and night tours, call 760-379-5146. Visit facebook.com/silvercityghosttown or lakeisabella.net/silvercity.
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A man basks in a tub at Remington Hot Springs as natural hot water from the spring flows in near the Kern River.
PHOTO BY HENRY A. BARRIOS
Burn rubber
Take a steamy dip Hike down to Remington Hot Springs and take a dip. You can enjoy a day out in the forest and in the springs in the Kern River Valley, but first call 760-379-5646 and ask for directions to camp. It’s free and open to the public.
Appreciate the Bakersfield Sound You can catch a concert almost anywhere, but in Bakersfield you can revel in an almost religious musical experience watching legends and locals croon tales of this roughand-tumble town. Whether it’s Merle Haggard at The Fox or Red Simpson at Trout’s, don’t leave town before you’ve spent a night with the Bakersfield Sound.
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Continued from page 94
Visit a hero Pay respects to a national hero at the César E. Chávez National Monument, 29700 Woodford-Tehachapi Road, Keene. Open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, visit nps.gov/cech.
Pat an alpaca Embrace one of Kern County’s fluffiest residents on a tour of an alpaca ranch. Try Adorable Alpacas in Tehachapi, adorablealpacas.com, 805-3895. They’re open most weekends from noon to 4 p.m. (and by appointment during the week) for tours of the ranch, and they also have a gift shop with alpaca yarn and products. Call before you go. PHOTO BY CASEY CHRISTIE
Climb to new heights Prepare yourself for an adrenaline rush with Sierra South’s rock climbing adventure. With classes that give you a real rock climbing experience, you’ll be ready to take on a mountain. Visit sierrasouth.com/climbing.htm or call 800457-2082 for reservations.
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Ride the Kern River With twists, turns and rapids, whitewater rafting is a thrill at any age. Check out Whitewater Voyages, whitewatervoyages.com, or call 800-400-7238.
Take the plunge Take a leap of faith with Skydiving Taft. For $189, you can free fall strapped to an instructor at 120 mph. Skydive Taft will also teach you how to skydive solo for $299. Visit skydivetaft.com or check its Facebook at facebook.com/skydivetaft.
Stop and smell the flowers Kern County has a stunning wildflower season and you can find patches and fields of color even in these recent dry years. Take a hike through Wind Wolves Preserve or Kern River Preserve. Or try a spring drive east of Bakersfield down Highway 58 or Highway 223, or a day trip up the Kern River Canyon.
Go for a loop Just up the hill from Bakersfield lies local engineering marvel — the Tehachapi Loop, a spiral train track that loops over itself. You can catch a glimpse of the track from Highway 58 or for a better view try Woodford-Tehachapi Road.
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Our home was built in 1984 and we have lived here since 1993. Over the years, as our three children grew and our needs changed, we made quite a few changes to the home, but nothing as extensive as a complete kitchen remodel. Last Spring we decided it was time to tackle a kitchen update and we knew we wanted a company who could design a cheery, functional, and modern kitchen, while also providing quality craftsmanship.We had seen Stockdale Kitchen and Bath ads in Bakersfield Life Magazine and heard positive remarks from other customers, so we decided to give Rick Sorci a call.We met with Rick and immediately liked his professional, friendly, and confident personality. He really listened to our ideas and worked at changing things in the kitchen that were not working for us. He designed the kitchen with us, section by section, using his wonderful software that let
us see the design in 3-D. He helped us choose the cabinets, appliances, granite, tile, lighting, and hardware using his unique artistic eye while getting input from us.We truly felt that he had a vision for the finished product. His wonderful sense of humor kept us uplifted and helped to make what can be a stressful time more bearable. His whole team, especially Tina in the office and Jeff, our onsight construction manager, was outstanding! They helped solve any problem that came up and kept us calmer through the whole process and now a month after the work has been completed we are so happy with our kitchen. We would recommend Rick Sorci and Stockdale Kitchen and Bath without hesitation to anyone considering a remodel.
Doug and Martha M.
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BUSINESS PROFILE
CHAIN | COHN | STILES What is the history of Chain | Cohn | Stiles in Bakersfield? Our law firm was founded in 1934 by Morris B. Chain, a local legend in Kern County courtrooms. Eventually, the firm developed practices in personal injury and wrongful death, which are the core of the firm today. Some of the most respected names in local law were bred out of this firm, and our current attorneys continue to be the most respected in their fields – not only in Bakersfield and Kern County, but across the state. Chain died in 1977, but his values are carried on today by David K. Cohn, David V. Stiles, six other dedicated attorneys and the firm’s professional staff. How does Chain | Cohn | Stiles stand out from other firms today? As the oldest personal injury law firm in Bakersfield, with our attorneys and staff bred locally, we have an extra edge that a firm outside of Kern County – or in Kern County for that matter – would never have. We care about Kern County, and we hold those accountable to make sure our residents are treated properly. Plus, we’re the only local firm to win “Best Law Firm” the last two years, and managing partner David Cohn has also been honored the last two years in the “Best Lawyer” category. What firm accomplishments stand out from the last 80 years? Our firm has more multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements than any other local law firm, and we’ve recov100
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Attorneys for Chain | Cohn | Stiles, which is celebrating 80 years in Bakersfield this year, discuss their cases at the firm’s office downtown.
PHOTO BY FELIX ADAMO
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
ered more than half a billion dollars on behalf of our clients. Besides that, our commitment to help those in our local community has made workplaces safer. We’ve consistently held large corporations accountable – oilfield and agriculture companies included – which, in turn, has made workplaces safer for our community’s workers. We’re also very proud of the deep connection this firm has made with our community – the firm’s roots are embedded in giving back. Our attorneys sit on local boards, including Clinica Sierra Vista, Mothers Against Drunk Driving and CASA Kern County, among many others. And our employees give back in many ways, too, including hosting teams for March of Dimes and Relay for Life, sharing their expertise at the university level, and donating their time to volunteer for local causes. How are you commemorating 80 years in our community? We’ve partnered with the City of Bakersfield and the Bakersfield Homeless Center to adopt a portion of the Westside Parkway, where we employ our homeless residents to keep our roads clean and beautify Bakersfield. You’ll see our sign on the Parkway, near Coffee Road, as reminder of our loyalty and service to our community for the last 80 years, and decades to come. You’ll also see us giving back to a variety of local causes and events, including the Kern County Corporate Challenge, where our firm goes head-to-head against local businesses to benefit the nonprofit, League of Dreams. And there’s more. To keep up to date, visit our website and blog – bloggingforjustice.com – and follow us on social media.
BUSINESS PROFILE SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
SeaVenture Beach Hotel is the only fullservice beach front hotel in Pismo Beach.
W
hether you want to wake up feet from the beach, or say, “I do” among the seashells, SeaVenture Beach Hotel can make your dream a reality. The hotel is right on Pismo Beach and close to any vacation activity you desire. With a fine restaurant, private balconies and perfect ocean views, this hotel will make your vacation one to remember.
Many of the rooms at the SeaVenture Beach Hotel have a private balcony with a hot tub.
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PHOTO COURTESY OF SEAVENTURE BEACH HOTEL
The SeaVenture Beach Hotel is a short stroll from the Pismo Beach Pier and right on the beach. What else is the resort near? We are just south of the pier, making us walking distance from shops, restaurants, and bars. We are also close to the Edna Valley wine region. In a 10-minute drive, you can be immersed in beautiful vineyards, and you can quickly retreat back to the beach after your wine tasting is complete. Every California girl dreams of a beach wedding. What wedding services/packages do you offer? We are most sought after for our toes in the sand beach weddings. Being the only location in Pismo Beach to provide beach weddings, we make
June 2014
PHOTO COURTESY OF SEAVENTURE BEACH HOTEL
SEE A NEW SIDE OF PISMO AT SEAVENTURE BEACH HOTEL
a lot of dreams come true! We offer full ocean-view reception facilities that boast wraparound terraces, offering panoramic beach and ocean views. Our allinclusive packaging takes all the work out of your wedding planning by including the majority of your vendors for the big day. The resort also boasts a great restaurant. What delicious food can guests expect? Serving up panoramic views and coastal cuisine, you can expect to dine in casual elegance upon the freshest fish, seafood, and steaks. Many products are sourced from our abundant local farmers markets. Our small plates, bar and extensive local wine list make our restaurant the perfect location to soak in a sunset on a laid-back California coast evening or celebrate a very special occasion. What makes the SeaVenture Beach Hotel so special? SeaVenture Beach Hotel is special for so many reasons. Beckoning from 22 miles of sandy Pismo Beach, we are the only full-service beach front hotel on Pismo Beach. Our location takes relaxation to a whole new level with rooms that offer fluffy featherbeds and cozy fireplaces — many also boast a bubbling private balcony hot tub. Use of beach cruiser bikes and beach chairs is included with your stay and allows you to easily soak up sunny rays. The abundance of area activities includes everything from kayaking to wine tasting to exploring the dunes and monarch grove. It’s no secret that Bakersfield denizens love Pismo Beach. How can a stay at the SeaVenture take a trip to Pismo to the next level? A hidden gem and with unique room amenities, SeaVenture assures your next Pismo stay is one of rest, relaxation and rejuvenation. You can make it low key by playing on the beach and enjoying breakfast delivered to your doorstep, or fast paced with a Hummer ride on the dunes. SeaVenture Beach Hotel makes your Pismo Beach experience a paradise within reach.
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Rates exclusive of 11.065% lodging tax and a $10.00 nightly facility fee. Valid June 1 - December 30, 2014, 7 nights a week. Blackout dates may apply. 2 night minimum. Valid on any room type of choice, based on availability. Cannot be combined with any other specials or discounts. Book by phone, ask for Waves to Wine Package.
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BUSINESS PROFILE SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
I
t has long been the American dream to own your own business. Some say the American dream is a thing of the past, but the folks at American Dream Services, a heating and cooling company serving Kern County, prove it’s alive and well in Bakersfield. “When my wife and I started our company in 2012, it was our dream to focus on providing the best possible service our clients have ever had at their home or business,” said co-owner RJ Allen. Allen began running service calls with his dad at age 5. “I’ve pretty much only known air conditioning and heating my entire life,” Allen said. Allen held key front line positions from apprentice to general manager. Working for companies ranging from $1.5- to $18-million in annual revenue, Allen learned to specialize in the implementation of proven techniques to give
The Allen family, from left, Lauren, Hannah, Chloe and RJ. 104
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home. “It’s just not safe to open your door to anyone nowadays and our clients love the fact they know who will be knocking on their door,” Laura Allen said. American Dreams up-to-date software also allows them to better serve customers by keeping a detailed record of your history and scheduling your service and maintenance in advance so they contact you, no more fretting to remember to set up your system check twice a year. One of the best ways to have your air conditioning/heating system more efficient without replacing it is to have the system maintained every six months. Dust and dirt is the leading cause of failures in the system and also reduces efficiency. American Dream’s maintenance agreement gives you maintenance services and additional bonuses, such as parts warranties ranging from five years up to a lifetime warranty, and priority scheduling. It gets hot in Bakersfield and as air conditioning companies get busy, American Dream handles most calls within 24 to 48 hours and club members come first. Find them on Facebook, Instagram, or schedule appointments at ADSHC.com.
PHOTO BY HENRY A. BARRIOS
AMERICAN DREAM SERVICES BUILDS ON NATIONAL DREAM
customers superior service. Co-owner Laura Allen also got her start in family business at Bob’s Furniture. She was a standout car sales associate and is now a mother of two, soon to be three, lovely daughters. At American Dream, the Allens are committed to being experts in comfort, efficiency, health and safety specializing in residential and commercial air conditioning and heating repairs, service/maintenance and indoor air quality. RJ Allen said American Dream’s employees make the business stand out. “We hire employees that we would feel comfortable having in our own home. It’s not good enough that our staff be technically superior, so we train daily,” Allen said. “We focus on technical aptitude, customer service, safety, leadership, and communication.” Workers attend manufacturers training as well as more than 250 hours of inhouse training every year. In every situation, American Dream Services trains its staff members to ask themselves, “Am I providing customers with the service of their dreams?” American Dream also allows clients to receive email alerts with a picture of the technician who will arrive at their
June 2014
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INSIDE STORY
A rendering of the CSUB housing project expected to be completed in October.
WELCOME HOME, FRESHMEN Story and photos by Mark Nessia
F
irst-year Cal State Bakersfield students have something big to look forward to next year to the tune of 500 beds, study rooms, a game room, kitchen and laundry amenities, and an outdoor courtyard with a barbecue area and amphitheater space. These are just a few of the features of CSUB’s new housing project, a $42 million undertaking six years in the making. Construction began in October 2013 and is projected to finish this fall with students moving in January 2015, according to Crystal Becks, CSUB director of student housing. The project provides a much-needed upgrade to the university’s current dorms, which were constructed in 1972 and house 350 students. The new facilities will be fully furnished and provide a better student-to-bathroom ratio (two-to-one versus 15-to-one in the current facility). The buildings are part one of a three-phase new housing project. CSUB’s student population is approximately 8,000 and 1,500 on-campus beds are needed to accommodate them. “A lot of families from out of the area want safe amenities for their kids and this housing project makes it possible,” Becks said. “For returning students and grad students, it’s easier to find off-campus housing.” 106
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Federico Gonzalez helps frame the shafts in Building 2A. Construction of the CSUB housing project began in October 2013 and is expected to be completed this fall.
An aerial shot of the “great lawn,” residential commons, and Building 1B, left.
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Construction workers stand on the “great lawn,” an open space between the living quarters and the residential commons where students can congregate outdoors.
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PA S T I M E S
KEEPING UP WITH CODING Independence High students learn coding skills in new club
Independence High students Vananh Vo, left, and Crystal Agerton work with a Lego Mindstorm robot on loan from Taft College during coding club with direction from instructor Kip Glazer. 108
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Diana Sandoval, left, and Melissa Viveros use the laptop to program a robot on loan from Taft College at the new coding club at Independence High School.
By Gabriel Ramirez
Photos by Casey Christie
A
ngry Birds, FarmVille, and Flappy Bird all had their beginnings in the minds of innovators. But these creations would not have hatched without the magic of coding. Coding allows a person to turn an idea into something functional. At Independence High School, a new coding club is teaching students how to make the leap from idea to reality. Kip Glazer began the school’s coding club after winning a One Classroom at a Time grant from Eyewitness News KBAK/KBFX in August, which gave her the funds to start the club. Glazer is a teacher and webmaster at Independence and also a club adviser and doctoral student. “I have always been passionate about technology. After I began my doctoral program in learning technologies, I realized the importance of creating a supportive environment for students,” Glazer said. The club’s 25 active members are still earning the basics of coding and haven’t created any groundbreaking apps just yet. Karigan Owens and Angelo Benitez are among the many students who have gained
Independence High School senior Prosper Osagie-Amayo repairs a robot. knowledge and skills from this new club on campus. While Benitez said he has learned a lot about wiring and coding, he and Owens said the best thing they’ve learned so far is how to fail and learn from it. “I made a circuit, but I messed up multiple times,” Benitez said. “Now I know how to do it right.” Benitez believes the club teaches stu-
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Continued from page 109 dents more than just how to code; it teaches them responsibility. Students in the Coding Club use Codecademy, CodeHS, Kodu, and App Inventor to learn how to create games and apps, and Lego Mindstorm programs for robotics projects. “I feel that advising a club such as this provides what researchers call an ‘affinity space’ where students can pursue their true passion for learning,” Glazer said. “My students come to ‘play’ because they want to, not because they are required to. They choose the project that they want to work on and they persevere through failures because they become a part of a learning community.” Glazer is working to expand the reach of the coding club. She is looking for sponsors who can help the club purchase supplies and is also hoping to connect with other teachers who are interested in starting coding clubs. If you are interested in donating to the Independence High School Coding Club, contact Glazer at kip_glazer@khsd.k12.ca.us. Funds raised will help the club buy Arduino boards and LED lights along with other electronics to help students create wearable electronics. The club also hopes to purchase conductive ink and copper tapes for next year’s projects.
Independence High student Manuel Munoz works on programming his Lego Mindstorm robot during coding club.
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HOME AND GARDEN
Mike, Lazelle and daughter Leilani Broida prepare for an unforgettable family vacation. 112
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GETTING ROVER READY Whether you’re boarding your animals or taking them along for the ride, make sure that their shots are up-to-date and that they have a recent vaccination for Bordetella, commonly known as kennel cough. If you’re taking your pooch with you, check if the hotel accepts pets and find out if there is an additional fee for your furry friends. Many hotels require a non-refundable deposit and some require that your animals be crated if you leave them in the room, according to Bonnie Tomlinson, owner of Biscuit Boutique & Doggy Spa. You should bring a copy of your pet’s shot record with you, said Tomlinson. Tomlinson also recommends giving your pets bottled water when traveling because tap water might have different parasites than they’re used to and could cause stomach problems. Another must is a flea treatment before you leave to ensure both you
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Continued from page 113 and your companion are comfortable on your trip. If you’re leaving your fluffy family members behind, kennels will require current vaccines, as well as an emergency contact number, according to Carlos Vargas at Coffee Road Animal Hospital and Pet Resort.
SECURING YOUR PREMISES If both you and Fido will be away, consider who will guard your home while you’re gone. The best watchdogs are actually your neighbors. They can keep an eye on your place and report any suspicious activity. Kelsey Taylor, Bakersfield Police Department’s Community Relations Specialist in the Crime Prevention Unit, recommended that you make your home look as lived in as possible. Put your lights on timers and leave a radio playing low. Lock all doors and windows and ask someone to walk through your residence while you are gone to check all the doors. Sometimes break-ins occur at a back door and aren’t obvious from the front of the home, Taylor said. Don’t forget to lock any vehicles you’re leaving behind and make sure they are empty and that you remove your garage door opener. If your car will be in the garage, ask a neighbor to park their car in your driveway while you’re away.
Take any valuables or heirlooms with you or leave them in a safety deposit box. Make sure firearms are locked and the safe is bolted to the ground. Ask a trusted neighbor or family member to pick up your mail and newspaper, or have both services stopped and held
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until you return. Ask a neighbor to place your garbage cans at the curb on normal pick up days and put them away afterward. All these steps can be big deterrents to burglars. You can also protect your home online by refraining from announcing your departure via social media, according to Taylor. “Social media is probably one of the biggest factors [of security],” said Taylor, who recommends not ‘checking in’ at the airport or your destination on Facebook. Wait to post the pictures of your trip when you are back home. For added security, Taylor suggests writing your driver’s license number on your valuables, such as televisions and computers. It’s a quick way for law enforcement to identify the owner if stolen property is recovered. If you have a home alarm system, make sure it is working properly and that your back-up battery is still good, said Molly Busacca, who runs Secure Systems with her husband, Bruce. Every home alarm system should be backed up by a car battery to keep power going even if the electricity goes out or the power lines to the home are cut. Criminals can figure out how to bypass systems if there are weaknesses, so have enough equipment to secure your home, including glass break alarms and motion sensors. A little planning and preparation will keep your home and your pets secure and well cared for while you’re away, ensuring you a relaxing and worry-free vacation.
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Richard Roux
HISTORY
Patrons and employees gather around a stack of beer barrels outside the Arlington Hotel in Bakersfield circa 1915, less than a decade before Prohibition banned alcohol.
BOOTLEGGERS, BOOZE & BUSTS A look at Prohibition in Kern County By Richard Roux
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a Costa Nostra. The Mafia. Organized groups with ringleaders violently competing for control of the liquor trade. Many people are introduced to Prohibition through the colorful characters of programs such as HBO’s “Boardwalk Empire” that portray a violent world of bootleggers and crime lords. These examples surely existed, but they did not define the illegal liquor trade across the United States during Prohibition, let alone the landscape in Kern County from 1920 to 1933. Instances of violence in our county during Prohibition were few and far between. But make no mistake, the dry age wasn’t without drama here in Kern. One of the last gasps of the Progressive Era, national Prohibition was the culmination of more than 100 years of effort to address absenteeism in the workplace, reduce domestic abuse, promote moral reform, and aid in the assimilation of
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PHOTO COURTESY OF THE KERN COUNTY MUSEUM USED BY PERMISSION
teaches U.S. history at Centennial High School. His first book, “Bootleggers, Booze, and Busts: Prohibition in Kern County, 1919-1933,” is available for purchase at Amazon.com, Kern County Museum, Kern Valley Museum, West Kern Oil Museum, Maturango Museum, and Russo’s Books.
immigrants. Although passed with good intentions, the 18th Amendment and the National Prohibition Act — also known as the Volstead Act — proved to be unpopular and difficult to enforce, largely due to the fact that Americans of all ethnicities and races were accustomed to drinking and the federal government never allocated sufficient resources to enforce Prohibition measures. With the beginning of World War I, prohibitionists recognized the opportunity that mobilization and patriotism presented for their cause. Temperance was identified with “Americanism,” and by default liquor interests were labeled treasonous. By the time the war ended, the 18th Amendment sailed through Congress and was passed on to the states for ratification. On Jan. 13, 1919, California became the 24th state to ratify the amendment. Three days later, three-fourths of the states (36 in all) had ratified the amendment, allowing it to become effective in one year. Every state except Connecticut and Rhode Island ratified the 18th Amendment, ushering in national Prohibition. For 13 years, violators of Prohibition and law enforcement officials played a cat-and-mouse game over the production, transportation and sale of intoxicating beverages— intoxicating defined by the Volstead Act as anything with more than one-half of one percent alcohol. Violators had to dodge not only federal Prohibition agents, but local law enforcement officials as well. In Bakersfield and Kern County, prosecuting Prohibition
violators was an easy way to pad government coffers. According to reports in The Bakersfield Californian, between 1920 and 1933, more than 2,100 arrests were made of 1,726 people in Kern County for Prohibition-related crimes, and at least $317,127 (equal to more than $1.06 million today) in fines were collected. Only 25 percent of the fines went back into enforcement, the rest were swallowed by the city’s general fund. Of those arrests, 50 percent occurred within the city limits of Bakersfield. Arrests were made in private homes, on streets, in parking lots, empty buildings and businesses. Perhaps the wettest street in Kern County was Humboldt Street (now E. 21st Street). The street was lined with hotel bars, saloons, and restaurants that served alcohol before 1920, but converted to soft drink parlors with Prohibition and were raided repeatedly. The French Hotel, National Hotel, and Universal Hotel alone weathered at least 15 raids between 1920 and 1929. Two of the most prolific violators in the county were arrested at these businesses. Martin Jaussaud was arrested six times and Albert Martin was arrested on seven occasions. As with other historical events, Prohibition is an interesting case study in human nature. Millions of Americans willingly violated national and local Prohibition laws. Some violators responded to the forces of supply and demand. Many violated the law for thrills. Whatever their motivations, people were just
as passionate about breaking the law as teetotallers were in their belief that Prohibition would make the nation a better place. On Dec. 5, 1933, the 21st Amendment was ratified, repealing the 18th Amendment. The Bakersfield Californian reported on that day that Prohibition’s “…fundamental failure was that it interfered in the moral judgments of the citizens [and was seen] as a curb on their liberty. This they asserted by defying the law until it was more honored in the breach than in the observance.”
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OUR TOWN
GO NUTS! Kern County Nut Festival returns for a second year of summer fun By Alana Garrett
Photos by Casey Christie
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f you missed out last year or are ready to go nuts again, take a crack at the second Kern County Nut Festival. The Nut Festival will be held June 7 at the Kern County Museum, celebrating some our county’s most important crops. From almonds to walnuts to pistachios, this year’s festival promises to be a shell of a good time. Kern County held its first Nut Festival in 2013 after almost four years of planning. According to Kern County Museum Foundation board member Beth Pandol, the festival sprouted from a conversation between her fellow board member Sheryl Barbich and The Bakersfield Californian’s executive editor Bob Price. “The festival started with Bob Price asking Sheryl Barbich why we didn’t have a regional ag festival. She called me since I’ve worked in ag my whole career almost and we got a group together to flesh it out,” Pandol said. This year’s festival promises to not only be everything last year’s was cracked up to be, but also to educate residents about the importance of nut crops to Kern County agriculture. Kern produces some of the best nuts in the nation and is a leader in nut production. “Our hope is that someday people will come from all around California, just like they do for the Gilroy Garlic Fes-
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Bryan Campoy helps his son Bradley Campoy with the “Angry Nuts,” sling shot game during the Nut Festival.
tival” Pandol said. The festival begins at 9 a.m. and ends at 6 p.m. The festivities start with the Running of the Nuts, a 1K and 5K along the Kern River Parkway. Recipe contests will be held for almond, pecan and walnut dishes and celebrity chefs will serve creative dishes for nut lovers. And if those plates don’t fill you up, there will be plenty of local food vendors including Champs BBQ, Chef’s Choice Noodle Bar, and more. Lengthwise Brewery will be in the mix serving almond beer. Entertainment will include Mento Buru, John Hollins Band, and more. Cal State Bakersfield art students will fashion sculptures out of nut products and nut tree parts. And attendees can enjoy a new story telling event, “The Nuttiest Thing that Ever Happened to Me,” featuring Price and talk show host Ralph Bailey dishing their wackiest stories. The Kern County Nut Festival needs some salty volunteers for ticketing, water, soda, beer sale, kids events, and many other activities. Volunteers must attend one of two training sessions, the latter of which will be held June 3 at 5:30 p.m. at the museum. If you are interested in volunteering, email kcnutvol-
A large waffle cone filled with ice cream was a nice treat for Brooke Hartsell during the first Nut Festival last year in Bakersfield. unteer2014@yahoo.com. Check out the Kern County Nut Festival; it’s an event you walnut forget!
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IN MY CLOSET
LARRY WILLIAMS
Bailey of Hollywood Tennessee straw hat, Links for Life pink golf polo, PGA Tour white belt, Loudmouth Golf Cotton Candy shorts and Foot Joy MyJoy shoes.
Loudmouth Golf Shagadelic sports coat, Patrick James classic shirt, Ralph Lauren slacks and Donald Pliner slip-on shoes.
Seven Oaks Country Club cap, Seven Oaks golf polo, PGA Tour white belt, Loudmouth Golf Pazeltine golf shorts and FootJoy MyJoy shoes.
Robert Graham limited edition casual shirt, Leviâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and Lucchese full quill ostrich boots. 120
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A cowboy with eclectic style
expresses your individuality.
By Hillary Haenes
My personal style: We all have a certain style, but the important thing is not to get to stuck in one genre. Be willing to try new things — that’s a big part of life. My personal style is pretty eclectic, but by nature, I’m a boots and Levi jeans kind of guy.
Photos by April Massirio
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arry Williams’ sense of style has evolved through the years, yet this small town Texas transplant is still in tune with his country roots. In fact, the 54-year-old continues to proudly sport the cowboy boots that his wife, Tana, gave him 20 Christmases ago. And like almost anything that becomes better with age, his pair of Lucchese boots have never looked better even though the soles have been repaired a dozen times. Williams, vice president of Work Force Staffing, has become more daring with his clothing choices thanks to his wife. “When I met Tana, my closet had blue jeans and white starched Oxford shirts. If I was going to dress it up, I wore a pair of khakis with my boots. Now it’s become a broad spectrum of colors, styles and textures,” Williams said. A few years ago, for Williams’ 50th birthday, Tana and friends planned a crazy golf clothes and barbecue birthday party for him and buddy Jim Varner, who share their special day. For the festivities, Williams sported a pair of Loudmouth Golf disco ball printed shorts and a safety orange-colored golf shirt. It was just the beginning of his flamboyant makeover, which has gained him popularity among the Seven Oaks Country Club crowd. “It was fun, and I admit that I liked the attention. The rest, as they say, is history,” Williams said. Five prized possessions in my closet: Loudmouth Golf Shagadelic sport coat, Ralph Lauren navy blue blazer, Bailey Tennessee Straw Hat, Vans surf shoes, and last but not least, my Lucchese full quill ostrich boots. Style is important because: It allows you to make a statement about yourself and
What others have said about my attire: I take some pretty good ribbing from my guy friends. I think it’s good natured and sometimes deserved. However, I get lots of compliments from my female friends. I think some of them would like to see their men in a little less conservative attire. Where I get my style tips: I look to my wife for style tips. After several years of gently nudging me away from a blue and white closet, she finally got me out of my comfort zone. I’m not a fashion magazine or trendy guy, so when I see things I like, I’ll make a mental note but most of the decisions get made in the store. I like to see it, feel it, touch it and try it on. (Don’t tell my buddies, but I like to shop.) My favorite designers: Right now my favorite designers are Robert Graham and my staple, Ralph Lauren — you can’t go wrong with Ralph. I’m a lifelong fan of Levi’s, and for trendy jeans, I like 7 For All Mankind. Where I shop both locally and out of town: Locally, I shop at Patrick James and Macy’s. I would love it if we had Dillard’s. For the most part, I’m an outlet guy. I can always find a good deal at a Polo Ralph Lauren Factory Store, Nordstrom Rack or Last Call by Neiman Marcus. One staple every man should have in his closet: A really good blue blazer — it works for casual or dressy occasions and bridges the gap if you’re not sure. A very close second is a great pair of cowboy boots. Fashion advice: Ignore the trends but don’t be afraid to step outside the box. You don’t need to buy neon, but color is a wonderful thing. Maybe start small with printed Happy Socks... If former U.S. President George H.W. Bush can pull off Superman socks, why can’t you? bakersfieldlife.com
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Mikie Hay, vice president of community affairs for Jim Burke Ford Lincoln, fosters the skills of local high school students via the Jim Burke Ford Education Foundation's leadership programs. Students from left to right are Ariella Goldstein, Patrick Crowley and Christopher Mazmanian.
BEHIND-THE-SCENES DREAM BUILDER Mikie Hay continues father’s legacy, turns today’s high achievers into tomorrow’s leaders By Lisa Kimble
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s Bakersfield’s smartest cookies graduate high school in the coming weeks, there will be someone else besides family and teachers watching from the sidelines with immense pride. It’s been a decade since Mikie Hay’s youngest child crossed the threshold from high school to college, but almost every year at this time, with an equally vested interest in some graduates’ futures, Hay admits to getting sentimental when saying goodbye. And when she does, she pulls out the letters she has received from alums of the Jim Burke Ford Education Foundation’s leadership programs over the years. “Wherever I go, I will keep the life lessons I learned from 122
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PERSONALITY
the Ford Dimension close to my heart — so long as I do so, I can only see great things ahead in life’s exciting journey,” wrote Ford Dimension alum, Harvard grad and UCLA medical student Justin Koh. Letters like those and reflections on more than 40 years of leadership mentoring for high-achieving high school seniors make the unassuming Hay teary-eyed. “I get so sentimental, I just can’t say, ‘Goodbye and good luck.’ They are all a part of our Ford family for life! And they are all going to fly,” Hay said. Born and raised in Bakersfield, Michelle Hay, the only child of revered businessman Jim Burke and his wife, Bebe, is as dowto-earth as she is admired and respected. “My dad always called me ‘Mike’ from the day I was born,” she laughed. And the name stuck. Heavily influenced by her father, who died in 2006, and his peers like John Brock Sr., Hay learned civic responsibility as a way of life. Hay graduated from the University of Southern California where she majored in education. After a year working at the Ford Aeroneutronics plant where she helped arrange college recruiting trips, she returned to school, this time to Stanford University where she was one of only two people in the ele-
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Sara Baldridge pours a batch of smoothies at the Haggin Oaks Farmers Market as part of her Dream Builder project.
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mentary education master’s program. Hay came home and began teaching. In 1975, she and Ford employee Russ Lenk created Ford Dimension, a business-centered leadership program for the city’s top high school seniors. After a couple of years, Hay became the program’s sole director. “We had four kids our first year and they were all West High debaters,” Hay recalled. “They went to service clubs and talked about how students perceived big business and their lack of respect for youth. The business climate was much different back then.” “And we jokingly referred to it as The Ford Demolition because we allowed the students to test drive vehicles for a week,” she laughed recalling one of the very short-lived perks of belonging to Ford Dimension. “Student parking lots are very dangerous places to be,” she said. — Mikie Hay Recently the 40th Ford Dimension class was selected, comprised of 10 of the sharpest and most ambitious high school students heading into their senior year. The leadership program now also includes Dream Builders — four business-sponsored teams of equally highachieving kids, 22 in all from local high schools. The selection process is rigorous and competitive and being chosen to participate in the prestigious program is an honor. Hay said the program came about because Dimension organizers didn’t want to turn away so many qualified students. “These are all achieving, committed young people who have a desire to make a difference in our community,” Hay said. The programs count Monsignor Craig Harrison, Nicole Parra, Patrick Lencioni and Jeff Buckey among their noted alums. Married to Dan Hay since 1977, Hay has four grown children. Sons Joe, John and George are all involved in the dealership and daughter Kristen recently wed the great-great grandson of Henry Ford. Eldest son Joe is the outgoing chairman of the Bakersfield Museum of Art board, and George serves as a Dream Builder adviser.
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These are all achieving, committed young people who have a desire to make a difference in our community.
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Keep the memories coming and the liveliness going. Embark on an adventure, try a new flavor, enrich a relationship, learn a new skill. Every day presents exciting possibilities, and every moment chance to create a memory. Stay hungry. Always celebrate.
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“The same was expected of our children, who ‘unofficially’ went through the programs,” Hay said. Hay is a veteran of many nonprofit boards and organizations, including the Junior League of Bakersfield and the CSUB Foundation, putting the late Jim Burke’s mantra of ‘service over self’ into practice for decades. She said the interaction with the Ford Dimension and Dream Builder participants keep her ‘63-years-young.’ “Not only am I privileged to work with amazing students, but I have incredible assistant directors and a corporate and community team who are a real blessing,” she said. Hay isn’t the only person that the programs have changed. The students of the Dream Builders and Dimensions programs continue to inspire the community. One of this year's Dream Builders teams interviewed local World War II veterans, created memory books and submitted them to the Library of Congress. “One of those veterans said, ‘I guess we don’t have to worry about the state of our country when we have great young people like this making a difference,’” Hay said. And Hay couldn’t agree more. “There is no limit as to what they can achieve or become,” she said.
A Dream Builders team gathers before getting to work at the Plaza Towers, a public senior housing facility. The Dream Builders team recently did an “extreme makeover” to help beautify Plaza Towers’ recreation and sitting area of the lobby.
PHOTO BY CASEY CHRISTIE
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Ronald Ramirez of Going Underground Records has been a punk music fan since his teenage years.
RON RAMIREZ Bakersfield’s vinyl king By Paul Rivas
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inyl has been making a comeback, and at Going Underground Records you’ll find everything you need from today’s up-and-coming artists to blues, punk rock, jazz and rap. You’ll also find purveyor Ron Ramirez behind the counter or among the new and used record stacks. From a makeshift outfit in his room to a full store downtown, Ramirez has built his musical dreams into a successful business. As Ramirez came of age in Bakersfield, his life revolved around punk music. He was captivated by the scene when his father took him to his first concert — Suicidal Tendencies — at the Civic Center in the early ’90s. “I started going to as many shows as I was allowed to go
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REAL PEOPLE
to in 1993, at that time the bulk of punk rock shows were at an amazing spot called Bam Bam’s (or MARS),” Ramirez said. “I was only interested in punk...there were a lot of fantastic and sometimes dangerous shows.” As a teen, he picked up the bass — but later switched to the drums — and started a small bedroom operation selling records. The young ambitious Ramirez started on a path to running a record store that would become a Bakersfield gem. When Ramirez opened his store’s doors in 2001, vinyl wasn’t attracting much attention as CDs were making way for MP3s. Records were a DJ’s pastime. “When I first opened up the shop, I was just going raw on it. I had no experience on running a business and getting people to check out a record store was tough. There was no vinyl hype like there is now,” said Ramirez. But with the resurgence in the love of vinyl, Ramirez’s hard work and dedication have come to fruition. Owning a record business is still a job, but Ramirez, 34, keeps it fun by organizing punk shows at Munoz Gym, which is owned by his grandfather Paul Munoz, and helping local musicians distribute their music via his record labels and store. Ramirez runs two record labels, a jazz label called Epigraph and Going Underground.
On his label, Ramirez has released two LPs for local jazz musicians Kris Tiner and the Amazing Group and Invisible Astro Healing Rhythm Quartet. On the Going Underground label he released 30 records, including records for Los Angeles punk bands Doses and Generacion Suicida. “I just re-issued a 45 RPM of an old Bakersfield group called The Terrorists. They were around in the early ’80s and one of my personal favorites,” said Ramirez. Ramirez is also a retired musician who played in local punk bands Contaminators and Human Mess in the early 2000s. “Both of those bands had a lot of great shows and records that will live on forever,” said Ramirez. Now that he has two sons of his own, Ramirez keeps an open mind about their musical interests as they hang around the store. With his large inventory of vinyl logged in his brain, not a computer, Ramirez looks toward the future with hopes of moving to a bigger location. And as he continues to keep vinyl enthusiasts well supplied, Ramirez always wants to see the local music scene grow with “more bands, more shows, more records, more releases and more support.” “If there is nothing to do in the town, make something to do. It’s not that hard and anyone can do it … If you’re doing something real with your music, get it in to your local record store, simple as that,” Ramirez said.
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FIT AND FRESH
BEAT THE HEAT Your guide to happy, healthy summer hydration By Sally Baker and Katie Kirschenmann
Nicole Giumarra sports a Nathan Women's hydration pack. 128
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PHOTO BY JEFF GIUMARRA
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he infamous Bakersfield heat is finally upon us and the heat index and poor air quality can really interfere with keeping fit outdoors. Whether you are running, hiking or walking, staying hydrated should be a top priority as the mercury climbs over 90 degrees. Drinking enough water in the heat is important, but how we consume is also important. The convenience storeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bottle of water is just that, convenient but also wasteful. All along the bike path and around Hart Park youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll find a plethora of discarded plastic water bottles. This is a discouraging sight for those of us who spend a good deal of time staying fit outdoors. Do yourself and our community a favor and invest in a refillable BPA-free water bottle to stay hydrated all summer long. Why pay for plastic when most restaurants and convenience stores will gladly fill up your water bottle for free? Our go-to reusable water bottle is the Nalgene bottle. Nalgene bottles are BPAfree, made in the USA and guaranteed for life. They come in a variety of sizes and colors and are reasonably priced. Target sells the 32-ounce Nalgene bottle for $9.99. Nalgene also makes a sippy cup version for thirsty little ones that is adorable, leak-proof, spill-proof and, most importantly, a whiz to clean. Check out nalgene.com. When planning an all-day excursion, the best way to ensure a healthy hike is to wear a hydration belt or back pack. Take the time to try the products on; make sure you can move comfortably and have a good fit. We recommend seeking the advice of an experienced salesperson in order to get the best possible information before investing in an expensive piece of gear. The folks at Sole 2 Soul are the most
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WHITE B TOMAT EAN, SPINAC H AND O SALA This su D pe
PHOTO BY SALL Y BAKE R
knowledgeable in town. You can find them in The Marketplace or visit sole2soulsports.com. Discuss your activity and ability level with one of the staff and they will help match you up with the most appropriate hydration option. For serious miles in the heat, Nathan Hydration makes water bladder packs that are gender specific and easily adjustable. That being said, it’s a pricey product. Be prepared to shell out anywhere from $100 for a basic pack to $145 for a top-of-the-line model. For shorter runs and walks, a waist pack is your best bet. Nathan also makes an 18-ounce water belt with room for your keys and cell phone. The “Peak” waist pack will only set you back $45. Visit nathansports.com. Two other brands that we’re fond of are the Amphipod and Fitletic. Both offer two and three bottle belts that carry between 16 and 24 ounces. In our opinion the Fitletic two-bottle belt is the most comfortable. It is easily adjustable and made from super soft neoprene components. Visit amphipod.com or fitletic.com. Staying hydrated in the summer heat is important, but being in touch with how you feel in the heat is just as critical. If you feel fatigued or lightheaded, take a break in the shade. We can overheat and dehydrate faster than we realize. Always recognize your abilities before committing to an activity or event that may be too strenuous. Enjoy our beautiful summer weather with wisdom and water!
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THE POWERFUL TOMATO A treasure trove of nutritional riches, nothing is easier to grow in the heat of a Bakersfield summer than the amazing tomato. By April, six packs of many varieties are available in our local nurseries for a little as a couple of dollars. Choose a sampling of kinds for a medley of delicious tastes to enjoy from June well into late summer. Try Yellow Pear for pizzas, Roma for sauces, and Sweet 100s for salads. If you do not have room for a garden, plant tomatoes in a large pot on your patio, nothing is nicer than stepping outside to pick a sun-warmed tomato for your salad or sandwich. A tomato’s nutritional blast includes huge
antioxidant benefits, plus these juicy snacks are an excellent source of vitamin C and betacarotene. Besides strong antioxidant support, research has shown that Lycopene found in tomatoes offers heart support by regulating fats in the bloodstream and may help reduce excessive clumping of platelet cells. Tomatoes can also bring out the best in another delicious healthy food – spinach. Spinach contains high amounts of both iron and oxalic acid. Unfortunately, the oxalic acid prevents iron absorption. However, the large amounts of vitamin C in the tomatoes aids the absorption of iron. Tomatoes and spinach, a match made in salad heaven.
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PHOTO BY KATIE KIRSCHENMANN
For the three–pound abdominal wave, pull your abdominal muscles in and weave a weight under your knees.
The Villas At Scenic River A SENIOR COMMUNITY DESIGNED FOR YOU
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Come see your new home! • Privacy - A Gated Community, Single Level Cottage - Style Apartment Homes • Social Events - Travel Clubs, Clubhouse gatherings, Concerts and more. • Neighborhood Conveniences - Shopping, Banking, Restaurants
Kenneth V. Wall Board Certified in Hearing Instrument Sciences
The Original Hearing Aid Center of Bakersfield
4800 Easton Drive, Suite 108 Bakersfield, CA 93309
( 6 6661-323-1612 1) 846-2942
© 2011 Starkey Laboratories, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 6/11 03241-11_S9351
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www.VillasAtScenicRiver.com• 661-588-2400 4015 Scenic River Lane, Bakersfield, CA 93308 Directions: From Highway 99 take the Olive exit going West. Turn left onto Coffee Road, and left on Meany Avenue. Turn left onto Scenic River Lane. *OAC, Limited Availability.
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EXERCISE OF THE MONTH: ABDOMINAL WEAVE Begin by taking a seat and drawing the abdominal muscles in navel to spine - firmly. Lift both legs off the ground and find your balance. Pass a three–pound weight right to left under the left knee. Switching hands, weave the weight from left to right underneath and through the right knee. Performing a figure eight alternating over and under the knees continue the exercise for one minute.
SUMMER SERIES 2014
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The Bakersfield Track Club’s Summer Series consists of six separate 5K races on June 3, June 17, July 1, July 15, July 29 and Aug. 12. All races are held at CALM. For the first race, arrive in plenty of time for the 7 p.m. race start. This race will establish your handicap for the next race. If you don’t run until one of the later races, you will start your run at 7:15 p.m. to establish your handicap. Bring water, and be prepared to get hot, sweaty and dusty! I highly recommend buying a season pass online to avoid the long lines each race. You will get to keep your bib number for all the races, which helps keep it simple. A season pass costs $25 for non-BTC members, $20 for BTC members, and $15 for students (a great deal for all six races). For information and an explanation of how the handicapping system works, visit bakersfieldtrackclub.com/summerseries.htm.
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Congratulations! Thank you Bakersfield for voting Dr. Raj A Patel Favorite Doctor in 2012, Best Doctor in 2013 and Best Doctor in 2014. Special thanks to the Preferred Family Care team for providing excellent patient care.
Preferred Family Care 5925-A Truxtun Avenue Bakersfield, California 661-638-2273
Raj A. Patel, M.D. • Vicky Shergill, F.N.P. • David Nilsson, PA-C • Kristin Chisum, PA-C bakersfieldlife.com
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H E A LT H A N D W E L L N E S S
COMING DOWN THE HILL Downhill bikers embrace adrenaline, adventure Story and photos by Gregory D. Cook
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Rider Kyle Cordonier catches air off a jump on the Toad's trail. Downhill bikes tend to be heavier than traditional mountain bikes and equipped with both rear and front suspensions.
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t’s not a normal bike ride. Rocks bounce around under your wheels, and trees and bushes whip by at breakneck speed. Every now and then, the ground in front of you drops away as you come off a jump and fly for a second or two, speeding down trails with names like Refrigerator, Toad’s, or Just Outstanding. For an ever-growing number of intrepid thrill seekers, downhill mountain biking is one of the best ways to travel. “You’re outdoors, in some great places, and you’re always challenging yourself,” explained rider Guy Salcido. “It’s just awesome all around.” A typical downhill course takes riders careening down steep drops, around sharp turns, over jumps and bouncing through “rock gardens” in an adrenaline-filled race to the bottom of the hill. While downhill mountain biking is an extreme sport, the proper safety gear, including pads and a full-face helmet, along with a knowledge and respect of an individual’s abilities can reduce the risks of serious injury. “Problems start when you forget where your limits are and you go past them,” warned Salcido, adding that downhill biking is “a great sport” that riders can take as easy or as hard as they want. The challenge for a racer is to find his or her ideal path or “line” through the course. That line is the path that allows the rider to carry the most speed through an obstacle and sends them on to the next part of the course. “You’re just always thinking, ’What’s
Downhillers come in all ages, as demonstrated by 10-year-old Jennifer Richmond, who’s been riding the local trails for more than a year with her father.
coming up next,’” said local rider Austin Hobbs. “You always want to be riding one step ahead of yourself.” For riders like Hobbs, who raced BMX when he was younger, downhill racing takes other off-road cycling styles and distills them down to the most exciting parts. “It’s just that rush, it’s almost impossible to describe,” he said. “Going down a mountain is just fun.” It is a sentiment echoed by many local riders. “When you go down a hill, knowing at any moment you could crash, you just feel alive,” said longtime rider and local race promoter Adrian Monge. “Each time you ride, it makes you want to ride again.” After eight years of riding the local trails and having to travel elsewhere to race, Monge decided to start putting on races locally to give local riders a chance to race and to expose downhill mountain biking to more people. Monge’s company, All Action Racing, puts on a series of downhill races throughout the year in the foothills above Hart Memorial Park. Named the Toad’s Downhill Series after a popular local trail, the race is geared toward fun and community building. Expert riders navigate a series of difficult areas filled with rocks and jumps, while novice riders take a slightly milder route. Both paths drop into a sharp twisting canyon that deposits riders at the finish line. A good time on the mile-long course is around three minutes, but the top competitors cross the finish line in two. For Monge, making events like the Toad’s Downhill beginnerfriendly is one of his primary goals. “We’re all about sharing a good thing with good people,” he explained. “Just watching a beginner go down their first hill, going fast for the first time, makes me smile.” For rider Jason Richmond, downhill mountain biking is something that he can share with his 10-year-old daughter Jennifer. “It’s just great that we can enjoy something together,” Jason said. “It gets us outside, and she is getting braver every day.” Jennifer, who has been riding with her father for a little more than a year, said the fun they have makes the rides worthwhile. “Sometimes I get a little scared, but I get over it,” she said. “And it’s so fun. We get to see all kinds of neat things while we get exercise.” bakersfieldlife.com
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PRIME FINDS
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Farm Girls Vintage Finds Farm Girls Vintage Finds is located at 7200 Shafter Road, between Ashe and Gosford roads, south of Taft Highway. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday; noon to 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Uniquely Chic Florist & Boutique We specialize in custom and unique floral arrangements, perfect for any occasion. Let us become your favorite florist, too! 9500 Brimhall Road, Suite 701; 588-7997; uniquelychicflorist.com.
Color Me Mine at The Marketplace Let each child choose their favorite thing about dad, then trace a fun design and paint it in! This fun 19-inch barbecue platter is sure to be dad’s favorite gift. Paint yours today at Color Me Mine at The Marketplace, 9000 Ming Avenue; 664-7366; bakersfield.colormemine.
Kamnation Clothing School’s out! Check out our collection of women’s and children’s vintage inspired clothing and accessories. Shop at etsy.com/shop/KamnationClothin or like us at facebook.com/KamnationClothing for coupon codes.
• Personal Care • Bathing Services • Homemakers Service • Care Management • Meal Preparation • Transportation • Alzheimer’s & Hospice Care • Emergency Monitoring • Hospital Attendant • Bonded & Insured
Sugardaddy’s From high fashion runways to your closet, you can find it with us. Two-piece sweatshirt from Christine Alexander with matching jewelry. Take your pick. Layaway available. 5512 Stockdale Highway. 325-8300.
We personally match our caregivers to each client and their needs. Our dependable caregivers are experienced, drug-alcohol screened, background checked, bonded and insured.
Special Services Include: • Colonoscopy • Endoscopy • Video Capsule Endoscopy • ERCP • Cancer Screening Esophageal pH & Motility Study • Treatment fo Liver Diseases • Ambulatory Endoscopy Center 9870 Brimhall Rd. #100 Bakersfield, CA 93312 (661)588-8725 Fax (661)588-8749
24 -Hour Service Call today for your FREE In-Home consultation!
20041 Hwy 202, Valley Blvd., Unit 3, Tehachapi, Ca 93561 (661) 822-0377 Fax (661) 588-8749
www.bakersfieldgi.com
Greenacres Community Center Mon, Wed 5:30pm
Riverlakes Community Center
(661) 631-2036 2029 21st Street • Bakersfield, CA 93301
Tues, Thur 9:00am Sat, 8:30am
Uniglobe Travel Tues, Thurs 5:30pm
For more info:
589-8950 or Jazzercise.com
Established by Jeanne Schamblin in 1990 • Serving Bakersfield for over 21 years.
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April 24 2014 Bakersfield Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Business Conference
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Held at Rabobank Theater Photos by Henry A. Barrios View these photos and more at bakersfieldlife.com
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1. Genetra Richardson and Rose Jones 2. Lisa Srip and Diana Raines 3. Cristina Blackmon and Cathy Badgley 4. Sara Moore and Jennifer Howard 5. Jamielynn Cota and Cat Bernard 6. Sophia Hackler and Paola Becerra 7. Ann Patel, Marine Lopez and Elsa Pinoliar
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The all-new Chevrolet Colorado Z71 is built with the DNA of a true Chevy truck and is expected to deliver class-leading power, payload and trailering ratings. Colorado goes on sale in fall 2014.
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April 26 Fraternal Order of Eagles Awards Banquet
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1. Eric and Susan Berg 2. Richie Perez and Aurea Reynolds 3. Albert Ornelas, Denise Ornelas, Jessica Ornelas, Gabriel Ornelas and Dillen Littles 4. Risto and Gerry Rubio 5. Trier Schneider, Jolene Berg, Angie Bertran and Jennifer Ratchel 6. Steven and Mary Nieto, Rose, Denise and Joey "Zaza" Chavira, Nancy and Isaac Monsibais Jr. and Phillip Chavira 7. Ron Lauria, Lee Vasquez and Richard Saldana
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COMING FALL 2014!
2015 Chevy Colorado Z71
Held at The Eagles Club Photos by Mark Nessia View these photos and more at bakersfieldlife.com
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April 11 BC Red & White Wine & Food Festival
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Held at Bakersfield College Photos by Greg Nichols View these photos and more at bakersfieldlife.com
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Call or text
(661) 333-8824 CalBRE#01165991
DUTCH@CBBAKERSFIELD.COM / WWW.CBBAKERSFIELD.COM 9100 Ming Ave., Ste 100 - Bakersfield CA 93311
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1. Maria and Mark Schweer 2. John and Wendy Gerhold 3. Chris Ruiz and Maryann Lucas 4. Dennis Slater, Annette Bridgman, Ken and Linda Ferra and John and Ann Carrillo 5. Zeny Tutop, Jo Acosta, Anita Karr and Lisa Kent 6. Jen, Rylan and Liz Rozell 7. Lovanah King and Josie Eala 8. Brandon Kough and Leticia Rosales
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Held at Bakersfield Country Club Photos by Carla Rivas View these photos and more at bakersfieldlife.com
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1. Laveda and Ron Wren 2. Jan Graves and Merrily Moore 3. Sherauna, Chad and Nicole Provensal 4. Kim Walker, Chris Moore and Suezette Smallwood 5. Jeanne Ackerley and Sharon Baker 6. Tiffani Graham, Bo Alade, Shanita and Neil Davidson 7. Ted and Mauri Armijo 8. Alan Paradise and Max Odom 9. Steve and Paula Brummer and Charlie Harris 10. John and Sandra Cope
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May 1 Voices of Inspiration Fundraiser Held at CSUB Photos by Carla Rivas View these photos and more at bakersfieldlife.com
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1. Kyle Hensley and Lisa Norman 2. Glen Daughtery and Terri and Mike Boyer 3. Amanda Harrison and Patty Scott 4. Summer and Brad Hankins, Leslie and Larry Puryear and Kim and Carla Andreatta 5. Toni and Jeff Dougherty and Mark and Dianna Herman 6. Rudy and Jaclyn Hernandez 7. Crystal and Chase Hoffmann 8. Amy Berrigan, Julie Pierson and Marina Dunn 9. Doretha Jones, Tori Hoffmann and Gayle Carpenter
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May 1 Our Lady of Perpetual Help Spring Barbecue Held at the parish ground Photos by Mark Nessia View these photos and more at bakersfieldlife.com
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1. Gary Icardo and Anna Spencer 2. Msgr. Ronald Swett, Deborah Leary and Msgr. Mike Braun 3. Tony and Mary Cornett and Rita and Amy Loken 4. Jake, Brenda, John and Emily Dhanens 5. Debbie and Gerald Lewis, Ed Currea and Gary Leary 6. Jerry and Judy Colin and Wanda and Vince Maciorski 7. Darlene and Rich Tucker 8. June and Richard Lemucchi 9. Bob and Peggy Crowe and Fred Allison 10. Susan Babcock, Lorraine Townsend, Debbie Williams and Rena Fagot 142
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May 6 CSUBâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Coyote Club Fundraiser
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1. Kristin and John Thiessen 2. Henry Mendez, Oren Dramen, Sean Nickell and Kyle Anderson 3. Larry and Leslie Puryear 4. Lori Mendoza and Macey Huston 5. Tricia and Glenn Bland 6. Efren Ceballos, Riley Orozco and Mike Mendoza 7. Dr. Donald Montano, Stephen Neal and Judge Larry Errea 8. Dennis Roark, Brandon Bice and Rich Garcia 9. Kenny Wright and Darryl Pope
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April 26 Links for Life Gala
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Held at Seven Oaks Country Club Photos by Greg Nichols View these photos and more at bakersfieldlife.com
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1. Barbara and Felix Dorante 2. Karen Crawford, Margie Corriea and Robyn White 3. Melissa and Josh Shadden 4. Charlotte Brandt, Jim, Joanne and Darrell Conner 5. Patrick Wells, Hillary Haenes, Karen and John Wells 6. Gary and Lisa Hyatt and Larry and Tana Williams 7. Jake and Lacy Silicz 8. Kristen and Jordan Kaufman
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bakersfieldkidfest.com
The First Annual KidsFest is coming to the
Kern County Museum on Saturday, July 19th! KidsFest Bakersfield is a great place to get your products and services in front of thousands of forward-thinking, modern families. • • • • • KidsFest Bakersfield will allow Kern County kids and parents the opportunity to touch, feel and experience your product while they explore 16 acres of creative fun.
Vendor Opportunities Available! Education • Extracurricular Activities • Fashion • Food Vendors • Health and Medical • Nutrition • Professional Services
For more information, contact Mira Patel at 661-395-7586 or mpatel@bakersfield.com
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LAST WORD
By Katie Price
A SCHOOL COUNSELOR’S ADVICE FROM THE SOON-TO-BE EMPTY NEST
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Ben Price
COURTESY OF KATIE PRICE
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his week, I went to a real tear-jerker. No, not a remake of “Steel Magnolias,” but rather my son’s high school graduation. But I wasn’t sitting in the stands like most parents. I was reading names from a podium as more than 600 graduates crossed the makeshift stage on Griffith Field at Bakersfield High School. Not only am I the mother of a 2014 graduate, but I’m also a counselor at the largest high school in Kern County, and have been for 12 years. This is my 11th graduating class and the second involving a child of mine; my daughter graduated from BHS three years ago. That was different, though, and those of you who’ve watched their “babies” cross the big stage know what I mean. It’s not that I don’t love my daughter, Jill. I do. But mother and daughter are just a little too alike in personality, so it was time for her to go, if you know what I mean. Jill, who has always been our headstrong child, was ready to launch into the world and find her way. And I was ready for her to stop stealing my mascara and eyeliner every single morning. As for Ben, he’s always been my sweet child. So empathetic, caring and sincere. Until he was 10, Ben greeted every one of our visitors with a hug when they entered the house, whether he knew them or not. Many of them still reminisce about that. Now, as he prepares to go off to Sacramento State University in the fall (coincidentally, where I met his father 30 years ago), I’m having a little trouble. I know it’s just five hours away and very close to his sister, who is at UC Davis, but still I don’t like it. He’s always been “my little guy” — even though he’s now almost 6-feet 2-inches tall — and I’ve always known he was within shouting distance surrounded by video games in his “man cave.” Well, it’s time to practice what I preach. I’ve been telling students for years that they should dream big and go wherever they want to go when it comes to college. If they yearn to experience life outside Bakersfield, this is the time. However, now that I’m faced with an empty nest I understand why parents are reluctant to let their children fly the coop. It’s not necessarily that they are trying to hold them back, or even that they are trying to save money (although that can certainly be a big part of it). It may be that they are simply not ready to let them go. It can be quite an emotional experience for both child and parent, and I would argue that it’s more so for us parents. We’ve watched our kids grow up, we’ve supported them, attended soccer games, choir concerts, paid for yearbooks and field trips. And although we may have complained now and then about the cost, the time commitment, the whatever, reality starts to hit that we won’t be doing any of that anymore. For me, it may not be so bad since I work with teenagers every day and can still get my “kid fix.” However, I’ve been told
by other empty-nester moms that they really had a tough time when their last child left home. It was so quiet they didn’t know what to do. They had no hobbies and hadn’t fostered friendships for a decade because they’d been so busy with their kids. So, what to do? Keep up with your own friends and try to maintain those hobbies so that one day when you are faced with an excess of empty bedrooms, you’ve still got a support system and a way to fill your time. Oh, and before you let him (or her) out of the house, make sure he shows you how to operate the TV. And how to record shows. And how to find the Wi-Fi password. And how to free up memory on your smartphone. And how to open Netflix. As for the students, this is a very exciting time, but it’s also a bit scary. For the first time ever, they’ll be responsible for figuring out their own meals, transportation, schedule, etc. Sometimes kids who’ve been very rule abiding go wild when set loose at college. I’d warn students to avoid that temptation. I’ve talked with many young adults (and more than a few old adults) who regret not being more disciplined in college. Some had to come back home after a semester or two because they got poor grades or they pulled stunts that got them kicked out. Remember that it’s OK to have fun, but don’t forget the values that got you this far. Finally, and this applies to newly freed students and parents alike, use this time wisely. Enjoy yourself, but remember that you’ll only pass this way once. Have fun but make these days count. Learn, experience, explore, but stay true to your goal, even if it’s only a very general goal. It’s the start of a new phase in your life, get it off to a positive start. — Katie Price is a high school counselor at Bakersfield High and teaches part time at Cal State Bakersfield. She loves to read, write and spend time with her friends and family.
count fries not sheep If you’re looking for the perfect late night snack, nothing’s better than hot, delicious McDonald’s fries. And your locally owned and operated Bakersfield McDonald’s are open late. So whether you’re out on the town or up all night, it’s always a good time to head to McDonald’s.
many open 24 hours
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Participation may vary. Open 24 hours at select locations. ©2014 McDonald’s.
Rugged Enough for ANY Dad!
2014 Pilot 2WD LX Lease
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36 month lease, $2499 due at signing
Closed end lease for 2014 Pilot 5 Speed Automatic 2WD LX (YF3H2EEW) available from May 13, 2014 through July 7, 2014, to well-qualified lessees approved by Honda Financial Services. Not all lessees will qualify. Higher lease rates apply for lessees with lower credit ratings. MSRP $30,500.00 (includes destination, excludes tax, license, title, registration, documentation fees, options, insurance and the like). Actual net capitalized cost $26,393.26. Net capitalized cost includes $595 acquisition fee. Dealer contribution may vary and could affect actual lease payment. Total monthly payments $10,044.00. Option to purchase at lease end $17,995.00. Must take new retail delivery on vehicle from dealer stock by July 7, 2014. Lessee responsible for maintenance, excessive wear/tear and 15¢/mile over 12,000 miles/year for vehicles with MSRP less than $30,000, and 20¢/mile over 12,000 miles/year for vehicles with MSRP of $30,000 or more. See your Honda dealer for complete details.
2014 CR-V 2WD LX Lease
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36 month lease, $1999 due at signing Closed Clos CCl llos o edd eend os ndd llease ease for 2014 CR-V CR- 5 Speed Automatic 2WD LX (RM3H3EEW) available from May 13, 2014 through July 7, 2014, to well-qualified lessees approved by CRHondaa Financial Services. Not alall lessees will qualify. Higher lease rates apply for lessees with lower credit ratings. MSRP $23,950.00 (includes destination, excludes tax, license, ense, title, registration, docume m documentation fees, options, insurance and the like). Actual net capitalized cost $21,496.66. Net capitalized cost includes $595 acquisition fee. D er ccontr Dealer Deal ontribut ibution ionn mayy vvaryy and n could affect actual lease payment. Total monthly payments $7,524.00. Option to purchase at lease end $14,609.50. Must take new retail contribution delivery on vehicle from dealer stock by July 7, 2014. Lessee responsible for maintenance, excessive wear/tear and 15¢/mile over 12,000 miles/year for vehicles with MSRP less than $30,000, and 20¢/mile over 12,000 miles/year for vehicles with MSRP of $30,000 or more. See your Honda dealer for complete details.
Visit Your Award-Winning Honda Dealer, Barber Honda for your BEST Deal on a New or Used Honda!
Barber Honda www.barberhonda.com
4500 Wible Road
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Barber Honda
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1-888-503-8891 Se Habla Español