Bakersfield Life Magazine June 2013 by The Bakersfield Californian Specialty Publications

June 2013

bakersfieldlife.com

Kern County

Nut Festival “Nuttin’ but fun”

Food Dudes go Indian at

Sensational

Zaika

Seniors

Central Coast A guide to 5 beach towns

27 of the best and brightest from Kern County high schools

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F E A T U R E S June 2013

SENSATIONAL SENIORS Bakersfield Life highlights 27 of the most outstanding graduating high school seniors from Kern County. Get to know them now — one day they may change the world.

80 58 NUT FESTIVAL The first-ever Kern County Nut Festival promises to be “nuttin’ but fun.” See our complete guide that includes an event map, a Q&A with the co-chairwomen, schedule of events, loads of nut facts, and a few of the dozens of nut-inspired dishes being featured by local restaurants at the festival.

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Bakersfield Life Magazine

June 2013

TRAVEL Ready for a summer getaway? Explore the best of the Central Coast using our handy guide. Or if surf, sun and sand isn’t your thing, take a journey to a California desert, mountain or metropolitan area highlighted here.

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

13 32 34 36 40 42 44 48 50 52 54

Up Front It Manners a Lot Kelly Damian Food Dudes Food and Wine Entertainment Foodie On the Road Hometown Hero All-Star Athlete Talk of the Town

54 40 For the record: • 10 categories in the “Best of Bakersfield” feature in the May issue of Bakersfield Life Magazine were inadvertenly left off. The 10 category winners and favorites are featured inside of this issue. • Lisa Cooper, winner in the “Best Personal Trainer” category, can be reached at 378-8602. Her contact information on Page 79 in the May issue of Bakersfield Life Magazine was incorrect.

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114 June 2013

56 For a Cause 96 Pastimes 100 Home and Garden 102 Why I Live Here 104 History 106 Our Town 108 Community 110 Neighborhood Spotlight 114 Ladies Who… 118 Personality 122 Real People 124 Fit and Fresh 128 Health and Wellness 130 Prime Finds 132 SNAP! 142 Inside Story

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Bakersfield’s Premier City Magazine June 2013 / Vol. 7 / Issue 9

“WHERE IS YOUR FAVORITE VACATION SPOT AND WHY?” “I’m an odd duck in that I don’t like quiet places. I love getting lost in the hustle and bustle of a big city, so places like Los Angeles or San Francisco naturally call to me.” — Gregory D. Cook, contributing photographer and writer “Any beach! Whether it’s closer to home (like Huntington), or out of the country (like Jamaica), I love some fun in the sun.” — Jorge Barrientos, assistant managing editor “I love to vacation in Florence, Italy. There’s so much history there, the people are friendly, and the atmosphere is beautiful!” — Danae Jarrett, contributing writer “Orange County and Central Coast getaways are always a nice way to relax. I also love trips to South Bend, Ind., to visit family and friends.” — Hillary Haenes, specialty publications coordinator “Anywhere nice and cool is my favorite spot to vacation.” — Mark Nessia, contributing photographer “Pawleys Island, S.C. Located at the southern end of the Grand Strand, it is

considered one of the oldest seaside resorts in America. Just a few miles from South Carolina’s seafood capital, and an hour north of historic Charleston, its clean, white, sandy beaches, warm tides, and Spanishmoss draped oak trees beckon. Sweet tea, shrimp and grits never tasted so good!” — Lisa Kimble, contributing writer “Any warm beach with a cool breeze. I prefer Maui, but can’t do that every year. Avila Beach and Coronado are nice backups. Someplace to decompress.” — John Wells, senior vice president of revenue & marketing “I love all things California. However, this fall, my family and I will be heading to Washington, D.C. for vacation. I have been there before, but they have not. It’s going to be the ultimate vacation experience. Can’t wait!” — Olivia Garcia, editor “Mammoth Lakes area in the summer. Spectacular scenery, clean air, day hikes into the backcountry, mountain biking and lots of great memories.” — Glenn Hammett, art director

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. Publisher Ginger Moorhouse President/CEO Richard Beene Senior Vice President Revenue and Marketing John Wells Vice President, Administration and Operations Nancy Chaffin Director of Display Advertising Roger Fessler Interactive Sales Manager Gunter Copeland Advertising Sales Manager Lisa Whitten Advertising Traffic Manager Shauna Rockwell Marketing Manager Mira Patel Distribution and Marketing Representative Patrick Wells Editor Olivia Garcia Assistant Managing Editor Jorge Barrientos Specialty Publications Coordinator Hillary Haenes Editorial Assistants Marisol Sorto and Estella Agular Art Director Glenn Hammett Photography Felix Adamo, Sally Baker, Henry A. Barrios, Casey Christie, Gregory D. Cook, Michael Fagans, Jessica Frey, John Harte, Alex Horvath, Katie Kirschenmann, Michael Lopez,Greg Nichols, Mark Nessia, Jimmy Phillips, Carla Rivas, Stephen Shafer, Jan St Pierre, Brian N. Willhite Contributing writers Sally Baker, Emily Claffy, Gregory D. Cook, Kelly Damian, David Dobbs, Breanna Fields, Danae Jarrett, Lisa Kimble, Katie Kirschenmann, Kevin McCloskey, Jeff Nickell, Gabiriel Ramirez, Chris Thornburgh, Brian N. Willhite Interns Marissa Lay, Jasmine D. Lowe, Andrea Vega On the cover Photo by Michael Fagans. Top graduating high school seniors get together for a picture at the Panorama Bluffs in Bakersfield. For more on them, go to Page 80.

Bakersfield Life Magazine

June 2013

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EDITOR’S NOTE

JUNE CAPTURES MANY MILESTONES

Silk Vanilla Soymilk I’ve always struggled with dairy milk. My tummy just doesn’t appreciate it, so I am kicking myself for not discovering Silk Soymilk sooner. And it’s calcium fortified. Can you say happiness? My tummy can.

Google Drive Thanks to the IT crew at The Bakersfield Californian, I am slowly embracing and appreciating Google Drive. You can create spreadsheets, slides, or documents, and share them with friends, classmates or colleagues — and they can provide input. The beauty is that you are left with one file, and all changes are tracked. Say goodbye to emailing files back and forth and re-saving.

Burberry Frozen Yogurt Here is one way to stay cool this summer: Grab your family or friends, head downtown and visit Burberry Yogurt inside the Spotlight Theatre on 19th Street. You must try their tart yogurt with a selection of toppings. I like cherries, strawberries and walnuts.

Bakersfield Life Magazine

June 2013

his is often one of the toughest and most inspirational editions to work on. Tough because counselors and school administrators are charged with narrowing down a top collegebound senior to be nominated and featured in our College Issue. Inspirational because of the stories behind these grads. If you ever needed to measure Bakersfield’s greatness, this is it. Bakersfield grows the cream of the crop — young high school grads with tons of talent, perseverance, passion and intelligence to reach their dreams. I encourage you to read about all of these grads. While we profiled a number of them in our feature package, I’d like to mention other top scholars not featured who reinforce the idea that Bakersfield is home to a great younger generation, and that makes me feel pretty inspired: Kimberly Ung of Arvin High School, who will attend UC Irvine; Andrew Daughtery of Centennial, who is headed to the U.S. Air Force; Kathyrn Comford of Frontier, who is UCLA bound; Maggie Arriola of Garces, who is looking forward to Norte Dame; Erica McCall, who is eyeing Stanford; Brian Liu of Stockdale, who has three choices (Stanford, Berkeley, USC); and plenty more. Parents are equally proud. Just ask Christina Melton. Her Savannah Melton is a graduate of Independence and will be going to Arizona State in the fall. Among her achievements: AP student, a three-year cross-country runner, softball player, varsity cheerleader, two-year public relations officer for the schools Friday Night Live club and two-year Link Crew Leader. She also volunteers with AYSO in their VIP program as a buddy for special needs kids so they can participate on a soccer team and she volunteers with Golden Empire Football as a cheer coach. Aside from the seniors we are highlighting, I encourage readers to check out The

Bakersfield Californian’s graduation section in Eye Street on May 26. About 1,000 graduating seniors — their photos and college choices — will be showcased. Speaking of high school grads, a shoutout goes to my twin nieces, Julianna and Jacqueline, who I see as my own daughters. They are part of the Foothill Class of 2013, and I’m so very proud of them and excited for what life holds in their future. And I also would be remiss if I didn’t mention two special grads of my own. Congratulations to my son, Mateo, who graduated from junior high and will be heading to high school to join his soon-to-be junior brother. And congratulations to my Cruzie, who graduated from preschool and will be joining in elementary school his soon-tobe first-grade brother. Special thanks to all the teachers who have been role models and put up with my active boys, and influenced them in such a positive way. Finally, many of us will be preparing our summer getaways, and if you’re looking for some ideas, take a peek inside at what we have to offer. Bakersfield Life contributing writer Emily Claffy highlights five Central Coast beach towns you should explore. Or if you’re in the mood for a “staycation,” then consider many of the local events taking place in June including the Menudo Cook-off and Latin Food Festival (June 2), the Kern County Nut Festival (June 15), or the Officer of the Year awards dinner (June 7). For more on these events, continue reading inside.

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

UP FRONT

WORD ON THE STREET Compiled by Gregory D. Cook

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY FROM HIGH SCHOOL? Rich Hughes

Ashley Phipps

Ron Littlejohn

“I went to high school down in Huntington Beach, and I remember having to fend off huge flocks of sea gulls if you ate lunch outside.”

West High: “High school was just so much better than junior high for me. I made so many more friends and had really good times.”

Bakersfield High: “Playing in the Driller band. I was in the percussion section, and it was a lot of fun.”

Tyler Blair

Erin Musgrove

Marshall Saint

Frontier High: “On the last day of school, my friends and I ditched our clothes and walked out of the building in just our underwear.”

Highland High: “Getting out! Just finally getting out of there and moving on to college.”

“I was home-schooled, so I pretty much liked everything about it, really the flexibility of it all. If we went on a trip, school could come with me.”

Kathleen Daigle

Warren Helmstedter

Carson Ramirez

Foothill High: “Just cutting loose and dancing dirty to rap songs with my friends.”

“I had a great prom. There was a fantastic band, and it was just a great evening.”

Centennial High: “Graduation day. The feeling that I had accomplished it.”

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UP FRONT

THE BIG PICTURE

TEAM ROPING Photo by Gregory D. Cook

Team ropers Paul Mullins and Ashley Bailey chase down a steer during the Hope Breast Cancer annual Team Roping Benefit at the Thunderhead Ranch. Team roping is a timed rodeo event in which the “header,” in this case Bailey, must secure a rope around the head or horns of the steer and then the “heeler,” Mullins, has to rope the steer’s hind legs. The clock stops when both riders have their ropes tight and are facing each other with the roped steer between them. Experienced ropers normally turn in times of under seven seconds.

Bakersfield Life Magazine

June 2013

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UP FRONT

NAMED AFTER

An early morning, mountain sunrise on Isabella Lake. 18

Bakersfield Life Magazine

June 2013

An aerial shot of Isabella Lake, looking south at the dam.

Seven years ago, the dam was found to be too unstable to hold a full amount of water. About 40 percent of a full containment had to be released to re-stabilize. The Corps of Engineers maintains a controlled release not to exceed 60 percent pending further studies and repairs. Isabella Lake is also situated along an earthquake fault line, which, for years, has prompted additional planning meetings about its sustainability and fueled speculation about its own emergency plans. For now, Isabella Lake remains an outdoors sanctuary fit for a queen. — Lisa Kimble

PHOTO BY CASEY CHRISTIE

Breathtaking Isabella Lake, one of Kern County’s most popular tourist destinations and one of the largest reservoirs in California, has been a mecca for fishermen, water enthusiasts, hikers and campers for decades. It is the crown jewel of the Kern River Valley’s multi-million-dollar-a-year tourism industry, whose fortunes rise and fall like the rings around the rim of the lake, depending on the amount of annual snowpack runoff. The lake and nearby town Lake Isabella are named after Spain’s Queen Isabella I of Castile, who financed and supported Christopher Columbus’ hallmark voyage in 1492. In 1893, when gold rush prospector Steven Barton founded the town of Lake Isabella, the Chicago World’s Fair that same year celebrated the 400th anniversary of Columbus’ arrival into the New World. Barton decided Isabella was befitting the community. Spanning 11,000 surface acres, the lake is at the confluence of the north and south forks of the Kern River. At an elevation of 2,500 feet, covering just more than 22 square miles, the Lake’s three lobes or sections — north, south and east — offer diverse landscapes against the backdrop of the Sequoia National Forest. A dam on the Kern River had been considered as far back as 1913, but wasn’t authorized until 1944 by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The decision to build the earthen Isabella Dam shocked many Kern River Valley residents who resided in the project’s path at the time. Work began to dam the river at the junction of its two forks at Whiskey Flat in 1948. And Isabella Reservoir was completed in 1953.

CALIFORNIAN FILE PHOTO

ISABELLA LAKE

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THE BASICS There are three tax breaks available if Thornburgh you pay higher education costs: the American Opportunity Credit, Lifetime Learning Credit, and Tuition and Fees Deduction. To qualify, higher education costs must be paid for either you, your spouse or your dependent. There’s a catch — if the student was claimed as a dependent, the student cannot file for the tax breaks. The credits are claimed on Form 8863 and the Tuition and Fees Deduction is claimed on Form 8917.

TAX BREAKS The American Opportunity Credit: • Maximum credit is $2,500 per eligible student. • Available for first four years of post-secondary education. • 40 percent of the credit is refundable, up to $1,000. Restrictions apply if the taxpayer is a child. • Student must be enrolled in a program that leads to a degree or other recognized educational credential. • Student must be enrolled at least half-time for at least one academic period. • Qualified expenses include tuition and related expenses required for enrollment. Books, supplies, and equipment needed for course of study are included, whether or not paid to the educational institution. • Available to eligible taxpayers who make less than $80,000 or $160,000 for married couples filing joint.

Lifetime Learning Credit: • Maximum nonrefundable credit up to $2,000

per taxpayer (tax return); provides 20 percent tax credit on tuition expenses up to $10,000. • Available for all years of postsecondary education and for courses to improve job skills. • Student does not need to be enrolled halftime or full-time. • Qualified expenses include tuition and related expenses required for enrollment. Books, supplies, and equipment needed for course of study are included if paid to the institution. • Available to eligible taxpayers who make less than $60,000 or $120,000 for married couples filing joint.

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Tuition and Fees Deduction: • The deduction can be up to $4,000, which reduces taxable income. • Student does not need to be enrolled halftime or full-time, so even taking one course can qualify. • Qualified expenses include tuition and related expenses required for enrollment. Expenses for books, supplies, and equipment needed for course of study are included if paid to the institution. • Available to eligible taxpayers who make less than $80,000 or $160,000 for married couples filing joint.

MAXIMIZE CREDITS BY PLANNING Since you can’t take more than one tax break per student, you must prioritize. If you qualify for all, take them in this order: the American Opportunity Credit, Lifetime Learning Credit, then the Tuition and Fees Deduction. With multiple kids in college, you can choose to take the American Opportunity Credit and the Lifetime Learning Credit on a per-student, per-year basis. This means you can claim the American Opportunity Credit for your daughter and the Lifetime Learning Credit for your son on the same tax return. There are other planning opportunities to be considered. A tax professional who understands education funding can help you make the most of college tax breaks.

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UP FRONT

SHORT TAKES

Local retired principal and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. member Ruscel Reader recently received the sorority’s Far Western Region’s Outstanding Chapter President of the Year Award and the Regional Director’s Leadership Award. Reader was principal of the award-winning Chavez Elementary School in east Bakersfield. The local chapter, Kappa Omega Omega of BakersRuscel Reader field, received the Graduate Chapter Achievement Award at the sorority’s recent regional conference in Los Angeles, which drew more than 1,000 members from nine states. The sorority hosts education and scholarship programs that provides students with college scholarships, leadership development, civic engagement, enhanced academic preparation and character building skills. — Bakersfield Life Magazine

David Mensch, right, and his 15-year-old son, Zach.

LOCAL STUDENT NAMED FIRST ‘WENDY WAYNE’ AWARD RECIPIENT Affectionately known as the “Mother Teresa of Bakersfield,” Wendy Wayne left a lasting legacy here. The late Cal State Bakersfield alumna and faculty member was committed to improving the lives of children in Kern County and beyond. So, too, is Kern Valley High School sophomore Victoria Scoggan, who works to combat bullying at her school Victoria Scoggan and talks to students about suicide prevention. For that reason, she was recently awarded Cal State Bakersfield Kegley Institute of Ethics’ first-ever Youth Award. The award recognizes local ethical values and humanitarian efforts. The 16year-old received a $5,000 college scholarship. Wayne was also posthumously awarded CSUB’s first Adult Lifetime Achievement Award. She died of cancer in June 2012. — Bakersfield Life Magazine 20

Bakersfield Life Magazine

June 2013

PHOTO BY HENRY A. BARRIOS

RETIRED PRINCIPAL EARNS REGIONAL SORORITY AWARD

LOCAL FATHER, SON TREK THE FOCUS OF NEW DOCUMENTARY

ast year, father and son David and Zach Mensch ventured on an arduous, yet unforgettable journey. David, who has cerebral palsy, rode his motorized wheelchair from Bakersfield to Sacramento with teenage son Zach biking alongside. Traveling more than 340 miles, David, 52, broke the world record for most miles traveled in a powered wheelchair in a 24-hour period. His goal was to raise awareness to statewide budget cuts that could affect those with disabilities, as well as raise funds for the Kern Assistive Technology Center, where he’s worked for years.

A documentary of their inspirational undertaking, “David and Zach’s Quest to Sac,” will premiere at 8 p.m. June 8 at the Fox Theater. General admission is $25 with a limited number of VIP tickets, which includes a reception at 6:30 p.m. with wine and hors d’oeuvres. Kern Assistive Technology Center’s inaugural “Show Me the Money” sweepstakes will follow the screening, where one lucky person will win $10,000, with additional prizes available. For more information and to watch movie trailer: davidandzachsquest.com. — Andrea Vega

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LOCAL TRAVEL

Los Angeles: 35 percent Las Vegas: 26 percent Pismo Beach, Central Coast: 25 percent

San Diego: 13 percent Orange County: 13 percent San Francisco, Bay Area: 11 percent

Ventura: 11 percent Santa Barbara: 9 percent Monterey: 9 percent Lake Tahoe: 6 percent

· weddings · parties · fundraisers

Attractions visited in the past 12 months by Bakersfield adults:

· reunions · sweet 16 · quinceañeras · marketing or corporate events · church events · school events

Disneyland: 17 percent Six Flags Magic Mountain: 16 percent

Universal Studios: 9 percent Knott’s Berry Farm: 8 percent Disney California Adventure: 8 percent

SeaWorld: 6 percent San Diego Zoo: 5 percent Source: Scarborough Research 2012 R2 (percentages are rounded)

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UP FRONT

SHORT TAKES

BOYS & GIRLS CLUB’S DIRECTOR WINS NATIONAL AWARD

BAKERSFIELD CITY, DELANO EDUCATORS NAMED ‘TEACHERS OF THE YEAR’

This year’s Kern County Teachers of the Year are music teacher Alex Gonzales of the Delano Joint Union High School District, and science teacher Robert Hodash, from Sierra Middle School. The two will represent Kern County in the California Teacher of the Year competition in February. The program recognizes exemplary educators across the state. The winners were announced recently by the Kern County Superintendent of Schools office during a reception that honored the 57 local teachers nominated for the award by their schools and districts. A committee of educators and community leaders reviewed applications and conducted campus visits for top candidates. Ogden Kiesel from Blanton Education Center was named an alternate Teacher of the Year candidate. Gonzales, left, and Hodash —Bakersfield Life Magazine

onnecting with students and supporting their dreams is what Zane Smith is known for, as well as for being humble, passionate and hardworking. Smith, executive director of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Kern County, was named the Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s National Executive of the Year during the group’s national conference in Orlando, Fla. Smith became the executive director of the club in 1996. At that time, the club served about 45 kids a day. Today, about 5,500 kids attend various club sites every day. He called the award “an Zane Smith amazing honor” and “humbling.” —Bakersfield Life Magazine

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Bakersfield Life Magazine

June 2013

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Bakersfield native Emily Nicholas, second from left, with New York-based Emily Danger Band.

CALIFORNIAN FILE PHOTO

FINDING FAME

EMILY DANGER BAND By Megan Anderson

fter numerous sold-out shows in Bakersfield, Emily Nicholas said she is excited to return home after a year away. She has spent the last year touring coast to coast. She is no stranger to Bakersfield. The Bakersfield native, who has toured with the Emily Danger Band, played several sold-out shows at the Empty Space Theater in the past two years. Growing up here, Nicholas was active in performing arts and always had a love for music and theater. Nicholas says that she got her start in music by playing the piano for her family and performing in the church choir on Sundays. “I got my start tap dancing on my fireplace while singing, ‘On The Good Ship Lollipop,’” she said. There were always opportunities for Nicholas to learn and grow. The old Melodrama Theater in Oildale is one place that gave her that chance. She also spent time in the theater program at Bakersfield High School and in her mom’s church choir. It was easy to dream big for Nicholas. And in 2007, she left home to head to New York and become an opera singer. Nicholas spent two years in conservatory. “It was very difficult,” she said. “I was anxious all the time and felt it constantly in my head.” It wasn’t until her future husband, John Patrick Wells, bought her a keyboard that she started writing her own music and found a way to deal with her feelings. This is when she wrote the title track to the band’s EP “Paintings.” 24

Bakersfield Life Magazine

June 2013

“I haven’t turned back since,” said Nicholas. Nicholas found her calling in Brooklyn, New York, where she also found her husband and band creative director, who is also from Bakersfield. He designs the cover art and merchandise and has directed the band’s music video for “Shed My Skin.” The two have teamed up with Doug Cheesman, another Bakersfield native. Their production company, In Order To Be Heard Productions, will be producing an upcoming local show at Stars Theatre Restaurant. They have plans to release their first double-sided single in June, and the ball has been set in motion to make their first full-length album. Nicholas sings, writes and plays keys and guitar for the band. She spends her time focusing on the band and music and has let theater take a back seat for the moment, but not before having the chance to perform on stage in New York in a production of “Cabaret.” That is where she met future bandmate Ryan Nearhoff. “We were both tired of auditioning and feeling like we had no control over our artistic fates,” Nicholas said. “So we started writing music together and performing in shows we set up ourselves.” The band creates a sound that is unlike others out there today because each band member comes from different musical background: symphonies, musicals, choirs and even rock and jazz bands. Nicholas Emily Danger Band describes their sound in Bakersfield as “a unique blend of orchestral cabaret When: 4 p.m. June 23 at Stars Theatre Restaurant. rock, vulnerable Tickets: Starting at $25, up lyrics, both theatrical to $100 for front-row seating and intimate and song requests. moments, and some Details: All-ages show. Pershow tunes sprinkled forming songs new and old in.” The band draws including from her new douheavy inspiration ble-sided single that will be released in June. from Queen, Fiona More information: Apple and Radioemilydangerband.com, includhead. ing other tour dates in Los Since June 2012, Angeles, San Diego and the the band has taken Bay Area. off touring across the United States and Canada and playing regularly on the East Coast. Aside from playing shows, the band has been featured in print and television, even making their debut on various satellite radio stations throughout the United States and United Kingdom. “The best thing we did this year was the releasing our first music video for ‘Shed My Skin,’” said Nicholas. Plans are in place to film their next video, “Easy,” in July. — D o you know som eone from Bakersfield w ho isfinding fam e,orisrepresenting Bakersfield w hile in the spotlight? Em ailusan idea atbakersfieldlife@ bakersfield.com w ith the subjectline:Finding Fam e.

Favorite Deli! BAKERSFIELD’S

10 ‘BEST OF BAKERSFIELD’ CATEGORIES WORTH SAVORING

ast month, Bakersfield Life’s May issue featured the results of the 20th “Best of Bakersfield” competition, where readers voted on the best restaurants, shops, services and people in our community. Regretfully, Bakersfield Life inadvertently omitted 10 of the 108 categories in that

competition, including the one winner and the two runnersup, or “favorites,” in each category. Not to be forgotten, here are those 10 categories now, and their results.

BEST RESTAURANT FOR KIDS/FAMILY John’s Incredible Pizza Co. 3709 Rosedale Highway; 8591111; johnspizza.com

Favorites

BEST HAPPY HOUR Tahoe Joe’s Famous Steakhouse 9000 Ming Ave.; 664-8723; tahoejoes.com

Favorites Lengthwise Brewing Co. Elephant Bar

BEST STEAK RESTAURANT Tahoe Joe’s Famous Steakhouse 9000 Ming Ave.; 664-8723; tahoejoes.com

Uricchio’s Trattoria was chosen as Bakersfield’s Best Italian Food Restaurant. 1710 Oak St.; 322-6380; jakestexmex.com

1400 17th St.; 326-8870; uricchios-trattoria.com

Favorites

Famous Dave’s Hodel’s Country Dining

Frugatti’s Luigi’s Restaurant & Delicatessen

Favorites

BEST BAR

KC Steakhouse Steak & Grape Restaurant

The Padre Hotel 1702 18th St.; 427-4900; thepadrehotel.com

Favorites

BEST BARBECUE RESTAURANT Famous Dave’s 7777 Rosedale Highway; 829-2128; famousdaves.com/bakersfield

Favorites Champs BBQ & Catering Jake’s Original Tex-Mex Cafe

BEST CATERING SERVICE Jake’s Original Tex-Mex Cafe

Mexicali Lengthwise Brewing Co.

BEST WING PLACE Buffalo Wild Wings 5677 Gosford Road; 6644550; buffalowildwings.com

Favorites Wingstop Hooter’s

BEST ITALIAN FOOD RESTAURANT Uricchio’s Trattoria

PHOTO BY MICHAEL FAGANS

Moo Creamery BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse

BEST LUNCH SPOT Luigi’s Restaurant & Delicatessen 725 E 19th St.; 322-0926; shopluigis.com

Favorites Jake’s Original Tex-Mex Cafe The Sequoia Sandwich Co.

BEST THAI FOOD Chef’s Choice Noodle Bar 1534 19th St.; 325-1234; chefschoicenoodlebar.wordpress.c om

1231 18th Street (18th and L Streets)

Downtown

10:30am - 2:15pm Closed Sundays

Phone: (661) 323-2500

9160 Rosedale Highway (Target Shopping Ctr.)

Rosedale

11:00am - 8:00pm Daily

Phone: (661) 587-1600

9500 Ming Avenue (Just West of The Marketplace)

Southwest

7:00am - 3:00pm Closed Sundays

Phone: (661) 665-9990

765 West Herndon Avenue

Fresno/Clovis

(Corner of Herndon and Willow - Target Shopping Ctr.) 11:00am - 8:00pm

Phone: (559) 323-0330

See our full menu and order online at

sequoiasandwich.com

Favorites The Orchid Thai Fusion Cuisine Blue Elephant

Thank you, Kern County for your continued support!

UP FRONT

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR We’re the best! Wow! What a great issue of Bakersfield Life Magazine (“The Best of Bakersfield,” May 2013)! And 20 years old as well. Just great. I had Padre brunch this morning with my son and his wife from San Mateo. Your fine work was topic of conversation, and all of you need a big pat on the back. Seriously, I don’t know how you’re going to top this issue, but I have faith that you and the crew will pull it off. Where may I

purchase five copies to send to family and friends out of state? I want to include handwritten note with each reinforcing the belief that those of us in Bakersfield ain’t what they says we are! — Ralph Bartel Editor’snote:Bakersfield Life isfree forThe Bakersfield Californian subscribersand can also be picked up atThe Californian’soffice,1707 Eye St.

MY PET

MARK NESSIA AND MAGGIE JR.

Bakersfield Life Magazine

June 2013

Mark Nessia and his pug Maggie, Jr.

PHOTO COURTESY OF MARK NESSIA

ark Nessia has been a freelance photographer for Bakersfield Life Magazine since 2011. He is also the team photographer for the Bakersfield Condors, takes a majority of the Cal State Bakersfield’s athletics photos — from player headshots to action photos on game days — and shoots weddings and portraits for commercial clients. But Nessia also takes photos of pets and regularly posts quirky photos of his four-legged friends on social networks. Here, he highlights Maggie Jr., his 1-and-a-half-year-old pug. “I named my pet Maggie Jr. because my first pug was named Maggie — now referred to as Maggie Sr. — and she was the best,” Nessia said. “I knew from that point on, if I ever got another pug, boy or girl, it would be named Maggie Jr. I also call her ‘Moju’ for short, and ‘Mr. Maggie Face.’ Why I call her ‘mister,’ I have no idea.” This June, Nessia will graduating from Cal State Bakersfield with a communications degree. For more on Nessia, including for wedding and general photography rates, visit his website, marknessia.com. I know when my pet is moody when ... she wants nothing to do with me. She’ll run away and next thing I know I’m chasing her around the yard unable to catch her. Five words that describe my pet’s personality: Energetic, loving, loud, fat and squishy. Favorite game: Fetch. She fetches ... when she feels like it. Favorite food: Everything, from dry dog food to wet dog food, french fries, chicken nuggets — even grass. One time she ate a snail. She seemed pleased with herself. Talents: Hogging the bed and snoring very, very loudly. Antics: Moju barks at other dogs all the time, but when she actually comes face to face with one, her tail curls up between her legs, and she runs. She’s a coward. Favorite moment: When I first got her. A lady was selling a litter of pug puppies in front of a grocery store, and when I picked her up, I never put her down. I knew she was the one.

WHAT I’M READING

SYLVIA CARIKER She is known as Casey McBride, the popular daily radio personality on KUZZ 107.9 FM, but off air, she’s Sylvia Cariker. She also happens to be the station’s community service/public affairs director and spends a lot of time doing volunteer work, especially for Relay for Life. Cariker considers herself a voracious reader and wanted her children to love reading as well. At bedtime, she and her kids used read everything from “The Poky Little Puppy” to “The Plain Princess,” which Cariker said is “an awesome bedtime book that will take you a week to finish reading aloud.” Here’s what’s on Cariker’s reading list: What I’m currently reading: Sue Grafton’s “R is for Ricochet.” It’s about privilege, poor decisions and dealing with consequences. I’m a little behind in the series since “W is for Wasted” is in stores now. Favorite author: No. 1: Agatha Christie, because I’ve never been able to figure out the murderer and they have a gentle, thoughtful quality to them; No. 2: James Patterson,

because his books are the exact opposite of Christie’s. Favorite book: I have reread “The Good Earth” at least 50 times in my life starting at age 9. The book that’s been inspirational in my life: “The Good Earth” because it’s a lesson in humility and simplicity. Book vs. Tablet: Books only … I’m old school. Other materials I like reading: Anything that’s printed. My mother used to discipline me by telling me I couldn’t read until my work was done. Where I enjoy reading: At home, on vacation, in an airport, in the car. Anytime is a good time to open a book and lose myself for a few hours. I never start a new book before bed because I have a tendency to read it in one sitting and that means closing my eyes at 3 a.m. — Compiled by Hillary Haenes

BEST FLORIST

Your Good Neighbor Day Florist

bakersfieldlife.com

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

UP FRONT

HAPPENINGS: Can’t-miss events in June Michael Jackson HIStory, a musical biography that will take fans back to the Jackson 5 era before continuing on a thrilling journey to the current decade, 8 p.m., Fox Theater, 2001 H St. $39 to $59. vallitix.com or 322-5200.

Fri. 7 First Friday Downtown featurMichael Jackson HIStory

ing live music, art openings, specialty shops, galleries and boutiques, artists will set up their artwork, 5 to 9 p.m., Downtown Arts District. Email don@themetrogalleries.com or info@themetrogalleries.com. Theresa Caputo, 8 p.m., Rabobank Arena, 1001 Truxtun Ave. $33.75 to $83. ticketmaster.com or 800-7453000.

Fri. 7 to Sat. 8 Rockin Roots 2013, Rockin Roots 2013. Stramler Park. All ages.

Sat. 8 David and Zach’s Quest to Sac, Sat. 1 Fourth annual HALT 5K and 10K Fun Run, music, food, vendor booths, giveaways, 8 a.m., Yokuts Park, 4200 Empire Drive. $25 by May 27; $30 after. Visit haltrescue.org or 204-7799.

Sun. 2 15th annual Latin Food Festival and Menudo Cook-Off, with food booths, live entertainment, vendor booths, children’s entertainment, jalapeño eating contest, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Kern County Fairgrounds, 1142 S. P St. $10 advance; $15 at the door; children 5 and under are free. 633-5495 or kchcc.org.

documentary film of their journey, wine, hors d’oeuvres, VIP reception 6:30 p.m., film 8 p.m., Fox Theater, 2001 H St. $25 for movie only; $75 VIP reception/movie; $100 to enter to win a chance to win $10,000. Visit kernatcenter.org/david-and-zachsquest-to-sac or 861-1346. Ninth Annual Memorial Fight Against Cancer, fundraiser poker tournament presented by Josh Farler Foundation, registration 11 a.m.; tournament 1 p.m., CBCC Foundation for Community Wellness, 6501 Truxtun Ave. $50. JoshFarler.org. Rare Earth, 8 p.m. Bright House Networks Amphitheatre, 11200 Stockdale Highway. $10. ticketmaster.com or all Ticketmaster outlets, or by calling 800-7453000.

Theresa Caputo from transitioning hair, protective styles, twist, barber cuts, weaves, locs, press and curls, kids’ styles, vendors, swag bag, hors d’oeuvres, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., Marriott Hotel, 801 Truxtun Avenue. $25. Visit TheBak.com.

Sun. 16 CALM’s Father’s Day Special, admission for all fathers and grandfathers is half price, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., CALM, 10500 Alfred Harrell Highway. You’ll have a chance to win a free CALM family membership. calmzoo.org or 8722256.

Wed. 19 Boz Scaggs & Michael McDon-

Thur. 27 2013 Visual Arts Festival, exhibit opening and award presentation, 6 p.m., Bakersfield Museum of Art, 1930 R Street. $10; free to members. 323-7219.

Sat. 29 Air Supply, 7 p.m., Bright House Networks Amphitheatre, 11200 Stockdale Highway. $25 to $39. ticketmaster.com or 800-7453000.

Sun. 30 Summerland Tour 2013 featuring Everclear, with Live, Filter and Sponge, 7 p.m., Bright House Networks Amphitheatre, 11200 Stockdale Highway. $30 to $48. ticketmaster.com or all Ticketmaster outlets or by calling 800-745-3000.

ald, 7:30 p.m., Rabobank Theater, 1001 Truxtun Ave. $38 to $98 plus fee. ticketmaster.com or call 800745-3000.

Thur. 20 Third Thursdays Faire in the Park, entertainment, barbecue, arts and crafts, games, contests, farmers market, 5:30 p.m., Central Park at Mill Creek, 21st and R streets. 325-5892.

Sun. 9 Tue. 4 to Wed.5 Voices of Inspiration, guests Sesame Street Live: Can’t Stop Singing, 7 p.m. Tuesday; 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. Wednesday, The theater at Rabobank Convention Center, 1001 Truxtun Ave. $10 to $33 plus fee. ticketmaster.com or 800-745-3000.

“Duck Dynasty” stars Phil, Miss Kay and Si Robertson, entertainment, raffle, auction, dinner, 5:30 p.m., CSUB, Icardo Center, 9001 Stockdale Highway. $150. 4101010.

Wed. 5 26th annual Wet and Wild

Fri. 14 Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo, and

Whitewater Wednesday, two trips offered: “Lickety Split” or “Sequoia Splash,” begins at 9 a.m. and run throughout the day, Riverside Park, Kernville. May be substituted with a double lick, depending on water levels. $30$55. Visit kernvillechamber.org or 760-376-2629.

Bakersfield Life Magazine

Cheap Trick, 7:30 p.m., Rabobank Theater, 1001 Truxtun Ave. $33 to $88. ticketmaster.com or call 800-745-3000.

Sat. 15 Loving Your Natural Self Hair Show hosted by Upside Productions; learn about the latest styles,

June 2013

Sesame Street Live

SHORT TAKES

HELP INTRODUCE FOREIGN STUDENTS TO BAKERSFIELD Want to introduce our country and language to an eager foreign student by taking them into your Bakersfield home this summer? The nonprofit Education First Homestay Program — which teaches dozens of foreign students academics as they learn our culture during the summer — is looking for local host families for Chinese and Indonesian students. Three groups of students will be arriving to Bakersfield beginning on June 23 and staying through July. They’ll attend school for half a day to learn English and take part in class activities. They also learn about American life with their host families. The program has been active in Bakersfield for nearly 10 years. For more information, and to sign up: 444-5485 or 932-3248, and efhomestay.org. — Bakersfield Life Magazine

KERN PRESS CLUB TO HOST ANNUAL AWARDS DINNER

ark your calendars for the Kern Press Club’s annual dinner and awards banquet, which will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. June 14 at Narducci's Cafe, 622 E. 21st St. From journalists and photographers, to public relations and communications students, this club represents Kern County’s media professionals. Awards will be given to several media outlet categories including print, public relations, radio, television and online. Also, scholarships will be awarded to college students pursuing an education in journalism. Dinner, for members is $35; $40 for non-members if paid by June 7. Otherwise it’s $40 and $45 at the door. Tickets can be purchased via PayPal online at kernpressclub.org. — Hillary Haenes bakersfieldlife.com

UP FRONT

MY MOBILE LIFE

ROB MESZAROS Compiled by Bakersfield Life Magazine

ob Meszaros’ mobile life is separated into categories. “I use apps for both business and pleasure, and increasingly, to entertain my two kids,” the 37-year-old said. As a communications guru for the Kern County Superintendent of Schools Office, Meszaros uses a handful of tech tools to spread the word about local education. On his personal time, he uses apps to track his running and nonprofit volunteer duties.

WORK Email, SMS During the workday, I’m often away from my desk, but need to stay connected. Like many people these days, I probably use my email and SMS app that came installed on my iPhone more than for any other reason. The phone function has become secondary. Many times, I can’t take or make a call, but can easily shoot off an email or text in between meetings. This increases productivity. SuperNote It’s an application that allows me to take notes and record voice, and then email the notes and

PERSONAL Pandora Most nights, I will doze off to Pandora singing to me. I also plug into Pandora anytime I go to the gym, or on a run. RunKeeper RunKeeper is an app that tracks distance, pace and calories burned. A little voice comes on every five minutes to tell you what pace you are at and how long you’ve been running. There are many of these types of apps out there, and none seem to work as well as this one. Others I have tried are not very accurate, but this one is spot on compared to my wife’s $300

Bakersfield Life Magazine

And to keep his two children busy, he has apps like Hair Salon and Virtual Makeover ready to go. Here are just a few apps he uses to keep his life balanced.

audio to my desktop. I write a lot of news releases and stories for various purposes for the Kern County Office of Education, and this app allows me to easily capture what is said during interviews, news conferences and meetings so I can more effectively write my stories. Facebook I also use the Facebook app for work as part of my job is to maintain KCSOS’s Facebook page. Many times, I will be covering a student event and will take a photo with my iPhone, and post it to Facebook in real time, rather than wait until I get back to my desk.

Garmin running watch. Bank of America Mobile Banking I click in several times a week to check my balance, transfer funds and the coolest thing, depositing checks (just take a photo of the check, click a button, and it's done!). If this thing will start dispensing cash, I'll be set! SquareUp This allows me to accept credit cards using my iPhone. I have been selling tickets to an event for a nonprofit where I’m on the board. The app allows me to take a credit card and the funds are wired right to the nonprofit.

June 2013

KIDS “Dad, can I see your phone,” and, “It’s free. Can I download it?” are normal utterances in our household. My 6- and 9-year-olds often keep themselves entertained by using apps on my phone. The other day, my son had a doctor’s appointment and my daughter had to tag along. Ideally, we would have brought a book for her to read, but we didn’t. There would have been a “borrowing” hour of down time

as she sat in the waiting room with us. Hair Salon Hair Salon to the rescue! The app allows the user to select characters and cut, color and style their hair, beard, etc. The kids take turns seeing which one can create the most crazy-looking character. Laughs abounded! Others lifesaver apps for kids: Xmas Girls, Make Up Girls and Virtual Makeover

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IT MANNERS A LOT By Lisa Kimble

TO THE CLASS OF 2013, DON’T FALL FROM THE ‘GREAT BALANCING ACT’ “Congratulations! Today is your day. You’re off to Great Places! You’re off and away!” — Dr. Seuss, “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!” n the coming weeks, thousands of graduates will don caps and gowns, receive a hard-earned diploma, and set sail on their idyllic journey to great places. They will remember to thank all those who helped them in reaching this milestone: Google, Wikipedia, Starbucks and Mr. ATM, to name a few. And they will be lathered in accolades, pats on the back and high-fives. The path to graduation will be like playing Candy Land: frothy and laden with fluffy, artificially sweetened pieces of advice. Enjoy every last bite of the sugar-coated pearls of wisdom. And after the last sip of your iced mocha, marinate on this: No one owes you a thing. Oh sure, your parents may be picking up the tuition tab for now (which could close before your first incomplete), but you are not entitled to anything. Carve your path in life by wanting what you already have, not having everything you want. Living each day Lisa Kimble from a place of immense gratitude and thankfulness will lower your blood pressure, extend your life, improve your health and wellness, and attract others to you like a magnet. Appreciate where you are right now. You may never get that dream job but find a job you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life. Remember, in this job market that’s tighter than Spanx, don’t give up or consider certain employment is beneath you. Manage what little money you have and make it last. Don’t contribute to the national debt but pay your debt to your community. Invest in making your corner of the world better, safer and nicer. Make the words “please” and “thank you” part of your daily vocabulary. Like magic, you will be amazed at the doors they will help open for you. In a world increasingly void of civility and thoughtfulness, being polite and courteous to others will always give you an advantage. Discover what moves you, inspires you and brings out the best in you, and then chase this passion to the ends of the

Bakersfield Life Magazine

June 2013

earth. What you are passionate about will define you, not the leased luxury car you think you must drive or the crib in the fancy zip code where you think you should reside. Living an honest life of purpose will take leaps of faith and involve risk-taking. If you play life safe, you will never truly know what you are capable of doing or feeling. Your true success will not be measured by all your wins and getting what you want, but by your losses and disappointments as well. Failing is succeeding if you find the lesson to be learned in the experience, and don’t let it be a lesson lost. Life is not easy. In fact, it will be downright hard when you least expect it. But it will always beat the six-feet-under alternative. Rest your faith in a higher power. Don’t marry the first person who sweeps you off your feet. Romance and butterflies in your stomach have a shelf life shorter than a Taylor Swift song. Build your future on a bedrock of commitment, respect and shared values with someone you see yourself sitting side by side in wheelchairs in a nursing home someday. Give back each and every day, in big or small ways — whether it is holding the door for an elderly person, letting the shopper with just one item leap ahead of you, or volunteering for a nonprofit, or giving of yourself; your time and talents aren’t for others to do. It is part of your unspoken contract with growing up and becoming a mature adult. Reading may no longer be mandatory but never stop. Read everything you can get your hands on. The more you read, the more you know, the better you are able to converse, and the more interesting you become to others. Enjoy the obstacle course that your life will become; that’s right: the student loans, the unreasonable professor, the selfish roommate. You’re not going to be able to rewind your journey like a television episode on demand. And finally, laugh often. In almost every circumstance veiled by uncertainty or angst, there will be slivers of something worth laughing at. Laugh at yourself and don’t take yourself too seriously. Not only is it the best medicine, but it is much cheaper than prescriptions. As beloved Dr. Seuss, Theodor Seuss Geisel, writes in “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!,” life really is a “great balancing act.” Wherever you go and whatever you do up on the high wire, be authentically you, and not someone you think others should see. Take ownership of your actions and all of their consequences. In doing so, you will strike the perfect balance, and what really “manners a lot!” — Agree, disagree? Send your questions, comments or topics you’d like to read about to me at itmannersalot@bakersfield.com or visit itmannersalot.blogspot.com.

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K E L LY D A M I A N

SUMMER: THE PERFECT TIME FOR A MID-YEAR RESOLUTION

ho among us is immune to the siren song of self-improvement? Certainly not me. The path of my life’s journey is littered with hundreds of noble goals to stop procrastinating, to eat fewer sweets, to save more money, to get the kids to bed on time, to actually print out family pictures instead of letting them languish in the digital purgatory that is my PC. And yet, no matter how determined I am to change my behavior, my old patterns reign supreme. Let’s take the example of procrastination. I have a deadline. It is a week away — a safe and comfortable distance. I resolve that I will accomplish said project in a manner that is both prompt and serene, so I sit down at the computer, earnest and ready to work. As a warm-up, I scan through Facebook (20 minutes gone). Then I’ll pop over to Twitter (adios, 18 minutes). I’ll read a few blogs, have a look-see at the ol’ Nordstrom website until the clock reminds me that I will need to pick up my Kelly Damian kids shortly. This recognition prompts a frantic and somewhat ineffectual storm of research, transcribing, emailing and phone calls. I feel disappointed in myself. So the next day when I sit down at my computer, what do I do? As a warm-up, I scan through Facebook, I pop over to

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Twitter ... I think you know how the rest of this goes. Eventually, I am up at 12:30 in the morning, tortured by sandpaper eyes and self-reproach. I have procrastinated for my entire life. I never turned in a paper that wasn’t written the night before. Most often, I was in the computer lab a few minutes before class, catching the pages as they came out of the printer and turning them into my professor while they were still warm. If I am five minutes late to a meeting, I feel like that pretty much counts as on time. And I shudder to think of the total late fees I have paid over my lifetime. There is an invisible hand at work in my procrastination, a muscle-bound beast against which willpower is a scrawny, knock-kneed weakling. According Charles Duhigg’s “The Power of Habit,” that beast is my habit. Habits are the unseen puppet masters pulling the strings of our lives. A 2006 study from Duke University found that 40 percent of our daily life is governed by habits. And a habit, once established, is very hard to change. Our brain craves habits. It needs those familiar channels so that it can catch of bit of a break while doing the hard work of keeping our bodies alive. So what is a perpetual self-improver to do? It turns out that the people with the inspirational success stories — those losers of 100 pounds, quitters of smoking, completers of work on time — are those who have replaced bad habits with good ones. They have taken their brains off auto-pilot by changing their own personal habit loop. A habit loop consists of a cue, a routine and a reward. To use my procrastination as an example, my cue is turning on the computer. The routine that follows is an hour-long plunge into the pool of social media. The reward I get from this is a distraction from work. If I am to become an efficient, projectpumping machine, then I need to change my routines, without which a strongly worded promise is worthless. Summer is a good time to shake things up: the days are longer, the kids are home from school, the days unfold differently. If you are anxious to make a positive change in your life, summer might be the perfect time to do it. In other words, now is the time for a mid-year resolution. — To read m ore,visitkellydam ian.com ,orfollow Kelly on Tw itter@ kellydam ian2.

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Bakersfield Life Magazine

June 2013

FOOD DUDES

ZAIKA INDIAN CUISINE & BAR

Clockwise from top left: Onion kulcha, garlic naan, lamb rogan josh, chicken tikka masala, aloo gobhi and baingan bhartha. 36

Bakersfield Life Magazine

June 2013

Offering Bakersfield a trip overseas

Zaika Indian Cuisine & Bar

The Food Dudes got a glimpse into the kitchen at Zaika Indian Cuisine & Bar.

Photos by Greg Nichols

or our third dining experience, us Food Dudes got a chance to sample the taste of India at Zaika Indian Cuisine & Bar. For those who remember Britannia Restaurant & Pub, you now know where to find Zaika. Nestled in the corner space at Ming Avenue and New Stine Road, Zaika has taken up the mantle of offering Bakersfield “a trip overseas.” We met up at the bar prior to our dinner session, where bartender and waitress Jamie Whitlock shared the short history of Zaika with us. It was established in March last year, but owner Harry Bhullar has been in Bakersfield since 1987 and attended Cal State Bakersfield where he earned a master’s degree in marketing. He also owns two Subways in town. Even though he’s been in the food industry since 2004, he wanted a more individualized experience, as opposed to owning a franchise. When he took over the previous restaurant, Indian Delhi Palace, he remodeled the inside and hired an experienced chef to develop their exceptional menu, full of taste and flavor (which is what Zaika means). After the history lesson, Jamie showed us to our table where we were in for an enjoyable experience. Editor’s Note: Food Dudes ate family-style, and for this article, they touch on their favorite dishes.

Vin Dang: Having been to India recently, the rest of the Dudes

Gajrela

Address: 5123 Ming Ave. Phone: 836-0100 Website: zaikaindiancuisine.com Hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

felt that I should order the food, as I was most familiar with it. We started with some samosas, which are deep-fried triangular-shaped egg rolls, filled with potatoes and peas. If you’re a fan of the Chinese egg roll, you will love this Indian variation. For extra flavor, there are two special sauces for dipping; one is the green mint and chutney sauce that has a nice little spicy kick, and the other is the tamarind sauce, which is similar to sweet and sour. The chef made us a special item not listed on the menu — sizzling lamb chops cooked to perfection. The meat was tender, juicy and not gamey.

David Leon: While I have always enjoyed Indian food, I have the hardest time remembering the names of dishes. Fortunately for us, our server suggested a variety to choose. From the tandoor oven, we ordered three dishes: the seekh kabab, which is a red lamb curry; the tandoori fish, which is one of Zaika’s signature dishes; and the tandoori shrimp. You can’t go wrong with any of them, but I must say that the tandoori fish was my personal favorite. For the inexperienced, Indian food can be very spicy. Our initial dishes were prepared mild to medium, but I requested that the lamb curry be prepared on the spicier side. I love spicy food! But I cheated Continued on page 38 bakersfieldlife.com

The Food Dudes, from left, David Leon, Vin Dang, Rick Hudgens, Rick Kreiser and Derek Abbott, pay a visit to Zaika Indian Cuisine & Bar.

Continued from page 37 and mixed in some yogurt with the dish to cut down on the heat. If you look in my freezer at any given time, you are bound to find Indian flatbread, otherwise known as naan. At Zaika, we enjoyed the garlic naan and onion kulcha, and Vin insisted that we order the cheese naan as well. While the bread was excellent, the real treat came when our host allowed us into the kitchen to see how it was made. Naan is cooked in a tandoor oven, which is a large cinder oven with a large hole down the middle. The chef prepares a ball of dough, throws it against the inside of the cylinder, and within moments, it’s ready to eat. This was one of the more enjoyable outings we have had. The owner was very personable and sat with us for a while, telling us his story of the restaurant. And our server Jamie provided us with not only excellent service, but detailed explanations of every dish we enjoyed.

Rick Hudgens: Zaika exudes class with its dim lighting, elegant seating and wall decor; the staff is extremely friendly. As an inexperienced Indian food consumer, I was a bit apprehensive, yet eager to dive in. Without question, my most memorable dish was the tandoori fish. The blend of semi-spicy herbs and fresh swai fish pieces was amazing. The fish was flaky, incredibly tender and melted in my mouth. I’m not a fan of catfish, but this member of the catfish family was quite a treat. Throughout the evening, I returned to that succulent platter in the middle of our table. In the past, I have consumed many types of curry, but the seekh kabab red lamb curry was an entree I had never tried before, and I was not disappointed in the least. It was spicy, yet it made the lamb emit a more robust, richer flavor. 38

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June 2013

Finally, we were showered with a variety of Indian desserts. The two that I liked the most were the gulab jamun and the kulfi. The gulab jamun are homemade sweetened cheese dumplings sitting nicely in a sweet syrup. The cheese was not what I expected with its rich, semi-sweet flavor, and the syrup made it even more flavorful. The kulfi, mango and pistachio ice cream, were both excellent. The mango was sweet and somewhat tart as one would anticipate, but the pistachio was nutty and blended with the mango ice cream quite well. I would like to thank our fellow Food Dude, Vin, for ordering some of the wonders of Northern India.

Rick Kreiser: Do you ever get the feeling you’re going to have a positive experience the moment you enter a room? Well, that’s exactly how I felt as we assembled in the comfortable lounge at Zaika. Jamie made us feel instantly welcome, and it was soon obvious that the staff had some special treats for our visit. Jamie and Harry reviewed the appetizer and entrée menus with us, and we decided that a family-style presentation would afford us the opportunity to really get a taste of the variety Zaika has to offer. It’s a cozy, well-appointed restaurant, the food is fantastic, and the great staff completes the picture. Making its way to our table from the tandoor was the chicken tikka masala — a baked chicken dish prepared with a heartily-seasoned creamy tomato sauce. Dishes seemed to appear in rapid succession with the bhindi masala (fresh okra sautéed with onions and spices); baingan bhartha (roasted eggplant cooked with garlic, onions and ginger); and completing the vegetarian triumvirate, aloo gobhi (fresh cauliflower and potatoes sauteed with ginger and garlic). So, here’s where the real fun started. Ordinarily, it’s best not to let Dudes in the kitchen, but Jamie and Harry gave us the real cook’s tour. Getting up close and personal

while the chef whipped up our dessert was almost as good as eating it!

Derek Abbott: Of the menu items we tried, a few stood out for me. The mango lassi, which was served with our appetizer round, is a luxurious yogurt drink made with rose water, fresh mango, yogurt, sugar and cordamon. It has a delectable taste similar to melted orange sherbet. The roasted lamb chops served as an appetizer were the best lamb I’ve tasted yet, simply prepared and flavored. The tandoori fish was a real revelation. As a sporadic fish eater, I wasn’t expecting much, but the dish wowed me with the tenderness and succulence of the fire-roasted swai fish. The milky lassi was a trusted companion throughout the rest of the main course, as I sampled the spicier menu items not suited to my personal heat tolerance, which is very low as I’m half German, half American and therefore, as white as can be. For dessert, the pistachio ice cream was a creamy comfort closer to an international journey, bringing us back to the local flavors of Kern County’s nut harvest. I found the experience of dining at Zaika to be a unique opportunity to sample a palate of spices and flavors that I’m not often exposed to. From the opening discussion with Harry, it was clear that his passion was the restaurant business and its singular ability to bring people together, around a table, for a common experience. And Jamie was the most welcoming and helpful server I’ve met. She stew-

Samosas arded our journey through the courses on the menu, taking care to address our special requests and thoroughly explain the food we were served. Vin has been to Zaika on numerous occasions, and the four us plan to return in the near future. We hope you will, too!

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FOOD AND WINE

WINES FOR SUMMERTIME Rosé is not your typical sugary sweet pink wine

By David “The Wine Guy” Dobbs

Photos by Jessica Frey

ne of the stand-out wines during the summer is a fine glass of chilled rosé. Unfortunately, many people think it is unfashionable to drink pink wine, which has kept them from discovering a wonderful wine that is built perfectly for quaffing during warm months. Back in the day, the rosés on the market were Mateus or Lancers. Remember those nondescript bottles that were too sweet to pair with food and lacked acidity to make them refreshing? Perhaps you’ve had a glass of white zinfandel and as a result, you think all pink wines are sugary, and because of that experience, you’ve never tried any of the delicious dry rosés offered today. There is a reason you are seeing those beautifully colored bottles everywhere (to read about the process of making rosé, got to BakersfieldLife.com). Rosés are known for their strawberry and raspberry aromas and flavors. The beauty of rosé is that you can drink it out of a tumbler over ice or in a fine Riedel wine glass. Rosé is a wine that is meant to be enjoyed and brings pleasure along with complementing food. No wine does this better

Bakersfield Life Magazine

June 2013

than the rosé. It is made from many different grape varieties including grenache, syrah, pinot noir, malbec and sangiovese. Rosé pairs well with burgers or ribs, charcuterie, grilled salmon, ham, lobster, omelets, pizza, pork tenderloin, and barbecue or Thai chicken. It can also be enjoyed with a selection of cheeses, such as goat or feta, which are nice matches with the zippy acidity rosé. A ricotta made of goat’s milk pairs nicely with rosé that has rich fruit, like many kinds made in California. A Swiss cheese with its slightly herbal character pairs well with rosé, especially if the wine has a little bit of spiciness like those made from the grenache grape. Cheeses from Spain like the Mahon cheese made from cow’s milk has a slightly sharp bite with a creamy texture and goes well with proscuitto or salami. Imbibe Wine has a nice assortment of rosés that typically range from $10 to $25 per bottle. Stop by to pick up the rosé that you like best, then call a friend and toast to a great summer! Mention that you read about these rosés in Bakersfield Life, and with the purchase of a case of rosé, we will throw in four Riedel Swirl Glasses (a $20 value). Here are five rosés to consider purchasing to sip on those sweltering summer days.

why imbibe? 2012 COMMANDERIE DE LA BARGEMONE ROSÉ FROM PROVENCE

2012 BIELER PERE ET FILS FROM PROVENCE

A delicious dry rosé and famous Provence treat. Aromas of wild strawberries and red currants with a light floral character and crisp dry finish. ($17.99)

Again, this rosé hails from Provence. A blend of syrah, grenache and cabernet sauvignon. This wine has flavors of wild strawberries and watermelon that add a bright and crisp finish. ($10.99)

voted best wine shop by bakersfield life best craft beer selection in town best top shelf spirits 2012 L’ AVENTURE FROM PASO ROBLES This is the finest domestic rosé you will find on the market. A blend of syrah, mourvedre and grenache. This wine has supple flavors of strawberry and blueberry and will accompany many foods and impress non-rosé drinkers. ($23.99)

2012 CHARLES AND CHARLES ROSÉ This beauty comes from Washington State. Mainly Syrah, the wine has aromas of watermelon, glass and wet stones along with a hint of citrus giving it a bright acidity on the finish. ($10.99)

2012 MULDERBOSCH ROSÉ FROM SOUTH AFRICA This rosé is made of cabernet sauvignon and is a sexy pink color with hints of tangerine peel, raspberry and wild strawberries. This wine has substantial body and makes a great choice on a hot afternoon. ($10.99)

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

MEDIA MUSIC JAM By Jasmine D. Lowe

ou’ve seen them on television, heard them on local radio stations, and read their work. Now see them on stage. A variety of local media guest performers and local groups are coming together once again for the Media Music Jam on June 22 to help raise money for local cancer patients and their families. The event is expected to showcase more than 20 local media personalities — newscasters, reporters and public relations representatives — performing at Bakersfield’s musical mecca, Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace. Leading the way on stage is Thee Majestics, created out of East High School in 1964, with two of the original band members still a part of the group. The eight-member band has performed in every major venue in and around Bakersfield for more than 40 years and has traveled up and down the state playing everything from country to Latin to a variety of other music genres. “This is the part that I really enjoy the most,” said Steve Flores, of the local band Thee Majestics and The Bakersfield Californian columnist. “When you have people like Jim Scott,

Mike Hart or Eric Bowman, who you see on TV every day using a very serious format, and then you take them away from that environment and put them on the stage doing something they are totally not familiar with, and to see them have so much fun doing something like this ... I think the people that will come and watch this are going to be amazed at how talented many of these people really are.” Media Music Jam, which started a few Media Music Jam years ago, has benefitWhen: 7 to 10 p.m. June 22 ted variety of local Where: Buck Owen’s Crystal causes. This year, 100 Palace, 2800 Buck Owens’ Blvd. percent of the proceeds Tickets: $10, at Crystal Palace will benefit the Kern or vallitix.com County Cancer Fund, Benefits: Kern County Cancer which began in NovemFund, which financially assists ber. The Fund financiallocal families needing screenly assist local families in ing, diagnosis and treatment for Kern County needing cancer and associated diseases. screening, diagnosis More information: 328-7560 and treatment for cancer and associated diseases, and also provides emergency funds and access to programs supporting local cancer patients and families. Robin Mangarin-Scott, board member of the Kern County Cancer Fund, said they are humbled by how many people have asked to participate and help.

Matt Munoz, Mike Hart, Jose Gaspar, Melissa Dignan, Aaron Perlman and Steve Mayer took part in the 2011 Media Music Jam. 42

Bakersfield Life Magazine

June 2013

PHOTO FELIX ADAMO

Media personalities jam together to help local cancer-fighting families

Proudly Presents…

The Lineup Wendy Armijo A & L Marketing Angela Barton KGET TV 17 Erin Briscoe KERO TV 23 Irma Cervantes CSUB Kevin Charette KGET TV 17 Jose Gaspar KBAK TV 29 Norma Gaspar Telemundo 17.3 Mike Hart KERO TV 23 Maddie Jannsen KGET TV 17 Tony Lee Buckley Broadcasting Jeff Lemucchi KERN Radio Christina Martinez Groove 99.3

Kenn McCloud 98.5 The Fox Matt Munoz The Bakersfield Californian Tracy Peoples KBAK TV 29 Aaron Perlman KBAK TV 29 Robert Rodriguez California Highway Patrol Elaina Rusk KERO TV 23 Jim Scott KGET TV 17 Danny Spanks KRAB Radio Lauren Titus KERO TV 23 Larissa Wohl KERO TV23

“This is such a giving community and the fact that they want to support families an organization where 100 percent of the money goes to those families really says something about the people who make up this community, and how they show cancer families that they are not alone in this,” Mangarin-Scott said. Flores said the event would not be possible with the support of other groups and participants, like the Wave Hogs, Crystal Palace, media personalities, guest performers, staff members of the Kern County Cancer Fund. “It’s a great community project,” Flores said. “When we feel there is a need to help, we help out whenever we can.”

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FOODIE

SEAMUS FINN-CHANDLER Owner of private cooking studio — Sustenance 101 — unites food and friends

Seamus Finn-Chandler in the newly-opened Sustenance 101. 44

Bakersfield Life Magazine

June 2013

Browned jasmine with hearts and olives

Compiled by Hillary Haenes

Photos by Jessica Frey

ou may have heard about Sustenance 101 — a new, private cooking studio that opened in March, where friends and family can gather to make dinners and spend quality time together. But you may not know the man behind this concept. Meet Seamus Finn-Chandler. “The concept is very unique to Bakersfield. It’s more of something one would find in San Francisco, Seattle or Santa Barbara,” said Finn-Chandler. “I’m just trying to do something that matters, using food as a binding ingredient to make the world a little better.” The concept of Sustenance 101 grew organically. Finn-Chandler wanted a studio space where people could “create exceptionally good cuisine in a social environment.” Sustenance 101 offers classes covering wine country cuisine and cultural and ethnic specialties to children’s cooking workshops. In addition, Sustenance 101 hosts events that bring people, friends and family into the kitchen for memorable experiences, including private cooking parties and corporate team-building events. All Sustenance 101 events feature locally grown and organic ingredients whenever possible, illustrating the bounty of this region. “We thoughtfully seek to create a unique personal experience ensuring that your visit to Sustenance 101 leaves you with a sense of place, of belonging and, of course, wonder,” Finn-Chandler said. “Most of the private classes include a full meal of the featured recipes paired with excellent local wines specially selected for the menu.” Sustenance 101 also offers private parties for groups and businesses such as supper clubs, birthday parties, concerts, art exhibits, fundraisers, winemaker dinners, wine-tastings and girl’s night out. “The community has embraced the Sustenance concept with warm smiles and open arms. It’s like visiting with really good friends and family. Most everyone understands and appreciates the simple beauty of being in the kitchen and sharing life,” said Finn-Chandler. Memberships at Sustenance 101 are available, but limited in the number of people who can join. Contact Finn-Chandler

Kale, spinach and salmon salad directly for membership options at info@sustenance-studio.com.

COOKING ADVICE I developed an interest in cooking when … I was about 13. As I grew older, I came to realize that you have to eat, so why not make it good and make it yourself. How often I cook/entertain for family and friends: Well, given what I do for a living, I get to play in the kitchen with friends pretty much every day. Everything goes better with: Wine, really good cheese and Tabasco. I always mess up: The studio/kitchen. I rock at making: I’m starting to get the bread thing down with lots of help and comments from a couple of friends. One of my cooking secrets: Always have garlic. It’s super healthy and tastes better roasted. My humorous kitchen story: I’m still traumatized. Mixing a creamy asparagus soup in a blender and not putting the lid on. It went pretty much everywhere. How I find inspiration to create a new dish: Friends will ask about various

Continued on page 46

Ingredients 2 cups of organic brown rice 1 cup of green olives stuffed with pimento, chopped 1 cup marinated artichoke hearts Crushed red pepper Directions: Rinse the rice twice; this helps remove most natural starch from the grain. In any appropriately sized pot, add 4.5 cups of cold water. Add rice to pot with a tablespoon of olive oil. The oil helps keep the rice from sticking together. While the rice is cooking, chop the olives and artichoke hearts and set aside. When rice appears to be done, remove from heat and let it rest. Using a separate frying skillet, preferably an iron skillet, place on high flame and add small amount of extra virgin olive oil. Toss rice into skillet and move the grains around with a wooden spoon until the rice starts to mildly crisp. Remove from heat and place crisped rice in a wooden mixing bowl. Add olives and artichoke hearts and toss. Add pinch of crushed red pepper. Do not use salt because there is plenty of saltiness from the olives. Then spoon on plate and top with fresh lemon zest. This dish can be eaten as a meal, or to complement any entree.

Kale, spinach and salmon salad Ingredients 1 bunch kale 1 bunch spinach 1 tomato 1 granny smith apple 1 red onion 3 strawberries 1 avocado 1/2 pound of wild steelhead salmon. (If at all possible, do not use farm-raised, color-added fish.) Directions: Rinse steelhead and rub with olive oil. Place in a small baking pan and top with garlic and dill weed. Place in oven and set broiler. Cook steelhead until the thinnest part starts to crisp. Remove from oven. The steelhead should be medium to rare. Soak a full bunch of fresh, organic kale and spinach. Rinse and pat dry. Gently tear the kale and spinach into pieces, removing the stems and veins. Place a handful of kale on a plate and spinach on top of the kale. Quarter the tomatoes. Thinly slice the apple and onion. Halve the avocado. Artfully place the tomato, apple, onion and avocado on the greens. Place steelhead on salad mix and top with an extra virgin olive oil, vinegar and lemon mix.

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types of healthy eating alternatives, and I’ll try to come up with something that’s fun. One ingredient that I love to use in my recipes: Garlic. Why? It’s good for you. If I could spend a day with a famous chef or fellow foodie, it would be: Alton Brown because he is super cool and extremely funny. And not many people can rock a bow tie.

lion greens. Best food memory: A friend challenged me to make a pizza on an open flame. I did, and it was awesome! Best culinary destination: There are so many wonderful places to go and the variety of cuisine is too vast for me to pick one place. Most expensive meal: I think a bowl of cioppino in San Francisco. It was about $45 but really worth it! Weirdest food I like: Tabasco on vanilla ice cream.

TOOLS OF THE TRADE

A FEW OF MY FAVORITE THINGS

Continued from page 45

My favorite piece of cooking equipment: My oven. Baking smells so good! Must-have kitchen tools: Good knives. Go-to cookbooks: “The Conscious Cook,” by Tal Ronnen; “Chef’s Garden,” by Terence Conran; and “Food Porn Daily: The Cookbook,” by Amanda Simpson. Spice cabinet necessities: Pepper. If possible, most other spices should be fresh. Dream kitchen appliance: A Vitamix would be nice to have.

GLOBE-TROTTING Favorite cuisine: Sushi, pizza, freshly picked dande-

Always in the fridge: Cheese and beer. I’m addicted to: Altoids. Cocktail: Jameson. Comfort food: Popcorn. Family recipe: It’s a rice dish, with green olives and marinated artichoke hearts, crushed red pepper, with lemon zest. Really good stuff! (See recipe on page 45) My splurge at the market: There is a family-owned fish market on the pier in Avila Beach. When I make sushi, I always buy from them. It’s a sashimi grade and usually caught that day. The single tastiest thing I’ve eaten this month: I made a bacon-wrapped date stuffed with goat cheese for an art opening here at the studio. It was pretty tasty.

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Bakersfield Life Magazine

June 2013

The New 2014 Chevrolet Impala Is Here!

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Bakersfield Life assistant managing editor Jorge Barrientos shows the 2014 Chevrolet Impala to his brother Cesar Barrientos and family: wife Vanessa and kids Eden and Sebastian.

2014 CHEVROLET IMPALA Completely redesigned sedan sticks to its roots while improving in every possible sense By Jorge Barrientos

Photos by Michael Lopez

y experience with the Chevrolet Impala goes back decades. From watching hip-hop artists “rollin’ down the street ...” in music videos in 1960s Impala models to driving hundreds of miles to northern California in my brother’s 2001 Impala to take a tour of my college campus, I’ve always respected the car, its design and its style. And apparently so have countless other drivers who have supported the brand in its 50-plus years. Now comes the 2014 Impala, a completely redesigned sedan that is sure to turn heads, even for longtime Impala fans. Three-Way Chevrolet Cadillac just recently received the Impala, and for a few days, I was the only one in town driving

Bakersfield Life Magazine

June 2013

one around. I was impressed by it and so were Three-Way employees. “The classic Impala is back to its roots, and it’s better than ever,” said Mike Thomas, senior sales manager at Three-Way. “The Impala used to be the icon for Chevy cars. It’s going back that way again.” Simply, the Impala got a major boost in the looks department, as well as the technological aspects. It brings plenty of new features to the large family-sedan class with a strong exterior design, classy interior, and a wealth of state-of-the-art safety and infotainment features. For example: • Loads of interior space that Impala fans are used to, with options to make the inside look truly luxurious. The 2LTZ model I drive had a lovely chocolate interior with French stitching. It also had 18.8 cubic feet of truck space, which is standard. For safety, the cabin is loaded with 10 airbags (standard) and a domed hood for the taller folks. • The next-generation, easy-to-use MyLink infotainment system includes an eight-inch screen and voice recognition. It connects to your phone via Bluetooth, and you can control all functions using MyLink’s touch screen or your steering wheel. A hidden compartment can connect up to three devices via USB. My model included a 11-speaker Bose sound system that sounded extra crisp considering the vehicle features outside noise cancellation mechanisms. • Other neat features include blind-spot monitoring, a rear

Step into the redesigned 2014 Chevrolet Impala for an enjoyable driving experience.

The 2014 Chevrolet Impala features the easy-to-use MyLink infotainment system with voice recognition and options for navigation.

camera and lane departure warning that beeps when you veer out of your lane without signaling. This 10th-generation vehicle comes in 2.5-liter four-cylinder and 3.6-liter V6 engines, with 305 horse power. Trim levels include LS, LT and LTZ (with “mild hybrid” coming). But perhaps the most impressive of the Impala is the highly competitive price tag. It’s competitors include the Ford Taurus, Hyundai Azera, Toyota Avalon, Kia Cadenza, Chrysler 300 and the Dodge Charger — and I’d say they’re in for a fight. The Impala starts at about $27,000 for the base model and maxes out in the high $30,000s. I had to show the car to my oldest brother Cesar, who has his 2001 Impala parked in the garage. When he saw it, he didn’t think it was really an Impala. The huge interior could fit his beautiful family of four comfortably with room to spare. “It’s a great improvement in the bells and whistles department. The interior is sleek and comfortable for passengers,” said my 6-foot, 4-inch sibling. “It drives firm but is comfortable and quiet. And the exterior is designed differently — I wouldn’t have thought it was an Impala.” He may need to scrap his older model Impala for the new one, he said. “I think it’s time to consider it.”

The 2014 Chevrolet Impala includes a rear camera and sensors.

It’s all in the details Mileage: 21 city, 31 highway (test drive model: 18 city, 28 highway) Price tag: $27,000 base price ($35,910 test drive model, which included audio package with 11 Bose speakers, MyLink with navigation, heated seats) 2014 Chevy Impala’s best features: The Impala is the complete package: quiet, comfortable, safe and efficient. 2014 Chevy Impala is perfect for… everything. From a quiet and comfortable to drive to Las Vegas and more than enough room with 18.8 cubic feet in the truck — enough to put four sets of golf clubs. What makes the 2014 Chevy Impala stand out from others? Athletic, head-turning design. Target customer: Everybody. It’s a great car by any standards. What do you like the most about the 2014 Chevy Impala? The classic is back. And the Impala has everything we have grown to expect: performance, safety (smart proactive safety features), and styling. Three words that define the 2014 Chevy Impala: Bold. Innovation. Performance. Source: Mike Thomas, senior sales manager at Three-Way Chevrolet Cadillac

bakersfieldlife.com

HOMETOWN HERO

SANDRA PRESSON U.S. Navy Reserves Chief Petty Officer By Jasmine D. Lowe

At home, Presson is a registered nurse at Kaiser Permanente Medical Care in east Bakersfield. When she’s not handling nursing duties, she’s Chief Petty Officer Presson. Presson enlisted in the U.S. Navy Reserves in 1996 and implements her active duty time at the Navy Medical Center in San Diego, where she serves as the senior enlisted leader for a detachment of 15 servicemen and women. For her service, Assemblywoman Shannon Grove, R-Bakersfield, recently honored Presson and two other local military women in Sacramento. “These women paved the way for their fellow female service members, and it is an honor to recognize them for their determination,” said Grove, who is a U.S. Army veteran herself. “We need to recognize those who shaped our military and thank them for their leadership.” Presson has served most of her military career as a reserve but spent a short period of that time on active duty right before the United States invaded Iraq and just after she graduated from nursing school. Presson drills at Navy Operational Support Center Port Hueneme in Ventura County and guides and manages junior enlisted members in their careers, on top of making sure other service members are medically ready before deployments. The most challenging part of Presson’s career, however, has been the transitional period before becoming a chief petty officer in September 2011. The 12-week transitional period tested her physically and mentally. “You are tested by all of the genuine chiefs, and it is a test and a transition that you go through in order to be accepted by them,” said Presson. “It’s to make you stronger and to make you realize all the things that you could be faced with and still overcome. You work as a team, and it really helps you realize your worth. In the end, it’s worth it times a thousand.” Presson credits her military success to her family for being 100 percent supportive of her, including her father, who was an U.S. Army veteran, and her grandfather, who was a U.S. Navy veteran. She also recognizes the role her fellow chiefs have taken in inspiring her, including her command master chief, a 36year soft-spoken military veteran named Martha Eaton. “All of my fellow chiefs push me to work harder and do better, but I have had some role models — people who have inspired me that I have looked and thought, ‘I really want to be like her,’ and one of them is my command master chief,” Presson said. — Do you know a Kern County resident who has served honorably in the military, or is currently serving? Email us at bakersfieldlife@bakersfield.com with the message subject line: Hometown Hero. Please include an email, phone number and/or Facebook link to reach the nominee.

PHOTO BY MICHAEL FAGANS

PHOTO COURTESY OF SANDRA PRESSON

andra Presson’s military career spreads over 16 years, and she’s been proud to serve each year. “I’m proud to wear my uniform... I’m proud to serve my country, doing my part to give back what I can and to protect someone’s freedom in little ways,” Presson said.

Sandra Presson 50

Bakersfield Life Magazine

June 2013

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

PHILLIP THOMAS Star Driller, Bulldog drafted by favorite pro football team after returning from injury By Bakersfield Life Magazine

Bakersfield Life Magazine

June 2013

Phillip Thomas led the nation in interceptions (8) last season at Fresno State.

PHOTO BY GREGORY D. COOK

rowing up in Bakersfield, Phillip Thomas cheered for the Washington Redskins. Now, Bakersfield will cheer for him as part of the Washington Redskins. The Bakersfield High School grad was drafted by the team with the 119th overall pick (No. 22 in the fourth round) in the National Football League Draft, joining the likes of Frank Gifford, Joey Porter and Ryan Mathews who have made it to the most elite level of professional football. “It's an amazing feeling,” Thomas, who attended and played at Fresno State, told the Fresno Bee. “I'm happy I'm able to be a Redskin now. I can't wait to get out there and get to work.” He continued: "I started getting a little anxious, going throughout the whole draft and watching everybody get picked. But I knew God had a plan for me and all I needed to do was wait. ... I couldn't be happier with where I'm going now. I feel I'm going to be the steal of the draft.” Thomas played safety at Fresno State and is the first player from Bakersfield drafted since Mathews, who was drafted in 2010. Mathews also attended Fresno State. For the BHS Drillers — where Thomas played quarterback, wide receiver, running back and safety on defense — he shined. The success continued at Fresno, where Thomas led the nation with eight interceptions and three interceptions returned for touchdowns. Amazingly, this was after he suffered a gruesome injury that left his football career in question. Just three days before his junior year season with the Bulldogs, during a non-contact drill, Thomas snapped his fibula and tore ligaments in his ankle. The injury ended his season. “It was heartbreaking for me,” he told The Californian last year. A few weeks after the injury, Thomas visited the Drillers during a game. He chatted with Drillers coach Paul Golla, who told him to stay positive. So while off of the field, he studied the game from the sideline and the video room. And by the 2012 season, Thomas was back better than before. "It's behind me now, " Thomas told The Californian at the time. In October 2012, Thomas was named Mountain West Conference Defensive Player of the Week,

Stat Sheet: Phillip Thomas Teams: Bakersfield High School; Fresno State; Washington Redskins (119th overall pick) Size: 6 feet, 208 pounds Positions: Played quarterback, wide receiver, safety and running back for the Drillers. Highlights: He ran for 168 yards and three touchdowns in the Drillers' Central Section championship victory over FresnoBullard in 2005. Awards: The Californian’s 2005 and 2006 All-Area football team, Mountain West Conference Defensive Player of the Week (October 2012), finalist for the Jim Thorpe Award (nation's top collegiate defensive back), Mountain West defensive MVP (2012) Named to The Californian’s 2005 and 2006 AllArea football team

when he had eight tackles, a sack, a forced fumble and an interception against Colorado State. Then in November, he was named one of three finalists for the Jim Thorpe Award, given to the nation's top collegiate defensive back. Bakersfield and the NFL Draft By the end of the seaDozens of local athletes have been drafted into the National Football League. Here are son, Thomas was Mounjust a few of them: tain West defensive MVP. Frank Gifford: Bakersfield High School, draftIn February, he ed by the New York Giants with the 11th overworked out in front of all all pick in the 1952 NFL Draft. 32 NFL teams. The RedMark Nichols: East High School, drafted by skins were one of six the Detroit Lions with the 16th overall pick in teams he met with prior the 1981 NFL Draft. to the draft. Joey Porter: Foothill High School, drafted by In April, he was chothe Pittsburgh Steelers in the third round (73 overall) of the 1999 NFL Draft. sen by his favorite team. David Carr: Stockdale High School, drafted by “There’s nothing the Houston Texans with the first overall pick holding me back,” in the 2002 NFL Draft. Thomas told The CaliforRyan Mathews: West High School, drafted nia last year, recovering by the San Diego Chargers with the 12th overfrom the injury. “It’s all pick in the 2010 NFL Draft. been an amazing journey.” — The Associated Press, Fresno Bee and The Bakersfield Californian contributed to this article.

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TA L K O F T H E TO W N

Bakersfield Museum of Art Executive Director John Lofgren hopes to provide building blocks to grow the museum’s success.

FROM SWEDEN TO BAKERSFIELD Get to know the new globe-trotting director of the Bakersfield Museum of Art By Jasmine D. Lowe

Photos by Felix Adamo

ohn Lofgren is new to Bakersfield, but he’s far from new to art and museum directing. He’s traveled the globe in the name of art and only recently landed in Bakersfield. Get to know the new executive director of the Bakersfield Museum of Art.

Bakersfield Life Magazine

June 2013

DEDICATED TO ART A search committee looked nationally for a new Bakersfield Museum director. Lofgren, who had left another museum director position in Florida in hopes of retiring in Palm Springs, near two of his three children, felt as though he still had several years to dedicate toward visual arts. That’s fortunate for us. Bakersfield Museum of Art hired Lofgren because of his knowledge and background in art history, and his work and experience in directing other museums and cultural organizations. Among his outstanding accomplishments, Lofgren — who received his doctorate degree in the history of art at the University of Oregon — was recognized as the most innovative director in Florida in 1999, and the King of Sweden has knighted him for his work. In 1982, President Ronald Reagan

“

It’s so incredible and meaningful to be part of a museum.

”

— John Lofgren

invited Lofgren and his wife, Inger Lofgren, to the White House. And in 1997, he convinced Charles M. Schulz, the author and creator of Peanuts, to create a self-portrait of him.

become involved with a cultural organization on the island. From Hawaii, they returned to Florida for four years, and then Palm Springs — with plans to retire, apparently.

COMING TO AMERICA

‘A JEWEL’

When he was in his 20s, Lofgren and his Lofgren encourages our community to wife (then girlfriend) decided to leave their enjoy the museum and learn more about hishome country of Sweden tory and heritage from past in the mid-1960s to “disand present artists. He plans cover the United States,” to get the institution reacBakersfield he said. credited by the American Museum of Art Many artists, actors Alliance of Museums, forAddress: 1930 R St. and musicians — like Sam merly the American AssociaMore information: Cooke, The Drifters, tion of Museums. 323-7219 or bmoa.org Buddy Holly, James Dean “It’s so incredible and and Jack Kerouac — made meaningful to be part of a a strong impact like John museum,” said Lofgren. and Inger, and influenced others in Europe. “And this is an incredibly interesting small America’s young President John F. Kennedy museum. It’s a jewel ... and we have a lot of and organizations like the Peace Corps drew important things to give the community.” them here. Lofgren credits the already established “We had no idea that we were going to staff to the success of the museum. stay this long in this country, but it’s been a “I’m looking forward to not only working great ride,” said Lofgren. “American pop-culwith the community itself, but we are ture had a tremendous impact upon us growextremely blessed because we have such taling up in Europe. We were so smitten of this ented staff here,” said Lofgren. “Our curatoriincredible new generation of American al department is fantastic, young, vibrant, thought and authors, poets and musicians.” exciting, and I couldn’t ask for more. And to be surrounded by it all, every time I come in the morning, I see beautiful paintings on the DIRECTOR TRAVELS wall, I walk in the garden, and I see this After finishing his studies in Oregon, Lofincredible three-dimensional piece starting at gren studied at the Louvre in Paris and the me ... and this is great.” Wallace Collection in London. His first job So far, Lofgren has applied his knowledge was as a curator for nine months at the Amerand experience to help create a fun and longican Swedish Institute in Minneapolis. After lasting learning environment for our commuthe director there left, Lofgren’s colleagues nity. insisted he become the museum director, and “As a museum director, you look at yourhe has been nothing less since. self as a builder,” said Lofgren. “We build Next, he became the museum director at memberships, we build collections ... we Sonoma Museum in Santa Rosa for six years. sometimes build actual buildings. We build In Indiana, he was a director for three years programs for people to participate in and be and moved to Florida where he was a musea part of, and sometimes we build goodwill in um director in Vero Beach for eight years. Lofthe community.” gren and his wife moved to Maui soon after to bakersfieldlife.com

Local law enforcement officers salute during a Kern County Peace Officer’s Memorial.

KERN COUNTY LAW ENFORCEMENT FOUNDATION Foundation to honor outstanding officers at 25th awards dinner in June By Bakersfield Life Magazine

ocal law enforcement and military officers keep us safe every day and risk their lives in the line of duty. It’s the role of Kern County Law Enforcement Foundation to back up these officers in any way they can. The foundation works behind the scenes to raise money to help the 29 law enforcement agencies in Kern County working to keep us safe. In addition, the foundation raises scholarship funds to assist college students seeking careers in law enforcement. The foundation regularly hosts golf tournaments, luncheons and other fundraising events. This year, for the 25th year, local agencies will award officers whose work excels above and beyond their typical jobs during the 25th Officer of the Year awards. Presented by the Kern County Law Enforcement Foundation at 6 p.m. June 7 at Stockdale Country Club, the event 56

Bakersfield Life Magazine

June 2013

PHOTO BY CASEY CHRISTIE

FOR A CAUSE

includes an inspirational awards and dinner program that highlights officers selected by their agencies. Those in attendance get to hear the touching stories behind these nominations. Donations from the event will benefit the agency, which, in turn, gives a large portion of the proceeds back to Kern County law enforcement for supplies that current budgets don’t necessarily support. Also, college scholarships are awarded to students who have good grades and aspire to become involved in a law enforcement career. This year, the agency is extending last year’s scholarship winner to cover her pursuit in attaining a master’s degree from Cal State Bakersfield. Categories for awards during the ceremony include “medal of valor,” “exceptional officer,” and “officer of the year.” Last year’s winners included: • California Highway Patrol’s David Ryan Bunting, who won the “medal of valor.” Bunting was shot on Highway 178 in May 2012 by a driver. He returned fire to the vehicle, which sped off. He was able to give the dispatcher descriptions of the suspects and suspect vehicles. • Deputy Sheriff Joe Garcia was named “officer of the year” for his work with the youth of the Kern River Valley, especially following the suicides of two teenagers in the area. Sheriff Donny Youngblood said Garcia set “a standard of performance which is a benchmark for others to attain.” Tickets are now available, and the public is invited. For more information, tickets and sponsorships, call foundation board member Sofie Zimmermann at 342-1532 or email sofiezimm@aol.com.

KERN

COUNTY

Nut Festival Inaugural event promises to be ‘nuttin’ but fun’ By Bakersfield Life Magazine

“W

hy don’t we have a festival?” It was a simple question posed several years ago by The Bakersfield Californian’s Bob Price that started the conversation. Years of conversations eventually blossomed into concrete plans. And those plans have resulted in action. The time has come — Kern County is hosting its own festival, and boy, is it going to be nutty. Several thousand people are expected to attend the first-ever Kern County Nut Festival on June 15 at the Kern County Museum. Nuts make sense, too — Kern County is full of them. Our area harvests billions of dollars worth in pistachios and almonds and ranks near the top internationally in certain nut crop categories. Our festival is modeled after Gilroy’s annual garlic event that draws more than 100,000 and will focus on the popularity of our biggest nut crops — primarily almonds, pistachios and walnuts — and their health benefits. The family-friendly event will include cooking demonstrations, music, dancing, art and agriculture exhibits, games for kids and adults, contests and other “nutty” activi-

Bakersfield Life Magazine

June 2013

ties. In the “running of the nuts” race, contestants are encouraged to dress nutty. Dozens of restaurants and vendors will sell nut-focused foods and drinks, and several dozen more exhibitors and nonprofits will showcasing products and services. And it will all be for a good cause. Proceeds from the festival will benefit the Kern County Museum Foundation, as well as participating nonprofit groups. The museum is run exclusively by a nonprofit foundation, and making fundraisers like this one more important, said Roger Perez, executive director of the Kern County Museum. “We are very excited about being involved on the ground floor of what promises to be such a tremendous event for the museum and for Kern County as a whole,” Perez said. “The Nut Festival is becoming, and will continue to be, a large part of what identifies the museum to our community and Kern County to the state of California.” Check out this Nut Festival guide for a sneak peek into nut-focused dishes that will be sold and served, an in-depth map of the festival, and interviews with the two selfdescribed “head nuts,” co-chairwomen Beth Pandol and Sheryl Barbich. They promise the festival will be “nuttin’ but fun.”

Continued on page 60

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Nut Festival NUTS BY THE NUMBERS Kern County The “Running of the Nuts” will kick off the Kern County Nut Festival on Saturday, June 15. What: A one-mile out and back run/walk along the Kern River Parkway bike trail. Gather with other health and sports nuts and wear something ‘nutty’ for a chance to win prizes. Snacks and drinks will be available. Where: Behind Sam Lynn Ball Park (follow the signs toward the bike trail entrance) When: 8 a.m. check-in, registration; 9 a.m. start. What else: Free “Running of the Nuts” T-shirt for the first 100 people registered. Sponsored by Dignity Health. More information, registration: 324-7070

Walnuts

CALIFORNIAN FILE PHOTO

Running of the Nuts

Total value of all agriculture in Kern County: $11 million. Walnuts: 71 acres with 17.75 tons in production, and value of $4,000. Almonds: 68 acres with 22.5 tons in production, and value of $5,400.

Almond orchard

PHOTO BY CASEY CHRISTIE

1931

1961 Value of Kern County fruit and nut crops: $30.5 million, with 32,000 acres harvested Almonds: 95 acres

Top Kern County Nut Festival sponsors

Kern County agriculture: reached a milestone by topping the $5 billion dollar gross production value for the first time ever (total: $5.3 billion). Top five commodities 2011: milk, almonds, grapes, citrus and carrots, Almonds: Value of $727.4 million and 147,000 acres harvested Pistachios: Value of $389.5 million and 62,800 acres harvested Pecans: 580 acres. Walnuts: 832 acres harvested; value of $2 million

Pistachios

California • Our state grows 98 percent of the nation’s pistachio crop, and the United States is the second largest producer in the world, after Iran. • About 99 percent of the nation’s walnuts are harvested from California trees, which account for nearly three-quarters of the world’s walnuts. • About 99 percent of our national almond harvest comes from the Golden State, and is more than 80 percent of the global supply. Sources: Kern County Nut Festival, Kern County Department of Agriculture and Measurement Standards, American Pistachio Growers, California Walnut Commission, Almond Board of California

Bakersfield Life Magazine

June 2013

CALIFORNIAN FILE PHOTO

2011 Top Crop Sponsors: The Bakersfield Californian Foundation Famoso Nut Company, LLC Dignity Health, Mercy and Memorial Hospitals Paramount Farming. Treetop Sponsors: Valley Republic Bank American Pistachio Growers JSS Almonds Aera Energy LLC Farm Credit West Wells Fargo Bank.

NUT FESTIVAL General information When: Saturday, June 15 Where: Kern County Museum (3801 Chester Ave.) and Stramler Park (3805 Chester Ave.) Tickets: Pre-sale: $10 adults, $5 children; Day of: $12 adults, $7 children; Available at the museum, Valley Republic Bank (5000 California Ave., Suite 110), Farm Credit West (19628 Industry Parkway Dr.), and all Vallitix locations (vallitix.com) More information: KCnutfest.com

Poster contest Congratulations to Kelly Wonderly, winner of the first Kern County Nut Festival poster contest. Her winning poster will be printed and sold as the festival’s first commemorative poster. For a schedule of events, go to BakersfieldLife.com

BAKERSFIELD

CHRYSLER JEEP

3101 Cattle Drive • Bakersfield Auto Mall • (661) 832-3000 www.drivecj.com bakersfieldlife.com

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Nut Festival ‘HEAD NUTS’ IN CHARGE Co-chairwomen of upcoming Nut Festival are ready to make event a local staple By Jorge Barrientos

How did you two get started with this festival? Beth: Well, we’ve known each other a long time and worked on other things going back to the 1990s. But for this, Bob Price (of The Bakersfield Californian) called Sheryl and said, ‘Why don’t we have a festival?’ I worked in ag most of my career. Sheryl pulled a whole bunch of people together in 2007. We talked and talked about it. What kind of festival will it be — grapes, citrus, carrots? And we couldn’t really agree. I said, ‘Why don’t we do nuts?’ It’s a great word. We grow a lot of them here. They’re great for culinary. We are, in a lot of areas, the No. 1 producing county for certain nuts. And it’s always in our top crops list. So why not? We noodled it around and looked at raising the funds at the time. But the 62

Bakersfield Life Magazine

Organizers of the Kern County Nut Festival, Sheryl Barbich, left, and Beth Pandol at the Kern County Museum’s Howell House.

June 2013

PHOTO BY FELIX ADAMO

t started with an idea, and Beth Brookhart Pandol and Sheryl Barbich helped make it a reality. Pandol, executive director at Water Association of Kern County, and Barbich, president of Barbich Consulting, are the co-chairwomen of the Kern County Nut Festival and board members of the Kern County Museum Foundation, which will benefit from the festival. They chatted with Bakersfield Life recently about how the festival came about, what Bakersfield should expect this inaugural year, and how big they expect this festival to get.

Proudly Serving Kern County’s Homecare Needs for 23 Years. economy was terrible right then, and we thought, ‘No, not this year.’ Sheryl: We got the guy that runs the Gilroy Garlic Festival and told us, ‘This is how to do it; this is what to look out for.’ He gave us a lot of hints. We needed to raise a lot of money. That was in the financial crisis time, and all thought it would be a really bad idea. So we put in on hold. Beth: So then we fast forward... I had been on the Kern County Museum Foundation board since 2001 and then Sheryl came on in 2011. The museum was in a big transition period where it really needed some serious fundraising. So we thought, ‘Why don’t we resurrect our nut fest idea?’ It also was a change in time for both of us. Sheryl had more time. My job was much more flexible; I wasn’t working full time. And so we turned to working full time on the nut festival. Sheryl: Now, it’s all we do! We invited a bunch of people to a meeting. And Beth got these T-shirts that said ‘We’re nuts.’ We got in front of them and told them, ‘This is what we’re thinking about. What do you guys think?’ So what about nuts? What is the vision of this festival that makes it all come together? Beth: We really did have to narrow that down. But we really wanted this to be spectacular and unique. So we decided that the best focus would be on the culinary aspects of nuts. You can touch on those other things — ag and health — but people like food. Bakersfield likes food. Eventually down the road, as our food vendors developed and broadened their outlook on the festival, we’ll be able to draw from Southern California and the Central Coast, because people come to food festivals. We learned that from Gilroy. They eat, and eat, and eat. In Stockton they eat asparagus nonstop. Sheryl: They brought 100,000 to 120,000 at the Gilroy festival and in Stockton. We can do that. We’re in a great location. So that’s the vision, but what is the purpose of this festival? Sheryl: We want to focus on a major agricultural commodity that is huge. It drives a lot of our income, work and wealth in this community. Secondly, was to raise money for the Kern County Museum, which clearly needs it, but also to give other nonprofits an opportunity to make money. So when you come to the festival, you’ll see food booths that are put on by nonprofits. Beth: And they’re all going to charge a little bit. There’s a small entrance fee, cheaper if you by ahead of the date. Food for the most part will be on sale. We purposefully did it that way. We wanted the nonprofits and local businesses to make money, and we wanted it to be perceived as a kind place you come for a family outing. It’s not a giveaway kind of festival. No samples. You’re going to buy a full meal. Sheryl: A fourth thing is we think that by putting on something that is fantastically successful, like this will be, this community needs a little boost in self image and pride, to say, ‘Hey, we have a really cool festival in Bakersfield.’ What are some family draws? Sheryl: We have two big cooking demonstration tents. Throughout the day, we have eight cooking demonstrations taking place by a variety of chefs. Urners built two new kitchens for us. The chefs will have an opportunity to show off. Beth: And there’s a recipe contest. Lots of musical entertainment. Music all day on three stages and also on the porches of some buildings, like on the Howell House. They’re almost all local bands. Sheryl: There’s something happening every half-hour on the children’s stage. A bunch of mascots are scheduled.

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Continued on page 64 bakersfieldlife.com

Continued from page 63 Obviously this festival is going to big. How did planning it go about? Beth: We set up a committee structure. So we have different areas where people are in charge. Then they set up their own committees from there. And the museum staff has been working crazy. They’re not exactly a giant staff.

“

No peanuts. Nobody grows peanuts, and they’re a legume; they’re not a nut. Sorry. We’re only doing almonds, pistachios and walnuts.

”

— Beth Pandol

This is the first year. What’s the expectation for this event? Sheryl: 5,000 to 7,000 people. We were surprised by the financial support. We have 10 $10,000 sponsors. It’s amazing how much the industry stepped up: the banks, the hospitals, equipment companies, people that work with farms — they all stepped up. And local businesses. Beth: We’ve been very happy about that. We want everyone to make money. It’s a family event. It’s different from just the drinking thing. We are serving alcohol, but it’s more of a family thing than that. But we want people to enjoy a beer if they’d like. How “nutty” will things get around here? Beth: That’s another aspect of the whole festival. Just

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the fact that we have ‘nut’ in the festival lends itself to just being a really fun event, where you can do fun and crazy things. Plus, if you do a tomato festival, it just doesn’t have the same impact as the nut. Sheryl: Or even carrots. Let someone else do that. We’re doing this. Beth: And we want to make sure we’re not disparaging anybody. We want to make sure we’re very clear about not calling anybody nuts, or referring to anyone who has a mental issue.

Sheryl: One of our volunteers donated a cruise to giveaway and made a passport system, where you’ll have to visit certain exhibitors and get passports stamped. Beth: Food and games will be paid for by ‘nut bucks.’ That’s how we keep track of what nonprofits make. Nonprofits keep 80 percent, and museum keeps 20. For businesses, it’s 75 percent. It’s dollar for dollar exchange. But they can use cash with some of the merchandise vendors. Sheryl: We have logo items for sale: aprons, hats, Tshirts, cool wraps.

So what kinds of nuts are we talking about? Beth: No peanuts. Nobody grows peanuts, and they’re a legume; they’re not a nut. Sorry. We’re only doing almonds, pistachios and walnuts. We wanted three nuts. Almonds and pistachios are the biggies, and walnuts are a pretty good for cooking and are healthy. They’re not bad to have in the mix.

Anything that surprised you two through planning? Beth: The nut industry is so proud of what they do and so willing to step up. I went to a nut processor the other day, and the owner was heading off to Europe to sell nuts in Europe. I don’t think a lot of people realize the international impact we have on the food industry, and how that comes back to us in economic benefit in Kern County.

What else should people know before heading out to the festival? Beth: If it’s hot, it’ll be shady around here. We’ll have some things in the buildings where there is some air conditioning. We want people to be cool as much as possible. Also, I recommend people buy tickets early. You can even come in and buy ‘nut bucks’ early.

How big can this festival get? Beth: The sky is the limit. We hope we’ll be someday on the Food Network with national recognition. Sheryl: There’s 100,000 in Gilroy for 25 years. We’ll go to a two-day festival next year. And we’ll back it up a week. For people sitting around thinking, ‘What should we do for the weekend,’ let’s go nuts in Bakersfield.

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Nut Festival

Thai coconut ice cream with toasted pistachios

WAITER, THERE ARE NUTS IN MY FOOD ... Dozens of restaurants to prepare nut-inspired dishes for the festival

ozens of local restaurants will be showcasing their culinary skills at this year’s Nut Festival by adding nuts to their menus. Here are a few of the nut dishes being featured

Chef’s Choice Noodle Bar Dishes: • Poke lettuce wraps, one is made with duck and the other with chicken. Poke means raw salad in Hawaiian cul66

Bakersfield Life Magazine

June 2013

Poke lettuce wraps with roast duck and chopped pistachios

PHOTO BY FELIX ADAMO

By Bakersfield Life Magazine

Baklava

Goose Loonies Tavern & Grill Dish: Baklava About the dish: Who doesn’t love butter, nuts and cinnamon? This dessert features layers of phyllo pastry, each one brushed with butter, working quickly and delicately as to not let the paper-thin layer tear or dry out. Ingredients: We begin the process of layering in the mixture of nuts, cinnamon and sugar. After baking, a heavenly amber citrus syrup poured over the entire dessert to

soak in all of the layers. Food for thought: “This ancient dessert can be traced back centuries in Greece. I learned this technique from my mother, Katina, as a pre-teen. She actually used to handmake the layers of pastry as well, handed down from my Yia Yia (grandmother). As you can imagine, this was not a weekly or even monthly treat we ate at home. Today, phyllo dough can be purchased at your local market. In this way, we can offer this amazing dessert every day at the restaurant. It is still always made from scratch, and those traditions are being handed down to my children.” — Jim Katsantonis, owner. Other dishes at the festival: Santorini salad, with the spinach, red onion, feta cheese, lamb gyro meat, dried figs, nuts and creamy balsamic; hummus, garlicky dip topped with nuts and served with warm pita bread; lamb gyro, warm pita bread with meat, topped with tzatziki (yogurt, garlic cucumber dip), fresh diced tomato, parsley and onion.

PHOTO BY GREGORY D. COOK

PHOTO BY MARK NESSIA

ture. Roasted duck or chicken poke with toasted pistachios, scallions, red onion, cilantro, Thai red pepper flakes and accompanied with fresh mangoes. • Thai coconut ice cream with toasted pistachios will be served with sweet Hawaiian bread. About the dishes: The wraps are served cold with four to five pieces of Romaine lettuce to make wraps for a light snack. One serving will be a scoop of poke, which is 6 to 8 ounces and will cost $12. For the ice cream, people have the option of just eating the scoops of ice cream or making an ice cream sandwich with the bread. One serving will cost $6. Food for thought: “Because it’s spring/summer, we wanted to keep it light. The idea is the richness of the duck flavor contrasts with the fresh lime juice, salt and sugar and makes it a cold, refreshing dish. The dessert is really a traditional Thai dessert. In the summer, we like this snack garnished with nuts or other fruits.” — Nick Hansa, owner Festival: “We’re excited to see that Kern County is going to feature local produce. I’m hoping this will grow into something really big. Almost everyone enjoys nuts, and we have such a variety here. And in Thai cooking, we feature a lot of nuts in our dishes.” — Nick Hansa, owner

Cinnamon rolls with nuts

Hodel’s Country Dining Dish: Cinnamon rolls with choice of nuts About the dish: Hodel’s has been making their famous cinnamon rolls for more than 30 years, using only the freshest ingredients. Crafted by hand every morning, these cinnamon rolls have been a staple of Hodel’s breakfast menu since the 1980s. Festival: For the festival, they plan to dress up the rolls with a cream-cheese frosting and choice of walnuts, almonds, pecans or pistachios to celebrate the variety of nuts grown in Kern County. Food for thought: There’s nothing like eating a cinnamon roll that has just come right out of the oven.” — Don Hodel, general manager

bakersfieldlife.com

CENTRAL COASTING Bakersfield by the beach? Five Central Coast beach towns you should visit this summer

By Emily Claffy

f only Bakersfield had beaches, we would never have to leave it. But that’s OK because these five popular sand, sun and sea destinations are just a few short hours away, and there’s no better time to check them out than this summer.

Bakersfield Life Magazine

June 2013

Ventura Historic downtown Ventura features architecture from the 1920s and offers everything from boutiques, coffee shops, furniture stores, restaurants, live music on the weekends and the San Buenaventura mission, founded by Father Junipero Serra. “Ventura grabbed me from a postcard at the age of 16. I decided to move here and go to college, and I immediately fell in love with its character,” said Marlyss Auster of the Ventura Visitors and Convention Bureau. “It is amazing to me that what I imagined could be so wonderful, really is! I live in paradise, and I’m not going anywhere. There is plenty to explore with my family here.” One of the city’s best attributes is the countless options it provides for outdoor lovers. Visitors and residents alike can go for a bike ride, scuba dive, rock climb, kayak, hike and even go bird watching. Ventura’s coastal location makes it a perfect surf destination and is home to famous surf spots, such as Surfer’s Point, Califor-

PHOTO BY JEFF GREENBERG

PHOTO BY STEPHEN SHAFER

A panoramic view of Ventura from Grant Park.

The fountain at Mission San Buenaventura.

nia Street and Rincon. Ventura is also the gateway to the Channel Islands National Park and the Los Padres National Forest where rare indigenous plants and animals like the endangered blue whales, grey whales, and bottlenose dolphins can be spotted. Where to eat: The Anacapa Brewing Company is Ventura’s only brewery and is in a 115-year-old brick building with a patio that is right off of Main Street. Their menu features a variety of all-American grill items, fresh seafood, salads, classic Italian pastas and gourmet pizzas. Where to stay: The Crowne Plaza Hotel Ventura Beach is the only beachfront hotel in the city and is just two blocks from downtown. The Aqua Beachfront Bar connects the hotel lobby to the Oceanside patio and Lanai Lounge where guests can enjoy local and regional wines while overlooking the Promenade Boardwalk and the Pacific Ocean. What to do: Ventura offers a variety of live entertainment

venues, including The Majestic Ventura Theatre, the Ventura County Comedy Club, the Ventura Improv Company and the Rubicon Theatre Company. Where to shop: Whether it’s in downtown Ventura, with its numerous boutiques and antique shops, or at the Pacific View Mall, which offers many modern retailers, the city offers a place to shop for everyone. Ventura is also home to Patagonia and WetSand, two top outdoor retailers. Where to tour: The Ventura County Wine Trail Tours are available every Saturday and Sunday and will take you to four wineries with a light bistro lunch.

Monterey The city, founded in 1770 and incorporated in 1850, served as the first capital of California and hosted the state’s first con-

Continued on page 70

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PHOTO BY ROMAN JANICEK

The Cathedral of San Carlos Borromeo, also known as the Royal Presidio Chapel, is the oldest continuously operating parish and the oldest stone building in California.

Continued from page 69

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CITY OF MONTEREY

stitutional convention in Colton Hall, where California’s original constitution was signed in 1849. Monterey Bay has been inhabited by a diverse variety of

Cannery Row is home to some of Monterey’s best hotels, restaurants and attractions. 70

Bakersfield Life Magazine

cultures, including Chinese, Italian, Portuguese and Japanese immigrants; it was found first by Native Americans and later settled by the Spanish. Some of the city’s historic sites still stand today, including adobe homes from the Spanish and Mexican era. “Cannery Row” by John Steinbeck was published in 1945 and depicted the locals and sardine fisheries that occupied the formerly known, Ocean View Avenue, which was later renamed after the novel. Today, Cannery Row is home to some of Monterey’s best hotels, attractions, authentic restaurants, and shopping. There is plenty to do and see in Monterey, whether it’s visiting the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Fisherman’s Wharf, Cannery Row, Dennis the Menace Playground, the beaches or the recreation trail along the waterfront. “Visitors and residents alike enjoy Monterey’s spectacular natural beauty in a small town known for its welcoming hospitality, fine food and coastal setting,” said Anne McGrath, communications manager for the city of Monterey. Where to eat: Schooner’s Coastal Kitchen & Bar, at the Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa, offers a lively atmosphere with dynamic ocean views. The menu features contemporary American cuisine and sustainably caught seafood that indicates the origin and catching method on the menu! Where to stay: Experience Spindrift Inn’s European

June 2013

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CITY OF MONTEREY

Monterey Bay Aquarium includes a 28-foot underwater kelp forest, and a 90-foot long exhibit featuring five different habitats found in Monterey Bay.

style while overlooking the shores of McAbee Beach. This boutique hotel features 45 guest rooms, each with king-size canopy beds, hardwood floors, a wood-burning fireplace and a complimentary continental breakfast delivered to your door. What to do: Enjoy three and a half blocks worth of arts and crafts, handmade jewelry, furniture, clothing, international foods, organic produce, flowers, and pastries at the Old Monterey Farmers Market every Tuesday in downtown Monterey. Where to shop: Visitors can find a variety of shops in Old Monterey, New Monterey the Lighthouse District, Cannery Row, the North Fremont District, and the Old Fisherman’s Wharf. Where to tour: On historic Cannery Row, with an ocean view, is the Monterey Bay Aquarium where families can experience their 28-foot underwater kelp forest, a 90-foot long exhibit featuring five different habitats found in Monterey, and even feed the sea otters.

Pismo The city of Pismo was founded by John Price in 1891, a man who had accumulated several thousand acres of land in the area. By 1887, visitors had become interested in the ocean front property and it gradually

Continued on page 72

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The heart of Pismo Beach is Pomeroy Avenue, which leads right down to the pier.

PHOTO BY FELIX ADAMO

Pismo Beach is a favorite vacation destination for Bakersfield residents.

Continued from page 71 developed, including the establishment of Grover Beach. Pismo’s first wharf was built in 1882, and the pier wasn’t built until the next century in 1924. Once finished, he allowed full access to the public. The original pier suffered storm damage and had to be renovated in 1985. Pismo has since become a well-known vacation destination for many Bakersfield residents, a behavior that has not gone unnoticed. “Pismo Beach truly appreciates our Bakersfield visitors,” said Suzen Brasile, executive director of the Pismo Beach Conference and Visitors Bureau. “We want to continue to be 72

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June 2013

Bakersfield’s Beach.” Visitors enjoy everything from golfing, kayaking, surfing, kite boarding, fishing, swimming and even four-wheeling in the dunes. Aside from ocean activities, the area hosts a variety of golf courses to enjoy. From October through February, thousands of Monarch butterflies flock to the Eucalyptus and Monterey Pines to escape the cold weather from the north, traveling over the Sierra Mountains and west of the Rockies. Some of these butterflies even come all the way from Canada! Where to eat: If you aren’t in the mood for a fresh bowl of clam chowder from Splash Cafe, or a hot cinnamon roll from Old West Cinnamon Rolls, check out the Cracked Crab. Their menu changes daily to ensure that their seafood is seasonally fresh. Where to stay: Experience the historic Pismo Beach Hotel for yourself in the heart of downtown. The Pismo Beach Hotel has seen stars such as Joan Crawford, Spencer Tracy, Bette Davis and Clark Gable, who filmed “Strange Cargo” there in 1937. What to do: The 1,200-foot-long Pismo Beach Pier offers free fishing for all ages and year-round surfing. Also, the Price Historical Park and the 1893 Price Anniversary House is a 7acre park with trails and a replica Chumash village that is open daily for hiking and picnicking. Where to shop: A variety of surf shops are in downtown Pismo, but real savings can be found at the Pismo Beach Premium Outlets. They even have a designated play area for dogs, equipped with a faux fire hydrant; just one of the many dog friendly amenities that Pismo has to offer. Where to tour: One of Pismo’s best kept secrets are the hidden caves beneath Dinosaur Caves Park, which can be reached by kayak.

Casa Grande, or the main house, of Hearst Castle in San Simeon.

PHOTO COURTESY HEARST CASTLE / CALIFORNIA STATE PARKS

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Cambria The unincorporated village of Cambria rests among towering pines and the Pacific Ocean and encompasses an area of about three square miles. Cambria offers interesting architecture, specialty shops, art galleries and gourmet food. There are hiking trails along the scenic Moonstone Beach and the Fiscalini Ranch Preserve that are especially soothing. Cambria’s relaxed atmosphere vastly differs from the hustle and bustle of city life. The village prides itself on being free of fast food and retail chain stores. That’s just a part of Cambria’s charm; it has always been fairly secluded from the rest of the world. In fact, when stagecoach service first arrived to the village in 1867, it took eight hours to traverse the poorly formed roads to San Luis Obispo which is just 30 miles away. As if the rolling hills, rugged shores and charm weren’t enough, Cambria is about six miles away from Hearst Castle, the estate of newspaper publisher, William Randolph Hearst. Hearst and architect, Julia Morgan, designed the San Simeon castle, which was completed in 1947. Cambria is also close to the Piedras Blancas Lighthouse, which overlooks a rare breeding ground for Northern Elephant Seals. Where to eat: The Black Cat Bistro is known for its intimate dining experience and farm fresh dishes. The menu changes often in order to reflect fare that is seasonally fresh and organically or sustainably raised. The bistro has received the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence for eight years in a row. Where to stay: The Blue Dolphin Inn is an adult-only property with sophisticated style. The hotel features six full ocean view rooms that are specifically known for their view of dolphins. There are also

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Continued on page 74 bakersfieldlife.com

Continued from page 73 lower- and upper-level rooms with full ocean views and amenities. What to do: Relax and breathe in the fresh air. Cambria is all about taking time to enjoy the scenic view by walking along their popular trails or simply sunbathing on the beach. Where to shop: Cambria is chain free with plenty of options for local shopping. Visitors can browse a variety of shops including: antique shops, apparel stores, art galleries, book shops, specialty stores, home furnishings and more. Where to tour: The historic Hearst Castle offers a variety of tours all year-round. Their featured tours include the Grand Room Tour, the Upstairs Suites Tour and the Cottages and Kitchens Tour.

THE ELEMENTS The Mountains: Sequoia National Park Home to the “giant forest,” Sequoia National Park will take you world’s away from Bakersfield with just a two-hour drive. The forest — east of Visalia — contains some of the tallest trees in the world, the giant sequoias. Besides that, the park offers nature’s best: scenic views, hiking, camping and other outdoors activities. See and do: The giant grove and the General Sherman tree, the largest of the sequoias, which measures 36.5 feet across the base. Eat: Bring a picnic! And use public barbecue pits. Stay: The parks have 14 campgrounds of which the majority are first-come, firstserved. Cabins are also available. Guides: www.nps.gov/seki

Morro Bay Morro Bay’s most distinctive feature is the 12 millionyear-old Morro Rock. The rock is 576 feet tall and is an ancient volcanic formation that was discovered by Portuguese explorer Juan Rodriquez Cabrillo, who named it El Morro in 1542. Morro Rock is now a protected bird sanctuary that provides a safe home for the peregrine falcon and other species. Thousands of bird enthusiasts visit each winter to watch the varying bird species that stop in Morro Bay during their annual migrations; though falcons, hawks, herons and egrets roost in the village throughout the year.

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Aren’t up for the sun, surf and sand combination? Then choose another element, and visit one of these nearby destinations:

The City: Fresno Fresno’s Central Valley magazine recently gave Bakersfield some love, writing a glowing review of our town. So now, we’ll send it right back! This fifth largest city in California is sometimes called the “gateway to Yosemite,” but this fast-growing big city is an agricultural mecca worth enjoying. Visitors can taste first-hand why Fresno is the nation’s No. 1 agricultural county. And it’s home to diverse entertainment, sporting, culinary and leisure offerings. It’s no wonder Fresno is also known as California’s “year-round playground.” See and Eat: The Tower District, an art deco-era area, contains an array of local eateries and entertainment, featuring clubs, theaters, cafes, shops and art galleries, all within walking distance. Check out your options here: towerdistrict.org. Guides: www.fresno.gov/visitors

The Desert: Death Valley It’s extreme, to say the least. The below-sea-level basin is home to record summer heat. But on the other end, its peaks are topped with winter snow. Rainstorms leads to blooming flowers. And with all that, it’s home to some amazing wildlife. The Death Valley National Park is the largest national park in the contiguous 48 states. Its acre after acre of wilderness and cultural history See: The vast landscape offers loads of natural wonders. Traverse the area with scenic drives (try Dante’s View) and hiking areas (try Darwin Falls). The Furnace Creek Visitor Center features exhibits, and a maps you can use. Guides: visitcalifornia.com and nps.gov/deva

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June 2013

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12-million-year-old Morro Rock is now a protected bird sanctuary.

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PHOTO BY CASEY CHRISTIE

A sea otter plays in a bed of kelp in Morro Bay.

Continued from page 74 “The best thing about Morro Bay is all the outdoor activities,” shared Sharon Bufo with the Morro Bay Board of Tourism. “It’s about hiking, biking, kayaking, sailing, surfing and going out and getting yourself so tired that all you want to do is go home and sleep.” Golfers enjoy the tree-lined fairways and unobstructed ocean views, while beach enthusiasts share the water with seals, sea lions and sea otters. Morro Bay is bustling with annual events, including art shows and street fairs throughout the year. This summer will

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June 2013

host the annual Morro Bay Music Festival and the bayside Fourth of July celebration with music and fireworks. Where to eat: Wine and dine along the waterfront and watch as the local fishing fleet returns from the sea with their fresh catch. Morro Bay offers a variety of foods, whether you’re in the mood for clam chowder, fish and chips, seasonal dishes or ethnic fare like Chinese and Mexican. Where to stay: The Anderson Inn offers rooms with a private deck that overlook the sailboats in the harbor of the historic Embarcadero. The hotel also offers a variety of spa and massage treatments, perfect for a romantic vacation or a weekend getaway. What to do: Feed the sea lions at the Morro Bay Aquarium. The aquarium features fourteen tanks full of marine life including, fish, sharks, octopus, eels, and abalone sea anemones. Where to shop: There are a wide variety of shops in Morro Bay, whether it is in Old Town, the Embarcadero or North Morro Bay. Shoppers will find handcrafted items, jewelry, antiques, clothing and more. Where to tour: Visit the Morro Bay State Park Museum of Natural History, which sits on a hill overlooking the Morro Bay Estuary. At the museum, there are 26 interactive exhibits that provide information about the estuary and bay ecosystems.

Sensational Seniors

Meet 27 of Kern Countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s shining graduating high school seniors

Bakersfield Life Magazineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sensational senior high school graduates are ready to take on their next goal: college. 80

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By Bakersfield Life Magazine Photos by Michael Fagans

n the last week of May, more than 7,000 high school seniors in Bakersfield, and thousands more throughout Kern County will be handed their diplomas and take their first steps into the next phase of their lives. These 27 students will no doubt lead the way and are highlighted here in Bakersfield Life to represent some of the finest our local education system has developed. They may change the world one day. But first comes college. This year, for the first time, Bakersfield Life is featuring the cream of the crop from high schools in Bakersfield, but also those from high schools in neighboring cities in Kern. The students include those who remained focused throughout high school to become No. 1 in their classes, others who will be the first in their family to attend college, and still others who have succeeded despite tremendous obstacles â&#x20AC;&#x201D; including one who lost both parents in high school and was homeless. Here, the 27 shared with Bakersfield Life what theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll miss about home when they leave for college (the new family puppy), how theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll survive their first year (lots of instant noodles), and their plans for the future (look out world!). Continued on page 82 bakersfieldlife.com

Continued from page 81

William Gantz North High School College: UC Merced GPA: 3.75 School notes: William has become a true success story. During his sophomore year, his mother passed away. Three months later, his father passed away. When school began this year, he was homeless. Counselor Anne Reynolds contacted social services and helped William secure housing, food and basic necessities. In the midst of all the obstacles he has faced, I am humbled by the resiliency of this young man.” — Alan Paradise, principal Studies: Biology, pre-med Career goal: Doctor. Interests/hobbies: I love playing video games. Why I’m special: I lost my parents my sophomore year of high school. Despite the grief and loss, I have managed to stay in the top 7 percent of my senior class. Hero/mentor: Ms. Reynolds, she has helped me so much. How I feel about graduating: The biggest thought in my mind is that I don’t want to fail. All of my life I’ve found a way to succeed and rise above my situation, but I’m afraid that college might be the wall that I can’t overcome. Fact: I can solve a Rubik’s Cube in under a minute. What I will miss the most when I am away at college:

My siblings. I will miss my high school teacher ... Ms. Wells. She helped me a lot when I lost my parents and was homeless. How I plan to survive my freshman year in college:

Top Ramen and Mountain Dew. Seriously, I plan to get involved at my new school and make new friends. What Bakersfield item must go with me in my college adventure: My original Rubik’s Cube. My mom gave it to me

shortly before she passed away.

Xitlaly Estrada Golden Valley High School GPA: 4.5 College: University of Notre Dame Studies: Political Science in order to be familiar enough with it to be successful in law school. Extracurricular: Swimming, Science Bowl, We The People Career goal: Become a lawyer or politician to help those that oftentimes are left with no representation in courts; to help people who don’t know about their own rights. Interests/hobbies: Biking, reading quotes and poems. Hero/mentor: My mother because she has made me the person I am. How I feel about graduating: Finally! But it’s just a stepping stone. 82

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June 2013

Fact: My name is Aztec. Where I will be in 10 years: Hopefully practicing law

with a local political office. In high school, I’d probably be voted “most likely to”... succeed (well, that’s what I was voted for). What I will miss the most when I am away at college:

My family and friends because throughout high school, they have always given me such undying love and support. College advice: “Don’t ever let money stop you.” — Ms. Kathleen Bruce. I will miss my high school teacher … Mr. Flores the most because he has seen me beyond my own limitations and has always encouraged me to keep striving. How I plan to survive my freshman year in college:

Manage my time. What Bakersfield item must go with me in my college adventure: A picture of my family. One of the first things I’ll do once I get to my college campus: Go to the grotto and pray.

Chase Privett Frontier High School GPA: 4.5 College: UCLA. School notes: Chase Privett is a talented, deep, generous, kind student who maintains a 4.5 GPA and is No. 1 in his class. He is outgoing, selfless, and very mature, reaching out to serve others in his varying life contexts.” — Dan Shannon, principal Studies: Biochemistry. Extracurricular: Choir, theater, Academic Decathlon Career goal: I would like to become a doctor because the idea of helping others’ fascinates me. Interests/hobbies: Hanging out with friends at McDonalds to have political debates. Hero/mentor: My grandfather because he set an outstanding example for me on how to live a moral, just life. How I feel about graduating: It is a strange, exciting, and scary time of my life, but I am prepared to move on to the next phase and continue on to do great things. Fact: I have a collection of more than 50 bobbleheads. Where I will be in 10 years: In a doctor’s office or a hospital, hopefully. In high school, I’d probably be voted “most likely to” ... wear shorts every day of the year. College advice: Work hard, play hard. I will miss my high school teacher ... Mr. Madewell the

most because he has taught me a ton about choir and life. He is a true friend of mine, and I hope our paths cross again in the future. What Bakersfield item must go with me in my college adventure: Dewar’s chews 3 words that describe my college: Prestigious, diverse,

competitive. One of the first things I’ll do once I get to my college campus: Buy a “Den Pass” (ticket to home sporting events)

Deanna Zahriya Centennial High School GPA: 4.5 College: Bakersfield College (and then transferring to UC Berkeley or Stanford) Studies: Chemistry for now because I am thinking of going into pharmaceutical sciences. Extracurricular: Editor-in-chief of my school newspaper; AP Calculus (it’s one of my favorite classes). Interests/hobbies: I love to bake, mainly cookies. I’m ridiculously obsessed with finding new, weird cookie recipes. Hero/mentor: My junior-year Honors English teacher Jennifer Rush-Tucker because she has motivated me ever since I met her. She is a strong feminist and is always there for me whenever I need someone to talk to. Despite anything she has to do, she is always willing to help and I admire that. How I feel about graduating: I can’t wait to graduate, and I wish the next phase of my life would hurry up and begin already. Why I’m special: I am the youngest one in my class

(born on Dec. 20), so while everyone is turning 18, I just turned 17 a few months ago. College advice: “To thine own self be true” I will miss my high school teacher … Jennifer RushTucker the most because now who am I supposed to cry and vent to?

Jessica Yasin Kern Valley High School GPA: 4.32 College: Cal State Long Beach School notes: Jessica is in a tie for No. 1 in class. Jessica truly does live a servant’s life. She organizes, advertises and works in a charity for her local neighborhood. She also volunteers for a number of other causes. In 2012, she received one of the most prestigious awards a high school student can earn, National High School Spirit of Sport Award.” — John Meyers, principal Studies: Kinesiology, exercise science Extracurricular: Softball, volleyball, basketball Hero/mentor: My parents. They have helped me figure

Continued on page 84

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Continued from page 83 out where I wanted to be in my life and they have kept me humble. Career goal: Physical therapy. Where I will be in 10 years: Practicing physical therapy and hopefully living somewhere by the beach. What I will miss the most when I am away at college: The small-town community of the Kern River Valley

and the Kern River. College advice: Have fun, but not too much fun. One of the first things I’ll do once I get to my college campus: Visit the “Pyramid” to watch a 49er volleyball

game.

Maria Huitron Ramirez South High School GPA: 4.31 College: UC Davis Studies: Chemical engineering. Hero/mentor: David Braun, retired chemistry teacher. He was my honors chemistry teacher my sophomore year, and he honestly inspired me and opened my eyes to the idea of college. Without him, his guidance and his motivation, I don’t think I would have made it as far as I have made it to this day. How I feel about graduating: I am thankful to all of the help and guidance I have received up to this day, as well as the support of my teachers, counselors, friends and family. I am excited to attend college; it has honestly been one of my biggest dreams, and I am finally achieving it. Fact: I always manage to create a back up plan to my backup plan on any of the things that preoccupy my mind. College advice: Do not go home on the first few weeks of college, even if you are homesick. Try to stick in there because those few weeks are the most important weeks where everyone makes friends, goes out and realizes who they are compatible with, as well as what organizations and clubs interest them — Sean O’Connor, geologist, Aera Energy

Career goal: Head engineer at a company. How I feel about graduating: Though graduating

brings more personal responsibility, it also brings more opportunity to grow as a person and to become a functioning individual in society. Fact: I have hunted African Oryx on White Sands Missile Base in New Mexico. Where I will be in 10 years: Somewhere with a great view of Granite Mountains. In high school, I’d probably be voted “most likely to”… offer random trivia into a conversation. What I will miss the most when I am away at college: I will miss all my friends who are spreading out all over

the country for college because my friends are such an essential aspect of my life. College advice: Sign up for classes as soon as possible. I will miss my high school teacher… Mr. Sadowsky the most because of how he made calculus easy to understand, and fun to do.

Charles Hale East Bakersfield High School GPA: 4.46 College: Stanford University Studies: Electrical engineering fascinates me. Extracurricular: Policy debate, tennis, German club Career goal: Design computer hardware. Interests/hobbies: Piano, Starcraft and linguistics studies Hero/mentor: Mikie Hay. Her continued advancement of the community makes her the perfect example of a successful person: economically, socially, spiritually. Fact: I am left handed and vegetarian. Why I’m special: I am the only boy in my entire family, first cousins included. Where I will be in 10 years: I would hope to be wherever I enjoy myself best and can have a positive influence on others. What I will miss the most when I am away at college: I will miss seeing my sisters and the place of my child-

Connor Kingsbury

hood.

Bakersfield Christian High School GPA: 4.42 College: Cal Poly San Luis Obispo School notes: Connor is an all-around great student in every category. He is involved and excels in athletics, music, academics, has more than 100 hours of community service and is also a part of Ford Dimension. Aside from his accomplishments, he is also a student with a kind heart and genuine character.” — Carissa Cady, counselor Studies: Mechanical engineering.

College advice: Don’t be afraid to be spontaneous. Your mind can change quickly and destroy your creativity, so it’s always best to make sure you don’t limit your options and follow your unique impulses. I will miss my high school teacher… Mr. Redding the most because he always has his students’ backs.

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June 2013

How I plan to survive my freshman year in college:

Start slow and focus and building lasting friends with whom I can collaborate with. What Bakersfield item must go with me in my college adventure: My custom-made computer I built.

health.

Jorge Cervantes Jr. Robert F. Kennedy High School GPA: 4.44 College: UC Davis Studies: Chemistry. Extracurricular: Mock Trial. Career goal: Pharmacist, doing research at a university. Interests/hobbies: Guitar (classical, steel string and electric). How I feel about graduating: I’ll be the first member in my family to go to a university, and I’m trying my best to set the standard high. I want to meet new people and be inspired by unfamiliarity. I want to inspire the world. Fact: I’m attracted to buying unusual items. I’ve purchased freezedried ice cream, 7-Pot Douglah peppers and breathable chocolate. In high school, I’d probably be voted “most likely to”… become a leader (that came from my sociology class). College advice: Being an overall healthy student in col-

lege means you need to not only be physically healthy, but mentally healthy as well. Social interaction plays a huge part in your college life and is essential toward promoting mental

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What Bakersfield item must go with me in my college adventure: My roots will go with me wherever I go, and I’m

proud to say no one will ever strip them from me. 3 words that describe my college: Green, calm, open. One of the first things I do once I get to my college campus: Locate the best bed in my dorm room and call

dibbs on it before my roommate arrives.

Nora Mansour Bakersfield High School GPA: 4.47 College: UCLA School notes: “There aren’t enough positive words in the English language to describe this girl. She is a very hard worker. She is smart, caring, kind, honest and her integrity is unparallel. She does not use community service to pad her resume instead she does it out of gratitude for everything that she has. Coupled with a thirst for learning, Nora is the sort of student teachers love to teach.” — Nicole Stuebbe , counselor Studies: International relations.

Continued on page 86

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Continued from page 85 Extracurricular: Rallies, spirit week, clubs and sporting

events. Interests/hobbies: Community service, baking, traveling, and hanging out with friends Where I will be in 10 years: I will be practicing international law and traveling the world. What I will miss the most when I am away at college:

My family because I am a very family-oriented person. My family also just got a new puppy, so I’m a little disappointed that I won’t get to play with him that often. College advice: To make a detailed and focused fouryear plan in college that will eventually help me get into graduate school. How I plan to survive my freshman year in college:

Drinking lots of coffee, staying focused, becoming involved, and making to-do lists every single day.

Eric Bailey Taft Union High School GPA: 4.33 College: UC Davis Studies: Law Extracurricular: Track and field

Career goal: Political office. I want to be able to make a difference for the better, and rational lawmaking always felt like the best way for me to accomplish that. Interests/hobbies: Learning interesting, humorous, thoughtful, and usually useless things via the Internet. How I feel about graduating:

The realization that I’ll be saying goodbye to my hometown is starting to settle in, but I’m eager to test how well I can do in the big bad world. Fact: Despite growing a beard since the seventh grade, I am still incapable of growing an acceptable mustache. What I will miss the most when I am away at college:

Home cooked meals. The taste, nutrition, reliability and the care that always went into them ... It’s the sort of thing that’s easy to take for granted. College advice: The professors don’t know you yet. Develop a reputation for excellence. I will miss my high school teacher… Sprague the most because of his sense of humor, his ability to make you strive to do your best, and his willingness to lend a hand. What Bakersfield item must go with me in my college adventure: My lucky track medal. One of the first things I do once I get to my college

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Bakersfield Life Magazine

June 2013

REPLACEMENT WINDOWS campus: Wonder where the bathrooms

are. Analyze how defensible it would be in case of zombie apocalypse. Browse the local eateries.

Rock Feng Stockdale High School GPA: 4.5 College: UC Berkeley Studies: Biochemistry Extracurricular: Piano Career goal: Cardiologist because I have personally undergone openheart surgery, and this is a field which has become close to me. Interests/hobbies: Piano, cello

and guitar; running and playing games. How I feel about graduating: I can’t wait. It’s going to be scary. Mom and dad are no longer at my side for everything I need. It’s going to bring a whole new meaning to the word “responsibility.” But no doubt it will be the opportunity to discover my potential, and it will be one of the greatest experiences of my life. Why I’m special: I’ve got a piece of metal in my coronary artery. Fact: My eighth grade 4-by-400 relay team and I broke meet records until valley division, but I have not run track since heart surgery in ninth grade. What I will miss the most when I am away at college: Definitely the family. A

little chunk of life will be missing without their love and support beside me every day. Dad’s boringly wise lectures, mom’s unbeatable cooking, and my sister’s optimism and cuddliness will all be missed. College advice: An education is only part of the college experience. I will miss my high school teacher...

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How I plan to survive my freshman year in college: Make lots of friends and

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Continued from page 87

Jose R. Zuniga

Juan Cerda Delano High School GPA: 4.66 College: Cal Poly San Luis Obispo Studies: Computer engineering. Career goal: Computer engineer with a graduate degree in associated fields, such as computer science. How I feel about graduating:

Moving on to college is another important milestone in living a fulfilling life. I plan on building upon the knowledge I have already gained and to succeed in my profession creating new and innovative technologies. What I will miss the most when I am away at college: The friendships

and relationships I have built here at home because of the support they have given through all of these years. College advice: Stay on top of things academically and find your own motivation to drive your success. One of the first things I do once I get to my college campus: Meet new people and make new friends, as well as

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Bakersfield Life Magazine

June 2013

Arvin High School GPA: 4.5 College: Massachusetts Institute of Technology School notes: Jose is a stand-out. He is a kind, genuine and intelligent young man. Like many students in the community that we serve, Jose will be a first-generation high school graduate and comes from a very humble background. His excellent GPA in challenging courses is a result of his determination and hard-work and showcases his intelligence, but beyond that, Jose is a great person.” — Alicia Gamez Martinez, counselor Studies: Computer science and engineering.. Extracurricular: We the People, Academic Decathlon and math club. Career goal: Program designer. Interests/hobbies: Paint/sketch , watch television, or go out with friends and family to the theaters. Hero/mentor: My older sister Evelyn for setting the perfect example in my family and for showing me that anything you are set on accomplishing is truly possible.

How I feel about graduating: I will be sad to be leaving all those I care about when I move to Massachusetts, but ultimately I trust that they will all support me. I have no doubt that my relationships with the ones I love will not vanish, that I will be making my parents proud, and that the next phase of my life will be new and exciting! What I will miss the most when I am away at college: My family. I will miss my high school teacher… Mr. Ruckman the most because of the memories we’ve made together with We the People. He taught me so much, not just about government and competition, but he has also given me life morals that I will always carry with me. How I plan to survive my freshman year in college: In the words of my coach Dr. Jim Young, who has shown me the importance of giving back to my community, I’ll survive college by working hard and “being the best that I can be.”

Keely Palla Garces Memorial High School GPA: 4.82 College: University of San Diego Studies: Business. I plan on attending law school after college and focusing on corporate law. Extracurricular: Volleyball; Associated Student Body President. Career goal: I aspire to obtain my degree in law and either become a corporate lawyer or a sports agent. Hero/mentor: My 90-year-old grandfather Ralph Palla. My grandpa knows what hard work means, persevering through many hardships, and he embodies determination, respect and faith. How I feel about graduating: As I graduate, I am proud to say that I will always be a Ram and intend to take the lessons I have learned at Garces to college with me. Fact: I have won a national championship in two sports, gymnastics and volleyball. In high school, I’d probably be voted “most likely to”… succeed. (I actually was voted most likely to succeed by my high school). What Bakersfield item must go with me in my college adventure: Country music. I love going to the Crystal Palace and

attending concerts, so I will definitely be bringing the “Bakersfield Sound” with me to college. What I will miss the most when I am away at college: I have great relationships with both of my parents, and they are honestly my best friends, so being away from home will be a new adjustment. I will miss my high school teacher… Ms. Peck the most because after working with her for two years in student leadership, I have experienced first-hand her love for the students and her selflessness.

Ying Wu Independence High School GPA: 4.45 College choice: UCLA School notes: “Ying is one of our most active, hardworking,

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Continued from page 91 dedicated students on campus. Aside from Ying’s numerous activities and outstanding academic history, her character is what makes her stand out from her class. She has earned the respect of her administrators, teachers, counselor and peers.” — Nicole Adame, counselor Studies: Biology. Extracurricular: Associated Student Body president. Career goal: Pediatrician. Interests/hobbies: Tennis, jogging. I enjoy volunteering in my community and spending time with my friends. Hero/mentor: Mrs. Adame. Her determination and drive to see all her students succeed has helped empower the Class of 2013 at Independence High. Mrs. Adame is always there when I need wise advice, and her bubbly personality makes every trip to the counselor’s office enjoyable. Not only has she taught me a lot about managing time and conflict mediating, Mrs. Adame has taught me valuable life skills. Fact: Every Saturday, I participate in line-dancing classes. What I will miss the most when I am away at college:

My bed. I absolutely dread to part from it when I leave for college, knowing that the dorm room beds will not have the inviting, comfortable feel that my bed gives me. I will miss my high school teacher… Mrs. Glazer the most because she has brought out the best in me. Without her motivating and inspiring nature, I would not be where I am today. What Bakersfield item must go with me in my college adventure: I would most definitely take a box of Dewar’s

chews. This way, I will always have a little taste of Bakersfield with me — literally and figuratively.

Jessica Tejada Foothill High School GPA: 4.5 College: Cal State Bakersfield Studies: Nursing. I have always been interested in a medical career and knew that I wanted to help people who are recovering either from and injury or an illness. Extracurricular: Mock Trial and Academic Decathlon. Interests/hobbies: Reading, music and tennis. Hero/mentor: My Biology teacher. This year, she has faced many problems that not everyone can easily overcome, yet she is always in class and teaching with a smile on her face and helping us prepare for our exams no matter what. Fact: I love to dance. In high school, I’d probably be voted “most likely to”…become president. College advice: Don’t get lost in the crowd. Go the extra

mile to make yourself stand out from your peers, impress the professors, and you will succeed. 90

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June 2013

I will miss my high school teacher… Mr. Biron the most because he gave me the opportunity to work after school as a history tutor, and it was one of the best experiences of my senior year in high school.

Amanpreet Sarai Ridgeview High School GPA: 4.5 College: UCLA School notes: Amanpreet is ranked No. 1 in the senior class, with 4.5 GPA and Associated Student Body president. She is an all-around leader on this campus.” — Steve Holmes, principal Studies: Biology. Extracurricular: Tennis, basketball, Associated Student Body. Career goal: Pharmacy. I got interested in medicine because my younger brother is sick very often and has to take many different kinds of medication. Interests/hobbies: Bhangra, which is a type of Punjabi dancing. Hero/mentor: Narinder Sarai, my mom, because she is the perfect example of a strong woman who balances working long hours and being the ideal mother and wife at the same time. Fact: I was born in India and my first language was Punjabi. Where I will be in 10 years: Hopefully back in Bakersfield, working in a pharmacy with a family of my own. In high school, I’d probably be voted “most likely to”… be filthy rich.” I actually voted this for a yearbook poll. College advice: Have fun but make good decisions! I will miss my high school teacher… Carol Holland the

most because she has taken the time to get to know me and appreciate all the hard work I have done. How I plan to survive my freshman year in college: I just plan on working on my time management skills so I can have fun and maintain good grades. Other than that, I will be eating Cup Noodles to survive.

Maya Elaine Gutierrez Cesar E. Chavez High School GPA: 4.55 College choice: UCLA School notes: Maya Gutierrez is ranked No. 1 in the class. She is a highly motivated and determined young lady, who I believe will succeed in all future endeavors.” — Maria L. Mendoza, counselor Studies: Neuroscience, to become a scientific researcher Career goal: Alzheimer’s research. How I feel about graduating: I am ready to graduate and enter a new chapter of my life. I cannot wait to meet a variety of new people in college and be involved in many

Continued on page 92

Continued from page 90 clubs and activities. I am excited to live in a big city because of the many opportunities available. Why I’m special: I find true happiness through serving other people. What I will miss the most when I am away at college:

I will miss my adorable little brothers because they are always able to cheer me up when I am having a bad day. They do and say the silliest things that make me die of laughter. College advice: Don’t procrastinate on assignments.

Brianna Rose Wright Highland High School GPA: 4.5 College choice: Brigham Young University Studies: Mathematics and education Extracurricular: Forensics, Black Student Union activities, Migrant Debate Coach and Ford Dimension activities. Career goal: I have a real desire to work with students that are socioeconomically disadvantaged. Interests/hobbies: Tap dancing, gymnastics, biking, and playing with

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Bakersfield Life Magazine

June 2013

my three younger siblings: Karey, Maya, Adrian. Hero/mentor: My mom. When I was a kid, she was attending CSUB, and many times I was spending time at the university library or on campus. She has taught me to be humble in everything I do. She helped me become a Gates Millennium Scholar. I owe her and my dad everything for raising me in a good home where family is a priority. Fact: I attend seminary every morning before school. In high school, I’d probably be voted “most likely to”… have an embarrassing moment. What I will miss the most when I am away at college:

My brothers playing Xbox, my sister’s flute and track practices, and, of course, the long conversations I have with my parents about everything under the sun. I will miss my high school teacher… Mr. Burdick the most because he is not only my forensics coach and English teacher, but a person I can always count on to listen and give me words of encouragement. What Bakersfield item must go with me in my college adventure: My picture of Miss Lenore Smith, who was my

dance teacher for 14 years. She passed away last year, and I looked up to her for her love and compassion. One of the first things I do once I get to my college campus: Join the BYU Black Student Union and get involved

with the multicultural student activities.

Esperanza L. Gutierrez Mira Monte High School GPA: 4.17 College choice: UC San Diego School notes: Esperanza is a student with a vision. Her brother died as a result of the Iraq War, and Esperanza started a club that reached out to families and students who have loved ones in the military. Esperanza’s story is truly one that showcase the resiliency and talent of our students.” — Jose Garza, counselor Studies: International relations. Extracurricular: Band, cross-country, track and field, Relay for Life club, Lion Hearts club, Interact club. Career goal: Government field. Interests/hobbies: Drawing, dancing, piano, volunteering. Hero/mentor: My parents. Both of them have struggled over the years, but they never give up. How I feel about graduating: It is the start of a new chapter in my life. I look forward to moving to a sunny city by the beach. And I can’t wait for a year of Ramen noodles. Why I’m special: I was the first female drummer at my high school. Fact: I donated three feet of hair my freshman year in school. Where I will be in 10 years: Running for office. What I will miss the most when I am away at college:

My mother’s cooking. My favorite meal: chicken enchiladas. How I plan to survive my freshman year in college:

Depend on my instincts and stay focused. What Bakersfield item must go with me in my college adventure: A bag of colorful shells my brother gave me dur-

ing his service in the U.S. Marine Corps. One of the first things I do once I get to my college campus: Decorate my dorm and say, “Hello,” to my neigh-

bor.

Brooke Nuefeld Tehachapi High GPA: 3.8 College: Cal Poly Pomona Career goal: Engineering; aviation. Interests/hobbies: Programming,

swimming, coaching. Hero/mentor: Mrs. Evansic. She has showed me my potential in engineering. How I feel about graduating: Bittersweet. It will be exciting to go to college, but it will be hard to be away from all my friends. I grew up in the small community with the same groups of friends and never forced to make new friends and to go outside my comfort zones too much. Fact: I know five different programming languages (LabView, Python, RobotC, Visual Basic, and Q Basic). Where I will be in 10 years: Holding a steady career in

engineering and starting a family. In high school, I’d probably be voted “most likely to”… lend a hand. What I will miss the most when I am away at college:

Robotics, because of the passion I have for engineering and the enjoyment I receive from it. I will miss my high school teacher… Danielle Evansic the most because of her inspiration to pursue a career in engineering and her involvement in my educational path. One of the first things I do once I get to my college campus: Decorate my dorm room.

Jose Adan Castro Wasco Union High School GPA: 4.16 College choice: UC Santa Barbara Studies: Cell and developmental biology. Extracurricular: Outdoor Adventure Club. Career goal: Professional soccer, or biotechnology. Interests/hobbies: Playing soccer. Hero/mentor: My dad is always looking to improve himself, as well as those around him. He hasn’t had an easy life, yet he’s done what he can to make his life better. My dad’s always expected my best, and I’ve always tried doing my best to make him happy. How I feel about graduating:

When I move on, my life won’t change much. I’ll still be the same person on the inside. The only difference is that my surroundings will be different. Where I will be in 10 years: I will be playing soccer no matter where I’m at. I already set a timer. In high school, I’d probably be voted “most likely to”… be your boss one day. What I will miss the most when I am away at college:

My family. Every day when I get home from school, my family is always there to make me smile. I will miss my high school teacher… Mrs. Sears the most because she is the teacher who has pushed me the most to try hard in school. She was also my Academic Decathlon coach, and thanks to her, I was able to strengthen my learning abilities while having a great time with the team.

Anne Kristy Loya Liberty High GPA: 4.5 College choice: Yale University School notes: She is a No. 1 ranked student at Liberty.

She has taken the most challenging courses we offer and is involved in many activities both on and off campus. She is an amazing young woman! — Kerri Hamer, counselor Studies: Undecided, but leaning toward visual arts. Extracurricular: Academic Decathlon.

Continued on page 94 bakersfieldlife.com

Hobbies: Soccer. Hero/mentor: My mom. She sacri-

Continued from page 93 Career goal: Animator for Disney Studios Interests/hobbies: Karate, camping, knitting, embroi-

dery, reading, drawing, piano. Hero/mentor: My mother because the life she’s led so far and will continue to create is the very definition of success. Why I’m special: I have a black belt in Karate. Fact: I love to sing, but I’m really bad at it. In high school, I’d probably be voted “most likely to”… create Disney woodland animals from recycled materi-

als. How I plan to survive my freshman year in college:

Layers, lots of layers, and wool. One of the first things I do once I get to my college campus: Try some famous New Haven pizza!

Forrest Csulak Frazier Mountain High School GPA: 4.12 College choice: UC Berkeley Studies: Energy engineering. Extracurricular: Science Fair and Science Bowl. Career goal: I want to help develop the fuel cell industry through research, entrepreneurship, and/or politics.

Bakersfield Life Magazine

June 2013

ficed a lot of her life for me to succeed, and I will be forever grateful for that. How I feel about graduating: It’s a great moment to be moving on and possibly having the ability to change the world myself. From here on, I can hopefully create opportunities for myself and improve the world. I will miss my high school teacher… Mr. Domke the most because he has been a great educator and mentor in my life. One of the first things I’ll do once I get to my college campus: Go to my dorm and associate myself with my new

living conditions.

Vincente Lara Shafter High School GPA: 4.5 College: UC Santa Barbara Studies: Computer science. Extracurricular: Cross-country, basketball, tennis. Career goal: Software developer for a prominent computer company because I want to work with the top minds of

the field. Hobbies: Bike riding, tennis, working on computers. Hero/mentor: My grandpa, Bill, because he is the one who inspired my interest in computers and technology and is always striving to become more knowledgeable. How I feel about graduating: I am excited to graduate and move on to college where I can continue to build my skills and become more independent. What I will miss the most when I am away at college:

Home cooking because my mom is an awesome cook. College advice: My sister told me to stay focused, study often, and look for opportunities. I will miss… all of my Shafter High School teachers because they are all awesome. How I plan to survive my freshman year in college: Make friends and get involved. One of the first things I’ll do once I get to my college campus: I will get situated and make friends.

Renae Lewis West High School GPA: 4.5 College: UC Davis School notes: “Renae Lewis is a true inspiration! Even when

faced with adversity, Renae puts all of her effort into school and her countless extracurricular involvements exemplifying dedication and integrity. Ranked at the top of her class, her GPA is proof of her commitment and desire to learn.” — Kristina Jones, teacher Studies: Sports medicine. Extracurricular: Senior class president, French club, National Honor Society and Ford Dimension Dream Builders Career goal: Doctor that specializes in the field of athletics. Interests/hobbies: Judo. I have my brown belt. I also volunteer to teach the kid’s judo class every other day. Hero/mentor: My older sister Bethanie has overcome many things, and although she’s had her rough times, she has come out strong. How I feel about graduating: Graduation isn’t an ending, but a beginning to my life. In high school, I’d probably be voted “most likely to”…

tell you exactly what’s on my mind. What I will miss the most when I am away at college:

My friend have always been here for me whenever I’ve needed them. I will miss my high school teacher… Mr. Swertfager the most because he has helped me find my way and never got mad at me for asking for so many recommendation letters. How I plan to survive my freshman year in college: Coffee. Lots and lots of coffee.

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bakersfieldlife.com

PA S T I M E S

PAR FOR THE COURSE Disc golf is a growing, familyfriendly sport, with 7 public courses to choose from locally

Tim Claiborne tees off with a driver disc at Truxtun Park disc golf course.

Story and photos by Brian N. Willhite

he fast-growing sport of disc golf is gaining momentum in Bakersfield as people of all ages and athletic abilities are finding they can compete against each other on an equal playing field and have a great time doing so, said Tim Claiborne, treasurer for the Kern County Disc Golf

Club. “It’s not one of those sports where you have to be good before you can play,” he said. “You just come out and grab a disc and throw.”

FROLF? So what is disc golf? It’s a disc-tossing game made popular in the 1970s that is played similarly to golf, except instead of hitting a ball with a club, you throw a disc into a basket. The rules are similar, too. Like golf, you play a round of 18 holes, and the objective is to complete each hole under par and finish the course with as few throws as possible. Disc golf has also been referred to as Frisbee golf and was once even called “Frolf,” Claiborne said. However, the discs used in this game are much different than Frisbees. As it is in golf, there are various types of clubs to use; likewise, 96

Bakersfield Life Magazine

June 2013

A disc golfer throws a putter disc into a disc golf basket.

Where to play disc golfers can choose from a trio of discs. Available are driver discs, mid-range discs and putter discs, for sinking those close-up shots. Regular Frisbees just won’t cut it. Proper discs are easy to find and can be purchased at any local sporting goods retailer, as well as from an abundance of disc golf stores online, Claiborne said.

Seven local public parks feature free-to-play disc golf courses. City: Truxtun Park, Silver Creek and City in the Hills County: Riverview, San Lauren Park Hart Park: Shark Tooth Mountain, Suicide Flats

How to play FAMILY FUN Stephanie Bowen and her husband, Darrell, who is the chaplain for local disc gold club, started playing about a year ago when they were looking for a fun activity they could do for exercise and have quality family time together. The lowimpact style game play of disc golf is exactly what drew the Bowens. “I have arthritis ... so it’s important to stay active,” said Stephanie Bowen. “It’s not too strenuous and it’s beneficial for my husband and me.” Darrell Bowen was concerned about his health after his doctor advised him to be more active and lose weight. He starting lifting weights and working out at the gym but found it wasn’t as inspiring as disc golf was. So he started playing full time and has lost more than 50 pounds. “After about three months, we just became obsessed,” he said. “I just started playing to lose weight. I didn’t realize how addicting it would be.” The Bowens now participate in tournaments throughout

• A game consists of 18 holes, each with a par three goal. • To start, a player stands on the tee pad, or designated starting spot, and throws a driver disc in the direction of the basket. A hole in one is always the objective. • After all players have taken their

turn, assuming there is a group, players walk to where their discs landed and place markers on the ground, usually a miniature disc. • The throwing rotation for players is based on best shot on the previous hole. • Players will then use either the mid-range disc or a putter, depending on the distance to the basket. Players do not move forward until all players in the group take their turns. • A completed goal in three throws is on par. If the goal is acquired in two throws, it is called a “birdie.” A hole in one is an “ace.” • The main objective is to complete the course with the lowest score, like golf.

Bakersfield, and Stephanie Bowen even won first place in her first competition.

GLOBAL SPORT The nature of the game is that it can be a leisure activity, with a casual Sunday afternoon meet up at the park. But it can also be competitive, with leagues available throughout

Continued on page 98

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Seth Claiborne throws for par at Truxtun Park disc golf course.

Continued from page 97 the world for seniors, youth, women, men, professional and amateurs. An online petition even asks that disc golf be made part of the 2016 Summer Olympics. Disc golf has become a global sport, but at its core is still about family fun, said Claiborne, who has been playing disc golf for more than 20 years. His 7-year-old son Seth accompa-

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nies him, carrying his own discs and gear bag, and competes in weekly tournaments. Seven public parks throughout Bakersfield feature disc golf courses, with one of the most popular ones at Truxtun Park, which the Kern County Disc Golf Club maintains. Experienced players on the course are always willing to give beginners some tips, the Bowens said. “When I first started out, I was worried about what other people were going to think, and thought, ‘I’m not going to do it good’,” Stephanie Bowen said. “But you have to just come out and try it.” Kayley Chapin, who had been playing casually for about a year with some friends, said they didn’t know the rules when they started, but it was still fun to get out and throw the discs. Now she plays competitively and said no one should feel discouraged when starting out. And more women should play because it’s not just a guys sport, she said. Club member Gary Taylor said that YouTube videos can help perfect your form, your throw or to just learn the rules. The club’s Facebook page (search “Kern County Disc Golf Club”) is another great place to learn and ask questions about disc golf, as well as to find weekly tournaments around town and impromptu games, Claiborne said. “If we can get people in Bakersfield to recognize the wealth of this sport, we can turn out some really great events, as well as be able to give back to the community.”

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Keep cool: Get your outdoor living area ready for the Bakersfield summer By Danae Jarrett

ummers in Bakersfield can get hot! And we’re not talking your average warm weather — we’re talking scorching temperatures. What better way to cool down than with a nice backyard swim or an evening with friends and family with a meal on the grill? Outdoor living has become one of the most popular, fastest-growing trends for homeowners. More and more of them are taking interest in creating an additional living space outside. From large-scale custom pool and patio projects, to basic furniture and decor enhancements, outdoor improvements can all add a touch of freshness to any backyard. When redesigning an outdoor space, there are an infinite selection of products and ideas available locally at your disposal. Besides the obvious financial budget, an important factor to consider is the vibe and style you are looking to create. Some homeowners choose to incorporate an accent of color to stimulate thought and induce a particular feeling. For example, adding a touch of blue to your patio umbrella or furniture pillows can create a calm essence. Others opt for more elaborate styles of outdoor living by incorporating a Tuscan-influenced pergola for shade, a Laminar jet system with vibrant lighting for an enjoyable pool and spa experience, or a misting system to keep cool. 100

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Outdoor kitchens are among the most popular for backyard living design. There is something for everyone, from simple kitchens with a grill, side burners and workspaces, to kitchens with additional refrigeration, pizza ovens and ice makers. Other popular trends for outdoor living this year are the pellet barbecues and smokers. The remarkable flavor and versatility that pellet barbecues produce make barbecuing as easy as turning on a switch. “Imagine, if you will, the last time you went camping,” said Fatemah Shakir of Home & Leisure Superstore. “You cooked over a live fire and the flavor and smell was all over your food, and in that moment, you wanted it to last forever. Now you can have that luxury every night!” That’s just one tip from Home & Leisure Superstore. Here are several others to make your outdoor summer living in Bakersfield as cool as possible:

WHAT’S HOT? • Rock waterfall pools • Outdoor kitchens with custom appliances • Outdoor pizza oven • Charcoal cooker • Deep pit smoker

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• Patio covers • Barbecue grills • Bistro set with a breakfast table and chairs

SUMMER OUTDOOR TRENDS • Outdoor televisions • Umbrellas with a pop of color • Embroidered loungers • Outdoor party bar • Ceramic and porcelain dining decor • Beautiful floral arrangements • Fire pits

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• Clean tiles • Check water balance — chemistry is everything (If this is too difficult for you, Home & Leisure Superstore can help. Bring a sample of your water to the store and let their experts do the hard stuff for you for free.) • Make sure all safety equipment is in place • Take a water safety class to help prevent swimming pool casualties

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WHY I LIVE HERE

Nick Gilliam relaxing at the Links at Riverlakes, one of his favorite golf courses.

Compiled by Bakersfield Life Magazine

ick Gilliam, 33, has lived in Bakersfield seven years now. He hails from south Orange County — Mission Viejo — and currently works in surgical and medical sales. But it was in Bakersfield where he met Alex at a local gym — mutual friends had introduced the two. They’ve been married seven months and have two labradors. “Her family lives here as well so its been great spending time with them,” Gilliam said. Gilliam’s former San Jose State football teammate John Hammer, who lives in San Jose, recommended that Bakersfield Life highlight Gilliam. “He’s always pumping up Bakersfield,” he said. Added Gilliam: “When people ask me about Bakersfield, I always tell them you would be surprised at how nice and fun it can be.” What I thought about Bakersfield before moving here, and how that has changed: I didn’t have too much of an opinion of Bakersfield before I moved here. I thought it was a small town and really hot. I’ve learned how to deal with the hot summers and enjoy the various things that Bakersfield has to offer. What surprises me most about Bakersfield compared to other places I have lived: I was surprised at how nice and welcoming everyone was. My neighborhood: I live in the northwest, my neighborhood is growing, and everyone on my street takes care of each other. How I relax: Playing golf, running with my chocolate lab 102

Bakersfield Life Magazine

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PHOTO BY JESSICA FREY

NICK GILLIAM

and hanging out with my wife. Where you will usually find me eating lunch or dinner: My favorite dinner spot is Enso Sushi Bar downtown and Moo Creamery for lunch. What I enjoy most about living here: Being able to enjoy the mountains and the beaches of California without the high cost of living. Bakersfield is famous for: Country music and hot summers. Bakersfield’s best-kept secret: The people. Favorite community event: Playing in my soccer league, Bakersfield Aces. The positive list I think Bakersfield would rank near the top: We tend to focus on the negative aspects of Bakersfield; however, it’s an overall great place to start and raise a family. My favorite Saturday activity: Attending The Bridge Bible Church, followed by golfing. Favorite local golf course: The Links At Riverlakes Ranch and Seven Oaks Country Club. When I want to get out of town, I go to: Mammoth Mountains in the winter and Hermosa Beach in the summer. Perfect date night in Bakersfield: A sushi dinner at Enso downtown, followed by a glass of wine on The Padre Hotel patio with my beautiful wife, of course. — Do you know someone from outside of Bakersfield who now calls Bakersfield home, has chosen to stay in Bakersfield above anywhere else, or returned here after living away, and is proud of it? Please let us know. Email us a name and contact information to bakersfieldlife@bakersfield.com with the message subject line: Why I Live Here.

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Dust Bowl child with a cotton sack.

CALIFORNIAN FILE PHOTO

HISTORY

RISING ABOVE DUST BOWL DISCRIMINATION Children from the ‘great plow up’ era endured hard times in Kern, schools

ears of not rotating crops brought about what Ken Burns’ “The Dust Bowl” notes was the “great plow up” and the “worst man-made ecological disaster in the history of the United States.” The “great plow up” was followed by a decade of drought, coupled with severe winds resulting in massive dust storms across the southern plains. Historical to say the least, it brought about the largest internal migration our country has ever seen. Route 66 provided the ribbon of gray asphalt leading hundreds of thousands of people from Arkansas, Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas to the promised land of the California. This obviously had a significant effect on the school system in Kern County. When the displaced got here, they saw signs stating, “Okies not welcome,” or “No jobs here, go home.” The word “Okies” became a derogatory term used to demean the migrant population and placed them at a level below already

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June 2013

CALIFORNIAN FILE PHOTO

By Jeff Nickell

Earl Shelton, lower right, with his father and brothers after leaving the Dust Bowl for California.

established California residents. The toll on children was heavy. Many of them were discriminated against in the classroom and on the playground by other children and teachers alike. Leo B. Hart, Kern County Superintendent of Schools from 1939 to 1946, worked tirelessly to make sure the Okie children were well educated. Hart received federal funding to establish the Arvin Federal Emergency School to segregate

The Cole kids, from left: Sharon, Kerin, Jim, Judy (being held), Lowell and Bill.

CALIFORNIAN FILE PHOTO

Dust Bowl migrants. This was directly related to the fact the children were denied an education in many circumstances and were even threatened by residents. The most wellknown aspect of the school was that the classroom was created in a large airplane. But, not all children went to such schools, and the threats and violence persisted. Take Jerry Bowen, for example. He and his brother fought with other children who tried to bully them. In many cases, he said in an interview with Bakersfield Life, it occurred weekly and sometimes more often. He was picked up by his chin out of his desk, drawing blood, and was placed in a classroom closet by his teacher as punishment. He was told not to open the door. Well after Jerry heard other students leave, he opened the door to find himself by himself. As he left the school, he saw his mother looking for him and he told her what happened. The next morning, his mother confronted the teacher and made sure that never happened again (the method to handle issues then was not necessarily to go to the principal or school district). The term “Okie” eventually ended up being a word of pride for those who faced the discrimination that took place right here in Kern County. What history shows is a people who not only endured but made successful lives for themselves and their family, including Jerry. This was due to a hard work-ethic handed down from generation to genera-

tion. Of course, some Okies did not fare as well; many went back to the southern plains and thousands of others stayed in California. Jerry Bowen retired after decades of work with Allstate Insurance, where he was a top performer. He and his wife Patsy volunteer for SetFree Inner-City Ministries, where they help drug and alcohol addicted members of our community. This includes showing them the impact of the Dust Bowl children still taking place to this day.

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105

OUR TOWN

TOP OF THE CLASS Local high-achieving students, campuses bring home multiple awards this school year By Bakersfield Life Magazine

nother school year in Bakersfield has come and gone. And our local students helped add even more awards to our city’s trophy case. They’ve won national business competitions, earned some of the most prestigious scholarships, and helped their campuses make national top-ranked schools lists, among many other awards. “For me, it simply validates the quality of education that is provided throughout local school districts,” said Kern County Superintendent Christine Frazier. “These award winners are representative of the 47 school districts in Kern County that serve all our kids and do so by setting high standards, providing excellent teachers and engaging parents and their communities.” In other words, they’ve made our town proud. As the school year comes to a close, here is a rundown of just a few of the many state and national education feats earned by our local students and schools:

CALIFORNIA’S 2013 DISTINGUISHED SCHOOLS

Arvin High School, advanced from regional and state matches to make it to the national We the People team competition. Nearly 1,400 high school students from 45 states and the District of Columbia gathered in Washington, D.C., in May. In the competition, students demonstrate their knowledge of constitutional issues before simulated congressional committees composed of constitutional scholars, lawyers, historians and public officials. At the national competition, Arvin High did not make it into the top 10.

HISTORY DAY Eight local students acheived honors at the History Day competition in Sacramento, and are eligible to compete in June in Maryland for the national finals. Winning students were from Chipman Junior High and Fruitvale Junior High.

GATES MILLENNIUM SCHOLARS Seven local teens were among 1,000 high school students across the nation who were named Gates Millennium Scholars. The prestigious scholarship by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation for minority students pays for every year of both undergraduate and graduate education at the accredited college or university of the recipient’s choice. Winners must show high academic and leadership promise and have significant financial need. Local winners were: Vanessa Diaz, Paramount Bard Academy; Sarai Garnica, Foothill High; Joel Hernandez, Foothill High; Angel Lara, Golden Valley High; Brianna Wright, Highland; Jose Zuniga, Arvin High; and Malcolm Rivera, Arvin High

PHOTO BY CASEY CHRISTIE

Fruitvale Junior High, Liberty High School and Norris Middle School were selected as three of California’s 2013 Distinguished Schools — the state’s top award for public schools. The state presents the awards annually to schools that have demonstrated strong commitment and innovative approaches to improving student academic achievement.

WE THE PEOPLE

Arvin High students Yesenia Ayala, left, Brian DeLoera, Brisy Alvarez and Melissa Banuelos listen to Pedro Cruz, right, during the We the People state finals in Bakersfield. 106

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School.

NATIONAL TITLE I AWARD Cesar E. Chavez High School in Delano was recognized for being named a 2012 National Distinguished School by the National Title I Association. Only two schools per state are selected each year with such a title.

HIGH SCHOOL RANKINGS Several local schools were among those that made U.S. News and World Report’s annual list of the nation’s best public high schools. U.S. News gave “silver” awards to Stockdale, Frontier, Centennial and Ridgeview high schools in Bakersfield, as well as Cesar E. Chavez and Delano high schools in Delano. The program reviewed 21,035 schools nationwide and ranked 630 in California. Rankings were based on Advanced Placement exams, SAT scores and graduation rates for the 2011-2012 school year.

TITLE I ACHIEVEMENT AWARD W.A. Kendrick Elementary School received the California Department of Education’s Title I Achievement Award. Schools receiving the award must have demonstrated that all students are making significant progress toward proficiency

on California’s academic content standards. Additionally, the school’s socioeconomically disadvantaged students must have doubled the achievement targets set for them for two consecutive years.

VIRTUAL BUSINESS Centennial High Centennial High’s Virtual Business team, from left: Jarrett Buntley, Brooke School’s virtual busiWheeler, Casey Hoover, McCall Miller ness team took first and Kandis Cornelius. place at a national business competition in April in New York City. The school took five students to the National Business Plan Competition after placing second at the state competition held in November. The National Business Plan Competition for public school students across the country measures global business expertise through written business plans and oral presentations. The event was held in New York City at McGraw Hill Financial and was sponsored by New York Life Foundation.

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PHOTO BY ALEX HORVATH

COMMUNITY

Laurali Rawlings works with teacher Angela Gonzales on an interactive computer program in the Head Start program at the Community Action Partnership of Kern facility on Willow Street.

PARTNERING FOR A BETTER BAKERSFIELD Program honors those who help Kern residents lead better lives By Bakersfield Life Magazine

ommunity Action Partnership of Kern helps assist our area’s low-income children and families to lead better lives. And each year, the program recognizes those community partners and volunteers who help with that mission and who play a tremendous part in changing lives for the better in our community. Recently, three local residents and one group were honored during the CAPK Humanitarian of the Year awards, as nominated by CAPK staff and community members. This year’s honorees are:

HUMANITARIAN OF THE YEAR Harvey L. Hall: Hall was awarded for his tireless efforts of lending his support to CAPK programs through the years, including for the Friendship House, Volunteer Income Tax 108

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Assistance and Head Start. The mayor was also recognized for his support and belief in our city’s youth, efforts to keep Bakersfield’s freeways litter free, and his desire to end homelessness; his efforts stand as a testament to his mission to help people in our community, according to CAPK. “I was humbled and honored Hall simultaneously at the news that I was the recipient of the award,” Hall said. “My dedication to service comes from my passion and belief that extending a helping hand paves the way to a brighter future for the people whose lives we touch, and lends to my strong tradition of building a healthy community that brings dignity and hope for all to share.”

COMMUNITY PARTNER OF THE YEAR United Way of Kern County: This group and CAPK have had a long-standing relationship in a number of programs and projects, including: • 2-1-1 Kern County, which provides the public with free access to health and human services information and assistance from more than 600 agencies and

Community Action Partnership of Kern

By the Numbers 1965: CAPK, a private, nonprofit is founded. It now administers more than a dozen programs to assist low-income children, families and individuals throughout Kern County.

Last year 150,000 children, families and individuals benefitted from CAPK services. 7.9 million pounds of food distributed last year. 4,000 children received early childhood education and preschool. 57,000 calls answered for human and social services referrals. 972,000 meals served to children. 475 at-risk youth received after-school and summer programs.

1,600 programs. â&#x20AC;˘ Serving as a major funding partner for the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program. â&#x20AC;˘ And for standing with CAPK to end hunger and food insecurity through support of the food bank and the recent formation of the Kern Food Policy Council, which is developing a 10-year plan to end hunger and food insecurity in Kern County.

VOLUNTEERS OF THE YEAR Fredy Jimenez: Jimenez has served as a volunteer with CAPK food bank since 2004, donating countless hours in the process. Even though Jimenez manages his own business, he still gives about 15 hours per week to the bank. His responsibilities include warehouse activities, donation pick-ups and deliveries and participating in large canned-food drive events.

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Bonnie Coats: The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program is only made possible by community members who go through rigorous training to become tax preparer volunteers. Coats has done that, and much more, for the CAPK assistance program. She has used her talents in information technology to develop a database that streamlines much of the reporting Coats requirements and information required by the Internal Revenue Service, United Way and CAPK. Her efforts have made a significant decrease in the amount of time previously required to complete these tasks. As a result, staff and volunteers can spend more of their time helping those individuals who come to VITA for assistance.

â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Community Action Partnership of Kern contributed to this story

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NEIGHBORHOOD SPOTLIGHT

WESTCHESTER Downtown neighborhood features historic character in the heart of it all

Story and photos by Gregory D. Cook

ith its tree-lined streets and large, historic homes, few neighborhoods can lay claim to history as rich and closely connected to Bakersfield’s past as the area known as Westchester — also casually referred to as “downtown” by the people who choose to live there. “If I was going to pick three things that define downtown, they would be the location, the history and the people,” explained Brian Kirschenmann, local farmer and owner of Kirschenmann Farms. The neighborhood, aptly named for its location west of Chester Avenue, roughly covers the area west of F Street to Oak Street, and north of Truxtun Avenue to the Kern River and contains some of Kern County’s oldest and most distinctive homes. “It was one of Bakersfield’s original neighborhoods, along with La Cresta and the Oleander area,” said Rosina Dewar, a realtor with Watson Realty, who also grew up in the Westchester area. “I remember riding my bike down 22nd Street and making box forts behind the Hopple Home.” A lot of the neighborhood’s charm, Dewar said, is found in the fact that much of that history has been preserved in the houses of the area. “Instead of tearing them down and building new ones, they have retained the integrity of these old homes that were once owned by the people that pretty much ran the town back then,” she said. “And that ambiance is a lot of why it appeals to people.”

The McCarthy House is just one of many historic homes in the Westchester area named after families who originally lived in them. The house was originally built by McCarthy Steel in the 1930s. 110

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While a few of the homes have been refurbished and split up into condominiums or apartments, most of the homes are still single-family dwellings, with their new, modern amenities carefully hidden within the original walls of the buildings. That sense of character and historic feel were some of the deciding factors that drew Brian and his wife Katie Kirschenmann, president of the Junior League of Bakersfield, to the Westchester area back in 2005. “When we were looking to buy a house, I just immediately fell in love with downtown because of the trees and the history,” Katie said. “I’m used to older homes, so I’m comfortable in them, and I like the sense of their imperfections.” There are no suburban tract homes in the Westchester Westchester area. • 1,323 single family homes Each home is • 20 percent of the households unique in its archihave incomes of $80,000 or more tecture, and many • 29 percent of the homes have a market value of $250,000 or more have their own individual legacies. • 74 percent of the household have a head-of-household under 65 Often they have distinct names, such as the Hopple Home 204 30 th on Elm Street that in Hu St . bb the past had become i a S rd St famous locally for its . 28th St. annual Christmas Law 26th St. n St decorations and tall . brilliantly-lit trees. 24th St. Another example is 23rd St. Beach Park 22nd St. the Brusus House, 21st St. an adobe home on 20th St. 19th St. 21st Street that was Franklin 18th St. School designed by famed 17th St. Jastro local architect 1/4 mile Park Truxtun Ave. Clarence Cullimore Sr. Source: The Bakersfield Californian Market The KirschenResearch Department manns live in the McCarthy House, built in the 1930s, which is next door is the McKee House. For many of the residents of Westchester, Katie Kirschenmann said, their homes become a part of their families. “There’s an elevated sense of pride in homes here because they carry their own identity with them in a way,” she said. “And we take an interest in keeping them up and restoring them historically.”

MERE STEPS AWAY Of course, Westchester offers its residents more than just historic Bakersfield homes. The area’s central location offers easy access to Bakersfield’s freeways, and its proximity to downtown means that residents are within walking or cycling distance of many of Bakersfield’s prime dining and entertainment options. “People can grab their bikes and head down to Happy Jack’s for

Continued on page 112

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Continued from page 111 a burger or walk down to The Padre for brunch, or dinner,” said Katie. “I think everyone who lives in our neighborhood is really invested in downtown becoming rejuvenated.”

‘SO AMERICAN PIE’ Westchester is also an active neighborhood, with its own deeply rooted sense of community. Not only has the area become well known for its extensive Christmas decorations, residents also put on an annual Fourth of July parade that winds its way through the neighborhood. “Fourth of July is amazing. All the kids decorate their bikes; all the dogs have red, white and blue bandanas,” said Katie. “The fire department comes out and leads the parade, and there’s tractors and hayrides. It’s just so American pie.” That sense of community extends down to individuals. It’s common for one neighbor to take a loaf of fresh-baked bread to another, and it’s the kind of neighborhood where the people wave to one another and say, “Hello,” as they walk by. “There (are) good people in every neighborhood,” said Brian Kirschenmann. “You can go live in any neighborhood here and you’re going to find good people, but we just try to take that to the next level here in this one.”

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LADIES WHOâ&#x20AC;Ś

... ROLLER DERBY These women find inspiration, camaraderie in sport

From left: Rebecca Bulard, Emily Underwood, Helen Swall and Adrian Santa Cruz 114

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Compiled by Marissa Lay

Photos by Mark Nessia

oller derby is a fast-growing, serious sport — one that requires intense training, dedication and skill. Don’t believe it? Let these four roller derby ladies prove you wrong.

HELEN SWALL Helen, 38, is in her fifth season with the Bakersfield Diamond Divas. She goes by “Dutch Dynamite #8” and is one of the original seven skaters who started the team. How was your Roller Derby name chosen? I know I wanted “Dutch” to be part of my name because I am 100 percent Dutch. My sister was helping find words that also represented me. That is when “Dutch Dynamite” was named. What do you enjoy about roller derby? I enjoy it all. I love being on the track my teammates, participating in events to promote derby, or recruiting a new skater to our amazing organization. What’s your day job and how do you juggle the two? By day, I am a second-grade teacher. As soon as my day has finished at school, I change hats to become either Dutch Dynamite or Coach Dutch. Some days, it is difficult to juggle both jobs. I constantly make lists so I don’t forget things I need to do for my students, my teammates or for the minors. How did you get involved? I used to be an artistic skater when I was a kid. One of my long-lost friends was working on getting a team started at Skateland. She asked if I wanted to be a part of it, and now, five years later, here I am. What is your favorite part about the sport? My favorite part is during a bout when the other blockers and I have successfully made a hole for the jammer to go through to score her points. It is such an amazing feeling to see a strategy that we have worked on be successful. How do you prepare for a bout? Practice, practice, practice. Then the night before a bout, all Divas get together for a pre-bout dinner. We try to eat as much carbs as possible. We usually watch a recent bout video, or we watch a video where we have played the team that we are scheduled to play. What are some misconceptions about roller? The derby in the past was scripted, and they were allowed to elbow each other to knock someone down. Our team has worked really hard to be positive role models, and we are proud of our work with local charities. Our organization has given more than $26,000 to charities in Kern County. How does Roller Derby fit into your life? It is my life.

I practice with my teammates three days a week. I am the assistant coach for the men’s team, the Slick City Rollerz. Then I am also an assistant coach for Skateland’s junior team, the Diamond City Minors. I am at the rink six days a week. When and where can we find you competing in June? I will be bouting at Skateland (415 Ming Ave.) on June 22. The charity we are playing for is the Ruptured Ducks. Tickets can also be purchased online through Brown Paper Tickets. We will also be bouting in Rabobank Arena Aug. 24 for the Bakersfield Ronald McDonald House.

EMILY UNDERWOOD Emily is in her second season with the Diamond City Minors. She goes by “Lil Dutch Explosion” for two reasons: she’s 10 years old, and her role model is her teacher, roller derby competitor “Dutch Dynamite.” “I love doing roller derby,” she said. “But for the most part I do it for charity.” How did you get involved? When I was in the second grade, Mrs. Swall (“Dutch Dynamite”) was my teacher. We had school skating parties at Skateland. After I saw her skate, I knew I wanted to be just like her. Why did you start playing at such a young age? I started playing roller derby at such a young age because skating seems natural, even if two years ago I couldn’t skate around the rink one time without falling. Do you play against kids your own age? Our team is the only co-ed team in Bakersfield. When we play locally, we play against girls ages 7 to 18. However, when we play other teams, such as the V-Town Derby Delinquents, we play against boys and girls, ages 7 to 18. What do you enjoy about Roller Derby? I enjoy the thrill of competition. What is your favorite part about the sport? Everybody gets to play. Sometimes in other sports, this is not the case. We are all a derby family. What is the most outrageous thing that has happened during a bout? In March, one of the older boys hit me when I wasn’t expecting it, and I went down hard. After a brief moment to catch my breath, I got back up and hit another player legally. How do you prepare? I stretch one time with the team and one time by myself. Then I always wear a game face with air brushed makeup with different designs. What position do you play? The position I play is jammer. You try to break through the pack of eight players and skate around the track to gather points. How does Roller Derby fit into your life? Every day in the hallway or on the playground, I look for the opening to

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Continued from page 115 walk through my friends. It is the same when I am on my skates. I find the hole to skate through. What do other kids at school think about you playing Roller Derby? My friends think it’s pretty cool that I play roller derby. Some of them want to join. Will roller derby be a part of your future? I will absolutely continue playing. It’s in my blood now.

ADRIAN SANTA CRUZ Adrian, 41, has been competing in roller derby just under two years for the Bakersfield Rollergirls. She goes by “Santa Bruz” and found hope in roller derby after her mother passed. “It has changed my life in such a positive way and can do the same for you, either as a player or spectator.” What do you enjoy about Roller Derby? What’s not to enjoy about roller derby! I enjoy the competition, the feeling of belonging, and sisterly love, teamwork, joy and excitement after each bout. It keeps my mind working at all times. How did you get involved in Roller Derby? I watched my two daughters play roller derby with Bakersfield Junior Roller Derby (Sie-Ya Later and Violent Femme), then my older daughter turned 18 and began skating with the adult league, Bakersfield Rollergirls. I watched them both play with these leagues, practice three days a week and travel to bouts. I was involved in many other ways as well, one being the team official photographer. During this time, I was taking care of my mother who was suffering from kidney failure and stroke. She passed away in June 2011, and after a few months passed, I realized that I needed to take care of myself, physically and mentally. This is when I decided that I would go to a practice, put on a pair of skates and do something that I never imagined possible. What do your family and friends think about you playing? My family is happy that I’m doing something that I enjoy. They come to our bouts and wear their own personalized shirts. For example, my two brothers have a Bakersfield Rollergirl shirt with “Bruz Brother” on the back. I think it’s great. Roller Derby has given me something to focus on, and it feels awesome. My mom would be very proud of me. What is the most outrageous thing that has happened during a bout? Watching my teammate “Bonecrusher” come in for a hit and launch the opposing jammer about three to five feet off the ground, I was awestruck. What are some misconceptions about roller derby? Elbowing people in the face. They believe elbowing is still OK. How was your roller derby names chosen? Personally, I’m a more no-nonsense type of girl, so choosing my derby name was easy. I wanted my name to reflect as closely to my actual last name as possible. What’s your day job? I am a mentor specialist/facilitator for Garden Pathways, which is very supportive of my 116

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derby responsibilities. When and where can we find you competing in June? We have a double-header coming up — June 8 at the Rollerama on 34th Street. Keep an eye out for the many bout posters you’ll see all over Bakersfield.

REBECCA BULLARD Rebecca, 30, has been playing for five years and goes by the derby name “Got A Minute #419,” or better known as “Duckie.” She plays for the Unforgiven Roller Girls, and roller derby, she said, “saved my soul.” What is your favorite part about the sport? Every aspect of derby teaches me something new, whether it be about myself or someone else. I have so much freedom when my skates are on my feet, and I’m lined up on the track. I can think of nothing else than skate hard and push! The family (sisterhood) created within derby is something to experience as well. What do your family and friends think about you playing? My family and friends are pretty supportive now. In the beginning, I don’t think they thought I would last. My family and friends are now my biggest supporters and fans. I love when I can hear them scream “hit her” while I’m playing. Describe the worst injury while playing? My first injury was a broken tailbone. My second injury was a torn posterior cruciate ligament, also known as the PCL. How do you prepare for a bout? The week before, I start hydrating, drinking as much water as I can. The night before the game, I eat pasta and protein pretty much as much as I can shovel in. I like to sleep in the day of. I get up and eat breakfast and just relax. I listen to a lot of high beat music, and I anticipate how I will react in certain situations. Does your team have any quirky habits/chants/superstitions/mottos? We’re a pretty goofy bunch of gals. There’s plenty of laughter to be heard at practice and during the games. We do have a chant that we say before a game. You’ll have to come listen to it. What are some misconceptions about roller derby? That it’s old school pull-you-down, beat-the-crap out-of-you WWE staged derby. A lot has changed since roller derby was aired on television. The hits are not staged — roller derby is a sport with strategy and a desire to win. We, the skaters, train hard. We’re athletes, too. What position do you play? I’m a universal skater, which means I can block, pivot or jam. How does Roller Derby fit into your life? Roller derby is my life. I can’t complain, however. I love what I do. I am the league’s treasurer. I also help run a skate shop in town. I love seeing the excitement on customer’s faces when the leave the shop all ready to skate. When and where can we find you competing? Our next home game will be Sept. 19 versus Tulare-Kings Roller Derby. More information. www.UnforgivenRollergirls.com.

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PERSONALITY

‘BLOOD, SWEAT AND TEARS’

From left: Dave, Michelle and Marilyn Packard. 118

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Raising a standout high school graduate is no easy task for these parents By Lisa Kimble

Photos by Michael Lopwz

he light at the end of the GPA, ACT and SAT tunnel is coming into view for thousands of local high school seniors. Institutions of higher learning await many of these smart cookies and underscore the notion that it may very well take a village — parents, mentors, coaches and teachers — to raise highly successful, highly desirable graduates. “The truth is that unless you are very lucky; it takes a lot of blood, sweat and tears, and above all, patience to ensure that your children can be successful as young adults,” says Marilyn Packer, whose daughter Michelle is a National Merit Scholar and Stockdale High standout. She and two other parents share their experiences of raising, loving and support their children to achieve success now in high school and soon in college.

NO SUBSTITUTE FOR HARD WORK Marilyn received the kind of acceptances most graduates only dream about. The 17-year-old senior, with a 4.46 GPA and a high school resume brimming with extracurricular involvement, set her sights on Ivy League schools after scoring an invitation to attend a summer camp her sophomore year at Brown University. “She felt living and learning on the East Coast would be an adventure in history where she could step outside of her comfort zone and experience someplace completely different than California,” her father, Dave Packer, said. A classically trained ballet, jazz and tap dancer and “Nutcracker” alum, Michelle substitute teaches at Civic Dance Center, started the Teens for Our Troops club at Stockdale High four years ago, and was a Beautiful Bakersfield Award finalist last year. “A few years ago, my dad built a home for a severely injured Iraq soldier, and he inspired me to bring awareness to high school students about the sacrifices our soldiers make to protect our freedom,” Michelle Packer says. Her parents say it has been important that their children learn to recognize the plight of others. Brother Matthew, a 2010 Stockdale High graduate, attends Miami University of Ohio on a merit scholarship playing Division I baseball. As their daughter mulls over admission offers from UCLA, University of Souther California, UC Berkeley and Vanderbilt University, and with Brown University and Yale University still in the picture, one can’t help but wonder just what is the secret to the family’s academic success. For the Packers, it all boils down to role modeling. “We have encouraged our children to take part in school activities and support their need for individuality as a way of helping them build a healthy self esteem,” Marilyn Packer said. “Our children have seen firsthand that there is no substitute for hard work and commitment, and that a life lived with honesty, integrity, courage and compassion is fundamental.”

Ivan and Claudia Sandoval “I have watched my parents build a successful homebuilding company and seen how creating something of great value can be challenging, yet rewarding,” Michelle adds. “The best advice my parents have given me is the importance of loving what you do because it makes it easy to work hard at it.” And there were sacrifices of time and money along the way. “We have often held onto our cars long after they’ve been paid off,” Marilyn Packer adds. “But the habit of making self-sacrifices became routine.”

‘TAKE THE OPPORTUNITY’ Just four years ago, the storied halls of the Ivy League might as well have been a million miles away from McFarland where Garces senior Ivan Sandoval lives. “I always thought I would go to McFarland High, not do much, just the status quo and never leave,” Sandoval recalls. But then a middle school teacher, who saw a spark in Ivan, asked him if he had ever considered attending a college preparatory high school. But for the interest of one teacher, Ivan’s future might have taken the predictable route. “My whole life changed with that question, and it changed who I am.” He received tuition assistance to enroll at Garces Memorial High School as a freshman, and the wheels of change began to turn. Teachers Jennifer Kloock and Crystal Huddle-

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Continued from page 119 ston became his first friends on campus and mentored Sandoval. This fall, the student body president with a 4.49 GPA will study business at the prestigious Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. “I never expected this to happen, so it makes it all the more valuable, and I owe it to my parents and mentors to do all these things and more,” he said. There were other schools competing for the highachiever including Duke University, Brown, Boston College and UCLA. And Ivan’s enrollment at Garces Memorial wasn’t without many sacrifices on the part of his parents, Ivan Sr. and Claudia. “I worried he would be a social outcast since he didn’t come from one of the traditional feeder schools,” Claudia Sandoval says. Far from it, Ivan immersed himself in everything the school had to offer, from band to Mock Trial and Academic Decathlon. “The first couple of years, the hours were long because of Ivan’s extracurricular activities. But there was always a solution to our commuting problem, and we were able to work around the question, ‘Who is driving Ivan today?’,” Claudia Sandoval said.

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June 2013

There were many days Ivan would arrive at school when the gates opened early in the morning and not leave until 8:30 in the evening. But it was worth it for the future Ivy Leaguer who hopes to work on Wall Street one day and whose life’s motto, “take the opportunity,” is engraved on his class ring.

FOLLOWING FOOTSTEPS For 17 year-old Stockdale High senior Amil Shah, the support he received from his parents, Hitesh and Alka Shah, was bound by the simple ethic of working hard to achieve goals without cutting corners. In taking his father’s advice to heart, Amil Shah earned a 4.5 GPA and admission letters from Purdue University, Texas A&M and Indiana University, to name a few. The school’s drum major and golf team member, the younger Shah hails from a large family of professionals, including 17 doctors, four lawyers and two pharmacists. Attending college is an expectation. “Motivation is basically our motto,” Dr. Shah says. “Always have honesty, integrity in character and work truthfully.” Amil Shah plans to follow in his father’s footsteps and become a pediatrician.’ “Being truthful is the most important value we have tried to instill in him.”

REAL PEOPLE

PHOTO BY CASEY CHRISTIE

RAFTING GUIDE CRAIG JENSEN

Craig Jensen of Bakersfield is a raft guide for Mountain & River Adventures in Kernville.

Teaching love of the outdoors

lifelong memories that I get to help make for the customers.

Compiled by Bakersfield Life Magazine

How do you prepare for a trip? I prepare by always making sure I have the proper safety equipment on at all times. I always have my vest on (personal flotation device).

ver since Craig Jensen was a Boy Scout, he has been interested in new adventures in the great outdoors, he says. Eight years ago, John and Rhonda Stallone — owners of Mountain & River Adventures — made him an offer he couldn’t refuse. The Stallones told him about the company’s whitewater river guide training school in beautiful Kernville, on the great Kern River. “This was right up my alley,” said Jensen, a 42-year-old Tehachapi native. He moved to Bakersfield in 1991 to attend Bakersfield College, and he has been a massage therapist for 17 years. And when the time comes, he rafts and guides. You can find Jensen at Mountain & River Adventures (mtnriver.com or 800-861-6553), or at La Dolce Vita Day Spa and Fashion Lounge. Why do you raft? I raft because I love it. It’s not for the money, but for the 122

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What’s your favorite part about being a guide? For me, the best part of being a guide is showing people how to have a great time by making new and exciting memories for them in the great outdoors ... all while doing it in a fun and safe way for the young and old. Funniest thing that’s happened while guiding? The expression on people’s faces when they get covered by a wave is absolutely hilarious. Most memorable guiding trip? It was guiding a group of Russians that spoke little or no English. As a matter of fact, I think only one in the group of six spoke any English. After learning how to translate my paddle commands into Russian at the campgrounds, which is where we put in the rafts, we set off on our three and quartermile trip down the “Powerhouse Rapids.” We were able to

What’s your advice for someone who has never been rafting? I would start by saying that safety equals fun when rafting. A professional company has the equipment and highly trained employees to help you experience a great time on the Kern River. How dangerous is your job? We are constantly training to improve and maintain our skills so that we are prepared to respond to most situations. What’s a misconception people have about your job? That the rafts are on any kind of track. They are all musclepowered so we need everyone to paddle. What do you do when you’re not guiding? I dream about guiding. No, really I am a certified massage therapist at La Dolce Vita. When I am not working, I am teaching my beautiful daughter about the outdoors. I also enjoy hiking, camping, fishing and volunteering at my daughter’s school.

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FIT AND FRESH

FUN IN THE SUN By Sally Baker and Katie Kirschenmann

PHOTO COURTESY OF SALLY BAKER

Protect yourself this summer; weigh sunscreen versus sunblock options

From left: Maggie, Sally, Sarah and Kathy Baker take part in a previous Brian Waterbury Memorial Rock to Pier Fun Run. This year it's on July 13.

FIT AND FRESH AROUND TOWN • C&F Foods Inc. Nature’s Wild Grains Premium Black Chia Seed: 32 ounces for $14.99 at Costco What is it: It’s high in antioxidants, good source of protein, rich in essential fatty acids, high in Omega-3 fatty acid, and excellent source of fiber. What to do with it: Sprinkle on cereal and oatmeal, add to baking (cookie dough, bread, cakes), add to smoothies, add to salad dressing, add to your eggs. Keep a small spoon in bag and sprinkle often. • ‘The Vampiro:’ $3.99 for the small (16 ounces) at Vallarta Supermarkets What is it: It’s an awesome combination of fabulous ingredients, which, when blended together, create a delicious, nourishing, nutrient 124

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packed drink. What to do with it: Vallarta offers many freshly juiced fruit and vegetable offerings. “The Vampiro” is my favorite, consisting of beet, celery, orange, carrot, parsley, apple and spinach. These raw ingredients are collected and freshly juiced for each drink while you wait. They couldn’t be fresher and are a great value. Why: These fresh and fit drinks are a great refreshing alternative to the morning cup of coffee. Give them a try. — Sally Baker

JuneBLife_BLife template 5/17/13 1:56 PM Page 125

It’s the time of year we all spend a little more time soaking in the suns rays. Now more than ever, it’s important not to forget sun protection. If you make layering sun protection into your daily routine, your skin will be less vulnerable to burns and all the harm that comes with it. The American Cancer Society recommends using sunscreen with an SPF rating of at least 15 or higher. If you are fair skinned or more sensitive to the sun, you will need a higher SPF. The higher a sunscreen’s SPF rating, the longer it protects against sun exposure. • Sunscreen and sunblock: Not all lotions are created equal. Did you know there’s a big difference between sunblock and sunscreen? Sunblock reflects the sun’s rays, literally blocking them from reaching your skin, while sunscreens absorb and filter UVA and UVB light. The active ingredients in sunblock are zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. The first thing to look for on a sun protection product label is “broad spectrum,” meaning it protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Products labeled “broad spectrum” contain several different sun protection ingredients to cover a wider range of UV radiation. Most sunscreens nowadays are broad spectrum, so your choices are abundant. Another important ingredient to look for on a label is “helioplex” and “Anthelios SX.” Sunscreens and blocks containing these ingredients retain their sun protection

PHOTO COURTESY OF KATIE KIRSCHENMANN

FUN IN THE SUN

Annabelle Rose and Clara Ellen wear Target brand SPF 50+ baby hats to protect them from the sun. longer. Always remember to reapply. Even if your product claims to be “sweat-proof” or “water-proof” you still need to reapply every four hours or so. • Little ones and the sun: Children have fragile skin. Always layer sun protection into your children’s daily rou-

Continued on page 126

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Continued from page 125 tine. If your little one is anything like mine, then slathering on the sunblock is a fight. Don’t be tempted to buy the sun “sprays.” Spray-on sunscreen in a can might seem like a convenient and good idea, but it is expensive and half the product floats off into the atmosphere. In my opinion, the sprays are a waste of money. Go with the old fashioned lotions. You can see where you are applying it, and you get far more bang for your buck. Whenever you can, put a hat on your little one’s head. You will be protecting their tiny scalps and faces, all the while making them look even cuter. • Fashion sense: When in doubt, wear a hat. When I’m out on run, I always make sure to cover my head with a lightweight cap that is SPF rated. I prefer Nike caps, but there are a ton of sports visors and hats with SPF of 50-plus to choose from. If lounging on the beach is your preferred activity, choose a hat with a wide brim that covers your shoulders, if possible. San Diego Hat Company makes super cute hats that are SPF rated (sandiegohat.com). — Katie Kirschenmann

SALLY AND KATIE’S SUN PICKS • Lubriderm SPF Daily Moisturizing Lotion • Neutrogena Age Shield Face Lotion Sunscreen Broad Spec-

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Bakersfield Life Magazine

In life we prepare for everything, college, marriage, a baby, and retirement, but we almost never prepare for a medical emergency or the end of life.

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trum SPF 110 • Wet Skin Kids Lotion Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 45+ • Neutrogena Ultimate Sport Lotion Sunscreen SPF 70+ with Helioplex • Eminence Organic Sun Defense Minerals with Micronized Zinc Oxide (eminence.com)

DESTINATION RACE The 2013 Brian Waterbury Memorial Rock to Pier Fun Run (10K and half marathon) takes place at 8 a.m. July 13. Round up your family and friends, start training for a 6-mile run or walk on the beach, send in your application or sign up on active.com, then take a mini vacation on the Central Coast. What better way to exercise than having an ocean backdrop, sand under your shoes, and a cool breeze on your skin? More information: leaguelineup.com/rock2pier, email Karen Sweeney at KSweeney@morro-bay.ca.us or call her at 805772-6281.

EXERCISE OF THE MONTH The clam (side-lying hip abduction) Baker: Lying on your side, keep both knees bent and flex hips to 30 degrees. Keep heels togetherand pelvis still. Open your knees by contracting your glutes. Very slow, small movement. 10 to 15 each side.

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The clam (side-lying hip abduction)

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

An oilfield worker unloads some tubing in the oilfields near a pumping unit in Lost Hills.

SAFETY IN THE OIL FIELDS Company gives us a glimpse into working safely in one of Bakersfield’s biggest, most dangerous industries

By Marissa Lay and Breanna Fields

he oil industry is an enormous, well-known industry in Bakersfield, constantly providing people with work and a decent wage. But it’s no secret that oil field work is hard, and sometimes dangerous, work. Safety is something local companies, including Robert Heely Construction, take seriously. In fact, Robert Heely, which has been serving our area since 1977, is celebrating nearly seven years of injury-free operations in Kern. So how do workers in our oil fields stay safe? The folks over at Robert Heely Construction gave us a peek into their industry.

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RISKS IN THE OIL FIELDS “We work in an industry where people can be harmed each and every day,” said Robert Heely Construction manager Bill Lamas. “My goal at the end of the day is to make sure everybody goes home alive and well to their families.” While all jobs pose some type of risk, the oil and gas industry is one that requires special attention to the safety of employees and areas surrounding the drill sites. Oil field workers, on average, work 12-hour shifts in sometimes extreme weather conditions. Maintaining one’s health and well-being are important to assure everyone’s safety, according to California Division of Occupational Safety and Health. Health and wellness risks involved in the oil industry include fatigue and insomnia due to strenuous and long work shifts, hearing loss, and strains and sprains from the demanding physical activities involved with drilling rigs. Other injuries may be the source of inexperienced workers or a poor understanding of one’s surroundings, including moving equipment, co-workers actions, and active equipment on-site. It is important to know one’s limit and seek help if weakness and declining health appear. From 2001 to 2010, 22 workers in the oil and gas extraction industry died on the job in California, The Bakersfield Californian reported. Six of those deaths involved heart attacks or vehicle accidents, and the rest involved equipment, tools or falls.

PHOTO BY CASEY CHRISTIE

Tips: How to stay safe in the oil fields

DAY IN THE LIFE The typical day of an oil field worker begins with a tailgate meeting to discuss the day’s plan and safety issues. Tools and equipment are inspected before heading to the field to begin work. Once in the field, workers survey and document any hazards on the job site — communication is an important aspect of an worker’s day and must be maintained throughout that time. “The actual job tasks vary. They might operate heavy equipment, weld, grind or buff, assemble pipe moved by a crane or put on a respirator and special suit to clean a storage tank,” said Robert Heely Construction president and chief executive officer Craig Bonna. Those who are new to the oil industry are required to take a comprehensive set of safety trainings that begin with new employee safety training on the first day. This covers hazard awareness basics to advanced training. The use of heavy equipment is also a safety concern, but one that is addressed with more training and verification of an employee’s ability to operate the equipment and perform tasks. “We do a lot of training for our driver

• Remain alert. • Understand and know approved safety plans for incidents such as falling or failing structure, and equipment fires, or explosions. • Understand that it is not safe or recommended to drive a vehicle after working 14 consecutive hours. • Stay hydrated: avoid alcohol the night before work, and drink up to 32 ounces of water each hour. • Wear personal protective equipment: hardhats, work boots, fire-retardant clothing and protective eyewear. • Be aware of your surroundings, including moving equipment, spills and holes. • Use proper lifting techniques. • Seek assistance when moving awkward or heavy equipment. Source: California Division of Occupational Safety and Health, Robert Heely Construction

and they’ve frequently told us about potential crashes they have avoided because of their defensive driving skills,” Bonna said. In an industry that at times requires work in extreme weather conditions, or the use of heavy or sharp objects, Bonna stresses the importance of paying attention to your surroundings. “Learn as much as you can about the hazards and how to do your work safely. Always follow company safety policies — they are in place to keep you safe,” said Bonna. If an incident were to occur, the company’s procedure is to first contact emergency services — 911 and a customer emergency number. Next the supervisor and safety personnel are alerted. Photos and witness statements are taken for accurate information and the subsequent investigation. In this instance upper management and customer representatives would also be notified. “Sending our employees home safe everyday is a core value of (Robert Heely Construction),” Bonna said. “It starts with leadership; believing that all injuries are preventable and that the work we perform can be performed without injury.” bakersfieldlife.com

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PRIME FINDS

1 Home decor Uniquely Chic Florist & Boutique is the premier place to buy beautiful accents for the home or find gifts. We have a huge selection of gifts, decor, flowers and plants. 9500 Brimhall Road, Suite 701; 588-7997; uniquelychicflorist.com

Uniquely Chic

2 Father’s Day barbecue tray Let dad know that he is the king of his castle, or at least the family barbecue! The kids or grand kids will love making this personalized platter for Father’s Day! 9000 Ming Avenue, 664-7366, bakersfield.colormemine.com

Color Me Mine at The Marketplace

3 Red Ryu blouse You can dress it up with shorts, a pair of jeans, or leggings for your casual days out. Also featured with this outfit is one of our favorite tan colored Cuadra boots. 205 E. 18th St. 396-1609. ilitchiboutique.com

Ilitchi Boutique

4 Yöghund A “digestive friendly” premium frozen yogurt, which is fun to lick and great for dogs with food allergies or intolerances. The product is real yogurt and organic with ProBiotics. 1617 19th St., 321-9602, biscuitboutique.com.

Biscuits Boutique and Doggie Spa

South of the border culture

This 24-inch tall, one-of-a-kind papier mache folk art piece is handcrafted by the finest Mexican artisans. Only at Kuka’s. 325-0000. kukasfolkart.com.

Kuka’s

6 Bottlehood beer tumblers Eco-Friendly and handcrafted from reclaimed beer bottles. New location in the Town & Country Shopping Center. 8200 Stockdale Highway, Suite B-2. 1-888-222-9420.

Greenshops

Mouth-watering toffee

Fine, handmade English toffee by Aunt Mae’s Sweet Tooth. Available at Luigi’s, Sweet Surrender Bakery, Cafe Med, Flourishing Art and Sullivan Petroleum stores. 725-5200, auntmaessweettooth.com.

Aunt Mae’s Sweet Tooth

8 For dad or grandpa Come in and create something awesome for dad or grandpa. Barbecue platters, picture frames and more. 9860 Hageman Rd. Suite D, 588-7170.

Creation Craze Studio

9 New looks this summer Eva’s carries a variety of casual wear to evening wear in sizes small to 3x, and jeans size 0 to 19. Jewelry and accesories. Eva’s also carries Nerium AD and Herbalife. 5009 Stockdale Highway, Stockdale Fashion Plaza. 472-4818.

Eva’s Boutique 130

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National Health Services, Inc. 35th Anniversary Celebration April 20 Held at Bakersfield Marriott Photos by Jan St Pierre View these photos and more online at bakersfieldlife.com

Melody and Jose Torres

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Bakersfield Life Magazine

June 2013

National Day of Prayer May 2 Held at The Marketplace Photos by John Harte View these photos and more online at bakersfieldlife.com

Laura and Sofia Carrillo

Althea and Amari Nicholson, Mesha, Jazmin and Tiffany Jackson and Sheila Brooks

Jasmine Garza, Callie McCaffery and Courtney Thompson

Matt Purdy, Josh White and Wesley Baker

James and Linda Hoyle and Karina Capellino

Milt and Marilyn Webster, Jenny and Carl Pearson and Kaisha Rains

Alexis and Pam Vasquez and Rena Gamino

Josh Ruth and Amy Bennett

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San Joaquin Memorial Hospital Foundation Golf Tournament April 22 Held at Bakersfield Country Club Photos by Jimmy Phillips View these photos and more online at bakersfieldlife.com

Ken Schultz, Curtis Johnson, Frank Miller, Jeff Garcia and Sam Itani

Larry Frank, Ryan Frank and Tim Kirkindoll

Kevin Burton, Lori Gentry and Terry Smith

Annette Warmerdam, Janet Clary, Claire Boone and Donna Cross

Danay Jones and Amanda Frank

Don Cornforth, Lori Muir and Oscar Streeter

Ted Nicholas, Shai Gordon, John Puryear and Roger Fessler

Friday’s 4:00pm - 10:00pm Saturday’s 11:30am - 10:00pm Sunday’s 11:30 - 7:00pm

www.TheGreenhornGrill.com 760-376-8900 Exceptional dining located high in the Sierra’s. Get away from the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy family dining at it’s best.

Try our NEW MENU Selections! Banquets • Weddings • Catered Events Call ahead for reservations and winter hours THE GREENHORN GRILL EXPRESS ON THE BOULEVARD IN WOFFORD HEIGHTS

NOW OPEN! 134

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Rick Radon, George Culver, Michael Olague and Gary Hallstrom

Winescapes May 2 Held at Bakersfield Museum of Art Photos by Carla Rivas View these photos and more online at bakersfieldlife.com

Marcie Saiz, Dolores Aparicio, Bertha Tafoya and Virginia Gaeta Ramirez

Nancy and Claire Putney

Joe and Sofie Hay

Shawn and Teresa Shambaugh

L.J. and Juli Coulthurst and Kurt and Laurie Hettinger • Announcements • Cards • Gifts • Balloons • School Spirit Jelly Belly Candy Bags

David and Suzanne Leon

Kathy and Tom Harlan

Ken Casparis, Christine Gutierrez, Jason Gutierrez and Jonathan Allen bakersfieldlife.com

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Wendy Wayne Awards for Exemplary Ethical Behavior May 2 Held at Bell Tower Club Photos by Greg Nichols View these photos and more online at bakersfieldlife.com

Jan Hefner and Susan Reep

Tom and Melinda Fallgatter

Maria Paleologou and Jacquelyn Kegley

Karen Lillie, Phyllis Heintz and Donna Meyers

Cindy and Steven Kinsey, Barbara Antongiovanni and Gene Tackett

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JANE’S JEWELERS W h e re B a ke rs f i e l d G e t s E n g a ge d

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Cindy Pollard and Robert Tafoya

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Gene Tackett, Jan and Joe Drew and Kelly Blanton

CASA Derby Party May 4 Held at Gardiner Ranch Photos by Jan St Pierre View these photos and more online at bakersfieldlife.com

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bakersfieldlife.com

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Arts Council of Kern Happy Arts Hour April 22 Held at Valentien Restaurant Photos by Carla Rivas View these photos and more online at bakersfieldlife.com

Vikki Cruz and Liz Sherwyn

Lindsay Sharp, James McCall, Ted Krumm and Laura Cattani

Jan Troxel and Susan Reep

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Get Down To BUSINESS Here in Bakersfield

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Ce-Ce Algra, Lynne Hall and Nancy McNamara 138

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Vino Amore April 20 Held at Garces Memorial High School Photos by Carla Rivas View these photos and more online at bakersfieldlife.com

Richard and Suzan Smith and Michael and Mary Bowling

David and Marilyn Sullivan

Dennis and Pat Sherrill

Brian and Crystal Letson

Joan and Wil Flickinger

Roxy Chavez and Estrella Anaya

Monica and Bill Jeffries and Ann and Russ Bigler

Jimmie and Dilania Soto

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Push your body. Find your beat.

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19th & N Street, Downtown Bakersfield www.emporiumwesternstore.com

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Party in the Park May 10 Held at Cal State Bakersfield Photos by Carla Rivas View these photos and more online at bakersfieldlife.com

Melissa Ceballos, Stacy Cowan, Jamie Farley and Mary Jane Taylor

Susan Hopkins, Steve Watkin and Sarah Hendrick

Yesmin Tanguma and Bobby Chacon

Michele Hartley and Lori Greener

Jeff Whynot, Scott Novins, Mary and Angelo Mazzei, Kathy Whynot and Rene Novins presents

LLive ive EEntertainment ntertainment

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Kern County Fairgrounds, 1142 S. P St., Bakersfield, CA • FREE $10 • $15 FREE

MMenudo enudo CContest ontest $500 • Best Decorated Booth

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vendor or for mor Too become a sponsor T sponsor,, contestant, vendor moree information contact the Kern County Hispanic Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Commerce at 661-633-5495 or visit sit www w.kchcc.org. .kchcc.org. Kern www.kchcc.org.

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INSIDE STORY

AMERICAN GUILD OF ORGANISTS REGION IX CONVENTION Bakersfield hosts gathering for first time By Gabriel Ramirez

Photos courtesy of American Guild of Organists

f you are looking for something new to experience this summer, you’re in luck. The Kern County Chapter of the American Guild of Organists is hosting the Region IX Convention June 23 through June 27. It’s the first time Bakersfield has been host to such convention. The theme of the convention is “the golden sounds of the Golden Valley.” It will include workshops, presentations, and concerts by world-class organists, coming from as far away as Australia. While workshops and presentations are limited to registered attendees, all organ concerts are free to the public through the generous donations of sponsors in the community. The concerts and presentations will take place in churches in Bakersfield. One of them, at Olive Drive Church, features the seventh largest pipe organ west of the Mississippi.

Nevada, Arizona, California, Australia, Taiwan and Korea. Conventions offer the opportunity for organists to attend St. John’s Lutheran Church organ. workshops and presentations that can help better their skills, see what new things organ builders and music companies have to offer, and hear the inspiring concerts of fellow organists. Phil Dodson, coordinator of the event, said it is honorable for Bakersfield to be chosen to host this convention. Hundreds of visitors are expected to attend the event. “What is unique is there will be world-class concert organists coming to our city,” Dodson said. “We happen to have five great organs in our community.” Because Bakersfield has the five housed in local churches and because of the uniqueness of these instruments, the American Guild of Organists in New York City accepted the bid to convene here. A committee of 17 local residents and members helped plan the event.

Information History The American Guild of Organists’ mission is to enrich lives through organ and choral music and engage wider audiences through fellowship programs, performances and conventions. Regional AGO organ conventions are held every other year with national AGO conventions held during the alternate years. Bakersfield belongs to Region IX of the AGO and includes Utah,

Olive Drive Church features a beautiful pipe organ. 142

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For information on artists and presenters, visit bakersfieldAGO2013.org.

Free Concerts Sunday, June 23 • Hector Olivera, pre-convention organ concert: 7 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church Monday, June 24 • Carey Coker-Robertson: 4 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church • Christoph Bull: 7:30 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church Tuesday, June 25 • Regional young organists winner’s concert: 9:30 a.m. at St. Paul’s Anglican Church • Robert Ampt and Amy Johansen, introduction to the organ for children (children invited to attend): 10:30 a.m. at St. Paul’s Anglican Church • S. Wayne Foster, hymn festival: 2:30 p.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church • Ken Medema, “The Power of Music” presentation: 3:45 p.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church • Hyunju Hwang: 8 p.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church Wednesday, June 26 • Paul Rosas, MIDI and the organ presentation: 9 a.m. at First United Methodist Church • Robert Ampt and Amy Johansen, gala organ concert: 8 p.m. at Olive Drive Church Thursday, June 27 • Dorothy Young Riess, post-convention organ concert: 10 a.m. at Olive Drive Church

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