Bakersfield Life Magazine March 2015 by The Bakersfield Californian Specialty Publications

March 2015

Great Escapes Spring & summer getaways for youngsters & adults

Surviving the Prom A parent’s guide to planning your teen’s big day

A Miraculous Game Community helps nonprofit reach children globally through baseball $3.95 $3.95

bakersfieldlife.com

Tackling Life’s Lessons Golden Empire Youth Football prepares kids on and off the field

New Digs Dining Divas try La Costa Mariscos

Courting Style Liberty High coach in a league of his own

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F E A T U R E S March 2015

Great Escapes With spring break around the corner and planning under way for the summer, check out our Great Escapes guide to uncover a number of activities to do in town! Page 64

Meet the MVPs (Most Valuable Parents) They may not seek the spotlight, but parents at local schools are the unsung heroes in their volunteering and giving efforts to make their students' schools a better place. Get to know a few inside. Page 68

Prom, #bestdayever Prom may happen in April, but planning has kicked off this month as many parents try to plan the best day ever for their teenagers. Get some survival tips from local parents who've been there and done that. Page 74

Getting technical in the classroom

PHOTO BY KAREN STEWART

See how local classrooms are adding technology to teach digital-savvy students and make it easy for parents to keep up with what's going on at school. Page 78

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Bakersfield Life Magazine

March 2015

DO YOU KNOW SFIELD CALIF OR

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• Is an opera singer • Rides a classic Vespa • Volunteers at the SPCA

• Raised on a farm in Iowa • CSU Bakersfield basketball booster • Makes the best chili this side of Texas

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Joel Andreesen Martha Rossiter

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Best Lawyer Daniel Rodriguez

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Favorite Law Firm Rodriguez & Associates

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• Serious cat lover • Loves hiking & running • First in her family to graduate from college

• Museum junkie • Fantastic cook: his ceviche is legendary • Won a trip around the world in a writing contest

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Chantal Trujillo

• Has viewed every episode of Breaking Bad & Sons of Anarchy, as well as Survivor & Amazing Race • Raises chickens in Paso Robles, CA • Independent movie buff

• Runs International Marathons • Climbed Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa with his sons • Goes dancing with his mother at senior center

• Classically-trained pianist • Helping to raise his 3-year-old nephew • Fluent in Japanese

• Black belt in karate • Crazy about musicals... has seen the Phantom of the Opera five times • Runs the Volkslauf Mud Run

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Word on the Street The Big Picture Named After Money Matters Short Takes Finding Fame In Season My Pet By the Numbers What Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m Reading

32 Eat & Drink 32 Dining Divas 36 Food and Wine

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March 2015

PHOTO BY MICHAEL LOPEZ

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On the Road Health and Wellness In My Closet Fit and Fresh Pastimes Home and Garden

29 Happenings 29 On the Web 30 12 Random Things

PHOTO BY GREG NICHOLS

Up Front

Call Today For A FREE

Dr. Siniva Kaneen

100 Go & Do 58 Entertainment 60 Trip Planner

People & Community 80 88 89 90 92 94 96 98 100 104 106 108 110 112 116 118 126

Business Profile Bakersfield Matters Family Verdict Personality Hometown Hero Why I Live Here All-Star Athlete Talk of the Town Our Town For a Cause Inside Story History Power Couple Real People Prime Finds SNAP! Last Word

PHOTO BY GREGORY D. COOK

PHOTO BY TAD MOTOYAMA

Facial Injections

PHOTO BY DAVID DENNIS/ALL-STAR SPORTS PHOTOGRAPHY

March 2015

• 3 Dimensional Designing • Full Service Remodels • Cabinetry • Countertops / Backsplash • Flooring – Tile / Hardwood

Project Notes · Comfortable Contemporary · Crown molding with rope detail · Cabinet color – white ice · Full height vain cut Fusion Quartzite Granite · Built in Entertainment center

“My work is my passion.” - Rick Sorci

After helping our daughter, Jill Turner, and son, Chris Joslyn, each remodel their kitchen, it was finally our turn, From start to finish, Rick Sorci made the whole process easy, his sense of humor made it fun, The 3dimendional design presentation provided us with a visual tour of what the completed kitchens would look like. We were able to work together until we came up with the perfect plan. After choosing cabinets in his showroom, Rick took us shopping to fine our beautiful countertops, appliances and fixtures. David, the foreman,

and his crew always did a professional job from demolition to construction completion. Tina, the project coordinator, kept everything on track at every step. Three beautiful kitchens remodels later, without hesitation our three families can each highly recommend Stockdale Kitchen & Bath. ~ Jim and Cindy Joslyn

S TA F F S H A R E S Bakersfield’s Premier City Magazine March 2015 / Vol. 9 / Issue 6

THE BREAKFAST CLUB HAD ITS CROWD. WHAT HIGH SCHOOL CROWD DID YOU RUN WITH? “I was friends with the athletes, band nerds, theater kids, the cool kids – a good mixture of everyone. It’s more fun that way!” — Shelby Parker, niche publications intern

“I didn’t like hanging in crowds. I had at least one friend in most of the different ‘clicks,’ but preferred to hang with my best friend. I was very independent.” — Tamarra Harms, real estate account executive

“I was part of the crowd that flew under the radar. We were neither cool nor uncool – we were just there.”

“I was always the girl who was friends with everyone, so I didn’t run with any particular crowd. You would find me with different crowds on any given day.” — Allison Escobar, graphic designer

“I’d like to say I ran with the cool kids. But, in hindsight, I’m not really sure you can be cool with permed hair and neon zinc lipstick.” — Katy Raytis, contributor

“I was weird and nerdy – same as now. Having an affinity with the newspaper kids, I learned the power of the pen early on. But really, we were hilarious.” — Diana Greenlee, contributor

— Mark Nessia, assistant managing editor

Bakersfield Life Magazine

March 2015

Bakersfield Life™ magazine is published by TBC Media 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 Associate Publisher Virginia Cowenhoven President/CEO Richard Beene Senior Vice President Chief Operating Officer Logan Molen Senior Vice President Revenue and Marketing John Wells Vice President, Administration and Operations Nancy Chaffin Interactive Sales Manager Gunter Copeland Advertising Sales Manager Lisa Whitten Advertising Traffic Manager Shauna Rockwell Market Research Lisa Beason, Jose Granados Editor Olivia Garcia Assistant Managing Editor Mark Nessia Specialty Publications Coordinator Katelynn Camp Art Director Glenn Hammett Graphic Designer Allison Escobar Editorial Interns Shelby Parker, Lisa Ybarra Photography Felix Adamo, Sally Baker, Makenzie Barefield, Henry A. Barrios, Todd Bliss, Casey Christie, Allison Claire, Kristen Cleveland, Gregory D. Cook, David Dennis, Mike Handren, Iger Studios, Lindsey Kimball, Katie Kirschenmann, Tim Kupsick, Lindsay Long, Michael Lopez, Tad Motoyama, Mark Nessia, NYFotography, Greg Nichols, Jamie Pham, Maureen Rice, Carla Rivas, Jan St Pierre, Karen Stewart, Rodney Thornburg, Erica Ueberroth Contributing writers Sally Baker, Gregory D. Cook, Diana Greenlee, Ken Hooper, Lisa Kimble, Katie Kirschenmann, Stephen Lynch, Louis Medina, Gabriel Ramirez, Katy Raytis, Anna C. Smith, Chris Thornburgh, Miranda Whitworth On the cover Photo by Mark Nessia Six-year-old Karess Qualls, left, races to the top of the faceoff wall against 5-year-old Jaxon Shiner at Rush Air Sports, a 40,000-square-foot facility featuring trampolines, dodgeball courts, climbing areas, basketball hoops, foam pits and more.

C O N T R I B U TO R S

E D I TO R ’ S N OT E

Bakersfield Life intern Lisa Ybarra was born and raised in Bakersfield. She graduated from Bakersfield High School in 2011 and will graduate from Taft College in the spring with her AA in multimedia journalism. Ybarra will continue her education at CSUB in the fall. Her love for knowledge and sharing it with others motivated her to choose a career in journalism. She likes to spend her free time with her family, making deco-mesh wreaths for holidays, writing posts for her blog and creating floral designs.

THE RETURN OF ‘20 UNDER 40’ AWARDS

Gunter Copeland

joined The Bakersfield Californian in March 2013 as the digital sales manager and has since transitioned through other sales management positions within the advertising department. He has worked in advertising and marketing for over 15 years and has always been passionate about giving back to the community by helping grow local businesses. Copeland grew up in Kern County as a child and returned to Bakersfield in 2012 where he now resides with his wife, Katerina, and three children. He is also the father of 10year-old twin girls who reside in Fresno.

Bakersfield Life Magazine

March 2015

od, which launches March 16 and ends at midnight on April 20. An important note about the nomination process: Submissions will only be accepted by completing the online nomination form, which will go live on our website, bakersfieldlife.com, on March 16. You will be asked a couple of questions about your candidate using the online form. In addition, a photograph of the nominee must be uploaded to the nomination form; 300 dpi is preferred. You can nominate an employee of your firm, a colleague, relative or friend. You can even nominate yourself (the nominator isn’t made public). There is no limit on the number of nominations you can submit, and there is no entry fee. The judging committee will select the top 20 and they will be featured in the July edition of Bakersfield Life Magazine. Winners will be notified in early June. In addition, a special awards ceremony will be held in late July for the honorees. So please put on your thinking caps. Bakersfield Life encourages a diverse pool of candidates for its 20 Under 40 competition. If you have any questions, please contact me. I look forward to reading the nominations. PHOTO BY TANYA X. LEONZO

Glenn Hammett is the art director for TBC Media’s Niche Publications department, which includes Bakersfield Life Magazine. He attended local schools and graduated from Highland High before moving on to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo to earn a bachelor’s degree in graphic design. He came to The Californian in 1988 and held positions of advertising graphics supervisor, promotions coordinator and design editor before moving over to the company’s magazines. He is married to Teresa; has two adult children, Clarice and Matthew; and is an avid cyclist who commutes to work on a bike each day from his home in the northeast.

ne of my favorite projects each year at Bakersfield Life Magazine is our annual 20 under 40 People to Watch contest. This project allows our readers — that’s you — to tell us who are some deserving people in our town that are worth highlighting in our magazine. It’s an exciting project where our magazine staff gets to meet some amazing local movers and shakers and quiet behind-the-scenes shining stars. Each one makes our town special and better in their own unique way, whether it’s the role they hold, or a volunteer project or a passionate cause they lead. So who qualifies for our contest? For one, an eligible candidate must be a local resident between the age of 20 and 40. We are seeking champions in our community, successful up-and-coming leaders or game changers in his or her professional career or school. If you know someone who is achieving greatness in his or her personal life, career, community or academics, then this might be a nice way for the community to get to know them as well. We need our readers’ help on this contest. We are asking you to nominate people who fit this bill, and Bakersfield Life, along with our special partners, will judge the nominations and select 20 individuals under the age of 40 who represent the “Best of the Best” in Bakersfield. Over the past two years, we have received up to 100 nominations. Our judging committee is always honored and inspired to pick the final 20. For now, we ask you to start thinking of potential individuals and submit your candidates during our nomination peri-

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

Up Front

WORD ON THE STREET

Compiled by Mark Nessia

WHO WAS YOUR FAVORITE TEACHER? “Mr. Bastain. His teaching skills were straightforward and he knew what to say and how to say it. He knew how to get students to do something.”

“Shelia McClure. She taught me the value of hard work and to never give up on my dreams.”

“Veronica Wilson because her teaching methods were awesome.” — Katy Corley

— Eduardo Ganino

— Carlos Rochin “Kim Bravo. She was always calm and gave good feedback to us on how to improve.”

“Traci Jones. She is the reason why I’m (at CSUB) and majoring in English.”

“Gerd Rabe because he went over the tests to make sure we understood it.”

— Joshua Gamez — Benjamin Miller

— Drew Avery

“Randy Martin at Bakersfield Christian High School because he's knowledgable, cares about the students and is enthusiastic about Bible study.”

“Ms. Hallis. She loved the students and made class interesting and fun.”

“Robert Stark because every lab session, he would stay and make sure everyone knew what they were doing before he left.”

— Dami Agbonkonkon

— Ezekiel Eicher

— Madison Greene

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Up Front

THE BIG PICTURE

Photo by Casey Christie

COLORS OF SPRING A honeybee, drawn to the wild mustard flowers off South Union Avenue, goes back to work as spring approaches and flowers begin to bloom.

Bakersfield Life Magazine

March 2015

bakersfieldlife.com

Up Front

NAMED AFTER

By Lisa Kimble

Opened in August, Douglas K. Fletcher Elementary is one of the first schools in Kern County to be built side by side with its middle school, Paul L. Cato Middle School.

Bakersfield Life Magazine

March 2015

where he graduated in 1959. A week after he received his Bachelor of Science degree in education from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, he wed LaVone Walker. After he completed his master’s at

Douglas Fletcher

PHOTO COURTESY OF LISA KIMBLE

letcher Elementary, the newest in the Bakersfield City School District, is named after the late Dr. Douglas K. Fletcher, a much-loved educator who helped introduce innovative enrichment programs into Kern schools. A product of the BCSD where he learned to read and spent much of his career, some say Fletcher would have been delighted to know that a future school would one day bear his name. “Dr. Fletcher was really passionate about bringing new programs into the county, like the Art Festival, Mock Trial, Oral Language and concerts,” said Fletcher Elementary Principal Nancy Olcott. Fletcher was born Dec. 14, 1941 in Bakersfield, the second of three children. His parents, Dale and Fern, hailed from Nebraska. Dale owned a sanitation business, and Fern was a homemaker. Doug grew up near Brundage Lane and Union Avenue and attended Casa Loma, Emerson and Bakersfield High

PHOTO BY HENRY A. BARRIOS

DOUGLAS K. FLETCHER ELEMENTARY Cal Poly, Doug and Mrs. Fletcher returned to Bakersfield, where he began his career as a sixth-grade teacher at Fremont Elementary. He also served as vice principal at Fremont, taught the gifted program at Emerson Junior High, was a counselor at Longfellow, and when he was tapped as principal at Jefferson Elementary, he became the youngest in the district’s history. The decision to move to the Kern County Superintendent of Schools office, where he became director of curriculum, was a difficult one, but at the time he believed he could help reach more students. He received his doctorate in education from the University of San Francisco. At the time of his death, Doug was the principal-superintendent of the Wasco Union High School District. He was headed home for lunch from a basketball tournament in which his daughter had played when he was struck and killed by a drunk driver at the intersection of Rosedale Highway and Allen Road on June 27, 1987. Doug left behind his wife and four children – Mark, Joel, Natalie and Heather. He was only 45 years old. In prepared remarks about his friend, former Kern County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kelly Blanton eulogized: “While Doug’s life was relatively short in years, it was full in its completeness. The strength of his character, the force of his beliefs and his commitment to children, were combined to produce a strong educational leadership, which has had and will continue to have a measurable and substantial impact upon Kern County education and, therefore, our children.” The state-of-the-art school opened its doors in August 2014 and has an enrollment of 570 students in pre-K through fifth grades. Located in the rolling foothills of northeast Bakersfield, on a clear day it boasts breathtaking views of the southern valley. It is also one of the first school sites in Kern to be built side by side with its middle school.

M O N E Y M AT T E R S

By Chris Thornburgh

TEACH YOUR KIDS MONEY LESSONS TO LAST A LIFETIME

ids are shortchanged when it comes to learning about money. Most kids learn about finances by “money see, money do.” The way we handle our finances and how we talk (or don’t talk) about it affects our children’s relationship with money. Lessons must begin at home. Consider some of these strategies:

MODEL GOOD BEHAVIOR Children learn from their parents, and how they learn to handle money is no exception. Kids are more likely to do what you do than do what you say. Are you leading by example?

INVOLVE KIDS IN HOUSEHOLD SHOPPING Take your kids grocery shopping and show them what things cost. Have them comparison shop. Take the opportunity to chat about planning, saving and finding the best value.

GIVE YOUR KIDS OPPORTUNITIES TO EARN MONEY Consider paying your kids an age-appropriate allowance. Whether you believe it’s better to tie an allowance to chores or to give money without conditions, an allowance is a great way to teach money management. Kids quickly learn how far a dollar can be stretched or blown when it comes from their own pocket. Tie allowances to financial responsibilities. A child’s allowance may be enough to pay for school lunches, buy a small toy and put a little money into savings. Increase allowances and financial responsibilities as they mature. For example, a teen’s allowance may cover their school lunches and clothing costs. The idea is to teach them about budgeting and spending.

AVOID LOANS TO KIDS When kids have their own money, it’s important they make choices and live with the consequences. If they spend their monthly allowance in the first week, that’s too bad. Don’t loan them money or give them an advance on their allowance. The point is to teach them how to save for what they want. They learn to make smarter choices knowing there is no parental safety net.

PUT SAVINGS INTO OVERDRIVE Open a savings account with your kids and teach them how their bank pays them interest. You can even provide savings incentives. Offer to match every dollar, or whatever amount you choose, on any money they deposit into their account.

MOTIVATE LEARNING WITH SMART APPS Smartphones can do almost anything, including financially educating our kids. Put the fun into money management with a few favorite money apps. Savings Spree is an award-winning app that teaches kids valuable money lessons. Kids learn to earn money, avoid impulse purchases, set savings and spending goals, and many other financial lessons. Kids Money helps children plan for long-term purchases. This app teaches the value of saving and shows the impact of purchases made along the way. iAllowance helps kids and parents monitor their allowance system and chores. With each weekly allowance, you two can decide what portion of the money should go to spending, savings or charity – a good way to teach money management and philanthropy. Since this is a tracking device, no real money is exchanged – it simply serves as a reminder of how much they have and how much is owed. Not only can you add money to your child’s account, you can deduct it too. Hmmm, remember that room that never got cleaned? Mint.com is perfect for teens who will be managing their own finances once they’re off to college. Mint provides you with all of your bank account balances in real time, sends an alert when you’re about to surpass your budget and helps you manage your expenses.

THE BOTTOM LINE Teaching kids simple money lessons early on can go a long way toward their financial success. The benefits last a lifetime. — ChrisThornburgh isa CPA and partneratBrow n Arm strong Accountancy Corp.Contactheratcthornburgh@ bacpas.com or661-324-4971.

Chris Thornburgh

bakersfieldlife.com

Up Front

S H O R T TA K E S

Angela Paquette and Catherine Gay at the 2013 cioppino feed.

ROTARY CLUB TO HOST CIOPPINO FEED FUNDRAISER

he Rotary Club of Bakersfield West serves the less fortunate youth of our community by helping fund programs in education, literacy, health and welfare and has been working in the community for the past 40 years. The club will be hosting its 21st annual fundraiser, a cioppino feed cooked by the culinary team at Bakersfield College. The Rotary Club is a strong supporter of the college’s culinary program. Some of the beneficiaries of the evening will include the Kern Coalition Against Human Traf-

Bakersfield Life Magazine

March 2015

ficking, the Bakersfield West Rotary Breast Cancer Fund at San Joaquin Community Hospital, The Bakersfield West Rotary Foundation and the Boys & Girls Club of Kern County. The feed will take place from 6 to 10 p.m., March 21, at Garces High School’s Leddy Hall. Tickets are $100 each. There will also be live and silent auctions to further benefit the charities. For more information or to purchase a ticket, contact Kelli Davis at 829-1011. — Bakersfield Life

Head to the Irish Heritage Club of Bakersfield to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.

PHOTO BY FELIX ADAMO

PHOTO BY GREG NICHOLS

IRISH HERITAGE CLUB CELEBRATES ST. PATRICK’S DAY

o celebrate St. Patrick’s Day the true Irish way, join the Irish Heritage Club for its full Irish breakfast from noon to 2 p.m. Sunday, March 15. The breakfast will feature many traditional Irish dishes, including black and white puddings, rashers, eggs, baked beans, mushrooms, tomato and potato farls, tea and scones. Following the meal will be Irish music from 2 to 5 p.m. This is an open house and all are welcome to join. On March 17, the clubhouse will be filled with music, craic, a potluck and other festivities fitting to the occasion from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. The clubhouse event is generally open to members, but if anyone else would like to join in, they are free to email the club at Bakersfieldirish@hotmail.com or visit its Facebook page prior to the event. Tickets are $20 and must be purchased on or before March 12. The clubhouse is located at 3129 Chester Ln. — Bakersfield Life

served: Panama Buena Vista, Lamont, Bakersfield City, Delano, Arvin and Standard. To receive care, students must be prescreened by local district nurses, fall in a lowincome bracket and be identified as needing new eyewear. “Essentially, it’s no child left behind because we provide the care these kids need,” said Justin L. Cave, MPA, executive director of ACE.

Advanced Center for Eye Care is teaming up with OneSight to run its fourth annual Vision Regional Clinic in March. ACE provides medical and surgical eye care services to Kern County’s uninsured and underinsured popula-

tion through local volunteers. Visit acecares.org for more information. — Bakersfield Life

MUSICAL COMEDY TO BENEFIT KERN COUNTY CANCER FUND

akersfield Black Gold Productions will present “The Big Bad Musical, A Howling Courtroom Comedy” to benefit the Kern County Cancer Fund at 7 p.m. March 13, 14, 20 and 21, with a Sunday matinee at 2 p.m. March 15. In this musical comedy, storybook characters sue the Big Bad

Local musical to benefit the Kern County Cancer Fund. Wolf for mistreatment. Come see this hilarious melodrama performed at the Women’s Club of Bakersfield located at 2030 18th St. Tickets are $25 for dinner shows (doors open at 5:30 p.m.) and $10

PHOTO BY MIKE HANDREN

uring the week of March 2, local nonprofit Advanced Center for Eyecare (ACE) will team up with national nonprofit OneSight to offer free eye care to local students at their fourth annual Vision Regional Clinic. This year, the groups anticipate serving over 1,000 students at the Kern County Fairgrounds, compared to last year’s 405. Students from the following school districts will be

PHOTO COURTESY OF ACE

VISION REGIONAL CLINIC TO BRING SIGHT TO LOCAL STUDENTS

for matinee. Dinner proceeds to benefit the API scholarship fund. Tickets can be purchased online at BGP-show.com or contact Mike Handren at 330-0423. — Bakersfield Life

bakersfieldlife.com

S H O R T TA K E S

“Sister Act” takes place March 29.

BMOA HOSTING ART CLASS FOR CHILDREN

BMOA children’s art.

BROADWAY IN BAKERSFIELD’S LAST SHOW OF THE SEASON, ‘SISTER ACT’

but this puts Van Cartier’s cover in jeopardy. The comedy features an original score by award-winning composer Alan Menken (“Beauty and the Beast,” “The Little Mermaid,” “Enchanted”). See the show at 7 p.m., March 29 at Rabobank Theater. Tickets start at $32 at the Rabobank box office, ticketmaster.com or 1-800-745-3000. — Bakersfield Life

PHOTO BY CASEY CHRISTIE

roadway in Bakersfield closes out its 2014-15 season with the Tony Awardnominated musical “Sister Act.” Most will remember the ’90s film of the same name starring Whoopi Goldberg. The play follows the story of singer Deloris Van Cartier (originally played by Goldberg), who is put into protective custody in a convent. Her powerful voice draws the sisters in and they form a rowdy choir,

KCKC to host annual obedience show. 20

Bakersfield Life Magazine

March 2015

PHOTO COURTESY OF BMOA

PHOTO COURTESY OF BROADWAY IN BAKERSFIELD

Up Front

he Bakersfield Museum of Art (BMOA) is currently hosting an afterschool program for children ages 7

to 12. The class teaches children about art, each lesson designed to fit the grade levels of children in the class. With each month focusing on a new theme, children will learn skills in drawing, painting with acrylic, sculpting and painting with watercolor. The class takes place on Tuesday afternoons from 4 to 5:30 p.m. The cost is $18 per class session for BMOA members, and $20 for non-members. All supplies are included in the cost. For more information about classes and registration, visit bmoa.org/artafterschool. — Bakersfield Life

KERN COUNTY KENNEL CLUB TO HOST DOG SHOW

he Kern County Kennel Club will be hosting its 80th and 81st Annual All Breed Obedience Show at the Kern County Fairgrounds. The event will take place Saturday, March 28 and Sunday, March 29 starting at 8 a.m. and running all day. It’s the perfect place to speak with breed experts about grooming, training and finding the right breed for you. It is also the place to learn about responsible breeding. Also at the show will be vendors,

obedience trainers, and a “new attraction in the form of 4- to 6-month puppy classes.” These classes are for puppies that are AKC registered, but not quite old enough for regular show classes. Anyone may enter their puppy and since all are at beginning level, they are not required to be “overly trained.” Tickets are $5 for adults, $4 for seniors and children under 12 are free. For more information, visit kerncountykennelclubinc.com. — Bakersfield Life

F I N D I N G FA M E

By Shelby Parker

SCRAPPY BIRD GETS THE WORM

PHOTO BY MAUREEN RICE

A few of SoapBox’s all-natural bars.

hand soap. The idea is that for each item purchased, SoapBox will give back to a child in need. Purchase a bar of soap and SoapBox gives a bar. Purchase body wash and the company gives a year of vitamins, while a hand soap purchase translates into a month of clean water. “We work with existing nonprofits to support the great work they are doing in order to ensure efficient and sustainable aid,” Pandol said. Pandol grew up in Bakersfield and, true to this community’s legacy, came from an agriculture family. Her father is the owner of Grapery Grapes, famous for its Cotton Candy and Flavor Promise grapes. She attended Bakersfield Christian High School, where she graduated in 2010. From there, she attended the University of Richmond in Virginia, where she majored in leadership studies with a concentration in business

and a minor in Spanish. While still in college, Pandol wrote her thesis on social entrepreneurship, which led her to getting in contact with the co-founder of SoapBox Dave Simnick. After her second interview, Simnick asked if she had a job yet. Still a student, Pandol said no and she was hired on as their digital marketing specialist. She became director of communications before she even started. Now, Pandol lives in Washington, D.C., spending most of her days at the SoapBox office. “A typical day at SoapBox is hard to pin down; every day has been an adventure,” she said. Pandol manages the company’s social media platforms, all online marketing, email marketing, and website content and sales. She also manages comarketing partnerships, event marketing, and all PR outreach and efforts. Pandol is proof that if you want to make something happen, you have to put in the time to reap its benefits. “The smartest, most talented people don’t always get the job; the people who work the hardest do,” she said. “I’m not the best test taker, I’m not the smartest, but I am the scrappiest, the hardest working and that’s what makes me successful, especially in the startup

Cici Pandol

world.” Although Pandol is enjoying her time at SoapBox, she admits to missing Bakersfield and its people. “Every time I get on the last leg of my flight heading into the Bakersfield airport, I can just feel a difference,” she said. “Bakersfield people are kind, honest, and friendly and care about their community. I wish I could work with Bakersfield people every day.” To purchase SoapBox products or for more information about its mission, visit soapboxsoaps.com.

The entire SoapBox Naturals line, including bar soap, hand soap and body wash. bakersfieldlife.com

PHOTO BY KRISTEN CLEVELAND

f you aren’t familiar with SoapBox Soaps, there’s a good chance you soon will be. Cici Pandol, a Bakersfield native and director of communications at SoapBox, is spreading the word about the company and the good it’s doing. SoapBox is a mission-based personal care company, which has three product lines – bar soap, body wash and

PHOTO COURTESY OF CICI PANDOL

Hard-working Bakersfield native finds success in startup world

Up Front

IN SEASON

By Miranda Whitworth

WRENWOOD SESSIONS

PHOTO BY ERICA UEBERROTH

Steve Lewis plays the guitar and octave mandolin for the six-member group Wrenwood Sessions. The band formed in 2010 after members met in church and began playing together for various holiday programs. A seasoned musician, Lewis says his love for Celtic music comes from deep within. “I think it’s in your soul, actually,” said Lewis. Wrenwood Sessions Wrenwood Sessions plays locally during the Scottish Games, with an occasional appearance at Sandrini’s, Kenny Mount and the Irish Heritage Association. They are also Saturday morning regulars on the Village Grill patio in downtown Bakersfield when weather permits. For more information, check out Wrenwood’s Facebook page and website, wrenwoodsessions.com.

THE ANGRY BRIANS Local Celtic band The Angry Brians, formally 1916, has found fame outside of Kern County. They have exploded on the Celtic festival scene with their harder, heavier ’70s rock band style and regularly travel across the western United States, playing 36 to 40 shows a year. Drummer Walter Bald-

Banshee in the Kitchen 22

Bakersfield Life Magazine

March 2015

The Angry Brians

win says they have droves of enthusiastic fans. “If you think mosh pits are enthusiastic, then, yes, I would say there is a lot of enthusiasm,” said Baldwin. While Wrenwood Sessions and The Angry Brians have a very different sound, they agree on the mysterious pull of Celtic music. “It’s something in my soul,” Baldwin said. “I just loved the bagpipes and they just brought me in. I can’t explain it.” Keep up with the band and its album releases on Facebook or through theangrybrians.com.

BANSHEE IN THE KITCHEN Banshee in the Kitchen has also found success on the festival circuit. The Bakersfield Celtic music band tours during school breaks and long weekends. Jill England, accordion, flute, penny whistle, bodhran player and singer, is just one of four female core members. The band refers to its revolving fifth members as “Man-shees,” male percussionists that temporarily join them on the road or here locally. England says their tour schedule takes a back seat to their class loads, but when they do hit the road, it’s Celtic music class time. “We all teach a bit when we tour. We impart information about our craft,” said England. For England, just like Baldwin and Lewis, there’s nothing quite like playing Celtic music. “I have Irish roots and it is my soul music,” she said. “I just have this very real affinity for it. There’s something about the modality of it – the music just goes right to your gut.” Check out the band’s albums and tour info on its Facebook page or at bansheeinthekitchen.com.

PHOTO BY RODNEY THORNBURG

ndulge in Irish culture this St. Patrick’s Day with the unique stringed sounds of local Celtic music. The genre began as a mix of European modes with strong Irish influence but made its way into the North American backwoods, folk and country music, and eventually Bakersfield, home to several Oklahoma and Appalachia transplants and country musicians. Bakersfield’s Celtic music scene is broader than you might think, providing you plenty of listening options this green-tinged season.

PHOTO BY LINDSEY KIMBALL

CELTIC MUSIC FOR THE SOUL

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Up Front

MY PET

Compiled by Bakersfield Life

Aidan and his sun conure, Peaches.

ix-year-old Aidan is a lucky kid. A parrot just showed up in his backyard one day. He didn’t even have to sneak him in the house. The beautiful multi-colored sun conure had an ID tag, so the family tried everything from putting up fliers to calling up For the Birds and More on Rosedale Highway. The owners, if there were any, never claimed the young bird. Aidan’s grandmother, Lisa Anderson, said that conures can be loud, so owners frequently abandon them. Aidan didn’t mind the squawking, and after three weeks of fruitless owner-searching, he named the conure Peaches and the two boys bonded. Sun conures are smart, with a little devilish side. With the intelligence of a 2-year-old, they understand simple words and phrases and can learn tricks, like identifying colors. Peaches perches on Aidan’s shoulder while he watches TV or colors. Aidan makes sure to keep the parrot entertained because a bored Peaches means a mischievous, sure-towreak-havoc Peaches. The same could be said for Aidan, so the two make a perfect pair. Aidan loves talking to his conure, especially because Peaches shakes his head “yes” when he understands the 6year-old’s messages. Conures can live to up to 30 years, so 24

Bakersfield Life Magazine

March 2015

PHOTO BY MARK NESSIA

AIDAN AND PEACHES

who knows, Peaches could accompany Aidan to college, even down the aisle at his wedding; he’ll just need to learn how to say “I do.” What is your parrot’s name? Peaches. Why did you choose that name? He looks like a ripe peach. How old is your parrot? 1 1/2 years old. What kind of parrot is he or she? A sun conure. What is your favorite memory with your parrot? The first time Peaches sat on my shoulder. What makes your parrot happy? When he gets to play, and when I give him treats and kisses. What are your parrot’s favorite foods? Sunflower seeds, pomegranate seeds, corn, peas, spinach, blueberries and mangoes. Does your parrot have any talents? We taught him how to do tricks. He can wave, turn around, give kisses and can go to the bathroom on command. Does your parrot have any bad habits? He squawks very loudly. Use three words to describe your parrot: He is cool, funny and very pretty. What are your parrot’s favorite activities? He likes to sit on my shoulder, play and sleep in his hammock.

BY THE NUMBERS

A look at raising children in Kern County Amount spent on childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s clothing in the past 12 months

Presence of children by age

27%

Age under 2

Age 6 - 11

13% Under $100 16% $100 - $499 4% $500 or more

26%

20%

Age 12 - 17

Age 2 - 5

20% High school sports event

Events or places visited in the past 12 months

Circus

13% Zoo

34% Any theme park

Source: Scarborough Research - Sept. 2014

bakersfieldlife.com

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Bakersfield Life Magazine

March 2015

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W H AT I ’ M R E A D I N G

ISAAC BOWERS Young author and athlete

What I’m currently reading: “The Giver.” It is a

class assignment. Favorite author:

Dr. Seuss. Favorite book:

“Where the Red Fern Grows.” Books I’ve read more than once: I

haven’t read any books more than once, other than the Dr. Seuss books and the children’s books in our home library. There are so many good books out today, it wouldn’t be fair to all the other good books to take the time to re-read one I’ve already read. I do

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Isaac Bowers and his book, “Good Knights for California Football.”

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PHOTO BY MARK NESSIA

saac Bowers is a 14year-old author who recently published his first book, “Good Knights for California Football,” with the help of his grandmother, Carol Welty Roper. Isaac’s book tells the story of characters Brady, Leon, Jake, Martin and Lisa Marie and their love for football. The characters learn that by working as a team, they can achieve their life goals. Isaac lives in Bakersfield with his parents and younger brother, Logan. In addition to being an author, Isaac is an athlete who enjoys football, basketball, running track, swimming, diving and golfing. He’s also a straight-A student and is looking forward to high school. You can find Isaac’s book on Amazon.com.

to sleep. The book that’s been inspirational in my life:

“CATCOON.” My brother wrote this with my grandma after coming home from a fieldtrip at school. He thought that the Raccoons were CAT-coons because he misunderstood the zookeeper. His book was published and I wanted to write one too.

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Thoughts on reading: I have read my fair

share of books just to get the information, to pass the test, write the paper and to know what’s going on in the world. (But) reading is fun too! “Good Knights for California Football” is a fun and easy read and has a great message.

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bakersfieldlife.com

Up Front

HAPPENINGS

CAN’T-MISS EVENTS IN MARCH

Find more community events at bakersfieldlife.com, or submit yours via email to bakersfieldlife@bakersfield.com or via our Facebook page: Bakersfield Life Magazine

Saturday 3/7 2nd Annual Iron Man Shooting Competition to bene-

fit No Paws Left Behind Rescue, trap, skeet and sporting clays. 8 a.m. sign-in, 9 a.m. start. Kern County Gun Club 12450 Shotgun Road. $100 per person, $400 team of four. Contact Teresa Walker 304-3332.

Boat, RV and Outdoor Show

Sunday 3/1 Celebrations of Love on

67th Annual Camellia Show, plant sale, raffle, 1 to 4:30

Model Train Show

p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Bakersfield Racquet Club, 1660 Pine St. Free. 3258652.

Sunday 3/15

Saturday 3/21

Kern River Canyon HalfMarathon, 10K and 5K held by

Bakersfield Health & Wellness Expo presented by TBC

Sunday 3/8 21st Annual Christian Youth Film Festival, 5 p.m., Fox

Theater, 2001 H St. $10 at the door or at Youth for Christ, 2131 California Ave. christianyouthfilmfestival.org or 619-1834.

Run 4 A Way to benefit citizens of the Kern River Valley. 9 a.m. start time, only 75 spots, Miracle Hot Springs on Old Kern Canyon Road. Registration $65 plus fees, bakersfieldtrackclub.com.

Media and Dignity Health, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Rabobank Theater, 1001 Truxtun Ave. Free to public. Interested vendors visit healthybakersfield.com. Cioppino Feed and Live Auction hosted by Bakersfield

exhibit through March 31; a collection of expressive paintings and books available, The Arts Council of Kern in the Kern County Superintendent of Schools: Access Center Gallery, 1330 Truxtun Ave.

Saturday 3/14

“My Big Fat Oildale Wedding” through May 10, Gaslight

Tamera Hill’s “Workplace Drama,” 7:30 p.m., Fox Theater,

Central Valley Sportsmen’s Boat, RV and Outdoor Show,

2001 H. St. $34 - $68 at the box office, vallitix.com or 322-5000.

Melodrama Theatre & Music Hall, 12748 Jomani Drive. Tickets, times and pricing available at themelodrama.com.

Kids land, Dock Dogs West Coast Challenge, robotic games, youth archery, live music, food, field & agility dogs, bass bin, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Kern County Fairgrounds, 1142 South P St. $10 adults, $5 kids 6 to 12, FREE kids 5 and under and military in uniform. $2 off general admission with canned food donation. 1-800725-0793 or calshows.com.

Bakersfield Model Train Show through March 15, model

2nd Annual Run for LoveWater 1/5/10K, 6 a.m. registra-

train displays and model train stuff for sale, raffle drawing for model train sets; Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Kern County Fairgrounds; $7 admission, free to kids ages 12 and under, $2 extra for train rides. 331-6695, carldw@aol.com, or gehams.org.

tion, 8 a.m. start at Yokuts Park. 1 mile, $10, 5/10K, $30 at lovewater.org/runforlovewater. ’Field n ’Dale 6-12K Fun Run, 7 a.m. registration, 9 a.m. start time at Panorama Vista Preserve, 901 E. Roberts Lane. Preregistration $25, regular $35. Register at Covenant Coffee, 1700 N. Chester Ave. or online at backersfieldtrackclub.com.

Wednesday 3/4 “Where Do the Children Play?” Emmy award-winning

documentary screening and panel with Dianne Hoover, Andrae Gonzales and Linda Vasquez. 5:30 p.m. Walter Stiern Middle School, 2551 Morning Drive. Free. 734-717-9729 or lizgood@umich.edu. 28

Bakersfield Life Magazine

March 2015

Friday 3/20

Camellia Show

West Rotary to benefit local charities, all you can eat fresh clams, salad, cioppino brimming with shrimp and crab, 6 to 10 p.m. Garces High School, Monsignor Leddy Hall, 2800 Loma Linda Drive. $100. Contact Kelli Davis, 829-1011.

Sunday 3/29 “Sister Act,” 7 p.m., Rabobank Theater, 1001 Truxtun Ave. Tickets and pricing available at ticketmaster.com or 852-7308.

ON THE WEB CUTEST KIDS These kids make their families so proud. Here are the top three cutest kids photos from last month’s competition.

HOME CONTEST Love that backyard oasis? Have a killer view off the back porch? A gorgeous bath? Unique stairway? We want to feature your favorite part of your house in our April Home and Garden issue. Please send us a photo and a brief description of your beautiful nook to bakersfieldlife@bakersfield.com.

WOMEN CAN DO IT March is Women’s History Month and we asked our readers via Facebook to nominate their female heroes. Here are two loving women who are changing their communities’ and families’ lives. “Romelia Ortiz (my grandmother) is my heroine because she goes above and beyond for the love of her family. My Nanie (as the family calls her) has showed so much strength in all she does from the passing of her husband, becoming a single mother of two, working her way up and staying dedicated to Community Action Partnership of Kern for more than 30 years, and now being a college professor at Bakersfield College.” — Crystal Hernandez “My heroine is my mother, Lydia Molina. (I’m) so proud of how strong she has been in recovering from her medical issues. She worked in special education for many years before retiring in 2010. Anyone who has met her will say she is a wonderful person, an extremely hard worker and a great friend. She gives her unconditional love to her children and grandchildren.” — Monique Molina

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bakersfieldlife.com

Up Front

1 2 R A N D O M T H I N G S YO U D I D N ’ T K N OW A B O U T …

Compiled by Bakersfield Life

EVELYN ARREDONDO

s a junior at Mira Monte High School, Evelyn Arredondo is proving that age is nothing but a number. Passionate about politics, Arredondo, 16, is ready to take on the world. She plays golf, is president of the Spanish and AP English language clubs, and participates in mock trial, interact club, drum line, marching band and concert band. In 2013, Arredondo attended the Georgetown (her dream school) summer program. “I was very shocked to find out I had been accepted because I thought I wasn’t good enough for the program,” she said. “I fundraised every single cent – around $5,000 – by myself dur-

ing a short three-week time span.” From her first step onto Georgetown’s campus, Arredondo knew this is where she wanted to end up after high school. “I remember I fell in love with the campus the minute I saw it,” she said. “I believed I was in a ‘Harry Potter’ movie because the main campus looked like a castle, and I had never seen anything like it.” This year, Arredondo applied and was accepted to the university’s diplomat program in China. She is currently fundraising due to tuition being so expensive, but with her determination, anything is possible. “I have faith in myself that I will make it,” said Arredondo.

8 I’m very passionate about politics. I

I am from Bakersfield, born and raised.

2 I’m the first to go to college in my family.

I’m aspiring to be the first female Hispanic president of the United States.

4 I love anything dealing with John F. Kennedy. In fact, I like to motivate myself with his famous quote: “We have come too far, we have sacrificed too much, to disdain the future now.”

5 My personal motto that I live by is: “The world is my playground.”

6 I read the newspaper every day, ranging from The Bakersfield Californian to The Los Angeles Times.

7 Whenever PHOTO BY MARK NESSIA

I’m not doing any extracurricular activities, I love to read works about JFK, catch up on any other reading, watch “House of Cards” or hang out with friends.

Bakersfield Life Magazine

March 2015

can’t stop talking about it sometimes.

In five years, I hope to have graduated from my dream school, Georgetown University, and work on Capitol Hill, building up the skills to run for office.

10 The thing I would like to change about our world is the racial inequality that is somewhat still evident today. I want everyone to be able to have the same opportunities, no matter what.

11 My favorite story I like to tell is (about) my final day in D.C. The sun was setting, and I was standing right where Martin Luther King Jr. stood at the Lincoln Memorial. I closed my eyes and for a brief second, I envisioned myself standing in front of all those that had been present during the “I Have A Dream” speech, but instead of yelling for equality, they were yelling, “President Evelyn!” But then I opened my eyes and came back to reality and decided I was going to make this a reality. I came back to Bakersfield and applied for an internship with my local congressman and got accepted.

Visiting Georgetown during its summer program was a major turning point in my life overall. This helped me decide that politics was my calling in life.

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Eat & Drink

D I N I N G D I VA S

La Costa Mariscos has spiced up the old Ice House off of Chester Avenue, its new location.

LA COSTA MARISCOS Divas retreat to Puerto Vallarta through coastal Mexican cuisine Compiled by Bakersfield Life

his month takes the Dining Divas to La Costa Mariscosâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; new location at Bakersfieldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s historic Ice House building on Chester Avenue, just north of the Garces Circle.

IN WITH THE NEW La Costa is an old Bakersfield favorite, but we were excited to see what changes had been made at the Ice House. The new beach haciendathemed restaurant features seahorses,

Bakersfield Life Magazine

March 2015

Photos by Greg Nichols

seashells, fishnets and starfish hanging on the classic brick walls. The high wood ceilings create plenty of space for guests on both the first and second floors. We were seated in the Frida Kahlo room, featuring pictures of Kahlo, her art, candles and large sparkling stars hung from the ceiling. Owner Maria Coward, aka Mama Maria, said food has been a part of her life since she was a young girl growing up in Puerto Vallarta, where she helped her mother with a

small business and her 11 siblings. Mama came to Bakersfield in 1992, opening her restaurant at 21st and Q streets with just four employees. She outgrew the original, regularly crowded, 100-seat location and opened the new Ice House location in fall 2014, expanding to 300 seats and 65 employees. With a rich history, generous portions and an exciting atmosphere, La Costa Mariscos is a must for any appetite.

APPETIZERS Dianne on the ceviche: The seafood ceviche was perfectly balanced, with shrimp and fish soaked in lime juice, onions, cilantro, tomatoes and light seasonings. The ceviche came in a large dish and was plenty for all of us to share – which we do with just about everything we order. Dipped in the homemade chips, this dish could possibly be a light meal. Amber on the chips and salsa:

Chips and salsa get me every time, particularly when the chips are homemade and fresh as they arrive to the table. I particularly enjoyed the light corn chips, which had the perfect crunch.

Dianne on the guacamole: The creamy dish is spiced just right with a little bit of onions, peppers, tomatoes and garlic. It is definitely worth getting as an appetizer or adding to your entree.

ENTREES Valerie on the Vallarta camarones: I ventured way out of my

comfort zone to try a seafood dish since La Costa is known for its delicioso mariscos (delicious seafood). The Vallarta camarones is a shrimp dish in lemon butter sauce, with fresh elephant garlic and topped with cheese. WOW! The camarones were light, yet so filling, and complemented by a perfect blend of garlic and butter. If I could insert a “mind blown” emoji here, I would! The entrée came with a side of sautéed vegetables and salad.

La Costa has expanded its seating at its new location.

LaMeka on the asada y camarones: I promised myself to thor-

oughly enjoy this Dining Diva experience and try something different. With that said, I ordered the asada y camaron. It was a New York steak and

Continued on page 38 La Costa’s well-stocked bar.

La Costa Mariscos 3401 Chester Ave. Suite B (the old Ice House) 661-322-2655 facebook.com/lacostamariscosbakersfield Open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday and Sunday; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday

The 2015 Dining Divas enjoyed an evening at La Costa’s new location. bakersfieldlife.com

Taco de camaron y taco de pescado

Huevos rancheros with chili verde

Continued from page 37 shrimp topped with a spicy diablo sauce. I was a little hesitant, but Annabelle, our waitress, brought me a sample of the sauce before I ordered. The sauce had a little kick, but nothing I couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t handle. The steak was huge and the shrimp were a good size, so I was able to enjoy it for lunch the next day. Amber on the huevos rancheros with chili verde: Ever since my Mexi-

can restaurant-owning friends recommended that I try my huevos rancheros with chili verde pork on top, I try the combination at other Mexican restaurants, and I love La Costaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s take. It was like foodie nirvana. But let me warn you: The portion is huge and became dinner a few nights later. I had three fried eggs, a generous ladle of ranchero sauce and chunks of pork that had been simmered all day. With flour tortillas and a side of

Carne asada

Vallarta camarones

Tostada de ceviche 34

Bakersfield Life Magazine

March 2015

rice and beans, this was a hearty meal on a cold winter night. Dianne on the carne asada: I enjoyed the unbelievably large New York strip steak, cooked medium, just as ordered. The steak is lightly seasoned with red pepper and accompanied by fresh onions, tomatoes, lettuce and a touch of guacamole. This is a great dish for meat lovers. To balance the meat, I chose the steamed and barely buttered vegetables. The vegetables were crunchy and fresh, just the way I like them, and included hefty helpings of carrots and broccoli. The whole plate was topped with a giant jalapeĂąo pepper with a little kick that kicked more later in the evening. Valerie on the taco de camaron y taco de pescado: The tacos were pre-

sented like traditional street tacos on small corn tortillas, filled with the pescado (sea bass) and camaron (shrimp).

Asada y camarones

The tacos were delightfully pure in their presentation – not over seasoned, but cooked just right to melt in your mouth. Served with traditional beans and rice and a small green salad, this was a perfect meal.

DESSERTS LaMeka on the sweet potato cheesecake: I was curious to taste the

sweet potato cheesecake as sweet potatoes and cheesecake are two of my favorite sweet things to eat. It was yummy! The bottom layer of the cheesecake had a nice layer of graham crackers, the second layer was a rich cheesecake and the dessert was topped with a layer of sweet potato and caramel-like frosting. Dianne on the fried ice cream: Of all the desserts we tried, this was my favorite. Homemade on the premises, the chocolate chip ice cream was surrounded by cornflakes and quickly fried. Topped with

Fried ice cream

rich whipped cream and chocolate drizzles all over the plate, this was a great way to cool down some of the spices consumed earlier. Amber on the red velvet cake:

Mama Maria willingly let us know this dessert is brought in, and it’s a wonder to behold. The cake is a three-layer tower of yummy chocolatey goodness (if not shared, this would be a diet buster). Rich chocolate cake was layered with a chocolate ganache and cream cheese icing. The ganache added a new twist and deep flavor to this old favorite, setting La Costa’s cake apart from the rest.

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SHARING FOOD, MEMORIES We Dining Divas enjoy our time out together, and we always share dishes across the table. We all agree that whether you like seafood, shellfish, steak or chicken, there is something for the entire family to enjoy at La Costa Mariscos.

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Eat & Drink

FOOD AND WINE

SPRINGTIME WINES Two wine enthusiasts share their recommendations By Anna C. Smith Photos by Michael Lopez

efore long, tulips will be bursting forth in yards all over town, baseball season will begin, families will gather around the barbecue, and alfresco dining can resume. We think every breezy springtime meal deserves to be paired with a crisp, fragrant wine. On that note, we thought it appropriate to explore wines in categories that fit the mood: lively and ephemeral. This is what the French call “les vins de soif” – wines to quench your thirst. Below, two local wine experts share stories and recommendations to inspire your spring wine selections.

ANGELO MAZZEI, LOCAL WINE CONNOISSEUR Angelo Mazzei has a long and rich history with wine, including an ancestral winemaking connection that dates back to the 14th century. Mazzei’s family is from the island of Elba in southwestern Tuscany. His father carried on the Italian tradition of making wine on his small family vineyard and vegetable farm in Fresno. However, it was on a business trip to Italy about 20

years ago that Angelo serendipitously met for the first time a Mazzei family branch that produces wine in Italy under this name. He was warmly invited for dinner at their villa in Fonterutoli, in central Tuscany. This family has been making wine on the same land since 1435 – 28 generations. Philip Mazzei, a relative of this branch, was Thomas Jefferson’s good friend for 40 years. Philip helped introduce and cultivate vineyards in Virginia and is credited with the phrase “All men are created equal,” incorporated into the Declaration of Independence. The Philip wine, included in Angelo’s recommendations below, was introduced on July 4, 2013, at Monticello to celebrate the friendship between Jefferson and Philip. Angelo attended the celebration dinner at the Lincoln Library. Locally, Angelo is a member of the Bakersfield Wine Society. He hosted Francesco Mazzei of the Mazzei winery several times in town for events through this society. For spring, Angelo praises

Angelo Mazzei

Continued on page 38

Robert Tapia 36

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Continued from page 36 the lesser-known Italian Vermentino white wine, low in alcohol with citrus aromatics. Breaking with tradition a bit, Angelo includes a full-bodied red wine into his spring recommendations: • 2008 Marchesi Mazzei “Philip” Toscana Cabernet Sauvignon: A robust red wine with a blend of cabernet sauvignon grapes from two regions in Tuscany. Philip is great with barbecued meats, including juicy steak. • La Crema Chardonnay: A perennial classic. This is a lighter, reasonably priced option with a hint of oak. Enjoy with roasted chicken.

ROBERT TAPIA, GENERAL MANAGER AT IMBIBE WINE & SPIRITS Robert Tapia’s story with wine began 10 years ago as he was attending culinary academy at Le Cordon Bleu in Pasadena. A wine studies course sparked his interest; he came to love the geography, history and geology as it relates to winemaking. “I can never learn enough,” he said.

In the springtime, Robert encourages patrons to try new things. “Spring is the time to experiment,” he said. Robert recommends the following refreshing spring wines: • 2013 The Terraces Chenin Blanc: Chenin Blanc is generally known as the chameleon of white grapes. This is a domestic version with hints of sweetness and ripe fruit. Try with scallops as a starter wine. • 2012 Bodegas Avancia Godello: Spanish grapes produce this white wine. It has good minerality with hints of white flowers. Godello pairs well with shrimp scampi or scallops. • Simonnet-Febvre Brut Rosé Crémant: A sparkling wine from Burgundy, made mostly with pinot noir grapes. This wine is dry, with tight bubbles, and hints of strawberry fruit. It is very versatile. Try with salmon, turkey, roasted chicken or seafood. • 2012 Herencia Altés Grenache Blanc: This is spring in a bottle. This white wine is fragrant and dry, never heavy, with hints of melon. Enjoy with calamari or grilled fish.

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March 2015

Lifestyles

ON THE ROAD

2015 PORSCHE BOXSTER GTS Luxurious Boxster offers one-of-a-kind style, performanceÂ

Bakersfield Life editor Olivia Garcia gives the hottest new 2015 Porsche Boxster GTS a thumbs-up. 40

Bakersfield Life Magazine

March 2015

Premium leather and Bose audio system add to the experience.

The Boxster will make heads turn.

that features both manual and automatic modes and fast gear changes that doesn’t s I slid into the gorgeous 2015 disrupt its powerful motion. Porsche Boxster GTS and drove Then there’s its captivating, sheer beauty. away from the Family Motors “It’s the iconic roadster, from the top up Auto Group dealership, I wonto top down; you’ll see,” said Tim Galving, dered what could I possibly say sales manager of Porsche of Bakersfield. to make this beauty more appealing than it is Forbes contributor Mark Ewing agreed, already? calling the Boxster “an unparalleled exemplar I mean, who doesn’t love a Porsche? of sports car design.” It’s one of those must-drive, must-experiIn a January article, the Forbes writer ence, check-off-your-bucket-list kind of cars. noted that the carmaker “has achieved full The feeling you get Zen in the art of sports behind the wheel is car design and engineerbeyond explanation. But ing. Boxster GTS is the I guess the closest I can logical evolution of the get to describing it is by sports car defined in the comparing it to running late 1950s, except with past the finish line of a the advances of the past marathon when you 60 years, it is also comknow you’ve PR’d (set a fortable, civilized and personal record). Trirelaxed when not pushed umph. Success. Strength. hard – ideal for traveling The feeling is incredible. with a special friend I use the running through sports car counanalogy because those try.” who know me know that Motor Trend writer I love to run. The faster Scott Burgess raved the better. And the about the Boxster’s feathBoxster GTS has nothing erweight that results in but speed, thanks to 330 better performance. horsepower and 273 Yes, this perfect gem pound-feet of torque. offers an unmatched Consider its muscleexperience. It revs with a Seamless center console. packed power: The punch of power and mesBoxster can go from zero merizing tenor. My two to 60 in about four sechigh school sons and their two friends stood onds. Yes. Four seconds. in an awe-struck, jaw-dropping trance as the The Boxster’s 3.4-liter flat-six aluminum Boxster wickedly purred like a Bengal tiger mid engine gives the car a lower center of and swaggered into the driveway. Many gravity, creating phenomenal handling. This thanks to the Boxster’s sport exhaust system. Porsche also offers Doppelkupplung (PDK) I should clarify that this Porsche comes in

By Olivia Garcia

Photos by Mark Nessia

two versions, the convertible Boxster and the hard top Cayman. I was lucky enough to test drive the convertible version, and believe me there’s no greater feeling than driving through the streets of Bakersfield with the wind through your hair, cuddled in the buttery black Alcantara leather with the Bose surround sound system playing your favorite tune off Spotify or Pandora. I miss it already.

It’s all in the details Gas mileage: 22 city/31 hwy Price tag: $73,500 base price. Five best features: Styling, handling, performance, quality and heritage. The 2015 Porsche Boxster GTS is known for: Exhilarating performance in an everyday use car. What makes the 2015 Porsche Boxster GTS stand out from others: It’s a true roadster with no equal. Target customer: Anyone who demands performance. Three words that define the 2015 Porsche Boxster GTS: Ride, engine and handling in harmony. What do you like the most about the 2015 Porsche Boxster GTS? Absolute perfection. Source: Tim Jalving, sales manager at Porsche of Bakersfield, Family Motors Auto Group

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Lifestyles

ON THE ROAD

LEXUS NX 200T Convincing crossover shows you really can have it all

The NX 200’s aggressive stance and angular body lines earn high marks for style from Bakersfield Life Art Director Glenn Hammett. 42

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March 2015

By Glenn Hammett

Photos by Mark Nessia

ow I understand why the small and compact luxury SUV is the fastest growing car segment in America, up more than 20 percent over the past year. After driving Lexus’ newest offering, the 2015 NX 200t, for a day, I began to doubt the veracity of the old adage, “You can’t have everything.” Karl Bauer, senior director of insights at Kelly Blue Book, explains the explosive growth of the small SUV market this way: “They land in the sweet zone of having a relatively large interior space, relatively high seating position, relatively good gas mileage and a relatively low price.” Lexus already has the top-selling small luxury SUV in America in the RX 350. The fact that they feel there is room for another player in that group indicates just how confident they are that demand for these types of vehicles will continue to grow. The angular, sharp-edged styling of the NX 200’s exterior is a definite departure from the understated, rounded forms of past Lexus models. While some reviewers call the NX 200 design an acquired taste and refer to its large grill as “a ginormous overbite” and “Durante-like,” others describe the exterior as “startling,” “sophisticated” and “refreshing without being offensive.” I really like its aggressive stance and the different shapes and lines that emerge depending on what angle you view it from. The interior is both sporty and luxurious, and the eight-way adjustable leather seats with variable lumbar support are about as comfortable as any I have sat in. Additionally, as one would expect in a Lexus, it is equipped with every tech and safety feature imaginable. Rather than using a touch screen to control the navigation and infotainment functions, the NX employs a Remote Touch Interface (RTI), which is basically like a touchpad you would find on a laptop. The RTI is conveniently located on the center console adjacent to a comfortable wrist pad for ease of use. My favorite safety feature is the blind spot monitors on the side mirrors, which alerts you with a small

Rich details abound on the NX 200’s exterior.

flashing light when a vehicle is in your blind spot. I was also impressed when I drove the NX after dark, as every button, dial and gauge is illuminated, making night driving safer and giving the cabin the feel of an airplane cockpit. On the road, the quality of construction and materials that Lexus is famous for is immediately apparent.

The multimedia, navigation and climate control features are operated by a touchpad.

The ride is smooth and solid with minimal road or wind noise, and the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivers more than enough power to accelerate into the passing lane or complete an urban adventure. While the Lexus website says that the NX 200 was designed for young, active luxury drivers, Motor City Lexus

As one would expect from Lexus, the NX 200 comes with all of the latest technology.

sales manager Mark Schmitt told me that many of their buyers are the notso-young, who like that it’s easier to get in and out of than a traditional sedan. The 2015 Lexus NX 200t is an impressive combination of dynamic styling, first-rate luxury, respectable fuel economy and SUV versatility. Who says you can’t have everything?

It’s all in the details Gas mileage: 21 city, 28 hwy, 24 combined Price tag: MSRP of $41,835 Five best features: Optional wireless charging pad, optional aggressive F-sport package, optional triple LED lighting package, power adjustable rear tailgate, and turbocharged engine. Target customer: Smaller, younger families interested in comfort, safety, performance and technology The 2015 Lexus NX 200t is perfect for: Someone who wants luxury, comfort, and performance but still maintain the practicality of a small SUV/crossover. Three words that define the 2015 Lexus NX 200t: Advanced, first-of-its-kind, luxurious What do you like most about the 2015 Lexus NX 200t: I love the brand-new turbocharged four-cylinder, but if I had to choose a second and third favorite, it would be the triple LED lights and the wireless charging pad. I’ve gotta have my iPhone on the go! Sources: Parker Christian, Technology Specialist and Lezley Pumphrey, Marketing Manager, Motor City Lexus of Bakersfield

The interior is both sporty and luxurious.

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Bakersfield Life Magazine

March 2015

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

PHOTO BY CASEY CHRISTIE

Lifestyles

Head over to Rabobank Theater for the sixth annual Health and Fitness Expo on March 21.

HEALTHY AND FIT FOR ALL AGES Expo showcases health and fitness services available in Bakersfield Compiled by Bakersfield Life

he road to a healthy and fit Bakersfield starts March 21, when the sixth annual Bakersfield Health & Fitness Expo presented by Dignity Health returns to Rabobank Theater from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event is free and features something for the entire family.

The expo aims to help educate the community on health and wellness, showcasing the health and fitness services available in Bakersfield. Local sponsors Comprehensive Blood & Cancer Center, GEMCare, Omni Family Health, Got Milk? and Guarantee Shoe Center are teaming up to bring over 65 vendors to this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s expo, with live demonstrations like Zumba by In-Shape, personal defense from Damsel in Defense, spinning by Action Sports, healthy cooking and more. Dignity will provide free basic health screenings for adults 18 and older that include blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol and body mass index checks. Stop by the Marleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Mutts booth and visit with the Mutt Militia. For the kids, there will be a live show featuring Ronald McDonald and the Bakersfield Condors mascot will make an appearance. A special section featuring a complete list of vendors and activities will be available inside The Bakersfield Californian March 20. For more information, go to healthybakersfield.com or contact Shauna Rockwell at 3925716.

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

THINK INSIDE THE BOX Get kids eating healthy with lunchbox creativity Compiled by Bakersfield Life

any children start off as cooperative eaters anxious to try new foods, but they grow more picky as they get older. Choosing healthy items for school lunches can become a fight between parent and child. To avoid fussing and feuding over food choices,

If you have picky eaters, you may need to get a new lunchbox, one with separate areas for each food group. 46

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March 2015

parents can employ a few creative ideas to entice children to dig into healthy foods at school. Here are some creative lunchbox ideas to get you started. • Purchase a new lunch container. There are many new and innovative lunch containers that make separating school lunches easy. Brown paper sacks usually end up at the bottom of kids’ backpacks, making lunch an unrecognizable squashed mess. Partitioned lunch boxes enable you to pack different items in separate boxes (this especially appeals to kids who hate it when different foods touch). The divisions also help you remember to include foods from the basic food groups, such as a fruits, vegetables, proteins, starches and dairy items. • Hide healthy foods within others. There are entire recipe books that teach you how to mix fruits and vegetables into desserts to increase nutritive value. Every-

PHOTO COURTESY OF METRO CREATIVE GRAPHICS

Lifestyles

Make healthy choices A healthy lunch gives students energy to do well in school and stay energized the rest of the day. Children who don’t eat well at lunch may have difficulty concentrating and feel tired. Here are some tips for making that lunchbox healthy. * Choose nutrient-dense foods to keep kids fuller, longer. Kids need protein, iron, calcium, vitamin A, and vitamin C among other nutrients. Provide a selection of foods, such as lean protein, whole grains, fruits and vegetables that will give children the nutrients they need. * Limit fat intake. The “good” fats are polyunsaturated and monounsaturated, while saturated fats can lead to obesity and clogged arteries. Fish, nuts and olives are healthy fat sources.

* Let kids choose some of their food. Allow kids to pick some of the healthy foods they will be eating. Giving kids a say in their diets will make them more likely to enjoy their lunches and cut back on snack foods. * Make small changes that add up. Switching from white bread to whole grain breads, and opting for low-fat dairy products instead of fullfat dairy products can make a world of difference. Many of kids’ favorite foods, such as chicken nuggets, pizza, and macaroni and cheese can be made with healthier ingredients. * Remember, beverages count, too. Packing a sugar-filled, high-calorie drink will negate your healthy lunch efforts. Water is always the best option for a healthy drink. Low-fat milk and real fruit juice consumed in moderation are also healthy alternatives to sugary beverages.

thing from spinach to tofu to beets have been included in items like cake, cookies and brownies. So if kids are reluctant to dig into their greens, try a clever hiding method. • Get creative. Children may not be inclined to eat loose pieces of fruit. But if the fruit is stuck on skewers or served with a low-fat dipping sauce or caramel, it may look more appealing. Also, look to “mini” foods. Little sandwiches and little burgers make eating a little easier and a little less messy, too. • Get EXTRA creative: Presenting foods in a unique way can make them fun to eat. Try making fruit creations, such as “snowmen” out of stacked grapes, or orange and peach skewers. Kids may be more inclined to eat a turkey and cheese sandwich if it’s cut into star shapes or their favorite cartoon characters. Invest in a few cookie cutters and have your kiddos help cut. You can also give foods fun names, like banana bombs: chunks of banana rolled in honey and granola. All it may take is creating a fruit face on a plate. Try kiwi eyes, apple slices for a mouth, a blueberry nose, or whatever creative food styling strikes your fancy. — Source: Metro Creative

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Lifestyles

I N M Y C LO S E T

A.J. SHEARON Coach suits up for the court, kicks back with impressive Nike collection Compiled by Bakersfield Life

iberty High School boys’ basketball coach A.J. Shearon dresses it up on the court to give off a confident, no-nonsense vibe, and also to make sure he’s not mistaken for a high schooler. A youngster himself, Shearon became a varsity coach at age 24 and was the youngest Division I high school basketball coach in California. His go-to suit blazers, ties, and black or brown ankle-high boots separate him from the younger crowd, but don’t defend him from the occasional ribbing by other coaches and friends. He takes it, and says he enjoys playing with color and pattern combinations. The ribbing may be better directed toward Shearon’s shoe collection – about 120 pairs grace the top of his closet shelves. He’s got Jordans, Kobes, LeBrons, World Cup Brazils and, his favorite, Portugals. He’s a diehard Nike fan with strong brand loyalty (Liberty has all Nike apparel). Shearon says he’s traveled down to specialty shops in Los Angeles multiple times to pick up a new pair on the famed “Nike release dates.” The sneakerhead’s obsession with stylish kicks began at Footaction, a former store in the Valley Plaza Mall, where he worked while attending Cal State Bakers-

Bakersfield Life Magazine

March 2015

Photos by Michael Lopez

field. He’s now passing on his love of shoes to his 5-year-old son, Cruz, who has about 25 pairs from his dad. His wife, Jordan, has been with the shoe-loving, suitwearing coach since high school and shakes her head when he comes home with yet another pair, but the couple is going on 13 years together, so, as he says, “I’ve learned.”

by one of two things: my group of friends or the music that I’m currently listening to. My friends Andrea Watson and Ryan Dawson keep me in line and make sure I’m not pushing the envelope TOO far. I was raised in the ’90s and grew up listening to hip-hop, so a lot of the boldness in my fashion comes from that place. What others have said about my attire: While coaching,

dan Taxi XIIs; Dockers Alpha camo khakis; Ralph Lauren polo rugby cardigan; vintage Levi’s denim jacket; blue camo penguin neck tie.

I usually get ribbed quite a bit by fellow coaches and local media members for always matching or dressing too nicely. Everywhere else, people usually just can’t believe how many different pairs of shoes I have.

Style is important because... it’s easy to get lost in

My biggest fashion faux pas: Baggy, or ill-fitting dress

the mix as you’re trying to find your way; style provides an outlet to express yourself. My personal style: Bold and evolving.

attire. There is nothing worse than a phenomenal suit/shirt/tie combo that is ruined by pants or a jacket that are entirely too loose. Never underestimate the power of a good tailor!

What are five prized possessions in your closet? Air Jor-

My favorite designers or brands: Zara, H&M, Nike,

Supreme and A Bathing Ape. Where I shop (locally and out of town): The new outlets are

awesome! I frequent the H&M, Nike and Polo stores at the Tejon Outlets. When we head down south to the LA area, I love RIF LA for shoes, UNDFTD for apparel, and Beverly Center for everything in between! Where I get my style ideas:

So much of my style is influenced

One staple every man should have in his closet: A

bowtie. It’s essential to provide some diversity when dressing up, and owning at least one bowtie provides the chance to change things up a bit. Favorite cologne: Tom Ford’s Noir. Fashion advice: Be fearless! The only way to know your fashion boundaries is to consistently push them.

One of A.J. Shearon’s top five items in his closet: a vintage Levi’s denim jacket.

A.J. Shearon reaches for a pair of Air Jordan 1s.

One of A.J. Shearon’s top five items in his closet: a pair of Dockers Alpha camo khakis. A.J. Shearon’s vibrant shirts complete his bold outfit choices.

A.J. Shearon’s colorful sneaker collection. bakersfieldlife.com

Lifestyles

FIT AND FRESH

SPRING INTO ACTION Get up, run, then spice up your breakfast with an Israeli dish

Panorama Vista Preserve

By Sally Baker and Katie Kirschenmann

pring is nearly upon us and there is no better time to get outside and be active. Check out some of the organized runs March has to offer, or venture out to see the sights of the Panorama Vista Preserve, then treat yourself with some shakshuka breakfast to change up your morning meal.

GET OUT AND MOVE! March 14 - Bakersfield Track Club monthly fun run, 7 a.m. at Yokuts Park. Run a one-mile warm-up together, then choose a two-, three-, or five-mile run. It’s a low-key, family-oriented event that is free and open to anyone. Come along and find some running friends. March 21 - Field ‘n’ Dale Run, 9

Bakersfield Life Magazine

March 2015

a.m. start. Be at the race staging area at 901 East Roberts Lane, just east of Manor Street by 8:30 a.m. Choose from a six- or 12-mile race. Visit panoramavista.org to print an entry form or go to ultrasignup.com to sign up online. This new trail race takes you through the beautiful, newly planted preserve below the Panorama Bluffs area and benefits of the race go toward the preserve. Preregistration before March 14 is $25, then $35 after. For questions about the course or the trail race, contact Mic Hall at 661324-0311. Post-race breakfast will be provided by Covenant Coffee.

PANORAMA VISTA PRESERVE (PVP) The PVP is located on both sides of

Continued on page 52

Try a fun run with the Bakersfield Track Club at Yokuts Park.

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Shakshuka

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PHOTO BY TIM KUPSICK

PHOTO BY SALLY BAKER

Start to finish: 30 minutes Servings: 6 poached eggs 1 large skillet with lid 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 28-ounce can San Marzano tomatoes 1 onion, chopped 1 medium red bell pepper, diced. 4 cloves garlic (We use at least eight cloves, but the level of garlic love you are willing to embrace is entirely up to you.) 1 teaspoon ground cumin (optional) 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes 1/2 teaspoon sea salt 1/2 small can tomato paste 6 fresh eggs Strain the San Marazano tomatoes and crush them with your hands (or chop them) into a uniform consistency. Transfer into bowl and set aside. In a large skillet with olive oil, sautĂŠ onions and red bell peppers until the onions are translucent and the peppers are softened. Add the San Marzano tomatoes, garlic, cumin, red pepper flakes and sea salt. Cook until the garlic and spices are fragrant and incorporated â&#x20AC;&#x201C; about two minutes. Add approximately half the can of tomato paste and cook over medium heat until the sauce has thickened enough to make small wells to hold the eggs.* Carefully crack an egg into each well. Reduce heat and cover. Cook the eggs until the whites are firm and the yolks are â&#x20AC;&#x153;bouncy.â&#x20AC;? (We like runny yolks, but not everyone does, so cook until your desired consistency.) Keep a careful eye on the sauce to make sure the bottom does not burn. Serve with a crust of bread or with green salad. *You can substitute your favorite sauce recipe, but it must be chunky and thick enough to support the eggs while they are poaching.

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the Kern River, below the Panorama Bluffs area. Have you taken a walk on the Panorama Bluffs recently, looked below and noticed hundreds of little white sleeves as far as the eye can see? Those sleeves contain native shrubs and trees that have been planted as part of a fourgrove nursery system to revegetate the area. Although the new plants initially require irrigation, they will eventually be self-sustaining, and provide cuttings for transplanting. One of PVP’s missions is to “promote scientific understanding and to provide educational opportunities for the area’s schoolchildren.” Both BC and CSUB have included PVP in various studies. In future years, this area promises to be rich in natural habitat and wildlife, becoming an enjoyable space for low-impact recreation, such as bird watching, hiking and running. Hawks, ducks, coyotes and bobcats comfortably

PHOTO BY KATIE KIRSCHENMANN

Continued from page 50

Cook up some shakshuka with farm-fresh eggs.

call this area home. We’ve even spotted a beaver in the canal alongside the preserve and marveled at its handiwork!

ENJOY EGGS WITH A MIDDLE EASTERN FLARE The greatest reward of keeping chickens is the abundance of yummy

protein-rich eggs, but plain old scrambled eggs can get boring. In my ongoing quest for recipes that aren’t omelets, I discovered and adapted an Israeli dish called shakshuka. Shakshuka is essentially eggs poached in an intensely flavorful tomato sauce and served with a crust of bread or a hearty green salad. (See recipe on previous page.)

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Lifestyles

PA S T I M E S

DIGGING UP FAMILY ROOTS Genealogical Society offers tips on tracing family trees By Diana Greenlee

Photos by Mark Nessia

f you’re looking to get the dirt on your ancestry, according to Union Cemetery historian John Codd, local gravesites are a good place to start. Codd, 73, says perusing burial grounds is one way to track family members without records. “You might find an Aunt Jane,” he said. “And nobody ever knew about Aunt Jane.” Codd is a member of the Kern County Genealogical Society, a nonprofit group committed to assisting individuals trace their roots. He created his first family tree as a child after hearing unfamiliar names mentioned at his grandmother’s house. “They would talk about people I didn’t know,” he said. “With the help of my dad, I wrote my first genealogy on butcher paper.” The historian said religious records, such as those kept by the Mormon, Catholic and Quaker churches, helped chart his course. Today, computers have advanced genealogical research, and with the advent of sites such as Ancestry.com, FamilySearch.org and CousinConnect.com, those interested in generational exploration have a big leg-up. Lynda Finch, KCGS vice president, said many records for birth, death, military and marriage may be obtained online – if they exist. She was able to find relatives through FindaGrave.com. “My great-grandmother had posted a memorial,” she said. Finch, 68, said KCGS has an index of records that help folks trace their lineage. With a network of experts, access to genealogical records throughout the world and a treasure trove of data, they accelerated her research. “They know the ins and outs,” she said. “It allows you to collaborate with other people.”

With the help of his father, John Codd wrote his first genealogy on butcher paper. 54

Bakersfield Life Magazine

March 2015

Part detective and part historian, Finch said her own journey led her to other states, old courthouses and into basements. An old family saying gave her a clue about a rift dating back to the Civil War — documentation validated her theory. “They’d say, ‘Mom’s side was Confederacy and dad’s was Union.’ And my parents had been fighting ever since,” she said. “It turned out what was said held true.” KCGS has more than 100 members, and many, such as Noreen Webb, are trained volunteers working at the Beale Library location. Webb, 71, said it’s gratifying to help folks locate family. “I had a lady, 80-something years old; she cried when she found her family,” said Webb. “And she died shortly after.” KCGS President Delores Dahleen, 76, said they charge fees for research through their website, and they receive requests from people seeking genealogical information worldwide. But locals can come in and volunteers will guide them through their research for free. “A lot of the work is already done for them,” she said. Back at Union Cemetery, Codd conducts tours of the Kern County pioneers’ gravesites for folks interested in taking a stroll through the past. The final resting place for some is the beginning of a journey for others. According to the historian, folks routinely find their roots in local soil. It can be moving when they stumble upon a familiar name etched in stone. “They’ll say, ‘This is my great-grandpa,’” Codd said.

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John Codd says local gravesites are a good place to start when researching ancestry.

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Lifestyles

HOME AND GARDEN

PLAYING, LEARNING IN THE DIRT Youth gardens teach growing lessons Story and photos by Gregory D. Cook

ardens are a living classroom where children can learn valuable life lessons and skills. Not only do they provide hands-on science lessons in observation and experimentation, they encourage kids to develop a respect and understanding of the environment. Tending a garden teaches patience, caring for other living things and it promotes physical activity. Many local schools and youth organizations utilize gardens to engage their students and teach them some life science outside the traditional classroom.

This year, in addition to winter-blooming flowers, Endeavour Elementary School students planted broccoli and cauliflower, which they harvested and sampled, for the class in the schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cafeteria.

A honeybee visits one of the flowers in the Cesar E. Chavez Science Magnet Schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Environmental Horticulture Garden. Students learn how these animals are a necessary part of the ecosystem. 56

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March 2015

Students plant flowering annuals in the Environmental Horticulture Garden at Chavez Magnet School.

Students from Susan Grayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s kindergarten class plant flowers around the edge of a planting bed at the Buena Vista Edible Schoolyard.

Three Chavez magnet students attempt to coax a visiting honeybee onto their respective rose blossoms.

Environmental horticulturist Marian Ladia explains to students of the Boys and Girls Club of Kern County how seeds germinate and grow. bakersfieldlife.com

Go & Do

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

FINDING THAT ‘GOOD QUALITY’ MUSIC ScrapIron26 Music helps expand music industry in Bakersfield By Shelby Parker

rowing up around parents who were heavily involved in music, it’s only fitting that Erric Walker would want to pursue a career in that industry as well. “My parents sang in a mass community choir called the Golden Voices of Triumph, which was part of the Bakersfield Singer’s Association. I traveled with them, all over California, Washington and Oregon,” said Walker. Not only did he observe them, he was also part of GVT’s children’s choir and enjoyed singing with the youth choir at St. John Missionary Baptist Church. Music was in his blood, and during his time at San Jose State, he began traveling through the Bay Area with the band of a talented musician called Protégé. “For many years, we seemed to be very close to getting a major recording deal, but things just didn’t pan out,” said Walker. “We were totally a self-contained band, but it came to a point, where it was so difficult to find someone to represent the band that we could trust, we eventually disbanded.” That’s when Walker decided to turn his passion into a business rather than just a hobby. In 2013, Walker and Anthony Randolph started ScrapIron26 58

Bakersfield Life Magazine

March 2015

Erric Walker in the studio.

PHOTO BY MARK NESSIA

EB TH

SFIELD CALIF OR

2014

AN NI

Music, a label focused on finding “good quality” music in Bakersfield. The two have been collaborating on music since high school, and the record label seemed to be that next step in their friendship. Walker wears many hats as manager, PR officer, A&R, accountant, lawyer, travel agent and secretary. He is also involved with almost every aspect of the music label, with music pre-production, copyright documentation, ASCAP documentation, label marketing, and promotions and budgeting. “I can have control of what goes on with the label,” he said. “(I) also surround myself with a team of producers, musicians and artists whom I can trust.” Right now, the label is working with its first client, Paul Vincent, whose complete album will be released in March. Walker noted that while working with Vincent, he had to understand the musician’s passion for singing and writing lyrics. “I understand the struggle of trying to make it as a recording artist. I wanted him to have his freedom but realize that music is infinite,” Walker said of the soulful vocalist. “I want the artist to feel good about what they are doing. As I watch him grow as an artist and a person, it makes me proud to know the positive effect we can make on this business. This label represents a legacy of people from our past, present and future.” Walker and Randolph plan to produce and release a tour with a bigger roster of artists in the future, putting out more of that “good quality” music. ScrapIron26 is always looking for new talent, and Walker said he likes to check out new music and artists on SoundCloud. For aspiring musicians, Walker has some tried and true advice. “This is hard work,” he said. “There is no entitlement when it comes this business. Take care of your paperwork first.”

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Go & Do

TRIP PLANNER

TRIP FOR TWO Journey through the rainforest at the Los Angeles Zoo & Botanical Gardens

Ranger, the Los Angeles Zoo’s American black bear.

By Katelynn Camp

e ended my fiance’s first visit to the U.S. with a stop at the Los Angeles Zoo & Botanical Gardens. At the intersection of the 5 and 134 freeways, the zoo is a great daygetaway for couples and families, offering plenty of exhibits and plant life to keep your five senses busy. Byron, a native Ecuadorian, had never seen giraffes, hippos nor elephants before, so the $38 entry fee wasn’t too bad. It would have cost us around $200 for Disneyland tickets, and though we didn’t get to fly the plastic Dumbo together, we saw the real thing. Byron and I arrived at 3 p.m., leaving us only two hours

Bakersfield Life Magazine

March 2015

before the zoo’s daily closing time. We raced through the park, spent a lot of time getting “un-lost” and missed the rhinos (most of the animals have a strict 4:50 p.m. bedtime). Take my advice and make a plan before heading down to LA. Couples should plan at least three hours to meander the park together, and families with toddlers should plan about four to hit the main exhibits and play around in the Winnick Family Children’s Zoo. The children’s area features dark, squat tunnels that mimic desert rock and animal petting areas. Byron and I scampered around the area, all in the name of good journalism, and got up close and personal with some African gazelles. Although Byron and I normally converse in Spanish, foreign animal vocabulary is not my forte. I expected to have to rack my brain for the Spanish translations of meerkat and

Los Angeles Zoo & Botanical Gardens

wart hog, but to my incredible relief, the zoo’s signs were bilingual. Byron understood the explanations and I came away with some great new animal vocab that I’m sure will come in handy, sometime. My decision to wear my leather boots from Ecuador, though sentimental, was a huge mistake. We could have hopped on the Safari shuttle ride ($4 per adult, $2 per child), but I sucked it up and tiptoed around like the gazelles. Wear some sturdy walking shoes so you don’t end up looking like an animal yourself. The zoo’s botanical gardens feature unique plants, but I think the zoo might have taken their “Rainforest of the Americas” exhibit a little too far. The overgrown gardens made it

Continued on page 62

Baby Leo gets a kiss from his mom.

PHOTO BY JAMIE PHAM

PHOTO BY TAD MOTOYAMA

Baby Oliver, one of Los Angeles Zoo’s chimpanzees, sticks his tongue out at the camera.

PHOTO BY TAD MOTOYAMA

5333 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90027 Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Sunday 323-644-4200 lazoo.org $19 adults age 13 and older; $16 seniors age 62 and older; $14 children age 2 to 12; free to children age 2 and younger. Free parking. Located at the northeast corner of Griffith Park at the junction of the I-5 (Golden State) and the 134 (Ventura) freeways. The Zoo is directly across from the Autry Museum of Western Heritage.

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Los Angeles Zoo’s baby hippo calf was born on Halloween 2014 and was the first hippo calf born at the zoo for 26 years.

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Bakersfield Life Magazine

March 2015

Continued from page 61

hard to distinguish individual plants, and the greenery increased the humidity. Thankfully, though, we beat the SoCal heat by visiting in the winter. The rainforest exhibit was well done, according to Byron, resident rainforest guru. (He lives four hours from the Amazon rainforest and frequents the jungle area.) He was a little disappointed by some mistranslations of South American animal names, but he got a little taste of his Ecuadorian home. After a quick jaunt through the zoo’s impressive multi-level aviary, Byron couldn’t wait to get to the Cambodia Pavilion: home of the elephants. The enclosure is spectacular, featuring Asian-themed architecture and several prime viewing areas. The cute guy we saw was smaller than elephants I’ve seen at the San Diego Zoo, but his pearl white tusks and wrinkly face were incredibly endearing.

PHOTO BY TAD MOTOYAMA

Byron snapped hundreds of photos of the animals and captured plenty of video to show his family back home in Ecuador. His favorite, “the famous bear of the U.S.,” or American black bear, showed off his glossy coat for the camera before disappearing behind a cascading waterfall. The baby hippo also made our top five list, along with the chattering chimpanzees, barking giant otters and the camera-shy jaguar. The giraffes were our last stop. The four giant adults and a “little” 5-foot tall baby lazily snacked on some leaves with their blue tongues, then hesitantly walked into their nighttime enclosure. It was time for us to say goodnight as well, and we meandered back to the zoo’s entrance, passing some napping koalas under a pinkened LA sky. It was a tearful goodbye at the airport that night for Byron and I, but thankfully the zoo had distracted us by its incredibly long list of foreign animals and full array of exotic plants. Byron still has his heart set on seeing that rhino, so we will be returning the next time he flies in. Maybe we will see you there.

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Get away from routine with these spring, summer programs Compiled by Bakersfield Life

ROADRUNNER AQUATICS What’s going on? Looking for a fun summertime activity for your kids? Roadrunner Aquatics is a competitive year-round USA swimming and diving team dedicated to enhancing the sport of swimming and diving in Bakersfield and the surrounding areas. Roadrunner Aquatics also offers a summer recreational swim team that competes as part of the Kern County Recreational Swim league. Who’s invited? Kids with swimming ability When does the fun start? Programs offered year-round Where do I sign up? roadrunneraquatics.com Location: CSUB’s John S. Hillman Memorial Aquatic Center 9001 Stockdale Highway. Contact: 704-300-7307 (Swimming); 704-488-1036 (Diving).

SPORTS/RECREATION

pring and summer bring better weather, later sunsets and increased energy, all of which make it the perfect time to try something new. Maybe it’s enrolling your child in swim lessons or that art class they’ve been so excited about. Or maybe it’s finally time to get a babysitter and get out yourself. Here are some great escapes for you and the kids.

CSUB LEARN-TO-SWIM PROGRAM What’s going on? Summer will be here soon and the CSUB swim team is set to begin the 20th season of its Learn-To-Swim program. It’s designed to promote a fun learning experience for all swimmers of all abilities. Students learn skills from basic swimming essentials to competitive swimming skills, along with personal water safety. We also offer mommy-and-me classes. Who’s invited? Kids ready to learn to swim and mommies with babies 6 months to 3 years. When does the fun start? April 6 Location: CSUB’s John S. Hillman Memorial Aquatic Center 9001 Stockdale Highway. Contact: 661-654-2071 or csublearntoswim@gmail.com.

Bakersfield Life Magazine

March 2015

What’s going on? A Good Time Out is an hourly, drop-in play care center. We provide a wide range of programs plus full-day and half-day options, preschool and after-school care. Our newest program is the Play and Date! Drop your kids off in the evening to spend quality time with your significant other. Who’s invited? Children ages 0 to 12 When does the fun start? Year-round. Play and Dates available Monday through Friday evenings, 5 to 9 p.m. Location: 3400 Calloway Drive, Suite 501. Contact: 661-410-TIME (8463) or agoodtimeout.net.

EDUCATION

JUST FOR FUN

A GOOD TIME OUT

KERN COUNTY MUSEUM SCIENCE DAY CAMP

GOLDEN EMPIRE YOUTH FOOTBALL What’s going on? GEYF is Kern County's largest youth tackle football feeder program. It provides competitive football and non-competitive youth cheer programs that encourage outstanding athletic performance, sportsmanship and team play, and give participants an opportunity to play with others in their high school district with whom they will continue playing in high school. This program produces outstanding individual athletes and builds outstanding high school programs. Who’s invited? Children ages 6 to 14 When does the fun start? March 1 Where do I sign up? geyf.org Location: Over 18 locations in Kern County. Contact: 661-837-4393.

JUST FOR FUN

SPORTS/RECREATION

What’s going on? The Kern County Museum will feature science day camp programs for kids this summer. Find out how learning science can be fun with the following themes and more: Robotics; Superhero Science; Earth, Wind and Fire; Urban Engineering and Design; and CSI. Who’s invited? Children ages 4 to 11 When does the fun start? Half-day and full-day camps will begin on June 2. Camps available for 10 weeks. Location: 3801 Chester Ave. Contact: 437-3330, ext. 209.

SPRING BREAK BOUNCING FUN What’s going on? Hop in to Pump It Up for our Holiday Open Jumps and our special Easter Jump with an Easter egg hunt and a visit with the Easter Bunny! Ask about private parties, Sensory Jump Time and Parents' Night Out! Who’s invited? Kids at least 34" tall through 12 years When does the fun start? Holiday Open Jumps - March 30, 31 and April 1, 3 and 6, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Easter Jump - April 2, 10 a.m. to noon; 2 to 4 p.m.; and 6 to 8 p.m. Location: 2841 Unicorn Road, Suite 103. Contact: 392-8800 or pumpitupparty.com/bakersfield-ca.

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What’s going on? Keep your kids moving all year long by sending them to EPIC! Camp at either of American Kids’ two sports mega-facilities. This premier, all-inclusive sports/activity camp is led by our trained staff who facilitate gymnastics, trampoline, tae kwon do, swim, dance, soccer and more. Kids participate in arts and crafts, fun science, team building and creative play. Who’s invited? School-age kids When does the fun start? Easter camp is March 30 to April 3. Summer camps start June 1. Where do I sign up? aksc.com Location: NW 3622 Allen Road; SW - 4401 Ride St. Contact: NW - 589-2100; SW - 833-3986.

Bakersfield Life Magazine

March 2015

EDUCATION

SPORTS/RECREATION

AMERICAN KIDS’ EPIC! DAY CAMPS

What’s going on? California Living Museum will welcome springtime to Bakersfield with FREE admission for children 3 to 12 (must be accompanied by an adult). There will be four wildlife presentations each day. The Children’s Crafts Corner and the Central Valley Children’s Railroad, open to all ages, will be open 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day. Train tickets are $1. Who’s invited? Everyone When does the fun start? March 28 to April 9 Cost: $9 adults; $7 seniors; Free children 0 to 12 Location: 10500 Alfred Harrell Hwy, (between Lake Ming and Hart Park). Contact: 661872-2256 or calmzoo.org.

STEM ROBOTICS, CODING AND MATH EDGE PROGRAMS AT SYLVAN LEARNING CENTER What’s going on? Robotics - Create and animate robots using LEGOs and friendly competitions. Coding - Learn computer programming by designing video games that can be shared and played with friends! Math Edge - Become a math whiz and master problem solver through challenging, kid-friendly activities. Who’s invited? Children who want to experience cutting-edge STEM classes. When does the fun start? March Where do I sign up? Call your local Sylvan Learning Center at 387-6060 or visit bakersfieldsylvan.com. Location: 2720 Calloway Drive, Suite A.

SPORTS/RECREATION JUST FOR FUN

JUST VISUAL FORARTS FUN

SPRING FLING AT CALM

BATTLEFIELD LIVE! What’s going on? This is a completely mobile live gaming laser combat adventure serving Bakersfield and surrounding areas. Imagine your very own battlefield in your backyard or local park. If you ever wanted to play paintabll or airsoft, but were afraid of getting hurt, now you can experience the thrill in a safter atmosphere. Our team will do everything possible to make your event unique and unforgettable. Games can be played indoors, outdoors, rain or shine, day or night. Book your next birthday party, corporate, team-building, school carnival or special event today. Ready ... Aim ... Fun! Contact: 661-588-7410, info@bliveb.com or bliveb.com.

What’s going on? Garces Memorial High School offers a combination of academic, athletic and enrichment classes during its summer school program. This year, Garces has added robotics and a baseball camp along with water polo, anime, cooking, photography, swimming, guitar, tennis, college essay workshop, SAT prep classes, ceramics, drafting and a variety of enrichment courses along with five- and 10-unit transferable high school courses. Who’s invited? Open to all students in grades five through 12 When does the fun start? Registration is March 9 to May 1. Where do I sign up? Visit garces.org or call 327-2578 for more information.

JUST EDUCATION FOR FUN

EDUCATION

GARCES SUMMER SCHOOL

What’s going on? When it’s hot, hot, hot, what a great way to stay cool by creating functional or just-for-fun pieces – no SPF required! Color Me Mine offers one-day and four-day multimedia workshops, kids’ night out events, mommy-and-me storytime and painting classes for toddlers and preschoolers. Or, just bring in your kids and paint a memory together. Ceramic painting is a wonderful activity that kids, parents and grandparents can have fun doing together. No reservation required. Who’s invited? Any age When does the fun start? Open daily Location: The Marketplace, 9000 Ming Ave. Contact: 664-7366 or bakersfield.colormemine.com.

THEY’RE FRUITILICIOUS! What’s going on? La Rosa Fruit Bars are not only a tasty way to enjoy a nice spring day, but they make a wonderfully nutritious addition to company picnics, fundraisers, family events, school functions, simply every occasion! Handmade daily from fresh natural fruits, La Rosa Fruit Bars has been serving Kern County since 1980 and currently can be found on the Central Coast. Contact: To order 3236877 or larosafruitbars.com.

JUST FOR FUN

VISUAL ARTS

COLOR ME MINE

CULPEPPER & MERRIWEATHER CIRCUS What’s going on? The circus is coming! North of the River Recreation and Parks is proud to bring back fun under the big top this spring. Who's invited? Everyone! Adults $10 ($13 day of), Children ages 2-10 $6 ($7 day of), Children 2 and under free. When does the fun start? 5 and 7:30 p.m. April 30; 5 and 7:30 p.m. May 1; times TBA May 2. Where do I sign up? Advance tickets can be purchased at Greenacres Community Center (2014 Calloway Drive) or the NOR District Office (405 Galaxy Ave). Cash only. Location: Emerald Cove Park, 4303 Patton Way. Contact: 392-2010.

bakersfieldlife.com

Meet the

MVPs

(Most Valuable Parents)

Parents step up efforts to support students, schools By Diana Greenlee

arents can be students’ most valuable assets, and Kern County families have a reputation for stepping up for kids. Whether it means providing students with necessities or helping a shorthanded school staff, parents in this community reach out. This month, we’re highlighting exceptional parent volunteers who exhibit selfless dedication to the success of our next generation.

Pam and Gary Sherman Taking one for the team

Pam and Gary Sherman have a lot of mouths to feed. For the last three years, they’ve provided meals for the East High School football team on game days. Pam, 46, said they started when their eldest, Blake, 18, was on the team as a freshman. They’ve continued the tradition with their youngest, Garrett, 16, taking up the torch last year. The activity has built steam with parents joining in donating food, decorating the locker rooms and providing snack “goodie bags.” Local restaurants began to 68

Bakersfield Life Magazine

March 2015

Photos by Michael Lopez

contribute, transforming the game into a grand event. For the Shermans, whose lives were devastated in 2011 after a collision with a drunk driver, the festivities take on special significance. Just a few short years ago, Garrett graduated from sixth grade in a wheelchair. Gary, 46, was not in the wreck, but Pam and the boys were injured; Garrett’s condition looked bleak. “The doctors told Garrett he’d never play sports again,” Pam said. The boys started athletics at an early age, and Gary is a seasoned coach, now working as a walk-on at East. Through tenacity, perseverance and physical therapy, Garrett’s back in the game. Dedication is a family theme. Pam, a secretary, said she’s arrived three hours early to work so she could take off in time to serve the Blades’ dinner. The couple has provided the team with clothing, shoes, rides and encouragement. Their hearts are in the game. With her hair yanked back into a ponytail, Pam’s eyes brimmed with tears, conveying her joy at

supporting the boys who call her “Mama Sherm.” “I love these kids,” she said. “Nothing makes me happier than a big old sweaty hug after the game.”

Amber Pulley Wildcat is a warrior and a star

If you want a job done right, give it to Amber Pulley. This north side mover and shaker started as a noon aide at Wingland Elementary School in 2008. An invitation to help with its carnival ignited her passion for student advocacy and it’s taken off like a firestorm. Today, the mom of three, married 18 years to Gregory Pulley, is the school secretary – one of her many titles. Amber, 39, is the president of the California State PTA’s seventh district, which covers all of Kern County; a board member with the North High School Parent Teacher Club (PTC); and serves on the Standard Middle School Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA), which she helped charter

Continued on page 70

Gary and Pam Sherman stand in front of the East High School auditorium. bakersfieldlife.com

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Continued from page 68 in 2011. The president’s list of accomplishments is long. At Standard Middle School, where Amber’s daughter Kyleigh, 13, attends, she’s worked alongside Principal Jason Hodgson the last three years to develop the “Wear Red” program, which offers students privileges, special events and monetary incentives for showing improvements on state tests. Donations and PTSA fundraisers, such as the annual Popcornopolis sale going on now through early March, finance the middle school programs, which have proven effective in raising morale and grades schoolwide. Amber said many students lack support at home, but Standard’s moto is “Warriors believe. Warriors achieve.” “A lot of them are doing it on their own,” she said. “We encourage our students to believe in themselves to achieve their goals.” Enthusiastic, creative Amber has been instrumental in bringing family events to Standard, such as a father-daughter dance and a talent show. Next year, Kyleigh will join her brothers, Zackory, 17, and Jakob, 15, at North High School. With characteristic zeal, Amber says she’s rearing to go. “I’ve already started working a little bit in (NHS) concessions,” she said.

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Bakersfield Life Magazine

March 2015

Araceli Arce doesn’t just send her children off to school – she goes with them. Arce, 41, is a fixture at Voorhies Elementary School. On school days, she can be found monitoring the gate or helping out in the office. The volunteer is also a member of the school site counsel, a group comprised of teachers and parents who are

Amber Pulley

charged with managing aspects of school business. Arce has been married 20 years to Nicolas Arce, 46, and the couple has six children: Eduardo, 18; Joel, 15; Everardo, 13; Jose Luis, 9; Adrianna, 8; and Jesus, 5. Voorhies Elementary clerk Lupe Ybarra said Araceli is the go-to girl when they need someone to help out. She’s always eager to lend a hand, and she’s as reliable as the tides. Araceli says she’s needed at the school; the office is busy and they are understaffed. “(I do it) because I like it,” she said in Spanish. With a warm smile and gentle laugh, it’s easy to see why Arce is in demand. In addition to her work at Voorhies, Araceli is a member of the District-level English Learner Advisory Committee (DELAC), which conducts monthly meetings

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focused on education and funding related to English learners. The mom said she enjoys communicating with parents who have questions about school, but one of the best parts of volunteering is being able to see her children during the school day. “I like seeing my children (at school),” she said in Spanish.

Tracie Monroe Going beyond the classroom

To say Tracie Monroe is organized would be an understatement. Monroe is the parliamentarian for the Ronald Reagan Elementary School Parent Club, where her youngest, Megan, 11, attends. The petite mom, 41, took on the advisory role after terming out of a two-year presidency last

year. With stealthy agility, she’s managed the memberships of more than 400 people, with about 100 active volunteers supporting the school during her tenure. She said it was nothing, really. “The club is a well-oiled machine,” she said. The past president is married 18 years to Brian Monroe, 41. She’s volunteered with the school since her eldest, Lindsay, 13, now at Warren Junior High School, was in kindergarten. Tracie is also hospitality chair at Warren and a member of its site counsel. She teaches ballet at Civic Dance where her daughters both attend and Sunday school at First Presbyterian Church. The parent club’s key focus is fundraising to provide enrich-

Continued on page 72

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Continued from page 71 ment for the students, and Tracie said they offer field trips to places such as CALM, Valley Trails Ranch in Castaic and the Ronald Reagan Library in Simi Valley. The club also finances library books, technology and playground expansion. “Students need hands-on activities,” she said. The mom’s crowning jewel is the new edible garden, a project that took 2 1/2 years to complete. She said she’s excited to give the students a chance to get their hands dirty. “Maybe we’ll inspire some of our kids to become farmers and ranchers,” she said. In a constant state of ongoing fundraising, Tracie said there are 15 to 20 committees within the club. Right now, they’re gearing up for their Jog-a-Thon in March. “We try to fill in the gaps after the district stopped paying,” she said.

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Bakersfield Life Magazine

March 2015 PHOTO BY LINDSAY LONG

PHOTO BY MAKENZIE BAREFIELD

PHOTO BY LINDSAY LONG

PHOTO BY MAKENZIE BAREFIELD

PHOTO BY LINDSAY LONG

PHOTO BY MAKENZIE BAREFIELD PHOTO BY MAKENZIE BAREFIELD

Tips for parents to survive the annual, unforgettable teenage formal event Compiled by Bakersfield Life

o, you are planning for the big day ... No, we arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t talking about a wedding. This big day involves your teenager. Yes, we are talking about prom. PHOTO BY KAREN STEWART

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It’s one of the most important days your high school son or daughter will have; it is when he or she will spend endless amounts of time planning for, er ... wait, have you plan and prepare for so that the full-day (yes, these days, it’s a full-on day-and-night event counting all the activities) is perfect. Or, in the hashtag words of hip teenagers: #perff, #onpoint, #flawless, #bestdayever. But wait, what about the parents? After all, you are the ones handling all the preplanning, last-minute scrambling and fixing any snafus or goof-ups along the way. To help you, we have asked a few parents for advice on how to survive prom season, which officially kicks off in Bakersfield on March 21 with Liberty High School. Many moms and dads all over Bakersfield will be stressing over this big day within the next few weeks. We feel you. So here is a survival guide, ala words of advice, from some local veteran prom parents:

“Rest up, and save up. It will be a long night, and when you tally what was spent to get Cinderella to the ball, you could have made a car payment or two!” — Lisa Kimble “If you are taking photos outside, bring your Tide pen along. This past winter formal, season I saw two unfortunate young ladies who got bombed by the same bird at Mill Creek. What a crappy way to start out the evening!” — Susan Cortez “Embrace the moment. Take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime moment of your baby! Believe me, I have done prom in every way for these kids. I even built an under-the-sea theme in my living room for one of them! They are sick of me and my camera, props, virgin drinks, shopping, posing for the theme, you name it.” — Denise Ornelas “Shop and sell on eBay. I spent about $3,000 on prom and formal dresses when my daughter was in

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April 11 — Highland, Liberty April 18 — Foothill, North (tentative), Ridgeview and West April 25 — Garces, Arvin, BHS, Centennial, East, Frontier, Mira Monte and South May 2 — Bakersfield Christian, Golden Valley, Independence, Kern Valley, Shafter and Stockdale

high school. It was sad for me to look at all those beautiful dresses hanging in her closet afterward – sad that I spent so much on a dress worn only for a few hours. So this is me saying, ‘You’re welcome,’ to those lucky buyers that get an almost-new dress at half the price.” — Sofia Ronquillo “As a mother of two teenage sons, who often put things off till the last minute, I have learned that I need to help plan things ahead of time. Make a list. Go down the list with them. Do you have the flowers ordered? What time are you picking up the corsage? Did you pick up a matching bow tie? Did you confirm the dinner location? Did you put down the deposit money for the limo (much love to the parent who is the signer for the limo ride)? The list goes on. You may sound like a broken record but believe me, it pays off on the day of when your son says, ‘Mom, I think I forgot … ’ No you didn’t, son. Or maybe it’s no, I didn’t?” — Olivia Garcia

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classro

Getting technical in the School districts are helping students become technology proficient to enhance learning By Gabriel Ramirez

t seems like a new smartphone, laptop, app and tablet are coming out every week, which makes it hard for many people to keep up with technology. But that’s not the case for Fruitvale School District and Kern High School District schools. Both districts believe their students should be prepared for the 21st century, and that includes being able to use new technologies to enhance their learning. Fruitvale School District, for example, has invested in one-to-one devices for all students in seventh and eighth grades, which are shared among students at the four elementary schools. “Access to technology in the classroom for teachers and students has multiple benefits. Students are able to use the technology to research, create and collaborate on projects and teachers are able to create and present engaging, multifaceted lessons using the many resources available via the Internet,” said Debbie Thomas, a teacher on special assignment for Common Core for Fruitvale School District. “In February, we will make Google Classroom available for all of our teachers and students, allowing students to access their work from anywhere, collaborate with their peers and receive feedback from teachers. Teachers will use Google Classroom to create and distribute assignments and communicate with students about their work.” 78

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Kern High School District Superintendent Bryon Schaefer addresses teachers about the impact of technology on education.

Parents in the Fruitvale district also have access to their child’s grades through PowerSchool, reading progress through Accelerated Reader and math lessons through Think Central (Go Math program) – all these programs are available on the district and school websites. In KHSD, students and teachers are using an array of technologies, including iPads, Chromebooks, Dell Latitude

March 2015

tablets, Elmos and documents cameras, SmartBoards, AirLiner Wacom slates, and standard desktop computers to facilitate and expand teaching practices. “These assorted technologies help bring materials to students in new ways that focus on whole-class and smallgroup collaboration, interactive lessons, multimedia supplements and the full educational might of the Internet,” said Gary Tydryszewski, English

teacher at South High School. “Increased student buy-in and motivation help keep lessons fresh and exciting, while immersing students deep into content areas.” Parents are also learning how to use technologies to help their students. “At some sites, programs are run after school and in the evenings to help parents learn some of our online grading/attendance system,

Synergy,” said Jason George, director of information systems and technology for the KHSD. “Parents have access to realtime absence data using our Synergy Parent Portal and they can see assignments/grades that teachers have posted using the same portal.” In addition to all these technologies, teachers in the KHSD are using numerous apps to keep in touch with their students, enhance learn-

ing and take the classroom anywhere. Tydryszewski had a long list of apps he knows teachers can use. “There are many teachers using apps, like various learning management systems such as Edmodo, Haiku and Google Classroom that enable teachers to create digital classrooms for students to open discussions, turn in assignments, take quizzes, access class information, and collaborate on projects and research; Diigo, an app that enables students to highlight and annotate Web pages; Notability, an app that allows students to highlight and annotate PDFs; NewsELA, an app and website that helps teachers find reading-levelappropriate current event articles; and Remind 101, a free app that enables teachers to send reminder text messages to their classes without directly exchanging contact information,” said Tydryszewski. The English teacher values the change that technology is making as it both narrows focus and opens up endless possibilities for teachers and students. “These new technologies have changed teachers, students and schools in many ways. The collaboration that technology facilitates has condensed the classroom from an assortment of students and a teacher into a single learning unit that explores, grows, and researches new and exciting problems together. ... ,” he said. “The end result is that school can become the place where true learning and preparation inspires students to become a part of the world and change it.”

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PHOTO BY MARK NESSIA

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Business Profile

The NECA/IBEW Local 428's state-of-the-art apprentice training facility at 3805 North Sillect Ave.

NECA/IBEW’S KERN COUNTY ELECTRICAL APPRENTICESHIP

WHAT DO YOU TEACH?

HOW DO STUDENTS GET A JOB WITH ONE OF YOUR ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS?

n the 112 years that the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) and International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 428 have been training electricians in Kern County, they have grown and prospered. Their electrician school started in the ’40s at what is now Bakersfield High School, then moved to Bakersfield College. The school had its own facility on 19th St. from 1967 to 2011 and is now Kern County located at 3805 North Sillect Ave., in a Electrical state-of-the-art training center. Apprenticeship NECA/IBEW has a lot to offer their School apprentices and electricians, as well as NECA/IBEW Local 428 the participating contractors and cus3805 North Sillect Ave. tomers they serve. 661-324-0105 ibew428.org

WHAT IS AN APPRENTICESHIP?

Apprenticeships have been around for thousands of years. They are a training program in which craftsmen teach and pass their trade on to the next generation. Our apprentice program is very indepth and teaches every aspect of the electrical construction trade. Our program is California state certified and affiliated with Bakersfield College. Our affiliations mean we have some very high training standards and our apprentices receive college credit for classes. 80

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We teach over 50 courses from electrical theory, code and safety to very complex certification courses in lighting, building automation, motor control and instrumentation, to name a few. After an apprentice completes his or her apprenticeship and becomes an electrician, the training doesn’t stop. Our electricians are California state certified and receive continuing education throughout their career.

The best part of our program is that we offer careers, not just jobs. All of our apprentices work for our signatory contractors, many of whom have been in business in Kern County for decades. We assign our apprentices to our contractors so they don’t have to fill out applications or interview for the job. Apprentices make excellent pay that includes health insurance for themselves and their entire family. After one year, they start a retirement plan, which is 100 percent paid by the employer. In addition, the apprentices’ wages increase every six months. Our program is one of the few places in Kern County you can “earn while you learn.”

HOW MUCH DO APPRENTICESHIPS COST? Our five-year apprentice program is offered with no money out of pocket. The contractors pick up the entire cost for all training. Our contractors believe a well-trained workforce is in their best interest, and they invest to make it happen.

HOW DO INTERESTED INDIVIDUALS APPLY? The first step is to fill out an application at the training center. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, hold a driver’s license, high school diploma or GED, and have taken a year of high school algebra with a grade of C or better.

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Business Profile

Former Food Dude Robert Rodriguez enjoys the down-home cooking and Southern hospitality of J’s Place on Calloway Drive.

J’S PLACE WAFFLE HOUSE & SOUTHERN STYLE COOKING WHAT IS THE HISTORY OF J’S PLACE? The story of J’s Place and its down-home Southern cooking really is a family story. A mother, with recipes from her mother, and her three sons, all with no prior restaurant experience, opened J’s Place in July of 2006 on Ming Avenue in Bakersfield. J’s Place Vicki Hill and her sons wanted to share the 2681 Calloway Drive wonderful food they had enjoyed for decades 661-587-8420 from recipes cooked by her mother, Lora jsplacebakersfield.com Bolden of Oklahoma. People came time and again for the wonderful down-home food and the business grew. J’s Place needed a bigger location to accommodate its customers. Vicki’s son Dirk said, “We found our new location, believed in Christ and opened our doors.”

WHAT’S YOUR SECRET TO MAKING GREAT FOOD? The secret behind the wonderful food of J’s Place is sim82

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ple – authentic family recipes and cooking everything from scratch using quality ingredients every day. We prepare food for you with love from our family to yours.

WHAT’S YOUR SPECIALTY? J’s Place’s trademark dishes include chicken and waffles, meatloaf, oxtails and neck bones. Some of our most popular sides are greens, homemade mac and cheese, chili beans, yams, dirty rice and black-eyed peas. We have plenty of cornbread too!

WHO OWNS J’S PLACE NOW? J’s Place is still family owned and operated by Vicki’s son Dirk Johnson and his wife, Tina Johnson. They welcome you to come on down and enjoy authentic Southern-style cooking. We serve you with friendly hospitality and hope you enjoy every bite as much as we do.

WHEN ARE YOU OPEN? We are open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Tuesday through Thursday; 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday; 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday; and 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sunday (breakfast is served Saturday and Sunday only). Groups of up to 55 people can reserve the J’s Place party room.

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ASHLEY DE PENCIER PHOTOGRAPHY HOW DID ASHLEY DE PENCIER PHOTOGRAPHY (ADP) COME TO BE? After graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in photography from Brooks Institute, I came back to my hometown to start Ashley de Pencier Photography with the love and support of my family and friends. I have always been captivated by the romance of fairytales and wanted to tell stories through photography of people’s most special moments.

I have been shooting for eight years, three years in Santa Barbara while attending Brooks and five years running my own business.

WHAT DOES ADP SPECIALIZE IN? Ashley de Pencier Photography Ashley de Pencier 661-203-6549 ashley@adpfoto.com adpfoto.com facebook.com/adpfoto Instagram @adpfoto

We specialize in wedding/engagement, boudoir and underwater photography, showing natural beauty and creating images that are simple and timeless.

WHAT IS ADP’S SPECIFIC STYLE?

We are illustrative. We incorporate a mix of posed images with candid expression, encouraging our clients to interact so we can capture natural looks and expressions. Our goal is to provide our clients with beautifully crafted prints, canvases and albums that can be shared and cherished for years.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE UNIQUE SERVICES ADP OFFERS THAT SETS YOU APART FROM OTHERS? While we specialize in weddings/engagements, we have a passion for underwater fashion, boudoir, and are in love with film photography. Underwater became one of my favorite creative endeavors while studying at Brooks. Check out the style section at adpfoto.com to see some of the amazing images.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR FAVORITE PROJECT? One of my favorite projects was an underwater shoot inspired by ballet movement. My friend Mallory was great and we got to play with fabric and movement. One of the images from the shoot won an award at the wedding and portrait photographers international print competition.

WHO HAS INSPIRED YOU IN YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY? I would not have the style I have today if I had not taken a fine art class with a wonderful photographer, Joyce Wilson. She taught me a lot about fine art, creativity and alternative photography processes. She inspired my vintage soul. I also interned for a wedding photographer in Santa Barbara 84

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March 2015

Ashley de Pencier

PHOTO COURTESY OF ASHLEY DE PENCIER PHOTOGRAPHY

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN DOING PHOTOGRAPHY?

who shot medium format film and inspired my love of using it today. When I came back home, I found a mentor in Misty Dameron. She has given me so much support and been such a great friend. Also, I could not do what I do without my mom.

WHAT IS THE MOST UNIQUE ENGAGEMENT/WEDDING SESSION YOU HAVE DONE? An underwater session with a super fun couple who took the plunge! They posed underwater in a suit and wedding gown and we had a blast. I must mention that before the shoot, the bride told me she did not swim. What a trooper!

WHAT AREAS DO YOU SERVE? We shoot primarily in Bakersfield and on the Central Coast, but we will travel anywhere to tell your story!

WHAT IS THE BEST WAY FOR CLIENTS TO GET A HOLD OF YOU? Email ashley@adpfoto.com to schedule an appointment or call 661-203-6549. We can’t wait to meet you and look forward to capturing your fairytale!

Bakersfield Life Magazine

March 2015

A PAID ADVERTISMENT

A Conversation With The Law Offices of Kyle J. Humphrey It has been several years since we last talked to you, and we thought this would be a good time to catch up on your practice. Can you describe some recent successes in your practice?

Kyle: I try to end every case as a success. Sometimes it is a good outcome from a deal or a dismissal, and sometimes it is the verdict of not guilty at the end of a hard fought trial. I have tried so many jury trials that I stopped counting somewhere around 100. I believe trying the big cases of murder or sexual assault have made me achieve success in my cases. If you are a proven fighter, the prosecution is more likely to make a deal. I just did a lot of work on a case where my client was looking at 25 to life on a three strikes case. The strikes were from when he was a young man. I was able to put together evidence that convinced the District Attorney to settle the case for a misdemeanor and community service. It felt good because my client had changed his life. Jared: Success to me is achieving the best possible result for my clients. That can vary from case to case. As far as recent trials, I won an acquittal at jury trial for a client charged with a second time DUI where the reported blood alcohol concentration was a .24. Before that I proved another client innocent of felony DUI and felony hit and run charges to a jury. What can you tell us about any recent changes in the practice of criminal law? Kyle: We have seen a real change in the nature of what crimes are being prosecuted and in the practice of defense. Most of it is not good news for the average citizen. We have reduced the number of drug prosecutions without really funding alternatives to help get people back to work and off drugs. Now that drug users are being treated differently, the prosecution is really attacking people for driving charges and domestic abuse cases. This means that more and more middle class people are going to find their worlds upside down. The government has gotten too involved and makes everything a crime, when often there are better solutions for the taxpayer, the families, and the accused. Jared: Nowadays, there is a lot of carry over

between criminal accusations, and the effects those accusations and convictions have on professional licenses, occupational licenses, driver’s licenses, and employment opportunities. One in four adults in the United States has a criminal record. That is a staggering statistic from the National Employment Law Project. We fight because we know the consequences to our clients go beyond the criminal case and into their livelihood and lives. The stakes have never been higher in a courtroom. Who needs a lawyer? Kyle: Everybody. If I have learned anything over the past 30 years, it is that nobody talks their way out of trouble. Real life is not like TV. You rarely can help yourself when the government confronts you. You need an experienced attorney on your side. Jared: I grew up here in Bakersfield – born and raised. I was raised with nothing but respect for the police. As a criminal defense attorney, I have learned that the average person is at a huge disadvantage in any setting with the police. If you are a suspect, or believe you are a suspect, call us before you call the investigators. What types of people should contact you? Kyle: I am open to any client that needs criminal defense. I have been doing this work since I clerked in law school and that goes back to 1983. If you have a case, don’t let the fact that I have been a prominent big case lawyer send you to somebody else. I handle every case as if it is the big case, because it is to you. I always appreciate when somebody says they read about my case or saw me in the news, but the truth is, most of my clients never make the paper. I quietly get them the best results and they send me my next clients. I have represented field workers to farm owners, students to teachers, juveniles to adults, husband or wives, correctional officers and cops, well known people and average

men and women. If you have a criminal case, contact me.

Jared: The reality is that our clients come from all walks of life. I recently had a client who came in to talk. He was worried about his future and his family, like all our clients. After a long talk, I gave him a fee quote based on the work needed in his case. He thought we were going to be more expensive because of our reputation. This was a client who almost didn’t come in because he assumed we would be too expensive. We were able to give him a good outcome for less than he expected. You have worked together for seven years now, any comments about each other? Kyle: I would usually object to being put on the spot, but I lucked into having Jared work with me. He has rapidly developed into the best young trial attorney in town. He has won some cases that most attorneys would lose and he has prepared every case as if it is the biggest case of his life. Jared: Kyle is a great trial attorney and I’ve watched him win cases at trial that most attorneys would consider unwinnable. Just in the 7 years I have been here, Kyle has won acquittals for clients who were falsely accused of terrible things like attempted murder, child molestation, rape, and domestic violence. Having grown up in Bakersfield, I remember some of his cases from when I was in junior high and high school. The truth is, the high profile cases are just a small part of his client base, and Kyle is dedicated to every case the same way. He always strives to achieve the best for his clients.

People & Community

B A K E R S F I E L D M AT T E R S

By Lisa Kimble

JUNIOR LEAGUE A MAJOR COMMUNITY FORCE

The Junior League of Bakersfield transformed the 1910 Payne & Son Mortuary at E and 19th streets into an elegant Community Center.

t has been said that if you want to get something done, ask a busy person. Better yet, ask a Junior Leaguer. I’m biased, but as a member, I’ve spent countless hours in the volunteer trenches with these women, and there is nothing secondary about the Junior League of Bakersfield. These women are unpaid movers and shakers, hustling with Lisa Kimble gusto to better the underserved pockets of the community. In March, the League will toast its 50th year affiliated with the Association of 88

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PHOTO COURTESY OF JACK HARDISTY

50 years of impacting community, lives

Junior Leagues of America. But this group, with an impressive list of accomplishments, traces its history back to 1952, an ignoble beginning, when 10 charter members formed the Community League. Volunteerism outside of church was uncommon then, but these women were ready to move mountains. Most of the women were married homemakers. Smartly dressed, and even savvier, they met at places like the renowned Bakersfield Inn. “It was a wonderful time,” recalled Janet Poteete of meeting at the onceelegant hotel. “It was THE place in town and we all wore hats and gloves.” First, they focused their energies on arts and education for children. Then came book fairs and pre-school vision screenings. Within eight years, they’d invested around 100,000 woman hours.

They were educated spouses of civic leaders whose annual signature society event, The Camelia Ball, funded their community initiatives. “Everybody brought their camellias and candelabras,” remembered past President Jean Sheldon, considered the League’s oldest and longest-tenured member. Nor were they adverse to ditching their gloves and ballgowns to get their hands dirty with mammoth undertakings like the League’s Whale of a Sale giant garage sale. By 1965, when it became the 207th member admitted to the Association of Junior Leagues of America, Junior League had helped establish the Community House for seniors and was planning to put local treasures like Lori Brock Children’s Museum, California Living Museum’s reptile house and Beautiful Bakersfield on the local civic map. More than 100 groups either owe their establishment to or have been served by Junior League. Initially, they were a homogenous bunch, similar in socioeconomic strata, but today, entry isn’t nearly so exclusive and membership mirrors the community’s diversity. Its roster, exponentially larger than the first group of 55 members, now has 455 members who come from all walks of life and career paths. To date, the Junior League of Bakersfield has volunteered more than 750,000 hours and given close to $1.4 million. In March, the League will be granting $50,000 to one local organization at its Golden Gala. There are groups in town twice as old, but it’s hard to imagine any that have left their mark on so many enterprises that form the fabric of this unique community. Where the next 50 years will find the Junior League of Bakersfield, if past is prologue, one can only imagine the infinite possibilities. Second to none, here’s toasting you Junior League. Fifty has never looked so fabulous!

FA M I LY V E R D I C T

By Katy Raytis

UNCOMMONLY COMMON PROBLEMS WITH COMMON CORE Mom’s not stupid, really

hen our school recently switched to Common Core, I didn’t give it much thought. But Common Core has had a very serious side effect. Namely, it’s ruining my life. When homework takes four hours every night, it’s incredibly difficult to fit in the “Real Housewives” marathon. Last night, I listened to my husband yell at our 12-year-old for 40 minutes about how to find the area of an isosceles triangle. I’m not sure that’s useful knowledge. In 43 years of life, I have never needed to know the area of a triangle. Sure, it’s helpful when you are trying to figure out how to set up your umbrella and beach towel, but you can also just use the sun’s shadow to solve that problem. Here’s the dilemma: After a lifetime of trying to convince my kids that they should do what mom says because I know more than they do, I am getting undermined at every turn. It’s hard to maintain the aura of supreme knowledge when your kid misses every homework problem that you corrected. Though, on the plus side, you also don’t get asked to correct homework anymore. Ask education professionals and they will tell you that Common Core is essential for American children to one day compete in the global market. The rationale seems to be that technology is changing the world and our kids, in order to succeed, need to reason at a higher level in “core” areas. I don’t know what that means. Then again, I don’t know how to do the new firstgrade addition problems, so I’m probably not the best judge.

There are two primary problems with Common Core: the “common” parts and the “core” part. First, “common” is missing a keyword: “sense.” It would have been so great if the schools had moved to “Common Sense Core.” Then, the workload would be reasonable and it wouldn’t take 18 minutes to do a single long-division problem. Or maybe they could just teach kids how to use a calculator instead. “Common” is just the wrong word. If no one understands how to do “common” math, isn’t it actually “uncommon” math? The “core” part might be a bigger problem. Who decides what’s in the core? If we are entirely revamping elementary curriculum, how about adding classes on useful skills? Like “how to cook dinner,” or “how to make a bed” or “how to change the toilet paper roll when it runs out instead of just setting the new roll on top of the empty cardboard tube.” I think we can all agree that technology isn’t going to do away with food or beds or toilet paper. I’m pretty sure that the last thing I would have included in the “core” is requiring an engineering degree for seventhgrade math. Setting aside the “common” and the “core,” I am not sure this new math improves anyone’s ability to think. For my kids, Common Core seems much

more likely to result in not being able to do basic math. That’s bad news for everyone in the service industry because, from my vantage point, for the next generation, it will take no less than three hours to calculate a proper tip. Even worse, if our kids can’t do basic math, they won’t get into college. That might save us a bundle in tuition, but it also means they just might live at home forever. That’s when Common Core will have to transition into Common Cork. It’s going to take a whole lot of wine to survive that scenario. Uncommon or not, Common Core appears to be here to stay. We will keep trudging away — filling in wrong answers on math worksheets, yelling for hours about triangles and diameters, and explaining to the kids that mom is not stupid just because she can’t explain why a square root is reasonable. And, like Katy Raytis everyone else with children, we will continue to cling to the parental common core: the dream that one day the nest will actually be empty. bakersfieldlife.com

People & Community

PERSONALITY

KORAL HANCHARICK: TAKING CARE OF OUR PAST Get up close with Buena Vista Museum of Natural History and Science’s executive director By Diana Greenlee

f you send Koral Hancharick an invitation to play “Candy Crush,” don’t be offended if she doesn’t join in. The executive director of the Buena Vista Museum of Natural History and Science doesn’t waste a moment of her day. She’s got a lot of irons in the fire. “I don’t know how people have time to play those games,” she said. The busy director, 57, has been with the museum for 11 years, and she’s made her mark. According to BVM board member Gary Paddock, 73, one of 50 docents at the facility, the 20,000square-foot building was sparse when Hancharick took over, but now three floors and a basement are brimming with artifacts and activities. He said Hancharick is motivated and resourceful; she has a passion for her work. “She loves the museum, and she’s driven,” he said. Hancharick, formerly a marketing director for the Downtown Business Association, has an entrepreneurial spirit, having started and sold several local businesses, such as the Cottage Sandwich Shop, a janitorial service and an insurance agency. She was also a small business consultant for Bakersfield College. Her business savvy helped her to build the museum from the ground floor. “There was literally no money when I took over,” she said. “But there were things in the basement – I definitely know how to repurpose items.” Watching every penny so she could reinvest in the museum, Hancharick tackled every job – from marketing and grant writing to janitorial – in her early years with the museum. She said they’ve acquired some displays by way of donation and museum de-accessions. She’s learned to adapt. “In the age I grew up in, you had to 90

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make your own toys,” said Hancharick. New Jersey-born Hancharick arrived to Bakersfield with her family; she was just an infant. Later, the Bakersfield High School graduate married Mark Hancharick, 57, who’s now network support for Bakersfield City School District. The couple has a 27-year-old son, Jared Smith, a software engineer, and 30-year-old daughter, Brittnie Smith, who attends the local Inclusion Films. Koral helps out at the school. Mark says his wife of 18 years is positive, cheerful and a “spitfire.” “She’s one of the hardest-working women I’ve ever seen,” he said. “She’s always, ‘What could I be doing to stay busy?’” Koral is a true renaissance woman. She writes, paints and participates in domestic animal rescue. She sits on the Bakersfield City Convention and Visitors Bureau board of directors. She also enjoys traveling, adding to her expertise. “My last trip was to the Mediterranean – the Greek Isles, Rome,” she said. “The archeology and anthropology has helped out with my job.” Science being a natural extension of history, the word “science” was added to the museum name last year. The director comes by a devotion to the discipline partly by blood. Like her father, Southland computer science and art teacher Walter Bowser, now deceased, she collects artifacts and has obtained a level of knowledge, which has helped her create accurate and interesting groupings for the museum. “He led geological expeditions,” she said of her father. “I learned a lot from him.” Bowser’s extensive collection of rocks and minerals is on display at the museum. They also house an elaborate Native American display, taxidermic animals, dinosaur replicas and a handson science room for kids. They offer seminars and tours conducted by

Koral Hancharick, Buena Vista Museum of Natural History and Science executive director, near the African and Asian animal collection exhibit.

experts, including those from NASA, and an animator/paleontologist, formerly of Disney, discussing cartoon character creation. “Science and art have been cut from the schools,” she said. “We fill the niche.” BVM serviced upward of 10,000 people last year, including a science summer camp and off-site seminars. Koral said their main purpose is education, and they support students

PHOTO BY MARK NESSIA

by offering events, such as the annual “Spectacular World of Science.” “It gives them a chance to show their science fair projects,” she said. The museum has a distinguished exhibition of marine artifacts, including sharks’ teeth, some millions of years old, gathered from the fabled Sharktooth Hill. They offer paleo digs that allow participants to unearth and retain interesting finds. What about Valley Fever in the hills?

“I think ranchers started that rumor to keep people off of their property,” Koral said. “I just stay downwind; it’s in the soil everywhere – not just Sharktooth Hill.” The museum plays an integral role in the community, and Koral says they’re attempting to give it a permanent home – it’s in escrow. Koral said they’ve been conducting fundraisers to offset the purchase of the building on Chester Avenue.

“We received $100,000 from an anonymous donor,” she said. “But we need additional funds for building upgrades.” The resourceful, industrious Koral is confident about the museum’s future. Placed in her capable hands, the possibilities are endless. “They call me MacGyver around here,” she said chuckling. “Give me some bailing wire and duct tape, and I can fix it.” bakersfieldlife.com

H O M E TOW N H E R O

PHOTO COURTESY OF JOSEPH DRULLARD

People & Community

PHOTO COURTESY OF JOSEPH DRULLARD

Sgt. 1st Class Joe Drullard on a two-week patrol in eastern Afghanistan near the Pakistan border.

Sgt. 1st Class Joe Drullard trains Iraqis in close quarters combat. 92

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JOSEPH DRULLARD Sergeant, First Class (E-7), U.S. Army Compiled by Bakersfield Life

fter a trying ordeal, many of us would rather receive help, not give it. Joseph “Joe” Drullard, 36, is an exception. Serving stateside and deploying with the U.S. Army on numerous overseas combat missions, including operations Noble Eagle, Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, he endured his share of close calls. Drullard and his men were once mistaken for the enemy and almost taken out by U.S. artillery rounds. But after nine years of service, Drullard, perhaps now more than ever, is working to save his army brothers’ lives. As director of program development and outreach for the Wounded Heroes Fund, he helps veterans transition back to civilian life. He has helped create hiking and exercise groups, family and financial management workshops, couples’ retreats and outdoor expeditions. “Perhaps the No. 1 thing we do to assist in the transition is to just spend time with veterans,” Drullard said. “As a veteran myself, I am able to sit down at a cafe and relate to the challenges that a veteran is experiencing.” Drullard said there are 22 suicides a day among veterans and active duty service members. By relating to their struggles on and off the field, Drullard hopes to save veterans from becoming part of that horrible statistic. Why I joined: I am ashamed of it now, but I joined so that I could go to college. But from my first day in, I knew that I had found a niche for myself.

Favorite place visited as service member: My favorite

place would have to be Spain. The food was great and the people were very nice. I still owe my wife a trip there. What the military has taught me: It probably sounds

cliche, but if I learned anything in the military, it was that I can do it. Whatever “it” is, there is a way. It may be difficult, uncomfortable, painful or seem impossible, but people are much more capable than they are usually allowed to find out. Greatest accomplishment:

My marriage. I was gone a lot of years, and (was) barely home when I was (back). The distance, uncertainty and general stress of military life claim many marriages. Rachel and I celebrated our 15th anniversary last May, and to be honest, I thought it wasn’t going to make it a few times. But she is a wonderfully graceful lady, and I am happy to say that our marriage is what I am the most proud of. Challenges of serving: I thought that being in the Army was a blast. I couldn’t believe that they paid me to do some of the things that I had the opportunity to do. The toughest part for me was watching my children grow up without me. When I had friends die, that was always my first thought, “His children are going to grow up without their daddy.” Favorite memory: Graduating SERE (Survive Evade Resist Escape) school. After being on the run for over a week and then being held in a mock POW camp, where they did everything imaginable to us, they raised the American flag and played the national anthem. You have never seen so many grown men cry at one time.

Streets of Bakersfield #CHEVYSTORIES By Jenny Maddern

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People & Community

WHY I LIVE HERE

JERRY BARANOWSKI

PHOTO BY MARK NESSIA

Poland native finds solace in Bakersfield

By Shelby Parker

erry Baranowski is known in the community for his local eatery and the entertainment he brings to Jerry’s Pizza, but just like his establishment, Jerry had a unique way of making his way to Bakersfield. Jerry and his wife, Jolanta, are from Poland. In 1980, Jolanta’s sister, who was living in Los Angeles at the time, was in a car accident and in a coma for three months. Jolanta came out to California to find out more about her condition. During that time, Gen. Wojciech Jaruzelski declared martial law in Poland. Due to the new law, Jerry explained that life in Poland became “immediately and drastically restricted.” Jerry and their son, Kamil, were separated from Jolanta for five years. Jolanta’s sister was later moved to Bakersfield for treatment, and Jerry eventually moved here permanently; the family has been here ever since. 94

Bakersfield Life Magazine

While Jerry was a former politician in Poland, he decided he would give the restaurant industry a try when he moved to Bakersfield. For the first time, he said, he felt that his fate was in his own hands. Jerry’s Pizza opened in 1992, but it wasn’t your normal pizza parlor. Jerry combined pizza with entertainment (specifically, rock music) and made it an original experience. The restaurant has since become a local favorite. Jerry has become very involved in downtown Bakersfield, and is now serving his third term on the DBA. When he’s not at his restaurant, you can find him on the ranch with his horses. “The nature of the mountains is very relaxing. Every day is a new adventure; there is never the same day for me,” he said. Jerry and his wife have two sons; Kamil, 35, who graduated from Cal Poly and now lives on the coast, and Daniel, 25, who is studying environmental management at Cal State Bakersfield and “mans the front lines at Jerry’s Pizza.”

March 2015

“I’m a 60-year-old man, I’ve spent half of my life in Bakersfield and I love this city and its people. (It’s a) good place to conduct family life. (I) hope to stay here to the ends of my days,” Jerry said. Favorite place in Bakersfield: Kern County Museum Describe your neighborhood: I have always lived in northeast Bakersfield, in a very established neighborhood. I love this area, not too many people move in or out of here. Everyone knows each other, that is the best part. I love the foothills with its view on the oil fields. Favorite restaurant in Bakersfield: KC Steakhouse What surprises you about Bakersfield?

You can see oil pumps in the middle of the city. How would you describe Bakersfield?

Very conservative city, based on family values and tradition. Good people. What is the best kept secret in Bakersfield? Bakersfield has a lot of secrets, but I

learned to keep them, not share them.

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At University Park there are plenty of ways to leave that stress right outside your front door, where it belongs. Like an invigorating walk with your dog along our meandering pathways. Or a relaxing soak in the spa at our resort-style pool. Or an evening cookout with friends around one of our convenient barbecue grills. Even the low maintenance Castle & Cooke homes in University Park are designed to

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bakersfieldlife.com

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

CENTER OF ATTENTION C.J. West’s performance on, off court garners interest from top schools By Stephen Lynch

very time Celeste “C.J.” West takes the basketball court for Garces High School, she garners special attention from the opposition. The 6-foot-3 junior center is so dominant that it takes two or three defenders to even remotely slow her down. Despite the concentrated effort to suppress her, West is averaging an eye-popping 18.6 points and 15.9 rebounds per game this season. With stats like that, it’s no wonder West is attracting col-

Garces High's C.J. West is surrounded by Tulare Western High players Jan. 7 in Bakersfield during first half action. West played all of about 10 minutes, but still managed to score 18 points, grab seven rebounds, and had three steals and two blocked shots for the Rams. 96

Bakersfield Life Magazine

March 2015

lege basketball recruiters in droves. West, a standout in the classroom (she has a 4.3 GPA) as well as on the basketball court, has received letters of interest from so many college coaches around the country that she has a 3-foot high stack of them at home. With West leading the way, Garces won the Central Section Division II championship a year ago. This year, the Rams were moved into a tougher league (the Southwest Yosemite League) and up to Division I for the postseason. Off to a 21-1 start, Garces could garner a second straight section title and make a run in the state playoffs. The Rams’ fate will largely depend upon West, last year’s BVarsity Girls Basketball Player of the Year. “We’ve been trying to work as hard as possible and push ourselves past our comfort zone,” West said. “Right now, we have a lot to work on.” West is accustomed to playing in big games and against tough competition. She’s already played in two section championship games and is a member of a top-caliber club basketball team, Cal

PHOTO BY CASEY CHRISTIE

People & Community

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Sparks, based out of Long Beach. During the past two years, she’s been to USA Basketball team trials, an honor bestowed on only an elite group of high school hoopsters. West first started honing her hardwood skills at home under the guidance of her father and two older sisters Nikki and Rachol, both Division I college basketball players. “They’ve really helped to keep my head on straight,” West said. “My sisters always tell (me) what to look forward to. It’s to get a scholarship in basketball. Get my education. That’s the most important thing.” Garces went 58-8 during West’s first two years at the school. “I’m blessed to have her,” Garces coach Tod Denison said. “I know how much it opens up everything else for our basketball team. … The girls love her. She’s a team player. As good as she is and all she’s accomplished, it’s not about her. All she wants to do is get a W.” West is still deciding which college she will attend in the fall of 2016. She has a wide range of options, including virtually every school in the PAC-12. West plans on taking official visits to five colleges (the max allowed by the NCAA) this spring. “I don’t know where yet,” West said. “After that I’ll have a more narrowed down situation, but right now, I’m just kind of wide-open.”

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Born Dec. 1, 1997, in Bakersfield Parents: Charles and Vernetta West. Father played football at Long Beach State Siblings: Two sisters Nikki and Rachol. Nikki played basketball at CSUB. Rachol currently plays for San Jose State. C.J. West Middle name is Joi. Proudest basketball accomplishment: Being invited to USA Basketball team trials the past two years. Biggest highlights of basketball career: Garces’ section championship last year and helping club team overcome a 28-point halftime deficit to wins its semifinal game in the Nike National tournament two summers ago. Ultimate goal in basketball is to make the U.S. Olympic team. Favorite hobbies: Baking and art. After basketball career is over: Wants to go to culinary school.

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TA L K O F T H E T O W N

PHOTO COURTESY OF SUSAN BOYD

People & Community

Susan Boyd, author of "The Book on Bullies."

TAKING A STANCE ON BULLYING Therapist’s book tackles hot-button topic By Gabriel Ramirez

Bakersfield Life Magazine

March 2015

ullying does not discriminate. It does not take into account a person’s age, gender or race. Anyone can fall victim at any time. While the issue is a hot-button one these days, it is not new, or for that matter, one that will go away, according to Susan K. Boyd, a licensed marriage and family therapist in private practice. Boyd is an expert on the subject of bullying; she frequently gives talks in Bakersfield and has written a book about the topic, “The Book on Bullies,” published in 2012.

“The book was written so that children, teenagers and adults become more equipped to handle the abusive people in their lives,” Boyd said. “It is a compact book with lots of strategies for kids and parents. It is divided into two parts. The first part addresses types of bullies in three chapters. The second part of the book presents chapters on how to help your children: ‘Be Bullyproof,’ ‘Become Someone Who Won’t Bully’ and ‘Be A Bystander No More.’” Boyd wrote the book because she perceived a need out there for more information for her clients and teenagers. “Teachers being able to recognize bullying is one of the biggest problems schools face today. When I wrote my book, 32 percent of children said they were bullied and 79 percent stated it took place in the school building. And yet the research showed that teachers only intervened 14 percent of the time,” Boyd said. “Research shows that schools where bullying is pervasive have lower scores on standardized tests, more absenteeism and more children suffering from depression and anxiety. So raising awareness and catching bullies in the act or, even better, preventing bullying is extremely important.” Cyberbullying and the bullying of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth have been two types of bullying that has had more coverage in recent years, especially with the increased use of social media.

“The research seems to show that students are more likely to be bullied if others see a difference or a weakness. Kindness and compassion for everyone is still the best antidote to bullying,” Boyd said. “Cyber bullying will continue to be an issue as kids are so comfortable on the Internet and chatting on game sites. The newest research points out that cyber bullying is still not as prevalent as faceto-face bullying.” Boyd recommends that parents should take the time to ask their kids if they have seen anyone be bullied and students should confide in adults and if they see bullying happening, to say “stop” and reach out to an adult for help. “Bullying will always be with us. But for the first time in history, we are not simply saying it is a right of passage, or that it will toughen kids up, or it is just a fact of life growing up and going to school,” Boyd said. “There is a an old golden rule that most people know, ‘Treat others as you would have them treat you.’ It may be an old rule, but it is still golden.”

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People & Community

O U R TOW N

TACKLING LIFE’S LESSONS GEYF gives kids competitive edge on, off field By Gregory D. Cook Photos by David Dennis/ All-Star Sports Photography

n the mind of a young football fan, few things are sweeter than a perfectly thrown spiral, breaking the last tackle before the end zone or making the game-saving stop at the goal line. They are truly the stuff of football dreams, and one local organization is giving area youth a head start at making those dreams realities. The Golden Empire Youth Tackle Football and Cheer Program was formed in 1998 out of a desire to create a competitive feeder program that could better prepare kids for high school football. Over the last 18 years, the program has grown to over 3,000 participants playing and cheering on 18 teams, each acting as a feeder team for an area high school. Teams are made up of players who live within the school's enrollment area and practice on the high school's field. “When a player is done playing with us and they get to high school, we want them to

Players of the Golden Empire Youth Tackle Football in action. 100

Bakersfield Life Magazine

March 2015

All coaches in the GEYF are certified in USA Football's “Heads Up Football” program. Players are taught techniques to tackle in ways that minimize the chances of injury.

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The league also includes an extensive cheer program with over 500 members.

be able to just plug in and refine,” said Ron White, executive director and one of the program’s founders. “We want them to know how to tackle, know how to block and know the terminology. We want to share philosophies and ideologies and become an extension of that school's program.” In addition to making better football players, White says the program has players rely on one another as part of a team, which develops discipline, sportsmanship, commitment and respect. “It's basic citizenship,” he said. “If you're not taking care of those things in life you're not going to succeed.” With any contact sport, safety is a primary concern, and GEYF makes the safety of its players a top priority. In addition to the program's own training, all GEYF coaches must be certified by USA Football, a national organization devoted to training coaches in safety. The program also prides itself on making sure each player plays in high-end equipment that is individually fitted for each child. “We put safety first; everything else is a distant second,” said White. “It has to be that way.” According to White, the true strength of the program, both on and off the field, is the pro-

gram's nearly 500 volunteer coaches and staff members. “We don't look at our coaches like coaches,” said White. “You want to impress this organization? Be a mentor.” One of those coaches, Kraig Gradowitz, varsity coach of the Southwest Mojo, the feeder team for Stockdale High School, started coaching in 2007 when his oldest son became interested in playing. Like White, Gradowitz believes there are valuable life lessons to be learned from football. “I tell the kids, 'In life, it's not just going to come to you easy,'” he said. “'You're going to face adversity. And playing football, you face adversity. Sometimes you lose games, but sometimes you overcome adversity. If you work hard and push yourself, you can succeed.'” Teams normally start holding tryouts as early as March, with the season beginning in September and culminating in playoffs and a bowl game in December. Last year the program instituted a rookie division for players as young as 6 years old, in addition to its freshman (8-9), sophomore (10-12), junior varsity (11-13) and varsity (12-14) divisions. Both male and female players are welcome. For more information, visit geyf.org.

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