Bakersfield Life Magazine October 2015 by The Bakersfield Californian Specialty Publications

October 2015

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Food I S S U E

Spectacular sandwiches Our annual restaurant guide

Dining Divas eat at Chef’s Choice Noodle Bar Breast cancer survivors fill the Wall of Hope $3.95

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INSIDE BWell Magazine: Focus on skin and mental health

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

Project Notes • Cabinets are Medallion off-white with light chocolate glaze • Countertops are Cosmos high count quartz, polished • Thermador appliances • Big beautiful island with lots of countertop space • Focal hood with large corbels and raised Panel arch • Getting to know Tess and Norm Wright priceless!

“My work is my passion.” - Rick Sorci

Our new kitchen is finished and we are delighted! We couldn’t be more pleased with Stockdale Kitchen and Bath. Rick Sorci and his team listened to our ideas, added their expertise and gave us a kitchen better than our dreams. Throughout the entire process they went the second mile to give us a beautiful and efficient kitchen.They

were skilled, professional, and incredibly non-intrusive as they worked. We highly recommend Stockdale Kitchen and Bath. When we are ready for further improvements to our home they will be our immediate choice. Thank you Rick, for a job well done! ~ Norm & Tess Wright

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F E A T U R E S October 2015

Sandwich Heaven Step out of your comfort zone and try these unique sandwiches. Page 78

2015 Dining Guide Get the inside dish on the best restaurants in town.

Wall of Hope Links for Life shares its Wall of Hope Page 94

KC Steakhouse

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Clarifications: Lisa Cooper, owner and fitness coach at Bakersfield Adventure Boot Camp, said she’s overheard campers talking about losing 20 to 30 pounds since they’ve started camp with her. An article in the September issue was not clear about the duration. Nuestro Mexico Restaurant at 716 21st St. downtown is owned by Francisco J. Martin and Josue Sanchez.

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October 2015

Annual School Backpack Giveaway with HOT 94.1 “You can’t beat the feeling you get when helping people; especially kids.” – Daniel Rodriguez

Accidents I Personal Injury I Wrongful Death

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Best Lawyer Daniel Rodriguez

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D E P A R T M E N T S

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Lifestyles 48 53 56 58 60

Word on the Web The Big Picture Money Matters 12 Random Things Named After Short Takes In Season Finding Fame My Pet By the Numbers What Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m Reading Happenings

Go & Do 66 Entertainment 72 Trip Planner

People & Community PHOTO BY SCOTT HISLOP

Eat & Drink 32 36 40 44

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Food Dudes Dining Divas Food & Wine Lunchtime Picks

On the Road Pastimes In My Closet Home and Garden Welcome Home

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Business Profiles Bakersfield Matters For a Cause Personality

Special Insert Check out the latest on keeping glowing skin and a strong mind in the special BWell insert.

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Family Verdict Hometown Hero Why I Live Here All-Star Athlete Talk of the Town Our Town Inside Story Power Couple History Real People Prime Finds SNAP! Last Word

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S TA F F S H A R E S

WHAT DISH HAS BEEN PASSED DOWN BY YOUR FAMILY?

Bakersfield’s Premier City Magazine October 2015 / Vol. 10 / Issue 1 Bakersfield Life™ Magazine is published by TBC Media The magazine is inserted into The Bakersfield Californian on the last Saturday of every month and available with The Californian through its digital subscription. To subscribe, please call 392-5777. To advertise, contact Lisa Whitten at lwhitten@bakersfield.com or 395-7563.

“My mom’s potato salad is the best ever. She only made it in the summer, so it means long, sunny, lazy days. Now I make it for my family.” – Ellen Ewing, contributor “My former mother-in-law Dorothy Tangeman Stokes had numerous recipes that have been passed down, such as elegant chicken and rice Milanese. And of course, my Grandma Sweazy’s and Mom’s “choked out” biscuits!” – Linda Petree, advertising account executive “When I was in high school, my family lived in Orange County, and we went to Gulliver’s Restaurant that had the best creamed corn ever, which I didn’t even think I was a fan of. We asked for the recipe and my mom made it for the holidays and now I make it for every Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner with a kick of cayenne pepper.” – Holly Bikakis, graphic designer “My granny made a potato dish we call ‘cornflake casserole.’ Now the fourth generation, my son, also makes it. What’s not to like about potatoes, butter, sour cream and cornflakes?” – Cheryl Scott, contributor “A baked bean dish that has been passed down from my father, Ray Wells. They are known as ‘Papa Ray Beans.’” – John Wells, senior vice president, revenue and marketing “Homemade chicken and noodle soup from my motherin-law. I make it every Christmas Eve, and the family looks forward to coming home to it after church service that night (plus it makes the house smell really good).” – Dana Martin, contributor “My mother’s Swiss green beans. No holiday feast has or would be complete without it. Ingredients like cereal, Swiss cheese and prepared mustard don’t sound compatible, but added to fresh green beans, it is magic.” – Lisa Kimble, contributor

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 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 Laura Liera Art Director Glenn Hammett Graphic Designer Holly Bikakis Editorial Interns Tyler Goucher, Barry Ramirez Photographers Felix Adamo, Casey Christie, Michael Fagans, John Harte, Scott Hislop, Tanya X. Leonzo, Dana Martin, Mark Nessia, Greg Nichols, Stan Olszewski, Carla Rivas, Jan St Pierre, Rod Thornburg Contributing writers Sally Baker, Jorge Barrientos, Lisa Cooper, Ellen Ewing, Ray Gonzales, Diana Greenlee, Lisa Kimble, Katie Kirschenmann, Stephen Lynch, Dana Martin, Matt Munoz, Shelby Parker, Julie Plata, Breana Oliver, Katy Raytis, Paul Rivas, Courtney Samari, Cheryl Scott, Sally Ann Selby, Anna C. Smith, Chris Thornburgh, Miranda Whitworth, Lisa Wuertz

On the cover Lengthwise's Starved (for attention) Burger contains 26 ounces of meat. It is a bacon cheeseburger topped with slow-cooked pit beef, pulled pork, tri-tip, cheddar cheese, grilled bells and onions, and barbecue sauce. Pictured with a glass of Zeus Imperial IPA. Photo by Mark Nessia

Bakersfield Life Magazine

October 2015

C O N T R I B U TO R S E D I TO R ’ S N OT E

Paul Rivas is a former intern and current freelance writer for Bakersfield Life Magazine. One of his poems has been published in the local art magazine Project Oh! Each thing that Rivas has done during his post-college life is leading him closer and closer to a career. As a board member on the Arts Council of Kern, Rivas helped the council qualify for a National Endowment for the Arts grant for an art festival in McFarland next year.

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PHOTO BY MARK NESSIA

Luigi’s pastrami sandwich

may have said this before, but when it comes to cooking in my household, it’s my husband Julio. He loves to cook and try new things. It’s a skill that was passed down to him from his late grandmother and his mom, who still loves to bake. He has since passed on that love of cooking down to my 18-year-old Diego. While I’m no perfect chef in the cooking arena, I have discovered the importance that the preparation and ultimate indulgence of food has bonded the relationship between my husband and our family. It is a feeling that is echoed in this issue, our annual Food Issue. Here, we showcase all things food. As we have done in the past, we have highlighted local restaurants that are worth putting on your calendar for a lunch or dinner getaway. Restaurants topping the list include Sorella Ristorante Italiano and Steakhouse, Cafe Med, KC Steakhouse, Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace, Wool

October 2015

Growers, Wiki’s and the list goes on. Art Director Glenn Hammett also visited Rio Acai Bowls, which recently opened on Chester Avenue in downtown Bakersfield. Aside from that, Bakersfield Life Magazine staffers Laura Liera and Mark Nessia headed out in search of the coolest, most interesting or savory sandwiches. Mark also scored by trying out Lengthwise Brewery's Starved (for attention) Burger, which is shown on our cover. Packed with slowcooked pit beef, pulled pork, tri-tip and more, this baby is not for the weak. “The Starved (for attention) Burger might as well be called the Catch-22 Burger,” Mark tells me. “ With 26 ounces of meat, every bite is packed full of flavor. You want to finish it, but can you?” And we couldn’t have finished the Food Issue without highlighting places or events for you to experience unique local cuisine. Writer Matt Munoz, for instance, highlights the upcoming Pyrenees Fiesta set for Saturday, Oct. 3, from 6 to

11 p.m. at the Bakersfield City Firefighters Hall in southwest Bakersfield. This charity fundraiser, meant to help local families who have a child with a life-threatening illness, will feature music, auction, and a combination of great Basque and Mexican cuisine. Munoz also reports on the 99 Music Fest to be held Saturday, Oct. 10, at Cal State Bakersfield from noon to 6 p.m. Ray Wylie Hubbard, James McMurtry, Sam Outlaw, Monty Byrom and Truxton Mile are among the lineup. Read inside for more details.

PHOTO BY TANYA X. LEONZO

Growing up as a kid in the ’80s, Matt Munoz was either glued to the latest issue of Rolling Stone or watching MTV music videos, much to his parents’ dismay. Little did they know he was investing in what would eventually become a full-time career as an arts and entertainment writer. After years of celebrity interviews and covering countless music and arts festivals, the thrill remains the same as his first concert: Prince. Amazing.

THE WAY TO SOMEONE’S HEART

Olivia Garcia Editor 395-7487 ogarcia@bakersfield.com

Up Front

WORD ON THE WEB

As shared on Facebook...

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE FOOD INDULGENCE? Megan Anderson: Ice cream! It’s the perfect treat – something sweet and cold on our hot summer days.

Nicole Brockway: Green enchiladas, jalapenos, cream of chicken soup and sharp cheddar cheese – kids’ alltime favorite.

Geoff Oehler: El Sombrero. Just about anything they serve.

Noe Garcia: Mac and cheese with bacon, ribs and mashed potatoes from Outback.

Norma Takahashi: There's two things I call ahead for every time I visit my mamacita: mole and chile rellenos. I love Mexican food, but these two things are not something I would ever order at a restaurant. It HAS to be my mom’s.

Sofie Zimmermann: WINE! It's made from grapes; I'm sure that can be classified in a food group!

Jamie Butow: Chocolate Mousse Royale ice cream from Baskin Robbins. I kid you not, I can't get it here but I can get it in San Diego. Every time I go down there I bring back 2 quarts packed in dry ice.

Janet Harris: Dewar's black and white. It is so special because you cannot get in any other city.

Linda M. Francis: Alpine Pastries’ Kahlua petit fours. These are tiny cakes of pure sugar delight.

Mayra Aripez Reyes: Shrimp cocktail or aguachiles. I love to eat seafood.

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THE BIG PICTURE

DOE-EYED DELIVERANCE Photo by Casey Christie

A deer and doe spend time together in the woods at Tehachapi Mountain Park.

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October 2015

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Up Front

M O N E Y M AT T E R S

VICTIMS OF IDENTITY THEFT TAX REFUND FRAUD ARE ON THE RISE received wages from an unknown employer or you have been assessed additional tax for a year you did not file a tax return.

By Chris Thornburgh

t’s the biggest tax scam of the year and so lucrative that criminals are trading their guns for laptops. Someone steals your identity, files a bogus tax return in your name before you file and collects a refund from the Internal Revenue Service. As the final stretch of tax season comes to a close, Kern County taxpayers may find themselves victims of tax refund fraud. More than 5 million tax returns were filed last year using stolen identities. Most victims are unaware they have been hit until they file their tax returns. How the scam works To file a phony tax return, all a criminal needs is a social security number and corresponding name. Fake W-2s and withholdings are then used to file fraudulent tax returns, landing criminals big refunds. Thieves use many methods to steal identities. High-tech thieves favor the Internet, with database hacking topping the list. Hospitals, insurers and government agencies are targeted treasure troves of personal identities. Data breaches dominate the headlines but additional breaches can be found at idtheftcenter.org. Criminals love social media networks – a hotbed for identity theft. Information in your profile, such as date of birth, birthplace, pet names, school locations, hobbies and interests may provide thieves with your “out-of-wallet” answers for account passwords. Let’s not discount computer-illiterate criminals. Old-fashioned methods, such as burglary, dumpster diving and mailbox raiding, continue to hit Kern County residents. Know the warning signs The first clue you are a victim of tax refund fraud usually comes when filing your tax return. Your e-filed tax return will be rejected by the IRS if your social security number was used on another return. A sure sign there’s a problem is when the IRS asks for additional information to process your tax return, but you haven’t filed yet. Other signs include IRS notices that more than one tax return was filed using your social security number, the IRS states you

Report the fraud Act quickly. Thieves don’t use your information once – they use it again and again. The faster you respond, the less time they can do damage. Contact the IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit at 800908-4490 to report the theft. Complete and file Form 14039 “Identity Theft Affidavit” available at irs.gov to prove you are the real taxpayer. To prevent future fraudulent use of your Social Security number, the IRS will issue identity theft victims an Identity Protection Pin (IP PIN) each year. That’s a whole other kind of annoyance. Once you are assigned an IP PIN, you can never e-file again without it. Protect your credit A thief with enough information to file a fraudulent tax return may also try to take out credit in your name. Set up credit alerts with any one of the three credit reporting agencies: Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax. A fraud alert will be placed on all three of your credit files for 90 days. After you have filed a police report or an ID theft complaint form with the Federal Trade Commission, the fraud alert can be extended for seven years. In addition, monitor your credit reports for unfamiliar accounts or activity. Bottom line Be patient if you are a victim. It can take several months to straighten out the legitimate filing of your tax return. Worse yet, it can take six months or more to receive your refund. Some situations are extremely complex, in which case the expertise of a knowledgeable CPA may provide quicker resolution.

Chris Thornburgh

— Chris Thornburgh is a CPA and partner at Brown Armstrong Accountancy Corp. Contact her at cthornburgh@bacpas.com or 324-4971.

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If I’m at a corporate place, I’m pleased when the food is not dry or overcooked. But if it’s a place that is top notch and I’m paying a lot of money, I’m more critical of the food.

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 . . .

JOHN MCFEE

When I’m not cooking, I enjoy eating out at Chef’s Choice Noodle Bar, Valentien Restaurant & Wine Bar and Moo Creamery.

The Petroleum Club executive chef

I’ve been doing this for 30 years so I get new menu ideas from past experiences or by putting my twist on a recipe I see in a magazine.

I don’t watch many cooking shows but recently saw a few episodes of “Mind of Chef” on Netflix, produced by Anthony Bourdain.

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I’m not a dessert guy.

I listen to a variety of music, like Led Zeppelin, Sting, or jazz. Except rap.

The secret to cooking pasta is to not overcook it. Don’t wash it off after. Add salt to the water but not just a pinch either. It should taste like the sea. That’s how the Italians say.

My favorite holiday is Halloween. It makes you feel like a kid again. I go all out with decorations at home, and the neighborhood kids get a kick out of it.

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I don’t take vacations but I enjoy going to Carmel to relax.

I can’t live without olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper, and herbs.

I try not to eat fast food but if I do, I go to In-N-Out Burger and order the animal style burger with fries and a soda. I love peanut butter and, yes, that includes Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups.

PHOTO BY MARK NESSIA

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PHOTO BY FELIX ADAMO

Up Front

LA CRESTA, ALTA VISTA NEIGHBORHOODS By Lisa Kimble

ore than 75 years after the first foundations were laid, the northeast neighborhood of La Cresta, with its winding tree-lined streets, remains one of Bakersfield’s most charming and sought after residential zip codes. Bordered by Panorama Drive to the north, La Cresta’s eclectic style features homes that range from Spanish bungalows to Southern colonials. Similarly, its neighboring tract to the south, Alta Vista, also boasts a mixture of architectural designs, although Alta Vista – east and west of the street by the same name near Bernard and north of Monterey – predates the La Cresta subdivision. Speculation abounds that the English translations of “Alta Vista” and “La Cresta” – high view and the crest, respectively – were the reasons for the names, along with the Spanish influence of Padre Francisco Garces, whom the parochial high school on the western edge of the La Cresta neighborhood is named after. However, Garces did not open its doors until some 10 years after the start of the development of the La Cresta Heights subdivision on the bluffs overlooking the river. A Bakersfield Californian article in March 1937 ahead of the

Bakersfield Life Magazine

October 2015

neighborhood’s launch touted it as “high up, at a vantage point overlooking the city, valley and mountains.” A December 1937 newspaper advertisement heralded La Cresta as “the better place to live.” Howard Nichols, Inc. developed much of the first phases of La Cresta. Nichols, for whom the northeast Bakersfield elementary school is named, was a colonel in the armed forces during World War II. From 1952 to 1964, La Cresta Village, as it was also known, had its own post office and for years there was also a county fire substation. Some homes in the Alta Vista neighborhood date back to the 1920s. By the 1950s, very few La Cresta lots remained, recalled Donna James, whose father, Ralph Smith Jr., developed much of the College Heights area as well as built some of the newer homes in the La Cresta subdivision. Smith and his partners owned the La Cresta Airfield at the east corner of Panorama and River Boulevard across from Greenlawn Cemetery on 30 to 40 acres. Along with the airstrip, there was also a coffee shop and hangar. “I remember my parents having a lot of parties in that hangar,” James recalled with a laugh. “There wasn’t much else there. The road led to the old county dump.” According to local historian Gilbert Gia, by 1946, the airfield was storing and repairing aircraft. There was, however, no control tower.

S H O R T TA K E S

CALIFORNIAN FILE PHOTO

PHOTO COURTESY OF KRISTI WALLACE

LIFT FOR KIMBER

VIA ARTE BRINGS PAVEMENT TO LIFE

inal plans are underway for Via Arte, Kern County’s largest public art exhibition sponsored by the Bakersfield Museum of Art. The 17th annual Italian street painting festival will be held Oct. 10 and 11 at the Marketplace from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Admission is free. Every year, the event draws thousands, including visitors from across the state, to the shopping and entertainment center where hundreds of artists – modern day madonnaris from here and around

California – use chalk and, in the spirit of the traditional Italian style, transform the Marketplace pavement into extraordinary works of art. “While the work created is temporary, the experience and memories of the event are everlasting,” said BMOA curator Rachel Magnus. The event also features live music and entertainment for the entire family. Budding artists can also create their own works in the Via Bambino Children’s Art Area.

STEWARDS INC. CELEBRATES 20 YEARS

or two decades, Stewards Inc., Bakersfield's largest representative payee agency, has worked to prevent homelessness by helping disabled, senior and formerly homeless clients living on a fixed income manage their money effectively. On Oct. 22, from 6 to 9 p.m., Stewards Inc. will be celebrating its 20th anniversary

with an outdoor dinner event at 2211 H St. Suggested donation is $20. Special guest speaker is Andy Bales, chief executive officer of the Union Rescue Mission in Los Angeles’ Skid Row. There will also be musical entertainment and testimonials from Stewards Inc. clients. For more information, call Lauren at 631-1258, ext. 1230, or visit stewardsinc.org.

n Saturday, Oct. 17, KC CrossFit will hold its Lifting Up Kimber event. The lift-a-thon will feature 20 invited athletes and be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at KC CrossFit, 4630 Easton Drive, Suite 5. The athletes will perform three main weight lifts. The event’s goal is to raise funds to benefit 5-year-old Kimber Wonderly and her family, said Logan August, owner and coach at KC CrossFit. Kimber was born with lissencephaly, a rare neurological condition in which the brain is smooth. Due to lissencephaly, Kimber functions at about a 3- to 5-month-old level. She also struggles with seizures that are currently managed with medication. For more information or to sponsor a lifter or make a donation, call 299-7987.

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S H O R T TA K E S

ONE BOOK PROJECT READIES FOR OCTOBER ACTIVITIES AROUND THE TOWN

MEXICAN ANCESTRY PHOTO SHOOT

he One Book Project community reading of “The International Bank of Bob” features four events this month:

• First Friday Open Mic with Kern Poetry. Featuring selections from the Memoir Writing Workshops. 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2, Dagny’s Coffee, 1600 20th St. • Issues Facing the Working Poor in Kern County. Panel discussion. 5 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 6, Beale Memorial Library Auditorium, 701 Truxtun Ave. • The Power of $25. Book Discussion led by Portia Choi and Mike Russo. 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10, Russo’s Books, 1601 New Stine Road, #182. • Community book discussion of “The International Bank of Bob.” 10 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 13, Barnes & Noble, 4001 California Ave.

WOMEN INSPIRING GIRLS AWARDS LUNCHEON

PARTY IN THE PARK RETURNS TO CSUB

he CSUB Alumni Association’s Party in the Park is set for Oct. 23. The social event supports alumni scholarships, membership outreach and mentoring opportunities for current students. The event will take place at CSUB’s Alumni Park on campus. Ticket prices range from $25 to $75 depending on presale or purchase at the door and type of entry (i.e., VIP or general admission). Must be 21 or older to attend. More info: csub.edu/alumni/alumnievents/party_ in_the_park.

hree local female leaders will be honored Oct. 16 at Valley Baptist Church for the 2015 Women Inspiring Girls Awards Luncheon. The event was created by a local Girl Scout Troop to recognize women who embody and personify the mission of Girl Scouts of being women of courage, confidence and character who make the world and their community a better place. This year’s honorees are: Sheryl Chalupa, CEO of Goodwill Industries of South Central California; Olivia Garcia, editor of Bakersfield Life, BWell Magazine and the Kern Business Journal; and Caren Hill Floyd, retired educator and youth advocate/mentor. Individual tickets for the luncheon are $50. The event will start at 11:30 a.m. at 4800 Fruitvale Ave.

he Kern County Genealogical Society will be hosting a Mexican Ancestry Photo Shoot on Saturday, Oct. 10, at Historic Union Cemetery. The photo shoot is part of The Sonoran Project that will develop into a resource book about Mexican settlement in Kern County. The genealogical society has been collecting stories of Mexican families that have been in Kern County for more than 75 years. Families of Mexican descent are invited to attend the photo shoot at 10 a.m. at 730 Potomac Ave. Water and snacks will be provided.

PETROLEUM SUMMIT BENEFITS INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

he 2015 West Kern Petroleum Summit returns to Taft College Oct. 16 from 7:45 a.m. to 3 p.m. The summit, which will discuss petroleum and natural gas technologies’ impact in local and regional economic development, will support Taft College’s internship program. This year’s lineup includes keynote speaker T. Boone Pickens and author Alex Epstein. Legendary game show host Alex Trebek is the emcee. Tickets are $100 and can be purchased at wkpsummit.com. For more information, contact Sheri Horn-Bunk at 763-7936. bakersfieldlife.com

Up Front

S H O R T TA K E S

he R.O.S.E. Mentor Program (Realizing Options for Student Excellence) was created to bring female role models into the lives of local high school junior and senior female students. Since 1994, more than 400 high school students have been shadowing mentors through R.O.S.E. R.O.S.E. coordinator Susan Spears, 55, has been running the program for 13 years, after founder Bobbie George of Cal

PHOTO COURTESY OF SUSAN SPEARS

R.O.S.E. MENTOR PROGRAM: MENTORING FUTURE GENERATIONS ONE STEP AT A TIME

State Bakersfield retired – George was also part of the first group that started the Bakersfield Women’s Business Conference. “This mentor program is essential because these girls need to know there is more out there than just Kern County and they also need female role models,” Spears said. Many of the students have never been anywhere outside of Kern County and may not see a future after their high school graduation.

That is where R.O.S.E. steps in. High school students are nominated from 22 high schools in Kern County but they must pass an interview before joining the program. Two students are selected from each high school. Teens learn about public speaking, finance management and other life tips. They also have an opportunity to talk to local professionals about their careers. But in order to sustain

R.O.S.E., mentors are needed. Over the years, the program has seen a decrease in volunteers. “I understand that everyone has life issues but there is a time when you think, ‘OK, is there something that I can do to help others?’” Spears said. For those interested in mentoring, visit bakersfieldwomen.org/rose. The mentor program is an umbrella of the Bakersfield Women’s Business Conference.

CALIFORNIA GROUP HONORS LOCAL HISPANIC CHAMBER

he Kern County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce was recently honored by the California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce with the Chamber of the Year Award. The award was given recently at the annual CHCC convention in Sacramento. Also, Blodgie Rodriguez, KCHCC chairwoman,

Bakersfield Life Magazine

October 2015

received the Latina Trailblazer Award. Last year, Jay Tamsi, KCHCC president and CEO, earned the Executive of the Year Award from the statewide organization. KCHCC was selected from among the 95 chambers and other Hispanic organizations affiliated with CHCC for the award.

THE PET FAIR RETURNS

et lovers, mark your calendars for the return of the Kern County Pet Fair to be held Oct. 24, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Kern County fairgrounds, 1142 S. P St. The event is free. Kathryn Mears, who is assisting with public relations of the event, said people can bring their pets to the event as there will be pet activities and contests. For more information, visit kcpetfair.com. The pet fair’s theme is “We believe heroes come in all sizes.”

BAKERSFIELD BUDDY WALK

he Bakersfield Buddy Walk will kick off at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, at The Park at River Walk. The walk raises Down syndrome awareness in the community and is put on by H.E.A.R.T.S. Connection of Kern County. This year’s theme is Western, so wear your cowboy boots and hats. Attendees are encouraged to bring

their lawn chairs and picnic food. There will be carnival games and BoBo the Clown will make an appearance. Registration begins at 10 a.m. at 11200 Stockdale Highway. Individual tickets are $20 and $60 for a family of two adults and three children. For more information, call 328-9055.

GALA TO RAISE FUNDS FOR KERN COUNTY FOSTER CHILDREN, LOW-INCOME FAMILIES

he Kern Partnership for Children and Families, a local nonprofit organization, will be throwing a benefit event at the Petroleum Club on Oct. 17 to raise funds for Kern County foster children and low-income families. The event, known as the Gatsby Gala, will include dinner and dancing for those who reserve one of its swanky tables. For people unable to be an official table sponsor, you can still donate to the cause by providing a raffle item, a silent auction basket or a cash donation. For more information about the Gatsby Gala, contact Barbara Zimmermann at 6316549. For more information about the Kern Partnership for Children and Families, go to kernpartnership.com.

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Up Front

IN SEASON

IF YOU BUILD IT … Halloween Town expecting visitors close to home

Story and Photos by Dana Martin

akersfield families have limited choices when it comes to entertainment, especially in finding fun, affordable activities close to home. This October, Bakersfield Halloween Town will change all that. “This is a family community, and we wanted to create something fun for families to do to celebrate the season,” said Mike Wilbur, the co-creator of Bakersfield Halloween Town. Halloween Town first opened two years ago at the Kern County Museum and makes its muchanticipated return this season on the northwest side of town. “This is home,” said Wilbur of the attraction’s change of location. “We started (Talladega Frights) in the Rosedale area seven years ago, moved to Pioneer Village in 2013, but after two years there we discovered that the community prefers when we can spread out more.” By “spreading out,” Wilbur is referring to the sprawling 23-acre lot on which Halloween Town calls home for the next two years, alongside its more famous neighbor, Talladega Frights Haunted Attraction. Wilbur believes that by bringing the attraction back to the northwest and adding a harvest-festival-type element, Bakersfield residents will be able to enjoy fall activities close to home. “You won’t have to drive 30 minutes out of town to go on a hayride or pick a pumpkin,” he said. A fun, family friendly (non24

Bakersfield Life Magazine

October 2015

scary) hayride is just one attraction the creators plan to add to the value of each ticket. Other activities included in the $12 price are pumpkin cannons; a super slide; corn maze; kids’ play area with bounce houses, a rock wall, corn seed box, and face painting; and the brandnew Spooky Cinema. “Remember when you were a kid and looked forward to the Halloween cartoons? That’s an idea of what you’ll be able to watch in our cinema,” said Wilbur. Halloween Town will be dotted with the same houses used at last year’s Christmas Town, only these houses have been snapped up by sponsors eager to decorate them for the Halloween season. Local businesses adopt each house to make it especially spooky or festive for the children who will trick-ortreat there later in the month. Wilbur says other fall attractions in the valley have incorporated this element. “It’s trick-or-treating, but a whole lot more,” he said. “You get all of our regular activities, too.”

On Oct. 30 and 31, Trick-orTreat Town will be included in the same $12 admission to Halloween Town and will allow children under 12 a chance to trick-or-treat local businesses, while also participating in all other attractions. Halloween Town, creators say, is a labor of love designed to create a warm and inviting holiday atmosphere close to home – one in which they hope will be a Bakersfield tradition for years to come.

F I N D I N G FA M E

Poet makes name for himself in poetry community By Paul Rivas

fter publishing his first collection of poetry, Bakersfield’s very own Lindsay Wilson is gaining success among the American poetry community. His book, “No Elegies,” won the Quercus Review Press Spring Poetry Book Award in 2014. Since then, he has performed many readings, including the Nevada Humanities, which is an organization that fosters cultural enrichment. “My publications helped me achieve tenure as an English professor at Truckee Meadows Community College, and I’ve made a small name for myself, but being a respected part of this community that I love so much is a real payoff,” Wilson said. Poets gain success by getting their best poems out in the world for people to read.

PHOTO COURTESY OF LINDSAY WILSON

THOUGHTS AND EMOTIONS ON PAPER Lindsay Wilson

Wilson has been fortunate to publish most of his poems in online and printed literary journals, such as the Verse Daily and the Bellevue Literary Review. Wilson doesn’t measure his success by money, only how his art touches peoples’ lives. Wilson began writing in a journal while in high school, but an English teacher he had discouraged his love for writing. “He made me feel very insecure about my writing and offered no help,” Wilson said. He persevered and did not let anyone’s opinion or negativity stand in the way of his passion. Then his mom came home one day with a copy of Fresno poet Gary Soto’s poem collection “Who Will Know Us” and he was hooked. “I could not believe someone could write so beautifully about the San Joaquin Valley, and I started writing awful Soto imi-

tations,” Wilson said. Most people have a vice that compels them to do certain things. For Wilson, poetry is an itch that induces him to spill his thoughts and emotions on paper. “I encounter so much in life. I want to document and make sense of it, and poetry provides a medium that allows me to do that,” Wilson said. His upbringing in Bakersfield has not vanished from his persona. He believes that Bakersfield is very much in his writing even though he resides in Reno, Nevada. “I have felt compelled to write a lot about my life in Bakersfield. Many of my poems in ‘No Elegies’ are set in Bakersfield and Reno or between them,” he said. “Oh, how I miss the Mexican and Basque food and the people. That’s what I love about Bakersfield.”

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Up Front

MY PET

THIS LITTLE PIGGY GOES TO MARKET Highland High School junior raises livestock for auction at Kern County Fair

By Diana Greenlee

Bakersfield Life Magazine

October 2015

PHOTO BY SCOTT HISLOP

avannah Aborqui knows how to bring home the bacon. And she’ll have a chance to prove it at the Kern County Fair this year when she sells the pig she’s been raising since last spring. A Highland High School junior, Aborqui, 16, is on the agricultural track, positioning her to take courses related to ag, such as animal science and biology. She’s also a member of the Future Farmers Association (FFA), which offers students an opportunity to raise livestock, housing them at “the farm” at the Regional Occupational Center at the Bakersfield Adult School. Now in her third year in the program, the junior is getting to be a pro. She said she took a sheep into the ring last year, making this year’s swine seem like a cakewalk. “Lambs are not very smart; they freak out for everything,” she said. “They’re very time intensive.” Aborqui still focuses a considerable amount of attention on the pig, which she calls Petunia. The student makes the trek to the farm twice daily, in addition to her soccer practice and schoolwork, to care for the animal, which she says has specific needs but is docile and bright. “I have to water her down; pigs don’t sweat,” she said. “I take her for walks. Pigs don’t need a lot of muscle – just weight.” The Highland FFA group meets monthly to instruct students on the finer points of showmanship, how

Savannah Aborqui and Petunia. auctions work and how to get sponsors. In combination with her coursework, Aborqui says the project has given her opportunities for hands-on practice, building her confidence in and out of the ring. She’s learned to ear tag her animal, give injections and care for it when it has tummy trouble. “I have experience and I know what I’m doing,” she said. Highland High School agriculture teacher Lindsay Devaurs, 30, agrees. She said the teen is smart, keeping up with her assignments in addition to her heavy extracurricular activities.

As well as mature and insightful, Devaurs said Aborqui is determined and consistent. “She’s a hard worker,” said Devaurs. With her sights set on a career as a large animal vet, even with her pragmatic sensibilities, Aborqui admits raising livestock for market can be emotionally daunting. But she’s keeping her eye on the prize. “Last year I was so attached; I was heartbroken,” she said. “This year – I know this pig is market. I’m thinking of the check.”

BY THE NUMBERS

TYPES OF RESTAURANTS

473,387 Kern adults dined at a sit-down restaurant in the past month Top three sit-down restaurants based on number of adult diners (past month) were Denny's, Tahoe Joe's and IHOP.

Percent of Kern adults who ate at these types of restaurants in past 30 days Mexican restaurant ....................44% Chinese restaurant ......................33% Pizza restaurant ..........................27% Coffee house/coffee bar..............17% Steakhouse....................................15% Italian restaurant..........................14% Seafood restaurant ......................12% Asian restaurant – other ............12% Basque restaurant ......................10% Upscale restaurant ........................6% * Percentages include those who visited multiple categories.

71%

The number of adults who dined at a Basque restaurant in the past month grew 71 percent compared to last year The number of adults who

at a coffee house/bar 46% dined in the past month grew 46 percent compared to last year The number of adults who

565,035 Kern adults dined at a quick-serve restaurant in the past month

compared to last year

Top three quick-service restaurants based on number of adult diners (past month) were McDonald’s, Taco Bell and Subway.

at a steak house in the 28% dined past month grew 28 percent

11%

The number of adults who dined at a seafood restaurant in the past month dropped 11 percent compared to last year

Source: Scarborough Research – March 2014 to March 2015 R1

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Up Front

W H AT I ’ M R E A D I N G

KRISTYN VAN CLEAVE By Laura Liera Photo by Mark Nessia

t 16 years old, Kristyn Van Cleave is busy juggling her time between school, dance and writing. Her love for dance started at the age of 2, and by 4 years old, she was dancing at the Civic Dance Center on Brimhall Road. “I’m here 20 hours a week taking classes, teaching and choreographing,” Van Cleave said. The teenager teaches tap, hip-hop and jazz and has taken a group of dancers to a national competition where they took first place. “It’s a dream to be able to choreograph at such a young age,” she added. When she’s not fastening her ballet shoes, she is letting her imagination pour into writing — maybe just as fast as she pirouettes. Van Cleave has always gravitated toward fantasy and science fiction literature, including the “Harry Potter” and “Lord of the Rings” series. “I wanted to write my own take on magic,” she said. And so came the story of 11-yearold Eylene in the fantasy book “Dreambreath.” Eylene grows up on Earth but on her 11th birthday she gets taken to a different world where she finds out that she is a witch and the keeper of a powerful source of life. She has to fight to stay alive as she becomes a target for those who previously destroyed those like her.

Bakersfield Life Magazine

October 2015

Kristyn Van Cleave “There are so many different takes on what a sorcerer is or what a wizard is, so I kind of wanted to take all of those ideas and merge them into a book,” Van Cleave said. “Dreambreath” will be a trilogy. Van Cleave has already started the sequel, which will be out next summer. When asked why she encourages other teens to explore their creative side, Van Cleave said life is more than being glued to social media. “Every teenager needs a creative outlet in this world,” she said. “Be yourself and be your own outlet because life is not just about your phone.”

What’s a book you can’t seem to put down? The “Cinder” series by Marissa Meyer. Favorite authors: J.K. Rowling and Marissa Meyer. Favorite book turned into a movie: “The Hunger Games” trilogy. Reasons why people should read: It transports you to another world. You can go to different places and imagine yourself as the main character and go on different adventures.

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Up Front

HAPPENINGS

CAN’T-MISS EVENTS SEPTEMBER

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

A Taste of Grace, wine tasting, live jazz, raffles, hors d’oeuvres, 6 to 9 p.m., Oct. 2, The Gardens at Mill Creek, 700 19th St. $30 per person; $55 couples. 869-1630. The Eagles, 8 p.m., Oct. 2, Bright House Networks Amphitheatre, 11200 Stockdale Highway. $15. ticketmaster.com. Links for Life Lace’n It Up, kicks off Breast Cancer Awareness Month, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Oct. 1, downtown kickoff at the Liberty Bell, 1415 Truxtun Ave.; Westside kickoff at The Park at River Walk, 11200 Stockdale Highway. Lunch provided. $15. linksforlife.org. Gary Allan, 7 p.m., Oct. 1, Bright House Networks Amphitheatre, 11200 Stockdale Highway. $25-$55. ticketmaster.com. Garces Fall Barbecue, serving famous “Icardo” steaks and teriyaki chicken, 5:30 p.m., Oct. 1, Garces Memorial High School, 2800 Loma Linda Drive. $30 with pickup available. 327-2578. Holiday Poinsettias Campaign, to benefit the American Lung Association, begins Oct. 1 and ends Nov. 20 with delivery in December. $6 4-inch pots; $10 6-inch pots; $20 8-inch pots. 282-3297.

Old School Throwback Jam, featuring Vanilla Ice, 8 p.m., Oct. 2, Rabobank Arena, 1001 Truxtun Ave. $39.50-$75. rabobankarena.com. Old Ridge Route Centennial, hosted by the Ridge Route Preservation Organization and Ridge Route Communities Museum & Historical Society, to celebrate 100 years of the original road between Los Angeles and Bakersfield. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Oct. 3, Fort Tejon Middle School, 4337 Lebec Road, Lebec. Food, vintage automobiles, souvenirs, hourly raffles, live entertainment. Free.

Bakersfield Life Magazine

seniors get 10 percent off; 10 years old and under enter free. kernscot.org. Gone to the Dogs, 5K run/walk with/without dog, to benefit Have a Heart Humane Society, 9 a.m. registration, 10 a.m. race., Oct. 3, Meadowbrook Park in Tehachapi. $25. 332-4975.

Great Pumpkin Run, 5K and 1-mile family walk, to benefit FARA Kern County and those suffering with Friedreich’s ataxia. Pumpkin pancake breakfast, T-shirt, admission to Murray Family Farms activities and more. 8:30 a.m., Oct. 3, Murray Family Farms, 6700 General Beale Road. $35 for 5K day of; $25 adults, $5 per child 3 to 12 years old for 1-mile walk. 7th Annual Bakersfield Celtic Music Festival, food, drinks, vendors, music, raffle prizes, 7 to 10 p.m., Oct. 2; 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., Oct. 3; CSUB Amphitheater, 9001 Stockdale Highway. $10 Friday night with $30 scotch tasting, $20 Saturday; $25 for Friday and Saturday; students, military and

Via Arte

October 2015

Wine, Women & Shoes, to benefit CASA of Kern County, food, wine, fashion show, auctions, 2 to 6 p.m., Oct. 3, at the home of Vikas and Sonia Ghai. $125-$175. kerncasa.org or 631-2272. Heroes for Hope, to benefit Memorial Hospital’s Hope House hosted by the Kern County Builders’ Exchange, food, silent and live auction, music, 5 p.m., Oct. 3, Kern County Museum, 3801 Chester Ave. $150. kcbex.com. St. Vincent de Paul Homeless Center Annual Fall Barbecue, 5:30 p.m., Oct. 8, St. Vincent de Paul Homeless Center, 316 Baker St. $25 with takeout available. 323-2942. Dick Snyder book signing, author of “Boomerang: Short Stories in a Fictional Life,” 5 to 7 p.m. Oct. 9, Barnes & Noble, 4001 California Ave. Free.

Celtic Music Festival

5th Annual “Bounty of Kern County,” to benefit the Kern County Farm Bureau, 5:30 p.m., Oct. 10, Kern County Fairgrounds, 1142 S. P St. Dinner tickets $125 per person. 397-9635.

First Car We may get behind the wheels often, but there’s nothing like the first. Send us a photo of your very first car and we’ll include it in our annual Auto Issue in November. Send photos to bakersfieldlife@bakersfield.com. Title your email: First Car.

Kern County Heart & Stroke Walk and Lawyers Have Heart Run, registration 7:30 a.m. with run at 8 a.m. and walk at 9:30 a.m., Oct. 17, CSUB, 9001 Stockdale Highway. bakersfieldheartwalk.kintera.org.

Ray Wylie Hubbard 99 Music Fest, music by Ray Wylie Hubbard, James McMurtry, Monty Byrom, Sam Outlaw, The Sheepdogs, Truxton Mile and The Roustabouts, noon, Oct. 10, CSUB Amphitheatre, 9001 Stockdale Highway. $40. eventbrite.com.

Artfest, presented by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Kern County, 6 to 10 p.m., Oct. 17, Palazzo Destefani, 8851 Buena Vista Drive. $100. 325-3730. Girls Night Out, 6 to 10 p.m. Oct. 22, Motor City Lexus, 5101 Gasoline Alley Drive. $75. 392-5716.

5th Annual St. Demiana Coptic Orthodox Church Festival, activities for children, Middle Eastern cuisine, movie, gift shop, bookstore, photos, church tours, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Oct. 10-11, 9200 White Lane. Free. 664-7320. 17th Annual Via Arte, Italian street painting festival. Oct. 1011, the Marketplace, 9000 Ming Ave. viaartebakersfield.com. Tehachapi Apple Festival, pie-eating contest, apple drop, carnival, vendors, food, music. 10 a.m., Oct. 10-11, Railroad Park in downtown Tehachapi. Free. Greek Food Festival, 5 to 11 p.m., Oct. 16; 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Oct. 17; Hellenic Park, 401 Truxtun Ave. $5.

Claudia True, “Cooking With Friends” calendar signing, 4 to 7 p.m., Oct. 22, Ice House Framing & Gallery, 1610 19th St., 12:30 to 2:30 p.m., Oct. 23, Beladagio, 9500 Brimhall Road, # 705. Party in the Park, hosted by CSUB to benefit the Alumni Association, food, wine, craft beer, 5:30 p.m. VIP; 6:30 p.m. general public, Oct. 23, CSUB Alumni Park, 9001 Stockdale Highway. $40 in advance; $50 at the door. For alumni and student ticket information, visit csub.edu/partyinthepark. 25th Anniversary M.A.R.E. Celebration, to benefit Mastering Abilities Riding Equines, dinner, dancing, live auction, equestrian performances, 5 p.m., Oct. 24, M.A.R.E., 18200 Johnson Road. $100 per person. 589-1877.

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Eat & Drink

FOOD DUDES

The Shed lets customers build their own burgers with a wide variety of options.

THE SHED

Compiled by Bakersfield Life

Hidden gem in Tehachapi

ne of the coolest things about visiting Tehachapi, besides the cooler temperatures, is the amazing variety of restaurant options, including The Shed â&#x20AC;&#x201C; formerly known as The Apple Shed. The rustic, old-fashioned decor has been retained, but the traditionally popular menu has been updated and upgraded by an immensely talented crew of chefs, bakers and friendly management. APPETIZERS Louis Amestoy on the salad and soup bar: The Shed offers a spectacular salad and soup bar â&#x20AC;&#x201C; I took advantage of both. I had the cheesy potato bacon

Bakersfield Life Magazine

October 2015

Photos by Greg Nichols

soup, which was one of four offered throughout the day. The salad bar had standard items but also Kalamata olives, various peppers and crumbled blue cheese. Matt Munoz on the three-bean chili: The soup and chili bar at The Shed was a winner, but while Louis dove into the soup section, I went for the amazing homemade three-bean chili. From the blend of the spicy to the mild, this chili complements any appetizer choice. Jason Cater on the West African soup: This delicacy is a fusion of sweet potatoes, raisins and other vegetables soaked in a sweet cinnamon-flavored broth and is the perfect way to begin a great evening.

Baby back ribs combo

From left: Food Dudes Jason Cater, Louis Amestoy and Matt Munoz enjoy the quaint atmosphere of The Shed.

The name has changed, but the nostalgic decor remains.

French toast

The Shed 333 E. Tehachapi Blvd.

this burger and youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re sure to forget your previous favorite. Louis on the 16-ounce porterhouse steak: This is not on the menu but a regular special at The Shed. It was topped with garlic butter and was well seasoned and prepared medium. Lots of flavor, especially with the butter. It was accompanied by grilled carrots, including this wonderful purple carrot that I had to fight off Munoz for.

Tehachapi

VALLEY BLVD

S. MOJA VE ST

CHAPI BLV D TEHA

S. SNYDER AVE

N. MILL ST

ENTREES Jason on the baby back ribs combo: This all-American dinner certainly delivers. The ribs are coated in sweet barbecue sauce with meat so tender it will fall right off the bone. As if these delectable treats are not enough for meat lovers out there, this dish also provides a side of lean tri-tip, which captures and delivers all the savory flavor one would expect from any great piece of meat. To provide a complementary balance to the main portions of the dish, a side of creamy mashed potatoes covered in rich gravy is joined by cooked carrots. Simply put, The Shed delivers on its commitment to great food and satisfying its customers with this entree. Matt on the build your own burger: Being a burger connoisseur, I let our server build mine: thick beef patty, topped with onion, bacon strips, a medium-cooked egg, Ortega chili, mayo and mustard all within a fluffy brioche bun perfectly home baked. Try

1,000 FT

The Shed 333 E. Tehachapi Blvd. 661-823-8333 www.facebook.com/originalappleshed Open 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day

Continued on page 34 bakersfieldlife.com

Continued from page 33 DESSERTS Jason on the quesito: This flaky baked treat filled with savory cream cheese delivers the perfect blend of sweet flavors with a texture that captivates. Topped with vanilla ice cream and swirls of chocolate syrup, this dish will certainly leave you satisfied after a great meal and provide one more than enough incentive to come back and experience the atmosphere and food of this gem of a restaurant.

Photographer Greg Nichols opted for the club sandwich.

EXTRAS Louis on the pancakes: So, these folks kept bringing us food and since it’s an all-day menu – meaning you can power through breakfast for dinner – we decided to put them to the test. Look, I don’t care what restaurant you are but all must be judged by on-demand pancakes and The Shed hit a home run. The pancakes were so good that you didn’t need to use syrup. Matt on the French toast: This French toast is for real breakfast fans. Homemade Hawaiian bread, dipped and grilled – try it for breakfast or dessert. The sweetness is not overbearing even with syrup and powdered sugar.

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October 2015

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The best part of eating at The Shed in Tehachapi was that the owners and staff weren’t phased by anything, including our demand for pancakes for dinner. This gem sits along Main Street and it’s a restaurant that makes a trip from any part of Kern County to Tehachapi worth the drive.

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Eat & Drink

D I N I N G D I VA S

CHEFâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S CHOICE NOODLE BAR Distinct Thai flair nestled in downtown Bakersfield

From the top: fried green beans, crab rangoon, yum beef, Thai ahi poke and shrimp tempura.

Bakersfield Life Magazine

October 2015

Dining Divas LaMeka Ross, Dianne Hoover, Amber Chiang, Jessica Mathews and Valerie Mendiburu with Chef’s Choice owners Nick and Pum Hansa (center).

APPETIZERS Dianne Hoover on the ahi poke: This is by far the best ahi tuna combination of flavors that my taste buds have encountered. Perfectly cut tuna mixed in with fresh mangos, avocado, cilantro and scallions. All these were tossed together with spicy soy vinegar, sesame seeds and wonton crisps for a truly delightful start to the evening. This could be a lunch salad or full meal by itself.

LaMeka Ross on the combination fried rice: The great thing about the Noodle Bar is you can make any dish the way you want it – spicy or nonspicy – and choose different meats. I chose beef, chicken and shrimp. It was a great mix of flavor and the portion was large enough to share, but it was light enough to eat and not feel stuffed. Jessica Mathews on the veggie ramen: This delicious soup was big enough to share with the rest of the table and still have some to take home. It was delightful with all the vegetables and great flavor in the broth. There are options to add meat to the dish if you like. Valerie on the Thai spicy penne pasta: This was out of this world! The penne pasta came with

Chef’s Choice Noodle Bar

N 20TH ST

1534 19th St EYE ST

f you haven’t been to Chef’s Choice Noodle Bar before, the Dining Divas agree it’s time you went! Conveniently located at 19th and Eye streets, Chef’s Choice should be your choice for a casual and quick lunch or a great meal before a concert or show.

ENTREES

TRUXTUN AVE

19TH ST CHESTER AVE

Compiled by Bakersfield Life Photos by Greg Nichols

Veggie ramen

G ST

Crab fried rice

Amber Chiang on the tempura shrimp: I love seafood. I love seafood. Did I mention I love seafood? These shrimp were not heavy with batter or tempura and came with two dipping sauces to select from. I had a hard time sharing. Valerie Mendiburu on the yum beef: The yum beef is a light appetizer of rib-eye slices in spicy cilantro chili dressing on a bed on greens. This appetizer is light, fresh and very flavorful without being too spicy or hearty.

17TH ST

1/4 MILE

Chef’s Choice Noodle Bar 1534 19th St. 661-325-1234 www.ccnoodlebar.com Open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 11:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Friday; 11:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Saturday; closed Sunday

Continued on page 38 bakersfieldlife.com

Continued from page 37 sun-dried tomatoes, shitake mushrooms, sweet onions, bell peppers, garlic and Thai basil in a light Sriracha cream sauce. I chose the brown rice on the side and together the meal was fresh and light but filling at the same time. Amber on the crab fried rice: I was pleasantly surprised by the crab fried rice. The dish came out piping hot and reminiscent of the fried rice I enjoy at teppanyaki restaurants – light and airy. The entree portion was plentiful, and if you like to eat family style, this dish would complement any of the other entrees nicely. Over the top of the freshly fried rice was a fried egg and heaps of lump crab meat. Dianne on the surf and turf: The ribeye, cooked just how I like it, had very little fat and the grilled shrimp skewer was placed over a hefty helping of pineapple fried rice. The rice had peanuts, cilantro and a delicate tamarind sauce that complemented the rib-eye and shrimp perfectly. Three large spears of asparagus were included, making this meal too large to finish.

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DESSERTS Jessica on the sticky rice with mango: A traditional Thai dessert that cleans your palate, it isn’t super sweet like most American desserts. The mango was perfectly ripe and sweet and paired with sticky rice and a coconut milk drizzle and sesame seeds. This wasn’t a normal dessert for me to try but it was amazing! Amber on the raspberry sorbet and chocolate mousse cake: The chocolate mousse cake was an amazing combination of cake, mousse, chocolate ganache and even a mini dark chocolate bar on top. On the side was a generous portion of raspberry sorbet so cold and tart that I was in heaven! LaMeka on the creme brulee cheesecake: I think the menu says this dessert is "the marriage of two great classics." The cheesecake was rich and light. If you love cheesecake or

creme brulee, you will love this! Definitely one of the best cheesecakes I have ever had!

Chocolate mousse cake

Since 2011, Chef’s Choice Noodle Bar has been delighting Bakersfield and visitors with distinct Asian flair. Each dish has a story and a background, and we appreciated learning how owner Dr. Nick Hansa and his wife, Pum, have brought a little slice of Thailand to Bakersfield.

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Eat & Drink

FOOD AND WINE

Moo Creamery’s Meaty Moo Chili

WHEN THE WEATHER GETS COLD, THE COLD GETS CHILI

hen locals talk about the chili season, they might not be referring to the weather. Bakersfield’s been gifted with a few extreme chili spots, and this month we pinned down the folks who hold the keys to the vault to find out just what makes their chili so good. Whether your taste is toward searing or sweet – there’s something for everyone in this chili mix.

MEATY MOO CHILI

Local chili masters boast mouthwatering recipes, techniques for delectable dishes By Diana Greenlee

Photos by Scott Hislop

Moo Creamery is known for its amazing ice cream and burgers, but its chili is also a standout. Owner Richard Yoshimura said he and wife Jessica Pounds perfected their recipe, with its rich red sauce and robust flavor, through trial and error before they opened the place almost seven years ago. Yoshimura said they brown diced beef chuck and coarse ground beef separately to achieve good color and flavor before they mix with sauteed fresh onions, jalapenos and garlic; New Mexico and ancho chilies add punch along with other magical spices and sans beans. “It’s the right ratio of the right ingredients,” he said.

Continued on page 42

Bakersfield Life Magazine

October 2015

D PETROLEUM CLUB of BAKERSFIEL

IVE R D MEMBERFEASTUHRINIP G

Jake’s Original Tex-Mex’s Texas Red Chili

, STEVEFLORES N, JANICESTINSON, JOHNSTINSON JOEDREW, RICKDAVIS, DENNISWILSO

November 12, 2015 6 pm • $75/person $125/couple, $500 Table of 8

Featuring live music by One Night Stand, dancing, silent auction and raffle prizes. Includes bountiful appetizer displays, Prime Rib carvery, complimentary butler passed champagne cocktails, and a no-host smoking martini bar. Reservations are required. Contact the Club for tickets. To donate an auction or raffle item, contact Weldon Sons at (661) 324-6561.

Sam’s Texas Style Chili from Lengthwise Brewing Company

Petroleum Club of Bakersfield 5060 California Avenue • 12th Floor • 324-6561 *24-Hour cancellation notice required for refunds. Non-members may pay by cash or credit card.

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Continued from page 40 TEXAS RED CHILI A mainstay in Bakersfield, Jake’s Original Tex-Mex is an offshoot of the well loved Beef and Beanery of the ’90s. Jake’s has maintained some of the Oildale haunt’s menu items, but the Texas Red Chili is a treasure all their own. Sarah Slayton-Price, daughter of owner Skip Slayton, said her dad stumbled upon the combination doing “food research all over Texas.” Sarah said they use a sauteed onion base with tri-tip and four different types of chilies, creating a meaty, aromatic dish with a bold flavor. “It’s cooked with beer, giving it a hoppy finish,” she said. They have a strict no-beans policy in the original recipe but offer a “Wimpy Chili and Beans” for those partial to the legumes.

SAM’S TEXAS STYLE CHILI If you want to make chili, you’ve got to have heat. And Lengthwise Brewing Company has taken off like a firestorm since it opened its brewery in 1998. Now almost 20 years and three stores later, LBC President Jeff Williams looks back remembering that Sam’s Texas Style Chili, created by chef Sam Ames, was a local favorite from day one. “He wanted an all-meat chili; it’s natural that tri tip goes in,” he said. “It’s also got chorizo, ground beef and a half gallon of Lengthwise Golden Ale. It is spicy. We use habanero salsa.”

Lie-N-Den’s Straight Chili

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October 2015

STRAIGHT CHILI Bob Bryant, co-owner of the Lie-N-Den, says he prefers to keep their chili recipe under wraps. A Bryant family secret, he did say they use a coarse “chili grind” beef with 30 percent fat for flavor. After browning the meat, they skim off the grease and add seasonings. The dish is offered with or without beans. The owner said their recipe is close to the original Lie-N-Den version, which dates back to 1968. Playing close to the vest, Bryant says they use five different spices in the chili, and although it’s a little warm, it’s a local family favorite even children can enjoy. “It’s not Texas chili,” he said. “It’s Bakersfield chili.”

GRANDMA’S CHILI

661-617-6101 • 1500 HAGGIN OAKS, SUITE 100

Grandma’s Chili from Cope’s Knotty Pine Cafe

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The rustic Cope’s Knotty Pine Cafe is a north side fixture and just the place you’d expect to find “Grandma’s Chili.” Owner Karla Cope credits the dish’s homemade taste to natural ingredients along with choice herbs and spices. She says they forgo the preserved variety, instead opting for unprocessed fixings and they swear by “coarse ground” beef and jalapeno peppers, which gives the dish “a little extra kick.” She says the chili is “a little on the spicy side,” and it’s terrific topping off a chili size-Frito boat or straight up right out of a bowl. “It’s got all fresh ingredients,” Cope said. “That’s why it tastes so good.”

APRIL COOPER, R.N. AESTHETIC NURSE

TASHA BROWN GARCIA, R.N. AESTHETIC NURSE

DEBBIE ALTEPARMAKIAN, R.N. AESTHETIC NURSE

GREGORY KLIS, M.D. MEDICAL DIRECTOR

We accept Visa, Mastercard, Discover and CareCredit

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Eat & Drink

Crispy chicken salad

LUNCHTIME PICKS

The Rocket Burger

ROCKET SHOP CAFE Comfort food takes you to the moon and back By Holly Bikakis

Photos by Mark Nessia

re you looking for some new lunch spots? There’s a hidden gem on Union Avenue that’s a blend between a burger joint, a sports bar and a diner with a NASCAR atmosphere. Rocket Shop Cafe is where you can get American comfort food served to you against the backdrop of planes taking off at the Bakersfield Municipal Airport. If you’re going for the first time, remember to enter through the side door on the left. Owner, John Harmon filled the void when the old Skyway Coffee Shop burned down, leaving few dining options in the southeast part of town.

Bakersfield Life Magazine

October 2015

That void was filled with everything he and his wife, Lynn, love to eat. The couple brought back a true place to hang out and socialize for breakfast, lunch or dinner seven days a week. John’s passion for flight, NASCAR and things that go fast, like rockets, are evident when you walk in the door. They even have NASCAR merchandise with Bakersfield local Kevin Harvick being a popular seller. There is a banquet room, which hosts a variety of functions like reunions, birthday parties, comedy nights and more. The menu has a full list of options to choose from and the portions are so large that half portions are now available. They also serve up daily meal and soup specials in addition to a full bar offering daily drink specials, which are quite a deal. Happy hour is 3 to 6 p.m. every day and during all live NASCAR broadcasts. The Rocket Burger ($9.99): This is one of the cafe’s most popular burgers and for good reason. It comes with bacon, avocado slices, mushrooms and a tangy chipotle sauce,

as well as the traditional burger toppings of lettuce, tomatoes and onions. It’s a hearty, juicy burger that comes with either sweet potatoes fries or chips. Add some pepper jack cheese and you’ve got a meal. Grilled or crispy chicken salad (full $8.99 or half $7.59): For a lighter lunch, try this chicken salad. Grilled or crispy chicken breast, cheddar cheese, olives, mushrooms, tomatoes, boiled egg and red onions combined on a fresh bed of iceberg and romaine lettuce, make this a flavorful lunchtime pick. Take your pick of balsamic vinaigrette, Thousand Island, ranch, honey mustard or blue cheese dressing to top off this garden delight.

The Rocket Shop Cafe 2000 S. Union Ave. 661-832-4800 www.rocketshopcafe.com

LUNCHTIME PICKS

SORELLA RISTORANTE ITALIANO AND STEAKHOUSE Plan a lunch escape to Italy with Sorella By Olivia Garcia Photos by Mark Nessia

f you have never been to Sorella Ristorante Italiano and Steakhouse in southwest Bakersfield, boy, have you been missing out. This local family-owned business run by Annunziata Cristallo and her lovely daughters, Laurel Swift-Floyd and Lillian Swift Larson, captures the essence of heavenly Italian cuisine. The bonus is that the restaurant also cuts its own steaks, generating a loyal following of returning customers who say Sorella serves the best steaks in town. If I had the space, I would spend an endless amount of time raving about the many delicious items off the menu, including the cioppino (a perfect 10) and the delectable calzone. But my focus here is to tell you about the submarine sandwich and the Italian lunch combo, both so filling and worth the lunch trip. Sub sandwich – hot or cold ($9.99): Now you have a choice of sub sandwiches in town but nothing compares to the Sorella sub sandwich experience. This is the kind of sandwich that gives greater meaning to lunch-hour break. The one I tried came with the following ingredients: ham, salami, pepperoni, marinated tomatoes,

green peppers, onions and melted mozzarella cheese. Chef Guss Gomez must have known how much I love mozzarella, although he also mentioned that he replaces the mozzarella with provolone when served cold. Now as someone who has worked as a professional for 20 years, I have had my share of sub sandwiches for lunch on the go or with friends, colleagues or sources. I can honestly say this one is the best. Italian lunch combination No. 2 ($12.99): Sorella’s definitely wows people with its dinner selection (see our Food Dudes review in the July issue). But I’ve since discovered that they can dish out a powerful lunch menu as well. The Italian lunch combination is a popular item. There are three lunch choices. I went for combo No. 2, which is chicken parmigiana, fettuccine Alfredo and rigatoni with marinara sauce. I could have devoured it if I had more room in my tummy. This lunch item’s size felt large enough to pass for dinner so at its lunch price, I consider it a steal. Given that Cristallo is originally from the land of red dishes and sauces in southern Italy (she was 6 when her family brought her to the United States), she knows plenty about authentic cuisine. She says her recipes hail from Italy and you could surely taste it with this order.

Submarine sandwich with salad

Italian lunch combination No. 2

Sorella Ristorante Italiano and Steakhouse 7900 McNair Lane 661-396-8603 www.sorellarestaurant.com

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Eat & Drink

LUNCHTIME PICKS

RIO ACAI BOWLS New eatery serves up healthy Brazilian treat By Glenn Hammett

Photos by Mark Nessia

s a health-conscious vegetarian, lunch choices downtown are somewhat limited. Sequoia Sandwich and Nature’s Food Market have been my mainstays, but now I have found another. Rio Acai Bowls recently opened at 1914 Chester Ave. and I couldn’t be happier. Acai (pronounced “ah-sah-ee”) is a dark purple fruit or berry about the size of a grape that grows on palm trees in the Brazilian rainforests. It has been heralded a super food, with claims that it helps the body fight off everything from infections, inflammation, aging and cancer, to the effects of free radicals. Acai comes to America in the form of a frozen puree resembling sorbet or a very thick smoothie. Acai bowls consist of a serving of acai puree topped with fruit, granola and other healthy items. Justin Cummings, the amiable owner of Rio Acai Bowls, explained that he was introduced to acai bowls while competing in Brazilian jiujitsu events 10 years ago in the Los Angeles area. Today, acai bowl shops are fairly common in larger cities, but Rio Acai is the only one in Bakersfield. Justin suggested I try the Brazilian bowl and the Rio bowl, the most basic

The Rio

and most embellished bowl on the menu, respectively.

Rio Acai Bowls The Brazilian ($8): Topped with sliced strawberries and bananas and a generous scoop of granola, the Brazilian bowl was my first acai experience. The color and consistency made me think of some sort of berry sorbet, but I was surprised by the unique flavor of acai. It is complex, beginning with an intense blackberry-like taste and finishing with a strong hint of dark chocolate. It is a delicious combination and, with the additional textures and flavors of the fruit and granola, the Brazilian Bowl makes a great choice for a quick, healthful and refreshing middle of the day treat, especially on a hot day.

The Rio ($9.50): The Rio bowl is similar to the Brazilian, with the addition of blueberries,

The Brazilian

Bakersfield Life Magazine

October 2015

1914 Chester Ave. 661-549-3749 www.rioacaibowls.com

shaved coconut and honey. I found the Rio to be filling and satisfying and I really liked the acai-coconut combination. The space inside Rio Acai Bowls is simple, comfortable and soulful. It feels new and old at the same time. After sampling the Brazilian bowl, I finished off the Rio and left feeling satisfied, refreshed and enlightened. I had discovered a new lunch place within walking distance of the office — one I am sure I will be visiting on a regular basis.

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Lifestyles

ON THE ROAD

Comfort, style, safety, economy, performance and value – the 2016 Lexus ES 350 shines in all areas.

2016 LEXUS ES 350

“Perfection isnotattainable,butifw e chase perfection,w e can catch excellence.” — Vince Lombardi

Perfection in a midsize luxury sedan By Glenn Hammett

Photos by Mark Nessia

Bakersfield Life Magazine

October 2015

ince Lombardi, the legendary Green Bay Packers coach and Super Bowl trophy namesake, may have reconsidered his position on perfection had he taken a 2106 Lexus ES 350 out for a test-drive. The first thing I noticed when I sat in the ES 350 is how roomy it is. Out of habit, I move the driver’s seat all the way back when I get into a car. Most of the time, that allows my legs to be comfortably extended and my feet in a good position to manipulate

the accelerator and brake pedals. Occasionally, I am left wishing the seat could go back another couple of inches. That was not the case in the Lexus ES 350. I had to bump the seat forward a couple of inches to get myself into an optimal driving position, an indication that it could comfortably accommodate a person with significantly longer legs than mine. Even more impressive was sitting in the back seat where, even with the front seats pushed all the way back,

It’s all in the details

God is in the details, such as the power rear sunshade.

Gas mileage: 21 mpg city, 31 highway, 24 overall Price tag: (base/as tested): $38,940/$46,505 Five best features: Blind spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert. Intuitive parking assist. Lane departure alert with steering assist. High-speed dynamic radar cruise control. Intelligent high beam headlamps. Target customer: Those who want a bold form of luxury, safety, reliability, and comfort. The 2016 Lexus ES 350 is perfect for … Someone who is looking for a stylish, all-around family sedan, riddled with safety features and options that cater toward you as only a Lexus will do – convenience and luxury wrapped up in one. Three words that define the 2016 Lexus ES 350: Bold. Stylish. Luxurious. What do you like most about the 2016 Lexus ES 350? Of all the vehicles Lexus has to offer, the 2016 Lexus ES 350 is my personal choice. As technology has improved over the years, it is often difficult to realize just how much goes on around us while we drive. We’ve all been there: early in the morning driving to work with coffee in hand, putting the seatbelt on with the other. The 2016 ES 350 is there to lend a hand with its optional lane departure alert with steering assist feature. It will even correct your steering if you unexpectedly spill your latte! Source: Parker Christian, Lexus technology specialist

The analog clock breaks up an otherwise high-tech dash.

there was still plenty of legroom. The interior is what you would expect from Lexus: luxurious, pleasing to the eye, well thought out and made of quality materials. The 10-way adjustable leather front seats are both heated and ventilated, gauges and controls are highly visible and intuitively placed, and leather and rich wood surfaces are plentiful. Lexus has always been on the leading edge of automobile technology, and the ES 350 is packed with safety, entertainment and convenience-enhancing features. The Lexus Safety System alerts the driver to upcoming obstacles and pedestrians and automatically brakes before impact, lets you know if you are drifting out of your

lane and steers you back if you don’t respond, and automatically slows the car down if it gets too close to the car in front of it while on cruise control. My favorite tech item is the Enform Remote mobile phone app that allows you to remotely lock and unlock the doors, check the fuel level and locate your car in a parking lot. Also, if you let a family member or friend use your car, it will alert you if they exceed your preset speed and distance limits. Rather than a touch screen, Lexus’ entertainment, navigation and climate systems are controlled by its Remote Touch interface, a mouse-like device that moves a pointer around on the 8inch monitor. Because I have a computer mouse in my hand all day, I

found it to be very familiar and easy to manipulate while driving. The ES 350 is incredibly smooth and quiet and the steering is precise and predictable. Edmunds.com describes the ES 350’s ride quality as “well mannered and refined,” a description I think is spot on. The car’s standard 3.5-liter V-6 engine puts out a more-than-respectable 268 horsepower and gets a surprising 31 mpg on the highway. With its remarkable combination of comfort, style, safety, economy, performance and value, I don’t believe even someone as uncompromising as the great Vince Lombardi could find fault in the latest version of Lexus’ midsize luxury sedan.

bakersfieldlife.com

Lifestyles

ON THE ROAD

Quick and agile, the Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 performs more like a sports car than an SUV.

2015 MERCEDES-BENZ GLA 250 Small SUV breaks new ground for German automaker By Glenn Hammett

Photos by Mark Nessia

must admit that I was a bit apprehensive when I found out that the car I would be test-driving from Sangera Mercedes-Benz would be a compact SUV. Small SUVs are supposed to be sprightly, economical and fun to drive, while Mercedes-Benz builds sleek, powerful, elegant luxury cars that cruise down the highway without the slightest hint of vibration or road noise. Like a new puppy, after spending a weekend with it, the 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 won me over. This thing is energetic, agile and a blast to drive. The GLA 250â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine generates 208 horsepower and the seven-speed automatic transmission gets it up to speed quickly and smoothly. And all

Bakersfield Life Magazine

October 2015

The interior is unmistakably Mercedes-Benz.

of this performance is produced very efficiently with EPA estimated fuel economy numbers of 25 mpg city, 35 highway and 29 combined. Though the ride quality is not as smooth that of the larger, more luxurious Mercedes-Benz E- and S-Class, the payoff is a fun, spirited driving experience that will put a smile on your face. The GLA 250â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s steering is incredibly responsive and it handles tight corners easily, with minimal body lean. It handles more like a sports car than an SUV.

It’s all in the details Fuel economy: 25 mpg city, 35 highway, 29 overall Price tag (base/as tested): $31,300/$43,425 Five best features: • Radar-Based Collision Prevention Assist Plus (assisted and autonomous braking from 5 through 65 MPH) as standard equipment. • High-performance, seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (with millisecond upshifts) as standard equipment. • Adaptive brake system (with brake hold, hill start assist and automatic rain drying), memory seats, Attention Assist and 10way air bag protection as standard equipment. • Lane keeping assist, blind spot assist, radar adaptive cruise The sport package incontrol and cludes 19-inch wheels. parking assist systems available. • Five free years of mbrace Connect telematics allowing remote access and diagnostics via smartphone apps. Target customer: Those who value driving the very best in a smaller SUV. The 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 is perfect for … Everyday use, packing all your gear, highway cruising or adventuring on secondary roads. Three words that define the 2015 MercedesBenz GLA 250: Rugged, refined and advanced. What do you like most about the 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250? Although a small-sized SUV, it exudes the virtues of every MercedesBenz in style, safety and performance.

The massive sunroof has openings above the front and rear seats.

The Eco Start/Stop system shuts off the engine while stopped at a stop light, then restarts it when the brake is released.

The interior of the GLA 250 is all Mercedes-Benz. Luxurious leather seats, large, easy-to-read analog gauges, top-quality materials and impeccable craftsmanship – hallmarks of the company’s high-end luxury sedans – are all here in the GLA 250, as is a huge panoramic sunroof with openings above both the front and rear seats. It is also equipped with all of the automaker’s latest safety, entertainment and comfort technologies. Safety features include visual, acoustic and steering wheel warnings and auto braking if you get too close to the car in front of you or begin to drift out of your lane. Additionally, the GLA 250 alerts you when a car is in your blind spot and wakes you up if you begin to get drowsy. Mercedes-Benz claims that the car can detect when you are fatigued, based on your driving characteristics and steering movements. An audible warning and a flashing coffee cup symbol lets the driver know it is time to take a

Source: Bobby Guerrero, Sales Manager, Sangera Automotive Group

break. The car I tested was equipped with the optional premium and multimedia packages, highlighted by a Harman Kardon Logic 7 surround sound system, a 7-inch high-resolution LCD screen and a navigation system with 3-D map views. With its sporty appearance and driving characteristics, outstanding fuel economy and affordable sticker price, the GLA 250 will appeal to a younger demographic and to those who like the prestige that comes with owning a MercedesBenz but were either unable to afford it or didn’t find driving big luxury sedan appealing. After parking it in The Californian’s parking lot before I returned it to the dealer, a co-worker looked at it and said she thought it was cute. The GLA 250 is changing the way people perceive the 130-year-old German automaker. I never thought driving a Mercedes-Benz could be so much fun. bakersfieldlife.com

Bakersfield Life Magazine

October 2015

Lifestyles

PA S T I M E S

CRAFTING MAKES A COMEBACK Traditional arts still have a place in the world of technology

By Lisa Wuertz

resurgence in traditional arts like sewing and knitting should be unlikely in an era of smartphones, high-tech and live-streaming. Especially when machines can replicate the products of these crafts in massive quantities cheaply and a computer can have them shipped to your home with free two-day shipping. Yet as any student of history might note, just like the original Arts and Crafts Movement in the late 1800s and early 1900s, which was an artistic response to industrialism focusing on traditional craftsmanship, it almost makes sense. “I think we all like to and need to create something. It is one thing to go buy something, but it is another to create. There is satisfaction in gathering all the materials and putting it together then being able to see here is what I have to show for it. I love the process and I love that at the end I have something,” said Robin O’Connor, 58, who identifies herself as mainly a quilter. O’Connor has sewn for most of her life, but only became a quilter seven or eight years ago when her twin daughters were home from college and had the bug to make quilts for themselves. She’s noticed crafting is a trend among younger people and not unique to her daughters.

“I think it is great that the generation that has instant everything … is willing to spend time and invest in something and work a long time on it,” O’Connor said. Kristina Roth-George, 39, dabbles in a variety of crafts, including sewing, painting and paper crafts. She feels that it is both a response to technology, but also enabled by technology. “People like to have something unique and personal. … The Internet makes it so easy to share ideas and build an audience or market for handmade items and ideas,” Roth-George said. Amanda Swanson, 35, a needle crafter, finds crafting meets needs for relaxation, productivity and camaraderie. “I think that people are finding it fulfilling to use their spare time and creativity for making beautiful, personalized things,” she said. Passing on the craft is one of the many things that drives Barbara Wong, 59, in her creativity. A retired credentialed music teacher, Wong teaches sewing classes in her Oleander home. “This resurgence of the arts, I think it’s just people discovering within themselves something that is already there and I love being there as they grasp hold of that, being on the sidelines as their cheerleader,” she said. Wong says she has no trouble filling her classes. Tracy Bonesteel, an associate at Hobby Lobby attributes the increased interest to the Internet, particularly craft savvy sites like Pinterest and Etsy. However, supplies can quickly add up. Still, Swanson points out that coupons and knowing where to shop can help with costs and store-bought doesn’t always mean better quality. “You’ll pay $100 for a ‘Frozen’ dress and cape at Disneyland,” she said. “The dress I made my daughter cost $35 in materials and it is much sturdier.”

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Lifestyles

PA S T I M E S

CARVING YOUR PERSONALITY Using pumpkins to express your creativity By Shelby Parker

ne ofthe bestaspectsoffallispum pkin carving.W hetheryou decide to stick w ith traditionalcarving orone ofthe m ore m odern techniquesofpum pkin decorating,the bestpartisthatthere isno rightorw rong w ay to do it;expressyourcreativity and have fun w ith it!

Bakersfield Life Magazine

October 2015

Classic Carving First, you’ll cut a hole in the top of your pumpkin, in order to clean it out by removing all of the pumpkin seeds and guts. According to southernliving.com, you’ll want to cut at a 45-degree angle, rather than cutting straight down, otherwise your lid will fall right into the center. From there, you can clean it out with a spoon until the insides are smoothed out. For the design, it’s best to use a stencil or an outline of sorts before carving to avoid making mistakes if you choose a more intricate design. Decorate There are thousands of ways to decorate a pumpkin without going anywhere near a power tool. You can use stencils or freehand a design with

paint or markers, wrap a ribbon around the body, stamp it, add beads or add props, like Mr. Potato Head pieces to make faces. Glenda Woods, floral design specialist at the Northwest Promenade Michaels, also suggests making a floral arrangement out of the pumpkin. Just cut the top off and add a piece of plastic foam inside to arrange your flowers the way you’d like them. Once A Driller, Always A Driller While drilling still

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requires gutting and cleaning the inside of your pumpkin and can be a bit more time consuming, it will most likely be more popular among adults for a more sophisticated design. HGTV.com gives a step-by-step guide, starting with cleaning the inside. Unlike the traditional carving, you’ll cut a hole

in the bottom instead of the top. Then, using two different sized drill bits and measuring off with painter’s tape, “add another row of painter’s

Bakersfield Pumpkin Patches Banducci’s Family Pumpkin Patch 10747 Taft Highway / 661-832-2332 www.facebook.com/BanducciFamilyPumpkinPatch Murray Family Farms 6700 General Beale Road / 661-330-0100 www.murrayfamilyfarms.com

tape approximately 2 inches above the first piece of painter’s tape.” Make three rows of large holes and fill in the gaps with the smaller drill to add variety. Lastly, place a candle or light underneath the pumpkin to shine through the holes. Pumpkin Preservation To help preserve your pumpkin longer, Nancy Banducci of Banducci’s Pumpkin Patch says to rub Vaseline on the inside of your pumpkin, refrigerate, keep in a cool place

or wait several days before Halloween to carve so that it will remain presentable the day of the main event. If real pumpkins aren’t for you, another alternative would be “carvable” plastic pumpkins. Aside from not having to worry about the mess of guts and glitter, most of the options for a naturally grown pumpkin still apply. If you love the way it turns out, it also allows you to set it out as a decoration year after year.

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(661) 631-2036

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Lifestyles

I N M Y C LO S E T

Bakersfield Costumes owner Sonja Talamantes

SONJA TALAMANTES Halloween costumes galore By Laura Liera

Photos by Mark Nessia

Bakersfield Life Magazine

October 2015

wo children’s Halloween costumes for $60: “I don’t think so.” Till this day, Sonja Talamantes can’t believe she paid so much for her kids’ costumes when they were younger. “They were costumes they were going to wear one time in the dark,” Talamantes said. Today, Talamantes, 43, is the owner of Bakersfield Costumes in Oildale. The red-and-white-striped costume shop is filled with costumes as far as the eye can see – plus a few accessories and hats hanging from the ceiling.

Mariachi costume

Butterfly dress

What started off as a business decision nearly 12 years ago, has turned into a passion and love for costumes. “I saw an 8-year-old girl just stand in the middle of the shop and look around with her mouth open in awe,” Talamantes said. “That was the best feeling.” Although she has been at the Roberts Lane location for three years, Talamantes still remembers the first time she stood outside of her dad’s business, selling costumes from a

single rack. Talamantes visits different thrift shops and clothing stores that are going out of business and finds unique items for as cheap at 25 cents. The 5,000-square-foot costume shop is divided into themed sections. There’s your Western room — with leather cowboy boots and all — or your Roaring ’20s area with enough flashy dresses, pearls and feathers as you can take. But as many “normal” costumes as the shop holds, Talamantes said most people come into the shop with a unique costume they want to create. “It’s nice when people come in and have their own ideas because it makes it fun,” she said. As you sift through the hundreds of racks of clothes at Bakersfield Costumes, don’t be surprised when you don’t see a price tag. The owner said she gave up on pricing items after she lost count of how many costumes and accessories she had in the shop. “I don’t have the time to tag everything but by the time a customer comes to the counter with their pieces, I generally know what it’s worth,” she noted. Even if someone is on a $20 budget, Talamantes said a person can walk out of the door with a costume.

Ruby red slippers

What is the busiest time of year at the shop? Two weeks before Halloween. You can’t even walk down the aisles, it’s so packed in here. What are your personal favorite costumes? I can find a costume so fast for someone but when it comes to myself, I tend to hesitate. But I’d say Minnie Mouse or a pirate costume. When you were a kid, what was your favorite costume? I was a cat every year when I was younger.

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Lifestyles

HOME AND GARDEN

Lisa Whitten’s home garden produces a colorful array of delicious vegetables.

HOW TO GROW YOUR GARDEN Plants with a purpose serve as lush inspiration

“Gardening is civil and social, but it wants the vigor and freedom of the forest and the outlaw.” — Henry David Thoreau By Anna C. Smith Photos courtesy of Lisa Whitten

ne warm late summer afternoon, wandering through Joanna Reed’s wild and lovely shop, Cricklewood’s Secret Garden, I felt a quiet tranquility wash over me. I have always been slightly envious of the peaceful folks who work at nurseries. I’ve never been much of a gardener. But as the daughter of yard warriors, I have a healthy

Bakersfield Life Magazine

October 2015

respect for anyone with a knack for nurturing flora. So I turned to Bakersfield resident, Lisa Whitten, who is quite the local green thumb. Whitten, manager of local retail sales for The Bakersfield Californian, considers gardening more than just a hobby but also a passion. She anticipates purchasing new plants as they become available each spring. She grows vegetables and herbs in whiskey barrel containers. Whitten spends a significant amount of time tending to her garden – at least twice a day during the growing season. She kindly shared with us a few tips and tricks for keeping a home garden healthy.

Thriving peppers. Save and dry used egg shells. Crush shells and add to soil. Spread around base of young plants. These improve drainage, supply calcium, and deter slugs and snails. Pests stay away because walking on crushed eggs feels like broken glass. Dissolve two teaspoons of Epsom salt in eight cups of warm water and spray onto leaves and blooms every 10 to 14 days. Whitten applies to tomato, jalapeno, serrano, Anaheim, and bell pepper plants and blooms. Epsom salt

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plants together. Some plants become very large and will crowd out smaller ones. Put “like” plants that complement each other together. Whitten plants tomatoes, cilantro, chili peppers, bell peppers and onions together. Whitten says that successes in her garden are rewarding. She enjoys sharing homegrown vegetables, such as broccoli, zucchini, peppers, tomatoes and cilantro, with neighbors and friends. Whether outside or in, plants serve lots of purposes, including a proven ability to boost our mood and reduce stress. To effortlessly bring the outdoors in, visit online shop, The Sill. Purchase hand-potted houseplants with clever names like “The Ezra” and “The Olmstead,” titled after innovative horticulturalists, delivered straight to your door. For a charming local source of plants and provisions, meander through the gardens at Cricklewood on Brundage Lane in Bakersfield. The dense untamed beauty of it all will leave you renewed and refreshed.

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Lifestyles

W E LC O M E H O M E

Village Green includes Spanish-style plans, like this one, as well as colonial, cottage and farmhouse options.

VILLAGE GREEN A community where everyone knows your name

Bakersfield Life Magazine

October 2015

By Miranda Whitworth

grew up in the Midwest where neighbors were friendly, and block parties were a regular occurrence. When I moved to California at the tender age of 19 and attempted to befriend my apartment neighbors, many people looked at me like I was crazy. My coworkers would later inform me that those Mayberry-like moments I had growing up weren’t so common in Bakersfield and that it was likely I may never even learn the first name of the person I would be sharing a wall with. Thirteen years later, I found myself driving the narrow tree-

Photos by Mark Nessia

lined streets of Village Green. I’m immediately transported back to my little neighborhood in downtown Salt Lake City. The camaraderie and sense of community is there, but Village Greens has something my old turn-of-the-century stomping grounds did not: sleek, modern luxury. Construction on Castle & Cooke’s Village Green began with the intention of building bonds between neighbors. A vibrant community center sits at the entrance of the development welcoming visitors as soon they enter the gates. A large pebble tech pool with beach entrance, spray area and

Each bedroom has plenty of storage.

The kitchen features custom cabinets and granite countertops.

The master bathroom includes dual sinks, a shower and a soaking tub.

Master bedroom

Village Green All Village Green homes are designed with spacious, open floor plans.

patio give way to a grassy lawn and playground for younger children. Colonial-, cottage-, farmhouseand Spanish-style residences make up Village Green, giving homeowners the opportunity to display their own unique vision within the community. With single- and two-story open floor plans ranging from three to five bedrooms, the neighborhood is just right for families large and small, singles or empty nesters. Energy-efficient upgrades are standard and Village Green boasts homes that are not only kind to the environment but also gentle on your pocket book. Granite countertops in the kitchen are also a part of the package as well as built-in appliances from microwaves to dishwashers. Cabinetry, hardware, flooring, and appliance finishes and fixtures can all

be customized and upgraded to each buyerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s personal preference. While Village Green offers plenty of storage with each bedroom, the master bedroom is in a league of its own. The master on-suite bath comes with a stand-up shower, soaking tub, dual sinks and is built with its own large walk-in closet. With an active homeowners association and beautiful amenities, neighbors have become accustomed to regular events like movie nights at the pool and holiday festivities in the barbecue and playground areas. If you prefer entertainment in your own backyard, relax under your own covered patio in a yard large enough to fit a lap or small pool. Standard lot sizes sit at 6,500 square feet. Situated just south of Stockdale

Price Range: Starting from $263,000 to $320,000 Square Footage: 1,668 to 2,539 square feet Amenities: Gated community, pool, Jacuzzi, spray area, barbecues, playground, picnic tables, fountains and benches for use by residents. Target customer: Families, empty nesters and singles looking for friendly residential options. Schools: Del Rio Elementary, Rosedale Middle School, Liberty High School Parks: On-site community park, Bill Park Greens Park, Aera Park, The Park at River Walk Shopping: Target, Sprouts, Nordstrom Rack and additional storefronts contained in The Shops at River Walk

Highway on South Renfro Road, Village Green is five minutes by car to high-end shopping, groceries and restaurants and less than 15 minutes to downtown Bakersfield via the Westside Parkway. bakersfieldlife.com

Lifestyles

W E LC O M E H O M E

10604 Viscaino has nearly 2,700 square feet of living space in an Andalusian-style design.

THE VILLAS AT SEVEN OAKS Andalusian-style home in the heart of southwest Bakersfield

Bakersfield Life Magazine

October 2015

By Shelby Parker

ucked away in southwest Bakersfield is the last home available for purchase from Castle & Cooke in The Villas at Seven Oaks. Just steps away from the Seven Oaks Country Club, the Andalusian-style exterior is dressed with detailed architecture around the doorframe, natural wood doors, stained wood carriage-style garage doors and a professionally landscaped yard with beautiful flowers and shrubs lining the walkway. The Andalusian-style home, which is especially popular in California, is located at 10604 Viscaino Place. This new construction ready-

Photos by Mark Nessia

to-move-in house (after 30-day escrow) is 2,691 square feet with three bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms and plenty of space not only to live in but entertain in comfortably as well. Upon entering, the open rotunda greets guests as they walk through the door, their eyes immediately directed to the high ceilings and split-wing layout. With lightcolored, two-tone paint, the space illuminates when the sun shines through. Two bedrooms on the left are connected by a â&#x20AC;&#x153;Jack and Jillâ&#x20AC;? bathroom, complete with sink and shower. On the right are a half-

The focus of the living room is a gas fireplace and beautiful stone mantle.

The open kitchen and dining area is perfect for entertaining.

The spacious kitchen is furnished with high-end stainless steel appliances.

bath, a laundry room and a coat closet in the short hallway. Just down the hall is the formal dining room, which can easily be transformed into a game room or anything else the homeowner desires. The end of the hall expands into the living room, which includes a gas fireplace – perfect for family and friends visiting during the holidays. Just off the living room is the kitchen and dining nook, complete with stainless steel kitchen appliances, such as double ovens; a walk-in pantry; and granite island countertops paired with dark wood cabinets tying the wood floor together. Without cabinets blocking the sink, the kitchen is more open and not separated from the living quarters.

The master bedroom feels much like a getaway, complete with a master bathroom featuring a shower, soak tub, dual-sink vanity and walk-in closet. Other features include dark wood floors, which line the house except for the upgraded carpeting in each bedroom and a two-car garage. The backyard is a great size for barbecues and family get-togethers and has an iron gate around the side of the house. This house is ideal for families just getting started or those who are in the process of empty nesting. With only 29 homes in the community, the neighborhood is quiet, exclusive and easy maintenance for those with busy, on-the-go schedules.

The master bathroom has a tub, shower, dual sinks and walk-in closet.

10604 Viscaino Place Price: $547,701 Floor plans: 2,691 square feet Amenities: “Jack and Jill” full bathroom, gas fireplace, breakfast nook, lever-style door handles and fixtures in oil-rubbed bronze finish, 6-inch crown molding in master bedroom, great room and kitchen. Target customer: Families just starting out or empty nesters. Nearby schools: Reagan Elementary School, Earl Warren Junior High School, Stockdale High School Parks: Deer Peak Park, Windsor Park, The Park at River Walk Shopping: The Marketplace, The Shops at River Walk

bakersfieldlife.com

A STROKE

SURVIVAL STORY “When I had my stroke, the first thing I did was pray. It’s no coincidence that the ambulance took me to San Joaquin Community Hospital.” - Terrance Minnoy, Stroke Survivor, with 6-year-old daughter, Taylor

Healthy 44-year-olds aren’t supposed to have strokes…at least, that’s what Terrance Minnoy thought. But there he was, paralyzed on the bedroom floor, phone just out of reach. Thankfully, his son heard dad’s mumbled cry and called 9-1-1. The EMTs quickly arrived and told Terrance they were taking him to San Joaquin Community Hospital – home to Kern County’s most experienced stroke team. Just 12 weeks later, Terrance is almost back to 100 percent and equally clear on his hospital of choice. “Stroke, heart attack or any other emergency…it doesn’t matter. SJCH is the only hospital I would go to.”

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Go & Do

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

THE PERFECT PLATFORM

One of the event’s signature Shoe Guys.

By Sally Ann Selby

or five years, Wine, Women & Shoes has put its best foot forward for CASA of Kern County. On Saturday, Oct. 3, more than 400 ladies will slip into their stilettos and spend the day shopping, sipping and having fun with the common purpose to raise funds benefiting the vital work of CASA. This year’s event, the largest to date, will be held at the private estate of Dr. Vikas and Sonia Ghai. Attendees will be treated to a fun-filled day of shopping and camaraderie. BFFs, colleagues, daughters, mothers and grandmothers from throughout Kern County will enjoy world-class wine tastings, a live and silent auction featuring lavish trips and experiences, a fashion marketplace, savory hors d’oeuvres, and a fashion show presented by Macy’s. “Wine, Women & Shoes is more than a fundraiser or a wine tasting,” said Amy Raddatz, CASA resource development manager. “It’s a wonderful time to sip, shop and support an outstanding organization that works with children in desperate need of a caring, responsible adult. The men and women attending 66

Bakersfield Life Magazine

October 2015

PHOTO COURTESY OF APRIL MASSIRIO

PHOTO COURTESY OF BREANNE HOLLIDAY

Wine, Women & Shoes lets women sip, shop, support local organization

2014 Wine, Women & Shoes

are able to make a major difference in the lives of so many local children,” she added. The event is highlighted by 50 “Shoe Guys” – representing area organizations like Chevron, Dignity Health and Motor City Lexus – who show off the latest ladies shoes and fashion accessories on a silver platter, literally. Returning favorites include the “Key to the Closet” and the “Wall of Wine,” and new this year, the “Key to the Cellar.” Culinary delights will be provided by some of Bakersfield’s finest restaurants, including Chef’s Choice Noodle Bar, La Foret Fine Dining, Big Denweed’s Catering, Bord A Petite Catering and Sweet Surrender. And wineries, like Chateau St. Jean Bijou, Flora Springs and Terra Valentine, will be on hand to pour their finest assortments.

“There is something magical in Wine, Women & Shoes’ draw to women across Kern County,” said Colleen McGauley, CASA executive director. “Girlfriends plan weekends around the event and return year after year for the sheer fun, camaraderie and bonding through shopping and feeling good about giving back to CASA. This resonates passionately with attendees.” CASA of Kern County has served abused and abandoned children locally since 1994. The program matches foster children with highly trained advocate volunteers who dedicate annually over 11,000 hours of volunteer time. What is significant about these hours is that they focus on the youth, overseeing the children’s strengths and weaknesses, while keeping a long-term vision of “family” alive.

Wine, Women & Shoes Oct. 3, 2 to 6 p.m. Home of Vikas and Sonia Ghai Tickets: $125, $175 for VIP, $1,400 for table of eight Visit www.winewomenandshoes.com/casakc or call the CASA office at 661-631-2272. Also check Wine, Women & Shoes Bakersfield’s Facebook page.

All about the rescue Wendy Bailey

O c t o b e r 2 015

Skin & Mental Health ISSUE

EAT YOUR WAY to perfect skin

Training to help students Which nutrients nourish your skin?

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Skin and mental health

Y O U ’ R E A LWA Y S W E L C O M E A T

Gables Residential Care Homes

Inside October 2015 The Meadows • 10702 Four Bears Dr. RCFE No. 157204176

Spruce Gardens • 13303 Nantucket

Natalie Jacobsen, Leah Lay and Jennifer Brock of InSpire Salon & Spa.

Features Mental Health First Aid

The Power of the Mind

Nationwide initiative focuses on youth mental health in schools

Discover how sleep can improve your brain

Page 8

Page 10

B Connected

Defying the Odds

Get outside and involved in the community this fall

Life changed dramatically for local woman after being the victim of a drunken driving crash

Health Watch

Workout Moves

Life’s Questions Answered

14 16

What Happens When

Your Body

Some Kind of Wonderful

Project Semicolon

Eat your way to perfect skin

Learn the dangers of stress and the power of humor

Three workout moves to provide instant mental benefits

Freedom through hair transformation

Skin and mental health questions answered by the experts

Fit and Fresh

Surprising ways smoking affects your appearance

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How a local woman finds happiness in heroic deeds

A movement dedicated to bringing awareness about hope in light of significant mental health issues through tattoos

661.631.2036 October 2015 · bwellmagazine.com

OUT & ABOUT / b connected

Color Obstacle Rush

Compiled by B Well Magazine

his isn’t your typical colored powder run. The 5K Color Obstacle Rush is made up of nine color stations and 10 obstacles. But it’s not just flat surfaces you’ll have to get through. Enjoy fun obstacles along the way, including giant inflatable slides, bouncy castles, foam, climbing nets, digging through a giant ball pit and more! As you make it to the finish line,

a huge music party awaits your arrival. But don’t worry. Music covers the entire course from start to finish to pump you up. The Color Obstacle Rush is open for anyone 12 years old and above, regardless of fitness level. The event will take place Oct. 3 at Bakersfield Speedway. Admission is $55 through Oct. 1 and gets you an event T-shirt, a personal color bomb and an official finisher medal. To register, visit colorobstaclerush.com.

Superheroes wanted Compiled by B Well Magazine

rab your Superman cape or your favorite superhero T-shirt and raise money for the Hope House at Memorial Hospital Saturday, Oct. 3, at the Kern County Museum, put on by the Kern County Builders’ Exchange. As the hospital continues to grow and add new health care services, the need to keep families together is important. Members of the Kern County Builders’ Exchange have donated their time to complete the Hope House on Memorial Hospital’s campus and it’s almost complete. So become a superhero for a day and enjoy food from Big Mike’s Ragin’ BBQ, a silent live auction and more at the museum’s Batey Gardens. Admission is $150 per person. The event kicks off at 5 p.m. For ticket information, visit kcbex.com or call Mikin Plummer at 324-4921.

B Well Magazine · October 2015

Tehachapi Apple Festival fun for everyone Compiled by B Well Magazine

njoy not just one but two days of the Tehachapi Apple Festival Oct. 10 and 11 at the Railroad Park in downtown Tehachapi from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday. The festival is fun for the entire family, including a kids’ zone with carnival games and inflatables for the young ones. Enjoy bobbing for apples, a pie-eating contest, live music, handcrafted local artisan gifts and much more. Plus meet and purchase products from local farmers. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the local Make-A-Wish Foundation, Tehachapi Boy Scouts Troop 3 and others. The festival is free. For more information, visit tehachapiapplefestival.com.

OUT & ABOUT / b connected

Run through Murray Family Farms, help FARA research Compiled by B Well Magazine

urray Family Farms is partnering with the Kern County Friedreich’s Ataxia Research Alliance chapter to bring the Great Pumpkin 5K Run and 1-mile family walk to the farm on Oct. 3. Friedreich’s ataxia is a debilitating, lifeshortening, degenerative neuromuscular disorder. There is currently no cure or treatment. The course of the race will take runners through the field and pumpkin patches of Murray Family Farms. Following the race, there will be celebratory pumpkin pancakes and coffee for

those who participated. The breakfast is also available for nonparticipants for $3 a plate. Admission for the 5K will be $35 the day of, $25 for the 1-mile family walk and $5 for children 3 to 12 years old. Registration includes admission into Murray Family Farms activities, a 50 percent off coupon for a return visit to the farm in October, a child-size pumpkin for each child registered for the family walk and a raffle entry for a free noble fir Alpine Christmas tree. All funds raised will go to FARA for continued research. For more information, call 565-5950 or register at farakerncounty.org.

November 7th 2015 • 6 pm at Seven Oaks Country Club

Ticket prices* $100 per Seat $700 for Table of 8 More information at www.marleysmutts.org For information on Sponsorship Packages or to donate to the auctions , please contact Daryn Caldwell at (813) 789-4237 or daryn.caldwell@marleysmutts.com *21 and older, sorry, no dogs allowed October 2015 · bwellmagazine.com

Y O U R H E A LT H / d e f y i n g t h e o d d s

Instant advocate

By Jorge Barrientos

ife was good for Ashley Hampton before the night of Sept. 12, 2014. The Kern Valley resident was driving on rural Highway 178 near Onyx in her brand new Fiat 500, making her way to Ridgecrest Regional Hospital to begin her first day as a certified nursing assistant, the job she’d always wanted. But she never made it to her first day of work. “As I was driving on the curved road, I saw blue lights going toward me, and then I heard a ‘bam!’” said Hampton, 23. “I flipped twice, but I don’t remember the flips. And then I started screaming for help.” In an instant, a drunken driver had changed her life.

The Crash

As Hampton lay trapped in her crumbled car, residents living down the road arrived first. Alvaro David Quinonez heard her cries for help. “She was pinned in there, bleeding pretty badly,” he said. “At first, I didn’t think she was going to make it. We just tried to keep her calm.” Quinonez checked on the other driver, too, but it was clear she had died, he said. Neighbors and passersby managed to roll Hampton’s car on its wheels. 6

B Well Magazine · October 2015

Ashley Hampton

When firefighters and paramedics arrived, they put oxygen on her and used the Jaws of Life to free her. Before being airlifted to the hospital, she remembers giving a thumbs-up to first responders before going to sleep. Hampton woke up three days and five surgeries later. She suffered a broken foot, wrist, femur and pelvis, a splintered back, and bruised kidneys and lungs that would end up leaving her on a ventilator for seven days. Hampton’s mother, Sheree Martin, received the call at 1:30 a.m. and made the difficult drive to Kern Medical Center from her Kern Valley home. “She looked horrible. Her body was tremendously broken,” Martin said. “I’m sure she had angels around her that night or else she wouldn’t be here.” Authorities told Martin the other driver was under the influence at the time of the crash. Later, the family was told she was three times over the legal limit.

PHOTO BY MARK NESSIA

Life changed dramatically for local woman after being the victim of a drunken driving crash

Questions unanswered

At the hospital, Hampton had a few setbacks, including pneumonia that kept her for an additional 12 days. The injuries would leave her bedridden for four months. Today, Hampton has trouble walking, uses a cane and a wheelchair for long trips. She has physical therapy several times per week in Bakersfield, and the medical bills keep piling up. She also has panic attacks. But, it’s not just Hampton suffering. Her brother, for example, feels guilty; he told her to go to work early that night. Martin wishes she would have told her daughter to take the larger family car to work. There are also the mental injuries and the questions that will remain unanswered. “I ask every day, ‘Why?’” Hampton said. “Why did she have to get in that car? Why did she have to drink and drive? Why didn’t someone stop her?” MADD Advocate

In 2014, the California Highway Patrol gave nearly 2,200 citations for driving under the influence in Bakersfield. CHP officers in Kern County also noted 312 collisions, 422 injuries and 14 fatalities – all involving DUI. It’s an epidemic, said Carla Pearson, victim advocate for Mothers Against Drunk Driving, Kern County. Those involved in the nonprofit help victims manage the court process, present to DUI offenders and speak at local

schools – all to end drunken driving. So when Pearson heard that Hampton wanted to help as well, she was all for it. “Her story is important,” Pearson said. “She has suffered a great deal, physically and mentally. “To go through all of that schooling for nursing and have it taken away, it’s awful. She can’t just start over.” Hampton has already presented at local high schools. She also spoke to first offenders about her experience. “I tell them to not drink and drive and to make good choices, or else your life and the lives of others are put in danger,” Hampton said. “It can all be taken away from you and your family in an instant.” Martin said her daughter, before the crash, would never have spoken in front of a crowd. But she’s passionate about it, and courageous, too. Hampton also participated in the annual “Walk Like MADD & MADD Dash” 5K in September that helps raise money for the fight to end drunken driving in Kern County. She will continue to speak about her experience in hopes of raising awareness, she said. — Jorge Barrientos is the director of marketing and public relations for Chain Cohn Stiles and a member of the planning committee for the annual “Walk Like MADD & MADD Dash” 5K.

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End Drunken Driving Support Mothers Against Drunk Driving, Kern County, in the fight against drunken driving. • Register to participate in the next “Walk Like MADD & MADD Dash” 5K • Register to walk or run as an individual or form a team • If you can’t attend, you can sign up online to raise money as a virtual walker • Give a donation to MADD Kern County (all proceeds stay in Kern County) • Register/More: WalkLikeMADD.org/Bakersfield or find Bakersfield Walk Like MADD on Facebook

www.newellbeingacu.com October 2015 · bwellmagazine.com

Aspiranet employees learn about the signs and symptoms of mental health disorders in youth.

MENTAL HEALTH

FIRST AID

Nationwide initiative focuses on youth mental health in schools

By Shelby Parker

Photos by Mark Nessia

ental illness has been a taboo subject in the room for many years, but now it’s time to break the ice and get the discussion started. That’s where the Youth Mental Health First Aid in Kern County comes in. “The goal is to saturate Kern County with training,” said Tatia Hunter-Jennings, prevention counselor for Kern County Superintendent of Schools. This comes from a nationwide “Now is the Time” initiative that President Barack Obama passed in 2014. It is an eight-hour training program designed for those who work closely with children and youth. The course applies a five-step process for adults working with students who might need help.

B Well Magazine · October 2015

“One in five students has a diagnosable mental illness, and most of them don’t know they have it.” – Ellen Eggert, Kern County Mental Health

Aspiranet employees work together to illustrate the physical, emotional and social factors kids face during adolescence.

3rd

Suicide is the third-leading cause of death among teenagers, and it is preventable. Yvonne Ortiz-Bush, a CSUB faculty member, shows employees at Aspiranet the prevalence of depression among youth in the U.S.

Those steps include assessing for risk or harm, listening non-judgmentally, giving reassurance and information, encouraging professional help, and encouraging self-help and self-care. According to the Kern County Superintendent of Schools website, it also helps “identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illness.” A good portion of the training is spent talking about suicide and self-injury, as well as issues such as anxiety and depression, which are some of the most common that adolescents face in school. Whether you have a background in counseling or this is brand-new information, it’s something that everyone can benefit from. “One in five students has a diagnosable mental illness and most of them don’t know they have it,” said Ellen

Eggert, program support supervisor for Kern County Mental Health and instructor for Youth Mental Health First Aid. She also added that last year, six people under the age of 20 died from suicides in Kern County. “If you aren’t diagnosed when you’re younger, you usually wait about 10 years to get help,” Eggert said. Suicide is the third-leading cause of death among teenagers, and it is preventable, officials said. Katie Romley, health educator for Kern County Superintendent of Schools, went through the training and said “it was a good refresher” as she was previously a counselor. “I like the idea of being open with youth, having one more way to connect with them,” Romley said. “It’s a really fun training; it’s a really intense training,

but I think that they’ll walk away feeling empowered and probably less apprehensive or scared, because I think there is a lot of fear around this topic.” Hunter-Jennings said that Kern County is “already benefiting” from this program, as parents have already been thanking her for the training. Having been a counselor in schools for many years, she knows how much of an issue this has been. However, this is the beginning of a change that hopefully will start to catch on everywhere. The Youth Mental First Aid in Kern County will be hosting one to two trainings a month.

For more information, visit kern.org/youth-mental-health-first-aid/.

October 2015 · bwellmagazine.com

KEY LIFE INGREDIENTS TO HEALTHY MENTAL HEALTH

By Ellen Ewing

B Well Magazine 路 October 2015

hen it comes to personal health, you might think of things like your weight, cholesterol levels, sun

exposure, maybe even your last dental checkup.

All of those are very important to manage, but when asked about general health, rarely do most of us think of our mental health first.

Experts tell us our mental health is affected by sleeping habits, stress levels, diet and more. Would all of these affecting factors lead you to be more mindful about your mental health rather than leaving it as an afterthought? According to Dr. Amira Ayad of Adventist Health, as people get older, they fear their mental capabilities will diminish. Ayad said in a written statement, “Memory problem concerns are starting in younger age populations.” These fears are not simply a case of being overanxious. Ayad said: “Experts warn that dementia will double by 2030 and more than triple by 2050. Cognitive decline is among the world's leading public health issues today.” But there are ways you can reduce your chances of developing degenerative brain diseases, such as dementia,

as you age. Ayad believes things as simple as wearing a helmet during contact sports, keeping alcohol consumption to a minimum, exercising regularly and getting regular, quality sleep can help protect your memory in the long run. Your genes play a big role in your chances of developing memory problems, but Ayad said you “can work early to modify behaviors and prevent the onset of memory problems” later in life. Dr. Sharlet Briggs echoes the idea that sleep is a key ingredient to mental health and overall well-being. “I focus on the longevity lifestyle ... and sleep is a critical piece of that,” Briggs said. “Sleep is essential because it affects your mood, your memory, (your) cognitive performance.” Briggs is a brain function specialist at San Joaquin Community Hos-

pital. She has written several books, including “21 Factors and Longevity Lifestyle” and has lectured around the world about her findings. “When you look at the effects of not getting enough sleep, someone who goes 20 hours without sleep, (his or her) brain functions at the same level as the legal blood-alcohol limit of intoxication in California, which is .08,” Briggs said. Neglecting your mental health in terms of sleep can also cause weight gain. “People who are sleep deprived gain more weight. If you’re not sleeping, you're maybe eating. Individuals who get insufficient sleep, eat about 300 calories more per day than people who are getting the sleep they need,” Briggs said. Not only are you potentially gaining weight by getting too little sleep, but you’re affecting hor-

mones that help control eating. According to Briggs, when those hormones get off balance, you're more likely to eat more during the day, too. And when you’re tired, you tend to eat sugary stuff for an energy boost. These bad eating habits, caused by sleep deprivation, have different effects on men and women, Briggs added. “Males who get insufficient sleep are more likely to have diabetes and agerelated decrease in muscle strength and mobility,” she said. “Females tend to suffer more belly fat and increased risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes.” So, if you’re trying to lose weight, consider going to bed a little earlier. If you're asleep, you’re not in the kitchen, and when your brain is properly rested, it’s not confused about when you’re truly hungry.

October 2015 · bwellmagazine.com

Y O U R H E A LT H / h e a l t h w a t c h

Q & A with local experts in their medical fields

Our other experts

Q: How can mental illness be prevented?

Dr. Maheep S. Virdi

Vascular and General Neurologist

A: Mental health has various components, which include social, psychological and biological contributors. The interplay between these factors starts in the early childhood years and continues well into the elderly age and modulates the responses as time goes on. The importance of treating disorders, such as epilepsy and depression, with a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment is very crucial to safeguard the mental health in this group of patients and driving them into being productive human beings. Treating these disorders is one of the aspects of a spectrum of interventions that can be done for this purpose. Interplay and support from counselors, maintaining healthy food habits and timely replenishment of vital components of vitamins are just a few examples.

Cheryl M. Garone Registered Dietitian Dignity Health at Bakersfield Memorial Hospital

Dr. Dana L. Yeoman Dentist Second Smile Denture Care

Q: What surgical options are available to make your skin look younger?

Dr. Manu Gujrati

Facial Plastic Surgeon Beautologie

A: As we age gracefully, exposing our skin to gravity, sun and the elements over the years, we become increasingly aware of the sagging, wrinkles and discolorations on our skin. Although the best cure is prevention (sunscreen, filers and wrinkle relaxers) before these problems arise, sometimes it may be too late to turn back the clock! In these cases, surgical options are available. A mini facelift involves making an incision in front of the ear to pull back a relatively small amount of skin, while repositioning the fat and the muscles underneath. All the scars tend to heal very well and are well hidden. Picking the right surgeon is very important in ensuring a natural look and avoiding complications.

Q: How do you make sure a person is mentally ready for weight loss surgery?

Dr. Nirav Naik

Bariatric Surgeon New Life Weight Loss and Lifestyle Solutions

A: A patient can never be fully ready for a life-changing event like weight loss surgery. However, one can take as many steps as possible to be ready. First, establish a good support system. Friends and family that are willing to make changes with you and commit to the same healthy lifestyle is vital in long-term success. Stop smoking! This will kill you faster than being obese. And start moving! Surgery without exercise is doomed to give suboptimal results in the long term. Talk to your physician or surgeon about the right dietary changes for you. Losing weight before surgery is required by most surgeons, including myself. Failure to follow a prescribed diet and lose the required amount of weight may be a sign one is not quite ready.

B Well Magazine 路 October 2015

Dr. Farzin Kerendian Plastic Surgeon Desired Beauty

Dr. Regina Cunningham Certified Holistic Health Coach/ Energy Medicine Practitioner

Dr. Bernard Maristany Neuroradiologist Kern Radiology

H E A LT H Y B I T E S / f i t a n d f r e s h

Eat your way to perfect skin By Sally Baker and Katie Kirschenmann

eeping a glowing complexion requires just a little more than soap and water. Nourishing our skin from the inside out reaps optimal benefits, while diet and habits also play a major role in our skin’s health. A balanced diet containing the following nutrients will set you on the right path to “glow.”

• Selenium, found in foods such as Brazil nuts and button mushrooms protect against free radicals and may prevent skin cancer. • CoQ10, a key antioxidant found in salmon, tuna, liver and whole grains. • Vitamin A, eat plenty of orange, carrot, cantaloupe, leafy greens and eggs for a powerful source of this nutrient. • Vitamin C, helps protect you from skin damage, so find it in red bell peppers, papaya, strawberries, broccoli and kiwi. • Vitamin E, has anti-inflammatory qualities. Find it in seeds, nuts, olives and asparagus. • Omega-3s and omega-6s are good fats that help your skin’s natural oil stay balanced and smooth. Eat flaxseed and walnuts. • Extra-virgin olive oil, use both internally in salad dressings, cooking etc. but also try massaging it in dry areas of your skin for softness and suppleness. • Green tea, try drinking three mugs a day with a squeeze of lemon for a pick-me-up and antioxidant boost.

B Well Magazine · October 2015

Top five foods to avoid for a clear complexion: • Pumpkin, contains wrinkle-fighting plant elements that help neutralize free radicals in the skin. Use canned pulp in your favorite recipe.

• Pomegranate, one of our strongest antioxidants, helps fight inflammation.

1. Alcohol This is a no-brainer. Alcohol is a diuretic and will dehydrate your skin and may affect skin discoloration.

2. Milk Consuming too much dairy can worsen acne.

3. Sugar Too much sugar in your diet can attribute to loss of collagen.

Juicy and sweet and renowned for its concentration of vitamin C, oranges make the perfect snack and add a special tang to many recipes.

In addition to these powerhouse nutrients, two other key factors are drinking water and getting plenty of sleep. Drink plenty of water, which is especially important in our hot, dry climate. Take your Nalgene water bottle with you whenever you leave the house. Lastly, get plenty of sleep for refreshed, smooth and clear skin.

4. High glycemic index foods New studies have shown that there may be a direct link between high glycemic index (high sugar and starch) foods and problematic skin.

5. Salt Puffy eyes and skin can be minimized by cutting out the salt. Salt will cause water retention and swelling.

October 2015 · bwellmagazine.com

WELLNESS & WONDER / what happens when ...

You’re stressed, both as an adult and child

By Sharlet Briggs, COO, San Joaquin Community Hospital

To counteract stress in your household, take the time to laugh. Humor has been shown to help alleviate the effects of stress. In fact, people with a good sense of humor are less likely to get stressed to begin with. The more stressful a situation is, the more important it is to laugh at it.

tress is different for every brain because every brain is unique. A stressor is anything that throws your body out of homeostatic balance, such as anticipation of a major event or an upcoming life change. The brain is the first body system to recognize stress and it reacts with split-second timing, sending signals to the rest of the body on how to handle the stressor. Studies show that stress early on can impact children throughout their lives:

• Sustained stress during the first months of pregnancy may correlate with the development of hyperactivity in the child after birth. • High stress levels during infancy and early childhood can lead to the poor development of communication zones in brain cells. • Severe stress during the first three or four years of life can impair learning centers in the brain, which can damage a child’s intellect.

B Well Magazine · October 2015

Researchers have also discovered that chronic stressors can lead directly to the common cold. Individuals with ongoing conflict with others have more than twice the risk of getting a cold than those without chronic stress issues. And someone who is unemployed is five times more likely to get a cold when exposed to the virus. Stress also impacts decision making. Individuals who make decisions when under stress are more likely to overestimate the potential upsides of a decision. When men are under stress, they become more willing to take risks; when women are stressed, they tend to become more conservative about risk. To counteract stress in your household, take the time to laugh. Humor has been shown to help alleviate the effects of stress. In fact, people with a good sense of humor are less likely to get stressed to begin with. The more stressful a situation is, the more important it is to laugh at it. Another great tool to use against stress is exercise. Exercise can help the brain to boot up efficiently, raise serotonin levels and decrease stress hormones levels.

October 2015 路 bwellmagazine.com

WELLNESS & WONDER / workout moves

Working out: providing instant and mental benefits By Lisa Cooper

t’s the moment you’ve been waiting for. The cool-down, a cold drink of water and the sweat dripping down your face as you finish a run or exit the gym. Little did you know that your workout, whether it be an intense sweat session in spin class or taking the pup for a stroll in the park, gave your mental health a boost as well. The options and variety of workouts are endless and suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Your days of rocking a bikini may be over, or just beginning, but your overall health and happiness will last you a lifetime.

Check out these exercises you can do in the comfort of you r own home.

Perform three sets of each exercise. Work your way up to 15 reps. Renegade Row Place two dumbbells on the floor, shoulderwidth apart. Start in the top position of pushup position with your hands on the weights, core engaged. Row one weight up toward the side of your body. Hold for one count at the top and return the weight slowly to the start position to repeat on the other side. Ten reps each side. • Challenge: Add a push up in between each rep. • Modify: Lower knees to the top of a knee pushup position, hips low.

Alternating Leg Reach Lie on your back with arms extended above your head. Lift your left leg off the ground while simultaneously lifting your torso off the ground and reach the right arm toward the left leg. Lower down to start and repeat with the opposite arm and leg. Ten reps each side.

B Well Magazine · October 2015

Reverse Lunge with Knee Lift Holding a dumbbell overhead, step backward with your right leg, landing on the ball of the foot, then bend both knees to lower yourself to the floor. (Make sure to step back far enough so your front knee is behind the toes at the bottom of the movement.) When your front thigh is parallel with the floor, press through your front heel to an upright position and pull dumbbell down toward hips as you drive the knee to chest. Ten reps each side. • Challenge: Change knee lift to front kick. • Modify: Eliminate dumbbell.

Lisa Cooper is the owner and fitness coach at Bakersfield Adventure Boot Camp. For more information, call 378-8602 or visit bakersfieldbootcamp.com.

October 2015 · bwellmagazine.com

W E L L N E S S & W O N D E R / l i f e ’s q u e s t i o n s a n s w e r e d

Natalie Jacobsen, Leah Lay and Jennifer Brock are three of five stylists at InSpire who are Evolve Volumizer certified.

Evolve Volumizer restoring self-confidence Local women feel ‘freedom’ through hair transformation By Laura Liera Photos by Mark Nessia

fter 10 years dreading pool time with her grandchildren, Jeri James spent nearly the entire summer this year splashing around, having fun and most importantly, making memories. James, 61, has a mild autoimmune imbalance that has caused noticeable hair loss on the crown of her head. “For once, I wasn’t concerned about

B Well Magazine · October 2015

not getting my hair wet,” James said. Since March, James has been part of Evolve Volumizer, offered exclusively at InSpire Salon & Spa. The Evolve Volumizer is a hair integration system made with 100 percent human hair and can be worn day and night for up to four weeks before returning to the salon for a reset appointment. Leah Lay, InSpire Salon & Spa owner and Evolve Volumizer specialist, knew the volumizer was the solution to many of her clients’ hair loss needs.

“To witness the emotional transformation that happens in our salon is priceless,” Lay said. The polymesh base is lightweight and molds to the head. It comes in 28 different colors and can be dyed, flat ironed, blow-dried, curled, etc. For James, being able to pull her hair back into a high updo has been something she hasn’t been able to do in years. After several attempts to cover the hair loss on the crown of her head – including extensions and hair trans-

plants – James nearly gave up. As a health environmental safety team leader for Chevron Pipeline, James spends a lot of time outside overseeing projects with fellow colleagues. There was a time a few years back when she took off her hard hat and was reviewing the project with her co-worker, when he looked up at her head and told her “you need to fix that.” “I thanked him for letting me know but I was so embarrassed,” James said as she sat in the salon chair, getting her volumizer put in place. The freedom she now feels is indescribable. Back in March, when she first got her personalized volumizer, James said most people thought she had styled her hair differently and she received many compliments. “I was so ecstatic and I couldn’t believe the transformation,” James said. “It’s life changing.” The volumizer is a wig alternative, without the tape, glue or adhesives. According to the American Hair Loss Association, 50 percent of women experience female pattern hair loss by age 50; nearly 30 million women in the U.S. experience hair loss and about 80 percent of women will have noticeable hair loss by the time they reach age 60. In Bakersfield, InSpire Hair Salon & Spa is transforming the lives of about 15 women so far. “It has brought them back confidence, confidence they haven’t felt in years,” Lay said. “That in itself is priceless.”

InSpire Salon & Spa 3615 Coffee Road, Suite 500 661-587-4777 Evolve Volumizer specialists: Leah Lay, Lisa Mundy, Natalie Jacobsen, Linsey Sinclair and Jennifer Brock

October 2015 · bwellmagazine.com

WELLNESS & WONDER / your body

the smoking habit Surprising ways smoking affects your appearance

By Laura Liera

moking is a habit that causes changes in your skin, teeth and hair. The more cigarettes you smoke, the faster the changes you’ll start to see in your body. According to the latest statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 42.1 million people 18 years or older in the United States are avid smokers. But how is it that a few puffs a day can affect your skin? Bakersfield plastic surgeon Dr. Vip Dev said smoking damages blood vessels that supply valuable nutrients to vital organs. “Smoking can influence the skin to change immediately as nicotine causes the smallest of blood vessels to decrease in size,” he said. “Therefore, decreasing blood supply and oxygen.” And there isn’t a number of cigarettes that it takes for your skin to start seeing a change. Even one single cigarette can start the process of skin damage. Those who start smoking at an early age will begin

“Smoking can influence the skin to change immediately as nicotine causes the smallest of blood vessels to decrease in size. Therefore, decreasing blood supply and oxygen.” – Dr. Vip Dev

B Well Magazine · October 2015

to age faster than those who do not smoke. Dev said smoking increases the aging process by speeding up degradation of collagen and elastin. That’s when you start seeing more wrinkles. “Smokers can get increased lines or wrinkles around the lips that are very difficult to treat once they appear,” he said. But it’s not just your skin appearance that can age radically. Fingertips and toes can change color over time. The additives and tobacco in the cigarettes cause fingertips to turn yellow and over time, even turn a bluish color due to decreased blood supply. Although more than 3,200 people younger than 18 years of age smoke their first cigarette each day, there are smokers that want to quit smoking. CDC statistics say nearly seven in 10 adult cigarette smokers wanted to stop smoking in 2011. And about 100,000 U.S. smokers are expected to ditch the habit for good as a result of the 2012 Tips From Former Smokers campaign. “The best way to quit the habit is to go cold turkey,” Dev said. “Most of my patients that have quit have had the most success this way.”

SECONDHAND SMOKE QUIZ

The Baker Family

When it matters most, count on us!

1. Secondhand smoke is… a) Smoke that is breathed out by the smoker b) Pollution from smoke stacks and car exhaust c) Smoke that comes from the burning end of a cigarette d) a and c

Personal care or nursing care at home

H E A LT H C A R E

2. Secondhand smoke is annoying, but it is not really a health concern. True or False 3. Secondhand smoke contains more than 4,000 chemicals, including some that cause cancer in humans. True or False

When Mom or Dad can no longer live alone, call BAKERSFIELD SENIOR PLACEMENT

4. Children exposed to secondhand smoke are more likely to have which of the following illnesses? a) Ear infections b) Severe and frequent asthma attacks c) Bronchitis and pneumonia d) All of the above 5. Which one of the following is not another name for secondhand smoke? a) Exhaled toxic cloud b) Environmental tobacco smoke c) Passive smoke d) Involuntary smoking Source: smokefree.gov Answers: 1 – d, 2 – False 3 – True, 4 – d, 5 – a

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October 2015 · bwellmagazine.com

C R E AT I N G AWA R E N E S S / s o m e k i n d o f w o n d e r f u l

To the rescue Kern Valley Search and Rescue volunteer find happiness in heroic deeds

B Well Magazine 路 October 2015

By Diana Greenlee Photos courtesy of Wendy Bailey

decade ago, Wendy Bailey, 55, could never have predicted she’d be saving lives as a member of Kern Valley Search and Rescue (KVSAR). Back then she was living in Valencia, a stay-at-home mom with three kids. Her resume included jobs as a letter carrier and elementary school yard supervisor. But then in 2007, her husband Robert died of leukemia after a three-year struggle. The couple had been married 20 years. Still visibly shaken by the remembrance, Wendy said the family home held painful memories and with her children prepared to leave the nest, she was ready for a change of scenery. “Rob wouldn’t have wanted me to do this,” she said of her mourning. “I really needed to go, and the kids were old enough.” With family in Kernville, Wendy headed north. A chance meeting during a Whiskey Flat Days celebration got her attention and altered the course of her life. “They (KVSAR) had a booth set up,” she said. “That’s exactly what brought me here.” Wendy moved to Kernville six years ago; she just celebrated her fifth anniversary with the volunteer,

With family in Kernville, Wendy headed north. A chance meeting during a Whiskey Flat Days celebration got her attention and altered the course of her life.

community funded organization, which is affiliated with the Kern County Sheriff’s department. In addition to participating in search and rescue, Wendy serves on the board and manages the equipment. The manager said she has ongoing intensive rescue and life support training, and the tight-knit group meets a minimum of once a month in addition to training. She said their main focus is water rescue, “but we do a lot more than that.” “We do mountain and desert rescue when people get lost,” she said. “We’ve had to do fire evacuations and mudslides. We have to be prepared for that.” According to Brian Baskin, 37, who also serves on the team, Wendy is well prepared physically and emotionally for the demands of the job. “She’s a capable operator,” he said. “And she sees the good in everything.” Today, Wendy is a long way from yard duty. She can be found scouring the Kern River in a lifeboat, in a helicopter or hiking down from a high peak with a rope. Isn’t she afraid of heights? “I am,” she giggled. “But I still like to do it.” Wendy views the crew as an extended family and says KVSAR is responsible for the preservation of many lives – including her own. “It saved me,” she said.

October 2015 · bwellmagazine.com

C R E AT I N G AWA R E N E S S / s o m e k i n d o f w o n d e r f u l

Good Samaritan Hospital: dedicated to hope, healing and recovery when it matters most By Courtney Samari

recently came to discover a movement called Project Semicolon. A mental health therapist colleague of mine showed me a new tattoo she received on her forearm of a semicolon. I found it an interesting choice of artwork so, naturally, I was fascinated to hear what the story behind it was. She explained that the Project Semicolon movement is dedicated to bring awareness about hope and recovery in light of significant mental health distress, addictions, self injury and suicide. Just like in punctuation, a period indicates the end of something, while a semicolon, is merely a pause, with additional storylines

B Well Magazine · October 2015

to follow. The project’s mission states that it “exists to encourage, love and inspire.” As a licensed clinical social worker at Good Samaritan Hospital, I am committed to bring awareness to the challenges of mental health struggles, as well as to provide information and education about the hope available in our own community for individuals experiencing mental health crisis. I realized Good Samaritan IS the semicolon! Good Samaritan Hospital is the place where individuals who are experiencing a sense of hopelessness in their lives can discover that there is much more life to be lived. We are able to provide a sanctuary of help, support and hope to help individ-

uals rediscover that life is worth living. Good Samaritan offers a variety of programs to serve our community. We have inpatient hospitalization services for individuals experiencing mental health crisis for patients as young as 5 years old. We are one of the very fortunate communities in all of California that is able to provide specialized acute mental health treatment for children, adolescents, adults and, most recently, geriatric patients.

Good Samaritan Hospital 5201 White Lane 661-241-6201 www.goodsamhospital.com

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Cath Lab Ca

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Full-Service ER

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There’s more to good health than just having a healthy heart. At Bakersfield Heart Hospital we’ve been busy adding even more health care services to our already award-winning cardiac care. Things like our Joint Replacement Center, our Brain and Spine Center, our Center for Wound Healing and, just in case, our Full-Service Emergency Department. Of course you’ll still be able to get the best cardiac care possible in our Women’s Heart Center, our Cath Lab, and our Cardiac Rehab Center. Only now you’ll be able to get that same excellent care for all your other parts, too.

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B Well Magazine · October 2015

BakersfieldHeartHospital.Com

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

IT’S A GIRL THING Girls Night Out gives women opportunity to have fun, support good cause By Shelby Parker

hen looking for a night out, most ladies will opt for dinner with their gal pals or anything that will get them out of the house for the evening. Now the women of Bakersfield have a chance to get out and support a good cause. The first-ever Girls Night Out, sponsored by Kern Federal Credit Union, Bakersfield Heart Hospital and Essentiels Spa et Beaute, will be held at Motor City Lexus Oct. 22 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. “We wanted to find a way to host a nice event for women, but also give back to the community,” said Shauna Rockwell, specialty events and traffic manager at The Bakersfield Californian. Rockwell explained that they wanted to find a charitable cause that would also want to be involved the night of the event. That’s how Motor City Lexus came into the picture. The car dealership has not only had a great relationship with The Bakersfield Californian, but they are “very involved in charitable community events.” A portion of the proceeds from the ticket sales will go toward the Golden West Chapter for ALS, which is also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. What could be better than supporting a good cause and mingling with fellow women in Bakersfield? An evening that also includes food, wine tastings and shopping.

The food vendors will include La Foret, Beck’s Divine Cakes and Bakery, Steak & Grape, Mauricio’s Grill and Cantina, PorkChop & Bubba’s BBQ, Bord A Petite Catering, Uncle’s BBQ and more. If you’re looking to treat yourself, look no further than the boutique vendors that will also be featured, including Christine’s, Wire+Pearl, Eloah Creations, Perfectly Posh, Bleu Lavender, Retail Therapy, French Quarter and Sugardaddy’s. There will also be an opportunity to purchase a raffle prize at the event to win a 2015 Lexus NX 300h as part of the ALS Challenge, which was donated by Toyota Motor Sales. Entries are $100 each. The drawing will not take place until Nov. 2, and it isn’t necessary to be present to win. For more information about how to purchase tickets, contact Coco Bates at 818-865-8067, ext. 222, or sbates@alsagoldenwest.org. Tickets for the Girls Night Out event are $60 for a limited time only and can be bought at The Bakersfield Californian, Motor City | Lexus | Buick | GMC or online at bakersfieldgirlsnightout. com. Ticket prices will be raised to $70 on Oct. 1. bakersfieldlife.com

Go & Do

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

AN ECLECTIC MIX 99 Music Fest makes debut with 7-performer lineup By Matt Munoz

t will be a celebration of all things Americana, when the 99 Music Fest makes its red, white and blue debut at the CSUB Amphitheater Oct. 10. Co-headlined by acclaimed Texas troubadours, Ray Wylie Hubbard and James McMurtry, the daylong music, food and drink festival on the green also features Bakersfield blues country, soul man Monty Byrom, Southern California purist Sam Outlaw, Canadian boogie rock outfit The Sheepdogs, local up-and-coming country act Truxton Mile and bluegrass ensemble The Roustabouts. “I’d imagine Bakersfield would expect me to be pretty good, and I plan on being really good and entertaining everyone in the audience to within an inch of their lives,” said Hubbard, 68, on his appearance. “In the past, I opened for both Buck Owens and Merle Haggard, and I know Monty Byrom, and they all were really nice to me and the few times I’ve played in Bakersfield the people have been really great.”

Bakersfield Life Magazine

October 2015

Hubbard’s latest release “The Ruffian’s Misfortune” has been hailed by critics as one his strongest releases to date, combining years of fine-tuned musical craftsmanship, deep blues and storytelling. “I don’t know if I would call it a knack (for storytelling), as I did spent a lot of time reading classic literature, learning the craft of songwriting, watching amazing musicians like Townes (Van Zandt) and Lightnin’ Hopkins while spending hours upon hours practicing,” he said. Hubbard will also be celebrating the release of his autobiography “A Life… Well, Lived.” Representing the latest wave of SoCal country artists is 33-year-old Sam Outlaw, who was recently named one of the top country music artists to watch during the 2015 SXSW music festival in Austin, Texas. “Country music creation had moved away from Southern California for too long – almost an entire generation,” said Outlaw. “The return of good country music to this region is the pendulum finally swinging the other direction.” Influenced by the classic country sounds of George Jones and Emmylou Harris, the buzz on Outlaw’s sound has been fueled by the release of his new CD “Angeleno,” produced by guitarist Ry Cooder. “I wanted my album to encapsulate three main things: honky-tonk music, the intimacy of singer-songwriter performance and a little Baja flavor (Mexican music and culture),” Outlaw said. “I have a great band with me in Bakersfield, so folks should expect a proper country music show with lots of pedal steel, vocal har-

1) The Roustabouts 2) Monty Byrom 3) James McMurtry 4) Ray Wylie Hubbard 5) Truxton Mile 6) Sam Outlaw 7) The Sheepdogs

monies and a good sampling of my songs. their new single, “California in My Mind.” We’ll do the sad waltzes, the love songs and “I think Bakersfield will love what this the upbeat toe tappers. Most importantly festival has to offer. We are just excited to be we’re going to have a lot of fun.” a part of this eclectic lineup,” said Truxton Todd Newman of San Luis Obispo-based Mile lead vocalist Ryan Coulter. “We are promotions Good Medicine, who helped cugoing to try some new material and tweak rate the festival lineup, says advanced sales our set a bit just for fun as well.” have been brisk. “We feel like we cross the border between “While I believe the Americana scene is country and Americana,” said Truxton Mile alive and well, it does apguitarist Taylor Unruh. pear to have more signifi“Within the musicality of cant roots in central the band, there is a defi99 Music Fest California and Northern nite sense of old pedal Lineup California. Considering steel bends, but it’s also Ray Wylie Hubbard that many feel it evolved mixed with our love for James McMurtry as a mix of folk, blues, the blues, rock ’n’ roll, Monty Byrom classic country and rock and sprinkled with some Sam Outlaw ’n’ roll, it seems well repbluegrass.” The Roustabouts resented by the BakersAlong with plenty of Truxton Mile The Sheepdogs field music heritage. We music, some of Bakersfelt the lineup would apfield’s most popular peal to a large cross secrestaurants will be on Oct. 10, noon to 6 p.m. tion of the local hand to keep appetites in CSUB Amphitheater, 9001 Stockdale Highway demographic and provide rhythm, plus a variety of a communal experience craft beers and wines to Tickets: $40 plus service fee; 21 and over only. for all who attend, not to enjoy. www.99musicfest.com mention world-class mu“Bakersfield seems to sicianship.” appreciate music as well as Speaking of Bakersan opportunity to take in a field music, local country young guns Truxfestival,” said Newman. “It also helps that the ton Mile have been making radio waves with venue is easily accessible in a great setting.”

bakersfieldlife.com

Go & Do

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

LOVE BITES Ballet documents Draculaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s search for companionship solely through dance By Tyler Goucher

Bakersfield Life Magazine

October 2015

Photos by Stan Olszewski

Southwest Eye Care & Laser

“Iw antyou to believe … believe in thingsthatyou cannot.”

ell, believe it or not, “Dracula the Ballet” is coming to the Fox Theater on Oct. 23. Brought to you by the Bay Pointe Ballet and choreographed by Bruce Steivel, “Dracula the Ballet” will be sinking its teeth into Bakersfield just in time for the Halloween season. The classic story follows Dracula from Transylvania to England in his journey to find companionship and someone to spread the undead curse to. Unlike the many interpretations before it, “Dracula the Ballet” tells the fictional tale solely with dance and music. “The difficult part of putting on a ballet like ‘Dracula,’ is sticking with the story and making the storyline clear for the audience to follow,” said Steivel. “It’s without words, so with just dance, it is a bit more difficult to pull off.” The unique thing about this experience is that the Bay Pointe Ballet is the only company putting on this particular piece. “No one is performing it but us right now,” Steivel said. Although he has choreographed “Dracula the Ballet” in the past with a couple of different companies, this will be Steivel’s first time working with the Bay Point Ballet. There will be a lot to look forward to for both ballet fans and non-ballet fans alike. From beautiful Victorian scenery to stylized dancing, this twist on

the horror genre will have few walking away without being amused and entertained. “There will be a lot of nice dancing scenes taking place in locations like Victorian London and the spooky woods – no one has ever gotten bored,” said Steivel. Due to the violent and complex nature of “Dracula the Ballet,” it might be wise to leave the younger children with a babysitter or your favorite relative. “It’s not going to be suitable for young children because it might be hard to understand or it might scare them,” said Steivel. The Bay Pointe Ballet is a professional ballet company that performs out of the San Francisco Bay Area and tours regionally throughout the year. Not just a choreographer, Steivel, an internationally recognized teacher, is also the acting artistic and executive director of the company that is responsible for making “Dracula the Ballet” a reality. “For the company, I choose the dancers, oversee all transactions for the company and I choose the repertoire as well,” he said. Being that this is a special one-night event, seats are expected to sell out quicker than Dracula’s teeth biting his next victim. Tickets can be purchased at foxtheateronline.com or at the Fox Theater box office.

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Dracula the Ballet Oct. 23, 8 p.m., Fox Theater Ticket range from $44 to $84, available at www.foxtheateronline.com or the Fox Theater box office

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Go & Do

TRIP PLANNER

The Big Apple: Some people love it; some people loathe it.

I LOVE NEW YORK How to plan a NYC vacation the whole family will love

Bakersfield Life Magazine

October 2015

By Cheryl Scott

ention you’re planning a trip to New York City and folks will be quick to tell you how much they love it or how much they loathe it! A whirlwind girls’ trip whetted my appetite for the city years ago and I knew then that I fall in the “love it” column. Since then, I’ve wanted to return with my husband and two sons – a family vacation that finally took shape this summer. If you’re considering a trip to the Big Apple, here are some of our family’s tips for making it special for everyone in your group.

Turn to the experts: your friends! Friends will be happy to share lots of NYC advice. Take advantage of it! We turned to Facebook for suggestions and our friends didn’t disappoint! Even if you’ve been there before, it helps to hear about other people’s experiences.

Make a list, but don’t be married to an itinerary. Trip planners beware: Not everyone enjoys a day packed with activities. Two in our family will literally run from place

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PHOTO COURTESY OF CHERYL SCOTT

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The Atlas statue in front of Rockefeller Plaza.

Author Cheryl Scott with the family in New York City.

to place in order to see it all; the other two prefer more downtime and spontaneity. Being overzealous in creating your itinerary can result in unrealistic expectations, a cranky family and a disappointed lead traveler. Taking a new approach, I tried to create a schedule that was more of a “guideline,” allowing time for a little rest and flexibility. Dividing the list into geographic areas helped us put together each day as we went along. In the end, we accomplished everything on our list,

and some of the unplanned fun (like attending a ticker tape parade and relaxing in Rockefeller Plaza) was the most memorable!

Subway, Uber, Feet, Oh My! Getting around NYC takes a variety of transportation modes. Even if your day’s schedule is light, be prepared to put miles on your feet. It’s easy to walk to lots of destinations in a city like New York.

Continued on page 74 bakersfieldlife.com

BOOMERANG: Short Stories in a Fictional Life “The book that keeps coming back to you.” Instant Download: Amazon.com

Conversation and Book Signing Barnes/Noble, California Ave.

Central Park, with its 843 acres of trees, lawns, water features and public art, is a great place to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city — and it’s free.

THINKSTOCK.COM

Friday, October 9th, 5-7 pm

Reviews:

“…an entertaining and provocative read that gives us so much insight into our humanity and divinity.” Denny Dykes Sperling

Bakersfield Life Magazine

We spent a lot of time on the subway, giving our wallet and our feet a break. Do familiarize yourself with the system first, but don’t be afraid to ask for help. Forget about their reputation; New Yorkers in general are very helpful, especially when it comes to directions. Uber drivers and an occasional taxi saved our day a few times, too.

Take advantage of discounts.

“…uses intertwined short stories to trace his characters through early life adventures and traumas, soaring heights in middle years and a return to origins with the main character older, certainly wiser, viewing life with a smile and a chuckle.” William Pemberton, author of Exit with Honor: The Life and Presidency of Ronald Reagan 74

Continued from page 73

October 2015

Visiting NYC is not an inexpensive vacation, but there are still quite a few activities that don’t cost a fortune. Central Park’s 843 acres of trees, lawns, water features and public art offer a no-cost respite from the hard edge of city life. A stroll through Times Square won’t cost a thing and everyone should experience it at least once. Lower Manhattan is rich in history and some landmarks have no lines and no fee. Reduced-price, same-day Broadway tickets are available at three different TKTS

Take advantage of reduced-price, same day Broadway tickets.

THINKSTOCK.COM

“This book will seduce you into reading just one more page......just one more chapter. It’s a sensitive narrative on the very nature of family and community and the ties that bind us to one another.” Jane Galletto

booth locations. Ticket packages like the New York CityPass make sense, as long as you plan to visit the attractions included in the ticket book. Otherwise, you’re better off paying separately. Taking your family on a New York City vacation doesn’t have to be an overwhelming experience. With a little planning, research, and teamwork, it just might be your family’s vacation of a lifetime!

THINKSTOCK.COM

Times Square is a must see.

bakersfieldlife.com

Your taste buds will thank you as you bite down on these sandwiches found around town! Whether youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re in the mood for a little barbecue or just want to experience a fresh veggie sandwich, the options are plentiful.

Bakersfield Life Magazine

October 2015

Compiled by Bakersfield Life

Photos by Mark Nessia

bakersfieldlife.com

“Turkey Boy” Club Sandwich Oven-smoked turkey breast and smoked ham with bacon, cheddar cheese, lettuce, mayo and mustard. $10.25 – Lengthwise Brewing Company Tri-Tip Steak Sandwich Tri-tip is slow cooked and well seasoned. Finished off with grilled onions, red bell peppers and cheddar cheese. Served with a homemade mustard spread. $10.95 – Lengthwise Brewing Company Previous page: Salty’s Special Tri-tip, pulled pork, barbecue sauce, yellow peppers and coleslaw served on a fresh Pyrenees roll. $11.50 – Salty’s 80

Bakersfield Life Magazine

October 2015

Why I choose TOTAL WOMAN? After moving to a new city, working for Total Woman was exactly what I needed. I've met many wonderful women while working here! Everyone is very supportive. We're not just a gym but a family, and together "WE CAN DO IT!" -Amanda Meyers Employee & Member

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Roast Turkey Breast The No. 1 seller! Classic turkey slices served on squaw bread with mayonnaise, avocado, lettuce, tomatoes and baby Swiss cheese. $7.45 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Sequoia Sandwich Company

bakersfieldlife.com

Pastrami Sandwich Pastrami, mustard, Luigi sauce, onions and lettuce in a Pyrenees sweet soft roll. $8.95. – Luigi’s Restaurant & Delicatessen “Fast Attack” French Dip Slow-roasted, thinly sliced roast beef served on a French roll and served with au jus. Includes fries and a pickle. $8.99 – Firehouse Restaurant

Bakersfield Life Magazine

October 2015

Classic Veggie Sandwich Lilly’s smoked red pepper hummus, shredded carrots, shredded beets, cucumber, spinach and Vegenaise on whole wheat bread. $6.50 – Nature’s Food Market & Juice Bar Avocado “Veggie” Sandwich Oil and vinegar dressing, avocado slices, jack cheese, sprouts, tomatoes, onions, wax peppers, Parmesan cheese in Dutch crunch bread. $5.85 for 5-inch; $7.45 for 8-inch; $10.25 for 12-inch. – Too Fat Sandwiches

bakersfieldlife.com

Bakersfield has an abundance of dining options, but sometimes those options make it difficult to decide where to go. Let our 2015 Dining Guide help you!

Bakersfield Life Magazine

October 2015

Whether you're looking for a quick bite to eat, something sweet or something fancy, we've got you covered. Check out some of the places that are putting Bakersfield on the culinary map!

34TH STREET BURGERS & DELI

THE SWITCH TO A NEW LOCATION hasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t changed what has made 34th Street Burgers and Deli a Central Valley favorite for nearly 50 years. Keeping the same staff and recipes with the move, 34th Street brought along with it the same tantalizing tastes and atmosphere that has drawn diners from throughout the area. Favorites among guests include the signature burgers that are still made with a custom blend of beef tailored for juiciness, breakfast burritos and the carne asada served with fresh handmade tortillas every day. 3951 Wible Road / 831-3311 2301 H St. / 324-8455

bakersfieldlife.com

BUCK OWENS’ CRYSTAL PALACE

SINCE 1996, Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace has provided Bakersfield with fine food paired with remarkable music. A restaurant, theater and museum all-in-one, the Palace showcases the rich history of West Coast country music while providing a venue for world-famous acts like Garth Brooks and Brad Paisley, and local standouts like Stampede. Food favorites include aged corn fed steaks, filet kabobs and Buck’s chili paired with live music five nights a week. It’s a 2015 “Best Of Bakersfield” winner for “Best Sunday Brunch.” 2880 Buck Owens Blvd. / 328-7560 www.BuckOwens.com

CAFE MED

CAFE MED is where Mediterranean cuisine meets California flair. Known for its signature pita bread, Turkish salad and zehog served before meals, the menu boasts popular items such as beef stroganoff, strawberry salad and hand-cut, perfectly seasoned steaks. Even after 24 years, Cafe

Med is still looking to keep things fresh. The restaurant’s brand-new “Bar and Lunch” menu includes pizza, Mediterranean tacos, french fries and pita burgers all starting under $12. It’s basic food done the Cafe Med way! From a romantic dinner in a quiet corner of the dining room, to a patio table near the fountain, to a spot at the bar during a football game, Cafe Med has something for everyone. The deli offers meals to go for those on the move or sandwich platters that are perfect for business meetings. The banquet room can accommodate large parties and events. Whatever the occasion, Cafe Med can make it a pleasure.

4809 Stockdale Highway / 834-4433 www.cafemedrestaurant.com

Celebrate your Love with a local tradition

It’s our pleasure to create wedding cakes for the generation of customers we served cookies and cupcakes to when they were young. Thank you, Kern County for continuing to make us a part of family tradition.

Phone for a consultation | 661. 835.8530 www.SweetSurrenderBakery.com

Briana and Dominic Zaninovich Wedding Cake — Jessica Frey Photography

Bakersfield Life Magazine

October 2015

GREAT CASTLE

KC STEAKHOUSE

FOR 35 YEARS, the locally owned Great Castle has been serving tantalizing Chinese food to Bakersfield. During that time, the restaurant has created favorites among locals, including kung pao dishes, tangerine beef, salt and pepper calamari, sizzling rice soup and crispy duck. The focus on quality extends beyond just food. Staff at Great Castle care for customers as much as the food. In the 2015 “Best of Bakersfield” poll, Great Castle was voted a “favorite” for best Chinese restaurant.

FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED SINCE 1939, KC Steakhouse has etched a place into the heart of Bakersfield. The surf and turf steak and lobster, a combination of filet mignon and a sweet and succulent Australian lobster tail, is

410 Union Ave. / 325-3311

a local favorite to this day. Known as much for its atmosphere as its food (and early bird special), KC Steakhouse is a hot spot for business meetings, family gatherings, a truly happy hour and even marriage proposals.

2515 F St. / 322-9910 www.kcsteakhouse.net

bakersfieldlife.com

RED PEPPER RESTAURANT

OPEN FOR DINNER Tuesday-Saturday 5-10 P.M. • Sunday Brunch 9:30-2 P.M.

L I V E M U S I C N I G H T LY Call for concert & entertainment information.

lobster and shrimp relleno or a rack of lamb served with jalapeno mint sauce. Diners can sample seafood (halibut, sea bass, shrimp and lobster), as well as chile verde, steaks, lamb, chicken and pork. “All our foods are prepared fresh daily and cooked per customer order. Whenever possible, we strive to accommodate our guests’ individual cooking specifications,” said manager Sharon Kendall.

RED PEPPER RESTAURANT showcases owner Gilbert Sabedra’s simple, unique concept and the diverse foods of his heritage with a blend of traditional Mexican flavors and international flair. At this warm and welcoming restaurant in the northeast, you’ll find perfectly prepared staples like burritos and enchiladas. You can also try daring, fulfilling dishes like

cafe med

2800 Buck Owens Blvd., Bakersfield, CA 93308

www.buckowens.com You can visit our site and make reservations online!

2641 N. Oswell St., Suite G / 871-5787 www.bakersfieldredpepper.com

(661) 328-7560

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“Voted Best Basque Restaurant 20 years in a row!”

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Family owned and operated since 1954!

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Bakersfield Life Magazine

October 2015

Best Basque Restaurant

Wool Growers Restaurant

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Jimmy Gaines, formally Gaines Peay & Johnson The Great Bobby O & Special Guest: Glenda Robles

Best Overall Restaurant

COCKTAIL LOUNGE

327-9584 620 East Nineteenth Street

www.woolgrowers.net Closed Sundays

SEQUOIA SANDWICH COMPANY

AFTER GROWING TIRED of their corporate jobs, Gary Blackburn and Jeff Simpson traded in their suits for khaki shorts and branded polo shirts, opening the first Sequoia Sandwich Company location in downtown Bakersfield in 1999. Sixteen years, three locations and thousands of satisfied customers later, Sequoia Sandwich Company has established itself as the premier sandwich shop in town. Signature items, like the roasted turkey sandwich, pastrami sandwich, banana pudding and Gary’s chocolate cake, keep customers coming back, but monthly and seasonal specials ensure that options stay plentiful as well as delicious. Sequoia Sandwich Company uses only the highest quality, premium deli meats and cheeses that contain no artificial colors or fillers. Homemade soups and baked goods are made from scratch daily and Sequoia’s catering business serves individuals, corporate accounts and special events. If that isn’t enough, The Gobbler (thick-sliced roasted turkey served on a French roll topped with gravy and homemade stuffing served with a side of cranberry sauce) returns to all three locations in October. 1231 18th St., 9160 Rosedale Hwy., 9500 Ming Ave. www.sequoiasandwich.com

bakersfieldlife.com

SWEET SURRENDER BAKERY

SWEET SURRENDER has come a long way from its humble beginnings as a chocolate store in the Sagepointe Village Shopping Center in 1987. After Kim Fiorini purchased the business in 1989, its assortment of fine chocolates was soon complemented by a complete selection of baked goods. Later on, the 5,000square-foot facility added a boutique offering women’s clothing and accessories. Well known for its baked goods, some of its signature items, like the Matterhorn cake and lemon white chocolate cake, achieved national fame after being featured on Food Network’s “The Best Thing I Ever Ate” and gracing the pages of O, The Oprah Magazine. Sweet Surrender also continues to expand its gluten-free offerings, which include pecan macaroons, almond horns with chocolate, and chocolate-dipped peanut butter cookies. With the boutique recently remodeled and opened just in time for the holiday season, Sweet Surrender the place to go for sugar, spice and everything nice.

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6439 Ming Ave. / 835-8530 www.sweetsurrenderbakery.com

Lunch • Dinner • Catering

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JOIN TODAY at www.BakersfieldRedPepper.com

2641 Oswell St # G, Bakersfield, CA 93306 Dining Room Hours: Monday –Thursday 11:00am to 9:00pm Friday & Sat. 11:00am to 9:30pm • Sunday 10:00am to 8:30pm

(661) 871-5787 90

Bakersfield Life Magazine

October 2015

WIKI’S WINE DIVE & GRILL WIKI’S WINE DIVE & GRILL, located where Ming and Buena Vista intersect, offers gourmet food in a casual setting. Wiki’s Wine Cave, the restaurant’s centerpiece, is stocked with over 150 different wines for every budget and pairing. Now featuring a full bar and nightly happy hour specials, Wiki’s is a great place to stop after work or a round of golf, plus it now features 10-plus lunch items under $10! “This is not your typical eatery, but is locally owned and operated, serving eclectic California gourmet cuisine at casual prices,” said Rick Peace, who credits Wiki’s success to his managing partner, Mike Earhart. Kobe burgers and steaks are popular items on this unique menu and their off-the-hook Sunday Brunch features a build-your-own bloody mary bar and an endless bubbles mimosa bar from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. You can also enjoy live music on Friday and Saturday nights. 11350 Ming Ave., Suite 260 / 39-WIKIS (399-4547) www.wikiswinedive.com

NORTHEAST

SOUTHWEST

NORTHWEST

3615 Mount Vernon Ave. (661) 871-3556

6417 Ming Ave (661) 396-9608

4750 Coffee Road (661) 588-4700

CENTRAL

NOW N O W OPEN! OPEN!

WOOL GROWERS RESTAURANT

WOOL GROWERS RESTAURANT has been an iconic place in downtown Bakersfield for many years. With its friendly staff, this family-owned and operated business serves dishes from the south of France and northern Spain — a region known for its long-standing culinary traditions. The

restaurant’s founder, Mayie Maitia, was raised in France and brings her hometown to locals who enjoy Basque cuisine. The lunch menu consists of steak, shrimp halibut, shrimp scampi, lamb and a number of other Basque dishes. It also serves a hot and steaming Basque soup of the day that goes great with any meal.

620 E. 19th St. / 327-9584 www.woolgrowers.net

Weddings Quinceaneras Parties Reunions Fundraisers School Events Church Events E Grand Openings

SHAFTER

4130 California Avenue OUTLETS AT TEJON 300 Lerdo Hwy. (661) 325-4717 (661) 746-9244 (661) 858-2425 www.tonyspizzabakersfield.com

661.477.1926 bakersfieldlife.com

Bakersfield Life Magazine

October 2015

How come Lengthwise Brewing Company has been voted “Best Microbrew Selection” ten years in a row? It could be the casual, family-friendly atmosphere combined with handcrafted beers and delicious meals you won’t find anywhere else. Or it could be the friendly tap tenders and kitchen staff. It could be any number of things, but all we know for sure is that we’re grateful for Bakersfield’s support and patronage.

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We invite you to experience the Lengthwise state of mind.

3 Convienent Locations: L1: 6720 Schirra Court | 661.836.2537 L2: 2900 Calloway Drive off Rosedale | 661.589.7394 L3: 9000 Ming Avenue across from CSUB | 661.665.2537

www.lengthwise.com bakersfieldlife.com

Paint the town Pink events Lace’n It Up

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Lace’n It Up for Links for Life will be a kickoff walk around Bakersfield and Tehachapi. For more details, visit linksforlife.org/events-calendar/lace-it-up/ Bakersfield Oct. 1, 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. • Downtown Kickoff • West Side Kickoff • Virtual Walk Kickoff Tehachapi Oct. 3, 8 a.m. - 10 a.m. • Downtown Outlets at Tejon Oct. 1 - 31 Visit Guest Services at the Outlets at Tejon to nominate a breast cancer survivor for a chance to win a $500 gift card plus other great prizes! Victoria’s “Stomp Out Breast Cancer” Oct. 3, 12:30 p.m. Join Victoria’s for “Stomp Out Breast Cancer,” a shoe and clothing trunk show plus a raffle to benefit Links for Life.

“Paint the Town Pink” Luncheon and Fashion Show Oct. 8, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. This spectacular afternoon includes lunch, fashion show and shopping galore. Reserve your table early – last year was a sellout. 322-5601. Rusty’s Pizza “Slices of Hope” Oct. 13 Dine in, takeout or delivery, a portion of all orders will benefit Links for Life. Breast Screening at the AIS Cancer Center Oct. 14, 4 p.m. - 6 p.m. For more information and to schedule an appointment, call 637-8321. Christine’s Brighton, Oct. 15, 5:30 p.m. Christine’s will host a VIP dessert bunco to benefit Links for Life. Paid reservations are a must – be sure to visit Christine’s to sign up or call 834-3068. Comprehensive Blood & Cancer Center “Mammos and Manis” Oct. 17, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Call CBCC for more information and to schedule an appointment. 616-1643. Color Me Mine Pink Event Oct. 27, 6 p.m. For more information, please call 664-7366. Outlets at Tejon Oct. 31, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Join us as we award the Surprise a Survivor Sweepstakes winner!

Bakersfield Life Magazine

October 2015

Links for Life survivors group provide comfortable environment for young women to share fight together By Sylvia Cariker

elly West is no stranger to cancer. She’s a certified oncology and hematology registered nurse at Bakersfield Hematology and before that she was a plastic and reconstruction nurse and worked with breast cancer patients. She never thought she would become a cancer patient herself at age 33. As part of her cancer journey, she joined the survivor group offered by Links for Life and soon discovered that age makes a difference. “I was more than 20 years younger than the youngest person in the group,” said West. “And while it was great to see that lineage, and the women there provided a lot of support, I noticed that there were issues and circumstances that I was experiencing that were unique to my age group.” And so, West was asked to facilitate the Young Survivor’s Group, calling it the group for women 40-ish and younger. The monthly meetings begin with a large group gathering and then the Young Survivor’s Group splits off for its own separate meeting. The six women in the group first met at a survivors ice cream social and then talked for hours forming what West calls “an immediate sisterhood.” “Our oldest is in her early 40s, the youngest is 29,” said West. “Some had never met each other and each one of them was afraid they were going to be the only young woman that showed up.” Jessica Hernandez was at that first meeting. Coincidentally, she and West

attended the same high school and both were diagnosed with breast cancer the same year. Diagnosed at age 34, Jessica opted for a total hysterectomy and a bilateral mastectomy because of her family connection to cancer. “I didn’t want to take any chances because my mother and my cousin both passed away from cancer,” said Hernandez. She says for her, the group is “more comfortable.” “We have more things in common as far as our husbands, our love life, young children, children that are still in high school, children that are still babies,” she said. “What we all have in common, too, is that we all want to survive. Older survivors give us hope when we see they’ve come that far and maybe we can too; maybe we can beat it.” Amy Padilla Villalobos was diagnosed in 2009, just two months away from her 30th birthday. She’s a faithful exerciser, a healthy eater and yet “the shock of a doctor telling me I had stage 3 aggressive breast cancer rocked me and my family to the core.” Now a six-year survivor, she’s grateful for her newly discovered survivors group. “It’s a place to share our experiences as young survivors, our fears, our tears and, more importantly, our fight together” she said. Both Links for Life support groups meet at 6:30 p.m. the first Tuesday of each month in the second floor of the Links offices in the Haberfelde Building in downtown Bakersfield. For more details, visit linksforlife.org.

Links for Life

Wall of Hope sponsored by

waLL oF hoPe

Grace Abaya

Chris Abbott

Ruth Adams

Estrella Anaya

Elaine Anderson-Dieter

Margaret Arakelian

Norma Armendariz

Mary Aslett

5-year survivor

16-year survivor

9-year survivor

2-year survivor

29-year survivor

11-year survivor

7-year survivor

3-year survivor

Rosie Azevedo

Brenda Bailey

Stephanie Baker

Diana Barajas

Mary Barnard

Mary Baron

Rhonda Bassler

Beverly Baxley

7-year survivor

5-year survivor

21-year survivor

11-year survivor

20-year survivor

7-year survivor

3-year survivor

15-year survivor

Kelly Bendert-Sanchez

Jacare Bethea

Cheryl Biggar

Kelly Bishop

Diane Biswanger

Nellie Bolanos

Irene Bonner

Carolyn Bradford

5-year survivor

13-year survivor

14-year survivor

8-year survivor

14-year survivor

7-year survivor

16-year survivor

12-year survivor

Jacquelyn Bradley-Sanders

Nancy Brady

Charlotte Brandt

Linda Brenner

Stana Bright

Evonne Brown

Teresa Burns

Julie Calvillo

6-year survivor

29-year survivor

9-year survivor

12-year survivor

24-year survivor

15-year survivor

13-year survivor

Mary Camara

Mercedes Camarillo

Jeanne Cantrell

Darlene Casey

Mayevern Casey

Lois Caswell

Doris Cesmat

Eleanor Chavez

14-year survivor

5-year survivor

23-year survivor

17-year survivor

15-year survivor

21-year survivor

2-year survivor

15-year survivor

Arlene Chuman

Karen Churchwell

Kelly Clanton

Bonnie Coats

Lee Cole

Nettie Collins

Linda Conner

Betty Cotton

28-year survivor

13-year survivor

12-year survivor

10-year survivor

9-year survivor

6-year survivor

14-year survivor

23-year survivor

bakersfieldlife.com

Links for Life

Wall of Hope sponsored by

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Jean Coulter

Juli Coulthurst

Connie Cowan

Mary Cruse

Virginia Cummings

Julia Davis

Shalanda Davis

Cheryle DeMarco

9-year survivor

16-year survivor

14-year survivor

10-year survivor

26-year survivor

7-year survivor

2-year survivor

Kathy Dickey

Joy Dixon

Joy Doepel

Marilyn Dorer

Pam Dowell-Daft

Marjorie Driscoll

Alicia Linda Dunham

Margaret Eads

15-year survivor

24-year survivor

6-year survivor

19-year survivor

8-year survivor

1-year survivor

6-year survivor

8-year survivor

Betty Eaves

Hala El Ansary

Marlene Elbert

Barbara Ellis

Ginger Empey

Susan Ewens

Peggy Fleming

Susie Florian

28-year survivor

5-year survivor

12-year survivor

40-year survivor

20-year survivor

9-year survivor

7-year survivor

4-year survivor

Julie Followwill

Sandy Foster

Joan Frank

Henrietta Galaviz

Debbie Gallington

Donna Gibb

Chris Gibson

Linda Glenn

11-year survivor

15-year survivor

3-year survivor

9-year survivor

14-year survivor

17-year survivor

7-year survivor

51-year survivor

Rita Gomez

Lupe Gonzalez

Sandra Gonzalez

Suzanne Gonzales

Virginia Graham

Natalie Grumet

Coleen Gundzik

Jennie Haberlander

4-year survivor

2-year survivor

6-year survivor

23-year survivor

25-year survivor

8-year survivor

15-year survivor

Diane Haddock

Margaret Hadley

Bobbie Hake

Paige Halterman

Brigette Hamblet

Sherry Harrison

Linda Hartt

Kristi Hatak Grohs

5-year survivor

8-year survivor

4-year survivor

12-year survivor

9-year survivor

20-year survivor

7-year survivor

Bakersfield Life Magazine

October 2015

Links for Life

Wall of Hope sponsored by

waLL oF hoPe

Donna Hermann

Diana Hernandez

Jeanette Hernandez

Vivia Hobbs

Valerie Hodges

Dorothy Hoffman

Dee Holder

Dorothy Hollingsworth

6-year survivor

7-year survivor

5-year survivor

2-year survivor

22-year survivor

8-year survivor

5-year survivor

9-year survivor

Lou Hosey

LaNell Howell

Marguerite Hughey

Helen Huntalas

Dona Hurt

Olga Jacobs

Karla Jadwin

Carol Jett

8-year survivor

9-year survivor

28-year survivor

22-year survivor

12-year survivor

42-year survivor

25-year survivor

11-year survivor

Carrie Johnson

Linda Jones

Rhonda Jones

Linda Jordan

Debra Kemp

George Ann Kerley

Shauna Kerr

Rebekah Khan

1-year survivor

17-year survivor

12-year survivor

43-year survivor

7-year survivor

6-year survivor

2-year survivor

8-year survivor

Cheryle Kileen

Germaine Kimm

Debbie Kiser

Berna Koski

Armida Laddaga

Cynthia Lake

Ginger Lane

Barbara Lechtreck

16-year survivor

13-year survivor

9-year survivor

4-year survivor

16-year survivor

8-year survivor

5-year survivor

Kimberly Lee

Marie Lehmann

Connie Lenk

Peggy Limi

Sandy Loman

Janet Love

Esther Lozano

Phyllis Luckey

4-year survivor

15-year survivor

4-year survivor

1-year survivor

12-year survivor

3-year survivor

23-year survivor

7-year survivor

Mary Luna

Stephanie Lynch

Letty Maciel

Carrie Maglieri

Judith Malerich

Jan Maltone

Kay Marquez

Gwenetta Marshall

15-year survivor

13-year survivor

4-year survivor

2-year survivor

12-year survivor

4-year survivor

5-year survivor

bakersfieldlife.com

Links for Life

Wall of Hope sponsored by

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Vonnie Mathewson

Susan McAfee

Casey McBride

Pam McCalla

Carolyn McCleod

Ann McCright

Naomi McCutcheon

Vicki Meadows

1-year survivor

26-year survivor

2-year survivor

20-year survivor

19-year survivor

15-year survivor

2-year survivor

Liz Menchaca

Ethel Miksits

Geraldine Miles

Carolyn â&#x20AC;&#x153;Scottieâ&#x20AC;? Miller

Alice Mills

Tami Monahan

Sharon Moore

Linda Morales

1-year survivor

10-year survivor

23-year survivor

13-year survivor

32-year survivor

2-year survivor

11-year survivor

14-year survivor

Bronwyn Mullen

Jill Mushaney

Mandy Muth

Pat Napier

Lynn NesSmith

Karen Neukom

Susan Newman

Terri Nixon

22-year survivor

4-year survivor

10-year survivor

4-year survivor

3-year survivor

18-year survivor

2-year survivor

11-year survivor

Edna Norwood

Joann Nunn

Amy Padilla Villalobos

Terry Page

Alene Parsons

Mary Jo Pasek

JoAnn Payne

Nancy Pelton

17-year survivor

16-year survivor

7-year survivor

19-year survivor

18-year survivor

21-year survivor

18-year survivor

Dee Pena

Arlinda Perez-Reyes

Eldean Phillips

Mesha Phillips

Priscilla Phillips

Tammi Pierce

Janet Polte

Coral Poole-Clark

26-year survivor

3-year survivor

1-year survivor

16-year survivor

6-year survivor

2-year survivor

3-year survivor

6-year survivor

Jane Pratt

Michelle Quiogue

Eve Rayos

Melanie Reed

Joan Reedy

Linda Regier

Kay Restad

Lisa Rey

15-year survivor

1-year survivor

14-year survivor

19-year survivor

14-year survivor

20-year survivor

8-year survivor

Bakersfield Life Magazine

October 2015

Links for Life

Wall of Hope sponsored by

waLL oF hoPe

Billie Reynolds

Deanna Rhoades

Dorothy Richard

Patsy Romero

Angela Ruffino

Pryscylla Russell

Tricia Rymer

Kelly Sanders

17-year survivor

10-year survivor

14-year survivor

5-year survivor

9-year survivor

1-year survivor

Vickie Sanford

Joy Schmidt

Diane Schuetz

Lavonne Schuetz

Barbara Scott

Joyce Shankle

Aimee Shaw

Chris Sheehan

17-year survivor

23-year survivor

4-year survivor

15-year survivor

25-year survivor

61-year survivor

12-year survivor

9-year survivor

Shelly Sheldon

Lynne Sill

Nancy Skellenger

Patricia Smith

Louise Snyder

Susan Spears

Mary Ann Stieber

Ethel Struble

5-year survivor

13-year survivor

32-year survivor

9-year survivor

13-year survivor

5-year survivor

4-year survivor

22-year survivor

Kala Stuebbe

Jan Sublett

Kathy Thomas

Fran Thompson

Joyce Tillery

Bonnie Tomlinson

Kathy Torres

Kristen Torres

35-year survivor

9-year survivor

5-year survivor

12-year survivor

24-year survivor

5-year survivor

13-year survivor

1-year survivor

Susan Trihey

Marisela Trujillo

Alissa Turner

Linda Turner

Georgia Twist

Cindy Underwood

Malise Unruh

Katie Valentich

15-year survivor

2-year survivor

7-year survivor

9-year survivor

19-year survivor

2-year survivor

12-year survivor

2-year survivor

Mary Van Blake

Jeanne Van Mullem

Shirley Vance

Tricia Velasquez

Dorothy Vokolek

Laura Volpini

Lora Warfield

Carol Warkentin

7-year survivor

1-year survivor

28-year survivor

8-year survivor

42-year survivor

5-year survivor

8-year survivor

4-year survivor

bakersfieldlife.com

Links for Life

To be included in next yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Wall of Hope, please call Links for Life at 322-5601.

Wall of Hope sponsored by

waLL oF hoPe

Dianna Warner

Deloris Waters

Mareth Watters

Marilyn Watson

Jean Wedeking

Catherine Wemhoff

Kelly West

5-year survivor

1-year survivor

9-year survivor

23-year survivor

13-year survivor

2-year survivor

Donna Wheeler

Debbie Williams

Janet Yacopetti

Jeff Hayward

Irene Aguirre / Yvonne Escalera-Salazar niece / aunt

Judy Buechler / Laurie Geissel aunt / niece

19-year survivor

18-year survivor

5-year survivor

20-year survivor

8-year survivor / 1-year survivor

21-year survivor / 2-year survivor

Vivian Chianello / Karen Chianello mother / daughter

Karen Minear / Marjorie Hankins daughter / mother

Ede Pacaldo / Priscilla Bacus cousin-in-law / cousin-in-law

10-year survivor / 5-year survivor

10-year survivor / 4-year survivor

14-year survivor / 14-year survivor

Loretta Nevarez / Pemma Garcia daughter / mother 2-year survivor / 23-year survivor

Special thank you to Karla Jadwin, 25-year survivor, for her generous donation of the Wall of Hope photos. Thelma Reed / Tammy Shipley mother / daughter

Cherie Shoemake / Marilyn Thomas daughter / mother

Jeanine Wanlass / Yevette Peterson mother / daughter

31-year survivor / 11-year survivor

21-year survivor / 29-year survivor

8-year survivor / 7-year survivor

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October 2015

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bakersfieldlife.com

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Business Profile

REJUVENATION What is Rejuvenation and why is it called “Club Skin Gym?” Rejuvenation is a cutting-edge skin care clinic. New to Bakersfield, Rejuvenation specializes in anti-aging and age prevention, taking a unique approach to skin care. We like to think of it as a gym for the skin – hence, Club Skin Gym. What makes Rejuvenation different? Rejuvenation is equipped with an arsenal of high-tech machines and innovative skin products. At Club Skin Gym, each patient is assigned a personal trainer for his or her face. Our highly skilled skin specialists remove old damaged skin to manually force growth of new skin cells and collagen, which tighten and lift and create dramatic results!

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Bakersfield Life Magazine

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

What results can patients expect? Our treatments get rid of old photo-damaged skin by reducing large pores and removing brown spots, dull, saggy, wrinkly, unhealthy or tired skin. Patients instantly look years younger. A common phrase we hear is “wow!” Is there downtime? No! You can have a treatment today and look years younger tonight! What is the appointment process? On the first visit, we take microscopic images of your skin and do a full skin evaluation, then proceed with the treatment. We recommended taking advantage of our very popular $99 special – a tremendous value. Can I get similar treatments anywhere else? No! Our team of developers have designed and copyrighted a unique treatment exclusive to Rejuvenation.

October 2015

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103

People & Community

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

By Lisa Kimble Photos courtesy of St. Francis Parish

A LONG-OVERDUE SANCTUARY Outdoor chapel provides place for prayer, quiet reflection

o one can accuse St. Francis Parish School of rushing into anything. For almost two-thirds of its existence, Bakersfield’s oldest parochial school lacked the one thing most would reasonably assume it already had on-site – a chapel. But that changed back in April, on a spring morning when donors and school families gathered for the blessing and dedication of the long-awaited, even longer-overdue St. Francis Parish School Outdoor Chapel. The modern sanctuary is the brainchild of school administrator and pastor Monsignor Craig Harrison. Constructed with donations, including labor provided by San Joaquin Fence, the open-air structure – similar to the outdoor dining area at St. Vincent de Paul Homeless Center – features fans and lighting over stamped concrete and 20 cement benches. Six stained-glass windows from the original church were brought out of storage and incorporated into the walls. “The chapel allows our school family to not only gather for worship, but in an open environment reminding us of God’s wonderful creation,” Harrison said. “St. Francis had a great love for the outdoors.” The southeastern-most part of the central Bakersfield campus on Palm Street, next to its Pine Street parking lot where the chapel has been erected, was undeveloped space. In 1951, when the new 11-classroom elementary school and cafeteria were built, there was a chapel inside the convent at the northeast corner of the school grounds, which was used by the nuns who resided there. Later, it would be used as a classroom and part of the preschool. But it never served the student body, which either walked the few blocks to St. Francis Church on busy H Street or celebrated mass in the old cafeteria when weather was inclement. “We still are very much connected to our home base of the parish church,” said Sr. Cris Caballero, RSM, director of Catholic identity and family evangelization at the school. “It is really a blessing. I have seen children come over here on their lunch or recess who want to get away and just say a prayer.” The cafeteria is also slated for a renovation within the year, Caballero added. Within the confines of the new sanctuary, there are Stations of the Cross affixed to the walls. The altar is from the Mercy Hospital Holy Spirit Chapel downtown.

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October 2015

The cross at the front of it was created by a Sister of Mercy, the order that started St. Francis Parish School in 1909. Behind it stands a nearly life-size statue of Mary from Medjugorje in Eastern Europe, site of reported apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary and a popular draw for pilgrimages. The statue was obtained by Harrison. Off to the side stands another statue, a bronze of Joseph and the Child Jesus. Now into its 106th year, there is a sense of completeness at St. Francis School with a student body of around 400. Caballero says in addition to providing a serene backdrop for the celebration of Mass and other observances throughout the liturgical year, like Advent and Lent, she anticipates the chapel will be a time for prayer and quiet reflection, as well as serve as an outdoor classroom where lessons of faith will be taught to parents and Lisa Kimble guardians and their children.

FOR A CAUSE

A DECADE OF GIVING

By Matt Munoz

Brian Mendiburu established the Mendiburu Magic Foundation 2000 in memory of his mother, Nancy, who died from cancer.

he Mendiburu Magic Foundation’s Pyrenees Fiesta returns Oct. 3 for an evening of food, fun and music for a good cause. Now in its 10th year, the fiesta has become a popular local event, drawing big crowds to celebrate area cuisine and culture in a festive atmosphere. More importantly, all funds raised from the event go to help families with a loved one dealing with life-threatening illness. “This has been an awesome journey, and we are so grateful to the many volunteers, donors and friends who have been part of creating this special event,” said foundation founder Brian Mendiburu. “The foundation is 15 years old, and we wanted to figure out a way to create a unique event that would blend both the Basque and Mexican cultures.” The Mendiburu Magic Foundation was founded in loving memory of Brian’s mother, Nancy Ann Mendiburu, on June 19, 2000, adhering to a legacy of compassion, strength of character, and a strong belief in right and wrong that Brian says embodied his mother. The organization responds to the unmet needs of local children and their families that may be facing cancer and/or other catastrophic or life-threatening illness by raising funds through events such as the Pyrenees

Fiesta. In 2009, the foundation was restructured with Brian and his wife, Valerie, to further help meet the needs of patients and families. “With decreasing public support, increasing financial burdens due to these medical conditions and the challenge of balancing all of these factors, our families are frequently stressed and overwhelmed,” said Brian. “Our public-benefit organization tries to assist families by relieving these stressors and contributing toward healthy community strategy.” According to Brian, the Pyrenees Fiesta has helped raise annual funds ranging from $20,000 to $45,000 adding that supporters are encouraged to donate to the foundation year-round. “We can help with small items – things that are immediate and may possibly fall through the cracks during necessary treatment – like home utility bills, gasoline for treatments, medication, incidentals and lodging,” Brian said. “During times of catastrophic or life-threatening illness for children ages zero to 17, MMF provides those families assistance in creating everlasting memories and improving quality of life.” With the price of admission, attendees will be treated to a red carpet welcome with a photographer as they arrive before

PHOTO BY MICHAEL FAGANS

Pyrenees Fiesta celebrates cuisine, culture; helps families dealing with cancer

enjoying some outdoor cocktail hour social time and getting a glimpse at this year’s auction items. Dinner will be provided by two Kern County favorites, Wool Growers and Jacalito Grill, plus a special presentation and live auction. Entertainment will be provided by Bakersfield band Mento Buru. “We have a great planning committee comprised of community leaders and community volunteers, lots of meetings and brain storming, but we are getting it down now after 10 years,” Brian said.

10th Annual Mendiburu Magic Foundation Pyrenees Fiesta • Saturday, Oct. 3 • The Bakersfield City Firefighters Hall, 7320 Wible Road • 6 to 11 p.m. • Tickets: $50 • Information: 661-319-0355 or email valerie@ mendiburumagic.org To donate, visit www.mendiburumagic.org

bakersfieldlife.com

105

People & Community

PERSONALITY

A JOB WORTH REMEMBERING Plastic surgeon changes lives locally, overseas By Laura Liera

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Bakersfield Life Magazine

October 2015

Dr. Vip Dev

PHOTO BY MARK NESSIA

rowing up in Texas, Vip Dev envisioned himself playing football in the big leagues. But when his parents frowned upon his career choice, studying medicine was his backup plan – or as he says, “the more realistic plan.” Fast-forward nearly 20 years and Dr. Dev is the chairman of surgery, chief of plastic surgery and medical director of the Wound Care Center at Bakersfield Memorial Hospital. During his time as a general surgery resident, Dev spent time with Dr. Harry J. Buncke at the California Pacific Medical Center in San Francisco. Buncke is internationally known as the “father of microsurgery” – he was the first to perform the first human toe-tohand transplant. “Little did I know that he did all sorts of crazy and experimental procedures,” Dev said. “But that’s what I do now.” Locally, Dev said his inspiration to pursue plastic surgery and reconstruction was Dr. Jack Bloch, who was the man behind the Kern Medical Center general surgery training program. All general surgeon residents covered multiple specialties and Dev remembers vividly whom most patients remembered. “Almost everybody always

remembered the plastic surgeon,” Dev said in between laughs. “They always remembered the guy that made them look better.” And that’s who Dev aspired to be. As a reconstructive and cosmetic surgeon, Dev said that anyone can be a potential plastic surgery patient. “We are all bothered by something that we have and want to make look better,” he said. But there are certain things that are fixable, others that are aren’t and some that are just not worth fixing. Dev said the best part of his job is talking with patients who have an idea of what needs to be fixed and figuring out together what the real problem is. Once they start to understand that everyone’s nose is a little off, for example, that’s when a breakthrough happens. “We are imperfect and part of that is beautiful,” Dev said. Wound Care Center When Dev was getting ready to find a city to work in after plastic surgery

training, everyone around him said his best chance was relocating to Beverly Hills. “I actually went to the other B: Bakersfield,” he said.

Dev said the best part of his job is talking with patients who have an idea of what needs to be fixed and figuring out together what the real problem is. Because there were a limited number of plastic surgeons in Bakersfield, when Dev was offered to run the Wound Care Center, he didn’t think twice about accepting the position. Dev does reconstructive surgery on both adults and children. Some of his past patients have

included children with big birthmarks or hand deformities. “The best part of working with kids is that you see them coming in with a problem and when they come out of it, that’s the best feeling in the world,” Dev said. Work in the Middle East Two years ago, Dev learned about the Palestinian Children Relief Foundation and was surprised to get such a fast response from the organization on the need for plastic surgeons. Dev and his team flew out to Israel and traveled to Palestine and operated on 80 children over a five-day span. Although there was an obvious facility need – some days the elevators didn’t work so patients had to be carried to the operating rooms – working side by side with Israeli physicians on patients was uplifting for Dev and his team. “The parents of the kids didn’t speak English but you could just see it in their faces how grateful they were,” Dev said. The next trip overseas is set for sometime in November.

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107

People & Community

FA M I LY V E R D I C T

By Katy Raytis

LUNCH(UN)ABLE Packing lunches not what it used to be

acking school lunches is the bane of my existence. If only the sweet joy of sending the kids back to the teacher wasn’t tempered with having to come up with daily delicacies that are healthy, edible and appealing to three distinct palates (since no two kids in the same family can like the same thing). My kids instinctively know that if their sister likes salami or mayonnaise or turkey or peanut butter, then they hate it. And don’t even get me started on having to cut the crust off of every piece of bread. Can’t someone just invent bread where the crust is the same color as the rest of the bread? At our house, every third day we are completely out of things to pack for lunch. That’s when we resort to the half-eaten Pop-Tart, the old pretzels or the microwave popcorn leftovers. Then, I kiss the kids goodbye at the school gate and promise to drive straight to Taco Bell after school. Even if you can fool your kids, you can’t fool yourself. One morning we were out of everything so I sent them each with a bag of dry Honey Nut Cheerios. When they started complaining, I told them this was better because they would skip all that fattening milk.

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Bakersfield Life Magazine

October 2015

They bounded off to school and I spent the rest of the day worried they would all become anorexic. I had visions of the therapy session where they told me their body image issues started the day I said milk was “too fattening” for them. The biggest problem with packing lunch is all the extra stuff. It’s not just a sandwich. They want chips and carrots and an apple and a drink and a cookie. It’s like a four-course meal by the time you smash in all the required parts. Want to know the real irony? These lunches are being packed by a generation that was raised on Hostess snacks and hose water. And even when you include all the required pieces, one of your kids will inevitably come home and tell you about their friend who only gets homemade scones and freshly baked brie. These children ruin it because now your kids know that cheese comes in forms other than laminated Kraft squares. I don’t really remember every school lunch I had as a kid, but I do wonder whether my mom really did this every day. I’m guessing no. I’m pretty sure she would have packed us a Tab and some cigarettes. That’s what people had for lunch in the ’70s and we turned out fine.

Instead, our generation has evolved. Now we have things like Lunchables. What a great concept ... the entire school lunch in one disposable container! It would have been the perfect invention if “Lunchables” were actually “Edibles.” I’ve invested half of our retirement trying to find one that my kids will eat. The turkey circles, the chicken rubber and the hockey puck that doubles as a mini pizza didn’t work for my kids. The end result is grocery torture. Literally, every store has a deli aisle practically dedicated to “Guess what? You almost avoided packing lunches.” For the moms who are lunch challenged (like me), I’ll leave you with a parting tip, though this only works in Bakersfield during August and September: Send your little darling with a cold hot dog. Guess what? By noon it will be a nice warm hot dog. Throw in a couple of ketchup packets from McDonalds and a blue and white napkin. Tell them they got a Dodger dog. That’s how moms who hate packing lunches Katy Raytis hit a home run.

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109

People & Community

H O M E TOW N H E R O

PENNY MARTINEZ ‘Veterans are not a number … they are a person’ By Laura Liera

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Bakersfield Life Magazine

PHOTO BY MARK NESSIA

enny Martinez grew up in a military family. But it was never her intention to enlist in the United States Air Force at the age of 20. But after going to college for two years on a partial basketball scholarship, the money ran out and she had no other option. “My primary goal was education,” Martinez said. “At the time, the Air Force had the best education program.” Martinez, 54, spent six years in the Air Force while she finished her education at universities in Alaska and Washington. Many of her peers suggested she take on officer training school or re-enlist but she declined. “I had a plan and I stuck to it,” she said. In 1987 she landed her first civilian job at Stanford University as the administrative services manager in the chemistry department and retired after 25 years. Her move to Bakersfield and to the Kern County Veterans Services Department happened on a whim. She fell in love with a model home in east Bakersfield on a visit with family and moved in 2006. “One of the main attractions about the town was its volunteerism,” Martinez said. “I have more friends in Bakersfield than I have ever had in any place I have lived.” When she started volunteering at the Kern County Veterans Services Department last year, her mission was to get more veterans walking through its doors. Today, Martinez is the special projects

Penny Martinez coordinator with Kern Patriot Partnership. The goal: to assist veterans in getting jobs. Martinez meets with veterans one-onone and helps them perfect their resumes and cover letters. “I don’t consider them a number. They

October 2015

are not a folder. They are a person,” she noted. Like the post-grad students she worked with at Stanford, Martinez said veterans returning home have a resume that doesn’t include any real-world experience. But that’s where Martinez and the Kern

PHOTO COURTESY OF PENNY MARTINEZ

County Veterans Services Department work together as a team to get veterans in a place of opportunity. “I’m a veteran and I can relate to them,” Martinez said. “Given, I didn’t go into a war zone and I can’t even imagine that, but I know what corporate America needs.”

What’s the key to success for a veteran? I talk up education. That’s key. A large percentage of young men and women are getting degrees in anthropology or psychology. But I ask them, “What are you going to do with that?” Get a degree that is going to be helpful to you in the long run. What’s the best part of working with veterans? Helping veterans in anything we can. It doesn’t matter who gets the kudos. What matters is that the veteran gets the job and gets the benefits. That’s our mission.

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People & Community

WHY I LIVE HERE

TONY MOSLEY Molding first-class citizens in a classroom By Laura Liera

Photos by Mark Nessia

rom far away, you’d think Tony Mosley is a military drill instructor. Every morning, he leads 30 students from a classroom at the Regional Occupational Center in east Bakersfield, to an open grass field where they flock into different groups and workout in white short-sleeve shirts and gym shorts. “We are doing real pushups today,” Mosley told the group on a recent Monday morning. Mosley, 54, is the law enforcement instructor at the ROC and is getting ready to celebrate his second year as a teacher. After serving in the U.S. Marines for six years, he moved to Bakersfield from San Jose at the age 25 and joined the Bakersfield Police Department. “I call Bakersfield home now,” he said. “It’s a big city with a small-town feel.” During his 25 years with the BPD, Mosley said he can’t pinpoint a time when the community didn’t treat him with respect and humbleness. In the late ’80s and early ’90s, Mosley was part of the team that brought down the rock cocaine problem that was infesting the town. “The city has changed for the better over years,” he noted. “There are Tony Mosley problems but for the most part, it’s a community where you can live, grow and feel safe.” And as the law enforcement instructor at ROC, Mosley’s objective is to inspire and mold good citizens who won’t be a problem or a negative drain in the community. 112

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Tony Mosley gives feedback to one of his students during PT at the KHSD Regional Occupational Center. The juniors and seniors enrolled in both his morning and afternoon classes, have dreams of following Mosley’s footsteps as law enforcement officers. When they aren’t training outside, students are sitting in a classroom and learning about everything else that it takes to have a career in law enforcement. “Getting the job itself is tough,” Mosley said. “If you’ve lived your life in a questionable way, you’re not going to get the job.”

For the most part, Mosley said he has high hopes for the students who walk through his classroom doors. The list of goals and expectations from students are highlighted around his classroom and at the end of the day, it’s about what each student decides to do with his or her life. “They have to understand that they have to work for what they want in life,” Mosley said. “Whether it be in law enforcement or not, it’s possible for them to achieve what they want in life.”

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People & Community

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

EMILY HORRIGAN Calm, collected, hungry for another title By Stephen Lynch

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Emily Horrigan of Stockdale returns a shot during the girls SWYL doubles tennis final. Mustangs sophomore. Horrigan’s success on the tennis court is largely tied to her never-saydie attitude, according Stockdale coach Dave Hillestad. “She is one of my most mentally tough girls,” Hillestad said. “She is notorious for getting behind but then figuring out a way to come back and beat her opponent. It just doesn’t matter the situation, she can come back. She’s just so tough. Her freshman year, she fought off five match-points to save a match and actually came back and won it.” Horrigan believes her ability to play well in pressure-filled situations is her biggest strength as a tennis player. “I’ve always liked and I think I do well under pressure,” Horrigan said. “And tennis, since you’re on your own, it’s a lot of pressure on yourself. I like being by myself. I like the pressure.” Horrigan’s capacity for responding well to difficult predicaments comes from many years of tennis experience. She first started played tennis at

PHOTO BY JOHN HARTE

mily Horrigan would like nothing more than the final season of her high school tennis career to be a repeat of her sophomore year. Two years ago, the Stockdale High senior teamed with Cara Kemp to win the Central Section doubles title and then four days later helped the Mustangs claim the Central Division I team championship. It was a dream season for Horrigan. One that the three-time All-Area performer hopes to duplicate this fall. “It was great,” Horrigan said. “I couldn’t believe that happened. I honestly wasn’t expecting to win either (section championship) just because of how the season before that had gone. So when we won both I was just ecstatic.” The pieces are definitely in place for Horrigan to accomplish another multiple-section-title-winning season. Stockdale returns every single player from a team that lost to eventual champion Clovis-Buchanan in the D-I semifinals a year ago. Meanwhile Horrigan and her doubles partner from last season Erica Paradise now have a year’s worth of experience playing together. The talented tandem lost out in the section quarterfinals in 2015. “We have a really great team and we’re really close so I’m hoping that we can come close to winning another valley (team) title,” said Horrigan, Stockdale’s No. 2 player last year. “Last year we had a really great season so hopefully we can do the same this year.” Horrigan posted a 16-6 singles record and 9-6 doubles mark a year ago. She was a combined 31-3 as a

age 8 when she attended a summer camp at Seven Oaks Country Club. Told by a camp counselor that she had potential, Horrigan decided to take up the sport. A couple of years later, she began playing in tournaments. “That’s when I really started to love the game,” Horrigan said. “Ever since then I’ve played competitively.” Because of her strong tennis background and independent personality, Hillestad says that coaching Horrigan is a very low-maintenance job. “She’s very coachable but likes to figure things out on her own,” Hillestad said. “I give her a lot of freedom to do what she wants. I help her only in very rare situations.” Horrigan is hoping not to need much help from her coach again this season as she pursues two more section titles. But winning isn’t the only thing she wants from her final year of high school tennis. “It’s my senior year so I want to have fun,” Horrigan said.

Safe Halloween at the Kern County Museum

Emily Horrigan • Born Nov. 14, 1997, in Bakersfield. • Family includes parents George and Lisa and brother George. • Competed in softball, soccer, and gymnastics before focusing her efforts solely on tennis. • Has served as a co-captain for Stockdale the past two years. • Has two Southwest Yosemite League doubles titles and a SWYL singles runner-up finish to her credit. • Freshman year was selected First Team All-Area for singles. Past two years, has teamed up with two different partners to earn All-Area Doubles Team of the Year honors. • During her free time, she enjoys going to car shows and working on muscle cars with her family.

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People & Community

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

The Kern River Blue Star Moms group supports service members as well as military families.

MILITARY MOMS TO THE RESCUE Blue Star Moms foster movement to support troops and their families

By Diana Greenlee

Photos courtesy of Jennifer Nolen

unning to the drugstore for toothpaste isn’t an option when you’re stationed in Iraq. Thanks to Kern River Blue Star Moms, many soldiers won’t have to worry about that. Kern River Blue Star Moms President Shonda Abercrombie, 46, said the goal of the organization, which was formed nationally in the 1940s, is to provide soldiers with care packages containing toiletries, entertainment, “pocket foods” such as beef jerky and also to support 116

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military families. The president said her daughter Erika Greer, 24, deployed to Iraq in 201l, marking a turning point not only for the young private but also for her mom. Because there was no closer chapter, Abercrombie joined Blue Star Moms in Santa Clara. As she connected with moms in Kern County, she realized the need was great here at home. So began the local charter. She said their first meetings were emotional.

Jennifer, Karen, Shonda, Sheryl and Liz at a car show.

“We didn’t talk much business,” she said. “We just sat around and cried.” Kern River Blue Star Moms Vice President Candace Macias, 39, echoed Abercrombie. She said her son, Mathew Macias, 21, deployed to Afghanistan three years ago for the first time, leaving her distraught and filled with anxiety. “I couldn’t breathe,” she said. “I was missing work. I had this child … now I send him off to a war zone. This is the toughest thing a mother has to do.” Today, the group has about 20

Packing party earlier this year

Dina, Liz, Candice and Jennifer at the blood bank.

Shonda Abercrombie members representing every branch of the military. Over the last three years, they’ve organized fundraisers with Westchester Bowl; Bed, Bath & Beyond; and Houchin Community Blood Bank. Abercrombie said they also have a GoFundMe account for folks who wish to contribute. The moms schedule a couple of “packing events” every year. Abercrombie says the soldiers have access to laptops at operating bases so films and magazines get passed around. They are a sweet reminder of home. Last March, they sent more

Blue Star Dad Jay Nolen than 200 boxes out to 14 countries. “We send everything from hot rod to bridal magazines,” she said. “We laughed as we packed those because we knew they (soldiers) would swap and share them.” Abercrombie, now with daughter Elayne Greer, Erika’s twin back from Kuwait, said the moms are eager to add soldiers to their recipient lists. They offer a pillar of strength to military families including those who have lost loved ones. “Just know we’re here when you need us,” she said.

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People & Community

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

HEALING HEADS AND HEARTS Local M.A.R.E. celebrates 25 years

Aubrei rides Lady with the help of Melissa, Grace and Jessica.

Adam rides Cricket as McKenzie sidewalks and Betsy leads. By Diana Greenlee Photos courtesy of Debby Kate

spinal cord injury left Betsy West paralyzed from the neck down more than seven years ago. Today, with crutches and assistance, she walks. West is one of a handful of adult clients with the local Mastering Abilities Riding Equines (M.A.R.E.). She credits the organization with her hard fought

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Betsy West rides Mrs. Beezlee. progress; she says horses transmit the normal movement patterns of human walking to the brain, aiding in therapeutic reprogramming. “It’s really hard to talk about,” said the strawberry blonde of her injury, her eyes welling with tears. “I was in an electric wheelchair – not able to do anything at all. He (her doctor) recommended M.A.R.E. therapy.” Executive Director Deborah Durkan, 58, said the M.A.R.E. local member cen-

ter has been assisting individuals for a quarter century, marking a milestone for the facility. In addition to rehabilitation for injuries, she said they service clients with a range of disabilities, mostly children, including those with autism, Down syndrome and spina bifida. They also service veterans. The director said in addition to the physiological benefits, riding and interacting with the large animals level the playing field for the kids, putting them

Makayla is almost always smiling during her lessons; she loves riding Cricket.

in the driver’s seat – not “looking up from a wheel chair.” She cites their annual horse show as an event where clients excel. “For kids that can’t play soccer ... our kids can go out and be competitive (in the horse show),” she said. The local M.A.R.E. member service center, which is affiliated with the national organization, was the brainchild of founder Diana Hopkins, who still works at the facility. Hopkins, 70, was working with disabled kids at the Harry E. Blair Center when a parent expressed an interest in equine therapy. What started as an idea has developed into a large stable situated on five acres in Rosedale. Hopkins said over the years, they’ve had enormous community support. “It was built mostly by

donations,” she said. M.A.R.E. receives many clients from agencies, such as Kern Regional Center and Henrietta Weill Memorial Child Guidance Center, but Durkan says they’ve lost 70 percent of their funding through state budget cuts. She said today, most rides are funded by private contributions, service clubs and fundraising. “In 2009, we had 85 riders; now it’s 40 to 60,” she said. The director said they are planning an anniversary celebration on Oct. 24, including dinner, dancing, a live and silent auction, and other festivities. West, too, is reveling in her achievements these days. She’s even taken a driving course. “I’m doing everything,” she said. “But I still need an awful lot of help.”

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People & Community

O U R TOW N

ARTISTIC VISION Airbrush artist turns to labor of love to capture community, people By Paul Rivas

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Al Mendez

PHOTO BY MICHAEL LOPEZ

ith paint all over his clothes and an affable personality, Al Mendez – a Bakersfield airbrush artist and muralist – radiates art with every body movement and facial expression. “I love being an artist; it’s something that I’ve been cultivating since I was a kid, and it’s just something I naturally grew into,” said Mendez. Although his full-time job is being the manager of Ice House Framing and Gallery, Mendez still finds time for his hobby. He strives to keep both areas separate. But at times his two worlds connect, such as when he deals with local artists who need their artwork framed. Mendez fell in love with the airbrush when he was taking an art class at Bakersfield College taught by Al Naso. When the instructor recommended to Mendez to use an airbrush, his distinctive style of paintbrush and airbrush was born. His art can be seen all over town, from the mural on the side of Front Porch Music’s wall on 19th Street to the paintings on a GET bus during the holidays. During the past few Halloween seasons, Mendez’s face-painting skills have frightened the people who have attended local haunts. While laughing, he confirms that he is not a makeup artist. “I am an airbrush artist that is doing makeup,” said Mendez. Looking back at his life as an artist, Mendez has evolved greatly since painting his first mural of a house in the back of his grandma’s closet when he was 4 years old. Yet Mendez is still growing. He is currently taking care of his parents and working on a mural of dogs and cats for

Mendez said his community involvement in the form of his art will continue throughout the year. This Halloween season, keep an eye out for the holiday GET bus that will be displaying his art as it transports people all over town. It is guaranteed to put you in the Halloween spirit.

PHOTO COURTESY OF AL MENDEZ

the Kern County Animal Services on Fruitvale Avenue. He enjoys getting paid for his projects. But there are times where the cause is greater than the payment. “I’ve been working on it for three weeks. This particular project I’m not getting paid for it; it’s just fun for me,” said Mendez.

PHOTO BY MICHAEL LOPEZ

Al Mendez take a portrait behind The Mark Restaurant, where he was commissioned to paint a classic car on the wall.

Top: Al Mendez airbrushes a GET bus for Halloween. Bottom: One of the many characters Al has done makeup on for Scream in the Dark.

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People & Community

PHOTO BY XXXXXXXX XXXXXX

O U R TOW N

Gospel Fest is featuring musical act Building 429.

FAITH, FOOD, FAMILY SJCH celebrates with Gospel Fest By Breana Oliver

ommunity events that promote health, spiritual healing and family fun are rare to come by. But San Joaquin Community Hospital, the local branch of Adventist Health, is looking to change that by combining all the perks of a music festival, carnival and health fair into one annual event called Gospel Fest. “Since we started this event six years ago, we were looking for a way to showcase our faith-based efforts outside of the hospital walls and Gospel Fest is way for us to give back to the community in a way that enriches people’s lives,” said Jimmy Phillips, executive director of marketing and communications at San Joaquin Community Hospital. Centered on healing the mind, body and spirit of attendees, Gospel Fest will

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be held from 3 to 9 p.m. Oct. 4 at the Bright House Networks Amphitheatre in The Park at River Walk. The event is free and will feature Gospel Music Association’s 2005 New Artist of the Year, Building 429 as the headlining act. Along with the headliner, the festival will highlight four local acts: Heavenly Horns, a high-energy 12-13 horn ensemble that is a crowd favorite; Hingepoint Worship Band from Hingepoint Church; Sarah Payne, a newcomer to the event; and Crossfire ministries, a ministry group from the Mission at Kern County. Each group was selected from a total of 20 to 30 auditions that were held back in May. Every local act will play a 30-minute set and will have the

opportunity to sell its merchandise and market to the event attendees. In addition to the concerts, the event will host a health fair, interactive health screenings, boutique vendors, foods like kettle corn and funnel cakes, a kids’ play zone as well as the highlight this year: a rock climbing wall. Attendees will be given glow sticks and door prizes will be given away throughout the evening. “Here at SJCH, our mission is to provide whole-person care, which is more than just healing a physical ailment,” said Phillips. “It means that we also focus on mental and spiritual healing and Gospel Fest is just one way that we can spread the message of wholeness outside of the hospital and into the community.”

Gospel Fest Oct. 4, 3 to 9 p.m. Bright House Networks Amphitheatre 661-869-6560, www.facebook.com/SJCHBakersfield

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People & Community

I N S I D E STO RY

Maria Rodriguez preps the brine tank to freeze a batch of lemon-lime La Rosa bars. The tank is filled with water and propylene glycol, which lowers the freezing point of the water.

A BAKERSFIELD SUMMERTIME STAPLE La Rosa Fruit Bars keeping Bakersfield cool for 35 years

By Barry Ramirez Photos by Mark Nessia

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f you’re a longtime resident of Kern County, the soft, distant sound of jingling bells likely brings one thing to mind: La Rosa Fruit Bars. With 27 different flavors, La Rosa has been helping the community cope with the summer heat for 35 years. Since La Rosa was founded in 1980 by Jesus Diaz and his wife, Rosa, the business has had to alter its business model to survive and flourish. “We’ve had to be creative,” said Norma Diaz, the daughter of Jesus and Rosa and the current owner. Shifting away from the once popular street vendors, which have been a trademark for La Rosa, it has had to seek different markets.

This hasn’t been because of a lack of consumer demand, but a change in the labor force. “The guys that used to work here prefer to go out and work in the fields,” she said. “It takes a particular kind of person to do the job.” But this doesn’t mean that La Rosa isn’t thriving. While street vendors can still be found parading down the streets of Bakersfield, La Rosa Fruit Bars can now be found in nearly 150 stores in town. Norma and her team produce approximately 6,000 bars per day at La Rosa’s original location on 1317 Niles St. – a number that grows to nearly 8,000 during the summer months.

Norma Rivera pours a batch of lemon-lime into the molds prior to placing them in the brine tank.

Freezers contain various flavors of La Rosa bars ready to be loaded on La Rosa's signature carts.

Maria Rodriguez readies the wrapping machine, which can wrap 65 La Rosa bars per minute.

Norma Rivera puts sticks in the molds before they freeze. A full batch in the brine tank produces approximately 800 La Rosa bars.

La Rosaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s signature bells on its carts are a welcome sound around town.

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POWER COUPLE

Patricia and Steve Loyd 126

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October 2015

PHOTO BY MICHAEL LOPEZ

People & Community

COMING OUT OF THE CLOUDS Aspiring pilot gives up dreams to be with the one he loves By Ellen Ewing

or Steve and Patricia Loyd, joint owners of Bakersfield Jet Center by Loyd’s Aviation, the old adage that opposites attract fits perfectly. They met while attending Bakersfield College in 1969. Patricia, who’s from L.A., describes her culture shock as a student on campus. “I started BC not knowing anyone, and I was the only miniskirt in town,” she said. It was a refreshing sight for Steve, who found Patricia to be gorgeous and classy but also outgoing and fun-loving. At a party, they discovered a common interest in aviation. Steve was hoping to be a Navy fighter pilot, while Patricia had just turned in an application to be a flight attendant for Continental Airlines. The following week, Patricia approached Steve with her arms out like a plane saying, “Hey flyboy, have you come out of the clouds yet?” “That was her line,” Steve said. But Steve had a lifelong dream to be a fighter pilot and when things got too serious, he broke up with Patricia a few months later. “In those days, you couldn’t be married (as a pilot),” he said. “It was a totally different set of circumstances. You had to be totally focused 100 percent. “I literally had to make a decision. Do you want to continue the relationship and give up the dream of being a fighter pilot? And so I made a decision. I gave that up and went back to her. ... We were married within five months.” On Aug. 1, Patricia and Steve celebrated their 45th anniversary. They have been business partners and contribute to the community of Bakersfield for years and in many ways. They built Loyd’s Aviation from a two-person business to a 38-employee establishment and have played large

roles in big community service projects around town. The Loyds are major contributors to The Jingle Bell Club, a group that puts together Christmas presents for underprivileged elementary and junior high kids and surprises them at school. This year, to set an example for his employees, Steve told them he’d match 2-to-1 every dollar they gave to the club.

“

In those days, you couldn’t be married (as a pilot). It was a totally different set of circumstances. You had to be totally focused 100 percent. — Steve Loyd

”

A few years ago, Steve was chairman on the Bakersfield Memorial Hospital Foundation Board of Trustees while Patricia served on the planning committee. They helped to develop the Lauren Small Children’s Medical Center. “I was really fired up about getting a children’s hospital in Bakersfield,” Steve said. The Loyds are also involved in the Bakersfield Rotary and Healing Hands ~ Healing Hearts, a nonprofit in which members massage individuals in hospice care. “One of the things we both believe in is that the community has been great to us, and we’re really big into giving back and so that’s what we try to do,” Steve said.

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People & Community

H I STO RY

THE HARVEY HOUSE

Circa 1910 postcard photo of the Harvey House and Santa Fe depot.

By Julie Plata

n December 1972, as the last Apollo mission to the moon made its final descent back to earth, the dilapidated Harvey House and Santa Fe station were demolished and the last pieces carried away. The end of two eras in human travel occurred together for the people of Bakersfield. Located at 15th and F streets and once a glorious sight to many a wary traveler, the Harvey House opened its doors to customers on May 15, 1902. The restaurant provided a quick and delicious meal to travelers and soon became the place to eat for locals. The history of the Harvey House franchise began in 1876 when Fred Harvey opened the first restaurant in the Topeka, Kansas, Santa Fe Depot Station. The success of the establishment prompted the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe to place Fred Harvey in charge of establishing a system of restaurants and hotels throughout the West. At a time when dining cars were not yet common, travelers were delighted to find a meal “always a little better than the average.” The July 1907 edition of the Santa Fe Employes’ (sic) Magazine stated that

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PHOTO COURTESY OF THE KERN COUNTY MUSEUM USED BY PERMISSION

Icon of comfort, cleanliness and convenience

Harvey “revolutionized the railroad eating house in the West.” Customers could get a good meal 24 hours a day at a reasonable price. When the Harvey House opened in Bakersfield, the Harvey Company was managing 50 locations. Courtesy, cleanliness, value and quality were the cornerstones of the Harvey House and the restaurant soon became the ideal location to host club meetings, graduation dinners and community events. The society pages were full of announcements of upcoming meetings and dinners at the Harvey House. The Men’s Club of St. Paul’s Church and Norwegian Whist Club hosted banquets and social hours and on June 8, 1907, the Bakersfield Californian gave notice that “the members of the 1907 academic graduating class of the high school” were honored by the Bakersfield Stanford Club at a dinner at the Harvey House. During WWI, the Bakersfield Morning Echo reported on Oct. 3, 1917, that several hundred soldiers were fed at the Harvey House and just one month later, on Nov. 7, the paper announced a great feat was accomplished when more than 334 men were fed in just 1 hour and 40 minutes in a dining room and lunch counter meant for just 100 people. The staff managed a “complete change of napery between each of the

n of September 1910 editio The Harvey Girls in the e. zin ga Ma the Santa Fe Employee

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The Harvey House is listed in this early 1910s photo as the Bakersfield Eating House.

TOP: COURTESY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN VIA HATHI TRUST AND PUBLIC DOMAIN USED BY PERMISSION BOTTOM: PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CALIFORNIA STATE LIBRARY USED BY PERMISSION

three sittings. A full dinner was served and all given as much time as needed to eat.” The young women of Bakersfield also benefited economically from the opportunity to serve as a Harvey Girl. In exchange for a decent salary and lodging, the young women were required to have good manners and, above else, possess good moral character. The Harvey Girls are often credited with helping to civilize the West. Known for their long black dresses and starched white aprons, the iconic Harvey Girl was immortalized in a 1942 novel, “The Harvey Girls,” by Samuel Hopkins Adams and in a 1946 movie with the same title starring Judy Garland. Although the movie reignited the popularity of the Harvey House, many had ceased operation and in March 1948, the Bakersfield location served its last meal to the public. Santa Fe employees continued to utilize the building for official company purposes, but all that remained of its former purpose was a worn-down concrete lunch counter. Gone, but not forgotten, a Feb. 14, 1957, article in The Bakersfield Californian fondly remembered the Harvey House for its “air of dignity, their spotless cleanliness and their stiffly starched Harvey Girls.”

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REAL PEOPLE

FOOD FOR THE SOUL Cook forges relationships through the power of a good meal By Shelby Parker

Photos by Mark Nessia

ienna Young recalls early memories in her family’s kitchen – busy with meals being made, her greatgrandmother and mother making fresh tortillas, fresh salsa and breakfast in the morning before she would wake up. Those experiences led Young to have a strong passion and love for food. However, she never thought about a

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career as a cook until she took the culinary course at Bakersfield College. At the time, she started working at Dagny’s downtown, and eventually other jobs in the food industry baking, hostessing and cooking at various places in town. She even volunteered at St. Vincent de Paul Society. Then a job at the Bakersfield Homeless Center came up.

“I love that we feed people who are really hungry and really need it,” said Young, a 39-year-old kitchen supervisor who has worked at the homeless center for nearly seven years. Her family was always generous to help out those who were less fortunate while she was growing up. If they had extra food, they would share it. This job was just a natural progression for something Young had already been doing her whole life. “I would do this for free,” Young told her boss. “I did do this for free; I love this job.” Starting her day at 4:30 a.m., Young goes into the kitchen where she immediately starts working on breakfast, which is served at 6, 6:30 and 7 a.m. During

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supervisor or even calling an ambulance or the police if the situation calls for it. If it involves food, you’ll find her there, either in the kitchen cutting something up or handling donations. To Young, this is more than just a cooking job. It’s about making people feel good. With a warm and inviting personality, Young has a way of making everyone feel at home through the power of a good meal. “If I can help somebody’s day, I want to do that,” she said. “It’s very possible when you work somewhere like (the homeless center).”

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cleanup, she’ll start working on lunch, which some guests take with them off campus for interviews or work. Altogether, the center makes around 700 meals a day, which doesn’t include the sack lunches or afternoon and nightly snacks that are made for the children. “Food is a great thing; it can nourish you or make you smile. You can have a good memory about eating something,” Young said. “That’s why I love food.” Like most jobs, there isn’t a typical day. Sometimes she’ll help clients with issues they might have, whether it’s helping someone find another

Dienna Young, kitchen supervisor at the Bakersfield Homeless Center, pauses for a photo while cutting up yellow peppers and onions.

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People & Community

PRIME FINDS

Fun Family Halloween Platter! Have a "scary good" time painting this personalized Halloween platter using your kids' footprints and handprints! Make it your own at Color Me Mine at the Marketplace, 9000 Ming Ave., 664-7366. bakersfield.colormemine.com.

Hobo Lorna Bag The ideal, cross-body bag for jet-setting gals or ladies who are just constantly on the go. Available in a variety of solid colors. Christine's, 4915 Stockdale Highway, 834-3068.

Magnificent Baby Gives busy moms and dads more quality time with their babies. Spend more time with your baby instead of spending time lining up endless amounts of snaps or buttons; the magnet closures on the outfits do all the work and we love that! Available at Planet Bambini, 3903 Patton Way, Suite 100, 544-8484 planetbambini.com

Costume Jewelry for the Holidays. From Ollipop to Lauren-Spencer, you can find it at Sugardaddyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. Prices starting at $24. 5512 Stockdale Highway, 325-8300 facebook.com/sugardaddys

Brighton Shop Victoria's is your one-stop Brighton shop, and you don't want to miss out on Brighton's 2015 Breast Cancer Bracelet (only $60). Twenty percent of the proceeds are donated to Links for Life to help women throughout Kern County. 9000 Ming Ave., K-4, 665-8300 facebook.com/ShopAtVictorias

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Bakersfield Life Magazine

October 2015

It’s time for the women of Bakersfield to have a little relaxation, fun, good food and drink! Thursday, October 22, 2015 at

5:30 pm to 8:30 pm

Brought to you by

$60 Advance Purchase Limited Time

This evening of networking and pampering will offer: • Complimentary valet parking • Wine tasting from local winemakers • Gourmet food sampling by Steak & Grape, The Petroleum Club, La Foret, Beck’s Divine Cakes & more • Boutique Shopping with Christine’s, French Quarter, Eloah Creations, Blue Lavender, Wire+Pearl, Retail Therapy, Sugardaddy’s & Perfectly POSH

A portion of all ticket sales will benefit The ALS Association Golden West Chapter

Hurry! Discount ticket pricing ends Wed., Sept. 30th Available at The Bakersfield Californian, Motor City LEXUS | BUICK | GMC or online at www.bakersfieldgirlsnightout.com For more information call 661-392-5716

877.314.7511 BakersfieldHyundai.com

Kern Literacy Council 2nd Annual Sports Night Date: Aug. 15 Held at Luigi's Restaurant Photos by Jan St Pierre View these photos and more at bakersfieldlife.com.

Linda and Bert Wilson and Kent and Emma Jones

John Hale, Barbara Rycerski, Mike Lewis and Jeff Nickell

David Hernandez and Shirley Gordon

Carolyn Sherman and Catherine Wilson Jones

Oscar Villanueva, Mona and Rich Wilson and Lisa Hockersmith

Jamie and Emma Cooke

Gaby Gamboa, Heidi Worman, Tina Posey and Alejandra Garcia

Steven and Robin Scholper

877.314.7511 BakersfieldHyundai.com

The Art Cellar Artist Reception

Kevin and Kelly Sneed

Kelsey Cross and Denise Audap

Rebecca Romero, Judy Unruh, Katie Silicz, Maggie Chapin, Julie Antongiovanni, Mary Alice Chapin and Josette McCrary

Pam Manning and Lisa Absher

Date: Aug. 25 Held at The Art Cellar Photos by Mark Nessia View these photos and more at bakersfieldlife.com.

Kalisha Hudgins and Michelle Barker

Liz Peinado and Rita Antongiovanni

877.314.7511 BakersfieldHyundai.com

Alpha Canine Sanctuaryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 20th Anniversary Date: Aug. 20 Held at Imbibe Photos by Carla Rivas View these photos and more at bakersfieldlife.com.

Susan Bullara and Traci McCann

Liz Dodson and Jenny McDougle

Paula Colahan-Sederstrom, Sara and Dana Milson

Heidi Hays and Jill Ogilvie

Stacey Augustson, Pat Hamilton and Dee Morgan

Marilyn Stewart, Liz Keogh, Marie McNamee and David Wolf

Mic and Kay Hall, Susanne and Philip Icardo 136

Bakersfield Life Magazine

October 2015

Ronald and Martha Jarrett

Jenny McDougle, Barbara Hardin, Kristi Orizaga, Rachel Rodriguez, Lacey Vondohlen, Jessica Metcalf and Angelica Sierra

877.314.7511 BakersfieldHyundai.com

Grand Opening of the Ninja Course

Emily Candia, Josh Lubatti and Nancee Steiger

Date: Aug. 29 Held at Rush Air Sports Photos by Carla Rivas View these photos and more at bakersfieldlife.com.

Vince Fong, Katie Corrigan and Lance Pekus

Harla Yaeger, Brent, Annabelle and Taylor Bjerke

Dana Powell, Brad Edwards, Natalie Roberts, Rebekah Powell, Thomas Edwards, Jonathan Edwards and Luke Swartsfager

Tara Jamieson, Dawn, Wayde, Tyler and Claire Kirschenman and Gianna Nicoletti

Xitlaly Zaragoza, Jose, Dayanara and Emily Castillo

Katie Brown, Billy Harleston, Earl Smith, Arianne Carbone

Tori, Trent, Bentlee and Bradyn Mashburn

Kamryn Dipietro, Shelley and Rylee McHorse bakersfieldlife.com

137

877.314.7511 BakersfieldHyundai.com

Teen Challenge 5K/2K Run for Recovery Date: Aug. 22 Held at The Park at River Walk Photos by Carla Rivas View these photos and more at bakersfieldlife.com.

Lucas Salisbury, Brandon Ellington, Mark Vigil, Brian Dean, Matthew Davis and Mark Williams

Mike, Nancy, and Michael Cesmat

Kathy Blythe and Jennifer Faulk

Chris Ferguson, Greg Heyart and Leo Simoes

Mark McQuilliams and Tammy Crider

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Bakersfield Life Magazine

Karen Baughman and Pat Everhart

Alexandra, Macy, Charolette Cholometes

Katie Bimat-Gonzales and Jayme Reece

October 2015

Nathan and Lauren Perez, Declan (the dog) and Andy Barkate

Ava Rosenberg, James and Jenne Cessar, Brittny, Jeff, Sophia and Ella Rosenberg

A D AY O F A M E R I C A N A M U S I C

The Three-Way Chevrolet Cadillac

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