www.bakersfieldvoice.com
April 5-11, 2009
F R E E
Kiddie clothing sale is bargain bonanza! Pg. 4 Final Best Beasts Pg. 6 Easter Sunday church service listings Pg. 7
3723 Auburn St 2919 Chester Ave 6919 White Ln
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Brakes, Exhaust, Fluids, Suspension, Factory Maintenance Service, Wheel Alignments, Belts, Hoses, Headlamps, Bulbs And More. Excludes tires, batteries and oil changes. Discount off regular price. Consumer pays all taxes. Most vehicles. Cash value 1/100th of 1¢. Coupon must be presented at time of purchase. One coupon per total invoice. Not good with any other offer. Valid at participating location(s) listed below. Void if sold, copied or transferred and where prohibited by law. Expires 6/1/09.
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• Up to 5 quartsmulti-grade oil • New oil filter • Check underhood fluid levels Synthetic and synthetic blend oils extra. Additional shop supply fee may be charged, where permitted by law. Custom wheels and vehicles with TPMS may be extra. Consumer pays all taxes. Most vehicles. Cash value 1/100th of 1¢. Coupon must be presented at time of purchase. Not good with any other offer. Valid at participating location(s) listed below. Void if sold, copied or transferred and where prohibited by law. Expires 6/1/09.
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3 BAKERSFIELD LOCATIONS!
Young thespians wrap up drama workshop, pg. 2
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· Plus $8.25 certificate fee Additional shop supply fee may be charged, where permitted by law. Consumer pays all taxes. Most vehicles. Cash value 1/100th of 1¢. Coupon must be presented at time of purchase. Not good with any other offer. Valid at participating location(s) listed below. Void if sold, copied or transferred and where prohibited by law. Expires 6/1/09.
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Center stage!
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W W W. B A K E R S F I E L D V O I C E . C O M
APRIL 5-11, 2009
YOURENTERTAINMENT
Staff EDITORIAL Olivia Garcia Vice President /Content ogarcia@bakersfield.com Gene Garaygordobil Managing Editor ggaraygordobil@bakersfield.com 716-8642 Teresa Adamo Associate Editor tadamo@bakersfield.com Sandra Molen Writer/Copy Editor smolen@bakersfield.com
ART Timothy Heinrichs Designer theinrichs@bakersfield.com PHOTOS BY CHRISTINE GRONTKOWSKI
“Bulldog Saves the Day ... or I was the Teacher’s Pitt” was the play representing the culmination of a workshop.
ADVERTISING
Now starring ... Young Bakersfield thespians complete Melodrama children’s workshop BY CHRISTINE GRONTKOWSKI
David Alanis Sales Executive Gustavo Carrillo Sales Executive Mark Wells Sales Executive Angela Espinoza Sales Executive Katie Blair Sales Executive Jose Trevino Sales Executive
Community contributor
L
ights, camera, action — and lots of it at the Gaslight Melodrama! On March 24 and 25, the theatre presented its 2009 Winter Children’s Theatre Workshop play, “Bulldog Saves the Day … or I was the Teacher’s Pitt.” The production was the culminating activity for 20 Bakersfield-area children. They met three times a week for eight weeks, learning the techniques of melodrama, including creative dramatics, improvisational techniques, singing and musical interpretation, choreography, make-up and stagecraft. The Gaslight Melodrama will hold another children’s workshop for the summer season. It also recently presented the well-received musical comedy, “My Big Fat Oildale Wedding.” For information on the Gaslight Melodrama, or how to enroll your child in the summer workshop, visit: www.themelodrama.com or call 587-3377. — About The Gaslight Melodrama (from the theatre’s Web site): The Gaslight Melodrama Theatre and Music Hall was established in August 2005. It is the first privately owned performing arts venue to be conceived,
Jaime De Los Santos Sales Manager jdelossantos@bakersfield.com 716-8632
Samantha Vilchis Sales Executive
OFFICE Marisol Sorto Office Administrator msorto@bakersfield.com 716-8640
Clowning around before showtime.
designed, financed and constructed as a theatre in Bakersfield history. The theatre, at 12748 Jomani Drive, is committed to bringing fun, family-oriented live entertainment to Bakersfield. Cheer the hero, boo the villain, the Melodrama gets the audience involved in the fun.
The Bakersfield Voice P.O. Box 2344 Bakersfield, CA 93303 The Bakersfield Voice is published by Mercado Nuevo, an independent subsidiary of The Bakersfield Californian. To learn more or to contribute news and pictures, visit us online at: www.bakersfieldvoice.com
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APRIL 5-11, 2009
Share your
voice today! ■ Submitting your stories for The Bakersfield Voice is simple and FREE! Just go to: www.bakersfieldvoice.com and create a profile. ■ Choose what you’d like to contribute (an article, letter, picture or community event listing) and post it yourself for our online readership to see. You can even add video to the site!
■ We also include as many community contributions as possible in the print edition of The Bakersfield Voice, published Sundays. ■ Still need help getting your contributions onto our Web site? E-mail: Gene Garaygordobil at: ggaraygordobil@bakersfield.com or Teresa Adamo at: tadamo@bakersfield.com
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Bargain hunters, rejoice!
Local consignment shop to hold sale for kids & maternity items.
Last of our “beast” entries
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Provided Easter services
OK, here is the last batch of runners-up in our “Blessed the Beasts” contest. Check ‘em out!
Jumping into prominence
Ridgeview High’s Johnny Carter is ready to defend his state triplejump title this season.
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Bakersfield area churches responded to our call out for Easter Sunday services.
Athlete of the month
Ryleigh Gutierrez, soccer player and honor roll student, is our winner of a $50 Sports Authority gift card.
About the cover Madison Grontkowski (left) and Anica Bolanos were part of the children’s drama workshop put on by the Gaslight Melodrama. Photo by Christine Grontkowsi. Your photo could be on our next cover! Photos and stories for the April 26 issue must be posted by Wednesday, April 15 at 5 p.m.
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APRIL 5-11, 2009
YOURVOICE
Savvy shopping Consignment event offers bargain bonanza for baby, children & maternity merchandise BY CARLA MCCOY Community contributor
W
hen the going gets tough, the tough … go shopping? That’s not generally the phrase, but thanks to Little Feet Repeats, thousands of local families will soon be living by this philosophy. Little Feet Repeats is a semi-annual consignment event that gives local Kern County families the ability to shop for previously owned, but very good condition, baby, children and maternity items at large discount prices. According to Bankrate.com, it will cost $190,000 to raise one child to age 18. Little Feet Repeats tries to bring that cost a little lower. Little Feet Repeats’ owner, Carla McCoy, has a goal of helping all local
families get through these difficult times a little easier. “In tough economic times such as these, we work hard to have tens of thousands of items available at huge Little Feet Repeats will present a wide variety of children’s and maternity items. discounts,” McCoy said. Consignors have brought their computer invento- signor, Christina Rothman. “Plus, I IF YOU GO ried, priced and prepared items to the make money on the things my kids have What: Sixth semi-annual event, and they are distributed outgrown but barely used!” Family Consignment event Little Feet Repeats prides itself on Open to the public. throughout the store. It is laid out simiinspecting all items as the consignors lar to a regular retail store, with one When: Thursday, April 16; 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. large exception — the pricing. Many bring them, before they are placed on Friday, April 17; 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. the sales floor. Consignors agree to only items will be up to 90 percent off retail bring good quality items, which Saturday, April 18; 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. store pricing. Thanks to the previous events, local includes nothing with stains, holes or (50 percent off day) Kern County families have learned to broken pieces. “If I wouldn’t put it on Where: Golden State Mall, 3201 F St., rely on the semi-annual event to supply my 7-year-old or let my 11-month-old second floor. the majority of items needed for their play with it, then I won’t accept it,” growing families. “I am able to get all of explained McCoy. event, please visit: For more information on consigning signment the clothes, toys and baby supplies that the Hernández sixth semi- http://www.LittleFeetRepeats.com or I need for my three kids at LFR,” said or shopping Nominatedduring by Guadalupe Little Feet Repeats shopper and con- annual Little Feet Repeats family con- call 444-8072. I’d like to nominate my twin daughters’ kindergarten teacher Mr. Rhodes who teaches at Discovery Elementary School. At the beginning of the year, I was so skeptical after having learned that they were going to have a male teacher for kindergarten. He has superseded all of my expectations as to what a great kindergarten teacher should be. My girls love Mr. Rhodes. He teaches them lots of cute and silly songs. He builds up their self-esteem. He is just so marvelous with my girls!
Educator of the Month
Mr. Rhodes
Educator of the month Mr. Kevin Turner Nominated by Logan Van Allen I would like to nominate Mr. Kevin Turner as educator of the month. Mr. Turner is the seventh-grade language arts teacher at Freedom Middle School. Mr. Turner is always making jokes and having a good To submit your nominee for Educator of the Month, time teaching. Mr. then Turner makes language go to: www.northwest voice.com click on “Post Something!” and contribute a paragraph why you appreciate and like to recognize your nominee. Be sure funabout and enjoyable. Hewould is always smiling! to include the educator’s name, school, department and picture. The contest is open to educators in the Southwest area. Entries can also be e-mailed to: dmartin@northwestvoice.com. Each month the winning entry $50 gift certificate, compliments of GW School Supply and The Northwest Voice. Sponsored by
■ If you have a teacher you think is great, nominate them for Educator of the Month by going to: www.bakersfieldvoice.com and posting an article. Nominations should tell us in 50 words or less why your teacher is the best and should also include their name, school, department and a picture. All nominees will be featured in the print edition of The Bakersfield Voice and each month the winning entry will receive a $50 gift card for school supplies, compliments of GO School Supply and TBV.
EGG HUNT Saturday, April 11th 10:00 to 11:30 am FREE Lunch, Games, Crafts & Prizes
EASTER SERVICE Sunday, April 12th 10:30 am
(661) 589-0424
2550 Jewetta Avenue
APRIL 5-11, 2009
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YOURSPORTS
Ridgeview triple jumper to defend national title BY PAT SMITH CARTER Community contributor
T
he nation’s top frosh triple jumper will be defending his title in 2009. Johnny Carter, 15, of Ridgeview High improved mightily in the final weeks of the 2008 season, taking the Central Section Finals at 48-03, then rocketing out to 49-00.75w to win the California State title as just a first year prep! Johnny now has over 24 jumps over 46 feet and 30 plus over 45 feet. When you
Athlete of the Month: Ryleigh Gutierrez The Bakersfield Voice’s star athlete of the month for March is Ryleigh Gutierrez. Ryleigh was nominated
look at the past jumpers of the last 15 years, he ranks in the top 2-3 in average jumps, and in his age group, he’s No.1 hands down! He is ready to go 50-feet-plus Carter before state and he hasn’t jumped competitively outdoors yet. Johnny brought his skill to the indoor arena this year. He entered the Simplot Games in Pocatello, Idaho, in February. He placed fourth among 50 entrants with a jump of 47 feet, 9.5 inches.
by her mom, Tammy Gutierrez. This young athlete is not only an excellent soccer player, but she is also an honor roll student. Ryleigh’s name was picked from among the
other Star Athlete nominees for March. She will receive a $50 gift card for sporting equipment, compliments of Sports Authority.
This week’s Star Athlete: Julian Esposo Nominated by: Francis Esposo My son, Julian Esposo, is a 5-year-old white belt at Han’s Taekwondo Academy. He attends kindergarten at Centennial Elementary School and loves his teacher, Mrs. Farrenberg very much. Julian is small in stature, but very athletic. When Julian is not practicing his taekwondo forms or kicks, he enjoys coloring and drawing, spending time with his grandparents, hanging out with his family, birthday parties, playing the piano, snowboarding, swimming and chasing after his dog, Spark.
■ Do you have a son, daughter, grandkid or buddy who is your pick for MVP? Nominate them for Star Athlete of the Week by going to: www.bakersfieldvoice.com and posting an article. Nominations should tell us in 50 words or less what makes this kid a star athlete and should include a photo. All nominees will be featured weekly in the print edition of The Bakersfield Voice,and each month, one nominee’s name will be drawn to receive a $50 gift card for sporting equipment, compliments of Sports Authority and TBV.
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YOURPETS
More beasts ...
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s promised, here are the rest of Bakersfield’s “Best Beasts” nominees. Our Bakersfield Voice community sure loves their pets! We asked you to send us photos and a short tale of your “Best Beast” and YOU did! Last week we announced the winner — Littleman — who, along with his beloved owner, won a $25 gift card from Petco. Thank you to all those animal lovers out there for sharing their “Best
Beasts” with our Voice community. Look for more Bakersfield Voice contests, including our current one, “Spring into Action” where we’ve asked you to show and tell us what you are doing this spring. The winner will receive tickets to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, a value of nearly $200! Remember, if you don’t already have one, it’s easy to create a FREE profile and post your springtime stories and photos. Just go to: www.bakersfieldvoice.com. Deadline is April 22.
Kids have lots of best beasts
Thomas — the big red dog Nominated by: Christel M. Ruddy We have four wonderful rescued pets — so it’s hard to select just one to write about! This is the story of Thomas, our big red dog. It was a Saturday, and my husband, who works nights, opted to sleep rather than come with me to adopt the cat we’d chosen earlier in the week. When I got to Petsmart, the Wasco Animal Group volunteers were bringing in the dogs. One of them was a beautiful, sassy red pup. They called him Trooper, because when they found him he had so many worms they didn’t think he was going to make it. He was their “little trooper.” I adopted him on the spot (along with our new cat who had to stay and be spayed).
Nominated by: Sally Saffell The Saffell kids have so many wonderful pets! They have a boxer and a pug, who are the kids’ best friends. They have pet snakes who like to escape from their cage and explore the house. They have a pet turkey who likes to ride on three-wheelers. And also a variety of chickens that like to be held. And the polar bear of course, is a wanna-be pet. All these pets are truly Bakersfield’s Best Beasts!
APRIL 5-11, 2009
Kayla offers unconditional love Nominated by: Jessica Frey As a military wife who has been through two deployments, my furry companion, Kayla, has always been there for me with unconditional love and comfort when I needed it the most! She’s been an amazing traveler and has ridden with me twice as we drove cross-country from Washington, DC to California. Never a wimper, and always ready to pose for my camera, Kayla is an amazing West Highland Terrier!
Celina Staar amuses self Nominated by: Christy Lewis Hello, my name is Celina Staar Lewis, I am an African Gray and I was hatched on June 4, 2008. At only 10 months old, I am experimenting with words and sounds like: “I don’t know,” “Hello” and “Spaceship with laser gun.” I am able to amuse myself while my parents are at work.
Couple thankful Nominated by: Username: making My dog is the best dog because she is always waiting by the door when I come home, gives my wife and I someone to snuggle with, and is always good for a workout! Her name is Dakota (Kota for short) and we have had her for four years. She was found in an almond orchard wandering aimlessly and we thank God that she was given to us (Even though she is a cover hog at night).
Rosie & Sam are purrrsistent Nominated by: Christel M. Ruddy We have four wonderful rescued pets — two cats and two dogs — who wake me up every morning at The Exact Same Time. They are creatures of habit, and they wake up hungry. I figured on a day or two of respite after the spring time change. After all, what do they know about the turning of the clocks? The Monday after we “sprang ahead,” I discovered that our little Rosie can, in fact, tell time. We’ve been sick, and we planned to sleep in; Rosie had other plans. About 10 minutes before The Appointed Time, I became aware of a small cat tromping up and down the length of my body. Granted, she’s only six pounds of cat, but she was determined to make herself felt. Sam, our other cat, has a nicer method of climbing up, settling in and purring like crazy, but Rosie is cute, and we make allowances. Until she started nipping our fingers! Apparently that’s the next step when we don’t stir as fast as she’d like. I dragged myself out of bed to find everyone blinking sleepily while Rosie the Beast proudly preened herself.
Hi! My name is Sundae and I am a three Hi! My name is Chevy and I am a 1.5 year year old, spayed female, black and white, old, neutered male, Labrador Retriever mix. domestic short hair mix. I enjoy being My owner has been called to serve our lazy in the sun, playing with anything that country and he really would like to see me moves and being with people. I have a find a new forever home! I am very sweet reduced adoption fee of just $15! Please and would do well with a family with older come visit me at the Mt. Vernon Shelter. children. Don’t forget to mention my ID Don’t forget my ID number - 755741! number - 756490! These pets may be adopted quickly! Please visit the KERN COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER at 201 S. Mt. Vernon Ave. to see all of our adoptable pets. For more info call 661-868-7144 or visit our website at www.co.kern.ca.us/acd.
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Easter services around Bakersfield
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o you have an Easter service planned? It’s not too late to get it onto our Web site: www.bakersfieldvoice.com. You can create a free profile, post your stories, photos and blogs and become part of our growing online community. The Olive Knolls Church’s “A Life that Matters” sermon series will begin Easter weekend. The series and small group guides
were created by Rusty Rhodes and Tell the Story Productions Easter services include a Good Friday Service, April 10 at 7 p.m.; SNC (Saturday Night Church), April 11 at 6 p.m. and Easter Sunday services at 8, 9:30 and 11 a.m. Olive Knolls Church is located at 6201 Fruitvale Ave. For more information, call 399-3303. First Church of the Nazarene, 2801 Hughes Lane. Good Friday Service - April 10 and 7 p.m. Easter Sunday Services at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Free pancake breakfast at 10 a.m. There will be nursery and childcare available during both services. During the 11 a.m. service,
we will have an egg hunt, crafts and games. Central Baptist Church of Bakersfield will be having an Easter Sunrise Service on the front lawn of the church at 6:30am Easter Sunday followed by a pancake breakfast. Sunday School will follow at 9:30 a.m. and Worship Service at 11 a.m. Central Baptist Church is located at 203 South H St., right off Highway 58. The pancake breakfast is free. We worship the traditional way — come join us! For more information, please call the church at 831-9055 or Pastor Larry Corcoran at
399-0931. Please join the friendliest church in town, Lighthouse Southern Baptist Church, as we worship our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We are now meeting in our new facility just south of Panama Lane and Stine Road (south of Costco.) Our address is 6700 Stine Road, Bakersfield, Ca. 93313. Sunday morning service begins at 10:30 a.m. Weekly men's Bible study on Wednesday evening at 7 p.m. Weekly women's Bible study on Tuesday evening at 7 p.m. Youth worship and Bible study on Tuesday evening at 7 p.m. Monthly women’s fellowship. Here is our Web site for more information: www.lighthousebakersfield.org
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