www.bakersfieldvoice.com
Dec. 6-12, 2009
F R E E
Celebrating Liberty’s league champions! Pg. 2 Hats off to our vets Pg. 4 Art & fundraiser focuses on the homeless Pg. 6
Winning fundraiser!
Junior League’s Wine Fest big success, pg. 3
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EXTRA!EXTRA!
W W W. B A K E R S F I E L D V O I C E . C O M
DECEMBER 6-12, 2009
CELEBRATION!
S T A F F EDITORIAL Olivia Garcia Vice President /Content ogarcia@bakersfield.com Teresa Adamo Associate Editor tadamo@bakersfield.com Sandi Molen Contributions Coordinator smolen@bakersfield.com
Frontier to serenade concert goers Dec. 7 BY CHANDLER BULLMAN Community contributor
A
t Frontier High School, students are working extremely hard to make their Winter Concert as best as it can for its audience. There are five choirs that meet every day during school and work on difficult songs that they make effortless. Their teacher, Forest Madewell, has his moments of laughter with his students and gets back to work in a flash. On Dec. 7, Frontier High School will show the entire community how hard they have worked to give them a good time — from singing “Silent Night” in German, to fun upbeat songs. Cannot wait to see you there.
Ride for joy & toys!
ART Kent Kuehl Designer kkuehl@bakersfield.com
Awesome team spirit! BY ELIZABETH CORTEZ Community contributor
T
hank you Centennial Elementary’s fourth-grade girls volleyball team for a season well done. The team spirit that you all showed was awesome!
Happy Birthday, “Raider Ron!” BY ELIZABETH CORTEZ Community contributor
H
appy Birthday, Ron Cortez aka “Raider Ron.” Wishing you many more silver & black birthdays to come. With much love and respect from your wife, Liz, family, friends and The Bakersfield Raiders Booster Club!
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OFFICE Marisol Sorto Office Administrator msorto@bakersfield.com 716-8640
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.
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BY B. ADDINGTON Community contributor
O
peration Soulwinner’s Fifth annual Christmas Joy Ride & Toy Run will be Saturday, Dec. 19. The run will start at Sonic on Olive Drive at 11 a.m. (registration is 8 to 11 a.m.) and ends at North High. Entry is a donation of $20 or toys of equal value; plus $10 for each additional rider. Participants receive parade entrance and one free meal. Show & Shine at North High is open to cars, motorcycles and trucks, plus race cars. Awards for Best in Show, 1st, 2nd and 3rd. Live band and BBQ plus Car Cackle engine sound-off. Award for Club Participation. For more information, contact Ray Ballard at 348-1002.
Toy Run will roar through town Dec. 13 BY B. ADDINGTON Community contributor
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he 26th annual Greater Bakersfield Toy Run to benefit the local Salvation Army will be Sunday, Dec. 13. Meet at Beach Park at 7 a.m.; parade leaves park at 10 a.m. For more information, contact Sherry Aal at 399-0340.
BY LISA PHILLIPS Community contributor
C
ongratulations to the Liberty High School Freshmen Football team on your Southeast Yosemite League championship. Members of the 2009 Championship team are: Al Green, Ben Duran, Justin Young, Christian Sinnott, Sadoc Rosales, Kenny Davis, Vidal Barrera, Tyler Pizarro, Joshua Aguirre, Ethan Kirkorian, William Sadro, Ryan Tucker, Tim Fisher, Frankie Maitia, Michael Graff, Corbin Jounti, Darren Adjei, Alfonso Diaz, Miguel Cervantes, DJ Taylor, Nick Wheeler, Derek Frost, Anthony Briseno, Abel Garcia, Christian Robledo, Kaidan Meadows, Michael Clites, Chad Moslander, Scott Irwin, Nathan Walker, Adrian Vasquez, Jacob Heinsohn, Andrew Willis, Austin Matthews, Conner Bittleston, Dylan Jones, Daniel McKanna, Jonathon Popkin, Vinny Hudiburg, Cole Mazza, Albert Holland, Issa Hawatmeh, Damian York, Dennis Mitchell, Jared Lindsay, Dwight Byrum, Gabe Flippo, David Ruiz, Jack Trobaugh, Julian Fletcher, Raymond Taylor, Caleb O'Rourke, Seth Moreno, Chris Soriano, Arunpreet Sandhu, Justin Vancuren, Austin Medeiros, Justin Farley, Dane Anderson, and Damian Moreno. Coaches: Phil Alvidrez (Head Coach), Bibi Carrasco, John Sizemore, Abel Garcia, Omar Garza, Chris Shipp & Damon Francis.
Have a great story to tell? How about a nice photo of your kids you’d like to share? Or maybe you have a blog that you think is interesting or inspiring. Well, we’d like to get it into The Bakersfield Voice, our citizen journalism newspaper distributed to more than 75,000 households each week. It’s easy to do, just go to our Web site: www.bakersfieldvoice.com, create a FREE profile and begin posting your stories, photos and blogs today. If you are not sure about grammar or punctuation, don’t worry. We’ll help you by editing it before putting it in the newspaper. So, how do you get it into print? Well, the best thing to do is post early and often. The Bakersfield Voice prints on Thursdays and is distributed on Sundays to some Bakersfield households, along with scores of racks at local businesses. The best way to get something into print is to post a couple of weeks before you’d like for it to get into print. And although we can’t guarantee that your stories or photos will get into The Voice, you can increase your odds by getting your postings done by the following deadlines: Run dates:
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DECEMBER 6-12, 2009
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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
YOURVOICE
Contents
Junior League of Bakersfield thanks community
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Columbia Elementary School “stands up” for veterans on Veterans Day.
T
hrough the loyal and generous support of community members and corporate sponsors, the Junior League of Bakersfield’s annual premier fundraising event, Wine Fest was an overwhelming success! On Nov. 21, the Kern County Fairgrounds building was transformed to complement the theme “Basque in Bakersfield,” as a sold-out crowd of more than 700 sampled California’s best loved wineries and a cuisine variety from local restauCOURTESY PHOTO rants and caterers. Attendees at this year’s Wine Fest found many items League is especially appreciative of attendees’ worth a bid in the silent auction. generous participation in the silent and oral auction with a membership of 400, JLB’s trained voluntions. Wine Fest, a Junior League fundraiser for more teers have returned more than $1.2 million to local than 20 years, provides revenue for volunteer train- non-profit organizations as well as hundreds of ing and grants to local non-profit organizations sup- thousands of volunteer hours to Kern County. porting the mission and vision. League continues League changes lives. Thank you to the generous community who supmore than a 50-year tradition of promoting volunteerism, developing the potential of women, port League’s events! To learn more about the Junior League of Bakersimproving the Bakersfield community through the effective action and leadership of trained volun- field, go to: www.juniorleagueofbakersfield.org. — Sandy McMahan is a past president of the teers and improving the lives of women and chilJunior League of Bakersfield and was a member of dren in Kern County. As a solely educational and charitable organiza- this year’s JLB Wine Fest Committee.
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Junior League Provisionals, Nicole Stanford, Carrie Billingsley, Callie Spitzer, Laura Tague and Courtney Foster, worked in the Sports Zone at the Junior League of Bakersfield’s annual Wine Fest. A Junior League fundraiser for more than 20 years, Wine Fest provides revenue for volunteer training and grants to local non-profits. To learn more about the Junior League of Bakersfield, go to: www.juniorleagueofbakersfield.org. Your photo could be on our next cover. Photos and stories for the Dec. 20 issue must be posted by Wednesday, Dec. 9.
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Teacher saddened by school dropout rates
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Art Museum shines light on homeless
The Bakersfield Museum of Art’s newest exhibit documents the plight of the homeless.
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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
DECEMBER 6-12, 2009
YOURSCHOOLS
Columbia Elementary students salute local veterans! BY PATTY MONTOYA Community contributor
A
s the Bakersfield High School ROTC color guard slowly presented the colors, Columbia Elementary students, staff and guests respectfully rose to salute the American flag. Fruitvale music teacher, Mr. Scott Rhodes, sang the National Anthem and was followed by Student Body President, Jackson Olinger reading an excerpt of the President’s Veterans Day Proclamation. Principal Mr. Bill Jager acknowledged the sacrifice of American soldiers with a moment of silence for those who gave their lives for our liberty. Then Mr. Rhodes played a stirring rendition of “Taps.” The program was highlighted with a moving speech by Vietnam Veteran Mr. Larry Wiggins. During his speech, Mr. Wiggins implored the students to savor the word “remember” and whenever they see a veteran to understand the personal sacrifice that was made by the veteran and his or her family. He explained that freedom is a precious gift for which we ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF LEAH COUGHLIN must be prepared to fight if we are to keep it for our- Second-grade performers singing for the Veterans Day audience. Columbia’s second-grade teachers include: Mrs. selves and future generations. Wheeler, Mrs. Hudnall, Mrs. Fieldgrove and Mrs. Stockton. Singing sweetly, the second-grade students of Columbia Elementary honored 38 visiting veterans commented that they were moved by a program that teachers have steadfastly stressed the importance of with the “Armed Forces Medley.” Veterans repre- recognized their sacrifice and service to our country. veterans to our students for over 16 years. The stusenting World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam The second-graders ended with a song of hope, “Sing dents and faculty look forward to singing together at War, the Gulf War, and those serving in Afghanistan a Song of Peace.” the end of the program, “God Bless the USA,” as they and Iraq, attended and stood to applause when their The program coordinator, Mrs. Amy Shepard, “gladly stand up, next to you” and proudly wave military anthem was sung. Several veterans later explained this is an annual event at Columbia and the American flags in honor of our veterans.
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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
YOURSCHOOLS
Principal Mr. Jager and Student Body President Jackson Olinger, with the second-grade performers in the background.
Top: Columbia Elementary secondgraders celebrating Veterans Day. Right: Larry Wiggins, the featured speaker at the program, Amy Shepard, program coordinator, and Bill Jager, Columbia principal.
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■ 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 and photo. Nominations should tell us in 50 words or less why your teacher is the best and MUST include his/her first and last name, and school where they teach — and remember, your nomination MUST also include a photo in jpeg format. Winners will be featured in the print edition of The Bakersfield Voice for the month and will receive a $50 gift card for school supplies, compliments of GW School Supply and TBV.
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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
DECEMBER 6-12, 2009
YOURART
Art exhibits focus on homeless BY BETH PANDOL Community contributor
F
ive exhibits opening Thursday, Dec. 10 at the Bakersfield Museum of Art — 1930 R St. — have a common focus on isolation and loss often associated with being displaced or homeless in society. “Hobos to Street People: Artists’ Responses to Homelessness from the New Deal to the Present” is a traveling exhibit featuring the works of 30 artists working over the last 75 years to document the tragedy of homelessness. The exhibitions illustrate artistic interpretations of homelessness during a 75-year span from the Dust Bowl migrants of the 1930s to the street people of today with emphasis on California. “No Place to Go: Paintings of the Homeless” by Pat Berger is a compilation by the Los Angeles painter who spent over five years in the 1980s on skid row in Los Angeles. Local photographer, Felix Adamo, will show photos taken between 1980 and the present of the homeless in Bakersfield in an exhibit titled “Society’s Edge.” Adamo, the chief photographer for The Bakersfield Californian, will offer his photos for sale, with all proceeds donated to the Bakersfield Rescue Mission and the Bakersfield Homeless Center. “Loss and Redemption: The Art of James McMillan” is a portrayal of racial injustice and the resulting desolation. “Joe Brubaker: Figurative Sculpture and the
PHOTO BY FELIX ADAMO
“Steve & Queenie” is among the photographs in “Society’s Edge,” an art show by Californian Chief Photographer Felix Adamo on display at the Bakersfield Museum of Art. The show opens Dec. 10 and runs through Feb. 21.
Exquisite Garden Project” features figurative work along with wood and found objects. In keeping with the exhibits’ theme of homelessness, the museum will host a blanket drive on opening night, Thursday, Dec. 10 from 6 to 8 p.m. Attendees are urged to bring new or gently used blankets to ben-
efit the Bakersfield Homeless Center. An artists’ reception with appetizers and a no-host bar will also be held that evening. For details and reservations, 323-7219. The exhibits will be on display through Feb. 21, 2010.
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YOURSCHOOLS
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s an eighth-grade teacher, I’m so sad to hear that Bakersfield tops the charts in high school dropouts nationwide. I have to admit, though, that I do on occasion see former students who have dropped out. These are bright, capable kids who opted not to complete high school. I would ask them why and one replied, “I just got tired of it and started working for my dad.” Another one sheepishly apologized for dis- Education columnist appointing me. I can remember years ago, when we were reading John Steinbeck’s “The Pearl,” I posed a question to that same
PEGGY DEWANE-POPE
student. “What would you do if you won $1 million?” He announced to the class, “No offense intended, Ms. D-P, but I would hire the best teachers in the world.” Apparently he didn’t hit the lotto. The teachers who challenged him and loved him, like me, just couldn’t do enough. I asked another student if there was anything I could have done to keep him from dropping out. He replied, “Oh, there was nothing you could have said or taught. I was done. That’s all.” Yet another dropped out when construction was booming and he couldn’t pass up an offer to work full time. I love teaching. I work hard at it. What can I do? I’ll keep reading, researching, and reteaching concepts my kids miss, in the hope I can make high school just a bit easier. Peggy Dewane-Pope is a teacher in the Panama-Buena Vista Union School District.
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Athlete of the month Gabriella “Gady” Garcia Nominated by: Beth Garcia
My name is Holly and I am a sixth month old, spayed female, chocolate Pit Bull mix. My friends at the shelter think that I would make a great fit for a family with older children as I am very sweet and loving, but I am a very high energy dog. I love to be outdoors, explore and play. Don’t forget to mention my ID number - 786905!
My name is Jewel and I am ready to meet my new family today! I am a two month old, domestic long hair Calico mix. I will be spayed before I can go to my new home. I would make a great fit for just about any family as I am very playful, cuddly and I love to be with people. Don’t forget to mention my ID number - 787118!
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.
Gabriella “Gaby” Garcia helped her soccer team place 4th in the AYSO U10 Girls Tournament on Nov 15. She had a great season playing on the TURF SMURFS. During the 1st quarter of the 2nd game, she broke her right big toe and continued to play the game and even went on to play in three more games. She had a great heart and now she can rest her toe and let it heal.This is what makes her my little TURF SMURF Champion. Gaby not only plays soccer but also plays volleyball and cheerleading. She also does ERE and Girl Scouts, and still finds time to stay on the Principal’s List and never missed a day of school for the last four years.
■ Do you have a son, daughter, grandkid or buddy who is your pick for MVP? Nominate them for Star Athlete of the Month by going to: www.bakersfieldvoice.com and posting an article and photo. Nominations should tell us in 50 words or less what makes this youth a star athlete — and remember, your nomination MUST include a photo in jpeg format. Winners will be featured in the print edition of The Bakersfield Voice for the month and will receive a $50 gift card, compliments of Sports Authority and TBV.
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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
DECEMBER 6-12, 2009
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