The Bakersfield Voice March 1, 2009

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FREE

March 1-7, 2009

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Celebrate good times, c’mon! Pg. 4 Recycling in memory of loved one Pg. 6 Purr-fect gift items for cat lovers Pg. 9 NW church growing with God Pg. 10

Photographer in bloom! Check out our Spotlight shutterbug’s work, pg. 6


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EXTRA!EXTRA!

Young artists to share music BY MARJORIE BELL Community contributor

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he Fred and Beverly Dukes concert series performance at 4 p.m., March 15 at First Congregational Church, 5 Real Road, will feature guest artist Tim Callobre, a 15-yearold classical guitar student of William

Kanengiser from the USC guitar faculty. Joining Callobre will be outstanding local young musicians, including Janet Kwon and Mary Cervantes (flutes), John Lee (pianist) and Jazmin Morales (violin). There is no admission charge for this Young Artists of Kern concert. Details, 327-1609.

Staff EDITORIAL Olivia Garcia Publisher ogarcia@bakersfield.com 395-7487 Gene Garaygordobil Managing Editor ggaraygordobil@bakersfield.com

Lost dog

Teresa Adamo Associate Editor tadamo@bakersfield.com

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issing since Jan. 24. Red doxie/weenie dog in the area of Pin Oak Park Boulevard and White Lane in southwest Bakersfield. He is missed very much. Please help us find him. He was wearing a black collar with ID name, phone and address. If you have seen him or have him, please call 661203-0129. Or, post a comment on The Bakersfield Voice Web site at: www.bakersfieldvoice.com.

Sandra Molen Copy Editor smolen@bakersfield.com

ART Timothy Heinrichs Designer theinrichs@bakersfield.com

ADVERTISING Jaime De Los Santos Sales Manager jdelossantos@bakersfield.com 716-8632

MEETTHE CONTRIBUTOR David Alanis Sales Executive

Allow us to introduce ... BY AMALIA SANCHEZ Community contributor

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tudents of all ages, at one point in time, must ride the bus — whether it is for a field trip, sports event or just a ride back home. It is often looked upon as a dreaded experience, which is why most bus riders would rather sleep, listen to music or talk on the phone to make the experience less agonizing. But Catherine Ogas, 16, found a way around the madness and simply enjoys her bus ride. The South High student says it is never a boring time, because “there’s always something new and exciting happening.” These bus stories never go untold as they are featured in the SHS monthly newspaper feature: “Tales from the Bus.” Community contributor

CATHERINE OGAS

She credits her father, a children’s book author, for her love of the written word. In addition to her articles for her school newspaper, Catherine also recently contributed one of her “tales” to The Bakersfield Voice’s Creative Corner, a place just for scribes! Aside from writing, Catherine enjoys diverse hobbies like painting, playing guitar, fishing trips to Lake Isabella with her father and younger sister, Victoria, 13, as well as fashion, reading, photography, learning history, drawing and painting. The latter has already gained her three, best in show art awards and various ribbons at the Kern County Fair. With so many hobbies, it is no surprise that Catherine can’t quite decide on a career path to take. Luckily, Catherine’s father has done it all from writing to photography. Catherine said she looks up to him “for everything.” Right now, this ambitious teenager is setting her sights on becoming a “history teacher, runway-model, photographer, artist, author, I even see editor-inchief in my future ... The Bakersfield Voice, here I come! Perhaps I’ll do it all.”

Gustavo Carrillo Sales Executive Samantha Vilchis Sales Executive Mark Wells Sales Executive

OFFICE Marisol Sorto Office Administrator msorto@bakersfield.com 716-8640

The Bakersfield Voice 1522 18th St. Suite 310 Bakersfield, CA 93301 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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Share your

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On paint patrol

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Events calendar

■ 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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Star Athlete of the Week

Star-filled sports scene

Sports Shorts goes Hollywood. Sort of. See how Michael Elliott puts an Oscar twist to this week’s sports report.

The Handy Fellow reminds homeowners to keep an eye on the condition of a home’s exterior paint.

today!

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Top teacher

New month, new teacher kudos from an appreciative family.

Our clever community contributors continue to amaze us! This week, it’s a poem about a beloved bear.

voice

A young soccer phenom gives it her all on the field and in school.

Make some plans with the family, check this week’s calendar for some fun choices.

About the cover We sure have some talented photographers living among our community!Christel Ruddy captured this beautiful bloom and since she shared it on our Web site, we wanted to share it in our printed publication. More of Christel’s photos are also featured in this week’s “Spotlight On” section on page 6.

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Creative Corner

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CREATIVECORNER

Will the wolf eat pork for lunch? Can the three feuding brothers man- pet Theater 11 a.m. Saturday, March 7 he wolf is back and he’s look- age to work together to get it built in Gaslight Melodrama Theatre and ing for ham for lunch. With time before they end up in a roast? A two houses blown down, there comic re-telling that’s fun for all ages. Music Hall 12748 Jomani Drive is only one place left to go. But the brick house is only half The Three Little Pigs Cost: $6 finished! Presented by The Omnipresent PupDetails: 587-3377

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YOURVOICE

Your old teddy bear

Employee wins car

BY RUTH HERR

BY DENNIS DOUGHERTY Community contributor

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audelia Alvarez, a shift supervisor at El Pollo Loco in Bakersfield, learned Feb. 18 that “playing it safe” on the job definitely pays off. WKS Restaurant Corporation, which operates 54 El Pollo Loco restaurants in four states, awarded Alvarez a new Honda Element as part of a company-wide employee safety program. Alvarez has worked at the Bakersfield El Pollo Loco for four years. The 24-year-old mother of two started at El Pollo Loco as a cashier and was recently promoted to shift supervisor two months ago. Each year, WKS Restaurant Corporation holds a safety contest among the 54 El Pollo Loco restaurants it owns. Each restaurant earns tickets for each of its employees for every month the restaurant is accident free. This year, the El Pollo Loco, 8200 Stockdale Highway, in Bakersfield won the company-wide drawing, which made Alvarez eligible for the prize. “I couldn’t believe it when they called

my name,” said Alvarez. “I’ve never won anything, let alone something this big. El Pollo Loco is such a great place to work. They value safety in the workplace, and management really values its employees,” said Alvarez Alvarez, who now the proud owner of a new Honda Element. “I’m so excited and appreciative.” “In tough economic times like these, WKS Restaurant Corporation is more excited than ever to be able to give away a new Honda Element to one of its deserving employees,” President Roland Spongberg said. “We consider our employees our most important assets, and Baudelia Alvarez couldn’t have been more deserving of the prize.” Spongberg and WKS Restaurant Corporation have achieved remarkable success with the car giveaway program, which was launched in 2003 to decrease workers’ compensation insurance rates. The Honda Element is the sixth vehicle awarded.

Community contributor

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our old teddy bear has lost some stuffing and hair. From all of your hugs and your tears through the years. He sits all alone on your now empty bed. He’s been sitting there since you left home last year. Oh, how I’d give anything to pick him up and hold him close to my heart. But, I’m so afraid that he might fall apart. At night I sit upon your bed and I say It’s been the longest year here alone a prayer, without you. that you’ll return home safely to your Just me and your old teddy remain Mom and your old teddy bear. here.

YOURCELEBRATIONS Happy Birthday, Kevin! My brother is the best nerd ever created in this galaxy within “multiverses.” Although he can always find ways to bore me to death with his riveting monologues on math and science, he is a great help on my homework and can quiet many of my curiosities. Happy birthday, Kevin! You turned 15 in February! Cheers to the math geek! PT

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HANDYFELLOW

Paint now before a bad situation gets worse

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hear a lot from people about putting off painting for another six months or a year. Yes, I know it is expensive, but repairing and then painting is even worse. I cannot say it enough, but here it comes. When you see the first signs of the old paint cracking anywhere — and especially on the side of the house that gets the most sun year round — at the very least, paint that side now to stop any moisture (rain, and we do get rain in Bakersfield from time to time) from getting to the original wall. This does not pertain to metal siding homes as they are fairly well protected from nature’s wrath. But if you see peeling on metal siding, that means the paint is too old on it, too. Even the older stucco walls when the paint is cracking can let the moisture in enough to penetrate into the wood behind it, and then the invitation has been broadcast for “Ye old wood-eating critter” — the termite. Paint is just a liquid plastic. Well, what

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happens to any plastic that has been exposed to “Old Mr. Sun?” It gets brittle and then starts cracking, and the worse the cracking, the more water behind it and the situation just goes from bad to worse — kind of like the Stock Market did last October. If you cannot afford to paint the entire house now, do the Home Improvement worst side and trim now, then six months later do another side. Keep this up for a year, and unless you live in a house that has more than four sides, you can skip a whole year and then start the process over again. We do live in a very dry climate and it dries out paint very fast here. One more thought and it’s yours. Look at the eaves on the south and west exposures. They will tell you for sure when it is time to paint again.

ED COLEMAN

It is best to paint a home at the first signs of deterioration.

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MARCH 1-7, 2009

YOURVOICE

‘Susan’s Recycling For The Cure’ — Our Story BY LYNN BRANCH Community contributor

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arly on the morning of May 7, 2007, Susan Webb died of cancer. Susan Webb was a loving mother, grandmother, daughter, sister to her family and a wonderful friend to many. Susan was a strong woman who faced life with courage and strength. It was with these same qualities that she faced cancer and death. She was a kind, gentle person with a generous giving nature. She served her fellow man in many ways. She gave generously of her time and money to help people in need. The impact of her

kindness affected not just people in the United States but people all over the world. Although cancer robbed us of Susan, it cannot take from us our determination to battle this disease. With the support of many friends, a nonprofit group called Susan Webb Susan’s Recycling For The Cure was born. We began our journey January 2008. Our two-fold mission is to capture revenue from recyclable cans and bottles, while at the same time doing our

SPOTLIGHT ON: Christel Ruddy Community contributing photographer, Christel Ruddy — user name CMRuddy — has posted numerous shots depicting beautiful nature scenes like these. She has generously shared her photos with The Bakersfield Voice community via our Photo Gallery option on our Web site at: www.bakersfieldvoice.com. You can see her photos and other contributors’ work by clicking “Photos,” then “See User Galleries.” Feel free to share your photos, too. You could have the “Spotlight On” you next!

utmost to care for the environment. We proudly donate all revenue to the continuing battle against cancer. We are also deeply committed to reducing our impact on the environment. Susan was at her happiest when she was with her family at the ocean or the mountains. She truly appreciated unspoiled nature. We can only believe that she would be proud that we are fighting cancer in her name while at the same time trying to protect the environment that she loved. Relay For Life of Bakersfield will be May 2, at Cal State University Bakersfield. This year will be our second year at Relay For Life. Our team will have a station to collect recyclable cans and bot-

FOR INFORMATION To get additional details on Bakersfield’s Relay for Life event, please go to The American Cancer Society’s Web site: http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR? pg=entry&fr_id=13826

tles. We also will be raffling a Sanyo 50inch HD plasma TV and an autographed Dale Earnhardt Jr. Hero Card. All money made from these raffles will go to the American Cancer Society. Please come by and see us. Everyone who donates a recyclable can or bottle will be entered in a drawing to win a prize.


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MARCH 1-7, 2009

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THE VOICE CALENDAR Sunday 3/1

Saturday 3/7

Golden Empire Hot Jazz Society, a dance with music by the Southside Chicago Seven, 2 to 5 p.m., Elk's Lodge Banquet Hall, 1616 30th St. $10 for non members. 665-9083. Matt Maher, with special guest The Turning Point, 6:30 p.m., Jesus Shack, 1326 30th St. Free but tickets must be reserved online. jesusshack.com or call 324-0638. Second annual Read Across Bakersfield, Dr. Seuss Birthday Celebration, with a showing of “Horton Hears A Who,” face painting, games, activities, authors Rick and Ryan Zeeb will be signing copies of “Snowpeople,” and more, Bakersfield Fox Theater, 2001 H St. Admission is free and tickets are available at the Fox Theater, BETA Office, 837 H St., Russo's Books at the Marketplace. 327-4567.

“Jindabyne,” presented by FLICS International Cinema Society, 7:30 p.m., Bakersfield Fox Theater, 2001 H St. $5. flics.org or call 325-4815. Bakersfield SPCA’s 6th annual “Puttin’ on the Dog” open house with low cost cat spay/neuter clinic, microchip clinic, dog licensing and more, SPCA, 3000 Gibson St. Call in advance for spay/neuter appointments. 323-8353 ext. 2. Golden State Mall Is Having a Craft Show, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Golden State Mall Parking lot, 3201 F St., $40 a space, 340-8289. Bakersfield Speedway 2009 Season Opener, IMCA Modifieds, Hobby Stocks, Street Stocks, American Stocks, gates open at 4:30 p.m.; races begin at 6:30 p.m., Bakersfield Speedway, 5001 N. Chester Ave. $10; $5 ages 6-12; under 5 free. bakersfieldspeedway.com or call 393-3373. Electronic Recycle Event, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., St. John's Lutheran Church, parking lot, 4500 Buena Vista Road. 396-1015. Gospel Concert, with The Golden State Quartet and Miss Lillie Knuals, 6 p.m., North Heights Baptist Church, 3960 N. Chester Ave. Free but a love offering will be taken. 7060727. Kern River Valley Hiking Club, South Rincon Trail and Salmon Falls to Packsaddle Cave, leave Riverkern Market at 8:30 a.m. Bring lunch and quart of water. Dress appropriately. For directions, visit lakeisabella.net/hiking or 778-3453. Sierra Club Breakfast & Program, “The Future of Kern County Parks,” discussion by Bob Lerude, 10 a.m., Camino Real Restaurant, 3500 Truxtun Ave. Breakfast $7.50. 2032770. Speed, Agility & Quickness Clinic, for ages 5 and up, 9 to 10:15 a.m. March 7, March 14 and March 21, Pin Oak Park, 3101 Pin Oak Park Blvd. $50 for three sessions. 326-3866

Monday 3/2 Culinary Arts Program Gourmet Dinner by BC's culinary students, 5:30 to 7 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, Bakersfield College, Renegade Room, 1801 Panorama Dr. $10.95; take-out meals available. 395-4441.

Tuesday 3/3 Graduate Management Aptitude Test (GMAT) mobile test bus, will be at Cal State Bakersfield, 9001 Stockdale Hwy., March 3 & 4. $250, students must register at least 24 hours in advance. For more information and registration log onto www.mba.com. 6542441.

“Moby Dick: The Musical”

Wednesday 3/4

students; $6 for students with ASB sticker; $5 for children 12 and under. 665-2800.

Optimal Hospice free volunteer training and luncheon, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., 4700 Stockdale Hwy. Ste. 120, 716-4000 or www.optimalcares.com. American Kids Sports Center SW will be starting a non-competitive Trampoline & Tumbling Team, 4 to 5:30 p.m, American Kids Sports Center SW, 4401 Ride St. $140. 833-3986. Bike Ride hosted by David Miller, leave Action Sports at 12:15 p.m., ride to Enos Lane and back, done at a moderate pace, takes no longer than a hour-and-half, Action Sports, 9500 Brimhall Road, Ste. 400. Rain cancels event. 833-4000. Senior Wednesday, special events and refreshments, 9:30 to 11 a.m., Bakersfield Museum of Art, 1930 R St. $4 non members. 323-7219.

Friday 3/6

Thursday 3/4

CSUB basketball

CSUB Roadrunners vs. Cal State Fullerton, men's basketball, 7 p.m., Rabobank Arena, 1001 Truxtun Ave. $5-$25. ticketmaster.com or call 322-2525. Sierra Club Conditioning Hikes, 3 to 5 miles, 7 p.m., meet at corner of Highways 178 and 184. 872-2432 or 873-8107.

Adaptive Tennis, for ages 6 and up, 6 to 7 p.m. Thursdays through April 30, Haggin Oaks Park, 9200 McInnis Blvd. $15 for four lessons. 326-3866. Book Signing, with author Earlene Fowler of “Love Mercy” & “Benni Harper Mysteries,” 7 p.m., Barnes and Noble, 4001 California Ave. 631-2575. Featured Artist, with Phyllis Oliver, art on display until April 26, Bakersfield Art Association, Gallery of Art, East Hills Mall, 3000 Mall View Road. Gallery hours 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. 872-2806. Noontime Organ Recital, with Jim Page, 12:15 to 12:45 p.m., St. Paul's Anglican Church, 2216 17th Street & B. 861-6020. “Moby Dick: The Musical,” presented by Stockdale High School's Performing Arts, doors open at 7 p.m. show at 7 p.m., Thursday through Saturday, Stockdale High School Theater, 2800 Buena Vista Rd. $10 adults; $8

2009 Bakersfield March Meet, drag racing festival with manufacturer's exhibits and a vintage auto parts swap meet, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday through Sunday, Famoso Raceway, 33559 Famoso Road, McFarland. $25 Friday; $30 Saturday and Sunday per day; $75 weekend pass; $10 kids 7-12 per day. famosoraceway.com or 399-2210. CIF State Wrestling Championships, Session I, 9 a.m. Friday; Session II, 9 a.m. Saturday; Session III, 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Rabobank Arena, 1001 Truxtun Ave. $8-$25. ticketmaster.com or 322-2525. “Dancing with Our Stars,” doors open at 6 p.m.; dance class 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.; open ballroom dancing to the Bakersfield Jazz Orchestra, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., Randolph's Lounge, 7737 Meany Ave. $15 per person, includes dance class. bakersfieldjazzworkshop.com or 444-0853.

Electronic recycling


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PAWPRINT CITY

The Cat People’s purr-fect shopping venue

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admit it … I’m not much of a shopper. I am apparently missing the gene that makes a person want to spend hours going to malls or outlet stores perusing storefronts for that perfect something. Of course, the exception to this little rule is when I go into a store that’s devoted to pets. There I can find myself completely engrossed, much to the dismay of my husband (and occasionally, my checkbook). Knowing this about myself, I c a n ’ t believe it took me nearly six years of living in Bakersfield before I ventured into Pawsitively Cats, the gift shop run by Pet columnist

VICKY THRASHER

The Cat People. For those of you not in the know, The Cat People is (as near as I can tell) are the only cats-only organization in Bakersfield. In addition to a network of foster homes, adopting out homeless cats through Petco and providing vouchers for spaying and neutering, The Cat People is also the group responsible for the management of the feral cat colony at Hart Park. The group, which is a 501(c)3 nonprofit, is run entirely by volunteers and is currently making plans to someday have a cats-only shelter in Bakersfield. One avenue they use to help reach their lofty goals is the operation of one of the most unique stores in town. Located at 602 18th St., across the street from Mexicali Restaurant, Pawsitively Cats is the place to head if you have a cat or a cat lover on your gift list. Everything from clothing to door mats to jewelry can be found there. I made at least three trips around the shop trying to take in all that was on

display, and couldn’t leave without grabbing a pair of socks festooned with little orange cats. I can’t wait to wear them to work. If socks, coffee cups, wall hangings and kitchen towels aren’t your thing, there’s still plenty at Pawsitively Cats for your feline friend. I was thrilled to find that they carried Hot Cats catnip cigars. All three of my cats are huge “nippers,” so being able to purchase quality catnip locally is a big treat. One of the things that irks me about the big chain stores is that most of their catnip toys are really pieces of fabric with a wad of cotton inside, and very little actual catnip. Hot Cats is a catnip toy the way they should be made — just a sturdy cloth wrapper shaped like a cigar filled with premium catnip. No cotton, no batting, no fillers. If you’ve never given your catnip-reactive cat a premium catnip toy, give this product a try. Once you see the difference, you’ll never go back. I grabbed the cost-saving four-pack and have giggled over the cat parties ever

since. About the only drawback to Pawsitively Cats is their limited hours. Currently the posted hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday and Saturday, which doesn’t leave a big window for dropping by. I suspect the hours have more to do with the need for volunteers than a desire to limit people’s ability to shop their wares, so perhaps if we begin supporting this needed nonprofit they will be able to accommodate a longer operating schedule. I know places like this aren’t for everyone, but nearly all of us know at least one person who loves these kinds of items. Maybe next time their birthday or some other special occasion rolls around you can spend a few dollars here. They get much-needed funds to continue their mission and you get a great cat-related gift. A perfect winwin. For more information about The Cat People, call 327-4706 or go to their soon-to-be revamped Web site at: www.thecatpeople.org.

Pets of the Week

Teddy is a 1½-year-old male Border Collie Pit mix. Teddy is housebroken, Playful and minds commands. He could use some training to enhance his already good habits.

Bakersfield SPCA

Torrie is a 2 year old female Torti. She is playful and inquisitive. Torrie would make a great addition to any home.

If you would like to offer Teddy or Torrie a forever home, please call Bakersfield SPCA at 323-8353 today! DONATIONS ARE ALWAYS APPRECIATED!

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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

MARCH 1-7, 2009

YOURFAITH

Brimhall Church to open new worship facility BY MARDI YEARY

The grand opening of the new Brimhall Assembly of God’s Worship Center will be March 15. Inset photo is the church’s old home.

Community contributor

I

f you live on the northwest side of Bakersfield, you have watched for quite some time as the construction of the beautiful, new Worship Center of Brimhall Road Assembly of God at 10700 Brimhall Road has come to completion! The 500-seat sanctuary almost triples the former sanctuary capacity which also offers more classroom and office space and state-of-the art early childhood ministry facilities. It’s thrilling to know that folks who are looking at the church from the outside will now get a better idea of the kind of ministry Brimhall Road Church is known for. Though the church has been in northwest Bakersfield for over 50 years, it is primarily attended by many young families and prides itself on its kidfriendly, teen-friendly atmosphere, as well as its contemporary flavor. There are life groups for boys and National Girls Ministry clubs for girls. Junior high and high school students are

IF YOU GO Brimhall Road Assembly of God 10700 Brimhall Road 661- 589-5254 Services: Sundays at 8:30 and 10:45 a.m. Life Groups each Sunday at 9:45 a.m. Adult Life Groups, Youth Groups & Kids Clubs meet Wednesday nights from 7 to 8:15 p.m.

vibrant, growing church which exists to build bridges to families in northwest Bakersfield. The People of Brimhall encouraged to join the EPIC Youth of Brimhall for the past 15 years, pursues excellence in relevant, ageMinistry. Worship bands and cutting reports that the Brimhall Church typi- appropriate ministries that reach, edge multimedia are paramount, so cally offers two Sunday morning wor- equip, empower and send a younger worship services are highly interactive. ship services each week. On grand generation to carry the message of Adults are not left out of the equation opening Sunday, however, there will be Jesus to their world. Brimhall people with Adult Life Groups that meet on one combined worship service at 10:45 take the mission of the church seriously and off campus along with specialized a.m. with a great worship band and spe- as they tap into joy for the journey. Join us for our Community Open men’s, women’s and college ministries. cial music. Additionally, Rev. Rich The time has come for you to cele- Guerra, assistant superintendent of the House, 2 to 4 p.m., March 15. Tours of brate with the people of Brimhall who Southern California Assemblies of God the Worship Center, EPIC Youth Cenare announcing their grand opening District will be our featured guest for ter and Children’s Chapel will be made available as well as refreshments and a and community open house on Sunday, the morning’s Nominatedactivities. by Guadalupe Hernández March 15. Steven Yeary, senior pastor Brimhall Road Assembly of God is a chance to meet new friends. 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.PROGRAM My MASTER OF ARTS IN TEACHING 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

Educator of the month Debbie May

Mr. Rhodes

Bard

Nominated by Gina Rasmussen My daughter, Jenna, is in Mrs. May’s third-grade class at San Lauren Elementary. She begged me to visit her classroom. I went and I just want to say that my daughter has been blessed with an amazing teacher. Every moment is a teachable moment. She does not waste anyTotime, is firm, submither yourstudents nominee forrespect Educatorher. of theShe Month, go to: www.northwest then break, click on “Post Something!” andwhat contribute but fair. Duringvoice.com her recess I told Mrs. May I a paragraph about why youmorning appreciate and to recognize your that nominee. Be sure thought of the andwould she like humbly told me to include the educator’s name, school, department and picture. The contest is open to Godeducators has gifted her with a area. job she loves doing and has in the Southwest Entries can also be e-mailed to: been doing for 20 years. She gave the entry glory$50 to gift God. dmartin@northwestvoice.com. Each month the all winning certificate, compliments of GW School Supply and The Northwest Voice. Sponsored by

© Brent Malicote

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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. 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.

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MARCH 1-7, 2009

11

W W W. B A K E R S F I E L D V O I C E . C O M

SPORTSSHORTS

Hometown love & cake in the face

‘H

ow ‘bout them Condors?!” — Former Bakersfield Condor announcer Chris Peace used to use those rallying words late in tight hockey games to coax the fans into a frenzy, and they ring apropos at press time as our professional vultures are flying high and have vaulted themselves into playoff contention after an abysmal beginning to their season. Big Love — The stands and grassy knolls were packed as CSUB trotted out their inaugural baseball team at pristine Hardt Field on Feb. 20. Pride and baseballs were in the air as five dingers were pinged out of the park as the ‘Runners’ rally came up just short in an 8-7-defeat to St. Louis University. Sports columnist

MICHAEL ELLIOTT

Tainted Love — Alex Rodriguez injected an otherwise bland spring training opening with some newsworthy print regarding his past illegal drug usage. The guess here is that Yankee fans will be forgiving towards “A-Fraud” as they predictably win their division with the plethora of high-priced free agent signees and the heat will be somewhat off him. Soft Cell charted with “Tainted Love” back in 1981, but will it be fair at the conclusion of his career for Rodriguez to have his accomplishments recorded at the top of the baseball charts? In The Bag — “Hefty,” er, “Lefty” Mickelson never makes it easy on himself as his roller coaster final round garnered him the Northern Trust Open title by a scant one shot. “When Will I See You Again?” — Exactly what the Bakersfield College baseball team is wondering about their home field as the new construction drags on. Becks — You've got to foot it, I mean hand it, to David Beckham. As the soccer world breathlessly hangs on every

soap opera-like article scribed regarding his future playing location, wife “Posh” is probably negotiating a fiveyear contract with “General Hospital” for him! “Wherefore Art Thou Manny?” — Are we still really caring? Manny Ramirez coyly continues to hold out to the largest bidder and his uber-agent, the crass Scott Boras, states “When you’re that good of a cake, it takes little frosting” in regards to whether his star is staying in shape. Beware, he who signs him, as Manny may very well shove that cake in your face at the wedding reception! You’ve been warned! And The Oscar Goes To — Manu Ginobili of the San Antonio Spurs for his OUTSTANDING flop work at crunch time of NBA games. Cue it Carly: “Nobody does it better!” Final Credits — The Stockdale Country Club hosts the Barber City Singles & Mixed Tennis Championships March 2 to 8. The Doubles Championships runs from March 9 to 15. Open to the public. For more info, call Mark at 834-1113.

February’s Athlete: A.J. Spiller

The Bakersfield Voice’s star athlete of the month for February is A.J. Spiller. A.J. was nominated by his mom and dad. He is 13 years old and plays water polo. After his name was picked from among the other Star Athlete nominees for February, A.J. will receive a $50 gift card for sporting equipment, compliments of Sports Authority.

This week’s Star Athlete: Ryleigh Gutierrez Nominated by Tammy Gutierrez I would like to nominate my daughter, Ryleigh Gutierrez, as a star athlete. She has been playing soccer for five years and recently was invited to play for the U09 Elite Bakersfield Soccer Club team. She immediately adapted to this new team and has been their star goal keeper since her very first game with them. She loves the game of soccer, playing when it is 105 degrees, raining and muddy, or while injured without complaining. She not only is a great athlete, but Ryleigh is also an honor roll student. Ryleigh is a wonderful and loving daughter and sister, and we feel she is our athlete of the week.

■ 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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