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Nov. 1-7, 2009
F R E E
Celebrations: The Voice travels to Connecticut! Pg. 2 ‘Tis Chez Noel season Pg. 4 Haggard & Haslam together for Oildale celebration Pg. 9
Walking toward a cure for diabetes
Join the fundraiser hosted by the Bakersfield JDRF Nov. 7, pg. 3 NOVEMBER SPECIAL
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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
NOV. 1-7, 2009
CELEBRATIONS Happy 50th Birthday, David Judd!
Dave Jolley and grandchildren, Jake and Sophia Schonacher, take The Bakersfield Voice to New London, CT! 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
Happy Birthday, Bobby Judd! We Love You
ART Kent Kuehl Designer kkuehl@bakersfield.com
ADVERTISING Jaime De Los Santos Sales Manager jdelossantos@bakersfield.com 716-8632
OFFICE Marisol Sorto Office Administrator msorto@bakersfield.com 716-8640
EXTRA!EXTRA!
Hospice volunteers offered weekend training
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.
Share stories, photos, blogs in
BY RHONDA FRANKHOUSER
Voice
Community contributor
O
ptimal Hospice Care, 4700 Stockdale Hwy., Ste. 120, is offering a special weekend volunteer training session Saturday, Nov. 14 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This special training session is offered for individuals who are interested in volunteering, but find it difficult to attend weekday training sessions. Please call today to reserve your seat at 716-4000 or e-mail: kbudnick@optimalcares.com. A light lunch will be provided. If you have special food requirements, please plan to bring your lunch.
COURTESY PHOTO
Make a difference by donating a little time and compassion!
Breakfast and craft fair to benefit music program
Southside Chicago Seven in concert Nov. 22
BY PEEJAY HERDA
Community contributor
Community contributor
B
akersfield Parent Nursery will host its Third annual Pancake Breakfast and Holiday Craftacular Bonanza, Saturday, Nov. 7, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., 2080 Stine Road. Bring family and friends. Breakfast is $6 for adults; $4 for children. Proceeds from this event help fund Bakersfield Parent Nursery’s Harmony Road Music Program.
BY MARJORIE BELL
T
he Southside Chicago Seven will be appearing in concert on Sunday, Nov. 22 at 4 p.m. in the sanctuary of First Congregational Church, 5 Real Road. The local swing jazz group is presenting the third concert of the season in the Fred and Beverly Dukes Memorial Concert series. There is no charge for admission. Details, 327-1609
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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Must be posted before Nov. 4 Must be posted before Nov. 11 Must be posted before Nov. 18 Must be posted before Nov. 25
If you’d like to advertise: Please contact The Voice Sales Manager, Jaime De Los Santos, at 716-8632. COURTESY PHOTO
Southside Chicago Seven
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NOV. 1-7, 2009
YOURVOICE
Contents
Take a stroll to find a cure for diabetes Nov. 7
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BY A. PERKINS-THOMAS Community contributor
TO ATTEND WALK TO CURE DIABETES
J
im’s Supply, Inc. presents the Bakersfield Branch of Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) 12th annual Walk to Cure Diabetes. The Bakersfield branch of JDRF is gearing up for its 12th annual 5k fundraiser walk on Saturday, Nov. 7 at Yokuts Park. Over 2,500 people are expected to walk, run and bike to raise money for diabetes research. Free family activities: bounce houses, rock climbing wall, local entertainment, dancing to Chesterfield King and the Sultans of Swings, free continental breakfast and lunch for all walkers and volunteers. Registration for the walk is at 8 a.m. and the walk begins at 9:15 a.m., sharp! Last year, the Bakersfield Chapter raised over $225,000 for diabetes research, and this year’s goal is $250,000. More than 24 million Americans live with diabetes and its complications. As many as 194 million people are afflicted worldwide with diabetes. Diabetes kills one American every three minutes. Recent studies have shown that diabetes accounted for more than $132 billion in annual health care costs to the US. Insulin is only life support — it is not a cure.
Saturday, Nov. 7 Registration at 8 a.m. 5k walk at 9:15, sharp! Yokuts Park Free family activities; free continental breakfast and lunch for all walkers and volunteers. Details, 636-1305.
In Kern County, JDRF has been a presence for over 12 years. It is estimated that at least 7 percent of the total county population has diabetes. The Annual Walk for a Cure for Diabetes has raised over $1.7 million for diabetes research since 1997 for both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. JDRF–Bakersfield hosts monthly and bi- monthly support groups for teens, kids and their families. Hundreds of “Bags of Hope” have been distributed to newly diagnosed families. All materials are available in both Spanish and English. Also, each year JDRF sponsors a free day camp and away camp for type 1 and type 2 kids. The Honorary Walk Chair for the 2009 walk are all Kern County residents who are diabetic. Sponsors for this year’s walk include:
Presenting Sponsor: Jim’s Supply, Co, Inc. Platinum Sponsors: The Diane S. Lake Family, Gold Sponsor: Mary Cruz Realty Silver Sponsors: Bank of America, Chevron, Performance Electric and Pro’s Ranch Markets. Lunch Sponsor: The Ben H. and Gladys Arkelian, Klein, Denatale and Goldner, David Carr Family and the Bakersfield Chapter of the Links, Inc. Bronze Sponsors: Baker-Hughes, Haddad–Bashirtash, Del-Taco, SEIU 521. Media Sponsors: San Joaquin Community Hospital, Buckley Radio Group, KGETChannel 17 and KKEY-Telemundo. To help us fund a cure for Diabetes, please visit one of our Sneaker Sale Locations during November: Pro’s Ranch Markets; Del Taco; Lassen’s Health Foods; El Tejon Pharmacies; All Post Net; Lee’s Pharmacies; Ming & H Pharmacies; and Walgreens. JDRF, the leading charitable funder and advocate of type 1 diabetes research worldwide, was founded in 1970 by the parents of children with juvenile diabetes, a disease which strikes children suddenly, makes them insulindependent for life, and carries the constant threat of devastating complications. Since inception, JDRF has provided more than $910 million in direct funding to diabetes research.
Let there be lights!
Independence High switches on new football stadium lights.
A sports smorgasbord
Sports Shorts columnist Michael Elliott checks out the local sports scene. Take his pop quiz, too!
Real athletes wear pink!
Some young football players don’t mind wearing pink in support of cancer awareness.
About the cover
Taylor’s Troopers walked for the benefit of finding a cure for diabetes. This will be the 12th annual 5k fundraiser walk for JDRF. It takes place Saturday, Nov. 7, 2009 in Yokuts Park. Registration is at 8 a.m.; walk begins at 9:15 a.m., sharp! Last year, $225,000 was raised. The goal for this year's walk is $250,000. Photo by Linda J. Oliver. Your photo could be on our next cover! Photos and stories for the Nov. 15 issue must be posted by Wednesday, Nov. 4 at 5 p.m.
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Meet Jack! Jack is a one year old neutered male, red Labrador Retriever mix. Jack would do best in a family with older children as he is a high energy dog and will need lots of exercise and attention to make him a happy dog. Jack would be happiest in a home with no cats. Don’t forget to mention his ID number - 783406!
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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NOV. 1-7, 2009
YOURVOICE
Chez Noel to feature Christmas decor at local homes COURTESY OF THE ASSISTANCE LEAGUE OF BAKERSFIELD
T
his will be the 20th year of highlighting holiday decor on the Chez Noel Christmas Tour — during which local homes are transformed into twinkling Winter Wonderlands, then opened to the public for two days. It is a favorite among many Bakersfield residents. The event is a major fundraiser for the Assistance League of Bakersfield, which operates the Bargain Box Thrift Store (open 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Saturday at 1924 Q St.) as well as the Operation School Bell program. Operation School Bell provides brand new clothing, shoes and school supplies for Kern County children whose families cannot afford these new items. Starbucks also provides the refreshments at the Holiday Boutique during Chez Noel weekend, during which local vendors set up their yuletide wares for sale. “This place turns into a Christmas fantasy-land — it’s very pretty,” said Judy Thomas, co-chair of Chez Noel. Chez Noel tickets will be available starting Saturday, Nov. 7. They are $35 for either day of the event — Friday, Dec. 4, or Saturday, Dec. 5. Tickets are available at: Bargain Box; Pappagallo; Olcotts; Sugardaddy’s; Miss Holiday; Country Club Liquors & Delicatessen. Note: No cell phones, photography, high heels, wheelchair access or children under 12 allowed on the tours. Details, 861-9223.
FELIX ADAMO / THE CALIFORNIAN
Charlotte and Bob Brandt's formal dining room was a virtual feast for the eyes in 2008.
Fire Capt. Pat Rebello holding American Flag as Firefighter Blain Haywood holds the Kern County Fire Department’s flag, awaiting Grant Young’s name to be read. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE BRENT MOON FAMILY.
Kern firefighters honor colleagues who’ve died in the line of duty BY DEBORAH TINOCO Community contributor
O
n Saturday, Oct. 17, at the California Firefighters Memorial located on the grounds of the State Capitol, the Kern County Fire Department Honor Guard participated in the ceremonies commemorating 82 firefighters who died in the line of duty from traumatic field injuries or job-related causes. This year, one of Kern County’s finest, Grant Young, was added to the wall. Grant began his firefighting career as a part of the U.S. Forest Service Fulton Interagency Hotshot Crew. He loved to fight wildfires, and in 1984, joined the Kern County Fire Department and became an essential part of their wildland program and helped to create the Black Mountain Hotshots and the Golden Empire hand crew. After a courageous battle that
lasted over a year, Grant succumbed to job-related cancer in 2009. Six KCFD Honor Guard members participated in ceremonies in honor of their fallen brother, Grant Young. Fire Capt. Dan Gonzalez was one of four Memorial Wall Guards and Firefighter Ed Martinez rang the Last Alarm Bell as the names of the fallen were read. Fire Capt. Gil Tinoco dipped the flag in honor of a fallen Ventura County firefighter. Firefighter Tony Garcia and Retired Batallion Chief Rich Hall, also dipped the flag in honor of a fallen firefighter as their names were read. Firefighter Blain Haywood dipped the KCFD’s flag in honor of their fallen brother, as Fire Capt. Pat Rebello presented the American flag to Grant Young’s widow at the request of the Young family. Accompanying the KCFD Honor Guard to the ceremony were Batallion Chief Brent Moon and Command Chief Mike Miller.
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NOV. 1-7, 2009
YOURENTERTAINMENT
Bakersfield’s favorite son to celebrate Oildale BY MIRIAM RAUB VIVIAN Community contributor
W
arm up to the “Oildale and Beyond” conference with a concert the previous evening, Friday, Nov. 6, at Trout’s, 805 N. Chester Ave., the last of the original Bakersfield honky tonks, where singers Buck Owens and Merle Haggard launched their careers and created what’s known as the Bakersfield Sound. Beginning at 8:30 p.m., hear Rockwell’s Blackboard Playboys perform in period costume, with special guest, local legend Red Simpson, at 8:45 p.m. No charge before 8 p.m.; $5 thereafter. Must be at least 21 years old. Free, first-time line and country couple dance lessons. Historic displays of Bakersfield Sound memorabilia. BBQ dinner available for $10: Rocksliders (filet mignon on Hawaiian bread), green salad, green beans, fresh fruit, cheddar and jack cheese cubes, and chocolate cake. To contact Trout’s, call 3996700. Visit our Web site for full details and instructions on registering: www.csub.edu/history.
HENRY A. BARRIOS / THE CALIFORNIAN
Educator of the Month
Merle Haggard performs during Billy Mize birthday party at the Crystal Palace in April this year.
‘Oildale and Beyond’ conference to include Haslam & Haggard Nov. 7 BY MIRIAM RAUB VIVIAN
Veronica Green Nominated by Mrs. Green’s Class of 2009-10
Community contributor
We nominate Mrs. Veronica Green for educator of the month. She teaches sixth grade at Downtown Elementary. Mrs. Green always encourages us to do our best.
C
alifornia State University Bakersfield and the Public History Institute at CSUB will present “Oildale and Beyond: Interpreting the Region Through Words, Images, and Music,” an all-day conference on campus, 9001 Stockdale Hwy., on Saturday, Nov. 7, featuring presentations on a wide range of local history topic including — the secret U-2 spyplane program in Oildale, the impact of the 1918 influenza, New Deal architecture, the early oil industry, water issues, the experiences of various ethnic groups, the KKK, and the Bakersfield Sound — as well as a short original play, a keynote address by author Gerald Haslam, an interview of Merle Haggard by journalist Robert Price. A song or two by Haggard, and a Q & A with Haslam, Haggard, and James L. from Oildale will wrap up the event. Cost for the all-day event is $30 general; $25 seniors (65+) and $20 for students. Visit our Web site for full details and instructions on registering: www.csub.edu/history.
Educator of the month
This year, Mrs. Green told us that we have to be more responsible students because we’re growing up. But that helps us learn even more and get ready for junior high and high school. We will be going to Camp Keepyour this month To submit nominee for Educator of the Month, go to: www.northwest voice.com then click on “Post Something!” and contribute a know it will be fun! with Mrs. paragraph Green —about wewhy you appreciate and would like to recognize your nominee. Be sure Thank you,toMrs. for allname, youschool, do! department and picture. The contest is open to includeGreen, the educator’s 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 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. COURTESY PHOTO
Gerald Haslam
I’d lik Mr. R At the having for kin as to w girls silly s marve
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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
NOV. 1-7, 2009
YOURSPORTS
Local volleyball teams could ‘spike’ golden seasons!
L
ocal sneak peeks
Centennial High’s varsity volleyballers appear to be the cream of the crop in our area, as well, perhaps, in the entire Central Section. In keeping with, Bakersfield College has a sweet, unblemished Western State Conference vball record. Undefeated, you say? Look no further than the Frontier Titans’ powerhouse football team. How about Stockdale’s girls tennis run of 11 straight SWYL titles, and counting. Rare air indeed as Sports columnist BHS garnered football victory #700 to become California’s first high school team to reach that lofty plateau.
MICHAEL ELLIOTT
Going to the birds The Condors have taken flight with an early Pacific Division lead in the ECHL.
Freeway series The Dodgers and Angels both had exemplary seasons with division titles and first-round playoff victories. But each came up short in their quest to reach the ballyhooed matchup Angelinos and Fox Sports executives were hoping for. In the end, the closest that the Freeway Series came to fruition was that each team was free to go their own way!
‘Where Have All The Flowers Gone?’ I keep wondering the same as that song title in regards to Oakland Raiders gear as I drive around town. Used to be that, come foot-
ball season, car flags, T-shirts, skull caps, jackets, ball caps, hoodies, etc. adorned with the symbols of the Silver & Black were dominating the sports scene in “Raidersfield.” Guess the off-field product has grown as cold as the on-field product as czar Al Davis refuses to acquiesce to current pro football logic. Where’s John Madden, Kenny Stabler, Howie Long and Marcus Allen when you need them?
‘Welcome to My Nightmare’ While we’re on the subject of song titles and as Halloween has just passed, anyone remember Alice Cooper’s breakout solo effort into shock-rock? Please, I’m not diverting from local subject matter here, as I personally witnessed his “Nightmare” show down at the Civic Auditorium back in the ‘70s. It was ghoulishly entertaining! Which leads me to the eagerlyanticipated recent high school football showdown in Wasco as Taft High acted out its version of a nightmare in blanking the Tigers 42-0. Going in, it was thought that Wasco not only had the home field advantage, but also their blackand-orange school colors on their side. Scary.
OK, Pop Quiz time The Men’s Senior Baseball League World Series is currently taking place in Tempe, Arizona, and with keeping with subject matter, thought I’d pop a macabre quiz on you. The name of one of the 450 teams participating in the Series is the Oregon Donors. Can you deduce what the team name is referring to? Hint #1: Read the first name of the team really fast! Hint #2: Not for the faint of heart! Check out the answer in my next column a few weeks from now ... Lest I forget ... BOO!
PHOTO COURTESY OF MELANIE BETTIS
They built it, and now they come to enjoy nighttime football games at Independence High.
Let there be lights! BY MELANIE BETTIS Community contributor
A
we inspiring, phenomenal, and exciting were just a few words used to describe this memorable Friday night football game. For the very first time, hundreds of students, parents, and faculty entered the stadium under the new lights at Independence High School. School Principal Willie Sandoval said it was “great to see the excitement of the entire student body.” He, along with other staff, commented about the pride felt by
the students and how much they look forward to setting new traditions. The best is yet to come when the stadium is fully complete with a scoreboard and sound system, hopefully in the very near future. Independence High School opened in August 2008, and, as we all know, last year was not the easiest time to try and raise money. We have been fortunate to have an amazing level of involvement from parents, school employees, the Kern High School District and the community. Without your support and generosity, this goal would not have been met, so a big “thank you” goes out to all!
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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
NOV. 1-7, 2009
YOURSPORTS
Stockdale boys basketball could ride to championship BY OLIVER BROWN Community contributor
S
tockdale’s new varsity boys basketball coach has brought together an experienced and talented coaching staff that, together with talented student athletes, will make a strong contender for this year’s League and Valley titles. Brown, a graduate of CSUB and Point Loma Nazarene University, coached under Alex Lee at Centennial for the last four years, helping the Golden Hawks compile an 86-29 overall record. Brown was a part of two consecutive SWYL championship teams in 2008 and 2009; in 2008, the team was a Division II valley runner-up. Brown is excited about the upcoming season and has found this group of players to be “all in.” “I’m excited to have this opportunity,” Brown said. “Head coach of boys basketball at a Division I high school is a dream job. I look forward to working with all the talented players at Stockdale and have found the parent support to be top-notch.” The new coaching staff is now assembled and features faces both new and familiar to Stockdale.
“My first priority was to get some of the best coaches possible,” Brown said. Mike Thompson will be coaching the JV team. In 2004, Thompson was the JV coach at Stockdale. He brings 13 years of coaching experience including every level of club basketball. His son, Cale, was the starting point guard for the 2002 Valley Championship Stockdale Mustangs. In addition, Thompson is currently employed by North of the River Recreation & Park District and is responsible for all afterschool sports. Also joining the coaching staff at Stockdale is 1999 Stockdale graduate Bryson Gholston. Gholston, a teacher at Stockdale, received his bachelor’s degree in psychology from Northern Colorado. Gholston played two years at Bakersfield College, and later played professionally in Germany, returning to the U.S. to tryout for the Denver Nuggets. Gholston is currently earning his masters degree at Cal State Bakersfield. Talking about the outlook for the program, Brown said: “I believe this team, with these coaches, has the potential to go far — and it will definitely be a exciting season.”
BERECRUITED.COM
At right, Amar Deol of the Stockdale Mustangs basketball team.
Athlete of the month: Sarah Baker Nominated by Sally Baker
‘Extra Innings’ with Dad! BY RON VALENTI Community contributor
E
xtra Innings, Bakersfield’s newest baseball instructional facility, is holding its first “Daddy & Me Hitting Clinic.” The clinic will be held over two days; Thursday, Nov. 12 (6:30 – 7:30 p.m.) and Saturday, Nov. 14 (1– 2 p.m.). The first session will be for parents only, where they will be introduced to basic hitting fundamentals, common errors, and how to recognize and correct flaws. During the second session, the parent(s), accompanied by their child, will actually instruct their son or daughter in hitting tech-
niques. Professional hitting instructors will be constantly moving around, helping the parents with their one-onone interaction. Video will be taken of each hitter before and after instruction. The video will then be transferred to a DVD, with voice-over assessment, and given to each family. This informative opportunity is open to children ages 713, with a maximum of only 10 children being accepted for registration. Instructors are Larry Barnes, Ty Soto, and Ron Valenti. Cost is $90. Call Extra Innings at 589-8900 to register, or sign up at the instructional facility, located at 4820 Rosedale Lane. Rosedale Lane is located just east of Allen Road, off of Hageman.
I would like to nominate my daughter, Sarah Baker, for the October athlete of the month. Sarah is a junior at Bakersfield High School, where she plays varsity soccer and runs for the varsity track and crosscountry teams. It’s cross-country season right now, and Sarah is already breaking records for her 3-mile-run times! She won the EB Invitational meet earlier this season with a time of 19:19. Then she clocked the fastest time in Kern County so far this year at the Woodbridge meet with 18:23!
■ 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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NOV. 1-7, 2009
YOURSPORTS
Freedom football goes the extra yard for cancer cause BY PAUL GARCIA Community contributor
rom national teams to those at the club level, athletes around the country are wearing pink and recognizing Breast Cancer Awareness Month. My son plays for a Golden Empire Youth Football team, Freedom’s Freshman team, and after practice one evening, he approached me with some pink shoelaces. He explained to me that a parent donated them to the team, to be worn for the next few games. I knew why, and this gave me an opportunity to explain to my son why. Throughout October, NFL athletes have been wearing pink during games. Brett Favre, Larry Fitzgerald, Drew Brees and many other NFL stars will wear pink cleats and other pink-colored gear during games this weekend as the league supports October’s National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
F
Jessica Ramirez, a Freshmen Freedom football parent, may have seen the NFL players doing it on the field and thought what a great idea for our football team to do as well. She invested in pink shoelaces and donated them to the team. The pink laces have been proudly worn by the Freshmen Freedom football team during the month of October. This has been a great way to educate our youth and get them actively involved in supporting cancer awareness. Many of our families have been affected by breast cancer and many people know someone who has been affected by it. Freshmen Freedom football has something in common with the NFL, and now, breast cancer awareness. This is a really cool idea to unite the nation’s sports and its athletes, at all levels of the playing field, for awareness of breast cancer. How wonderful for our areas youth athletes, as well as national athletes, to support awareness for such a worthy cause.
PHOTO COURTESY OF PAUL GARCIA
GEYF players donned bright pink shoelaces to show support for breast cancer awareness.
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