0315 Bakersfield Voice by Mercado Nuevo

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Goldenaires looking for voices Pg. 2 Attention! Party with Army theme Pg.6 Who should pay for spay/neuter? Pg. 9 Blaze on fire for 2009 season Pg. 10

March 15-21, 2009

w w w . b a k e r s f i e l d v o i c e . c o m

Wide open spaces Finding that ‘dream’ outdoor studio, pg. 6

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95 29

· 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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MARCH 15-21, 2009

EXTRA!EXTRA!

On the lookout for local songbirds other’s camaraderie at our weekly rehearsals throughe Goldenaires out the year (except sumare a group of mer). We rehearse on Wednesdays from 3 to 5 35 to 40 men p.m. in the meeting hall of and women, mostly retired, the Church of the Brethren at the corner of Palm and A who love to sing good four-part music, streets. Please join us! No auditions are required, under the talented direcalthough we assume you tion of Phil Witmer (who also directs the Bakersfield have had some choral experience in your past. Masterworks Chorale). We are partially funded During the Christmas by the Bakersfield Adult season and also in springSchools, plus we pay small time, we perform many dues to cover our expenses concerts at different venof new music and piano we will welcome sopranos, ues around Bakersfield. accompaniment. We are altos, and tenors, too! We are appreciated by currently in particular Anyone “out there” who those who listen to us, and need of basses, although loves to sing — come and we certainly enjoy each

BY AUDREY BARGER Community contributor

Staff

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

visit us. We will welcome you. Call me for info: 3977562 or e-mail: audreyplayer@sbcglobal.net

Last chance to nominate your beast!

Teresa Adamo Associate Editor tadamo@bakersfield.com Sandra Molen Copy Editor smolen@bakersfield.com

ART Dennis Wynne Designer dwynne@bakersfield.com

arch 16 is the deadline to enter your best beast in our ‘Bless the Beasts’ contest. Tell us in 200 words or less why your pet is the “Best Beast in Bakersfield.” The grand prize is a $25 gift card at Petco. Set up a FREE profile on www.bakersfieldvoice.com and then post your beast’s story and photo. The winner and runners-up will be featured in a future print edition of The Bakersfield Voice.

ADVERTISING Jaime De Los Santos Sales Manager jdelossantos@bakersfield.com 716-8632 David Alanis Sales Executive Gustavo Carrillo Sales Executive Samantha Vilchis Sales Executive

Kayla, Jessica Frey’s “amazing” West Highland Terrier. Kayla has been nominated for the best beast in TBV’s ‘Bless the Beasts’ contest.

Mark Wells Sales Executive

▲

PHOTO BY JESSICA FREY PHOTOGRAPHY

OFFICE

Endeavour presents rockin’ ‘Doo-Wop’ show BY BARBARA VASSAR Community contributor ndeavour Elementary’s Drama Club proudly presents “Doo-Wop Wed Widing Hood” on Friday, March 20 and Saturday, March 21, both shows at 7 p.m. This is a fun, family

friendly play that is sure to get the whole family twistin’ and shoutin’! “DooWop Wed Widing Hood”

takes you on a rock ‘n’ roll trip with three very different princes who are trying to win the right to woo fair

Red Riding Hood. Never mind the fact that Red doesn’t want to be wooed! Join this cast of wacky characters and go back in time to when poodle shirts and pony tails were hip — and you just might get a glimpse of the king of rock ‘n’ roll!

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

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

Share your

7 8

Your celebrations

■ 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

10 11

Will the Blaze be on fire?

A local sports fan speculates on a possible Bakersfield Blaze lineup.

Time to celebrate those good times in photos and special messages.

today!

Paying the pet price

TBV’s “Paw Print City” pet columnist ponders a plan to help control our serious pet overpopulation.

Our events calendar returns! Want your event featured? Post it today at: www.bakersfieldvoice.com

voice

Stylish savings

Sports Shorts

Local high school teams — basketball and soccer — battle for those championships! Who came out on top?

Just because the economy is suffering doesn’t mean your sense of fashion has to! Become a resessionista!

About the cover Community contributor Mark Geistweite took this breath-taking photo at Bear Mountain from Highway 58. A collection of his photographic work will be on display March 21-22 in Paso Robles. See more of Mark’s photos in this week’s “Spotlight On” section, page 6.

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■ 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!

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MARCH 15-21, 2009

THE VOICE CALENDAR Reservations required, 395-4441.

Sunday 3/15 Tim Callobre with young musicians, part of the Fred and Beverly Dukes Concert Series, 4 p.m., First Congregational Church, 5 Real Road. Free. 327-1609.

Monday 3/16 Kern County Young Republicans, monthly meeting, 6 p.m. Bill Lee’s, 1203 18th St. Free. kcyr.net. Bakersfield Yellow Jackets 2009 Basketball Season, for girls in grades 6th through 12th, 6 to 8 p.m. Monday and Thursday, Golden Valley High School, 801 Hosking Ave. 747-4505. Golf lessons for men & women, for beginners or intermediate levels, ages 18+, 910 a.m. Monday through Friday, Buena Vista Golf Course, 10256 Golf Course Road. $50 for a five day course. 326-3866.

Thursday 3/19

Friday 3/20

Bakersfield Parent Nursery fall enrollment and open house, 10 a.m. to noon, Thursday and Friday, 2080 Stine Road. 832-4690. Bakersfield Jam vs. Dakota, 7 p.m., Rabobank Arena, 1001 Truxtun Ave. $5-$100. bakersfieldjam.com or 716-4526.

“Doo-Wop Wed Widing Hood” presented by Endeavour Elementary’s Drama Club, Friday and Saturday, 7 p.m., Endeavour Elementary, 9300 Meacham Road. $3. blvassar@earthlink.net 30th annual Garces Gala, casual night, “Bella Sera” celebration, dinner, oral auction, 5:30 p.m., Garces High School, Monsignor Leddy Hall, 2800 Loma Linda Dr. $15. 3272578 ex. 120. Bakersfield Fiesta, sponsored by The United Square Dancers Association, with mainstream, plus, advanced, challenge and round dancing, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Kern County Fairgrounds, 1142 P St. bakersfieldfiesta.com or call 324-1390. “Barnum: The Musical,” doors open at 6:30 p.m., show at 8 p.m. Friday, Saturday; 12:30 and 2 p.m. Sunday, Stars Dinner Theater, 1931 Chester Ave. $50-$54; show only tickets $25. 325-6100. Book Signing & Reading, with author Peggy Yarber of “Tare,” 7 p.m., Bakersfield Art Association, Gallery of Art, East Hills Mall, 3000 Mall View Road. 872-2806. “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. FLICS International Cinema Society presents “Moliere,” 7:30 p.m., Bakersfield

Tuesday 3/17 “Be Seen in Green,” wear a shade of green and join us for shamrock stories and Celtic crafts, 3 p.m., Beale Memorial Library, 701 Truxtun Ave. 868-0750. 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. Sierra Club Conditioning Hikes, 3 to 5 miles, 7 p.m., meet at corner of Highways 178 and 184. 872-2432 or 873-8107.

Wednesday 3/18 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 about a hour-and-half, Action Sports, 9500 Brimhall Road, Ste. 400. Rain cancels event. 833-4000. Car Nights, 8:30 p.m., in front of Bakersfield Billiards, 2916 Niles St. 549-6276. Condors vs. Utah Grizzlies, 7 p.m., Rabobank Arena, 1001 Truxtun Ave. $7 to $23. bakersfieldcondors.com or 324-7825. Culinary Arts Program Gourmet Lunches, by BC’s culinary students, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Bakersfield College, Renegade Room, 1801 Panorama Dr. $8; take-out meals available.

ticketmaster.com or 322-2525.

▲ 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. “Muse” Art Exhibit, an all-women group art exhibit, exhibit runs until March 28, The Empty Space, 706 Oak St. 327-PLAY. Noontime Organ Recital, with Paul Tepker, 12:15 to 12:45 p.m., St. Paul’s Anglican Church, 2216 17th Street & B. 861-6020. Oildale Oral History Project, we are collecting oral histories about Oildale to celebrate its 100th anniversary, now until March 31, Kern County Library, Rathbun Branch, 200 W. China Grade Loop. Reservations are required for interviews, 3936431. The Newsboys, with special guests December Radio, Vota, Bread of Stone, doors open at 5 p.m. Thursday, concert immediately follows Jam game, Rabobank Arena, 1001 Truxtun Ave. $25; includes Jam game ticket.

Fox Theater, 2001 H St. $5. flics.org or call 3254815. “Supervillain,” 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, The Empty Space, 706 Oak St. 323-286-1496. “The Goat or Who is Sylvia?,” 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, The Empty Space, 706 Oak St.

Saturday 3/21 327-PLAY. Third Annual Pink & Black Party for a Cure, support the fight against cancer; VIP begins at 6 p.m., doors open at 9 p.m. for regular admission, Nile Bar & Grill, 1721 19th St. $15; all proceeds go to the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life; pink and black cocktail attire preferred. myspace.com/pinkandblack2007 or 865-0226. Weill Child Guidance Foundation Wine Tasting Event, samplings representing various regions in California, 5 to 8:30 p.m., Guild House, 1905 18th St. $60; proceeds go toward the children served by the Henrietta Weill Memorial Child Guidance Clinic. 322-1021. Book Signings & Food Demonstration, with local authors Camille Gavin, Miles Muzio and Rusty Shoop, will sign copies of their books, noon to 4 p.m.; and, cartoonist Ray Friesen will sign book copies in the children’s section, noon; also, Donald Smith from CPK will demonstrate how to make a dish from the CPK family cookbook, noon in the cafe, Saturday, Barnes and Noble, 4001 California Ave. 631-2575. Electronic E-Waste Recycling Event, bring your unwanted electronic items to the parking lot on the corner of Eye St. and 9th St., 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., 369-9861. COUPON

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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 15-21, 2009

These party guests were recognized for their bravery.

YOURVOICE

Birthday duty calls BY DEBBIE RAMIREZ-TINOCO Community Contributor n Feb. 18, Peter Tomas Lango received an official government document from the United States Army requiring him to report to Camp Tank on Feb. 28, at 1300 hours for field training and a simulated combat mission. While flattered by the Army’s call to duty, his Desk Sergeant notified the Drill Sergeant, SFC Zeke Chacon, that he had already earned the rank of Lt. Colonel with the United States Marines but would attend as a representative for the U.S. Marines. The soldiers and Lt. Col. were provided the appropriate training and combat gear and engaged in training on a state-of-the-art obstacle course, firing drills, recovery of injured soldiers, and classi- “Sgt.” Chacon & “Lt.Col” Lango on party patrol! fied survival training. Upon completion of the drills and training, the soldiers and Lt. Colonel participated in a combat mission whereby all were given recognition for their bravery, courage under fire, marksmanship, and service. The soldiers and Lt. Colonel were also in attendance for the honored reception of Sgt. Jonathan Chacon’s 7th birthday. The soldiers were proud of their accomplishments and elated by the afternoon’s combat success. However, the group of first- and second -graders were happy to return to the comfort of their home to discuss their mission with their moms.

PHOTOS BY MARK GEISTWEITE

SPOTLIGHT ON: Mark Geistweite This week’s “Spotlight On” community contributor is Mark Geistweite (username: whydangle). Geistweite is a professional photographer based out of Bakersfield who shoots primarily nature, agriculture and industry photography. He and his wife, Xiaoping, moved here from North Carolina in May 2007. They have a 4-year-old daughter, Kennis Lina. Kern County is a great place to take photos, according to Geistweite. “I love the wide open expanses of the area and the proximity to so many natural wonders,” he said. “It is a photographer’s dream.” Geistweite’s photography will be on exhibit March 21-22 in Paso Robles. The Zinfandel Fest is also that weekend. — To see this Bakersfield Voice contributor’s work online, go to: www.bakersfieldvoice.com. Click “Photos,” then “See User Galleries.” Look for photos posted by whydangle. WHAT: Mark Geistweite Print Showing WHEN: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., March 21-22 WHERE: Halter Ranch, 8910 Adelaida Road, Paso Robles, CA. DETAILS: Geistweite’s exhibit will include framed and unframed photographic art of the region and Paso Robles. His prints are mostly color, but there are black-and-white images, too. Prices range from $35 to $300. Wine tasting is $10. For more info, call Geistweite at 661-281-8895. The Halter ranch number is toll free, 888-367-9977.

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

MARCH 15-21, 2009

YOURCELEBRATIONS

CSUB’s almuna of the year

Happy 5th Birthday, Kylie

Daphne Harley has been named Cal State Bakersfield’s alumna of the year. Congratulations, Harley!

Happy Birthday to my beautiful baby girl. Mommy loves you so much! You have grown from the cutest little baby to the prettiest little girl. I can’t believe you are now 5 years old! I love you so much. Love You, Mommy

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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 15-21, 2009

YOURVOICE

How to stretch that wardrobe You can find a good look in midst of recession blues R

start wearing it. Actually, the black blazer is a fashion essential; I just haven’t worn mine in quite awhile. If your blazer has shoulder pads (remember the ‘80s), it’s time to invest in a new one. The blazer can work well with the jeans and a cute cami underneath it. Take it one step further and belt it and yet another look emerges. Add a scarf, and then you will look really pulled together. Another look that I wear quite frequently is wearing my favorite jeans with a nicely tailored sweater, with a lacy cami and pumps. This is another look that you can go practically anywhere in Bakersfield and look good doing it. Fashion can be fun, even if we are in a recession. The trick is using what you have and reinventing it. A great pair of jeans can be endless. Play with the pieces in your closet to see what you can come up with. A bit of advice to live by is just because you can, doesn’t mean you should. You always want to look your best.

BY LEDLIE SKIDMORE Community contributor

ecession-ista: Apparently there is a new word — it hasn’t hit the dictionaries yet — but the definition is a fashion conscious person who still wants to look fabulous and wear wonderful clothes in a recession — while spending as little money as possible. Most of us don’t have the money to buy new wardrobes for every season and we live on limited budgets, so the trick is to stretch what you already have hanging in your closet to the fullest potential and buying or using your own key pieces to develop your wardrobe more. It’s amaz-

ing how many looks you can get from just a few key garments. The first place to begin is to take an inventory of what you have in your closet to see what exactly you own. There are two rules of thumb when it comes to this — the first being if you haven’t worn it in a year, donate it. The second rule is anytime you buy something new, you have to get rid of something. I’m not sure I can live with that last rule, though my husband might be happy because I am kind of taking side will have to be mine! over his side of the closet. After you have taken an Slowly, but surely, that inventory, decide on what

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A PLACE TO THINK

that with a crisp, white button-down shirt and add a long necklace or scarf. Take the same pants and tuck them into some of the real fun fashionable boots. Make sure this is a look you can carry off — you don’t want the jeans to look stuffed in, rather you want to give the appearance of smoothness so your legs can look even longer. Being that I am 5 feet 2 inches tall, that can be important. A lot of women are cuffing their jeans. We can thank the stars in Hollywood for bringing this oldie back. This is a bit of a fad and it doesn’t look flattering on everyone, but it’s worth a try. You would be best wearing this with a pair of ballet flats and a cute Tshirt and a simple vest over it. Or you could even dress it up with a fancy top. It’s whatever you’re comfortable with and feel good wearing. I have to admit, I tried the look today and I kind of liked it. Now for another look — remember that black blazer hanging in the back of — Ledlie Skidmore is a your closet? It’s back in personal shopper and fashagain. Time to get it ion stylist for Impressions cleaned and get ready to Unlimited.

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you want to donate. An impulse item you bought that doesn’t go well with anything in your closet would also be great to donate. Also check sizes — if it doesn’t fit, don’t let it take up your valuable closet space. Now take a look at your coordinates. Ask yourself what pieces work well and which don’t. I am going to be discussing jeans a lot in this article because the best thing about Bakersfield is you can virtually go anywhere in jeans. What matters is in the presentation and how it is accessorized. Jeans can be such a versatile garment with infinite possibilities. You can get a multitude of looks with just one pair of straight leg jeans. Dark jeans are best because they can be dressed up much easier than a faded pair can. Also, ones with a little stretch can be very forgiving for our different figures. One look is to pair the jeans with pumps and a dressy jewel-toned blouse and you will have a sophisticated look you can hit the town in. You can also try

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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 15-21, 2009

PAWPRINT CITY

Taxpayers should foot bill for spay/neuter clinic here appear to be exactly two things that Kern County residents can agree on when it comes to companion animals: 1. There are far too many companion animals being abandoned and euthanized; 2. A low-cost spay/neuter program could greatly alleviate item number 1. Everyone gets that there is a

VICKY THRASHER Pet columnist

problem, and no one can agree on a way to solve it. My plan is simple — have homeowners fund a low-cost spay/neuter clinic. Before all the anti-tax-for-anything-at-all group gets their knickers in a twist, hear me out. Why shouldn’t we fund a spay/neuter clinic? After all, it’s our tax dollars that are being spent on every reactionary act that results from there being far too many homeless animals. Our tax dollars fund Animal Control, although not nearly enough of them are used in proportion to the problem. Our tax dollars are used every time one of their trucks has to go out and round up a dangerous stray, or pick up a carcass on the side of the road. They are used for the costs involved in housing and feeding the animals that come through their doors, and to purchase the needles and

euthanasia solution. And a few more are used to haul off the dead bodies to the rendering plant (or the crematory — I never could get a straight answer out of Animal Control on that one). Money from hard-working taxpayers is used for donations to nonprofit animal groups, without which they would be ill-equipped to operate. Same goes for the host of rescue groups in the area. And where do those donations come from? Working, taxpaying people. Even people who choose to take money from their own household budgets to alter the pets left behind when a neighbor moves out are using their aftertax money to try and make a difference (myself included). And don’t forget who picks up the tab when an uninsured individual is bitten by a stray animal.

That would be we, the taxpayers, covering the emergency room costs for treating the wound. So why not try something radically different? Why not decide that each home gets assessed $5 per year as part of their property taxes to fund a low-cost spay/neuter clinic? Animals could be altered for a very low fee, thus reducing shelter intake rates, homeless pet rates and euthanasia rates. Fewer calls to Animal Control gives them more time to work on proactive, rather than reactive, programs. Fewer strays mean safer streets for people to walk and children to play. There would be fewer cats roaming around disturbing the carefully planted gardens of people who aren’t cat fans anyway. Where’s the downside? The

fact that it might be construed as a (gasp!) tax? Call it something different, then. Call it the Kern County Humane Pet Stewardship Act, if that helps. It’s $5 per year. The cost of one cup of designer coffee. Per household. And everyone wins. We become a community that finds a way to solve our own problems. All we have to do is decide that we really want to do something, then do it. One last note: Enter your pet in the “Bless the Beasts” pet contest on The Bakersfield Voice Web site, www.bakersfieldvoice.com, where you have a chance to win a $25 gift certificate to Petco. The deadline is March 16. Have a pet-related question or comment? E-mail Vicky at: vicky@pawprintcity.com or visit:

Pets of the Week

Hi! My name is Mr. Whisker and I am a Hi! My name is Sweet Momma and I am an 8 month old, neutered male, black a two year old, female blue and white Pit domestic short hair mix. I am a very sweet Bull mix. I was found abandoned, was and loving cat that likes to play with toys, fostered in a loving home and now I be with people and snuggle in the can’t wait to find a new forever friend. I sunshine. I would make a great fit for a am great with kids of all ages and other dogs. Don’t forget to mention my ID family with older children. Don’t forget to number - 745979! mention my ID number - 754428! 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.

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 15-21, 2009

YOURVOICE

Who is on your Bakersfield Blaze roster? Roark, who was very solid in his brief Bakersfield debut last season. Engel Beltre, Mike Bianucci and Joey Butler will give his season’s Bakersfield Blaze team should feathe Blaze a legit trio of outfield prospects who should ture a few first-round, amateur draft picks who enjoy their stay in should be making their full season debut in the the hitter-friendly Cal League in 2009. California League. The top prospect to watch this season will be The infield will Justin Smoak, the Rangers 11th pick in the 2008 include Mitch draft. Smoak received a signing bonus of $3.5 million, Moreland at first only second to Mark Teixeira’s $4.5 million in 2001 — base and 23-yearbut is he ready for the majors? old third baseman With a smooth, easy swing and decent power, this Jonathan Greene. switch-hitting first baseman might just be the long-term Note: This roster answer to the Mark Teixeira-shaped hole in the Rangers’ speculation was not lineup. produced with During his three-year career at the University of information from South Carolina, the switch-hitting first baseman set Justin Smoak was selected with the 11th pick in the 2008 the Texas Rangers school records with 62 home runs and 207 RBIs. draft by the Texas Rangers. organization. He signed with the Rangers just before the midThese are just August deadline, and was only able to collect 56 at bats in The rest of the 2009 Blaze lineup will be rounded out his first season, which might be the only reason that he by top pitching prospect Michael Main, 2007 first-round- some of my thoughts. We will soon find out which players will make up the will end up in Bakersfield to start 2009. er rounder Blake Beavan, as well as lefties Tim Murphy, Bakersfield Blaze roster as the 2009 season draws closer. Smoak will probably not be playing A ball for long, so Richard Bleier, and Zach Phillips. Blaze fans might want to get their tickets in the first half The bullpen will feature reliever Fabio Castillo, Corey Until then, all we can do is speculate. Who is on your Blaze roster? of the 2009 season. Young, and the surprising 2008 draft pick, Tanner

BY MATT MARTZ Community contributor

Educator of the Month

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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.

Medi-cal/ Denti-cal and Healthy Families Plan accepted.