www.bakersfieldvoice.com
May 17-23, 2009
F R E E
Do we have TWO contests for you! Pg. 3 Reading romance Pg. 6 Relay for Life battles cancer for 25 years Pg. 7
Stepping Frontier High students out in style head to the prom! Pg. 4 661-873-8212 661-325-5779 661-398-0921 VISIT WWW.MIDASBAKERSFIELDCA.COM FOR MORE GREAT TOTAL CAR CARE SAVINGS
10 OFFSERVICES OVER$100 $ 20 OFFSERVICES OVER$200 $ 30 OFFSERVICES OVER$300 $
Brakes, Exhaust, Fluids, Suspension, Factory Maintenance Service, Wheel Alignments, Belts, Hoses, Headlamps, Bulbs And More. Excludes tires, batteries and oil changes. Discount off regular price. Consumer pays all taxes. Most vehicles. Cash value 1/100th of 1¢. Coupon must be presented at time of purchase. One coupon per total invoice. Not good with any other offer. Valid at participating location(s) listed below. Void if sold, copied or transferred and where prohibited by law. Expires 7/1/09.
$
24
SMOG CHECK
INCLUDES 95 FREE TIRE $ ROTATION!
• Up to 5 quartsmulti-grade oil • New oil filter • Check underhood fluid levels Synthetic and synthetic blend oils extra. Additional shop supply fee may be charged, where permitted by law. Custom wheels and vehicles with TPMS may be extra. Consumer pays all taxes. Most vehicles. Cash value 1/100th of 1¢. Coupon must be presented at time of purchase. Not good with any other offer. Valid at participating location(s) listed below. Void if sold, copied or transferred and where prohibited by law. Expires 7/1/09.
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 7/1/09.
*DI9000USOTH*
3723 Auburn St 2919 Chester Ave 6919 White Ln
OIL CHANGE
*OC823USOTH*
LOCALLY FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED
GREAT SAVINGS
*BD124NAOTH*
3 BAKERSFIELD LOCATIONS!
2
W W W. B A K E R S F I E L D V O I C E . C O M
MAY 17-23, 2009
EXTRA!EXTRA!
Staff EDITORIAL Olivia Garcia Vice President /Content ogarcia@bakersfield.com Gene Garaygordobil Managing Editor ggaraygordobil@bakersfield.com 716-8642 THE CALIFORNIAN
Team Smarty Pants collaborated pondering over the first 10 questions during last year’s Brains of Bakersfield competition at CSUB.
Be a brainiac for ‘Brains of Bakersfield!’ COURTESY OF CAL STATE BAKERSFIELD
T
rivia masters, put on your thinking caps! Saturday, May 30, is the Fourth annual “Brains of Bakersfield” contest at California State University, Bakersfield’s Icardo Center, benefiting the CSUB men’s soccer team and Ricky’s Retreat, a group home and community center for people with AIDS. “Brains of Bakersfield” is based on the popular British trivia game “Quiz Night,” commonly played in pubs and on television. The contest features teams of up to 10 people inside CSUB’s Icardo Center who are challenged to answer tough questions ranging from
sports trivia to scientific facts. The questions are timed and each team records its answers. Competition is fierce and fast paced. The evening starts with a cocktail hour at 6:30 p.m. and the questions will begin to fly at 7 p.m. Dinner will be provided during halftime courtesy of Frugatti’s Italian Eatery with Lengthwise Brewery sponsoring the cool refreshment for the evening. The entry fee for the “Brains of Bakersfield” contest is $300 per team and the winning team will receive trophies naming them the “Brainy Bunch.” The deadline to enter is May 25. For more information or to enter a team, call Ben Graham at 654-2598.
Drilling for Drillers from 1999 Boy scouts to camp out with Blaze
BY KATIE (LOPEZ) GAGO Community contributor
I
t’s been 10 years already? Right now, we are seeking Driller alumni from Bakersfield High School’s Class of 1999. Please e-mail contact information to: drillers1999@hotmail.com We have set the date for Saturday, Oct. 24. Cost will be $50 per person. Location and time to be announced soon! Friday, Oct. 23 is the BHS homecoming game. We will have a sectioned roped off for classmates and their family to enjoy the game at $2 per person. Please send in your informa- check the BHS Class of 1999 tion! Reunion Web site at: Also, for regular updates, www.drillers1999.blogspot.com
COURTESY OF SOUTHERN SIERRA COUNCIL OF BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA
C
ome join us for our fifth annual Scout Day & Overnight Camp Out event with the Bakersfield Blaze (tents only), Friday, May 22. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. The price of admission includes game ticket, hot dog, chips and soda, and special parade around the field for Scouts in uniform. For more information, call 325-9036.
Teresa Adamo Associate Editor tadamo@bakersfield.com Sandra Molen Writer/Copy Editor smolen@bakersfield.com
ART Timothy Heinrichs Designer theinrichs@bakersfield.com
ADVERTISING Jaime De Los Santos Sales Manager jdelossantos@bakersfield.com 716-8632 David Alanis Sales Executive Gustavo Carrillo Sales Executive Mark Wells Sales Executive Angela Espinoza Sales Executive Katie Blair Sales Executive Jose Trevino Sales Executive Samantha Vilchis Sales Executive
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. To learn more or to contribute news and pictures, visit us online at: www.bakersfieldvoice.com
3
W W W. B A K E R S F I E L D V O I C E . C O M
MAY 17-23, 2009
Contents
YOURCONTESTS
Two fun contests — lots of cool prizes!
4
Prom Season
5
Missing those footsteps
7
There’s a new church in town
It’s that time of year again when high school students’ thoughts turn to everything regarding prom! Check out some photos!
site: www.bakersfieldvoice.com and create a FREE o we have a contest for you! Well, actually profile. Begin posting stories, photos and blogs immediately. we have TWO! While you are at it, and to celebrate Father’s Day, The first one: Tell us your child's favorite Sesame Street character and why in 200 enter our “Goofy Dad Moments” contest in which the prize is SIX tickets to the Monterey Bay Aquarium words or less. If your entry is chosen, (a nearly $200 value)! What a great way to spend a you’ll get FOUR tickets to the “Sesame special day with dad! Street Live” show on June 2 & To enter this contest, just tell us a funny story 3 at Rabobank Theater. (200 words or less) involving your dear ol’ Deadline to enter is dad, or tell us something Tuesday, May 26 goofy or funny your dad at noon. does that keeps you in It’s easy to stitches. The deadline to enter. enter is June 1, and the Just go winner and selected to our runners-up will be Web featured in a future printed edition of The Bakersfield Voice!
D
Our Creative Corner features a Bakersfield dad’s poem on his teens leaving the nest and how their departure affects mom and dad.
Olive Branch Community Church is dedicated and branching out for new congregants.
About the cover Bakersfield Voice contributor Laura McLean took photographs of her daughter and her friends just before they left for the Frontier High School prom. We would love to see your photos of your special school event in our photo galleries. It’s easy to create a free profile and begin posting your photos today. Your photo could be on our next cover! Photos and stories for the June 7 issue must be posted by Wednesday, May 27 at 5 p.m.
H INA ’ S P HARMACY ALTERNATIVE CARE HOME CARE & HOSPITAL STAFFING
• Homemaker Services • Personal Care • Employees Screened Bonded and Insured • Dementia Care
• Care Management • End of Life Care • Hospital Personal Care Attendant
FREE
$5.00 OFF
PRESCRIPTION MULTI-VITAMINS 30 day supply for children 12 and under.
Any new or transferred prescription (Limit 1 per person)
9508 Stockdale Hwy. #130 Phone: 661-664-7979 Mon-Fri: 9am – 6pm (At the Riverwalk Medical Complex)
500 Old River Rd. #125 Phone: 661-663-0977 Mon-Fri: 9am – 6pm & Sat: 10am – 2pm (In Mercy Southwest Hospital)
Serving The Community Since 1990
“Everyday is a blessing for my mother, and I am beholden to the great caregivers from Alternative Care.” — Howard Silver
(661) 631-2036
FAST AND COURTEOUS SERVICE • Walkers, Wheelchairs, and Crutches available • Specializing in custom compounding (Please call for details) • Unit dose packaging for assisted living and group homes
2029 21st Street • Bakersfield, CA 93301
Expires 8/30/2009
PRE-SCHOOL ACADEMY
It’s not just about swimming... It’s about surviving!
• • • • • • •
Specialized survival swimming for ages 6 months to 6 years with highly effective one-on-one lessons.
Angela Champion Certified ISR Instructor
661-378-5803 a.champion@infantswim.com www.infantswim.com
The Comprehensive Drowning Prevention Program
www.kreativekidz.biz
Kindergarten Preparation All Meals Provided Before & After School Care School Age Transportation Subsidize Programs Accepted Computer Training Ages: Infant to 12 yrs
665-1200 Lic #153808273
Gossford & Harris (Behind Sam’s Club)
4
W W W. B A K E R S F I E L D V O I C E . C O M
MAY 17-23, 2009
YOURVOICE
It’s that time of year!
Prom and graduation season is upon us again. Share the special moments you’ll surely capture on film of these momentous occasions with your Bakersfield Voice community. Just go to our Web site: www.bakersfieldvoice.com, create a FREE profile and start sharing your photos today!
Frontier Prom Frontier Prom girls: Lindsey Spurling, Audrey McLean, Marci Gonzalez, Breann Freeland and Liz Shue.
Educator of the Month
Mr. Rhodes Nominated by Guadalupe Hernández
I’d like to nominate my twin daughters’ kindergarten teacher Mr. Rhodes who teaches at Discovery Elementary School. At the beginning of the year, I was so skeptical after having learned that they were going to have a male teacher for kindergarten. He has superseded all of my expectations as to what a great kindergarten teacher should be. My PHOTOS BY LAURA MCLEAN girls love Mr.Breann, Rhodes. He teaches lotsand of their cute and Audrey, Lindsey, Marcithem and Liz dates ready for a night at the Frontier silly songs. builds up their self-esteem. is just so HighHe School Prom. Love the bouquets,He ladies! marvelous with my girls!
Educator of the month Dr. Roberta Zaph Nominated by the parents of Henry Saucedo We would like to nominate a miracle worker of a teacher, Dr. Roberta Zaph, who teaches second grade at Thorner Elementary. She is a truly dedicated teacher and deserves many praises. Our son had attended another school for the majority of the year, where he was in constant trouble. To submit yourturned nominee forour Educator of the Month, singleDr. Zaph has son around go to: www.northwest voice.com then click on structured, “Post Something!” and contribute a handedly with consistent, teaching paragraph about why you appreciate and would like to recognize your nominee. Be sure methods. Our family so thankful forThe Dr. Zaph’s to include the educator’s name, school,is department and picture. contest is open to genuine dedication perseverance. Keep educators in the Southwestand area. Entries can also be e-mailed to: up dmartin@northwestvoice.com. monthdoing, the winning entry $50 gift certificate, the awesome workEach you’re Dr. Zaph! 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 a photo. Nominations should tell us in 50 words or less why your teacher is the best and should also include their first and last name, school, department and a photo in jpg. form. 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 GW School Supply and TBV. Off to the Frontier Prom via Limo are Audrey McLean and Cody Love.
5
W W W. B A K E R S F I E L D V O I C E . C O M
MAY 17-23, 2009
CREATIVECORNER
Empty bedrooms BY DAVID KETTLER Community contributor
I
walk past empty bedrooms that once held my boys The beds made so perfect, the absence of noise Books there on the bookshelf and not on the floor No ear-splitting music, no slamming the door
It’s eerily quiet now these once busy dens These bunkers of bustle with brothers and friends They’re off to college now the closets are clean They only come home now on days in between The weeks of the study the homework and toil With loads of their laundry all dirty with soil These nice empty bedrooms so tidy and neat Just aren’t the same in their pristine retreat As when the sneakers are thrown in a corner The fridge it is drained like an unwilling donor The noise and the smell of exercised teens
Showing off muscles with biceps and spleens Banging a cupboard while toasting some bread At three in the morning before heading to bed Now some dorm at the coast, in some far away place Or corner of frat-house who’s presence they grace Our bedrooms are empty the rooms nice and quiet The sheets all in place and the fridge on a diet But once in a while it all comes to life Things they are back to the brotherly strife Rooms not so tidy and sharp as a knife As when we’re alone ... just me and my wife
BUSINESS DIRECTORY CONCEALED FIREARM PERMITS MULTI STATE Concealed Weapons Training Class Avail. May 20 and 21 in Bakersfield (Valid in 31 states, NOT California)
If you travel outside the state of California with a firearm, this permit is what you need!
Bakersfield Hampton Inn Suites by Airport Phone for your reservation TODAY!
HOUSE CLEANING 20 + years experience!
Organizing, Windows, Blinds, Ceiling Fans, Webbing, Patios, Errands
Carmen
Freedom First Firearms
661.331.3701
801-450-7531
“Senior citizen discount”
• Lifetime Warranty • Free Estimates • Foreign & Domestic Cars • Now offering financing!
(661) 397-2945 5800 Gasoline Alley • Bakersfield, CA 93313
We Offer Bathing Packages Starting at $10.00
(661) 631-5531
w w w. n e i r a s c o l l i s i o n . c o m
$
99 + tax
6
Limited Time Offer. Valid Only At Participating Locations.
The Bakersfield
Featuring Hydro - Therapy bathing. We use all natural shampoos, conditioners & skin treatments. Offering a complete Dental Hygiene System Designer Colognes and Finishing touches for that STAR TREATMENT!
VISIT OUR PET BOUTIQUE FOR UNIQUE PET ITEMS AND SUPPLIES!
9339 Rosedale Hwy. Suite F Tues-Fri: 7:30-5:00 • Sat: 9:00-3:00 Come visit us on the web:
111 Kern St. • Bakersfield, CA 93305
HOT-N-READY LARGE PIZZA A large 14” pepperoni or just cheese pizza, hot out of the oven and ready when you are! No need to call ahead! No need to wait! No limit!
www.starpupspetsalon.com PROUD MEMBER OF THE NORTHWEST PET CONNECTION
Nothing but the best for your Northwest pets! Visit NWPC online: www.NorthwestPetConnection.com
B A K E R S F I E L D V O I C E . C O M
6
W W W. B A K E R S F I E L D V O I C E . C O M
YOURVOICE
Alternative romance read having to de-filth yourself like you would after reading other romances. So, if you’re looking for that perfect et’s face it, smut is for the summer read, head to Russo’s May 23! smutty and many romance novels are smutty. But who doesn’t like a good romance every now and then? (And yes, I am primarily talking to the estrogen-based readers.) I walk a fairly conservative line and feel that romance novels will smut me up beyond a point I’m willing to go. Still, I still like to read about the more tender side of romance … that first — sometimes stolen — kiss. Where to turn then? Certainly not to the stuff near the checkout in the grocery store with a scantily dressed woman clinging to her hero. A friend of mine is the answer for me and I hope for you, too. Jennette Green will be signing copies of her book, “The Commander’s Desire,” from 1 to 3 p.m., Saturday, May 23 at Russo’s bookstore in the Marketplace. “The Commander’s Desire” is a great Romance novelist, Jennette Green way to get your romance fix without will be at Russo’s May 23.
YOURCELEBRATIONS YOUR VOICE
A toast to Wine Fest!
BY HEATHER IJAMES Community contributor
BY PENELOPE BARTENSTEIN
L
This week’s Star Athlete: Jonathan Gallegos Nominated by Han’s Taekwondo Academy Jonathan Gallegos is a 7-year-old blue belt at Han’s Taekwondo Academy. He has won many awards and trophies since starting at the young age of 5. Since Jonathan started competing, he has earned a total of 71 gold medals and one bronze medal. In addition to his medals, Jonathan is a California State Champion, National Champion, Student of the Year and Athlete of the Year. He attributes his successes to the exceptional support from his family and teammates. Jonathan is an inspiration to anyone who witnesses his motivation and passion for competitive Tae Kwon Do. Han’s Taekwondo Academy is looking forward to seeing greatness come from this young man.
■ 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.
MAY 17-23, 2009
Community contributor
Happy 4th Birthday, Baby Angel! Love, Mom, Dad & Sister
Post your celebration today! Got something to celebrate? Why not share it with your fellow Bakersfield Voice readers? Go to: www.bakersfieldvoice.com. Then register and set up your FREE profile. Choose “Article” and write a few words and include a photo — then celebrate, your notice will be on our site! You might also see it in a future printed edition of The Voice!
Wine Fest at the Kern County Museum 2009 will be Saturday, June 13 at 8 p.m. Proceeds from this event will be used by the KC Museum Foundation to promote the museum’s mission. Samples from California and international wineries, an International Beer Garden and many food items will be served. Non-alcoholic beverages also available. All food and beverages included. Auctions and drawings available, too. Tickets: $40 pre-sale until May 31. Then $50 ; limited VIP tables of 10 available, $650. Details, 852-5020 or go to: www.kcwinefest.org.
MAY 17-23, 2009
7
W W W. B A K E R S F I E L D V O I C E . C O M
YOURVOICE
Relay for Life celebrates 25 years of raising hope & raising funds Editor’s note: The Relay for Life event those things. It is a time to celebrate May 2 in Bakersfield raised $1.7 mil- life, cancer-free. A time to remember those we have lion, yet another record amount, for lost to cancer. cancer research. And a time to fight back — by supBY HYESTYLESHOTS porting America Cancer Society, we Community contributor are supporting education, in health and wellness, and most of all, we are supelebrate, Remember, Fight porting life. Back! This was my fifth time to walk the This was the theme for the Survival Lap, although I have been can25th anniversary of Relay for cer-free now for more than 10 years. It Life in Bakersfield. did take me awhile to embrace Relay Relay for Life is an event to do all of for Life. My first walk was so emotion-
C
al, I was not expecting those feelings to rise up. And every event after that is just as powerful. When you are among the sea of Purple Shirts, “the survivors,” it gives you hope and strength. I am PROUD to walk with all those strangers, yet kindred souls. I am inspired by them all, even though I may not know their story. Just walking that lap with them is enough to draw strength and support. Thanks to the many many people who volunteered to make Bakersfield Relay for Life the No. 1 in the world!
HYESTYLE SHOTS
YOURFAITH
New northwest Bakersfield church branches out COURTESY OF OLIVE BRANCH COMMUNITY CHURCH
A
new church was dedicated by Dr. Winston Urey, a missionary pastor from Northern Ireland, has blessed the northeast corner of Olive Drive and Old Farm Road as the head honcho to the vision that is Olive Branch Community Church, OBCC. As the head pastor, counselor, family man and author of “Daughters of Eve,” “Basic Theology” and “Visiting Spirits,” Pastor Winston is continually blessing the congregation with new scholarly insights, inspired
Church’s free-trade store announces hours of operation BY MARJORIE BELL
wisdom and hard work. OBCC, dedicated on Feb. 1, is the culmination of three years of prayer, dedication and physical labor. We designed the church with an old world at home village feeling in mind. “The way the economy has turned isn’t making it easy,” explains Grace Monrian, a Bakersfield native & OBCC Youth Pastor. “The workers are few and the vision is big, but we have faith that the time will come where we will see this property come to its full fruition. Rolling up our sleeves daily is the key!”
OBCC currently has the Fellowship Hall/Youth Recreation Center built with great ambitions to add a preschool, bookstore, coffee shop, Christian education buildings, administration building, chapel, outdoor worship, low-income senor housing, gardens, playground, indoor/outdoor basketball courts, sand volleyball courts, Frisbee golf course and more parking. OBCC hopes the community will want to draw closer to Christ through this church and we can be facilitators of that through a warm and loving congregation geared to uplift hearts through
God’s Word, good music, fellowship and sharing in the blessings of the property. You can check out OBCC’s main service Sundays at 10 a.m. If your church or congregation would like to get its news in The Bakersfield Voice, it is very easy to do. Go to www.bakersfieldvoice.com, create a FREE profile, and post stories, photos and blogs detailing your church or religious events. Who knows, your story and photos could appear in a future printed edition of The Bakersfield Voice.
Buy 1 Breakfast or Lunch And Get 1
1/2 OFF*
Community contributor
G
reater World Gifts is open at First Congregational Church, 5 Real Road, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sundays and from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesdays. This free-trade store offers a variety of unique items (baskets, jewelry, home decor, and gifts) from Third World countries at reasonable prices. Details, 327-1609.
Mon-Fri 6 am – 2 pm Minimum 2 beverages purchase required. Dine In Only. Offer Expires 06/30/09. One coupon per table or party. * 1 / 2 off is equal or lesser value
Angus beef at its best
8020 District Blvd. 398-1300
8
W W W. B A K E R S F I E L D V O I C E . C O M
MAY 17-23, 2009
YOURCELEBRATIONS Local gymnast goes for the gold! COURTESY OF AMERICAN KIDS SPORTS CENTER
Brigitte Alexander placed first (gold medal) in trampoline and first (gold medal) in tumbling at the USAG California State Championships in San Diego (girls age 15 & over) on April 18 and 19. She placed second (silver medal) in the double-mini trampoline, with a score of 59.7 out of 60 total points. Brigitte is a member of the American Kids Sports Center Airbourne Trampoline & Tumbling Team and will be competing at the USA Gymnastics Junior Olympic National T&T Championships (girls age 15 & over) this June. Brigitte, 17, is a senior at Frontier High School.
32!5(1*!238" 74+).,,2 6;&9"; 8#%?&=#$* 3@@ 5><='& 5;&;%(;:* /-.1/ 0+,2
6.)0 56(46*6(5! ,%$" 6
.9??B( B$ "=+ #=D A@@' =%%D+ 1/
/C?B!CGD!2*8!+;HCD?F>!+D?>B=!<CAAGB?FI!;F!E>E;A>EFD>>F@?H>#<CA"
'!5-385!3219"
/72*!&!:!' <B>C@('8 :$* ;A->@ , 722064503222 , (B>C@("='(@&1>$" ,
$)(D@('