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February 22-28, 2009
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Avila: Central Coast hidden gem Pg. 6 Acts of kindness warm hearts Pg. 8 Lessons on healthy relationships Pg. 10 Volleyball club nets more time Pg. 11
A picture of childhood! Your photo could be our the next cover. Learn how, pg. 3
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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
FEBRUARY 22-28, 2009
EXTRA!EXTRA!
Whirlaways celebrate past
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he Whirlaways Square Dance Club, tho oldest active square dance club in Bakersfield, is celebrating its 54th anniversary Saturday, Feb. 28 at the South Bakersfield Veterans Hall, 1905 Wilson Road. All square and round dancers are invited to join the fun! All current and former dancers should come out. Come and square dance to Rick Hampton (calling) and round dance to Chuck & Mary Ryall (cueing). Pre rounds start at 6:45 p.m., squares at 7:30. Cost is $8. Details, 213-3105 or go to: www.whirlaways.org.
Staff EDITORIAL Olivia Garcia Publisher ogarcia@bakersfield.com 395-7487 Gene Garaygordobil Managing Editor ggaraygordobil@bakersfield.com Teresa Adamo Associate Editor tadamo@bakersfield.com
Making history at Endeavour Elementary
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at Endeavour Elementary School in the Multi-Purttention all Endeavour students and alumni! pose Room, 9300 Meacham Road. Don’t miss your opportunity to be a part of Cost is $25 for one tile. an exciting mural project. It is Memory Tile Your artwork will become a part of Endeavour's Paint Day — Thursday, Feb. 26 at 3:05 p.m. — history!
Sandra Molen Writer/Copy editor smolen@bakersfield.com
ART Timothy Heinrichs Designer theinrichs@bakersfield.com
ADVERTISING
YOURVOICE
GOAL! Scouts & Condors team up for food drive Scouts of America. “Their support has been a major part of our success he Boy Scouts annual Scouting for Food year after year.” drive was held on Feb. 7 with fantastic results You can help by bringing two non-perishable food from the community! In Bakitems to the Condors game against ersfield alone, more than the Alaska Aces on Tuesday, Feb. 24 20,000 pounds of food was and receive a voucher for $1 admisdonated with reports still coming in sion to that evening’s game. Look for from other parts of Kern County. the collection bins near the ticket The food drive is not over yet! The booth to make your donation. The Boy Scouts have also teamed up with game starts at 7 p.m. other community organizations to Since its inception, the Boy Scouts gather as much food as possible for of America has become one of the those in need. nation’s premier youth development Another way you can participate is organizations, with more than 100 with the Bakersfield Condors. “The million youth and adults participatCondors have been long standing ing since 1910. partners with us in our Scouting for For more information on Scouting Food event,” said John Wagner, disfor Food or to learn more about trict director of the Southern Sierra Council, Boy Scouting in your area, please call 325-9036. COURTESY OF SOUTHERN SIERRA COUNCIL, BSA
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Jaime De Los Santos Sales Manager jdelossantos@bakersfield.com 716-8632 David Alanis Sales Executive 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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W W W. B A K E R S F I E L D V O I C E . C O M
FEBRUARY 22-28, 2009
Share your
voice today! ■ 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!
■ 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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Students show formal side
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Avila: No longer a secret
Local high school students get fancy-schmancy for formals.
Facts on flattering fit
It’s not the size that counts in proper fit in attire, it’s the type of clothing styles that make you look your best.
Bakersfield couple tells of Avila Beach getaway.
8 10 11
Kindness touches couple
Lost wallet and broken windshield wiper fixed with kindness.
Teen healthy dating skills
Bakersfield teacher shines light on teen dating violence.
Team DRIVEN makes time
Volleyball team philosophy saves players time, parents money.
About the cover This week’s cover shot is by Nina Ha, aka “Superha” on our Web site. Ha is a former TV reporter, but is now a “stay-at-home mommy type.” See more photos by Superha in her photo gallery at: www.bakersfieldvoice.com Just click “Photos,” then “See User Galleries.” Post photos of your own and you just might see one on a future TBV cover! Photos and stories for the March8 issue must be posted by Wednesday, March 4 at 5 p.m.
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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
FEBRUARY 22-28, 2009
SPOTLIGHTON
COURTESY PHOTO
Bakersfield Christian High School students pose next to a limo on their way to their winter formal.
Send in your school activities photos Here are pictures from The Bakersfield Voice photo galleries of students at their winter formals from Bakersfield Christian High School and Liberty High School. We’d love other students and parents to post other photographs of school-related activities. It’s easy. Just create a free profile at: www.bakersfieldvoice.com and start posting stories and photos and blog as a citizen journalist.
COURTESY PHOTO
The gals from BCHS give a big smile before winter formal.
POSTED BY ADRIAN
Ali and Kristen Hodson of Liberty High.
POSTED BY ADRIAN
Girls pause for a Kodak moment before heading to Liberty High School’s winter formal. COURTESY PHOTO
One cool ride for this BCHS winter formal couple.
FEBRUARY 22-28, 2009
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YOURSTYLE
Finding those flattering looks BY LEDLIE SKIDMORE Community contributor
A
s I shared with you in a previous article I have been every size from a size zero to a size 26, but I never used my size as an excuse to not look my best. Believe it or not, no matter what size you are there are inherent challenges with finding the right clothes that will flatter your body while trying to look stylish. Currently I am a size two and it’s not always easy to dress my size. Most people believe I have it easy, but I really want to reinforce the fact that every shape and size has its unique advantages and disadvantages. Take an assessment of your body shape. If you are petite and thin, you will want to select clothes that will elongate your body. Avoid clothing that cuts your body in half. For example, if you are wearing a dress you would want to have a continuous flow from your shoulders to just above your knees. A sheath dress is a great choice for your thin petite shape. Pair it with a two- to three- inch heel and you will have the appearance of a taller silhouette. Another flattering alternative to a dress is the pencil skirt. With its straight lines it naturally gives the semblance of height. When choosing a blouse to go with it, take into consideration the event you are dressing for. If you are going to work, a clean, button-down shirt in a flattering color would be your best bet. However if you are heading out for a night out on the town, consider a blouse with a little ruffle and a drop neckline and you will look alluring. The key to your top is to not go overboard, keep it simple, refined and one that does not have an overwhelming print that will distract from the look you are going for. You want to wear the outfit; you don’t want the outfit to wear you. Think about how you want to accessorize your look. I recommend a skinny belt — often times a wide belt will make you look shorter — and as I mentioned earlier, it will cut you in half, giving the illusion that you are short and that typically isn’t your goal when dressing. A side note — trousers with a cuff are a definite no. Then we have the curvaceous women — the person who is shopping to camouflage their curvy hips can relax a bit on this body type. I can honestly say there has never been a better time to have curves and you need to embrace them and make them work for you. I feel a v-neck top or dress is flattering
When dealing with the right fit in fashion, it’s best to work with what you have.
on every body shape, but especially on women with curvy hips, because it draws your attention up toward your face. Another flattering style is to wear a darker color on the bottom half (skirt or trousers) and a lighter color on top. Even though I recommend a lighter top that does not mean go out and buy the most boring blouse in the store. Play with the top as far as texture and print, just don’t go overboard. Also a variation of the pencil skirt would be appropriate in this case. The traditional pencil skirt pretty much hugs your body in some areas you may not want it to hug, so go
for a skirt that is tapered, and again, go for the length right above the knees. Select a fabric that doesn’t have too much give to it because you need to have a tailored and sophisticated look. When selecting cardigans or blazers, it is recommended that they be worn open to give the illusion of smaller hips. Technically, the fashion industry considers four to five body types depending on whom you are talking to. Most of us fall in between a couple of them. The first one I will address is the rectangle shape. The rectangle shape is one in which your shoulders, bust and hips are
similar in size, but you lack a defined waist. The goal with this body type is to select clothes that will give you the illusion of a small waist. A pleated skirt will add volume on the bottom half, while a belted cardigan over a cami will give you the waist you desire. As far as jeans, your best bet will be boot cut jeans to give you the most flattering look. If your hips are wider than your shoulders, then you have what is known as the triangle. Because of this you want to capitalize on your small waist when selecting clothes. A belted dress can be flattering as well as an a-line skirt. Be brave and try different textures and patterns and find ones that you are comfortable with. Again, you want to wear the dress — you don’t want the dress to wear you. If you have spent anytime at the mall or browsing through catalogs, you know it is virtually impossible to not find blouses without ruffles. Lucky you, because this will most definitely work with your body shape. Pick a color that pops. Jewel tones are still really in fashion and bold colors can be both fun and flattering. Next we have the inverted triangle shape, also known as the upside-down triangle. The definition of this shape is one in which your shoulders are larger than your hips. We are going back to my favorite a-line skirt to make this magic happen for you. The a-line skirt will add shape to the lower half of your body. Pair the skirt with a cardigan that sits below your waist to add length to your size. When selecting a top, go with cap sleeves and Henley T-shirts. By the way, these are two of my favorite kinds of tops. Last, but not least, we have the hourglass shape. The shoulders and hips are around the same size and you have a defined waist. Essentially, you could wear most anything and be able to pull it off. The pencil skirt with a white button down top can be your best friend. Wear a belt to make the most of your small waist. You can wear a fuller skirt with a fitted top and look like you stepped out of the pages of Vogue. Curves are in. As far as a neckline on your blouse, you can wear both a round neckline or a v neckline and both would be flattering. Work with what you have. With so many options out there, as far as different shapes and sizes, there has never been a better time to look beautiful. You don’t have to be a size two to look magnificent. Fashion should be fun, not torture!
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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
FEBRUARY 22-28, 2009
YOURTRAVELS
CREATIVECORNER
Avila Beach: Takes a lickin’ but keeps on tickin’
That’s going to be me
BY LAURIE KESSLER BY M. MEGAN SMART
Community contributor
Community contributor
A
vila is the little town that time almost forgot. Tucked in a coastal pocket just 15 minutes north of Pismo Beach, it’s easy to miss as you drive by on US 101. But it is there. Or maybe I should say, still there. Poor little Avila. In the 1990s, an oil storage facility sprung a leak — a bad one. It nearly destroyed the town, and killed tourism hopes for awhile. After years of wrangling, the city eventually got the oil company to cough up $30 million. As a result, an enclave of newly erected shops faces the shoreline, along with fresh soil devoid of previous contaminants. When Doug and I arrived early Sunday morning (as we often do before driving home from Pismo or Morro Bay), it was foggy and eerily quiet. There wasn’t a soul around, and I half expected the ghost of Alfred Hitchcock to float from the gray mist and haunt us during our visit. We walked down the boardwalk and admired the pristine architecture, the cleanliness of the area, as well as the artfully curved stone steps that lead to the inviting sands of a deserted beach. Since the actual public shoreline is only about half a mile in length, it didn’t take long for us to “flip a U” and head over to San Luis Pier, also known as Harford Pier. This pier is sea lion paradise, and I got a kick out of the plump, sausage-shaped behemoths flopped all over each other along the pilings under the pier. One rather cantankerous fellow bellowed constantly, begging for handouts as he swam back and forth, pacing frantically. He kept a vigilant eye on us as we meandered down the pier. Others torpedoed through the water and let it be known who the true rulers were as they clambered onto private boats anchored in the bay. Private vessels? No such luck. Not when a 700pound blob of blustering blubber demands a personal sun deck. We strolled to the end of the pier, and then returned to our car to drive to our final destination: Avila Hot
Y
ou see that player going up to bat? She has quick hands and good eyes, You see her stance and the way she does things? That’s going to be me; I'm going to be just like her. Starfish are commonly found in Avila tide pools.
IF YOU GO Avila Hot Springs, 250 Avila Beach Drive, (805) 595-2359 Rates: All Day Use, Adults $10, Child/Sr. $8, New: 7:30 a.m. to noon only $6. http://avilahotsprings.com
Springs, just a few minutes up the hill. They have a soaker pool large enough to hold a dozen or so adults, and it’s not uncommon to see that many in there. But today, it wasn’t too crowded, and so we soaked our winter-weary bones in the natural mineral water for about half an hour. The hot springs visit always signals the end of our coastal weekend, and so it was with reluctant hearts that we crawled out of the pool to begin our long drive back to Bakersfield. There was one advantage to that long drive--it gave me ample time to get that barking beggar of a sea lion out of my head. Talk about a haunting! Been anywhere fun lately? Share your travel story with The Bakersfield Voice community! Set up a free profile at: http://www.bakersfieldvoice.com and post your story and photos and blog as a citizen journalist.
Her focus is on the pitcher, nothing else seems to matter. A high inside strike goes by, but it's not her pitch. She knows what she wants and what she can rip. You just watch. I know she can do it. I've seen it before. A high ball goes by, not her pitch either. Uh oh! Pitcher shouldn't have thrown that next pitch. That was her pitch, and that's her ball way back in left field. That's going to be me up to bat, That’s going to be my pitch, That’s going to be my ball in left field, That's going to be me running those bases. Right now, I'm watching and learning from that player standing on 2nd; Oh wait there she goes sliding into third. Unknown to her, I'm watching every move she makes. I'm watching not only her stance and swing, but also her attitude, character and personality. Because I'm going to be just like her. I've got a long way to go, a lot of weights to life, a lot of swings to swing, a lot of work to do. It will be a lot of work, but that’s going to be me sliding into home plate. That’s going to be me; just watch.
PHOTOS BY DOUG KESSLER
Children play on the swings near the Avila Beach pier, a family favorite destination for many Bakersfield residents.
She may never know it but ... I'm going to be just like her. I'm going to be the one others want to be like. I'm going to be the one the coaches can't wait to watch bat. They know how hard she can and does rip it. That’s going to be me, just watch me, Because I'm going to do it.
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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
FEBRUARY 22-28, 2009
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W W W. B A K E R S F I E L D V O I C E . C O M
FEBRUARY 22-28, 2009
YOURVOICE
You’ve made my day! BY MARINA R. HERNANDEZ Community contributor
B
akersfield, I am on a mission. Due to some wonderful events that have occurred lately, I have made it my personal mission to publicly acknowledge random people in our community that have made my, or another person’s, day! This is huge. With all of the negativity that we hear day in and day out, whether it be on the news, at our jobs, or even in our personal lives, it is a breath of fresh air to read something positive. No strings attached. Personally, for me it also gives me hope and serves as a reminder of the goodness in people. Why this mission? Well, most people who do good, without expecting acknowledgment, are genuine and humble. They do not think twice about doing the right thing, or what they will get out of helping another human being. They just do it, because it is their nature. Those wonderful people are the
focus of my mission! Now, I don’t plan on going out of my way to find these people. I have found lately, they are everywhere! South, north, east, and west. Bakersfield is full of these wonderful, good-natured people.
Day Maker 1 It all started when my husband lost his wallet at Sears. There was a lot of money in the wallet and an honest, wonderful human being turned the wallet in to a cashier. Let’s just say that we would have definitely felt the effects of losing that wallet. Nonetheless, this person went out of their way, without hesitation, and turned the wallet in. He or she did the right thing! Now one may say, I would’ve done the same thing, and many would have. However, some would not have. So, whoever turned it in, you definitely made our day!
rainy! My windshield wipers were going full force and I was almost to work. I had just passed the Union Bridge onto Golden State, when I heard an awful screech. My windshield wiper came unlatched and was scraping my windshield. I immediately turned them off, and by this time was sitting at a red light. Let me first say that, I travel to Day Maker 2 I was on my way to work one day last work this way Monday through Friday, week, and the weather was rainy, rainy, every week. But I had never noticed the bright yellow auto shop that sits where 24th and Golden State meet. However, on this day it was the brightest spot on the block and it might as well have had neon lights flashing. This day it stood out. The fact was, I could not drive any further without windshield wipers. There was a catch, I had no money on me and was hoping they could just snap it back on. I pulled up to John Axt’s Automotive, 601 Golden State, and two men came out! I explained what had happened, and they could see my windshield wiper in disarray. At this point, the rain was still coming down pretty good, but not once did the gentleman hesitate. He adjusted the wiper blade, in the rain without question. The men did not try to sell me any products or
services. They did inform me that I “did need new wipers, but I can go over to Pep Boys and buy them cheap, and they will put them on for free.” Again, an act of kindness, not expecting anything, just helping someone out and being good-natured human beings. Those gentlemen definitely made my day and I made it to work safely! I have been so touched lately by random acts of kindness. I believe in pay it forward. I will continue my mission to acknowledge any and all persons who are being, what all of us have in us to be good-natured, selfless, human beings. If any of you would like to share a “you’ve made my day” story or stories, I invite and encourage you to share them with me and others! With that, the journey continues! Tell us about your random act of kindness experience. Did you provide or were you the beneficiary of a random act of kindness and would like to share it with The Bakersfield Voice community? Set up a free profile at: http://www.bakersfieldvoice.com and post your story and photos and blog as a citizen journalist.
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FEBRUARY 22-28, 2009
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THE VOICE CALENDAR Sunday 2/22 DRIVEN Volleyball Club, season begins March 3 and runs through June 12. Practices Tues. & Thurs., Calvary Bible Church gym, 48 Manor St., $300, drivenvbclub@hotmail.com or 599-4610. Chess Marathon: Simultaneous Exhibition, a fundraiser hosted by The Bakersfield Chess Club, to help support higher education and youth chess in Kern County, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., East Hills Mall, 3000 Mall View Rd. $5. Open to everyone. 3047468. Children of the World International Choir, 7 p.m., Oaks Community Church, 10200 Campus Park Dr., Free. 663-3888.
Third annual Fat Tuesday Mardi Gras Bash, with Joel Jacob, Mento Buru, Soulajar, 7 p.m., Fishlips Bar & Grill, 1517 18th St. $7 (includes music,beads and Cajun buffet); 21 & over. 3242557.
Wednesday 2/25
Volunteer Orientation, 5 to 6 p.m., Beale Memorial Library, 701 Truxtun Ave. 868-0745.
Aspiranet Foster & Fost-Adopt Parent Orientation, will provide information about becoming a foster or fost-adopt parent. 5:30 p.m., 2603 G St., Suite 100. 323-1233. 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. 395-4441. Learn to meditate, with Bakersfield Meditation Society, 7 to 8 p.m., Greenacres Community Center, 2014 Calloway Dr. Free. info@bakemed.com.
Tuesday 2/24
Thursday 2/26
Condors vs. Alaska Aces, 7 p.m. Bring two nonperishable food times to benefit Boy Scouts’ “Scouting for Food” drive and receive $1 off admission, Rabobank Arena, 1001 Truxtun Ave. $7 to $23. bakersfieldcondors.com or 324-7825. First annual Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper, hosted by Grace Episcopal Church, 4 to 8 p.m., pancake races at 6 p.m., First Congregational Church - Plymouth Hall, 5 Real Rd. $6 adults; $3 children; 6 and under free.
Memory Tile Paint Day for Endeavour Elementary School students and alumni, 3:05 p.m., Endeavour Elementary School’s multi-purpose room, 9300 Mecham Road, $25 for one tile. Contact: Janerl@bak.rr.com. “Everyman,” 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday; 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, CSUB, Dore Theatre, 9001 Stockdale Highway. $10 adults; $8 seniors; $5 students w/ID. 654-3150.
Monday 2/23
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 students; $6 for students with ASB sticker; $5 for children 12 and under. 6652800. “Wash Your Troubles Away,” by the Black Gold Productions, squeaky clean musical to benefit the American Cancer Society's Relay For Life, 7 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday; dinner available prior to show beginning at 5:30 p.m., Norris Road Veterans Hall, 400 W. Norris Road. $20, includes show and dinner. 330-0423 or 703-4536.
Friday 2/27 12th annual Celebrations from the Heart Fundraiser, theme “Step Up to the Plate for a Child,” with cocktails and hors d'oeuvres, catering by Cafe Med and beer from Lengthwise Brewing Company, 5:30 p.m., Hayden Family Field of Dreams, 12539 Jomani Court. $50 per person. 6312272. “Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf,” 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday, The Empty Space, 706 Oak St. $15 adults; $10 students/seniors. 323286-1496. Winter History Forum, with Oliver Rink on “Wampum, Furs and Builders: Dutch Commercial Capitalism Comes to America,” 3:30 p.m. Friday,
CSUB, Music Building 114, 9001 Stockdale Highway. Free. 654-3079.
Saturday 2/28 Guns and Hoses "Fight For Life" Charity Boxing Event, to benefit the Kern County Sheriff Activities League and the American Cancer Society; hosted by the Bakersfield Falcons Football Team (peace officer and fire fighters) of Kern County, 7 p.m., The Dome, 2291 V St., $20 general; $25 ringside. almighty@bak.rr.com. Greenfield Baseball & Softball Association is currently taking SPRING 2009 registration. 11 to 3 p.m., GBA , Taft Hwy & Panama Road. $125 per player. Season starts April 4, boys and girls ages 414, bring copy of child’s birth certificate. 369-9314. 14th Annual Rose & Plant Sale, hosted by the Kern County Rose Society, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Hall Letter Shop, 5200 Rosedale Hwy. Proceeds benefit educational projects sponsored by the Kern County Rose Society. 393-6861. Black History Parade, “Celebrating the Dream Fulfilled,” beginning at 21st and L streets, 10 a.m. 366-4781. First annual Sabre Bash, provided by Bakersfield Fencing Academy, registration 10 a.m., fencing begins 11 a.m., Centre Stage Studio, 1710 Chester Ave. $10; early registration is preferred. Email dhjlletlow@gmail.com or 588-0297.
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FEBRUARY 22-28, 2009
YOURSCHOOLS
Life lessons in love give teens foundation
D
uring class I blurted out that it was my 27th wedding anniversary — hey, it’s a big deal! Two of my eighth-grade students smiled and congratulated me and one said, “Don’t you hate it when he calls you names?” And another piped in, “I bet you get sick of the yelling and fighting!” My jaw fell after their comments, so I explained that my husband is a great guy — but their remarks stuck with me. First I feared that the students don’t know what a healthy, loving relationship looks like. A little research says they are not alone. A study conducted by Knowledge Networks, Social Control, Verbal Abuse, and Violence Among Teenagers shows nearly 25 percent of 14- to 17-year-olds surveyed know at least one student who is a victim of dating violence, while 11 percent know multiple victims of dating violence. Education columnist
Educator of the Month
PEGGY DEWANE-POPE
A study in 2005 by Teenage Research Unlimited reports 57 percent of teens know someone who has been physically, sexually or verbally abusive in a dating relationship, while one in three teens know a friend or peer who has been hit, punched, kicked, slapped or physically hurt by their dating partner. One frightening aspect of these statistics is that, according to an article in the Journal of the American Medical Association by Jay G. Silverman PhD, et al, “Violent relationships in adolescence can have serious ramifications for victims with many continuing to be abused in their adult relationships.” While the best thing parents can do for their children is to model a kind, caring relationship, the next thing they can do is talk to their kids about what one looks like and how to build one. A frightening 81 percent of parents surveyed by Women’s Health magazine in 2004 believe teen dating violence is not an issue or admit they don’t know if it’s an issue. It is, if my students are any indication.
Mr. Rhodes
— Peggy Dewane-Pope is an eighth-grade teacher at Stonecreek Junior High School in the Panama-Buena Vista Union School District. 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 COURTESY OF CAL kindergarten STATE UNIVERSITY, BAKERSFIELD answer as to what a great teacher should be. My any questions. The importance of submitting an application to a CSU girls loveProspective Mr. Rhodes.freshmen He teaches wishing them lots to of cute and attend Stateself-esteem. University, Baksilly songs. He California builds up their He is campus just so prior to the March 1 deadline ersfield in the fall quarter must have cannot be stressed enough.” marvelous with my girls! their application submitted no later Currently, applications are only being than March 1. No California State Uni- accepted at the following CSU campusversity campus will accept applications es: Bakersfield, Dominguez Hills, East after this date. Bay, Humboldt, Los Angeles, Monterey “We are working closely with local Bay, Sacramento, San Bernardino and high schools to make sure students California Maritime Academy. understand the deadline,” said Steve Applications may be submitted online Wakin, CSUB’s director of outreach. at www.csumentor.edu. “We are offering assistance with the For information, contact the Admisapplication process and available to sions and Records Office at 654-3036.
Educator of the month Deadline nears for freshmen Mrs. Kate Plotter Nominated by Drew Spicer Mrs. Plotter is my second-grade teacher at Rosedale North Elementary School. I want to nominate her because she is one of the best teachers in the world. She is always helpful and never forgets anything. One day, Mrs. Plotter submit your nominee for Educator Month, broughtToreal apples to school forofathe fun activity. go to: www.northwest then gave click oneach “Post Something!” and contribute a She cut themvoice.com open and of us a slice to paragraph about why you appreciate and would like to recognize your nominee. Be sure study how they changed. My apple looked so to include the educator’s name, school, department and picture. The contest is open to gross afterinathe week, butarea. it was educators Southwest Entriesfun! 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. 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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W W W. B A K E R S F I E L D V O I C E . C O M
FEBRUARY 22-28, 2009
YOURSPORTS
Volleyball club serves need
Rough streak for Kern County’s rugby, but they’re improving
BY JODY BANDUCCI
DRIVEN VOLLEYBALL CLUB
Community contributor
BY MATTHEW MARTZ Community contributor
hank you for doing this!” That is what we have heard over and over from parents of DRIVEN volleyball players. After having their kids on traveling teams in the past, these parents are so appreciative to have an alternative that doesn’t take them out of town every other weekend and doesn’t put a hefty strain on the family budget. The goal of DRIVEN Volleyball Club (DVC) is to provide quality skills training, good competition, and an environment that builds positive character and teamwork. Although many players have the ability and need the competition of a traveling team to move on to the next level, there are a wide range of players who want to play for their school and improve in the off-season, but don’t want to sacrifice playing a winter sport, their social life, church time, study time and family time to accomplish this goal. Meeting this need is why the DVC was started. Christy Scott is head coach of DVC. However, her love for the game was not stronger than her love for her family. So when family friends came
‘T
Season: March 3 to June 12. Practices: Tuesdays & Thursdays. Calvary Bible Church gym, 48 Manor St. Cost: $300 Details: drivenvbclub@hotmail.com or 599-4610
to her and asked her to help create an alternative, she agreed to return to coaching on a local level. Over the last two years, DVC has been only open to high school girls. This is the first year we are opening it up to junior high girls as well. Our season begins March 3 and runs through June 12. We practice on Tuesday and Thursday nights and have one Friday night tournament per month. Junior high and high school teams will practice and compete separately. Cost is $300. DVC is sponsored by DRIVEN Student Ministries of Calvary Bible Church. All practices and tournaments are at the Calvary Bible Church gym, 48 Manor St. Details, go to: www.gocbc.org, click on Quick Links and then click DRIVEN Volleyball Club. Email questions to: drivenvbclub@hotmail.com or call 599-4610.
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he Tuskers (0-4) see improvement despite coming off a disappointing loss Feb. 7 to rivals, the San Luis Obispo Grogs (1-3) at Emerald Cove Park in northwest Bakersfield. Once again the Tuskers, who have not had a win against San Luis Obispo since Feb. 25, 2006, found themselves on the wrong side of the scoreboard 7-0 as the Grogs would open the scoring with a try and successful conversion kick. Kern County would answer back with their only try of the match and just the second in their last two games, from Steven Rodriguez with just two minutes remaining in the first half to cut the Grogs lead 7-5. One minute into the second half San Luis Obispo would increase their lead 10-5 on a successful penalty goal. Kern County’s Steven Rodriguez would edge the Tuskers to within two points cutting the Grogs lead 10-8 with a penalty goal 10 minutes later. San Luis Obispo would score their second try of the match with 28 minutes remaining, pulling away with the victory 15-8. The Tuskers will get another chance to end their losing streak against San Luis Obispo when they play the Grogs on March 28 at Damon-Garcia Sports Field in San Luis Obispo. Steven Rodriguez received the Man of the Match Award and the Kern Wood Award went to Dario Arredondo.
This week’s Star Athlete: A.J. Spiller Nominated by: Mom and Dad We would like to nominate our son, A.J. Spiller, for athlete of the month. A.J. is 13 and has found his niche playing water polo. The sport has made him a more outgoing and confident young man. He has learned that hard work and discipline makes you a better person. A.J. has grown physically and mentally as a result of his dedication. He and his team have participated in many tournaments state wide, including the Jr Olympics. We are very proud of his accomplishments. We couldn't ask for a better son.
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■ 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.